Bishop Sklba To Explore Modern Application of Beatitude

Online, November 3, 2011 (Newswire.com) - At a time when many Americans feel powerless in the face of sustained high unemployment, a decade of war, and an unprecedented number of home foreclosures, some might wonder whether Jesus' teaching that the meek will inherit the earth still applies in the lives of ordinary Milwaukeeans.

Bishop Emeritus Richard Sklba believes that it does, and will explore the Beatitude as a biblical foundation for our life in a one-hour presentation on Wednesday, November 16. His discussion will be the first of a four-part series called "Beatitudes: A 21st Century Perspective" that will address the modern-day application of the Beatitude on meekness for people from all walks of life in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis Music Ministry, the event will be held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (27th Street at Greenfield Ave.), Milwaukee.

Bishop Sklba and other presenters will consider the implications of this Beatitude from perspectives that include a theological vantage point; considerations for young singles, couples, and families; and for those who are struggling in today's difficult job market.

The speaker series is the brainchild of Sister Mary Jane Wagner, Director of Music Ministry for the School Sisters of St. Francis, and is an extension of a monthly prayer and concert series-also with a Beatitudes theme-that she introduced in December 2010.

"We envision the speaker series as a way to explore the richness of Jesus' teaching in a way that complements the prayer and concert series, and thereby enables us to reach a new audience," Sister Mary Jane said.

"Our international community of sisters, based right here in Milwaukee, is committed to uniting with others to build a just and peaceful world," Sister Mary Jane noted. "The speakers we have invited, and the perspectives they will provide, will help us take another step in that mission."

In addition to Bishop Sklba, scheduled presenters include :
• Dr. Timothy O'Connell, professor of ethics with Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies and School of Business Administration, on February 15, 2012

• Marcus Mescher, doctoral candidate in Theology and Education at Boston College, on May 9, 2012

• Sister Frances Cunningham, Director of World Mission Ministries for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, on September 12, 2012

Tickets for Bishop Sklba's presentation are available for $15, and $10 for students and seniors. They may be reserved in advance by calling Sister Mary Jane at 414-385-5246, or by emailing your requirements to [email protected]. All tickets will be available at the door on a will-call basis.

For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org.