Bishop Schlert Celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Cathedral

“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”

VOL. 30, NO. 1 JANUARY 11, 2018 Bishop Schlert Celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Cathedral

Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at the Ca- thedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, his first as Bishop of the Diocese of Allen- Bishop Alfred Schlert celebrated the 10:30 p.m. Christ- town. Joining him are, from left: Msgr. Francis Schoenauer, pastor of the cathedral; Deacon Robert Snyder of the cathedral; Father Kevin Lonergan, assistant pastor of the cathedral; mas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine Deacon William Hassler of the cathedral; Msgr. Victor Finelli (hidden), episcopal master of of Siena, Allentown, his first as Bishop of the Diocese of ceremonies; and Father Achilles Ayaton, in residence at the cathedral. Catholics in the Dio- Allentown. cese were invited “Home for Christmas” by the Bishop. In a letter from Bishop Schlert sent to 83,000 homes, in radio commercials, social media posts and on the Diocesan website, Catholics who may not be attending Mass regularly at this time are being invited “home for Christmas.” (Photos by John Simitz) More photos page 3 Diocesan Priests Inspired by ‘Grandeur of God’ Hiking the Grand Canyon By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

The beauty of the great outdoors and the spirituality it exudes came into full view for three priests of the Diocese of Allentown who hiked the grandeur of the Grand Canyon this past fall. Making the trip were Father John Gibbons, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Allentown; Father Patrick Lamb, pastor of Queenship of Mary, Northampton; and Msgr. Thomas Orsulak, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading. The trio flew to Arizona Nov. 12, hiked the Grand Can- yon Nov. 14-16, and flew back Nov. 17. Msgr. Orsulak Msgr. Orsulak said he and Father Gibbons and Father Stopping to share a smile at the Bright Angel Trailhead at the Grand Canyon are, from left, Father Patrick Lamb, Msgr. Thomas Orsulak, Father John Gibbons and Tim DeCapite. (Photos courtesy of Father Patrick Please see GRANDEUR page 24 }} Lamb) Pope: Don’t Rush Through Silence at Mass VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The silence that precedes the opening prayer at Mass is an opportunity for Christians to commend to God the fate of the church and the world, Pope Francis said. Departing from his prepared text at his weekly general audience Jan. 10, the pope urged priests “to observe this brief silence and not hurry.” “I recommend this to the priests. Without this silence, we risk neglecting the reflection of the soul,” he said. Continuing his series of audience talks on the Mass, Pope Francis spoke about the Gloria and the opening prayer. After the encounter between “human misery and divine mercy” experienced in the penitential rite, the faithful are invited to sing the ancient hymn of praise that was sung by the angels after Christ’s birth, the pope said. “The feelings of praise that run through the hymn,” he said, “are intertwined with the confident pleading

Please see SILENCE page 20}} 2 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018 Churches in Diocese Taking Flu Precautions In light of the heightened cases of in- As a pastoral provision, Bishop Schlert Church’s constant teaching that the entire Published biweekly on Thursday by fluenza being reported in our five-county allows the option for the Exchange of Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. area and the change in the Pennsylvania the Sign of Peace to be exercised for fu- is present in the Sacred Host, and that this at P.O. Box F Department of Health’s Influenza Status nerals or wedding Masses if the pastor/ reception alone is necessary to receive the Allentown, PA 18105-1538 from “sporadic” to “widespread,” Bishop administrator deems it appropriate. The graces of the Holy Eucharist, provided Phone: 610-871-5200, Ext. 2264 of Allentown Alfred Schlert has directed Reception of Holy Communion from the one is in the state of grace. Fax: 610-439-7694 that the Exchange of the Sign of Peace Chalice is only permitted for priests and This direction was announced in a Jan. E-mail: [email protected] and the Reception of Holy Communion deacons during this temporary suspen- 2 letter to parishes, priests and deacons from the Chalice be suspended. sion. from Father Keith Mathur, director of the President This suspension began with the Vigil In those parishes where the Reception Diocesan Office for Divine Worship. Bishop Alfred Schlert and Sunday Masses the weekend of Jan. of Holy Communion is given under both Thank you for your kind attention and 6-7, and will be in effect until further no- forms, parishes are asked to use this as dedicated priestly ministry to the people Secretary for External Affairs tice is given when the incidence of influ- a catechetical moment to reinforce the entrusted to your care. Matt Kerr enza subsides in our region. Editor Jill Caravan Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Staff Writers Tara Connolly Tami Quigley Names First Executive Director Design & Production Pete Waldron was recently named Marcus Schneck the first executive director of the Catho- lic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Advertising Contact (CFEP). Paul Huck, chairman of the Lori Anderson Board of Directors for CFEP, made the announcement. Office Assistant Waldron comes to CFEP with 30 years Priscilla Tatara of corporate affairs, philanthropy, community involvement, marketing commu- MISSION STATEMENT nications and public relations experience. Parish and School, Allentown; Allentown tion and help us grow.” As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. He recently headed up Corporate Citi- Central Catholic High School; Mercy Formed in 2013, CFEP is an indepen- Times is the official newspaper for the Ro- zenship and Philan- School for Special Learning, Allentown; dent 501 c 3 nonprofit organization and man Catholic Diocese of Allentown, serv- thropy for CrossA- and Mary’s Shelter, Bethlehem. a separate legal entity from the Diocese ing Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton merica Partners. He He serves on the board of directors of Allentown. It was designed to man- and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times also helped create of Mercy; PBS Foundation (secretary); age assets, generate perpetual income proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the and manage two cor- IABC Lehigh Valley (president); Cultural and provide financial stability for Catho- People of God through evangelization, cat- porate foundations: Coalition in Downtown Allentown; and lic parishes, educational institutions and echesis and the teaching of the Church, the Lehigh Gas Founda- the Pennsylvania Lambda Educational ministries in the Diocese of Allentown. extension of Christ’s presence in the world tion and CrossAmer- Foundation (president). today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen It is governed by an all-volunteer in- ica Partners Founda- He is a graduate of Penn State. 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La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a ly October to November; and triweekly in las víctimas por la Iglesia. December, at a subscription cost of $20 per Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa year by Allentown Catholic Communica- 1-800-791-9209. tions, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Drive, Allentown, PA 18102-4500. Periodi- Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor cals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and ad- visite www.allentowndiocese.org y haga clic en “Protección de la Juventud” en la parte ditional mailing offices. superior derecha. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA 18105-1538 January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 3 Bishop Schlert Celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Cathedral

Bishop Alfred Schlert incenses the nativity at the beginning of Mass. “Perhaps for some of the members of your family, it has been a while since they have Members of the Cathedral Choir, directed and accompanied by Beverly McDe- been home in the Church. Please know that they are genuinely missed, and vitt, sing before Mass. I welcome them home for Christmas,” said Bishop Schlert. “No matter how long since your last visit, you will find your spiritual home ready and waiting to welcome you.”

Father Kevin Lonergan sings a hymn with the choir before Mass.

Above, Nathaniel Menen- dez holds son Benedict while mom Kelly sings in the choir before Mass. Right, parishioners lift their voices in song during the entrance hymn. Left, Deacon William Has- sler carries the Book of Gospels.

Above, the McCullough family, from left, Anne, James, Kevin and Peter, carry the offertory gifts to Bishop Alfred Schlert. Left, parishioners listen to the Cathedral Choir sing the recessional hymn at the conclusion of the liturgy.

Additional photo page 1 4 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018 Diocesan Seminarians Observe Christmas Feast with Bishop and Pastors By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer

“Make wise use of your next semester Left, Bishop of Allentown Alfred of formation. Continue to pray that the Schlert, center, talks with seminary call you feel becomes deeper every day,” candidate John Bach, left, and Alex said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, Brown, diocesan seminarian during a Dec. 29 while commemorating Christ- luncheon celebrating the Christmas mas with Diocesan seminarians prepar- Feast. (Photos by John Simitz) ing for the priesthood and their pastors. Ten seminarians and four candidates, Below, Bishop Schlert, center, cel- who will enter St. Charles Borromeo ebrates Christmas with seminarians Seminary, Philadelphia next year, gath- and their pastors along with diocesan ered with Bishop Schlert to celebrate the officials at Lehigh Country Club. birth of Jesus Christ in a relaxed and fes- tive atmosphere at Lehigh Country Club, Allentown. Msgr. David James, Diocesan vicar general and director of the Office of Vocations, welcomed the seminarians, candidates and pastors to the luncheon before the men prayed the Liturgy of the Hours. After the Liturgy of the Hours, Bishop Schlert offered a prayer asking God to help the men live in the example of the “High Priest” Jesus Christ. “We also ask that you bless our fraternity together. Bless those who are sick and alone, and we ask that you guide us in comforting them with prayer and our work. Help us in this life to be rich examples of the love we have for your Church,” said Bishop Schlert. In his remarks, Bishop Schlert thanked the men for spending time together and shared why he chose to wear his black cassock, amaranth red sash and pectoral cross signifying the Office of Bishop to the festivity. “I dress like this out of respect for those I’m hosting. This is how a bishop dresses to see the Holy Father; why wouldn’t I wear it for my own people who mean so much to me? The people under my pastoral care are worth every herd’s responsibility I feel for each one one of you. I am dedicated to helping you Bishop Schlert also thanked the pas- effort. You are all very important to me, of you,” he said. in any way that I can. We need priests. I tors and urged seminarians to help peo- and I want you to understand the shep- “I am very proud of each and every hold each of you dear ple rediscover in my heart. I mean it the joy of being when I say I pray for “I am very proud of each Catholic. you. It’s my duty and “As seminar- my privilege to pray and every one of you. I am ians and priests for all of you.” dedicated to helping you in you bring joy He thanked his any way that I can. We need to so many, but brother priests for sup- priests. I hold each of you it also comes porting his invitation dear in my heart. I mean it with a sacrifice for people to come for your fami- “Home for Christmas” when I say I pray for you. It’s lies. Please take to one of the Diocese’s my duty and my privilege to home to your 84 parishes. pray for all of you.” families that I “They have to find pray for them something when they and thank them get home. Thank you for supporting for helping them ‘find something,’” said your vocation,” he said. Bishop Schlert. Seminarians attending the luncheon were Alexander Brown, Keaton Eidle, Giuseppe Esposito, Kevin Gembarski, Diocesan seminarians, candidates Matt Kuna, Phillip Maas, John Maria, and priests mingle during the lun- Aaron Scheidel, Jeffrey Tomczyk and cheon. Zachary Wehr. All Men Invited to ‘The Man Talk’ Feb. 6 Who does God Valley. Eyes, to help protect families from online command you to Speaker Matt Fradd will lay out a vi- pornography and assist individuals in be? What are the sion for authentic Catholic masculinity overcoming porn addiction. five rules every and a plan for how to achieve it. The free event is being sponsored by man must break if Following the example of some of his- the Diocese of Allentown Secretariat for he wants to fill his tory’s greatest and wisest Christian men, Catholic Life and Evangelization. deepest desires and he will show how to build the strengths Participants are asked to register at follow God’s com- and practice the habits that will make you www.allentowndiocese.org/family-min- mands? Who do you a true man of God: a man of courage and istry. For questions, call 610-289-8900, desire to be? strength who lives for others, a man who ext. 2028. These questions is fully alive. and others will be All men are invited to this powerful answered at “The talk. Fathers are encouraged to bring Man Talk” Tuesday, Fradd their high school age sons. Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in Fradd is a Catholic apologist and McShea Student chastity speaker. He works with the in- Center at DeSales University, Center ternet-accountability company Covenant January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 5

sylvania’s Catholic dioceses. demns the free availability of pornogra- Mid-Session Legislative Wrap Up The governor also signed into law the phy because of the public health hazard “Right to Try” to provide terminally ill it causes to children and families across By A.B. Hill, director of communica- there was no vote to override. patients the opportunity to try experi- the Commonwealth. It passed the House tions of the Pennsylvania Catholic Wolf did, however, sign House Bill mental treatments, such as investigation- Health Committee and should be taken Conference, the public affairs agency 1139 into law. This law adds fire stations al drugs, biological products and medical up soon on the House floor. of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and to the safe places where a newborn may devices. It will allow access to treatments PCHA is reviewing legislation that the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania. be placed without penalty. Police stations that have not been fully approved by U.S. would govern the use of POLST (Physi- Stay up-to-date with Catholic news and and hospitals are safe havens. Incubators Food and Drug Administration. cian’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treat- issues at www.pacatholic.org, www. will be placed in participating locations ment). Senate Bill 623 and House Bill facebook.com/pacatholic and www.twit- to hopefully prevent babies being aban- Issues Left To Do 1196 similarly outline how and when ter.com/pacatholic. doned in dumpsters or public restrooms. There is much more work left to do someone would use a POLST in an The legislature reauthorized the Chil- in 2018. Legislation to create Education end-of-life situation. The concern lies Here is the status of several high pri- dren’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Savings Accounts (ESA) is being consid- in whether or not a qualifying condition ority bills on the legislative agenda of the but not without controversy. An amend- ered. Senate Bill 2 would give families must be present for a POLST order to be Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. ment to correct regulations that allow that live in the boundaries of a chroni- signed. coverage for sex reassignment surgeries cally underperforming school a grant in Beyond these moral issues, PCC is Bills That Made It Through for children was taken out of the final the amount of the average state funding tracking legislation that tackles social Several bills made it all the way bill that went to the governor’s desk. The per pupil if they withdraw their students justice concerns as well. House Bill 1076 through the legislative process in 2017. Pennsylvania Catholic Health Associa- from public school. would create a land bank of blighted One bright spot in the difficult, prolonged tion and PCC will look for ways to ad- The money could be used only for properties and transform them into safe budget debate was a $10 million expan- dress this again without compromising tuition and expenses in a participating housing for the homeless. sion of Educational Improvement Tax a valuable program that has given thou- private school, tutors or other education With opioid addiction continuing its Credits (EITC) which will benefit more sands of children access to health care. expenses. The money would come out of terrible toll on every community, more students in Catholic schools. Legislation to address the statewide the local school’s state subsidy; unused legislation will be considered, including The Pennsylvania General Assem- opioid crisis was signed into law by Wolf. dollars would return to the local school. House Bill 825. This bill provides for a bly took a strong pro-life stand to ban Senate Bill 446 establishes state-regulat- Senate Resolution 174 and House central registry of existing emergency barbaric dismemberment abortions and ed minimum quality standards for the li- Resolution 609 each condemn the prac- drug and alcohol detoxification beds, so abortions when the unborn baby is able censure of recovery houses that receive tice of selectively aborting babies with health care facilities can better serve peo- to feel pain (20 weeks). Both the Senate funding or referrals from government Down syndrome. Although resolutions ple with a substance abuse crisis. and the House passed Senate Bill 3 with agencies. This new law is welcomed by do not have the force of law, they are use- For a list of PCC’s positions on spe- -overwhelming majorities. Unfortunately, the recovery houses operated by many ful gestures for raising awareness. cifc legislative proposals, visit www.pa Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the measure and Catholic Charities agencies within Penn- Another resolution, HR 519, con- catholic.org/legislative-review. Proper Placement of the Tabernacle Editor’s note: Catholic Q&A is a new placement in several locations within the regular column in The A.D. Times from Diocese of Allentown and the Universal the Diocese of Allentown Secretariat Church: from side altars, to center altars, for Catholic Life and Evangelization. and to separate chapels of reservation. Please email your questions about the The question “Where is the appropri- Catholic faith to CLE@allentowndio- ate placement of the Blessed Sacrament?” cese.org. Questions for the column will becomes an interesting and important be chosen from those submitted and an- question in the lives of the faithful of the a powerful witness that the Eucharist is tabernacle is currently on a side altar, the swered in the next possible issue. Ques- Diocese. “the source and summit of the Christian church would be encouraged to relocate tions may be edited for space, clarity or The Code of Canon Law explains that life.” the tabernacle to the center altar at that other considerations. Questioners must “The tabernacle in which the Blessed Eu- The three key criteria of: 1) conspicu- time. include their name and town or parish, charist is reserved should be placed in a ous – standing out so as to be noticed, 2) At times, there has been a call in the but questions will be published anony- distinguished location in a church or ora- suitably adorned – made of noble metal, Church to place the Blessed Sacrament in mously. tory, a place which is conspicuous, suit- and 3) conducive to prayer – reserved in a separate chapel. Generally, this is most ably adorned and conducive to prayer.” a quiet location, usually is met with the appropriate in large basilicas and cathe- Question: I have seen the tabernacle Furthermore, the Sacred Congregation placement on the center altar other than drals where numerous pilgrims visit and sometimes in the center of the sanctuary, for Rites clarified in 1964 just after the the altar of sacrifice. the placement of the Blessed Sacrament other times off on a side altar and occa- Second Vatican Council that the “Blessed At this time, the Diocese is not requir- in a separate chapel allows for a place sionally in a chapel. Where is the best Sacrament is to be reserved in a secure ing or mandating churches to move their conducive to prayer while the church it- placement of the tabernacle and does tabernacle in the center of the high altar tabernacles to the center altar from a side self may have visitors walking around on the Diocese of Allentown have specific or another altar if this is really outstand- altar; however, if the tabernacle is cur- tours looking at the historic architecture guidelines? ing and distinguished.” rently in the center, it would be best to of the building. Generally speaking, in the Diocese of keep the tabernacle in that location and In the Diocese of Allentown, this is Answer: Thank you for your ques- Allentown, the Office for Divine Worship not move it to a side altar. not usually the case. Therefore, a sepa- tion regarding the proper placement of encourages the placement of the Blessed If a church in the Diocese of Allen- rate chapel for the Blessed Sacrament is the tabernacle. The tabernacle finds its Sacrament in the center of the church as town is undergoing a renovation and the not necessary. What Happens to Us After We Die? Question: I would really like to know Heaven, Hell or Purgatory. Those who that the life of the Blessed is beyond all from this union, he/she is left unfulfilled. the truth about what happens to us after enter Heaven or Hell have reached their understanding and description. The souls in Hell will never reach fulfill- we die? final destination, which will not change. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, ment, only emptiness, because they have Those souls in Purgatory, though they nor the heart of man conceived, what God decided to definitively refuse to seek this Answer: Thank you for your question suffer purgation, can have joy because has prepared for those who love him” (1 fulfillment in God, but rather in things. about the afterlife. The Church teaches they are guaranteed the final destination Corinthians 2:9). Purgatory is not listed among the last what is known as the Four Last Things: of Heaven. Hell is the state of those who have things because there will eventually be death, judgement, Heaven, and Hell. The final or general judgement will freely chosen to not love God. Our earthly no souls in Purgatory, but this does not Death is understood to be the separa- take place at the end of time, when all lives, and actions therein, define this free mean that Purgatory doesn’t exist. tion of the soul, which is immortal, from souls will be rejoined with their bodies. decision. The Catechism of the Catholic “All who die in God’s grace and the body. The soul yearns for the body, At this judgement, those in the state of Church describes Hell as the “state of de- friendship, but still imperfectly purified, and the body ceases to have life and de- Purgatory will be joined to the blessed in finitive self-exclusion from communion are indeed assured of their eternal salva- teriorates without the soul. During the Heaven. with God and the blessed” (CCC 1033). tion; but after death they undergo purifi- Creed we profess a belief in the “Resur- “Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfil- No person is predestined for Hell, but cation, so as to achieve the holiness nec- rection of the Body,” which is the rejoin- ment of the deepest human longings, the a person may freely exclude himself/her- essary to enter the joy of heaven” (CCC ing of our bodies and souls at the end of state of supreme, definitive happiness” self from Heaven by refusing to repent 1030). time. (CCC 1024). of mortal sin. His/her punishment is the More information on this topic can be Of judgement there are two kinds: In Heaven, the Blessed (Saints) de- direct result of his/her decision, made by found in the Catechism of the Catholic particular and general. finitively share in the life of God and the actions of his/her earthly life (there is Church, paragraphs 1020 to 1060 (Part Upon death, we enter into our par- will behold the Beatific Vision, the vision no second chance after death), which is 1, Article 12) or the more easily read- ticular judgement, which is based on our and contemplation of God in His glory. mainly the eternal separation from God. able United States Catechism for Adults, works and faith. This particular judge- Though the Church teaches what is re- Union with God is what man was cre- Chapter 13. ment directs us to one of three places: vealed about Heaven, she also recognizes ated for, and as long as man is separated 6 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018 January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 7 January-February Catholic School Open House Dates The following Catholic schools of the 2-4 p.m.: Berks Catholic High School, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Immaculate Con- Tuesday, Jan. 30 Diocese of Allentown will offer open Reading. ception School, Pen Argyl. houses starting during Catholic Schools 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: St. Anne School, Lehigh County week, Sunday, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Carbon County Bethlehem. 9-11:30 a.m.: St. John Vianney School, Feb. 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. John Neumann Re- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Notre Dame of Allentown. For more information about the gional School, Slatington and Palmerton Bethlehem School. schools, including contact information campuses. Noon-1 p.m.: Sacred Heart School, Northampton County and directions, visit the Diocese of Allen- Bath. 9-11 a.m.: St. Jane School, Easton. town website at www.allentowndiocese. Lehigh County Noon-2 p.m.: St. Jane School, Easton. org/index.php/education/about-catholic- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Joseph the Worker Thursday, Feb. 1 education. School, Orefield. Schuylkill County 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: St. Ann School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Ambrose School, Lehigh County Saturday, Jan. 27 Emmaus. Schuylkill Haven. 5-6:30 p.m.: St. John Vianney School, 10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: St. Thomas 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Jerome Regional Allentown. Lehigh County More School, Allentown. School, Tamaqua. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Notre Dame of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Elizabeth Re- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Assumption Northampton County Bethlehem School. gional School, Whitehall. BVM School, Pottsville. 8:30-10 a.m.: Holy Infancy School, 11 a.m.-noon: St. Michael the Archan- Bethlehem. Sunday, Jan. 28 gel School, Middle School Open House Monday, Jan. 29 5-6:30 p.m.: St. Jane School, Easton. (Grades 5-8), Bethlehem. Berks County 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. John Vianney Berks County Sunday, Feb. 4 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Immaculate Conception School, Middle School Showcase, Allen- 9-11 a.m.: Sacred Heart, West Read- Academy, Douglassville. town. ing. Lehigh County 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Holy Guardian 10:30 a.m.-noon: St. Michael the Angels Regional School, Reading. Northampton County Lehigh County Archangel School, Elementary School 10 a.m.-noon: St. Ignatius Loyola Re- 10 a.m.-noon: Notre Dame High 9-11:30 a.m.: St. John Vianney Open House (Grades PreK-4), Coopers- gional School, Sinking Spring. School, Easton. School, Elementary School Showcase, burg. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: St. Margaret 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Holy Family School, Allentown. School, Reading. Nazareth. 9:30-11 a.m.: St. Michael the Arch- Sunday, Feb. 11 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Catharine of Si- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Our Lady of Perpetual angel School, Elementary School Open ena School, Reading. Help School, Bethlehem. House (Grades PreK-4), Coopersburg. Lehigh County 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sacred Heart School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Good Shep- 2-4 p.m.: Allentown Central Catholic West Reading. herd Regional School, Northampton. High School. 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: St. Francis 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: St. Theresa School, Academy, Bally. Hellertown.

Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jer- Hospital School of Nursing, Reading. Catholic High School. Deaths sey. She also served in the Archdioceses of Sister served primarily in elementary Mass of Christian Burial was celebrat- Philadelphia and Baltimore, Maryland, education. In the Diocese of Allentown Religious sisters ed Jan. 6 at Sacred Heart Convent Cha- and the Diocese of Harrisburg. she served six years, teaching at Most pel, Reading, followed by burial in the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrat- Blessed Sacrament School, Bally and Sister Rose Maxine Babula, 73, of Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ cemetery, ed Jan. 2 at Assisi House, with burial in Holy Ghost School, Bethlehem. the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Mount Alvernia, Reading. Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston. She also served in the Archdiocese of Order Regular of St. Francis died Jan. 1 Philadelphia for 49 years. She moved to at St. Joseph Villa, Reading. Sister Mary Teresa Carmichael (for- Sister Rita Marie Burian (formerly Assisi House in 2016. She served as an elementary teacher, merly Sister Eucharia), 93, a professed Sister Paul Marita), 83, a professed mem- Surviving is a sister, Marita Beers, a superior and principal, in the Diocese member of the Sisters of St. Francis of ber of the Sisters of St. Francis of Phila- niece and a nephew. of Allentown at Mount Alvernia High Philadelphia for 71 years, died Dec. 28 at delphia for 56 years, died Jan. 8 in Assisi Mass of Christian Burial will be cel- School and St. Joseph Villa, Reading, Assisi House, Aston. House, Aston. ebrated Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. at As- and Sacred Heart, West Reading. She She ministered primarily in health She was born in Allentown, where she sisi House, with burial in Our Lady of the also served in the Archdiocese of Phila- care and later congregational ministries, was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Par- Angels Cemetery, Aston. delphia, and in Connecticut, Delaware, in the Diocese of Allentown at St. Joseph ish and a graduate of Allentown Central

Seminar to Discuss ‘The Beauty of Love’

Everyone is invited to join the Diocesan Office of Adult Forma- tion for the last of several “Theolo- gy of the Body” seminars, resched- uled from December. “The Beauty of Love” will take place Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Religious Educa- tion Building of St. Mary Parish, Kutztown. Presenter Dr. William Hamant of DeSales University, Center Val- ley will discuss the different vocations of love that we are all called to and will show how each points to our ultimate end in God’s loving embrace. This seminar is for anyone rec- ognizing the need for a restored relationship with God, others and the created world. Cost is $20 per person. Register at www.allentowndiocese.org/icf. For questions, email adultforma- [email protected] or call 610-289-8900, ext. 2021. 8 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018

Plenary Indulgence Available for Participants in Events Surrounding March for Life Pope Francis has made available a Plenary Indulgence to participants in the events surrounding the March for Life, which will take place in Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia next Thursday and Friday, Jan. 18 and 19. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines an indulgence as “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions.” An indulgence may be applied to both the living and the dead. To gain this Plenary Indulgence, a person must go to confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the pope and take part in the events surrounding this year’s March for Life. Furthermore, the aged, sick and those truly unable to leave home to attend the March for Life events in the Washington area may also obtain the Plenary Indul- gence by spiritually joining themselves to the 2018 March for Life ceremonies with the intention of fulfilling the other conditions as soon as possible. January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 9 Spotlight on Seminarians for the Diocese of Allentown Zachary Wehr, Third Theology, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia By TARA CONNOLLY picked up two new hobbies which I really Staff writer enjoy: skiing in the winter months and playing golf in the warmer months. Describe why you entered into dis- I also enjoy cooking and spending cernment for the priesthood or when time with my family and friends. I have you heard the call from God. always enjoyed being outdoors, so when I entered the seminary after attend- I have the chance I still like to go hiking ing East Stroudsburg University for two and camping. years. From as early as I can remember, being a priest was always something that What is life like as a seminarian? I thought was a possibility. After much The life of a seminarian is hard to ex- prayer and discernment, I entered St. plain in a few sentences. Charles Borromeo Seminary because I We begin each day with Morning believed that God was calling me to serve Prayer and Mass followed by class. In the the Church and his people as a priest. afternoon we have time to work out, work on assignments and get involved with dif- Describe your parents, family and ferent groups/clubs at the seminary. friends that have been important to We gather each day before dinner to your life. pray Evening Prayer. While praying is My family and friends are the most not the only thing that we do in a day’s important people I have in my life. Each time, it is the most important. Being a member of my family has supported and seminarian means being in daily conver- encouraged me in my vocation in their sation with God. own particular way. The “community” aspect of the semi- My mother, father, sister and grand- nary is one of the greatest aspects of parents have inspired me to continue on seminary life. There is a deep bond of my journey toward the priesthood. friendship and fraternity that is fostered My extended family and friends from through our daily prayer and interactions high school have also been a great sup- with one another. port. I am unbelievably grateful for my Finally, I would be remiss not to men- brothers here at St. Charles Borromeo tion my brother seminarians. They have Seminary. I have made great friends, been both a great support and inspiration many of whom I would have never met for me during my time in the seminary. had I not entered the seminary. I thank God for my seminary experi- What are some of your interests or ence up to this point and can’t wait to see hobbies? the great plans that God has in store for There are a few things that I enjoy me and my brother seminarians. Zachary Wehr, right, diocesan seminarian, spends time with his sister, Emily, doing in my free time. I have recently during a ski trip. Culture of Encounter: Family Holy Hours The Office of Youth, Young Adult, and panic population will be bilingual. Lehigh Deanery – Sunday, Jan. 28, Schuylkill-Carbon Deaneries – Sun- Family Ministry is partnering with 12 Pick up a postcard at the parish for the 11:15 a.m., Assumption BVM, 2181 day, Jan. 28, noon, Sacred Heart, 259 La- parishes in each deanery to offer a month- schedule, or visit www.allentowndiocese. Washington Ave., Northampton; Sunday, fayette Ave., Palmerton; Sunday, Feb. 11, ly Eucharistic holy hour specifically for org/encounter. To sign up for text mes- Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m., Annunciation BVM, 12:30 p.m., St. Joseph at St. Ann, 49 N. families from November 2017 through sage reminders, text your Deanery’s code 122 W. Union St., Catasauqua. Line St., Frackville. October 2018. to 81010: @BerksFHH, @LehighFHH, Bring your whole family to encounter @NorthFHH, @SchuylCar. Christ. Stay for a few minutes or for the Upcoming holy hours in January and whole hour. Babies, toddlers, children, February are: teens, young adults, and adults are all Berks Deanery – Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 welcome. p.m., St. John Baptist de la Salle, 420 Prayer resources will be provided for Holland St., Shillington. both children and adults in English and Northampton Deanery – Sunday, Jan. Spanish. Some Holy Hours will provide 21, 1 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an opportunity for silent prayer, while 560 N. Sixth St., Bangor; Sunday, Feb. others will have planned prayer services. 25, 11 a.m., St. Anthony of Padua, 900 Holy Hours at parishes with a large His- Washington St., Easton. Cultura del Encuentro: Horas Santas Familiares La Oficina de Juventud, Adultos y adultos son bienvenidos. Jóvenes y Ministerio de Familia se ha Se proporcionarán recursos de oración asociado con las doce parroquias en cada para niños y adultos en inglés y español. decanato para ofrecer mensualmente una Algunas Horas Santas brindarán una Hora Santa de Adoración Eucarística oportunidad para la oración silenciosa, específicamente para las familias desde mientras que otras tendrán servicios de noviembre de 2017 hasta octubre de oración planificados. Las horas santas 2018. en las parroquias con una gran población Traiga a toda su familia al encuentro hispana serán bilingües. de Cristo. Quédese unos minutos o du- Recoja una postal en la parroquia para rante toda la hora. Bebés, niños peque- el horario, o visite www.allentowndio- ños, niños, adolescentes, adultos jóvenes cese.org/encounter. The Nov. 26 holy hour for families at St. Paul Church, Allentown.

Switch to an Online Subscription To transfer your print subscription of The Courage and EnCourage groups A.D. Times to instead receive an email noti- fication with a link to each new issue posted Persons with same-sex attraction have monthly for those dealing with this issue. with compassion. Group meetings are on the diocesan website, send the following always been with us. There is now formal Does a member of your family have held monthly in the Diocese of Allen- information to adtimes@allentowndiocese. outreach from the Catholic Church in the same-sex attraction? Are you having dif- town. org:Email address, name, address. parish, way of support groups and information ficulty dealing with the issue? Encourage For more information on Courage and daytime phone number and subscriber num- for such persons. The Diocese of Allen- is a ministry of the Catholic Church giv- EnCourage: 610-334-9147 or www.cour- ber. town conducts Courage group meetings ing faithful witness to Catholic teaching agerc.org. 10 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018 Forty Hours Help Inspire Vocations at Allentown Central Catholic By TAMI QUIGLEY that I will win the victory; and so it is. Staff writer The bread of the Strong gives me all the strength I need to carry on my mission “Years of grace have been poured out and to do whatever the Lord asks of me.” upon our school through the blessing of “The Bread of the Strong and the Forty Hours. Graces flowing down like a Bread of Life is what makes Central waterfall in abundance from the throne of Catholic a mighty Viking Nation and a our King have blessed this family and our family with a Eucharistic heart,” Father students in so many ways, and inspired Searles said. them to seek to live out heroic voca- “We are so blessed and praised by Je- tions,” Father Mark Searles, chaplain of sus Christ that we try to teach every sin- Allentown Central Catholic High School gle one of our kids that they are loved and (ACCHS), said in his homily at the clos- called to share Christ’s love in the world. ing of the Dec. 14-15 Forty Hours at the I believe that because of Forty Hours, school. they will share that love and continue to “Several men have been called to be grow in it long after their time here on courageous soldiers and sharers in the sa- Fourth and Chew streets in Allentown.” cred priesthood of Jesus Christ, bringing that same Eucharist to hungry and lost Strohl souls,” Father Searles said. Strohl explained Forty Hours began “Several women have called to be he- 15 years ago when Father Frans Berkhout roic missionaries, carrying the grace and Father Mark Searles prays with students before the Blessed Sacrament Dec. was principal of ACCHS. He had placed love they received in this family into the 15 during the close of Forty Hours at Allentown Central Catholic High School Strohl and John Gribowich, now a priest world as religious sisters, brides of Christ (ACCHS) (Photos by John Simitz) in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, in testifying to his infinite love. charge of campus ministry “with a direc- “And many men and women who tru- “So many of our young people who Father John Rother, assistant pastor of tive to work on increasing our Catholic ly encountered Christ in the Eucharistic have gone on to the priesthood and re- St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, and Fa- identity.” heart of this school have entered into the ligious life have said that they received ther Brendan Laroche, assistant pastor of “Father Berkhout felt that it was es- profound unity of the sacrament of mar- an affirmation of their vocation sitting in Holy Infancy, Bethlehem, are the newest sential that a Catholic high school student riage where they can share the love they front of the Blessed Sacrament at Forty priests who gradu- graduate with a proper un- have found in Jesus and send their own Hours,” said Mary Ellen Strohl, ACCHS ated from ACCHS, derstanding of the Eucha- children back to join us at ACCHS.” campus ministry retreat coordinator. and Philip Maas is rist and the Sacrament of a seminarian. “The key thing about Confession,” she said. Religious sisters adoration is trying to Father Berkhout is now who have graduated be counter cultural assistant pastor of St. Je- from the school and in a noisy world. The rome, Largo, Florida. entered the Sisters Church offers this to us “We know that students of Christian Charity learn best through experi- (SCC) are: Sister to strengthen the Body ence. Father Gribowich Elizabeth Kovacs of Christ.” proposed an experience of (Elizabeth Kovacs); Forty Hours, a two-day re- Sister Marie Jose treat for our students. This (Sara de la Rosa); Sister Maria Ange- retreat would be appealing line (Rachel Weiss) and Sister Josephine to young people with activities and guest (Lauren Wagner). speakers that would really engage adoles- Sister Immaculata Marie (Marie Poli- cents. Adoration has become an essential care) is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia part of an ACCHS student’s spiritual for- (OP), having entered the Nashville Do- mation ever since,” Strohl said. minicans. “Adoration involves the whole person, involves all of our senses: the candles, Father Searles the monstrance, the music, the incense, “My own vocation was nourished prayer, kneeling. A student’s entire body with the Eucharist when I was in high and mind is asked to respond. They re- school,” said Father Searles. “Our youth spond to the silence so beautifully.” group prayed in front of the tabernacle, speaking to the Lord from our hearts in Father John Gribowich silence and with beautiful music to give Father Gribowich, former ACCHS him thanks and praise. faculty member, was ordained a priest for “Even though we didn’t know at the the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2015 and is time the Lord was molding and shaping assistant pastor of St. Nicholas of Tolen- our hearts, and my own was being con- tine, Jamaica, Queens, New York. formed in some small ways to have the “The key thing about adoration is courage to follow the path towards the trying to be counter-cultural in a noisy priesthood.” Father Searles recalled St. Faustina said, “Holy Communion assures me Please see VOCATIONS page 22 }} Above, Sisters of Life (SV) Sister Gi- anna Maria speaks during the closing of Forty Hours. A native of Delaware, she works in the Bronx, New York in vocations ministry in the postulant house. Right, Sister alumnae and students gather in Rockne Hall for Eucharistic Adoration. January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 11

‘Parenting the Internet Generation’ to ‘Faith and Spirits’ to Discuss Shroud What is the Shroud of Turin? Where fortable setting. It is offered at various Help Protect Families from Pornography does it come from? What can relics like locations throughout the Diocese with a Pornography is a pervasive problem this tell us about Christ? variety of engaging speakers and intrigu- today for people of all ages, especially These questions and more will be dis- ing topics. teens. However, many parents aren’t sure cussed during “Faith and Spirits” Mon- All adults are welcome. There is no how to protect their families, beyond us- day, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at P.J. Wheli- charge for attending and no registration ing traditional internet filters. han’s Pub, 1101 Rocky Road, West Lawn. is required. There will be menus avail- These topics will be addressed in “Par- The informal discussion will be pre- able for ordering food and drink at your enting the Internet Generation,” a special sented by Sister Rose Mulligan of Im- expense. presentation Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. maculata University. For questions or more information, at the University Center of DeSales Uni- “Faith and Spirits” was created by the visit www.allentowndiocese.org/faith- versity, Center Valley. Diocesan Office of Adult Formation to and-spirits or contact the Office of Adult Speaker Matt Fradd will offer parents nography and assist individuals in over- provide a forum for all adult Catholics Formation by email adultformation@ a detailed look at the way pornography coming porn addiction. to learn more about their faith in a com- allentowndiocese.org or call 610-289- harms us and offer practical strategies The free event is being sponsored by 8900, ext. 2021. that parents need to implement to protect the Diocese of Allentown Secretariat for their children from the lies of an over- Catholic Life and Evangelization. th sexualized culture. Participants are asked to register at Salesian Center to Host 13 Heritage Week Fradd is a Catholic apologist and chas- www.allentowndiocese.org/family-min- tity speaker. He works with the internet- The Salesian Center for Faith and featuring Patrick Novecosky, publicist, istry. For questions, call 610-289-8900, Culture will host the 13th annual Heri- author, journalist and communicator. accountability company Covenant Eyes, ext. 2028. to help protect families from online por- tage Week at DeSales University, Center He will speak about “Finding Truth in a Valley, a series of events celebrating the World of Fake News.” legacy of St. Francis de Sales, patron of The week will close Thursday, Jan. 25 DeSales University. at 8 p.m. in the University Center with The week will begin Sunday, Jan. 21 at the R. Wayne and Joan Kraft Memorial 8 p.m. with Mass of St. Francis de Sales Lecture. Special guest Father Thomas in Connelly Chapel. Guest homilist will Kevin Kraft will discuss the influence of be Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. St. Francis de Sales in the married spiri- Monday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in the De- tuality of Elisabeth Leseur. Sales University Center, special guest All events are free and open to the speaker for the biomedical ethics forum public. No tickets are required. will be Yvonne Florczak-Seeman, author, For more information, contact the anti-abortion activist and educator. The Salesian Center at 610-282-1100, ext. topic of discussion will be “The Dignity 1244 or visit www.desales.edu/salesian. of Woman, I Am Pro-Woman,” recogniz- Established in 2000, the Salesian Cen- ing the 45th anniversary of the landmark ter for Faith and Culture’s mission is to Supreme Court decision Roe v Wade. promote the interaction of faith and cul- Ellen Kraft, Esq., active member of ture in a mutually beneficial engagement, the Northampton County and Pennsyl- through academic initiatives that focus vania Bar Associations, will speak at the on the authentic integration of social con- Law and Society Forum in the University cerns and gospel values. Center, Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. The center supports intellectual activ- The University Center will be the site ity in research studies, dialogue events of the Town Hall on Social Communi- including public forums and lectures, and cations Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m., partnership programs. 12 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018 Death Msgr. Joseph Dooley, Pastor Emeritus of St. Rocco, Martins Creek Msgr. Joseph Dooley, May 10, 1956 by Archbishop of Philadel- March 14, 1977. high Deanery and pastor of Holy Trinity 91, pastor emeritus of phia John O’Hara at Immaculate Concep- During the course of his priestly min- Church, Whitehall, presided. St. Rocco Church, Mar- tion Church, Germantown. istry, Msgr. Dooley served as chaplain, Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. tins Creek, died Dec. 26 Msgr. Dooley’s first priestly assign- Newman Club, Moravian College, Beth- Dooley was celebrated Jan. 3 at Our Lady at Holy Family Manor, ment was assistant pastor of the former lehem; regional vocation director, Berks of Perpetual Help Church, Bethlehem by Bethlehem. St. Canicus Church, Mahanoy City, fol- County; regional director, Confraternity Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Born in Sharon Hill, lowed by assistant pastor, SS. Simon of Christian Doctrine, Carbon County; Homilist was Father Bernard Ezaki, Msgr. Dooley was the and Jude Church, Bethlehem, and assis- diocesan director, St. Vincent de Paul So- assistant pastor of St. Jane Frances de son of the late Daniel tant pastor, St. John Baptist de la Salle ciety; member, Diocesan Board of Edu- Chantal Church, Easton. and Barbara (Boyle) Church, Shillington. cation; regional director, Advisory Board, Main concelebrants were Bishop Dooley. He was pre- Msgr. Dooley’s first pastoral as- Social Action Bureau, Carbon County; Emeritus of Allentown Edward Cullen; ceded in death by his signment was at the former St. Patrick regional director, Family Life Bureau, Msgr. David James, vicar general; Msgr. brother, Father Daniel Church, McAdoo. He was then named Carbon County; regional director, Holy Gerald Gobitas, secretary for clergy, Dooley. pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, Name Societies, Carbon County; region- chancellor and rector, Holy Family Villa; Msgr. Dooley attended Holy Spirit Jim Thorpe, followed by pastor, St. Cath- al director, Vocations Apostolate, Carbon Msgr. Sacks; Father Joseph Kweder, ad- Elementary School, Sharon Hill; Sharon arine of Siena Church, Mount Penn, and County; member, Pius X High School ministrator of St. Rocco; Father Anthony Hill Public School; and St. James Cath- later to pastor, St. Rocco Church, Martins Budget Board; Advisory Board member, Drouncheck, chaplain of Holy Family olic High School, Chester. He later at- Creek. Pius X High School; and president, Advi- Manor, Bethlehem; Father E. Michael tended St. Philip Neri School for Delayed Msgr. Dooley retired June 17, 2003 sory Board, Pius X High School. Camilli, senior priest at Holy Guardian Vocations, Massachusetts, followed by and was named pastor emeritus of St. Vigil Service for Msgr. Dooley was Angels Church, Reading and spiritual di- St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Phila- Rocco, with residence at St. Joseph the held Jan. 2. Homilist was Msgr. Edward rector of Holy Family Villa, Bethlehem; delphia, where he received a bachelor of Worker Rectory, Orefield. Sacks, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual and Father Ezaki. arts degree. Msgr. Dooley was named Prelate of Help Church, Bethlehem. Msgr. Dan- Interment took place in Holy Savior He was ordained to the priesthood Honor by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on iel Yenushosky, vicar forane of the Le- Cemetery, Bethlehem. Death Deacon John Allison, Served in Chaplaincy Programs Deacon John Allison, 90, of Reading permanent diacon- Chaplaincy Program, St. Joseph’s Hos- ed Dec. 22 at SS. Cyril and Methodius died Dec. 16. ate Oct. 16, 1982 by pital, Reading, and to St. Paul Church, Church, Reading. Msgr. Thomas Orsulak Surviving are his loving wife of 45 Bishop of Allentown Reading. He was later assigned to the was principal celebrant. years, Barbara (Plank) Allison; a son, Joseph McShea in Chaplaincy Program, Burial was in Gethsemane Cemetery John (and Noreen) Allison Jr.; four the Cathedral of St. Wernersville State Hospital, Werner- after the Mass. grandchildren; and eight great-grand- Catharine of Siena, sville, and to SS. Cyril and Methodius children. He was predeceased by his first Allentown. Church, Reading, where he served until wife, Mary (Correnti) Allison. Bishop McShea his retirement in July 2011. Deacon Allison was ordained to the assigned him to the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrat- January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 13 The Peace Light Continues to Burn Brightly at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Msgr. Thomas Baddick, pastor of At the school Mass third-grader and Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, re- Cub Scout Ethan Whalen had the honors ceived the “Peace Light” during a school of carrying the Peace Light in the en- Mass Dec. 8. trance processional. “What a journey it took,” he said, At the altar, all the altar lights and the “traveling from Bethlehem in the Holy Advent Wreath were lighted. After Mass, Land to Catasauqua Road in Bethlehem.” all the vigil candles burning in the Mary Since 2002 a child from Austria gets Shrine room were put out, then relighted the “Peace Light” from the Grotto of the with the flame of the Peace Light. Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The For the remainder of the year the light is carried in two blast-proof miners’ Peace Light will continue to burn brightly lamps on an Austrian Airlines jet from at Notre Dame Church in all the candles Tel Aviv, Israel to Vienna, Austria. From in the Shrine Room. there, it is distributed across Europe, and The Austrians ask that all recipients of eventually to New York City. the Peace Light embrace this simple chal- Then it goes to various organizations, lenge: “We gladly receive this light as a especially the Boy Scouts of America, sign of our willingness to be channels of who spread it throughout the country peace, by our words and actions.” leading up to Christmas. Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church Notre Dame has received the Peace and School gladly has accepted this chal- Light the past 10 years, thanks to Jim lenge. Sorenson, a Scout Leader and father If any Scout groups or parishes would of Notre Dame School science teacher like to receive the Peace Light, contact Cathy Schneible. He faithfully makes the Msgr. Baddick at 610-866-4371 or tbad- journey to New York to receive the Light. [email protected].

Msgr. Thomas Baddick lights the Peace Light, carried by Ethan Whalen.

America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally Right, local participants in the America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary Rally gather Oct. 14 at Abundant Graces, 3348 Easton Ave., Bethlehem. This was one of over 20,000 rallies that took place across the country that day, offering reparation for the sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and prayer for the conversion of the United States. Captain of the event was Carolyn Lipsky of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Parish.

Bikers and their bikes blessed Members of the New Minersville Fire House Bikers Association attended the 10:30 a.m. Mass as a group Sept. 24 at St. Matthew the Evangelist, Miners- ville. After the Mass, Father Leo Maletz, pastor, assisted by Deacon James Henninger, invoked the intercession of St. Columban, patron saint of bikers, and blessed both bikers and their bikes. 14 The A.D. Times Youth & Young Adults January 11, 2018 Priest Shares Stories of Working With St. Teresa of Calcutta By ALEXA DONCSECZ “Sometimes in life we go through Special to The A.D. Times pain, but often the place of the wound is the place of healing. Sometimes you have “What are the first words that come to take a person back into their pain and to your mind when you hear the name talk about the pain, and it’s only after this Mother Teresa?” Msgr. Michael Mannion that they’re able to truly heal. posed this question to approximately 30 “Mother had a habit when someone young adults at the Nov. 20 Theology on was dying. She would hold their face in Tap event at Corked Wine Bar, Bethle- her hands and she would tell them ‘When hem. you see Jesus, tell him I love you. Tell Msgr. Mannion, a priest of the Diocese him that we prayed with you.’ of Camden, New Jersey, shared memo- Msgr. Mannion shared that as one man ries of time spent with the now saint as was dying he told Mother Teresa, “I’ve he presented the topic “Working Beside lived as an animal, but I died as a human a Saint: Stories of St. Teresa of Calcutta.” being.” In response to Msgr. Mannion’s ques- “Mother was someone who had God’s tion, young adults shared words such as gift to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict “humility,” “selflessness” and “love.” For us if we got too comfortable – always each new word proposed by a member with a heart of love,” Msgr. Mannion of the audience, Msgr. Mannion shared said. “She believed that by the grace of a story from his work with St. Teresa in Christ, everyone could do what she was which she exhibited that value. doing, and that everyone has a way to “She was 4’11”; Time Magazine said serve the poor. she was the most powerful woman in the “It may not always be a financial pov- world. She never knew how to shoot a Msgr. Michael Mannion shares his memories of Mother Teresa during the Nov. erty. Sometimes it is a spiritual poverty.” gun, never committed an act of violence 10 Theology on Tap event at the Corked Wine Bar in Bethlehem. (Photos by Msgr. Mannion described Mother’s – how did she make peace?” Msgr. Man- Alexa Doncsecz) outreach to women who had received nion asked. “She prayed and she was abortions, and how she would carry stubborn, in that order.” around religious medals to give them af- When Msgr. Mannion first met Mother all for Jesus, through Mary. Be a holy arms,” Msgr. Mannion reflected. “But ter praying with them. Teresa, he was volunteering as a student priest.” This was a rare and special gift then I got to see that person recover. As “Can you imagine the power of that, in a Prenestina, a poor area of Rome, in because she almost never allowed her time went on, I had less compassion for when you’ve had a couple abortions and the 1960s and ’70s. The locals suggested picture to be taken. the pain and more commitment to the life. you think God doesn’t love you?” Msgr. he meet the Indian sisters who were serv- “Every time someone took her picture “If I let too much emotional compas- Mannion said. “Many of these women ing there, so he did. It wasn’t long after she said Jesus had to bring a soul into sion get in the way, by the time I got the were then motivated to get involved in that one of the sisters, Sister Victoria, told Heaven,” Msgr. Mannion added. needle in, that little child would be dead. the pro-life movement, to get involved in him that their Mother Superior was com- After he became a priest, Msgr. Man- The price of the pain was the survival of ing to Rome and needed to be picked up. nion felt called to serve the poor and the child. Please see STORIES page 15 }} “I knocked on Bishop Hickey’s door reached out to Mother Teresa to ask if he and asked, ‘Bishop, can I borrow your car could join her in her missionary work. tomorrow? I need to pick up some nun She advised him not to come, saying at the airport.’ So I borrowed his car and that Americans were being killed on the picked up Mother Teresa.” streets. When they arrived at the convent in “I asked her, ‘If I come, will you put another poor section of Rome, Mother me up?’ She responded with four words: Teresa told Msgr. Mannion that they ‘Yes, but don’t come.’ So, obviously, I needed a priest to celebrate Mass the next went.” day. He told her he was not yet ordained. Msgr. Mannion went to Calcutta “She said, ‘Can you get us a priest?’ thinking he could dig ditches, but they So I knocked on the bishop’s door again asked him to work with lepers. and said to him, ‘I need your car again, “We had a van with medical supplies but this time I need you in it, to go say where three or four of us would pile in to Mass for these sisters and their superior, go help the lepers,” he explained. “Usu- Mother Teresa.’” ally they came to us not from where they “They really hit it off,” Msgr. Man- lived, but from other parts of the city. If nion went on. “And later when Bishop they came from where they lived, other Hickey became the Archbishop Cardinal people from where they lived would of Washington, he made sure there were know they were lepers and they would five or six homes for Mother Teresa in his burn their houses down.” archdiocese. These were homes for the Msgr. Mannion would give shots to homeless, for unwed mothers, contem- the lepers and clean their wounds, show- plative homes for prayer. ing them a bit of love and kindness. At the time of Msgr. Mannion’s ordi- “I remember my first time giving nation, Mother Teresa sent him a picture. shots, and causing tremendous pain as I Young adults listen to Msgr. Mannion’s reflections about Mother Teresa and On the back of it she wrote, “Be only tried to find the right vein in such small her service.

Msgr. Mannion presents a relic of Mother Theresa to the Office of Youth, Thea Aclo, director of the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, Young Adult at Family Ministry. Accepting are Theo Aclo, right, director, and introduces Msgr. Mannion. Alexa Doncsecz, assistant director. January 11, 2018 Youth & Young Adults The A.D. Times 15 Stories Jan. 22 }}Continued from page 14 ‘Theology on Tap’

their churches, and to help heal others.” on J.R.R. Tolkien Finally, Msgr. Mannion spoke of Mother Teresa’s own experience with suffering. The next Theology on Tap, “The “She went through a dark night of the soul,” he Catholicism of J.R.R. Tolkien,” will said. “If you read any of the mystics – John of the be Monday, Jan. 22 at Bar Louie in the Cross, Therese of Lisieux – seeking an intimate Promendade Shops, 2960 Center Valley closeness to God challenges us in a deep and pro- Parkway, Center Valley. found way, but also introduces us to a lot of struggles. Many know of the English author “How do you most identify with Christ? Moth- Tolkien for his famous works of fantasy er sought to identify with Christ in the cross. God such as “The Hobbit” and “The Lord blessed her with identification with the crucified of the Rings.” Throughout his long life, Christ, and that meant some deep struggles. Ulti- Tolkien remained devoted to his Catholic mately it led her to a deeper experience of Christ that faith, and his beliefs are often reflected in was not unlike the great mystics. his work. “Whenever something happens to us, it makes Father Christopher Landis, a priest of us either bitter or better; they learn how to use your the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will dis- wound as a gift, and that is part of the secret of Moth- cuss the Catholic roots of Tolkien’s life er Teresa.” and literature. Msgr. Mannion was in Washington the day Moth- Theology on Tap is a monthly series er Teresa died, Sept. 5, 1997, at age 87. He described sponsored by the diocesan Office of it as a very sad morning. Youth, Young Adult and Family Minis- He ended his presentation on a note of encour- try (OYYAFM). The series is designed to agement, challenging the young adults to go out and welcome all young adults, single or mar- contribute to the world according to God’s plan for ried, together in a casual setting where their lives. they can grow in the faith and share com- “You have a gift that Mother didn’t have, and she munity with one another. had a gift that you don’t have. She understood that Theology on Tap events are free of the body of Christ is a mosaic with many different charge. Food and beverage can be or- colors and shapes of glass,” he explained. dered from the menu at the event site. For “I pray that something of this story tonight moti- more information, visit www.allentown- vates you to want to do something beautiful for God.” diocese.org/tot or email Alexa Doncsecz at [email protected].

Youth Ministry Programs Have ‘aMAZEing time’ The youth ministry programs of St. Catharine of Siena and Holy Guard- ian Angels, both in Reading, collabo- rated in fall to share an “aMAZEing time,” Pictured is the group after a tasty meal together, which involved a brief lesson on being “flashlights” in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16), in preparation for using their personal flashlights at the exciting corn maze and other attractions of Mast Farms New Book Club in Morgantown. Forming for Young Adult Catholics Retreat for Those Who Minister to Youth From Tolkien to Thomas Merton Those who minister to the youth of the time to reconnect with God and experi- – from Shakespeare to St. Augustine – Diocese of Allentown are invited to “The ence the joy of Christian community. from Jane Austen to Julian of Norwich – Petros Retreat” Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 Sacraments, grace, coffee and lunch will great works of literature have the power a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Francis Center for be offered. to challenge and strengthen our Christian Renewal, Bethlehem. Deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 19, faith. The prayerful morning will include at www.allentowndiocese.org/petros. “Lehigh Valley Inklings,” a new book club for young adult Catholics ages 21 to 35, will meet once a month to explore a classic through the lens of Catholicism. The next meeting will be Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Whole Foods (Coffee Bar), Youth Groups Invited to Teen Trivia Night 750 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. Join the group for a discussion of Youth groups are invited to the second Dinner will be provided. Teams from J.R.R. Tolkien. The reading for this meet- “Teen Trivia Night: Catholic Edition” local parishes (youth confirmed and up) ing is the short story “Leaf by Niggle,” Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. are invited to compete. Trophy to the which you can find online at http:// The event will be hosted by reigning winning team; winner asked to host next augustinecollective.org/wp-content/ champs, the youth group of St. Charles competition. Teams should consist of 8 to uploads/2016/06/2.1-Leaf-by-Niggle- Borromeo Parish, 1115 Walnut St., Ash- 10 individuals; parishes may enter more Reading.pdf. land. than one team. The themes of this story resonate with There were also be a talk, “Anchoring Teams are asked to register by email- Tolkien’s work in crafting the world of the Soul in Hope,” featuring guest speaking Sue Klinger at sklinger@trinitymat- “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” er Mary Matunis. ters.com.

Have you registered your seventh- or teams from the Diocesan Catholic high Haven. Upcoming eighth-graders for “Confirming Faithful schools. Parish leaders are asked to register Families” yet? Upcoming rallies are (all Saturdays): their group by emailing Alexa Doncsecz Rallies for confirmation candidates Feb. 3 at St. Thomas More, Allentown. at [email protected]. Confirmation throughout the Diocese are sponsored Feb. 24 at Notre Dame High School, Parents are asked to register at http:// by the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Easton. www.allentowndiocese.org/cff. Rallies Adult and Family Ministry, and retreat March 10 at St. Ambrose, Schuylkill 16 The A.D. Times Sports January 11, 2018 Fall Is Championship Season for Many Diocesan Schools By TAMI QUIGLEY trict championship, were runners-up in Staff writer states.

“The price of success is hard work, Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), dedication to the job at hand and the de- Reading termination that whether we win or lose, Bill Hess, assistant principal for ath- we have applied the best of ourselves to letics and discipline at Berks Catholic the task at hand.” High School (BCHS), said in football the These words of Vince Lombardi – who Saints were the BCIAA (Berks County knew a little something about winning Interscholastic Athletic Association) – can be seen shining in teams through- League Champion and the District 3 4A out the Diocese of Allentown, who have Champion. achieved celebrated successes and given BCHS was the BCIAA Section 2 their best in this year’s fall sports season. champion in golf. In field hockey, the school was the BCIAA Section 2 Cham- Allentown Central Catholic High pion. BCHS was BCIAA Section Cham- School (ACCHS) pion in tennis. The Allentown Central Catholic High The BCHS Youth Football Mites team School (ACCHS) Vikings girls’ cross- The Allentown Central Catholic High School girls’ cross-country team, which was the 2017 champion of the Berks country team placed second in the PIAA placed second at the PIAA 2A Championship, from left, Olivia Lucci Herzog, County Youth Football League. The (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Emmie Janis, Miranda Gulyez, Emily Jobes, Alyssa Deschler, Emily Deschler, championship game took place Nov. 12, Association) 2A Championship and were Sydney Harris, Devon Montanari, Amanda Svetz, Paige Egan and Gabrielle 2017. It was the team’s first champion- District 11 PIAA 2A champions. Sacks. (Photo courtesy of David Ackerman) ship. The Saints defeated Exeter 21-18 David Ackerman, head coach of cross in the championship game and went 10-0 country/track and field and an English for the season. teacher at ACCHS, said Emily Deschler row at states and her third medal at states, with her 17th-place finish. won the EPC (Eastern Pennsylvania Con- leading the girls’ team to a second-place Sydney Harris earned medalist honors Marian High School, Tamaqua ference) Championship and the District finish. by placing eighth at the district champi- Tina Caparell won the 1A State Cham- 11 PIAA 2A Championship, leading her Emily’s sister Alyssa also fared well, onships. pionship in cross country. team to the district championship. earning All EPC honors with her fifth- Sophomore Emilie Wright won a dis- She placed fifth in the PIAA 2A Cham- place finish, placing second to her sister trict title in golf. Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville pionship, her second fifth place finish in a at districts, and earning a medal at states The volleyball team, which won a dis- Jennifer Daubert, director of development at Nativity, said the girls’ volleyball team was crowned the District XI Class A runner up in volleyball after a five-set defeat to Marian High School, Tamaqua Oct. 31. Notre Dame High School, Easton The boys’ cross-country team of Notre Dame High School was Colonial League champions and District XI AA Champi-

Please see CHAMPIONS page 17 }}

Education The Diocese of Allen- town has a vibrant and vital 21st century Catho- lic school system. The Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading football team, the BCIAA (Berks County Interscholastic Athletic As- • Our schools em- sociation) League Champion and the District 3 4A Champion, from left: front, Colby Newton, Jacob Arquisola, Brigham phasize academic excellence Kobularcik, A’Lundas Isaac, Owen Anton, Andrew McConnell, Nolan Larkin, Jase Fowler, Jamin Smith, Jack Burke, and Catholic formation. C.J. Carwll, Anthony Myers, Ariel Jaquez, Luis Garcia, Luis Santos, Bobby Hughes, Angel Arias, Clayton Gibbs; sec- • Fully 96 percent of our high ond row, Jaden Bookser, Kevin Zambito, Joseph Albert, Angel Urena, Jasen Esposito, Ray Serafin, Phil Bennethum, school students go on to col- Vince Serafin, Bill Hess, Rick Keeley, Keith Leamer, Chama Carwll, Neil George, Dave Stahler, Alex Swavely, Stephen lege. Brennon, Josh Bolton, Nick Gonzalez; third row, Max Murphy, Michael O’Neill, Johnny Schlouch, Greg Schwenk, Riley • Our schools enhance evange- Adams, Enrique Albino, Quinn Foley, Gino Gaspari, Will DeYoung, Mohamed Sheriff, Kyle Roberts, Ricardo Albino, lization. Tyler Martin, Guillermo Monzon, Jaden Vazquez, Jordan Breiner; fourth row, Nico Myers, Tom Molteni, Lincoln Lutz, • When non-Catholics attend Jack Hagelbarger, Drew Feightner, Dan Fromuth, Vito Gentile, Braden Hecker, Thomas Esterbrook, Niko Sarangoulis, Catholic schools, the result Dylan Patrick, Owen Wolfe, Cooper Lutz, Matt Hagelbarger, Riese Grim; back, Charlie Haubrich, Trevor Leamer, Terry often is the student and his or Derr, Jackson Gofus, Evan McElderry, Brendan Redmond-Smith, Brandon George, Luke Painton, John Blanco, Tyrese her family embraces the faith. Dargan, David Jones, Owen Winters, Matt Hughes, Tre Dabney, Izaiah David, Andrew Chiarelli. Not pictured is coach Jake Latchum. (Photo courtesy of VSN Photography)

The BCHS BCIAA Section 2 champion in golf, from left: front, Cole Naso, Aus- tin Bortz, Ryan Goldschmidt, Michael Fioravante, Henry Pilliod, Patrick Gold- The BCHS BCIAA Section 2 Champion in field hockey, from left: front, Xue schmidt, Benjamin Alban, Bryce Shelley, Dominic Riccione, Andrew Gombar; Shao, Olivia Geishauser, Mia Hess, Emma Wright, Julia Harris, Olivia Martz- second row, Garrett Heidecker, Kaitlyn Munter, Bella Duddy, Aubrey Hanley, Wagaman, Amara Midouhas, Lauryn Sirgey, Emily Heck, Allie Forkin; second Carley Scicchitano, coach Mike Spear, coach Barry Rientek, Taylor Miller, row, Sydney Grim, MacKenzie Partsch, Crystal Scolastico, Olivia Chiarelli, Hunter Hirneisen, Katie Morelli, Hannah Zientek, Chet DePue; back, Chris- manager Sarah Lala, Mia Corbacio, Belle Bressler, Kennedi Kutz, Ayanna tian Anewalt, Michael Duddy, Jake Bobb, George Leonhardt, Alex Cloak, Jack Park; back, Molly Duncan, Shawn Menden, Kyra Birmingham, Aislin Reinert, Zanecosky, John Iswalt, Nick Fioravante, Andrew Schreffler. (Photo courtesy Lilly Derr, Madeline Iswalt, Abby Franey, Megan Yoder. (Photo courtesy of of VSN Photography) VSN Photography) January 11, 2018 Sports The A.D. Times 17

in cross country. The boys’ soccer team took the Dis- Champions trict XI AA championship. }}Continued from page 16 In girls’ tennis, Logan Lencheski and Emma Anmolsingh were District XI AA ons. John Koons earned a state medal by doubles champions. finishing 14th at the state championships

The BCHS BIAA Section champion in tennis, from left: front, Liz Orlando, Casey Emkey, Caitlyn Changco, Gigi Nawa, Vicki Zandier, Erin Maloney, Ol- ivia Butler, Felicia Nawa, Sofia Woytovich; second row, Nicole Krepps, Rachel Kostival, Rebekah Schnatz, Lizzie Goodman, Katy Burke, Mary Banco, Kacie Kirkpatrick, Caroline Kominick; back, Hannah Landau, Lauren Naso, Olivia Vagnoni, coach Lauren Urban, Catherine Maher, Leah Williams, Bella Ditsky. (Photo courtesy of VSN Photography)

The BCHS Youth Football Mites team wins its first championship as the 2017 champion of the Berks County Youth Football League. Players include: Liam Atkins, Chase Bauer, Jonathan Bennett, Giovanni Brendlen, Dante Casantini, Jack Charilli, Zane Conlon, Aidan Curley, Aidan Dauble, Nick Defazio, Samuel Diaz, Armanni Dominguez, Brendlen Giovanni, Madyx Gruber, Gabe Iswalt, Ezra Jackson, Asa Jarjusi, Aiden Jiminez, Aiden Johnson, Luke Jordan, Trey Keating, Jackson Kozik, Jason Leininger, Jake Linderman, Jaheim Lusane, Amado Morales, Liam Myers, Liam Ottinger, Grant Partsch, Palmer Reber, Peter Schmehl, Clayton Smith, Maverick Stinsky, Trey Stricker, Zach Suski, Mathew Thomas, Ricardo Tinoco and Caleb Tobin. Coaches are Joe Conlon, Bryan Gofus, Matt Bauer, Tom Curley, George Fields, Ralph Jiminez, Steve Stinsky, Barry Suski and Sean Thompson. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Con- lon)

The girls’ volleyball team of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, the District XI Class A runner ups, display their silver medals, from left: front, Briana Kenton, Allison Bolich, Brianna Honish, Livia Lieberman, Luca Walborn and Morgan Jacoby; second row, Kaitlyn Zemantauski, Jordyn Lubinsky and Emily Flana- gan; back, Brittany Kenton, Cheyanne Morgan, Emily Yordy, Julia Klembara, Samantha Heenan, Allison Clarke and Kierstyn Strausser. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Daubert)

The boys’ cross country team of Notre Dame High School, Easton, Colonial League champions and District XI AA champions. John Koons was District XI AA gold medal winner. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Fenton)

Girls’ tennis District XI AA Doubles champions Logan Lencheski, left and The boys’ soccer team of Notre Dame High School, District XI AA champions. Emma Anmolsingh of Notre Dame High School flank coach Tom D’Angelo. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Fenton) (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Fenton) 18 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018

Spaghetti Dinner, parish hall, St. Elizabeth Regional School, Spring, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 8 a.m. Mass Whitehall; seating times 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m.; advance tickets until 7 p.m. Benediction, 610-678-3767. adults $9, children 5-12 $7, under 5 free; at door $10 and $8; Holy Family Quilters, church basement, Holy Family, Naza- early seating special 4 p.m. $9 and $6; 917-251-9696, celest- reth, 9 a.m.-noon, experienced quilters or those interested in [email protected]. learning are welcome, 610-759-1515, [email protected]. Calendar Tuesday Morning Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Wednesday, Jan. 31 Allentown, 9:30-11 a.m., join anytime, 610-797-9733, ext. 14. Editor’s note: E-mail, fax or mail church-affiliated items for “An Evening with St. Thomas Aquinas – the Theologian,” Catholic Charities Services, Annunciation BVM, Shenan- the Calendar page (Calendar, Retreats, Socials, Festivals, Bishop Barren’s “Catholicism: Pivotal Players,” St. Francis of doah, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., appointments 570-628-0466. Bazaars, Trips) to: e-mail, [email protected]; Assisi, Allentown, 7-9 p.m. Parenting Support Educational Series, Catholic Charities, An- fax, 610-439-7694; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Charismatic Healing Mass, SS. Philip and James, Phil- nunciation BVM, Shenandoah, 11 a.m.-noon, free, for parents 18105-1538. lipsburg, 7 p.m., celebrant Father Cliff Bishop of Diocese of and grandparents of infants through toddlers, register 570-628- Items must be received by Thursday of the week before Allentown, 732-514-7160, [email protected], enensley@aol. 0466. publication. com, 908-200-6763. Adoration, St. Peter, Coplay, 6-7 p.m. Flame of Love Cen- Please type or print. Please notify The A.D. Times if tacle; 7-8 p.m. personal time, end with benediction. bingos and other regularly listed events are cancelled for Saturday, Feb. 3 Scripture Class with Father Paul Marconi, Barnabite Spiritual the summer or other holiday periods, and again when they “The Beauty of Love,” Theology of the Body seminar, Reli- Center, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m., 610-691-8648. resume. gious Education building, St. Mary, Kutztown, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Rosary for Religious Liberty, National Shrine of Our Lady of The A.D. Times publishes only newly announced, church- $20 per person, www.allentowndiocese.org/icf, adultforma- Guadalupe, Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown, 1:30 p.m. affiliated trips on a regular basis. The entire previously [email protected], 610-289-8900, ext. 2021. announced repeating trip list is published only as space First Tuesdays permits. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled Tuesday, Feb. 6 “Simply Prayer” mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, for a trip so it can be removed from the repeating list. “The Man Talk,” speaker Matt Fradd on vision for authentic St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Please do not send items again after they are published. Catholic masculinity, sponsored by Diocese of Allentown Sec- 610-867-8890. For more information, e-mail [email protected] retariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, McShea Building, or call 610-871-5200, ext. 2264. DeSales University, Center Valley, 7 p.m., no charge, register First and third Tuesdays www.allentowndiocese.org/man-talk; questions 610-289-8900, Catechism Classes for Men, Catholic Men of Good News, Saturday, Jan. 13 ext. 2028. Franciscan Center (former convent), St. Francis of Assisi, Al- Prayer Pilgrimage, peaceful prayer to end abortion, Helpers lentown, 7 p.m., 610-462-9700. of God’s Precious Infants; Mass, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, Wednesday, Feb. 7 8 a.m., celebrant Father George Winne; followed by rosary at “Parenting the Internet Generation,” speaker Matt Fradd, Second Tuesdays Allentown Women’s Center, 9:15 a.m.; 610-674-4624, sched- sponsored by Diocese of Allentown Secretariat for Catholic Cancer Support Group, Msgr. Gobitas Meeting Room, St. [email protected], www.facebook.com/helpersallentown/. Life and Evangelization, University Center, DeSales University, Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m. Center Valley, 7 p.m., no charge, register www.allentowndio- Hoagie Sale, Knights of Columbus Cardinal Francis Brennan Sunday, Jan. 14 cese.org/family-ministry, questions 610-289-8900, ext. 2028. Council 618, $4, pickup 9 a.m. until sold out, 201 W. Cherry Breakfast Buffet, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30- St., order 570-590-1188, 570-462-1430. 11:30 a.m., adults $7, children $4, children under 3 Free, also Sundays Rosary and Benediction, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 11, March 11 and April 8. Interpreted Mass, for the hearing impaired, St. Columbkill, Roast Beef Dinner, social hall, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, 3-5 Boyertown, 9 a.m. Wednesdays p.m., adults $10, children 12 and under $6, 610-867-9382. Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, Spiritual Book Study, directed by Pat and Rich Kane, St. Holy Rosary, Reading, 4-5 p.m. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15 Children’s Prayer Group, for children of any age, Perpetual Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Assumption BVM, Bethle- “Working Together to End the School to Prison Pipeline,” in- Adoration Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. hem, 10-11:30 a.m., 610-867-7424, ext. 12. terfaith prayer breakfast, Lehigh Conference of Churches, 457 Holy Hour for Our Families, Our Priests, and Our Country, Rosary and Novena, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 7 p.m. Allen St, Allentown, 9 a.m., $20, register www.lehighchurches. Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m. Bible Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 7-8:30 p.m., org, information 610-433-6421, [email protected]. bring your Bible. First Sundays Wednesday Evening Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Sunday, Jan. 21 Spaghetti Dinner, parish center, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 11:30 Allentown, new time 7-8:30 p.m., join anytime, 610-797-9733, Breakfast, Knights of Columbus Council 14464and Sacred a.m.-2:30 p.m., adults $8, children $3.50. ext.14. Heart of Jesus, Bath, at Sacred Heart, 7-11 a.m., adults $8, Divine Mercy Liturgical Service, St. Teresa of Calcutta, 600 children $4, under 6 free, special this month potato pancakes. W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, 3 p.m., confessions before First and third Wednesdays Breakfast With Frosty, school hall, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sink- liturgy, Anointing of the Sick after liturgy and benediction. Joseph’s People, support group for unemployed and under- ing Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children 6-12 $4, sponsored employed persons, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, 7-8:30 by Knights of Columbus. Second Sundays p.m., 610-385-3699, 484-651-0498, [email protected] or Heritage Week Mass of St. Francis de Sales, Connelly Cha- Breakfast, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 [email protected]. pel, DeSales University, Center Valley, 8 p.m., celebrant and a.m., adults $7, children $4, children 3 and under free, October Women’s Prayer Group, Sister Gertrude Room, Franciscan homilist Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, 610-282-1100, ext. to April. Center, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, fellowship and hospital- 1244, www.desales.edu/salesian, free and open to public, no Youth Mass, students in PREP and Catholic schools asked ity 6:30 p.m., prayer hour 7-8 p.m., 610-509-3167, gatheredin- tickets required. to participate as lectors, greeters, ushers, etc., St. Francis of [email protected]. Assisi, Allentown, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22 Latin Mass, St. Mary, Reading, 12:30 p.m., reconciliation at Second and fourth Wednesdays Heritage Week Forum on Biomedical Ethics, “The Dignity of noon, social after Mass, Facebook “Berks County Traditional God’s Bountiful Table, soup kitchen open for disadvantaged Woman, I Am Pro-Woman,” University Center, DeSales Univer- Latin Mass Community.” and those in need, St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Matthew sity, Center Valley, 7 p.m., presenter Yvonne Florczak-Seeman, Juventutem Lehigh Valley Traditional Latin Mass, Sacred the Evangelist, Minersville, at Father Anthony Ricapito Annex, 610-282-1100, ext. 1244, www.desales.edu/salesian, free and Heart, Bath, 12:30 p.m., followed by meeting at 2:15 p.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., volunteers needed, 570-544-2739. open to public, no tickets required. open to ages 18-36, [email protected], 908-328-6824. Rosary, Marian Prayer Group, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, “The Catholicism of J.R.R. Tolkien,” Theology on Tap for mar- Bereavement Support Group, parish center, St. Joseph the Easton, 610-253-3553. ried and single young adults, Bar Louie, Promenade Shops, Worker, Orefield, 3-4:30 p.m., no membership, sign-in or regis- 2960 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley, 7 p.m., presented tration required, 610-392-2957, [email protected]. Third Wednesdays by Father Christopher Landis, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Cancer Support Group, for those with cancer, caregivers and sponsored by the Diocese of Allentown Office of Youth, Young Third Sundays friends, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m., all are Adult and Family Ministry, [email protected]. Breakfast, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., adults invited, 610-258-1871, 610-253-6439. Tax Preparation Assistance, to senior citizens and those with $8, children 7-11 $4, under 7 free, no breakfast July or Decem- Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, lower incomes, by junior and senior accounting students, De- ber. St. Mary, Kutztown, 7 p.m. Sales University, Center Valley, part of U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, schedule Fourth Sundays Thursdays appointment 610-282-1100, ext. 1868, through Wednesday, Breakfast, Assumption BVM, Northampton, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Bible Study, Wortmann Center, Holy Family, Nazareth, after March 28. adults $7, children $3, 610-262-2559. 8:30 a.m. Mass, bring your Bible. “Prayer of the Heart – Contemplative Prayer,” classes, St. Tuesday, Jan. 23 Last Sunday Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Heritage Week Seminar on Law and Society, “On Legal Breakfast, St. Stephen of Hungary, Allentown, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Scripture Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 Ethics,” University Center, DeSales University, Center Valley, 7 a.m., 610-867-1649. p.m., presented by Ellen Kraft, Esq., 610-282-1100, ext. 1244, Mondays Musical Entertainment, Christopher’s at Columbian Home, www.desales.edu/salesian, free and open to public, no tickets Eucharistic Adoration, chapel, St. Catharine of Siena, Read- Knights of Columbus Calvary Council 528, Allentown, 7-10 required. ing, after 8 a.m. Mass until 9 p.m., 610-779-4005. p.m., 610-432-6333. Serra Club of Bethlehem Meeting, Monocacy Manor, Bethle- Scripture Classes, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30- Faith Sharing, Allentown Bethlehem Catholic Young Adults, hem, dinner 6 p.m., speaker Sister Virginelle of School Sisters 11:30 a.m. Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 7:30-8:45 p.m. of St. Francis. Bible Study on Gospel of John, Coll Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10 to 11:35 a.m., join anytime, 610-867-7424, First Thursdays Wednesday, Jan. 24 [email protected]. Holy Mass with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Heritage Week Town Hall on Social Communications, “Find- Scripture Class with Father Paul Marconi, Barnabite Spiritual Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m. ing the Truth in a World of Fake News,” University Center, Center, Bethlehem, 1-3 p.m., 610-691-8648. DeSales University, Center Valley, 7 p.m., presented by Patrick Monday Evening Bible Study, Finnegan Room, Assumption Second Thursdays Novecosky, 610-282-1100, ext. 1244, www.desales.edu/sale- BVM, Bethlehem, 6:30-8 p.m., 610-867-7424, ext. 12. Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Chapter of the Expectation of sian, free and open to the public, no tickets required. Father Walter Ciszek Prayer Group, Father Ciszek Convent, the Blessed Mother, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 6:30-8:30 p.m., “Life in the Spirit” Seminar, Cathedral of St. Catharine of 18 E. Oak St., Shenandoah, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 610-285-2288, 610-691-6761, 610-865-9236. Siena, Allentown, 7-8:30 p.m., seven-week session through GriefShare Workshop and Support Group, St. Catharine of March 21, 610-217-1739, [email protected]. Siena, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., 610-370- Second and fourth Thursdays 1174. “On-Going Job Transition Workshop,” job transition group for Thursday, Jan. 25 those seeking employment or career advancement, St. Francis Heritage Week Kraft Memorial Lecture with special guest First Mondays Retreat House, Easton, 9-11:30 a.m., free, 610-258-3053, Father Thomas Kevin Kraft, discussing the influence of St. Eucharistic Adoration, Chapel, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. Francis de Sales in the married spirituality of Elizabeth Leseur, Whitehall, after 8 a.m. Mass, evening prayer and benediction University Center, DeSales University, Center Valley, 8 p.m., 5 p.m., second Mondays if falls on federal holiday or holy day, Fridays 610-282-1100, ext. 1244, www.desales.edu/salesian, free and 610-266-0695. Holy Mass, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m. open to public, no tickets required. “Symbolon, the Catholic Faith Explained,” catechetical pro- Fourth Mondays gram, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 “Kids Konnected,” support group for children with a parent Divine Mercy Rosary and Chaplet, Divine Mercy, Shenan- Lehigh Valley Inklings, book club for young adult Catholics being treated for cancer, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Read- doah, 3 p.m. ages 21-35, Whole Foods Coffee Bar, 750 N. Krocks Road, ing, 7 p.m., registration required 610-378-2602, www.kidskon- Eucharistic Adoration, Sacred Heart, Palmerton, confession 8 Allentown, 7 p.m., discussion this month on short story “Leaf nected.org. a.m., Mass 8:30 a.m. followed by adoration until noon, conclud- Niggle” by J.R.R. Tolkien, http://augustinecollective.org/wp- ing with midday prayer and benediction. content/uploads/2016/06/2.1-Leaf-by-Niggle-Reading.pdf, Last Mondays Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Family, Nazareth, Facebook Lehigh Valley Inklings: Young Catholic Book Club. Mass and Veneration of Relic St. Pauline Visintainer, Our after 8:30 a.m. Mass until 5 p.m. Lady’s Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 Collection for Catholic Relief Services, at Diocese of Allen- Tuesdays Please see CALENDAR page 19 }} town parishes, also Sunday, Jan. 28. Eucharistic Day of Prayer, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sinking January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 19

Wednesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday, March 20 – Wednesday, March 21 Lenten Taizé, Retreat Center Chapel, St. Francis Center Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Atlantic Calendar for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., free will offering, led by City, three casinos (Sugar House, Resorts and Tropicana), Sister Barbara DeStefano and Sister Anita Kuchera, 610-867- $125, 610-965-9960. }}Continued from page 18 8890, [email protected], www.stfrancisctr.org. Thursday, March 22 First Fridays Friday, March 16 – Sunday, March 18 55+ Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Hollywood Casino, Respect for Life Holy Hour, Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of “Who Cares for the Caregiver?” weekend retreat for personal Grantville, $30, 610-866-0360. Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m. and professional caregivers, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Family, Nazareth, Wernersville, $200, register www.jesuitcenter.org, questions Saturday, March 24 9 a.m.-5 p.m. [email protected], 619-670-3642. St. Thomas More, Allentown to Broadway (choice of “Hello Dolly” $150, “Carousel” $147, “Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Saturdays Friday, March 23 – Sunday, March 25 Margaritaville” $135, “Come From Away” $145), 484-951-0400, Holy Hour for Our Country, Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of “Standing on the Edge of Holy Week,” weekend retreat, [email protected]. Assisi, Allentown, noon. Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $200, register www.jesuitcenter.org, questions [email protected], 619- Wednesday, April 11 First Saturdays 670-3642. “Seniors in Action” Holy Trinity, Whitehall to “Jesus,” Sight Holy Hour for Vocations, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $86, 610-262-6058. Allentown, begins with 8 a.m. Mass (except May and June). Devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, Allen- Socials Tuesday, April 17 town, 4:05 p.m. Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to “The Sundays Duprees,” Mount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono, $59 , 610-965- First and third Saturdays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. 9960. Mass for the Deaf Community, interpreted Mass for the hear- Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl, 1 p.m., ing impaired, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem, 9 a.m. doors open 11 a.m., 610-863-4816. Tuesday, April 24 (changed from Sundays). Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to “Jesus,” Second Sundays Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $98, 610-965-9960. Second Saturdays Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors Prayer Pilgrimage, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants; Mass, open 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3 Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 8 a.m., followed by 15 decades St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to “Jesus,” Sight and Sound of the rosary at Allentown Women’s Center, 31 S. Commerce Thursdays Theatre, Lancaster, $106, 610-433-6102. Way, Bethlehem, 610-797-7403, [email protected]. Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 Second and fourth Saturdays Thursdays, Jan. 11, May 16 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Broadway (choice of “My Sacrament of Reconciliation, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Beth- Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 4397, Family Center, St. Fair Lady” $153, “Anastasia” $152, “Mean Girls” $185), 484- lehem, 11 a.m.-noon. Thomas More, Allentown, 6:30 p.m., doors open 6 p.m. 951-0400, [email protected].

Sundays, Jan. 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 8, 22; May Tuesday, June 26 6, 20; June 3, 24; July 8, 22: Aug. 5, 19; Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 7, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Yankees at Phillies, section 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2 112, $60, 484-951-0400, [email protected]. Retreats Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, St. Stephen’s Hall, First Tuesdays Shenandoah, 2 p.m., doors open noon, food and refreshments Saturday, June 30 “Simply Prayer,” mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, available, 570-590-3270, 570-590-1188. St. Thomas More, Allentown to Nationals at Phillies with St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, fireworks, section 419, $30, 484-951-0400, johara21135179@ free will offering, 610-867-8890, [email protected], Sundays, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 aol.com. www.stfrancisctr.org. Meat Bingo, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 1 p.m., doors open noon, $11 for 15 games, refreshments avail- Wednesday, Aug. 22 Friday, Jan. 12 – Sunday, Jan. 13 able, 610-432-3505. St. Thomas More, Allentown to “Sponge Bob Square Pants” “Capturing the Movement of God in Our Lives,” women’s on Broadway, $134, 484-951-0400, [email protected]. spirituality weekend retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Sunday, Feb. 11 Bethlehem, $175, 610-867-8890, [email protected], Mardi Gras Bingo, St. Vincent de Paul, Society, Incarnation Previously announced www.stfrancisctr.org. of Our Lord, Bethlehem, 2 p.m., doors open noon, advance $20, at door$25, 610-866-3391. Friday, Jan. 19 Saturday, Jan. 13 – Sunday, Jan. 21 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to March for Life, Washing- Seven-Day Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual ton, D.C., $10 (donations accepted), suemueller45@gmail. Growth, Wernersville, $720, register www.jesuitcenter.org, ques- Trips com, 610-392-2957. tions [email protected], 619-670-3642. Editor’s note: Trip listings include sponsoring group, Thursday, Jan. 25 Tuesday, Jan. 23 destination, cost and contact information. Call the sponsor 55+ Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Mohegan Sun, “70 Years of Faithful Service,” breakfast and a speaker to for other details, such as times, dining location, itineraries Wilkes-Barre, $25, 610-866-0360. mark 70th anniversary, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethle- and what is included in the cost. Send church-affiliated hem, 8:45 a.m.-noon, $35, facilitator Sister Marguerite Stewart, trips to [email protected] by Thursday of the Thursday, Feb. 1 – Thursday, March 1 610-867-8890, [email protected], www.stfrancisctr.org. week before publication. Travel Club, Assumption BVM, Slatington to Costa del Sol, Spain, $3,411, 610-767-3036. Friday, Jan. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 28 Newly announced Weekend Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Monday, Feb. 19 – Friday, Feb. 23 Growth, Wernersville, $200, register www.jesuitcenter.org, ques- Tuesday, Jan. 16 Bethlehem Catholic High School, alumni cruise from Miami, tions [email protected], 619-670-3642. Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Florida to the Bahamas, $399, 610-866-0791, ext. 322 or 323. Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $22, 610-515-5975, 610- Wednesday, Feb. 14 433-6102. Wednesday, March 14 “Lent: A Season of Grace” Ash Wednesday program, Jesuit Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to “Steel Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (in- Wednesday, Jan. 17 Magnolias,” Hunterdon Hills Dinner Theatre, $89, 484-264- cludes lunch) or 5-9 p.m. (includes dinner), $50, register www. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Hollywood Casino, 7723. jesuitcenter.org, questions [email protected], 610-670- Grantville, $25, 610-264-3721. 3642. Tuesday, March 20 Friday, Jan. 19 Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, Northampton to “Neil Thursday, Feb. 15 March for Life buses, see page 8. Diamond,” Mount Airy Casino, $65, 610-767-4881. “Gospel Companions – Icons of the Paschal Mystery,” twi- light retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 Thursday, March 8 p.m., $25, presented by Sister Nancy Iampietro, 610-867-8890, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Philadelphia Flower Show, [email protected], www.stfrancisctr.org. $68, 484-951-0400, [email protected]. Sunday Scripture Sunday, Jan. 14 Sunday, Jan. 21 Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Third Sunday of Ordinary Time First reading First reading 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19 John 3:1-5, 10 Responsorial Psalm Responsorial Psalm Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second reading Second reading 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Gospel Gospel John 1:35-42 Mark 1:14-20

Plan a Retrouvaille Weekend for Your Marriage Is your marriage going down the right as they have done in their own marriages. road? Or is it a little off track? It is Christian-based, and Catholic in Life can be difficult, and so can the origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths, challenges you face in marriage. as well as nonreligious couples. Does the distance between you seem The next program will begin the week- wide? Are you already separated? Look- end of Feb. 16 at the Family Life Center ing for a better way? in Malvern. Additional weekends will be Retrouvaille can help and offers hope held in April and August. for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is For more information, or to register a peer ministry of volunteer couples that for a weekend, visit www.HelpOurMar- can help you learn the tools of healthy riage.com or call 1-800-470-2230. All in- communication, build intimacy and heal, quiries are kept strictly confidential. 20 The A.D. Times World January 11, 2018

stretched in supplication – is also an im- Silence portant sign as it is an imitation of Christ with his arms open on the cross, the pope }}Continued from page 1 said. “In the crucifix, we recognize the of divine benevolence” that character- priest who offers pleasing worship to izes the entire liturgy and “establishes an God; that is, filial obedience,” he said. opening of earth to heaven.” Pope Francis said that pondering the After the hymn, the priest invites the prayers and gestures, which are “rich in assembly to pray and observes a moment meaning,” Christians can make “many of silence so that the faithful may be con- beautiful meditations” that can benefit scious of the fact that they are in God’s their spiritual lives. presence and formulate their petitions, “To go back and meditate on the texts, the pope explained. even outside of Mass, can help us to learn This silence, he said, is not just an how to turn to God, what to ask, which absence of words but a time to listen “to words to use,” the pope said. “May the other voices: that of our heart and, above liturgy become for all of us a true school all, the voice of the Holy Spirit.” of prayer.” “Perhaps we come from days of toil, of joy, of sorrow and we want to tell the Lord, to invoke his help, to ask that he be near us; we have family members Pope Francis plays a drum held by and friends who are ill or who are going someone in the crowd during his gen- through difficult trials,” the pope said. eral audience at the Vatican Jan. 10. The priest’s posture – with hands out- (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Churches No Longer Exempt from FEMA Disaster Aid WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Fed- in February. Another request for an emer- eral Emergency Management Agency gency injunction for these churches has (FEMA) is revising its policies to no been pending at the Supreme Court. longer exclude houses of worship from The three churches are the Rockport applying for federal aid to recover from First Assembly of God in Rockport, damages caused by natural disasters. which lost its roof and steeple and had The policy change was outlined in other structural damage, the Harvest the agency’s revised 217-page manual: Family Church in Cypress, and Hi-Way “Public Assistance Program and Policy Tabernacle in Cleveland, which were Guide” issued Jan. 2. both flooded. This change is not just for damage President Donald Trump has said on caused in future disasters but also affects Twitter that places of worship damaged claims made by churches last year from in hurricanes should be able to receive Hurricanes Harvey and Irma because it federal aid from FEMA. can be applied retroactively to claims This past fall, the issue of FEMA di- made “on or after Aug. 23, 2017.” saster aid going to faith-based groups has An introduction to the new FEMA been making its way through Congress. manual credits the change in policy to a In late November, a committee approved Supreme Court decision last June, which the Disaster Recovery Reform Act which ruled that Trinity Lutheran Church in would open the doors for church groups Missouri should not have been denied a to seek FEMA aid, but the bill was await- public benefit just because it is a church. ing deliberation from the House floor. The court’s 7-2 decision specifically Chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ Com- referred to the church-run preschool and mittee for Religious Liberty and the said it should not be excluded from a state Committee on Ecumenical and Interre- grant program to refurbish its playground ligious Affairs supported the measure in surface just because it is a religious entity. Debris surrounds the altar of the destroyed St. Peter Church in Rockport, letters sent to members of the House and “In light of the Trinity Lutheran deci- Texas after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. (CNS photo/Bob Roller) Senate. sion, FEMA has considered its guidance The letters, signed by Archbishop Wil- on private nonprofit facility eligibility,” side other charities.” an important signal that these communi- liam Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the the agency’s new document says, point- Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of ties are coming back, that the spirit of the religious liberty committee, and Bishop ing out that houses of worship would not Columbus, was similarly pleased with the people is alive and well.” Mitchell Rozanski of Springfield, Mas- be excluded from eligibility for FEMA FEMA decision. It also helps these houses of worship sachusetts, chairman of the ecumenical aid on the basis of the religious character “The destruction due to the flooding with the many charitable and social ser- committee, said the bill regarding FEMA or primarily religious use of the facility. and hurricanes is of such a magnitude vices they provide, he added. aid and houses of worship “is not asking Daniel Blomberg, an attorney for the that the government must help in the re- The battle over getting federal funds for special treatment, just equal treatment Becket Fund, representing Texas church- sponse,” he said in a statement. to restore storm-damaged church prop- that conforms to constitutional protec- es and Florida synagogues that have sued The Knights of Columbus have giv- erty has been in a legal tangle since last tions.” FEMA over not getting federal disaster en $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild year when three Texas churches severely “It should be noted that in the after- aid, welcomed the policy change. churches that were destroyed or badly damaged by Hurricane Harvey were de- math of a natural disaster, houses of wor- “Better late than never,” he said in a damaged in hurricanes last year in Texas, nied federal aid. ship often play an irreplaceable role in the statement. Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The The churches filed a lawsuit against recovery of a community,” they wrote. “By finally following the Constitu- organization also raised $3.8 million for FEMA over its policy accusing the agen- “Discrimination that treats houses of tion, FEMA is getting rid of second-class disaster relief in these areas. cy of religious discrimination. Two Flor- worship as ineligible for federal assis- status for churches, which in the words Anderson said church repair has been ida synagogues damaged in Hurricane tance in the wake of a natural disaster, of the Supreme Court was ‘odious’ to the a key component of Knights’ relief ef- Irma similarly filed lawsuits. beyond being a legal violation, hurts the First Amendment. We will watch careful- forts, stressing that “help from both the The Texas churches appealed the very communities most affected by the ly to make sure that FEMA’s new policy government and the nonprofit sector in agency’s decision to the 5th Circuit Court indiscriminate force of nature.” is implemented to provide equal treat- the restoring of churches and other spaces of Appeals, which denied them emer- ment for churches and synagogues along- dedicated to religious activities will send gency relief but agreed to hear the case For New Year, Pope Urges Help for Refugees, Respect for Life VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Fran- For the New Year’s celebration of 40,000 people gathered in the square refugees to the maternal concern of Mary, cis began the New Year praying the world World Peace Day and the feast of Mary, around the Christmas tree and Nativity the pope led the crowd in reciting a tradi- would demonstrate a marked increase in Mother of God, Pope Francis had chosen scene. tional Marian prayer: “Under thy protec- solidarity and welcome for migrants and to focus on migrants and refugees and Pope Francis said it is important that tion we seek refuge, holy Mother of God; refugees. their yearning for peace. everyone, including individuals, gov- despise not our petitions in our needs, but “Let’s not extinguish the hope in their “For this peace, which is the right of ernments, schools, churches and church from all dangers deliver us always, Vir- hearts; let’s not suffocate their hopes for all, many of them are willing to risk their agencies, make a commitment to “ensur- gin, Glorious and Blessed.” peace,” the pope said Jan. 1 before recit- lives in a journey that, in most cases, is ing refugees, migrants – everyone – a fu- Pope Francis had begun the day cel- ing the Angelus with a crowd gathered in long and dangerous and to face trials and ture of peace.” ebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for St. Peter’s Square. suffering,” the pope told an estimated Entrusting the needs of migrants and the Marian feast. January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 21 St. Ambrose parish retreat dedicated to 100th anniversary of Fatima Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Left, Deacon Robert Ellis from Blue Army at Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, in Asbury, New Jersey speaks to the retreatants at St. Ambrose, Schuylkill the St. Ambrose retreat team, Schuylkill Haven. Haven hosted its annual parish retreat, Mary, Our Mother of Mercy, the weekend Below, the retreat group spends time in prayer. of Oct. 7-8. The weekend began with a continen- tal breakfast, feeding retreatants in body. On Saturday and Sunday speakers fed the souls of those gathered. As the retreat itself began, the attend- ees sang two songs praising our heavenly mother, Mary. Saturday’s songs recog- nized the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Knock. Father Kevin Bobbin, chaplain of Bethlehem Catholic High School and the team’s spiritual director, spoke about the retreat’s theme, “Mary, Our Mother of Mercy,” and asked “How is Mary present in our lives?” Next came retired priest Father Robert Reiley, speaking about the importance of prayer in our lives, and in particular to the Blessed Mother and our Heavenly Father. Father Bobbin celebrated daily Mass after Father Reiley’s talk. After lunch the parish’s pastor, Msgr. The second day again began with ev- Jesus relayed to Sister Lucia in 1936 into the future. Edward Zemanik focused on the impor- eryone singing “Immaculate Mary” and that he wished to establish devotion to Prior to the group’s Emmaus walk in tance of Mary in the liturgy. He concluded “As I Kneel Before You.” the Immaculate Heart in the Church next the early afternoon, a retreat team mem- with a question for everyone in the group: The retreat team was fortunate to to the Sacred Heart. ber neatly tied the weekend retreat togeth- “Can we say yes, like Mary, to God?” host the traveling statue of Our Lady of Deacon Ellis spent the entire Sunday er, speaking about how mothers through Then Father George Winne, assistant Fatima, as well as Deacon Robert Ellis, morning sharing the significance of the daily living imitate Mary, Our Mother of pastor of Immaculate Conception BVM national coordinator for the World Apos- apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to the Mercy; Mary, the Mother of Us All. and Sacred Heart of Jesus parishes, Al- tolate of Fatima, U.S.A., Inc., Our Lady’s children in 1917, as well as in life today She concluded her presentation asking lentown, completed the afternoon talks Blue Army. and the future to come. everyone to consecrate themselves to the speaking to the group about Our Lady of The Fatima Centennial United States He elaborated on the retreat’s earlier Immaculate Heart of Mary using Pope Guadalupe with an introductory history Tour for Peace began March 2016 and presentation that Father Winne touched Pius XII’s Act of Consecration. of Our Lady of Fatima. ended in December 2017. It commemo- on in his presentation about the appari- Father Bobbin closed the faith-filled Everyone was given time for individu- rated the 100th anniversary of the apparitions themselves to the children of Fati- weekend honoring Mary, Our Mother of al afternoon prayer at four prayer stations tions of the Angel of Peace in 1916 and ma. Mercy with Sunday afternoon Mass pray- dedicated to Mary, Our Mother of Mer- the Blessed Mother at Fatima, Portugal in Deacon Ellis spoke about the “Un- ing for the intentions of all those present cy and the appearances of Our Blessed 1917. holy Trinity,” which no one present both days. Lady in various parts of the world. At The goals of the World Apostolate seemed to realize is “the me, myself and Retreat participants came away in- 4 p.m. everyone came together again in in arranging this tour has been to allow I” syndrome that envelops so many in our spired and uplifted. A first-time retreatant the church to pray the fifth in a series of Our Lady of Fatima to claim dominion world today. He spoke about how Adam, felt that what she had learned and mostly first Saturday of the month rosaries as re- over America through her Immaculate the male role model, represents authority, forgotten in her early Catholic school ed- quested by Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Heart and to bring the urgent Message of while Eve, the female role model, influ- ucation was brought to the forefront once Lucia in December 1925. Fatima, the Peace Plan from Heaven, to a ences the authority. again, renewing and refreshing her daily In observance of the feast day of Our world in need. Mary, the new “Eve,” intercedes with prayer life today. Lady of the Rosary, white roses were The traveling statue brings the graces her Divine Son, Jesus who is the new A six-year participant in the retreat felt placed in a vase at the feet of the Blessed of Fatima and Our Lady’s message of “Adam.” Mary, our Mother of Mercy, the grace of Christ present in a very influ- Mother as the Rosary of Joy was prayed. hope, peace and salvation to a country through her motherly love and influence, ential way during the retreat. She referred The retreatants next enjoyed a catered suffering under the weight of sin. It also intercedes for all of us today to her Son, to it as “an unexplainable feeling” present Italian dinner. Saturday evening came to encourages devotion through personal our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. during the retreat itself. an end when the group gathered together consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Deacon Ellis further explained that All retreatants received a small book- one last time for the candlelit Agape ser- Mary, which was the mission given to because of a darkened intellect and weak- let, “Reflections for Celebrating Mary’s vice. Lucia by Our Lady and Our Lord. ened will that has developed throughout Feast Days,” along with a music CD that history, Jesus sent Our Lady of Fatima to many have been listening to since the re- influence us from the early 20th century treat ended.

Father George Winne speaks to the group about Our Lady of Guadalupe. A retreatant prays at the traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima. 22 The A.D. Times Diocese January 11, 2018

wanted to waste time, and Forty Hours sounds like a long time,” said Sister Im- Vocations maculata Marie, who is in her ninth year }}Continued from page 1 as a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She graduated from ACCHS in 2009 world. The Church offers this to us to and entered the Nashville Dominicans the strengthen the Body of Christ,” Father following August. Sister Immaculata Ma- Gribowich said in a recent interview. rie professed her final vows in July 2016 Father Gribowich said in the silence of and is teaching second grade at St. Ger- adoration the Body of Christ is strength- trude School, Cincinnati, Ohio. ened, and this was manifested in the stu- “The formation I received at ACCHS dents and teachers at ACCHS. “When not only prepared me for religious life, we encounter the Eucharist it strengthens but also in a particular way made possible how we encounter the Body of Christ in my entrance right after high school – as our brothers and sisters around us. That’s I said, I don’t like to waste time,” Sister the lynchpin of why we were doing that.” Immaculata Marie said. “I think it strengthens all different vo- “My intellect was nurtured by rigor- cations,” Father Gribowich said of adora- ous theology courses, but more impor- tion, whether that vocation is a religious tantly my heart was sustained by daily calling or married life. “It helps every Mass, frequent confession and retreat op- person discern whatever they are called portunities that allowed me to experience to – it’s an instilling way to discern things communion both with my peers and the for everyone.” larger Catholic world. Father Gribowich has been celebrant “I have especially fond memories of of a number of weddings for former the school’s annual Forty Hours Devo- ACCHS students since his ordination, tion, where I learned the infinite value of the most recent Dec. 30. “They are really Sister of Christian Charity Sister Josephine Wagner, a 2014 graduate of extended time ‘wasted’ before Jesus in good couples who are going to church ACCHS, is happy to return to her alma mater for Forty Hours. the Blessed Sacrament. and taking their faith seriously. And the “I now realize what a privilege it was fact they want to be married in the Church to have so much time in adoration as a these days says a lot. homes and families, all part of the Body Sister Immaculata Marie Policare high school student. I pray that the many “Good vocations come from good of Christ.” “As a student at ACCHS, I never future religious vocations from ACCHS will also learn this beautiful lesson: that time spent with Jesus in the Eucharist is never wasted.” Sister Maria Angeline After graduating from ACCHS in 2007, Sister Maria Angeline entered the postulancy of the Sisters of Christian Charity and on Aug. 15, 2017 “had the grace of making my perpetual profession.” “While I attended Central Catholic, I had the privilege of participating in the Forty Hours devotion each year,” Sister Maria Angeline said. “A few memories stand out in my mind from that time, including Father Berkhout taking a list of every student to the adoration chapel, and praying for each of us by name. “The opportunity to sit quietly before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was the perfect time to discern a vocation to the

Please see VOCATIONS page 23 }}

Vocations The Diocese of Al- lentown dynamically The school family gathers for the close of Forty Hours. promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese is reaching out to young people through social media such as Facebook, You- Tube and Twitter. • We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese has instituted a “Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have participated. • A similar program called “Fiat” for young women discerning a call to religious life was added in 2014. • The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplating the priesthood through an Aspirancy Pro- gram. • For more information, visit the diocesan website, www.allentowndiocese.org/the-diocese/ vocations. Students participate in the Eucharistic Procession. January 11, 2018 Diocese The A.D. Times 23 Vocations }}Continued from page 22

religious life. I will be forever grateful to Central Catholic for providing a place to learn how to pray and to grow in my relationship with God – a place always centered on the Eucharist. “My senior year, before the Eucharis- tic procession of Forty Hours, our class was in adoration and the priest asked for a show of hands of whose lives were changed by spending time in his presence. “After many hands went up, Father looked at the Lord and said, ‘This is for you, Jesus.’ I still think of that moment and the Forty Hours devotion, when I thank God for my vocation.” Sister Marie Jose de la Rosa Sister Marie Jose graduated from ACCHS in 2007 and made her final profession as a Sister of Christian Charity Aug. 15, 2017. She is the “I pray that the many future director of nursing at the religious vocations from SCC’s personal care home/ Allentown Central Catholic infirmary in Danville. High School will also learn “As I sat in the car Father Searles raises the monstrance during benediction. one night, I pondered my this beautiful lesson: that experience at Allentown time spent with Jesus in the Central Catholic. After all, Eucharist is never wasted.” it has been 10 years since I graduated. Then a song of praise that used to play during Adoration of the Blessed Sacra- ment came over the radio, and immedi- ately, I was brought back to those moments that opened my heart to a love of Christ and to a vocation to the religious life,” said Sister Marie Jose. “The foundress of the Sisters of Christian Charity, Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, said, ‘The Blessed Sacra- ment is my life, my bliss. To it, do I owe the grace of my holy vocation.’ It was during our time before the Blessed Sacra- ment, especially during Forty Hours, that my heart was opened to the love of God. “I did not know it at the time. I would leave school and carry on with life as usu- al: sports, dances, etc. But something was silently unfolding. God was preparing my heart for a vocation as a consecrated religious. “During my four years there, the vocation to the religious life was always encouraged, along with marriage and the single vocations. Allentown Central Catholic focused on our universal call to holiness and encouraged each student to discern what route God was calling them to follow to answer that call. Students sing at the closing of Forty Hours. “The fact that our entire school would stop its normal routine to give praise and adoration to Jesus in the Blessed Sacra- a Bride of Christ.” of time. That was when my relationship Forty Hours began with the exposition of ment, taught me the priority that my faith with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament be- the Blessed Sacrament after the 8:30 a.m. should have in my life. The deep faith and Sister Josephine Wagner gan.” Mass Dec. 14 until the closing at noon example of the faculty gave me the cour- “When I was a student at Central, I al- “When I first visited the Sisters of Dec. 15. age to say ‘yes’ to whatever the Lord was ways looked forward to the Forty Hours Christian Charity I was struck by their de- A praise session with music by Sean asking of me. Retreat,” said Sister Josephine, a 2014 votion to the Eucharist. The Forty Hours Malloy and Ryan Gutshall took place the “I treasure my years at Allentown graduate of ACCHS and a second-year retreats were definitely instrumental to evening of Dec. 14. Central Catholic, for it was there that novice with the Sisters of Christian Char- my vocation to religious life and I am so Parents, families and friends were the stones of faith that were laid by my ity. thankful that I was able to be part of them welcome to spend time with our Lord in family and the sisters and teachers at Our “I still remember my first Forty Hours throughout my high school years.” Masson Auditorium. Lady Help of Christians in Allentown at Central and being so amazed when I Forty Hours concluded with a closing were brought together to lay a foundation walked into adoration. I had never been Forty Hours 2017 procession and solemn benediction. that I could stand up to say ‘yes’ to being so close to Jesus for such a long period With the theme “Love One Another,”

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A few years ago, Father Lamb hiked to the bot- tom of the Grand Canyon with his nephew, Tim DeCapite, who was a guide for the trio on this trip. “When Father Lamb got back from that trip he called us very excited and said, ‘We’ve got to do this!’ In fact, he was so excited he may have called even before he boarded the plane to come home. From then on, a trip has been on our radar, and Father Lamb did a tremendous job pulling this together.” During the priest convocation in Her- shey just prior to the trip, the priests did a couple of hours of training by hiking to the top of the ridge upon which the Ap- palachian Trail is located. “After the Ap- palachian Trail crosses the Susquehanna River heading north at U.S. 22/322, it makes a steep climb, almost 1,000 feet in 2 miles,” Msgr. Orsulak said. Father Philip Rogers, pastor of St. Benedict Mohnton, and Father Guency Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, accompanied them on the Hershey training. “Incidentally, there were some patches of snow on top of the ridge, apparently having flurried a day or two before. Ironi- Pausing to take in the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon are, from left, Msgr. Thomas Orsulak, Father John Gibbons cally, we saw no snow in Arizona eleva- and Father Patrick Lamb. tions much higher,” Msgr. Orsulak said. Highlights of the trip for Msgr. Orsu- lak were meeting Tim’s family, as well as home from the Grand Canyon telling him spending 48 hours with him while hiking how wonderful it was and how we should 20 miles; seeing the green of the Colo- do it. It took three years to set it up, but rado River for the first time on the hike we finally got to go.” down the South Kaibab Trail; reaching Father Lamb’s nephew Tim is a der- the Colorado river; and celebrating Mass matologist who works at the Navajo In- on the edge of Plateau Point with the dian Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona. river 1,500 feet practically His wife Megan is a pediatri- underneath them. cian there. “They have been “Tim pointed out “Hiking into the out there for eight years, and 1,000-year-old Anasazi Grand Canyon will be returning to Mary- pictographs only moments land, where they are origi- before we gained the rim is like being nally from, in August 2018,” at the end of the hike,” swallowed up in Father Lamb said. said Msgr. Orsulak, who the grandeur of “Tim has been on every also highlighted “the spec- God.” trail on the South Rim of the tacular colors of the canyon Grand Canyon and was an walls as the sunlight played excellent guide for us. on them, and the huge ham- “There is some prep in- burger and local beer I had after the hike.” volved in terms of getting in shape – a “The spiritual highlight for me was the lot of walking with a backpack on with Mass. As Father Lamb said, no cathedral weights in it. Being in shape helps to could be more beautiful. We each got make the trip more enjoyable. That way a little time to pray on our own each day, you’re not hurting the whole time from each going off on his own after we set up carrying the backpack. So in Hershey at camp in the afternoon and before we left the convocation, we decided to hike part The group hikes the splendor of the Grand Canyon. camp in the morning.” of the Appalachian Trail in Harrisburg to get in shape” Father Lamb When they arrived by car to the foot carried them up the mountain and even constantly and are very beautiful. Father Lamb said he had done this of the Appalachian Trail, Msgr. Orsulak hit a few golf balls while he was up there. “We celebrated Mass in a secluded trip three years ago with his nephews and and Father Lamb proceeded to put on “As we came down the mountain to spot. Talk about a God-given beautiful brother-in-law. “It was fantastic. Since their backpacks. “Father Gibbons didn’t get to our cars, a man who was in the cathedral.” Msgr. Orsulak and Father Gibbons and I remember his, so he put on his back the parking lot saw us walking out of the Another highlight for Father Lamb had hiked some of the Appalachian Trail only other heavy object in his trunk – his woods – Msgr. Orsulak and I with our was “simply spending time with my before, I called Msgr. Orsulak on my way golf clubs,” Father Lamb said. “Yes, he backpacks and Father Gibbons with his nephew, who I love, and two great priest golf clubs. Without missing a beat Father friends. Just hanging out together was a Gibbons went up to the man and asked gift. We are all so busy in this world, we him, ‘Have you seen my ball?’ We should don’t get to ‘waste time’ together too of- Vocations have gotten a picture of his face.” ten. I’m ready to go back.” The Diocese of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the “The beauty of the Grand Canyon is priesthood and religious life. difficult to put into words. When I first Father Gibbons • The diocese is reaching out to young people through social saw the Grand Canyon back in 1979 it “Hiking into the Grand Canyon is like media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. was the first time I understood what the being swallowed up in the grandeur of • We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young term ‘breathtaking’ meant. The beauty God,” Father Gibbons said. priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in and size and grandeur of the canyon is “Then to celebrate Mass with two the priesthood and religious life. magnificent,” Father Lamb said. diocesan brother priests, during sunset, • The diocese has instituted a “Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer “Two things stood out for me. One is at a place called Plateau Point? Wow. It program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have the beauty of the sky and stars at night. brought awesomeness, beauty, history participated. The stars seem to be right in your face. It and mystery into one point. • A similar program called “Fiat” for young women discerning a call to is so dark. The Milky Way is brilliant. It “That point is not just out in that spec- religious life was added in 2014. makes one feel very small and humble. tacular point in Arizona, but somehow in • The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplat- “We went to a place at the canyon our dear Lord. All of this is inside every ing the priesthood through an Aspirancy Program. called Plateau Point. We watched the Mass in which we all participate back • For more information, visit the diocesan website, www.allentowndio- sunset on the canyon. Again, this is hard here in our parishes in the Allentown cese.org/the-diocese/vocations. to describe. The canyon looks different Diocese.” as the sun goes down. The colors change