The Suffering Servant of Camden, NJ
A Journey in 21st Century Urban Ministry
by
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This book and the journey it describes is very much a personal story. Beyond all of the endnotes, it is an exploration of how individuals and a parish try to faithfully worship God and find meaning in the contemporary world. The reality of poverty and violence in places like El Salvador and Camden, NJ demand that Christians ask of themselves from what vantage point or post do we, specifically as Christians, see the world? The liberation theologian, Gustavo Gutierrez, insists that the Christian faith’s point of view must be from the perspective of the poor. One may be poor themselves or one may not be poor but choose to walk with the poor. Either way it is from this starting point that authentic Christian theology can be done. This was the perspective of Jesus himself. The voices and lives of theologians past and present provide a framework for understanding the miraculous journey of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral, where a parish and her pastor decided to look at the world from the perspective of her parishioners who are poor. This parish church was forced to ask from what point of view do we see God and God’s justice active in the world? What perspective do we take when you are bold enough to pray “give us this day our daily bread?” Is this a full-stomach prayer and ministry or are you saying the words with the faith-filled hope that somehow the next meal and ministry will come. The post that the parishioners of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral and her pastor, Msgr. Bob McDermott chose to engage the world from has been called “one of the most dangerous cities in America.”
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About the Book
Welcome to Camden, NJ, a city Walt Whitman once described as "invincible" that has now been labeled "the most dangerous city in America." It is also called "home" by the thousands who live here. Take the author's grace-filled journey into the heart of 21st century urban ministry as he chronicles the city's favorite son, Fr. Bob McDermott, who seeks to revitalize a hopeless city by listening to and believing in a God who speaks through those considered "hopeless."
About the Author
Michael Giansiracusa is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of PA and adjunct professor at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. He earned a B.A. in Communications from La Salle University, an M.A. in Theology from Villanova University and a DMin. from The Episcopal Divinity School. He previously served for two years as a youth minister near Portland, OR, taught theology and philosophy at the undergraduate and secondary level for 16 years and later facilitated “cross-boundary” experiences that combined prayer, direct service, deep faith reflection and worship at the Romero Center in Camden, N.J. and Episcopal Community Services in Philadelphia, PA. Michael believes that if sacramental worship reflects God’s mission then all ministries must have, as their justification, a relationship with the most vulnerable. He lives with his family in Ardmore, PA.