Reflection Starter from Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

"Life is but a reflection of our projection." - Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

SWANA Issues New Policy on Waste-to-Energy

The Solid Waste Association of North America recently issued a policy that renews SWANA’s support of waste-to-energy as an important part of an integrated solid waste management system. SWANA believes that this policy will support the many communities that are considering expanding or building new waste-to-energy facilities.

The policy states that the use of waste-to-energy technology should be consistent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s current waste management hierarchy and local government integrated solid waste management plans that include existing and planned waste prevention, waste reduction, and recycling programs. The policy then outlines recommended best practices for a community to consider before implementing this technology.

This update is the culmination of the efforts of SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Technical Division, which spearheaded the effort. The updated policy, “Waste-to-Energy as Part of Integrated Solid Waste Management,” was approved by SWANA’s International Board of Directors on January 12, 2012.

To access a copy of the policy, please visit:

SWANA: Waste-to-Energy as Part of Integrated Solid Waste Management (January 2012)

Background information:

Solid Waste Association of North America

EPA: Non-Hazardous Waste Management Hierarchy

EPA: Energy Recovery from Waste

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the holy season of Lent and the many opportunities You give us to draw closer to You during this time.

Bishop Coyne on Praying the Lectionary of Lent

In a recent talk, Bishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, offered some reflections on the reform of the Lectionary that was triggered by the Second Vatican Council and on the particular character of the Lenten readings. He also offers some suggestions on how to pray with the Lenten Mass readings.

To access a video of Bishop Coyne’s talk, please visit:

Let us Walk Together: "Praying the Lectionary of Lent" (29 FEB 12)

Reflection Starter from Saint Asterius of Amasea

“You were made in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble him, follow his example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ.” - Saint Asterius of Amasea, bishop

Upcoming Presentation of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

The Providence Singers, the New England Philharmonic, Chorus pro Musica, and the Boston Children’s Chorus are collaborating to present Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem on Sunday, 4 March. The performance, a part of the Providence Singers’ 40th anniversary season, is being held to honor the end of the Iraq War.

The performance is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Fenner Street, Providence, RI. Tickets are $32 for adults; they are free for students with identification at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Providence Singers’ website or telephone (401) 751-5700.

Background information:

The Providence Singers

APWA Offers Sustainability Principles

The American Public Works Association Center for Sustainability recently developed a set of Sustainability Principles designed to provide guidance for anyone interested in moving towards sustainability.  The concept of sustainability is based on the idea that people and their communities are made up of integrated social, economic and environmental systems that must be kept in balance. The Sustainability Principles developed by the Center for Sustainability Leadership Group are designed to help public works professionals and others identify actions they can take to integrated the concepts of sustainability into their operations, projects, expenditures or policies.

To access the APWA Sustainability Principles, please visit:

APWA: The Principles of Sustainability

Background information:

APWA Center for Sustainability

American Public Works Association

The Statler Brothers: "Precious Jesus, Hold My Hand"

As our Lenten observance continues and as we enter the month of March, I offer the Statler Brothers singing "Precious Jesus, Hold My Hand" (from the DVD, The Gospel Music Of The Statler Brothers):

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for March

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for March are:

General Intention: That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society.

Missionary Intention: That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for blessings and opportunities disguised as challenges and/or problems.

Father Bramwell, OMI, on the Church and Today’s Culture in the U.S.

“In a sailing ship, a change in the direction of the wind and waves is occasion for all hands on deck to adjust the rigging and trim the sails. To appreciate the sea change in the Church’s presence in the United States after the HHS ruling, we have to go back for a look at the 1950s. Since then, a series of self-inflicted blows have left the U. S. Church weakened and confused about its identity in American society.”

In a recent commentary, Father Bevil Bramwell, OMI, reflected on recent history of the Catholic Church in the United States and on how the challenges it is currently facing offer a good opportunity for the Church to again focus on its priorities.

To access Father Bevil’s complete post, please visit:

The Catholic Thing: A Sea Change (26 FEB 12)

Reflection Starter from Mark Hart

“If your prayers to the Father feel like a long distance call, it's time to upgrade your calling plan.. Pray more.” - Mark Hart