Catholic Servant Leader

Respectfully, the U.S. Bishops are Wrong on Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:38:00 +0000

Hi, all.

I've been taking a year-long sabbatical from my Catholic Servant Leadership work (hence the silence of this blog).

However ... this Health Care issue is too important to stay silent on.

I'm reading and hearing a lot of ... nonsense, frankly, about Catholics being opposed to the health care reform bill because it funds abortion.

I spent several hours fact-checking things. Here's what I found:

"Bottom line: The current legislation is not "pro-abortion," and there is no, repeat no, federal funding of abortion in the bill."

The U.S. Bishops stand opposed to the reform. The National Catholic Reporter, the Catholic Health Association, and 60,000 women religious stand in favor of the bill.

Here's the best article I've come across:

http://ncronline.org/news/politics/editorial-national-catholic-reporter-backs-health-bill

And ... these wise words from the comments:

"

It is important to keep in mind that the disagreement among Catholic leaders on this legislation is not about the moral wrong of abortion. All agree there. The disagreement is not moral, but legal--a question of civil law: does the proposed law prevent federal funding of abortion? That is a question for lawyers, not moral theologians. As with other legal questions, experienced lawyers may disagree on whether the language of a contract or a statute goes far enough to protect a client's interest and whether it adequately anticipates future possibilities. As a lawyer I've seen some colleagues who are not be satisfied until something has been said five times in different ways; others may hold out for ten times or twenty.

When the Catholic community discusses health care legislation, we must be careful about the claims we make and the speech we use. Our moral position on abortion is clear and unequivocal. We should not confuse our moral position on abortion with the advice we get from our lawyers on whether proposed legislative language prevents federal funds from being used for abortion. Many experienced, conscientious lawyers, including counsel for Catholic hospitals, have concluded the current language accomplishes this goal. Whether they are correct is a question of law. If we disagree with their legal judgment, we should be clear that we are disagreeing on legal grounds and we should offer a legal rationale for our disagreement. We should leave no doubt that on the moral question of abortion we are all on the same side."

We need Universal Health Care in the U.S. This bill isn't nearly good enough, but it is a step in the right direction.

That's why I stand along side of the Catholic Health Association and tens of thousands of vowed Catholic religious when I stand in favor of the Health Care bill.

Torture Does Not Work ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:47:00 +0000

While I am glad to see the discussion of torture in the media, I am also very concerned. The American use of torture is a topic that I've been concerned about as a Catholic Servant Leader for some time now.

I am, however, very, very concerned about the conversations I've heard (both from individuals and the media) around the question, "Does torture work?"

It doesn't.

Not only is torture contrary to the principles of the Catholic faith, scientific evidence has consistently shown that is simply doesn't work.

Don't believe me?

Here's an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times by Ali Soufan, an F.B.I. supervisory special agent from 1997 to 2005.

More importantly, even asking the question, "Does torture work?" is disturbing to me as a Catholic Servant Leader. If somehow it was proved that torture did work, would we then condone the use of torture as a country?

I think not.

I for one am very troubled by this discussion.

Really. $250,000 Income ... and Worried.

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:39:00 +0000

On Saturday Night Live, there's that guy named Seth who does a section called "Really?!? with Seth." (Not as funny as "Really?!? With Seth and Amy," but you do what you can when your partner goes on maternity leave.)

If you haven't seen it, the basic bit is to exclaim "REALLY?!?" when commenting on a current situation in the media.

Really.

I just read this article entitled, "Wealth-Less Effect: Earning Well, Feeling Otherwise" in the Wall Street Journal about people who make more than $250,000 per year and the "relativity" of wealth, and I had basically the same reaction.

The article is basically talking about the experience of people who make more than $250,000/year ... and how they do not consider themselves to be wealthy.

Really.

The article begins by introducing us to the Parnells, a family where one person (the husband) earns over $250,000:

"Ellen Parnell and her husband, Donald Parnell Jr., seem like the kind of well-off couple President Barack Obama has in mind when he suggests raising taxes on families earning more than $250,000 a year. A surgeon at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center in Sevierville, Tenn., he drives an Infiniti. They vacation at a beach resort every year."

... the article continues ...

"It is a tricky situation in which some Americans find themselves after a long boom: They are by no means struggling, compared with the 98% of Americans who make far less, but depending on where they live and the lifestyle choices they have made, they don't necessarily feel rich, either. Worse, in their view, they are facing the same tax rates as those making millions. Some of the expenses are self-inflicted -- like private-school costs and conspicuous consumption. Others, though, are unavoidable, like child-care costs, larger health-care deductibles and education expenses, especially college."

Ahem. Someone makes more than 98% of the American population ... and they consider themselves "not rich."

A bit further on, the article continues:

"By any statistical measure, that income level is at the top of the bracket. But for those closest to the line, the money might be less a sign of affluence than it is of the industry of dual-income couples. It is possible, say observers, that veteran civil servants could fall into the higher tax bracket."

Ah. So .. couples make that much money just because they are "industrious." Ergo, the couple living out on the street after losing their home are people who are just not working hard enough. This is puritanical humanism at its finest.

... still further ...

"Wealth and comfort "depends on where you're coming from," said Lois Avitt, a sociologist and founding director of the Institute for Socio-Financial Studies in Charlottesville, Va. To a family earning $50,000, $250,000 is well off, but for the family earning $250,000, rising college and medical costs and dropping home values make the perception debatable."

That's not a perception that is debatable ... that's just greed.

... the article closes by re-visiting the Parnells ...

"For the Parnells, their perception of themselves is based on the math. The value of their house is down $60,000. Ms. Parnell says the couple's gross income last year was about $260,000. Taxes, premiums for medical care and deductions for Social Security and their 401(k) contributions cut the gross to about $12,000 per month. The family tithes $1,300 a month at their church. Their mortgage, second mortgage and payment on land they bought is nearly $4,000 a month. Other expenses, including their family car payment, insurance and college funds, as well as basics like food, utilities and donations to charities, leave them with about $1,200 left over each month.

"I'm not after sympathy. We are blessed. What I want is a reality check on what rich means," Ms. Parnell says. "I can pay my mortgage and I can buy some clothes. I'm not going without, but I'm not living a life of luxury."

News flash for Ms. Parnell: If your family earns more than 98% of Americans, then you are wealthy.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLIC SERVANT LEADERS?

Catholic Servant Leaders keep their "reality checks" in check. By understanding what the poor and marginalized in our societies go through, Catholic Servant Leaders refuse to fall prey to the illogic that hides in the guise of secular humanism.

By pretending to discuss relativity and "where people are coming from," this article gives voice to a greedy, unchecked materialistic worldview that has been damaging the American culture for some time now.

In Luke, 12:48, Jesus tells us:

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."

For far too long in Christian Catholic circles, hording wealth for wealth's sake and acting with greed has been allowed to continue. Many in the Church turn a blind eye to such behavior.

Such behavior needs to change, and Catholic Servant Leaders can begin to change it.

Really.

A Catholic Christmas Carol

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:07:00 +0000

I am proud to announce the release of a new video entitled, A Catholic Christmas Carol: Catholic Servant Leaders & Emotional Intelligence

As longtime fan of Dickens' writing, I had a great deal of fun creating this video. I've used Ebenezer Scrooge's emotional transformation to teach Catholic Servant Leaders how they can build their own emotional intelligence.

I invite you to check out this important video.

Plus ...

As a special offer for readers of this Catholic Servant Leadership blog, I'm offering A CATHOLIC CHRISTMAS CAROL at a special pricing of $79.99! That's the best price on the web for this video.

Visit here for more information on this special deal.

The Ultimate Question ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:57:00 +0000

... at least to Timothy Dolan, newly appointed Archbishop of New York, is this:

"That's the ultimate question," he told the estimated 1,500 well-wishers in St. Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday night. "Will we open up in faith, hope and love to the God who gently knocks on the door of our being, asking Him to live with us? Or will fear, self-absorption, and darkness keep us locked up in ourselves?"

I think that is an excellent question for Catholic Servant Leaders.

Just for today ... are you willing to risk opening yourself in faith, hope and love to the God who gently knocks on the door of our being?

Just a thought.

The Importance of Community at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:48:00 +0000

Hi, all. I hope you and your loved ones had a blessed Easter. I always enjoy the Easter Triduum, although this year I missed Easter Vigil as I had to stay home with my daughter who came down with a cold (and was in bed very early. :-).

I came across this article from Reuters Health that speaks about the importance of community in the workplace.

The article opens with,

"Poor team spirit at the workplace may do more than drag down morale, it can make people depressed, according to the findings of a new study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine."

As a licensed mental health professional, I can certainly attest to the fact that people who work in cold, unsupportive work environments are more likely to be depressed. As the article says,

"People with a poor work climate, who felt it was highly prejudiced and quarrelsome, were 61 percent more likely to be depressed, the researchers found. These workers were also at greater risk of anxiety. However, once the investigators accounted for how much control people had over their work and the nature of their job demands, this relationship disappeared."

In infinite wisdom, God has made human to need community ('team spirit' being another way to describe community).

Effective Catholic Servant Leaders should seek to build community ... and team spirit ... in their organization, not only because it is good for the bottom line, but because it is good for the people within.

I'm always pleased to find empirical support for leadership approaches like Catholic Servant Leadership.

Peace.

Feeling the Love ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Well.

An alert reader just sent me a link to a website called "Catholic Culture" that apparently sees my ministry as flawed and error-ridden.

Here's the link.

And here ... specifically ... are they reasons they posit for my "flawed" ministry, along with my arguments:

"We cannot recommend this site because it promotes New Age philosophy."

I'm at a loss to see where they draw this conclusion from. I've been accused of many things, but rarely of being "New Age."

... and further question my Catholic Fidelity as having concerns around:

Program tainted with Eastern philosophy

Wow. So the authors of "Catholic Culture" do not believe in incorporating diversity?

I strongly disagree with that perspective.

Erroneous position on abortion

Which they restate a position I took prior to the 2008 U.S. Presidential election in response to members of the Church arguing that voting for Obama was a sin:

"Should Catholics be looking at only one issue such as abortion? Certainly not. In fact, the U.S. Bishops explicitly state in Forming Consciousness for Faithful Citizenship, "As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support." Building a culture of life today is far too complex to be focused on any one issue.

There are many, many other issues that also speak to the sanctity of life and the dignity of each person. Access to health care (including mental health care), our decisions to promote the industrial war complex, childhood poverty and lack of educational access, elder abuse and other end-of-life issues are as important sanctity of life issues as abortion."

So the authors of "Catholic Culture" do not follow the lead of the U.S. Bishops?

To me, ignoring the U.S. Bishops would seem rather un-Catholic.

Tim Warneka is a student of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.

I'll admit to being guilty as charged here.

What puzzles me ... is incorporating information from two well-established scholars in their respective fields not allowed to the authors of "Catholic Culture"?

Respectfully, for a organization that claims to be "Living the Catholic Life," their perspective seems rather un-Catholic.

How very sad.

I always welcome hearing from Catholics who agree with my ministry as well as those who do not. I am always more than willing to engage in conversation and dialogue around any of the ideas and issues I present in my ministry. However, I would ask that those who disagree with me present more than specious arguments before condemning my ministry.

Peace,

Tim

New Book Review ....

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Sarah Reinhard, author of the wonderful blog, "Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering," has written a wonderful review of my book, BLACK BELT LEADER, PEACEFUL LEADER: AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC SERVANT LEADERSHIP.

You can read it here.

I'm very interested to check out the two other books she recommends.

Thanks, Sarah!

Featured on a Blog ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:28:00 +0000

Happy Belated St. Paddy's day to all! :-)

I was featured on the "Query Queen" blog yesterday....

40 Prayers for Lent

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:45:00 +0000

As we enter into the season of Lent in preparation for the most holy of days, Easter Sunday, consider joining me in 40 prayers in 40 days ...

This from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative:

For Lent - 40 Days with the Last 40Lent
These are 40 reflections for each of the 40 days of Lent that focus on the world's 40 poorest countries. The resource is provided by the Marianist Family in Spain - in English! Each day includes background about the country, a letter from a resident of the country, a scriptural reading, and a chance for us to respond. Click here to get it.

Catholic Servant Leadership on Catholic Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Hi again!

I was recently interviewed by Gus Lloyd on The Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio for his "Seize the Day" program.

Here's the interview (in two parts to meet YouTube's requirements).

Part ONE:

Part TWO:

... and here's the MP3 file so you can listen on your MP3 player (ipod) as you go about your busy day.

Catholic Servant Leadership on CatholicMom.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Happy Ash Wednesday!

My kids had to dress up for mass at school today ... my son went out the door grumbling! ;-)

Good news!

I was recently interviewed by Lisa Hendey, founder of the CatholicMom.com website.

Here's the interview (in two parts in order to fit YouTube's requirements):

Part ONE:

Part TWO:

You can download an MP3 version of the audio here ... take it with you in your MP3 player so you can listen as you work out, drive to mass or get dinner ready for the kiddos.

You can download the MP3 audio file here.

Enjoy!

Catholic Servant Leaders: "To Know is Not Enough"

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:27:00 +0000

I was reading this past weekend and discovered that the motto of Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts is "Non Satis Scire," which translates, "To Know Is Not Enough."

What a wonderful statement for Catholic Servant Leaders, as effective Catholic Servant Leaders truly understand that to know is not enough.

Outrageous Worker Treatment ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Watch this video:

As I wrote about in my book LEADING PEOPLE THE BLACK BELT WAY, it is unforgiveable that leaders make 400 times the salary of a line staff.

Apparently, even more in Burger King's case.

People deserve to earn a living wage. This injustice is something every Catholic Servant Leader should stand up against.

I for one am boycotting Burger King.

Will you join me?

Abraham Lincoln & Catholic Servant Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:36:00 +0000

I had a conversation about Catholic Servant Leadership with a colleague today. He wanted to know more about Catholic Servant Leadership, and so I told him.

"You're trying to get leaders to put other people before themselves? It'll never happen!" he said.

His comment reminded me of the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who's 200th birthday was celebrated across the U.S.

Lincoln said,

"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. . . . Let none falter, who thinks he is right, and we may succeed. But if after all, we shall fail, be it so."

So in the face of the corporate incompetence that is passing as leadership today in so many organizations, in a world where greed is mistakenly believed to be greater than God, where the ranks of leadership is filled with unethical leaders who only look out for themselves ...

... let every Catholic Servant Leader find courage in the words of this great American.

Give Us This Day ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:59:00 +0000

Many people are suffering in the current economic conditions. Daily, we hear reports of people being laid off and downsized. The Bureau of Labor is reporting one of the highest levels of unemployment since the Great Depression. And an unprecedented level of governmental spending is on the horizon ... and no one knows what the outcome will be.

As I was sitting with a Catholic Servant Leadership client the other day, the phrase from the "Our Father", "Give us this day our daily bread ..." jumped to mind.

In these difficult times, let us pray to trust God to truly give us our daily bread.

Peace & Love,

Tim

Parenting & Catholic Servant Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:45:00 +0000

I was recently contact by a Catholic parent who wanted to know about more effective Catholic Servant Leadership strategies for parents.

One question they asked was, "How do I help kids understand that
they can't have or do everything their friends have or do?"

That's the first mistake most parents make ... believing children can truly understand why they can't have everything their friends have.

Neither my wife (a 1st-grade teacher) nor I try to get my children to understand the "why" ... my kids just need to know the "is."

For example, my 8th grade son is dying for a cell phone. He came home the other day saying, "Dad! I'm the only one in my class without a cell phone! My friends think we're Amish!"

While I certainly empathize with my son, I don't even attempt to try and explain "why."

Kids will understand the 'why' when they have kids of their own ... but not much before that.

So smart Catholic Servant Leader parents don't even attempt to go there.

e.e. cummings, Lord Byron and Catholic Servant Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Two excellent quotes I just found:

"It takes great courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."
e.e. cummings

"The biggest risk in life, is to take no risk at all." Lord Byron

I think these quotes apply quite readily to Catholic Servant Leaders.

The Global Community

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Amazing. Billions of people watched the American inauguration.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Simply amazing.

President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Congratulations to President Obama on his inauguration ... which appears to have been the most watched event in the history of humanity.

We pray that God watches over President Obama and his cabinet as he leads America through some dark days.

And may God bless America.

Here's the text of President Obama's inauguration speech:

**********************

"My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

Catholic Servant Leadership Podcast for New Years 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I recently had a chance to have a wonderful discussion with Lisa Hendey from CatholicMom.com. Lisa interviewed me on her podcast for a New Years show.

You can listen to the interview here.

The interview also appears on SQPN, a Catholic New Media channel ...

... and Faith and Family, a magazine and daily blog of Catholic living ...

... and the Catholic Exchange (lower right hand corner of the home page) ...

... and 4marks.com ...

... and MyCatholicVoice.com.

enjoy!

The Power of Men ... 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:58:00 +0000

It’s 2009 … and men have it tough.

Throughout Lake County and Cuyahoga County, around Northeast Ohio and across the country, many men who are Catholic Servant Leaders are faced with increased stress, strain and struggles.

What can be done about it?

I’m honored to announce that I will be conducting a men’s workshop entitled, “The Power of Men,” with Dr. Phil Belzunce, Ph.D., N.D. at the world-famous Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.

Here’s the description of the workshop:

The Power of Men: Masculinity, Contact and Gestalt

Join a group of men in exploring how Gestalt principles inform our work. You'll investigate the power of embodied presence; effective integral strategies to use when working with men; the value of being relational in a culture that defines men in isolation; and issues of shame & belonging. We will improve our skills in working with other men, as we become more powerful men in deep contact with the world around us. Incorporating Gestalt methodology with inner work, outer connection, body process, engaged dialogue and lecture, this workshop is perfect for therapists, coaches, managers, supervisors, organizational leaders, and any man interested in exploring the power of men.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify three (3) strategies for working more successfully with men in American culture;

• Describe how relational, Gestalt-based, methodological interventions can decrease conflict while enhancing men's performance and health;

• Articulate the importance of understanding patterns of shame and belonging when leading men in therapy, coaching and/or in the workplace.

The cost for this weekend workshop is $125, and CEU’s are available.

I invite men who are Catholic Servant Leaders to join Phil and I as we explore “The Power of Men” with men from around Northeast Ohio and the country.

Here’s a workshop flyer you can download.

Here’s a link to the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.

Our Culture of Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:06:00 +0000

So now we're going to "declare war" on our economy.

As a Catholic Servant Leader, I find it very sad that we as a nation seem unable to face a problem without invoking metaphors of excessive violence.

Very sad.

Pell Grants and People

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:58:00 +0000

In the news today, former senator Claiborne Pell, who was best known for championing better education for the poor, has passed away.

The article stated in part:

"The Providence Journal cited a statement released by Pell's family as saying he defined his job in the Senate in seven words: "Translate ideas into actions and help people.""

"Translate ideas into actions and help people."

What wonderful words for Catholic Servant Leaders to consider in 2009.

Happy New Year to all!

A People Who Walk in Darkness ...

noreply@blogger.com (Timothy H. Warneka) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:41:00 +0000

We've rounded the 4th Sunday of Advent and are headed toward Christmas.

Yesterday, of course, was the winter solstice ... the shortest day of the year. Both of my kids commented on how late it felt last night around 8:00 p.m. I told them it felt late because the sun had set around 4:30! ;-)

My wife and I were going to go on a candlelit walk last night (sponsored by one of the local metroparks), but it was about 2 degrees above zero, so we opted instead to stay home by the fire.

Wishing each and every Catholic Servant Leadership reader a blessed 4th week of advent.

Warmly,

Tim