Anthropology: that’s a big word! So, what is it, and why am I talking about it right now? Let’s first take a look at its definition. Anthropology is the study of what makes us human. Anthropologists take a broad approach to understanding the many different aspects of the human experience. They consider what makes up our biological bodies and genetics, as well as our bones, diet, and health, and even take a look at what one can’t see, which is what motivates us, like our spirituality. Even though nearly all humans need the same things to survive, like food, water, and companionship, the ways people meet these needs can be very different. For example, everyone needs to eat, but people eat different foods and get food in different ways. Anthropologists try to understand how people interact in social relationships. They look at the different ways people dress and communicate in different societies. Anthropologists sometimes use these comparisons to understand their own society. When trying to understand these complex issues, they keep in mind what they know about biology, culture, religion, types of communication, and how humans lived in the past.

However, a Christian anthropology sees the created order—and the human body in particular—as revelatory. In other words, Christian Anthropology looks at how God created us, and that creation tells us a lot of information about what God intended for the human race. The body is not just accidentally or incidentally present. No, the body is a revelation because through it, God speaks to us of who and what we are and what we ought to do. To this revelatory quality of the body, God adds His own words in Scripture, leading to the emergence of a Christian Anthropology. And of course, Jesus Christ becomes the ultimate example for us, seeing Christian Anthropology at its highest form.

So why am I bringing this up? Well, many people in our society see anthropology strictly in a secular way. And in doing do, they don’t see that God has made a particular imprint in the human person. This then has far reaching implications in how we react with each other, and how we view our own humanness. Most institutions have a very secular view of the human person, and their values follow from that anthropology. But Christians, as noted above, have a far different idea of humans, our bodies and our souls, and our values come from that anthropology. And then we end up having all sorts of conflicts that arise from two very different ideas of the human person. It is important to know this, because we won’t get a good Christian anthropology from secular institutions and sources. So that’s why things such as Catholic schools are SO IMPORTANT, since they teach all subjects from a proper Christian anthropology, and not a secular one. I invite you to ponder what I’ve said, and do some research on your own.

In Christ & Mary Immaculate, 

Fr. Tony

There will be a 40 Days for Life Meeting on Monday, August 1st, at 6:30 pm in the St. Mary Star of the Sea Social Hall, 325 E. 3rd St. Duluth.  At this meeting an update on the planning for the fall prayer vigil will be provided, with discussion on suggestions and ideas to improve the vigil this year.  All are invited to attend.  

Did you know that the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary has an Amazon Smile account?  By shopping at smile.Amazon.com and choosing the Cathedral of Our Lady as the beneficiary, our parish earns 0.5% of eligible purchases.  There are no fees or costs. Please consider signing up and shopping through smile.Amazon.com as an easy way to support our parish!  

Come join the SMA community! We are still enrolling for pre-K through 9th grades. Or join our staff! Open positions for the coming school year include a music teacher, language arts teacher, cook and pre-K aides. Visit our website for admissions and employment opportunities www.stellamaris.academy!

On August 12 two teams of women from our diocese will be participating in a 200 mile running relay to raise awareness of the impact and importance of Fertility Awareness, natural family planning, and fertility and infertility education in the lives of women.  If you are able, please consider making a pledge towards a runner or a team.  The goal is to raise $30,000 by race day. All pledges will benefit Northland Family Programs to continue their work in educating women and couples in family planning and FertilityCare.  You can visit the website at womenrunforwomen.com or for FertilityCare services visit northlandfamilyprograms.com.  

Holy Family will be holding a rummage sale the weekend of August 5-6 at 2430 W. 3rd St. Duluth. Hours are August 5th from 9am-7pm, and August 6th from 8am -noon.  August 6th will be bag sale day, fill a bag for only $2.  If you would like to contribute rummage items, we are collecting July 17th- July 31st. Please, no electronics or textbooks.  Please call ahead for large items, as space sometimes isn't available.