Sunday, April 02, 2000

He's a high priest of technology

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University of Dayton minister links Lent to the Internet

BY JIM KNIPPENBERG
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        Whew, talk about a guy with his feet planted firmly in two waaaaaay different centuries.

        Here's the Rev. Gerald Chinchar, S.M., campus minister at the University of Dayton and such a computer-bug he's known as “techno priest.” The guy who put Lent on the Internet.

        Plant foot No. 1 in the 21st century.

The Rev. Gerald Chinchar (Joseph Fuqua II photo) | ZOOM |

        And here's the Rev. Gerald Chinchar, organist and composer, hunkered down writing Gregorian chant, a form of music with roots in the eighth century and a full flowering in the 12th. Plant foot No. 2 in the Middle Ages.

        “It seems odd,” says Father Chinchar, a 56-year-old Cleveland native who moved to Dayton 17 years ago. “But I actually compose on a sophisticated computer program, so it's not that peculiar.”

        As he says that, he's putting away a hand-held Casiopeia, a mini-computer where he scrawls (the computer translates handwriting to printed fonts) appointments, phone numbers and reminders, such as the one he jotted down when a friend asked him to pray for a special intention.

        Ushering the Lord onto the information highway. That's techno.

        So is this: Some years ago, when Microsoft was testing new versions of its Windows software, it came knocking on his door, asking him to be a consumer tester. He already had a relationship with Microsoft, first through a former student, later through his avid use of the product.

        “It was good. I got to use the product before it came out and give them my opinion and suggest changes. They even asked me to be in the promotional video when the program came out.”

        Hmmm. The big dogs at Microsoft want to run with him. That's techno.

        So is the thought of the ancient and venerable Gregorian chant, something squinting monks used to transcribe by candle light, flickering across his computer screen. “My chants are in English, rather than Latin, but they're composed in the eight classic (Gregorian) modes. I push the print button and they come out looking like an ancient manuscript, only easier to read.”

        All this from a guy who never took a computer course?

        “It's all self-taught. They started calling me techno priest years ago, when e-mail was first coming in. I was e-mailing everywhere.”

        He still is, but now Father Chinchar is busy as all get out with six Web pages, including his Lenten page, which he engineered to emphasize Lent's positive side (www.udayton.edu/(tilde)campmin/lent.html).

        To accentuate the positive, he has a collection of one-liners he updates daily: One day it's “Fast from anger, and feast on optimism;” the next, it's “Fast from bitterness, and feast on forgiveness;” on St. Patrick's Day, it was “fast from beer.”

        “That was just my twisted humor. I knew how something like that would go over. But the others, I think people do take time to think about them. Getting over anger, what better time than Lent?

        “That's the positive side. Traditionally, Lent was denial, deny yourself candy or cigarettes, when it really should be about getting your spirit ready to celebrate the 50 glorious days of Easter.”

        The Lenten site also includes daily reflections by UD faculty and staff, resources and links to other sites, but it's the one-liners he hears most about — from students and people around town, “I even got an e-mail from Iowa about one the other day.”

        Someone about to give up beer? “Uh, I think she knew I was kidding.”

        Five years ago, an e-mail from Iowa would have been unheard of. Back then, he was roaming campus, handing out Lenten thoughts on paper.

        “The Web site grew out of the booklet. The daily thoughts aren't unique to me. What's unique is the student twist I give them. A while back, I had one that said, "Go thank a former teacher'. The Internet has made getting the word out so much easier.”

        Made teaching class easier, too, if a bit behind schedule. “I'll be teaching a liturgy class in the Distant Learning program on the Web. It should be finished now, but I only have one component out of six. I have to get caught up.”

        Before he does that, let's ambush him with a few Lenten questions.

        “Go.”

        One thing no one should give up for Lent ...

The daily inspiration God gives them. If you hear God's voice, like the prayer says, harden not your heart. Especially at this time of year.

        The one thing I can never give up ...

Keeping in touch with a huge number of my friends. The Microsoft people, former students, old friends. Oh, potato chips are the other thing. It's a secret addiction. Talk about not being able to eat just one.

        The most difficult thing about Lent ...

        Is being consistent and following through with whatever you decide to do for the season. I tell people, it doesn't matter what you do, just follow through.

        The best thing about Lent ...

It provides an opportunity to become a little more intentional about remembering who you are as a baptized person. It's self-knowledge.

        40 days is too long? Too short? Just right ...

Just right. The number 40 is biblical, you know. In scripture, 40 is always the period used for preparation. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering; Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. It's symbolic, but it connects us with a whole tradition.

        The easiest way to let go of anger ...

Try to think about the real reason you're angry. It at least slows you down. Then when you have the real reason, ask, "Is this the kind of person I want to be?'

        The world's best Lenten fish sandwich ...

Omigosh, that would be St. Christopher's in Vandalia, near Dayton's airport. I don't eat out that much, so I'm no expert, but that's my choice.

        You have two free plane tickets to go anywhere in the world. Where is it? ...

Oh wow, I've only been to Europe once, so I guess it would be that way. Paris. I really loved Paris.

        If I didn't have this Lenten Web site, I'd be ...

Probably handing out paper handouts to students on campus.

        The first thing I always do at the end of Lent ...

I remind everyone of the 50 days of unbounded Easter joy. It's what we've been preparing for all of Lent. Unlike my friend who calls it 50 days of unending chocolate.

       

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