Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin observed the effects of industrialization on humanity. While there were some definite benefits there were also many pitfalls. The main one being that humans had become a means to an end - humans became a cog in the profit wheel. With the Great Depression of the 1930s Day and Maurin were eager to share the hope that the
Church had to offer:
As I mentioned in my previous post, the word sustainability has been coming to mind lately. In our world today, if we are paying attention, we observe that it is a cruel place. It is easy to become hopeless in the face of all that is bleak surrounding us - a culture of death: abortion, endless war, human trafficking, dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, a suffering Earth. And then there is the host of politicians too wrapped up in bullying and greed to even take notice. It becomes easiest for us to take solace in our possessions and our busy lifestyles.
I have observed - in the life of others and in my own life - this is not sustainable. In my own life, I struggle with the accumulation of things. In the moment I am confident I will feel better when I have it. But time and time again, I have come up wanting. And time and time again, I turn to Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin for what they deemed as a sustainable society - a new society in the shell of the old.
There are three characteristics of the Catholic Worker that we try to follow here at Nativity House that has helped up reach sustainability. Typically when we are feeling a bit off kilter, its because one of the three is not being paid proper attention.
For those who are sitting on the park benches in the warm spring sunlight. For those who are huddling in shelters trying to escape the rain. For those who are walking the street in the all but futile search to find work. For those who think that there is no hope for the future, no recognition of their plight, — this little paper is addressed. It is printed to call their attention to the fact that the Catholic Church has a social program — to let them know that there are men of God who are working not only for their spiritual, but for their material welfare. (The Catholic Worker; May 1, 1933)
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It's been over 16 years now since Justin and I were introduced to Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin and The Catholic Worker Movement. It is true that this introduction by the Jesuit Volunteer Corp launched us into new life together. Over these last years we have spent much time studying the works of Day, Maurin and The Catholic Worker Movement, praying, discerning what it meant for our life. As I mentioned in my previous post, the word sustainability has been coming to mind lately. In our world today, if we are paying attention, we observe that it is a cruel place. It is easy to become hopeless in the face of all that is bleak surrounding us - a culture of death: abortion, endless war, human trafficking, dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, a suffering Earth. And then there is the host of politicians too wrapped up in bullying and greed to even take notice. It becomes easiest for us to take solace in our possessions and our busy lifestyles.
I have observed - in the life of others and in my own life - this is not sustainable. In my own life, I struggle with the accumulation of things. In the moment I am confident I will feel better when I have it. But time and time again, I have come up wanting. And time and time again, I turn to Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin for what they deemed as a sustainable society - a new society in the shell of the old.
There are three characteristics of the Catholic Worker that we try to follow here at Nativity House that has helped up reach sustainability. Typically when we are feeling a bit off kilter, its because one of the three is not being paid proper attention.
- Intentional Community - We are committed to living in community. This means that we invite others to live in community: interns, guest moms. We share life, food and prayers. We have nightly dinners, evening prayer, community nights. We are made for relationship. Intentional community answers to the way in which we were created.
- House of Hospitality - We offer hospitality to expectant mothers in need. This is not all. Hospitality also means that we welcome whoever comes to the door. This means always being welcoming - even when a guest arrives unannounced. This has also translated to having monthly open houses, round table discussions, potlucks, bonfires. Hospitality opens us up to others allowing us to enter into relationships that otherwise we would not be privy to. These relationships forever change us.
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)
The Farm - The CSA (community supported agriculture) project roots us more deeply to the Earth and our Creator. Those who participate (8-12 families per growing season) repeatedly explain how working in the garden brings peace, healing, and joy. Not only are we growing our own "mostly organic" produce, we are experiencing the intense powers of community and creation.
Relationships, sharing life, hospitality, connectedness to community and to creation - draw us more deeply into relationship with Jesus. Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin tapped into something amazing - it's about bringing about the Kingdom of Heaven -NOW. Jesus did mention, once or twice that His kingdom is at hand. Day and Maurin captured that with this formula of Intentional Community, Houses of Hospitality and The Catholic Worker Farm Model.
Sustainability. It is a good life. Join us.
