Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 35, Number 24 * December 21, 2008 Family First Woman Raising Grandchildren Finds Christmas Spirit Alive and Well at Edmond Parish and Catholic Charities By Connie Blaney Catholic Charities She was sinking into despair. Feeling alone with her life spiraling out of control, “Maria” desperately needed her prayers answered. Who could she turn to? Who would understand? A single grandmother raising three children hadn’t been easy. Her $600 paycheck every two weeks barely covered her rent and util- ities. As bills continued to pile up, she faced her biggest nightmare — the fear of being homeless. Was there any way out of her dilem- ma? “My grandchildren were depending on me. It is the only thing that kept me going,” Maria said. Sleep deprived from worry, her sit- uation became so grave that she confided in a co-worker about her troubles. Her co-worker, who knew about Catholic Charities, encour- aged her to call for an appointment. Maria took the first step by call- ing Nancy Martinez, case manager in the Family Hope program. What occurred in the next few weeks brought hope to a woman who had almost given up. Maria qualified for the Zachary House, which is transitional housing provided by St. John the Baptist Church in Edmond. Maria’s case manager, Nancy Martinez, worked with the staff and volunteers at the church to assist Maria in getting settled in to her new home with her grandchildren. “Everyone has been so good to us — both the staff and volunteers at St. John’s and Catholic Charities,” Maria said. “They are like extended family helping us in so many ways — from Christmas gifts to school supplies, clothes and financial help. Catholic Charities case manager has assisted me with budgeting, getting out of debt, setting goals and planning for the future,” she added. Nancy Martinez commended the progress Maria has made. “As her stress level has lessened, she can be more focused on helping her grandchildren with simple things like homework, after- school activities and their personal needs,” Martinez said. Photo: AgnusImages.com continued on page 3

Inside Parish Women’s Mount Leader Club Uses Raffle Recognized for To Boost Adopt A ‘Servant Leader’ Family Program Qualities 9 16 2 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008

The Good News Sooner Catholic Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran ... Christmas 2008 Archbishop of Oklahoma City My dear Brothers and Sisters: said: “I will send My Son and He will Publisher It is my hope and my prayer that save you.” There is a deeper reality each of you will have a most blessed Jesus is the Son of God. In the Ray Dyer Christmas. May the love of God fullness of time, He was conceived by to our Editor which is expressed in the Christmas the Holy Spirit in the womb of the existence message bring you peace and joy. Blessed Mother. He was born in the than Cara Koenig May we begin to realize anew that stable at Bethlehem. He came to Layout/Design/ God’s plan for us is so beautiful and save us by His own life, death and finances, Photographer fulfilling that we must never allow resurrection. It is His birth, His or power, or anything to interfere. coming to be with us, that we cele- God created us in His own Image brate on Christmas. possessions. Mauro Yanez and Likeness. He made us out of It is this reality of Christmas, Hispanic Editor It is the Archbishop love. He created us in such a way that God is with us, that I want to Beltran that we can receive His love and love share with you as I extend greetings reality of Ammanda McCabe Him in return. If we do so, we will for a truly blessed Christmas. I want who we are. Staff live with Him forever. This is the to assure you that, even though the We are God’s people. plan of God. This is the meaning of current economic crisis weighs 7501 Northwest Expressway Christmas — to be with God — or as heavily upon you, nothing can ever Oklahoma City, OK 73132 the Scripture says: “Emmanuel, God outweigh the Good News of Jesus. is with us!” There is a deeper reality to our (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 Truly, God is with us. Jesus is the existence than finances, or power, enjoying an abundance of life and a e-mail: [email protected] Eternal Son of God. Jesus is the One or possessions. It is the reality of fulfillment of love. Thus we have Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 promised to us. In that most disas- who we are. We are God’s people. Emmanuel, God is with us. This Oklahoma City, OK 73123 trous moment of human history, We have been created in His Image is the Good News. This is our when human beings sinned and and Likeness. He made us for a Christmas blessing. Jesus lives with Visit us online through the rejected God’s plan, He did not reject reason. He has a plan for us. He us now to help us prepare to live us. Rather, He looked at us and He wants us to be with Him forever with Him forever! Archdiocesan Web Page at www.catharchdioceseokc.org.

Seminary Burses The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is published biweekly except for once in July A donation of $200 was made to the Father Joseph Beltran Bishop Stephen A. Leven and twice in December by the Archdiocese Father Joseph Beltran Seminary Seminary Burse Seminary Burse Burse in memory of Jerry Cebulski. $81,568.00 $59,628.00 of Oklahoma City.

A donation of $10 was made to the Father Stephen Bird Father John A. Petuskey The newspaper is not responsible for Father Stanley Rother Seminary Seminary Burse Seminary Burse unsolicited material. Burse in memory of $10,000.00 $11,850.00 Copyright © 2008 Sooner Catholic Kenneth Muell. Father Denis Blackledge Father Clement E. Pribil A donation of $10 was made to the Seminary Burse Seminary Burse Subscription rate: $20 per year for all $5,351.00 Father Stanley Rother Seminary $8,337.00 who are not members of the Burse in memory of Mary Hale. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Father Wade Darnall Father Stanley Rother Seminary Burse Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma A donation of $10 was made to the Seminary Burse $181,357.00 Father Stanley Rother Seminary $10,545.00 City, OK 73125. Burse in memory of Randy Stotler. Archbishop Charles Salatka Father Larry Gatlin Seminary Burse A donation of $25 was made to the Seminary Burse $185,945.00 Father Stanley Rother Seminary $10,000.00 Burse in memory of Father John Scheller Clementine Reding. Father Bernard J. Havlik Seminary Burse Seminary Burse $10,000.00 A donation of $100 was made to the $26,710.00 The Sooner Catholic is Father Gerald Ucker Seminary Father Gerald Ucker supported through the Burse by W. Henry Looby and Father James A. Kastner Seminary Burse Archdiocesan Development Fund. Steven M. Kotlarz. Seminary Burse $8,670.00 $10,220.00 Totals as of 11/30/2008 December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 3 Saint Greg’s Students, Faculty Contribute to Project ‘Snowflake’

SHAWNEE — Members of the homes.” St. Gregory’s University communi- Debbie Walker, a foster care ty helped to make Christmas specialist for the Pottawatomie brighter for several foster children County DHS, said that in the past, through Project Snowflake, a pro- an individual organized Project gram organized by the Snowflake for DHS. Department of Human Services. After this person passed away, More than 60 new gifts were child welfare workers continued donated for area children by facul- the tradition, along with donations ty, staff and students from a wish from the community. list supplied by DHS. “I’m overwhelmed with the out- Diane Willis, who organized pouring of generosity from the St. the event for SGU, said she was Gregory’s community,” Walker overwhelmed by the giving spirit of said. “We in the child welfare office the SGU family. were especially pleased with the “Not only did SGU provide gifts gifts from the college students, for children on the list, but also many who had so little money bought extra gifts for children who themselves.” enter the foster care system in For more information about December,” said Willis, who is the Project Snowflake, please contact university’s campus minister. “I Willis at 878-5168 or Walker at SGU students Kelan Maguire and Derek Washington with more than 60 gifts donat- was grateful our students were so 214-4112. ed by the SGU community to Project Snowflake. willing to take on this extra St. Gregory’s University is responsibility. It’s difficult to plan Oklahoma’s oldest institution for Christmas gifts for children when higher learning and the state’s serves more than 800 students in Arts and Sciences and the College they are in and out of foster only Catholic university. SGU two colleges — the College of for Working Adults.

Family Support continued from page 1 cards, money and other purchases. “We are very grateful for the “When a family moves out, they can staff and volunteers at St. John’s take their household goods with who have been so supportive in them. When a new family moves in, helping Maria and our other clients. the church showers make it possible Without this transitional housing, for the new family to have new and these families might be homeless,” almost new items,” Greiner said. she added. Greiner encouraged other St. John the Baptist Church parishes to sponsor a house for a owns three homes in the Zachary family in their community. “God House program, said Shellie asks us to take care of others. This is Greiner, St. John’s parishioner and so rewarding to help a family who is volunteer. “Our partnership with almost homeless get back on their Catholic Charities allows us to help feet. As mentors, it is especially three families who are working hard meaningful to be extended family to be independent,” Greiner said. members who show love and Each family is assigned a mentor support. It is so easy to do when who helps the families with running several parishioners will work errands, taking children to school together,” she said. Nancy Martinez, case functions, providing school supplies For information about Catholic manager at Catholic and school clothes, coordinating Charities Family Support program, Charities, visits one of needed household items and help- contact Catholic Charities at (405) Catholic Charities ing with other family needs. A 523-3000. clients at one of the committee of about 15 parishioners houses sponsored by sponsors periodic “house showers,” *Editor’s Note: For this story St. John the Baptist asking the church to donate furni- the name “Maria” was used in place in Edmond. ture, household items, food, gift of the client’s real name. 4 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008 Obituary Father Alan Loth Dies at Age 68 on Dec. 3 in Oklahoma City Rev. Alan Joseph Loth, (68), to church, Father Loth served the Saint Teresa of his mother, Josephine Mostek Loth, pastor of the Saint Teresa of Avila following parishes: Corpus Christi Avila, Harrah and father, Peter G. Loth. Roman Catholic Church in Harrah, Church, Oklahoma City (associate (pastor 2000 to He is survived by his sister, died Dec. 3, 2008, in Oklahoma City. 1968-1971); Saint Barbara Church, present). Father Jacqueline Loth of Omaha, and his Father Loth was born April 2, 1940, Lawton (associate 1971-1975); Our Loth served as brother, Peter J. Loth and wife, in Omaha, Neb., and was ordained on Lady of Perpetual Help, Sterling, and an advocate for Sharon of Omaha; his niece, Julie Aug. 17, 1968, at Saint Pius the missions in Elgin and Apache (pastor the Archdiocesan Loth Pedersen, and nephews, Kenny Tenth Church, Tulsa, by the Most 1975-1982); Saint Peter Church, Tribunal (1973- and Danny Loth. Rev. Victor J. Reed. Father Loth Woodward, and missions in Buffalo, 1975), as a Mass of Christian Burial was attended Catholic secondary schools Mooreland, Shattuck and Beaver Defender of the celebrated at the Cathedral of Our and Creighton University in Omaha. (pastor 1982-1985); Saint Eugene Bond,Father Alan Loth Lady of Perpetual Help on Dec 10. He attended Conception Seminary Church, Weatherford, and missions Archdiocesan Funeral arrangements were under College in Missouri where he in Hinton and Thomas (pastor 1985- Tribunal (1993 to present) and as a direction of Smith and Kernke, 14624 received a bachelor’s degree. He also 1987); Holy Trinity Church, Okarche Regional Vicar. He also had served N. May, Oklahoma City. attended Saint Thomas Seminary, (pastor 1987-1989); Saint Francis as coordinator of Catholic Chaplains In lieu of flowers, Father Loth Denver, and Saint John Seminary, Xavier Church, Enid, and missions in for the Lexington Assessment and has requested that gifts and dona- Little Rock, before his ordination. Pond Creek (pastor 1989-1992); Saint Reception Center and the Joseph tions be made to Catholic Charities of Father Loth received a master of Catherine of Sienna, Pauls Valley, Harp Center and as Catholic chap- Oklahoma City, 1501 N. Classen arts degree from Oklahoma City and mission in Lindsay (1992-1993); lain for the Crabtree Correctional Blvd., Oklahoma City 73106, or the University. Saint Joseph Church, Bison, and Facility, Helena. Saint Teresa Avila Church Building During his many years of service mission in Fairview (1993-2000); and Father Loth is pre-deceased by Fund, Harrah, Okla. 73045. Annual MLK Celebration to be held Globalization Requires Common Ethics VATICAN CITY, (Zenit.org). — change, the effect of pandemic dis- at Corpus Christi Church in OKC Globalization can build peace, but it eases, the specific needs of impover- must be founded on global solidarity ished children, and the current food The fourth annual celebration to other art media. and a common code of ethics, says crisis. honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther “Dr. King challenged society to Benedict XVI. He gave specific attention to the King Jr. will be held on Monday, Jan. ‘lift the load of poverty,’ and The Holy Father affirmed this in relationship between disarmament 19 at Corpus Christi Church in Catholics throughout the Arch- his message for the celebration of the and development, expressing concern Oklahoma City. It will begin with a diocese are invited to pray and work World Day of Peace, marked each Jan. at the “current level of world military multicultural celebration at 11 a.m. for all those who are poor and 1. He proposed his reflection on the expenditure” and resources “diverted followed by a noon Mass celebrated oppressed,” VanPool said. “By topic of “Fighting Poverty to Build from development projects for by Father David Lafferty. A parade improving their lives, we improve Peace,” focusing on poverty as a cause people.” and effect of conflicts. at 2 p.m. will culminate the event. our own lives as well.” Benedict XVI proposed that the In particular, he stated that Catholics and non-Catholics are VanPool said, “Many of the fight against poverty “requires coop- “fighting poverty requires attentive invited to attend. schools and government offices are eration both on the economic level consideration of the complex phenom- The event, which is organized closed on Martin Luther King Day to and on the legal level,” so as to allow enon of globalization.” It requires each year by Corpus Christi Parish pay him respect. Rev. Lafferty and the international community, and reference to economic and sociological and Catholic Charities, celebrates his staff at Corpus Christi will host especially poorer countries, to identify research, as well as reflection on King’s work and invites all Catholics the celebration as a tribute from and implement strategies to deal with spiritual and moral implications. to join in solidarity with those who the Catholic community. Mass will problems such as competition in The pope said that this reflection are in need, working for ways to feature an interpretive dance by global markets and the issues related should urge us, “in our dealings with improve their lives, said Becky Corpus Christi youth. After Mass, to investment and development. the poor, to set out from the clear VanPool, director of Catholic youth groups, schools, parishioners recognition that we all share in a “Investing in the formation of Charities Parish Outreach and and others are invited to join in the single divine plan: We are called to people and developing a specific and Program Development. King Holiday Parade.” form one family in which all — indi- well-integrated culture of enterprise Catholic Charities will display The parade promoting the viduals, peoples and nations — model would seem at present to be the right at Corpus Christi entries submitted theme “Voting our Values and their behavior according to the princi- approach in the medium and long by the students who participated in Valuing our Votes” will follow the ples of fraternity and responsibility.” term,” he said. the Youth Multi-Media Arts Contest. Mass. Participants are encouraged He explained that poverty in- Citing Pope John Paul II, the The entries reflect understanding of to wear their parish shirts and bring cludes non-material forms, such as German pontiff said there is a need to the root causes of poverty and banners to carry. Groups may “marginalization, as well as affective, “abandon a mentality in which the empowering people to lead efforts to gather at Corpus Christi Church, moral and spiritual poverty.” poor — as individuals and as peoples address poverty in their communi- 1005 N.E. 15th Street. For more Benedict XVI discussed various — are considered a burden, as irk- ties. Entries include painting, information, contact Becky VanPool issues within the context of poverty, some intruders trying to consume poetry, essays, photography and at 523-3009. including its relation to demographic what others have produced.” December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Art Contest to Feature Oklahoma’s Catholic Students A Youth Multi-Media Art powered People Can Uproot Poverty the root causes of poverty, not just determination as the best strategies Contest is being sponsored for In Their Communities.” This contest the symptoms. for change. They support projects Catholic youth in grades 7 through is an opportunity to honor Martin * Portray the poor as empowered that break the cycle of poverty for 12. Entries will be on exhibit at Luther King’s quest against poverty persons capable of leading efforts for good. Corpus Christi Catholic Church in and for Catholic youth to creatively change in themselves as well as The CCHD philosophy empha- conjunction with the Dr. Martin express their understanding of their community; this is contrary to sizes empowerment and participa- Luther King Mass at noon on poverty issues in America,” VanPool the typical portrayal of the poor as tion for those in poverty. Monday, Jan. 19, said Becky said. Contest deadline is Jan. 15. victims. By helping the poor to partici- VanPool, Diocesan Director for the The goal of the contest is to help * Illustrate that acting with pate in the decisions and actions Catholic Campaign for Human young students understand how empowered poor persons who are that affect their lives and communi- Development. low-income persons themselves can working for long-term change is a ties, CCHD empowers them to move The Multi-Media Art categories effectively lead efforts to address response to faith and the values of beyond poverty. include audio-visual, literature and the causes of poverty in their Catholic social teaching. Information can be obtained visual arts, which include painting, communities. But before the student * Show a clear understanding of through Catholic schoolteachers, drawing, prints, photography and can come to such a realization, they CCHD’s work and mission. youth directors and parish Religious sculpture. Prizes will be given for need to understand the difference * Reflect both the thoughtful- Education teachers. Contact Becky each category for seventh- through between “charity” and “justice.” ness and the creative skills of the VanPool at 523-3003, or www.- ninth-graders and 10th- through While charity provides direct social student. catholiccharitiesok.org or www.- 12th-graders. The contest is in services that help individuals meet This contest corresponds direct- usccb.org/cchd/contestmaterials. conjunction with the Catholic their immediate needs, justice ly with the mission of the CCHD. shtml for rules. Campaign For Human Development involves working for systemic social The CCHD invests in community- For more information on the (CCHD) and winners will be entered change in communities. based solutions — that know no CCHD, please visit their Web site at into a national competition. The ideal entry will: racial or religious boundaries. They http://www.usccb.org/cchd/poverty- “The contest theme is “Em- * Exhibit an understanding of support self-sufficiency and self- usa/index.htm.

Parish Offers Open Door for Catholics EDMOND — Catholics who are your Catholic Faith, you are invited separated from the Church, for any to these listening sessions for an reason, are being asked to “Come opportunity to voice concerns and ask Home!” The Evangelization Board at questions about the Catholic Church. St. John the Baptist Parish is once The Catholics Coming Home ministry again offering the “Catholics Coming attempts to reach out to inactive Home” program. There will be a series Catholics in a loving, Christ-like of informal sessions facilitated by manner. Every effort is made to be lay people, including former non- non-threatening and non-judgmental. practicing Catholics, on three Tuesday The facilitators do not attempt to evenings, Jan. 20 and 27 and Feb. 3, in solve problems, nor do they have all the Commons from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the answers. They will merely listen The church is located at 9th and and provide guidance to appropriate Boulevard in Edmond. Child care will resources. be provided. For more information, contact If you are currently not practicing Jami Fenner at 229-3152.

Okarche School Hosts Successful Auction OKARCHE — Holy Trinity Wittrock. “We appreciate everyone Catholic School Parents Association who donated items and services, hosted another successful auction. participated as bidders, and who As patrons gathered at the worked to make the event happen. annual Holy Trinity School Auction Thank you for your support!” on Nov. 8, the presence and commit- The Holy Trinity School Auction ment in supporting the mission of Committee would like to thank all the school once again became over- donors, patrons, parents, students whelmingly apparent. and friends who supported the “It is very gratifying that the auction. Your dedication and hard local community supports the work are evident and greatly appre- school,” said Principal Mary Jane ciated! 6 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008 Christmas a Celebration of The Greatest Love Story of Them All Christmas celebrates the tion, for example, as a divine eternal seed of God Catechism of the Catholic Church marvels of the birth of the Son of God wedding proposal. given to Mary (see says, is why “Mary goes before us all from the virgin womb of Mary. At But before we get into some of de 1 Pt 1:23), de in the holiness that is the Church’s Christmas pageants, at Mass and in Montfort’s imagery, let me preface it Montfort writes of mystery as ‘the bride without spot or beloved Christmas carols, we will with something John Paul II — him- “dew falling from wrinkle.’” (CCC 773). hear the story told again and again self a sincere devotee of de Montfort heaven” to make With great reverence and a kind this year: “The angel Gabriel was — once said. The pope admitted that her fruitful. In this of “holy daring,” St. Louis de sent from God ... to a virgin ... and this saint’s writing “can be a bit dis- astounding Montfort unabashedly presents the the virgin’s name was Mary. ... And concerting, given its rather florid ... moment, God By Christopher spiritual mystery revealed to us the angel said to her, ‘Do not be style, but the essential theological poured a “chalice of West through the Virgin Mary’s feminine afraid, Mary, for you have found truths which it contains are undeni- ambrosia” into the body. If we don’t share his comfort — favor with God. And behold, you will able.” (“Gift and Mystery,” Page 29). virginal womb of indeed, many find themselves de- conceive in your womb and bear a Bearing that in mind, let’s now turn his mystic-bride and, receiving this cidedly uncomfortable in the face of son, and you shall call his name to de Montfort and allow him to “divine nectar,” she conceived God’s such a treatment of the Virgin Mary Jesus.” (Lk 1:26-31). awaken us to some “essential theo- own Son (see “True Devotion,” 253). — we would do well to examine the Perhaps our familiarity with logical truths” about the great Whoa! Such imagery would have source of such discomfort. It is much the story has numbed us to the “spousal mystery” of Christmas. been enough to give my wonderful, easier to eschew the body (our own breathtaking, astounding, incredible As de Montfort put it, God sent but rather prudish grandmother body, Jesus’s body, Mary’s body) than mystery that is Christmas. In this his angel to Mary “in order to win cardiac arrest. For anyone experienc- it is to face the disorders in our column and the next, I’d like to turn her heart.” And on account of the ing palpitations, de Montfort re- hearts that cause us to eschew the to the mystical insights of a certain “hidden delights” of his divine pro- minds us plainly: “These are com- body. saint in the hopes of waking us up posal, “she gave her consent.” He parisons made by the saints” (253) — a bit to the mind-blowing reality describes this glorious moment — saints who, undoubtedly, were Christmas is a celebration of the we celebrate (or should celebrate) at when God proposed and Mary said immersed in the holy and sensual Word made flesh in the womb of Christmas. “yes” — as “joy for the angels,” as “a imagery of the Song of Songs. the Virgin Mary. May that “great St. Louis de Montfort, in accord sweet melody,” as the “Canticle of the The Song of Songs teaches us — mystery” cast out all the lies we have with the whole mystical tradition, New Testament, a delight for Mary, as does the spousal imagery through- believed about our own bodies. often speaks in very sensuous ways and glory for the Most Blessed out all of Scripture — that God Amen. about the Christian mystery. He uses Trinity.” This divine song is “a wants to “marry” us. Furthermore, Christopher West is a fellow of spousal categories and terminology, pure kiss of love” given to Mary, through this mystical marriage, the the Theology of the Body Institute in drawn largely from the Song of “a crimson rose, a precious pearl.” divine bridegroom wants to fill us, West Chester, Pa., and lectures Songs (one of the favorite biblical (“True Devotion,” 252-253). “impregnate” us with divine life. worldwide on the subject. His books books of the mystics), to illuminate Then, groping for images to In the Virgin Mary, this becomes a and other information are available divine truths. He sees the Annuncia- describe the invisible, immortal and living reality. And this, as the at www.christopherwest.com.

First Vietnamese-American Irish Yearbook Staff Earns Top Honors Bishop McGuinness Catholic Cover/First Impression; William Elected to U.S. Congress High School yearbook staff re- Ruffin, 2nd place, Academic cently earned an All-Oklahoman Photo. WASHINGTON, D.C. (Zenit.- year-old Republican told the Award at the 2008 Oklahoma Honorable mention went to org). — The first Vietnamese- Fathers for Good Web site. “To Scholastic Media Fall Conference Karla Thompson and Amy American member of the U.S. watch [my daughters] grow into at the University of Oklahoma, Davis, Theme Development/Copy; Congress is winning praise for beautiful girls has been the joy of making it one of the top 13 high Jordan Fritch and Chelsea more than just his political views; my life.” school yearbooks in the state. The Cooper, Academic Spread; Amy the Knights of Columbus have With a personal history that Chi Rho had 11 Irish students Davis and Karla Thompson, pointed him out as a “newsworthy has led him from escaping his earn individual awards including Theme Development/Design; and dad.” homeland in 1975, to years study- Jordan Fritch, 3rd place, Caption Amy Davis, Packaging/Structure. Anh Joseph Cao was recently ing to be a Jesuit priest, and then Writing; Callie Gordon and More than 500 students and elected to the House of Repre- working as an attorney in New Emily Engel, 1st place, Student teachers from 38 schools around sentatives for Louisiana. A young Orleans, Cao said that his Catholic Life Story; Jordan Fritch, 2nd the state entered yearbooks escapee from Vietnam and a former faith has been a force of stability. place, Sports Story; Karla in the annual competition. seminarian, the congressman “My faith has been the center of Thompson, 2nd place, Endsheets; Oklahoma Scholastic Media affirms that today, his family is the my life all these years,” he said. “I Amy Davis, 2nd place, Sports holds a Media Monday on the OU center of his life. go to church almost every day to Spread; Amy Davis, 2nd place, campus each fall and spring. “I could not live without my discern what God is calling me to do wife and two daughters,” the 41- with my life.” December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Secret to Happiness and Wealth Revealed Finance, Globalization and Morality By Edward Pentin they were happier they became richer. needed, even in the most just society, Hoevel said, drawing on Rosmini’s ROME, (Zenit.org). — It is better Brooks was subsequently converted, but that what is required, above all, is writings. A utlitarian philosophy that to give than to receive, but it’s not easy and the discovery changed his life. holiness. “It is not charity that makes places profit as an end in itself results to be generous with your wealth when Moreover, now he realizes that people us saints,” Cardinal Cordes reminded in an “endless and vain race of un- there’s a recession eating away at your have as much need to give as they the conference participants, “but holi- happy people to reach happiness wallet, or perhaps stealing your job. have to receive, he believes those insti- ness that makes us truly charitable.” through inadequate means.” Yet charitable giving and philanthro- tutions that act as a conduit between In his speech, Professor Brooks But Hoevel, who collected the py are vital to a prosperous society, the giver and the receiver, such as made clear he was not advocating that Novak Award at the conference for and should be encouraged in good the Church, must be helped and individuals give just to be prosperous. outstanding research into Rosmini, times and in bad. encouraged. But in today’s financial world, the stressed that the philosopher avoided Father Robert Sirico, president of “quid pro quo” mentality dominates, The reasons for this were outlined extremes and can best be described as the Acton Institute, pointed out that and often it stems from a utilitarian at an inspiring Rome conference co- a moderate liberal in the economic such encouragement and assistance approach in which profit and reward hosted by the U.S. Embassy to the sense. He wasn’t in favor of a totally can only be achieved in the context are the sole incentives. It’s a philoso- Holy See and the Acton Institute. unfettered free market, but neither of economic liberty. But with such phy which Blessed Antonio Rosmini Titled “Philanthropy and Human was he supportive of those who, like freedom comes responsibility to serve fought against in the 19th century and Rights: Creating Space for Caritas in today, are reacting to the current crisis God and neighbor at all times. “The Civil Society,” the Dec. 4 seminar tried by demanding nationalizations and system that encourages the entrepre- to show how important it is for quasi-collectivist policies. neurial vocation,” he stressed, “should philanthropy and human rights to Charitable giving and So what would be Rosimini’s solu- also encourage an entire network of flourish in society, creating room for tion to the current crisis? Hoevel said voluntary associations.” philanthropy are vital “caritas,” or individual acts of charity, that, according to the philosopher’s The United States, of course, leads to a prosperous so that everyone can prosper. vision, what we most need now is not the way in individual charitable society, and should be so much “the endless injection of The most spirited defense of giving, which partly explains why charitable giving came from Professor encouraged in good billions of dollars and euros” into the the country is so prosperous. Several economy and heavy government inter- Arthur C. Brooks, the recently elected of the speakers pointed out that president of the American Enterprise times and in bad. ference, but “the urgent recovery of American citizens gave around $300 moral balance and moral content.” Institute. The author of many books billion to charity last year, more than Rosmini argued for more juridical on philanthropy, Brooks explained the entire income of Sweden, institutions based on natural law “to how, until a few years ago, he never Denmark or Norway. Mary Ann which he would probably say was help and guide the moral recovery” believed in the philanthropic philoso- Glendon, the U.S. ambassador to the most to blame for today’s economic and help foster fair and just competi- phy of John D. Rockefeller, the 20th- Holy See, said such generosity has woes. tion. He did not believe the markets century American multi-millionaire been made possible thanks to public That’s according to Professor were self-regulating, but that some (Rockefeller was sure that by giving and private efforts, not least President Carlos Hoevel, who was the guest intervention was necessary in order his wealth away,he became richer, and George Bush’s initiative to encourage speaker at another Acton Institute to repair their failures and help believed that God would take away his faith-based institutions. conference held in Rome last Friday them work in a normal way, being money if he stopped giving). Ambassador Glendon wanted to on the topical subject of “Finance, “extremely careful” not to damage “The reason I didn’t believe it is co-host the conference to commemo- Globalization and Morality — A their spontaneity. because I’m an economist,” he joked. rate the 60th anniversary of the Challenge for the 21st Century.” “As an economist, I learned you had to Universal Declaration of Human A professor of history and philoso- Similar to calls today for a “global- have money before you can give it Rights. She recalled how the United phy of economics at the Pontifical ization ethic,” Rosmini also advocated away. It’s not that you give it and then States and other countries success- Catholic University of Argentina, a “global rule of law” in order to you get it — it has to be the reverse.” fully lobbied the Declaration framers Hoevel gave a fascinating insight into combat international monopolies, and In fact, he was so sure he was to consider a space for “caritas” in civil how profoundly relevant Rosmini’s he supported gradual free immigra- right that four years ago he set out to society so as not to dampen private writings are to the current economic tion but with protection of national prove Rockefeller wrong by conduct- initiative or to give too much power crisis. and regional cultures. ing a comprehensive survey of 30,000 to the state. The Soviet Union had The Italian priest and philoso- “Rosmini is a secret treasure,” households across the United States. wanted to make the state the primary pher, Hoevel pointed out, gave the said Hoevel, “that many Italians and But the data he acquired simply guarantor of all social and economic market economy an ethical, anthropo- many others in other countries don’t backed up Rockefeller’s philosophy, rights. logical and Christian basis in his writ- know about.” Hopefully today’s world one shared by many other entrepre- Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, ings. He was one of the first Catholic leaders will discover this sensible neurs: that those who gave to charity president of the Pontifical Council Cor thinkers to embrace the market and prophetic thinker who, although ended up richer. Unum, referred to Benedict XVI’s economy and strongly believed that it he lived over 150 years ago, would It took a psychologist friend of his encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” in his couldn’t function without an ethical probably remark today: “We’ve seen to tell him why this was so, reminding message to the conference, delivered and moral foundation. “In an immoral this all before.” him that the secret was happiness. in his absence by Cor Unum’s secre- or culturally poor environment, Edward Pentin is a freelance His friend had found that when people tary, Monsignor Karel Kasteel. The market competition is deformed and writer living in Rome. He can be gave, they became happier, and when pope stressed that “caritas” is always loses many of its beneficial effects,” reached at [email protected]. 8 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008 Mount Celebrates 10th Annual Auction/Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY — Mount St. The evening was highlighted by a Mary Catholic High School held fabulous dinner along with the compo- its annual fundraising dinner and nents of both a silent and live auction Nov. 15 downtown at the auction. Highlighted auction items Petroleum Club. included a SmartCar; three travel The event, “Magic at The Mount,” packages to vacation spots in Glacier was the school’s 10th annual auction National Park, Mont., Naples, Fla., and was attended by 345 family and and The Outer Banks in North friends. Chris Stiles, Director of Carolina; dinner for six with Uwe von Advancement, credits this year’s Schamann; a professional fishing record attendance to the loyalty of the guide and tackle package; a long- Mount St. Mary community. haired, male Chihuahua; autographed “Over the years, the school has sports memorabilia; and exclusive built many relationships with people handcrafted items by members of The who continue to give support through Mount family.Live entertainment was this annual event,” Stiles said. “We provided by “The Mystery Dates.” had a spectacular evening that was “Our annual auction has always lead by a dedicated team, who put in been a great way for us to raise money tireless effort to make this a world- to support viable projects of the class event.” school. More importantly, it was a fun Revenues from this year’s auction event that celebrated our mission- go toward the resurfacing and restruc- vision while strengthening relation- turing of the student parking lot and ships with the people who are so to upgrading the security cameras important to the past, the present and Enjoying the company at the Mount dinner and auction are Gene Schwarz, and lighting around campus. The the future of Mount St. Mary Catholic Ursula Bolding, Chris Bolding, Father Ray Ackerman, Joe Sine, Charlotte revenues from this year’s auction High School,” said Talita DeNegri, Chadderdon and Mary Sine. totaled $102,142. principal.

Rocket Teams Support Fight Against Cancer on Basketball Court With Involvement in Coaches Against Cancer Mount St. Mary High School girls and boys basketball programs participated in the Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign during their games against the Lexington Bulldogs. Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers basketball coaches to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. Lenny Hatchett, boys head coach, said the effort has special meaning to him. “This is something that I have wanted to do since losing my mom to cancer a few years ago,” Hatchett said. “I was proud of the way our kids caught on to the campaign. They were inspired to become involved by selling memory cards and shirts to help promote this worthwhile event. In addition, I am appreciative of the many cards and letters that were received from our school family. We have so many in our community whose lives have been impacted by cancer and Friday night’s event reminded all of us that we have a chance to make a difference in this fight.” The $635 raised that evening was donated to the American Cancer Society. These funds will help the American Cancer Society with cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. For more information on how you can make a difference, call toll-free any- time, 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org. MSM coach Lenny Hatchett December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 9

Marlow Deacon Recognized by Parish

Deacon Jimmy Conway of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marlow celebrated his 10th anniversary of becoming a deacon on Nov. 16. After celebrating Mass, the parish was treated to a biscuit and gravy breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus Council 5168 in his honor, and was provided an honor guard from KC Assembly 1808. Pictured are, from left, Dave Carney, Bill Havron, Deacon Jimmy Conway, Marius Deasy, Richard Muller and Mike Vallee.

Epiphany Women’s Club Raises Money for Catholic Charities Adopt a Family It has become a tradition for the Epiphany Women’s Club at Epiphany Catholic Church to participate in Catholic Charities Adopt a Family Christmas program. “This year, the women are working hard to raise as much money as possible to help with the program,” said Chris Rolling, president of the club. “There are so many families that need help this Christmas season,” she said. This year, a committee of five women collected more than $7,000 worth of donated items and services for baskets that were raffled at the church dinner on Dec. 15. With the generous donations, about 30 baskets or more were put together with such items as restaurant certificates, over- night hotel stays, autographed basketballs, books, services and much more. All the proceeds will go directly to help the more than 300 families that have been adopted for Christmas this year by Catholic Charities. “In the first weekend, parishioners’ contributions in purchasing raffle tickets enabled us to purchase all the gifts for the families Epiphany specifically adopted for Epiphany Women’s Club has been busy this holiday season raising money for Catholic Charities Adopt a Family Christmas program. The club put together over 30 baskets with gift items for a raffle held on Christmas,” said Rolling. “The rest of the money will be Dec. 15. Standing by some of the baskets are from left, front row, Cristina Smith, Carol Wiebelt and donated to help other families in the Christmas program.” Gloria Schryver. In back from left are Chris Rolling and Melva Carney. The committee that worked on the project included Melva Carney, Beth Ortiz, Gloria Schryver, Cristina Smith, Carol Wiebelt and Chris Rolling. 10 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008 Sinners, Saints Had Major Roles in Christmas Story God writes straight with crooked chosen. Judah, who had been left childless by two of the story involved as many sinners as lines. We know that expression, had sold Joseph into Judah’s sons, disguised herself as a saints, so has the sequence. ... The God though we rarely apply it to sacred slavery out of prostitute and seduced Judah himself. who wrote the beginning with crooked history or to the birth of Jesus. We jealousy and then Rahab was a real prostitute, though lines also writes the sequence with should. The Christmas story is written impregnated his her kindness protected Israel’s spies crooked lines, and some of those lines with some pretty crooked lines. own daughter-in- during the conquest of the promised are our own lives and witness. A God The renowned biblical scholar, law, taking her to be land. Ruth, like Tamar, was a who did not hesitate to use the schem- Raymond Brown, writes up a particu- a prostitute, is the foreigner, and Bathsheba, as we know, ing as well as the noble, the impure as larly insightful piece on the origins of one who gets was the woman David seduced before well as the pure, men to whom the By Father Jesus as described in Matthew’s chosen. It is fair to he had her husband killed. The world hearkened and women upon Ron Rolheiser gospel, where Matthew, in a text we ask the question, scandal of their affair and the death of whom the world frowned — this God like to ignore, traces the lineage of why Judah? their illegitimate child didn’t prevent continues to work with the same Jesus from Abraham to Mary. What Then Matthew lists the names of her from scheming to ensure that one mélange. Matthew reveals in his list of people 14 kings who are part of the genetic of her children became heir to the Perhaps the real challenge in all begetting other people is, as Brown origins of Jesus. Of those 14, only two, throne. Each of these women had of this comes to those of us who would highlights, quite a checkered story. Hezekiah and Josiah, were considered marital issues that contained ele- want to accept only an idealized Jesus’ family tree contains as many faithful to God as judged by the Book ments of irregularity or scandal and portrait of Jesus’ birth, one that has sinners as saints and his origins take of Kings. The rest, in Brown’s words, yet each was able to be an instrument only straight lines, no impurities, no their roots too in the crooked lines were “adulterers, murderers, incompe- in God’s birth on this planet. Clearly dark colors. But despite our struggle written by liars, betrayers, adulterers tents and power-seekers.” And then Matthew highlights their names to set to digest this, it is important that we and murderers. Jesus was pure, but there is David, the great king, from the stage for Mary, whose pregnancy do so because what is highlighted by his origins were not. whose lineage the gospels proudly is also irregular, since Jesus had no the Gospels in the birth of Jesus Matthew begins his story of the proclaim that Jesus descends. human father. throws light on all subsequent origins of Jesus with Abraham, who Admittedly, David was a great man, The last part of the genealogy Christian history and on our own fathers Isaac and then sends his other humanly and spiritually; he united contains mostly names of unknown lives. Grace is pure, but we who medi- son, Ishmael, and his mother packing, the community, built the temple and persons, no-names. That too is im- ate it often aren’t. Still, God’s love and off into the desert, to be rid of them. wrote the psalms, but he was also an portant since, if unknown persons God’s plan aren’t derailed by our in- Not quite what you would expect from adulterer who covered sin by murder. contributed so significantly to Jesus’ fidelities, sin and scheming. God’s the great patriarch. How can that be Finally there is the question of origins, then we too are not too designs for grace still somehow work fair and how can that be justified? which women are named as signifi- insignificant, unimportant or anony- and this, Raymond Brown points out, Then Jacob steals his older brother’s cant in Jesus’ lineage. Instead of mous to contribute to the continuation is not a lesson in discouragement, but blessing from Isaac (just as Israel naming Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel, of that story. in encouragement. itself earlier had seized the land of Matthew names instead, Tamar, God writes straight with crooked Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is Canaan from a people who had a prior Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, before lines. Nowhere is this more evident president of the Oblate School of claim). Next, among all the sons of finally naming Mary as Jesus’ mother. than in the birth of Jesus. There is an Theology in San Antonio. He can be Jacob, Joseph is clearly the most A curious selection: Tamar was a important challenge in this. To quote contacted through his Web site, worthy, but he is not the one who gets Canaanite woman who, because she Raymond Brown: If the beginning of www.ronrolheiser.com. Expansion of Catholic Church Across U.S. Explored in Book Frontiers of Faith: Bringing tation begins around 1785 after the by Protestants who hierarchical way so this history is Catholicism to the West in the Early end of the American Revolution and were able and based on that structure. There are no Republic. John R. Dichtl. Lexington, the Catholics in the United States quicker to set up illustrations or maps. Maps might Ky.:University Press of Kentucky. 240 were beginning to set up the formal churches and have helped a bit to show where the pages. Hardback. May 2008. ISBN structured Catholic Church with a provide ministers. author was talking about. The dust 978-0-8131-2486-5. $50. hierarchy. Father John Carroll became In the early days, jacket has an image of Father Fenwick the head of the Catholic Church in the anti-Catholicism giving a blessing in Ohio. United States. He was in charge of a was not as rampant This is a very well-written presen- large area that encompassed the new as it would later By Brother tation of the history of the Catholic This book is an examination of the 13 states of the United States and the become when more Benet Exton Church as it expanded into the West. history of Catholicism’s expansion territory west of them. He did not Catholic immi- It is a great addition to American from the East Coast of the United have many priests and religious to grants entered the country. Catholic Catholic Church history and is highly States beyond the Appalachia help him with his great task. The pope clergy tried to convert non-Catholics recommended to those interested in Mountains into Kentucky, Ohio, decided to make John Carroll or at least impress them to have a this period of American Catholic western Pennsylvania, Tennessee, America’s first bishop and designated positive attitude toward Catholics. history. John R. Dichtl is the executive Illinois, Indiana, up to around St. Baltimore, Md., to be the first see or Dichtl has researched this book director of the National Council on Louis. The book focuses mostly on seat of this very large diocese. using sources from clerical points of Public History. Kentucky which was to become the As Dichtl shows the Catholic view. The lay point of view is there, Brother Benet Exton is a site of a new diocesan see at clergy feared that Catholics could lose but it is not emphasized as much. The Benedictine Monk at St. Gregory’s Bardstown, Ky. John Dichtl’s presen- their faith since they were surrounded Catholic Church is structured in a Abbey in Shawnee. December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Germany and Italy Defend Human Embryos, but Not U.S.A. Nearly 500,000 human embryos one of the great destroy human embryos for research. to square with the efficient, cold, are currently stored in liquid nitrogen ongoing humani- By appealing to a kind of American clinical discussions of “harvesting tanks in fertility clinics in the United tarian tragedies of pragmatism that tries to “maximize embryos” and “deploying clusters of States, a number comparable to the our time. return on investments,” the embryo’s cells.” While the language of em- population of a mid-sized city like Not much subjugation has become nearly bryonic stem-cell scientists and their Cleveland or Tucson. By contrast, only ethical reflection is complete in our society, as he or she is supporters remains thoroughly profes- a handful of human embryos have needed to appreciate reduced to a mere “thing,” an object to sional, it still exudes, in the words been frozen and held in storage tanks the serious injustice be manipulated — valuable primarily of Rosen, “an unmistakable whiff of in the entire country of Germany. involved in freezing for how he or she can serve the cannibalism.” By Father Tad The reason for this striking another human interests and desires of others. In the United States today, we Pacholczyk, Ph.D. difference lies in the fact that being. The freezing Dr. Chi Dang, a professor of medi- urgently need Embryo Protection Germany enacted an Embryo Pro- and thawing process cine at the Johns Hopkins University Laws. The temptation to dehumanize tection Law during the 1990s which subjects embryonic humans to signifi- School of Medicine, building on the our own human brothers and sisters is included provisions outlawing the cant risk, and up to 50 percent of argument that frozen embryos will a perennial one, hearkening back to freezing of human embryos. Italy has embryos may not survive the process. otherwise be discarded, put it this the time in our country when slaves similar legislation in force. Both In many cases, stored embryos end up way during a recent interview: “The could be considered three-fifths of a countries closely regulate in-vitro being abandoned by the couples who question is: Is it ethically more accept- person for purposes of congressional fertilization treatments, and allow the create them, condemned to a kind of able to destroy these embryos by pour- representation. Treating embryos as production of no more than three perpetual stasis, and locked in time ing acid on them, or do you deploy zero-fifths of a person constitutes an embryos at a time, all of which must in the harsh wasteland of their these clusters of cells to create new even more deplorable human rights be implanted into their mother. Both liquid-nitrogen orphanages. Countless cell lines that could benefit us in the violation. The smallest members of countries forbid the production of parents then find themselves caught future?” By promoting such false dich- our human family deserve legal pro- extra embryos, experimentation on in agonizing dilemmas about what to otomies and constructing these kinds tection. Laws like those in Germany embryos, embryo cloning and genetic do with their offspring held in sus- of ethical sand castles, we have begun and Italy, while they would not stop testing of embryos. pended animation. This injustice, once to slip into a kind of complacency, a every injustice done to embryos, could The United States has largely it has been foisted upon human deadening moral slumber regarding go a long way toward stemming the failed to establish any reasonable embryos, is then used by others to our most basic duties toward the tide and assuring that further forms legal or ethical framework to regulate argue on behalf of an even more egre- weakest and smallest of humans. of laboratory barbarism and human its own multibillion-dollar infertility gious offense against their dignity, Writing in the New York Times, exploitation do not become common- industry, and the result has been aptly namely, the destructive strip-mining Gary Rosen once observed that even a place. described as a kind of “Wild West of of embryos to acquire their stem cells. basic course in Ethics 101 ought to be Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., Infertility,” a lawless frontier where The argument that embryos will enough to let us see the problem here, earned his doctorate in neuroscience nearly anything goes, including the “just be thrown away anyway” has namely, that we should not be treating from Yale. He serves as the Director of routine freezing of scores of humans been very effective in convincing law- other people as a means to our own Education at The National Catholic who are still in their embryonic makers and politicians to rally on ends, but as ends in themselves. Yet Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See stages. Indeed, this practice remains behalf of scientists who desire to even the most basic ethics can be hard www.ncbcenter.org. When Sisters Act: Nuns Fight for Woman Sentenced to Starvation By Tom Grenchik someone who considers her dead, let A car accident 16 years ago left normally required forms of care, not USCCB them leave her to continue with us, Eluana in what some call a “vegeta- exotic medical treatments. We can who feel she is alive, let us have the tive state.” Eluana is not terminally reject medical treatments as too In mid-November, the news from freedom to love and give ourselves to ill. Like each of us, she is a person of burdensome, but we must never reject Italy looked bleak for a 37-year-old one who is weak. Our hope, and that of immeasurable worth and dignity. All life itself because we see a human life woman named Eluana Englaro. News many like us, is that the death by Eluana needs physically is basic care, as burdensome. reports stated that Eluana’s elderly hunger and thirst of Eluana, and including the food and water that each Let us pray hard for Eluana and father had been fighting in court for others in her condition, will not be of us takes for granted every day. And the many others like her. May our 17 years to let her starve to death. carried out.” there is no doubt that the heroic world see her as the gift that her And on Nov. 13, Italy’s highest court The courage and tenacity of these Sisters who now stand by her side “Sisters” so clearly recognize, and not awarded him that false “right.” It women religious was inspiring. are giving her the most loving care as a burden. Pray too, for the success- seemed the case was closed. Bishops and cardinals, lay persons possible. ful campaign by the Nuns of the Eluana’s father had conquered the and organizations, doctors and politi- Patients, or their proxies em- Misericordine Order, and all those court system, but would he conquer a cians began to speak out. This has powered to speak for them, have a whom they have inspired. We must dedicated group of women religious? created a local “culture of life” that moral right to reject extraordinary halt society’s descent into a culture The Nuns of the Misericordine Order is making it quite challenging for treatments that are too burdensome where death is seen as the solution have been lovingly caring for his Eluana’s father to find another facility for the patient. But no one has a right to medical, social and economic daughter for the past 14 years, and willing to starve his daughter to to deprive them of basic care. Time problems. Lives hang in the balance. when the court caved in, they stepped death, the same long and tortured and again, the Church has reminded Tom Grenchik is executive up. In their appeal to continue to care death that Terri Schiavo endured four us that providing warmth, hygiene, director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life for Eluana, they stated: “If there is years ago in our country. food, water and basic comfort are Activities, USCCB. 12 Sooner Catholic ● 21 de diciembre, 2008 Buenas Noticias... …Navidad del año 2008 Mis queridos Hermanos y Verdaderamente, Dios está con actual crisis económica que pesa en Hermanas en Cristo: nosotros. Jesús es el Hijo Eterno de cada uno de nosotros, nada le quita el Tengo la esperanza y estoy Dios. Cristo es el unigénito prometi- verdadero peso y valor a la Buena rezando mucho para que cada uno de do a nosotros. Cuando los seres Nueva de Jesús. Existe una realidad ustedes tenga la más santísima humanos pecaron y cometieron el de nuestra existencia, que va más Navidad. Que el amor de Dios, el cual acto más desastroso de la historia, allá de las finanzas, el poder o las está expresado en el mensaje de la rechazaron el plan de Dios. No posesiones materiales. Esa realidad Navidad, les traiga paz y alegría. obstante, Dios nunca nos rechazó. de nuestra existencia se basa en Que nos demos cuenta, de nuevo, que Más bien, se dirigió a nosotros y dijo: quienes somos. Somos el pueblo de el plan de Dios para cada uno de “Dios no envió al Hijo al mundo para Dios. Hemos sido creados a Imagen y nosotros es tan bonito y enriquecedor condenar al mundo, sino para que se Semejanza de Dios. Dios nos creó por que nunca debemos permitir que salve el mundo gracias a Él”. una razón. Él tiene un plan para nada interfiera con en éste. Jesús es el Hijo de Dios. A lo nosotros. Dios quiere que estemos Dios nos creó a su Imagen y largo del tiempo, Jesús fue concebido con Él para siempre disfrutando de Semejanza. Dios nos ha dado y nos por obra del Espíritu Santo y nació la vida y de su completo amor. Así creó con amor. Dios nos ha creado de de Santa María Virgen. Jesús nace entonces, tenemos a Emmanuel, Dios manera que podamos recibir su amor en la ciudad de Belén, en un establo. está con nosotros y eso es la Buena y podamos darle a Dios ese amor en Jesús vino al mundo, murió y Nueva. ¡En esta Bendita Navidad, reciprocidad. resucitó. Jesús nació para estar pre- Jesús vive con nosotros ahora para Haciendo ésto, podremos vivir sente con nosotros y por eso cele- que nos preparemos a vivir con Él junto a Dios eternamente. Este es el bramos la Navidad. para siempre!. significado de la Navidad, es estar Es cierto que en esta Navidad Alegremente suyo en Cristo, con Dios tal como las Santas Dios está con nosotros, también es Escrituras lo dicen; “La virgen conce- innegable que quiero compartir y Muy Reverendo Eusebius J. Beltrán birá y dará a luz un hijo y le pondrán extenderles mi más cordial saludo Arzobispo Metropolitano de la por nombre Emmanuel que significa: para que tengan una Bendita Muy Reverendo Eusebius J. Beltrán Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma City. Dios-con-nosotros”. Navidad. Les aseguro que pese a la Arzobispo de Oklahoma City Afirmó el Papa Benedicto XVI Separación Iglesia-Estado, signo de progreso de la humanidad ROMA, (ZENIT.org).— "La conforme a la naturaleza de todo ser el Estado Ciudad del Vaticano. muy importante y significativo en la Iglesia no sólo reconoce y respeta la humano, despertar en la sociedad las El Papa agradeció, en este actual situación mundial, en la que el distinción y autonomía del Estado fuerzas morales y espirituales, con- sentido, la "contribución de las auto- perdurar de los conflictos y las ten- respecto de ella, sino que se alegra tribuyendo a abrir las voluntades a ridades italianas para que la Santa siones entre los pueblos hace cada vez como de un gran progreso de la las auténticas exigencias del bien". Sede pueda desarrollar libremente su más necesaria la colaboración entre humanidad". Así lo afirmó Benedicto "Reclamando el valor que tienen misión universal y por tanto man- todos aquellos que comparten los XVI durante su visita a la Embajada los principios éticos no sólo para la tener relaciones diplomáticas con mismos ideales de justicia, solida- Italiana ante la Santa Sede. vida privada sino fundamentalmente tantos países del mundo". ridad y paz". Para el Papa, esta separación y para la vida pública, la Iglesia con- Benedicto XVI recordó su Se refirió también a la signi- autonomía supone para la Iglesia tribuye a garantizar y promover la afirmación en aquella ocasión, de que ficativa sede que desde 1929 ocupa la "una condición fundamental para su dignidad de la persona y el bien "en la ciudad de Roma conviven pací- embajada italiana ante la Santa misma libertad y el cumplimiento de común de la sociedad". ficamente y colaboran de forma Sede, el palacio de San Carlos su misión universal de salvación "En este sentido se realiza fructífera el Estado Italiano y la Sede Borromeo, quien como joven Cardenal entre todos los pueblos". verdaderamente la deseada coopera- Apostólica". Destacó la importancia y colaborador de su tío, el Papa Pío IV, "Esta breve visita me es propicia ción entre Estado e Iglesia", añadió el de estas buenas relaciones y del papel trabajó en la diplomacia de la Santa para reafirmar que la Iglesia es muy Papa. jugado en ellas por la Embajada Sede. Tras una profunda conversión, consciente de que "la distinción en Pactos Lateranenses italiana ante la Santa Sede, unas el santo llegó a ser Arzobispo de que lo que es del César y lo que es de La visita del Papa a la embajada relaciones "diplomáticas, sociales y Milán, a cuya población se dedicó Dios pertenece a la estructura fun- italiana ante la Santa Sede (se trata religiosas que se ponen de manifiesto" totalmente, en especial durante la damental del cristianismo", explicó del cuarto pontífice que lo hace, ante la próxima celebración del epidemia de peste. Benedicto XVI. desde Pío XII en 1951), precede las aniversario de los Pactos que las con- Por último, el Papa aprovechó Al mismo tiempo, añadió, la próximas celebraciones en febrero de sagraron en 1929. la oportunidad para enviar su Iglesia "siente como su deber, siguien- 2008 del 80 aniversario de los Pactos Esta "fructífera relación" entre felicitación de Navidad a las autori- do los dictados de la doctrina social, Lateranenses, que consagraron la sep- Italia y la Santa Sede, subrayó el dades italianas, así como a todos los argumentada a partir de lo que es aración entre la República Italiana y Papa, supone "un entendimiento países del mundo. 21 de diciembre, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 13 Miles de feligreses rindieron tributo y devoción a lo largo de nuestra Arquidiócesis La Fiesta de la Virgen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Piadosos de la Virgen en la parroquia del Sagrado Corazón. Las mañanitas en los Santos Ángeles (Fotos por Mauro Yanez/Sooner Catholic)

Por Mauro Yanez apoyarnos y aconsejarnos que Sooner Catholic sigamos el Evangelio con respeto y OKLAHOMA CITY — “Viva la apoyemos a nuestra Iglesia Católica Virgen de Guadalupe, Patrona de en estos momentos tan difíciles que México y Emperatriz de las vive el mundo entero. La Virgen de Américas”, fue la expresión más Guadalupe nos enseña el camino emocionante que retumbó el pasado para mostrar, dar amor y compasión 12 de diciembre en los corazones de a nuestro prójimo. Ella lo hace por miles de feligreses en las diferentes encomienda de Dios Todopoderoso. parroquias del territorio de la La Virgen María bajo el título de Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma City. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, se La Virgen Morena, madre de apareció en México para darnos Dios está con nosotros para su auxilio y protección eterna y se convierte en la Emperatriz de las Américas para que todos los Católicos del Continente Americano y del mundo recordemos su mensaje El Padre Joseph Ariedge cantó y celebró con alegría el día de la Virgen Morena. de amor. Nuestra Iglesia proclama la Buena Nueva que nos abriga de esperanza para un mejor mañana. En esta Navidad, debemos buscar el refugio en Cristo. La intercesión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe ilumina el sendero correcto de nuestras vidas. Muchas cosas están solamente bajo los designios del Señor. Pero nuestra manera de proceder con los demás está en cada uno de nosotros, por lo tanto, llegó la hora de hacer la paz y reivindicar la justicia social que proclama nuestra Iglesia Católica. ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo 2009”. ¡El niño Jesús viene a tocar nuestros corazones!. Padre Menasco reverente de la Virgen Matachines una herencia cultural. Novenas destacaron en San Eugenio. 14 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008 Jobs Box Secretary Sought Art and Music Teacher full-time shifts available (3 p.m. to 11 p.m). DCTs Financial secretary needed at St. Francis of Villa Teresa Moore School is seeking an — Certified is great, if not we will train. Shifts Assisi Parish in Oklahoma City. Duties include experienced art and music teacher to serve in our available are 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. knowledge of computers, Excel, Microsoft Word preschool program. Certification is requested but Program coordinator — Four years experience and Internet. Oversee the school tuition program. not required. Hours not teaching art and music working with people with developmental disabili- Fluency in Spanish a plus. Full benefits in will be spent as a teacher assistant in the class- ties or degree combination. To apply, call 263- a pleasant working environment. Experience room, helping on the playground and/or helping 4658, fax 263-4718, e-mail [email protected] or in preferred. Please send resume to P.O. Box 60569, the front office. Call 691-7737 for an appointment, person at 635 W. Texas, Okarche 73762. EOE Oklahoma City, Okla. 73146. Beverly Sanchez, director. Clinic Needs Coordinator Bookkeeper Nurses Sought Catholic Charities is seeking a bookkeeper Mercy Health Center Nursing Opporunities: Job opening for health clinic coordinator, part to work in our Oklahoma City office. The success- Mercy Convent Nurse (FT/Eves) — Must be active time in Edmond. Oversees operation and manage- ful candidate will have 3-plus years related field RN or LPN licensed in Oklahoma. Experience in ment of free health clinic. Coordinates schedules experience, non-profit preferred, including payroll caring for geriatric patients preferred. Mercy and supervises volunteer personnel and patient and benefits processing experience a must. Convent CNA (PT/Eves) — Must have CNA, appointments. Responsible for the maintenance Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet, ten- nursing assistant experience preferred. Interested and storage of confidential medical records. Must key and calculator is required. Experience with candidates apply online: www.mercycareers.net. have office management experience, proficient Financial Edge, Blackbaud desired. A working computer skills, excellent written and verbal knowledge of computers and associated equip- Openings for Help with Adults with communication skills. Experience working in a ment as well as attention to detail, organization Developmental Disabilities medical clinic and fluency in Spanish is preferred. skills, accuracy and the ability to work with The Center of Family Love in Okarche has For more information, visit goodsamaritanof- minimal supervision are essential. immediate openings for the following: LPNs — edmond.com. Submit résumé to [email protected]. Letter Pro-Life Means All Life Recently we have read articles from the U.S. Bishops relating to our form- ing “Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” A good document, but we wonder if a great many Catholics understand what this document is really about. Its coverage is very extensive, part of which pertains to abortion and the sanctity of all human life. Many Catholics claim to be pro-life but still support the death penalty. We are all God’s children and He has said, what you do to the least of my children you do to me. Pro-life is from conception to natural death. Perhaps our parish priests should spend more time explaining what pro-life really means. Both abortion and the death penalty are planned, pre-meditated acts of taking a human life by force. It is murder and that is against the law. Pray that our younger, newer legislators will change this awful way of life, this culture of death we have in Oklahoma and do away with abortion and the death penalty. Violence creates violence and helps make our community a dangerous place to live. With no death penalty, we help break the chain of hate and revenge and give the culture of life a chance to grow in Oklahoma. Let life prevail always. Jim and Ann Fowler Saint Charles Parish Oklahoma City

Sanctity of Life Mass Set for January 21 The Sanctity of Life Mass will be Programs to discuss the Catholic held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, social teaching about the dignity of at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual human life will follow. For teens, the Help. The Mass will be celebrated by discussion will be facilitated by Rev. Archbishop Beltran. The faithful are Bill Novak and for adults by Rev. Ray invited to join in the praying for the Ackerman. value of life in remembrance of the For more information, contact Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade, Becky VanPool at Catholic Charities, which legalized abortion. 523-3003. December 21, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Calendar December 22 Weekly Adoration of the 2 Sacred Heart Mass will be held 15 Catholic Charities Parish Blessed Sacrament at Christ the at Immaculate Conception, 3901 Liaison Forum. This information 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent King Catholic Church, located one S.W. 29th Street, Oklahoma City, session is on Legislative Advocacy block north of Wilshire at 8005 and will resume at the Catholic hosted by St. James the Greater at 21 Pilgrimage Sunday, 10:45 Dorset Drive, every Monday Pastoral Center in February. 7 p.m. These forums are to give a.m. Anointing of the Sick, 11 a.m. beginning at 7 a.m. and concluding liaisons the opportunity to learn Mass, noon lunch, 1 p.m. with Benediction at 7 p.m. For more 7 Eucharistic Adoration at the about the services provided by Benediction of the Blessed information, contact Linda at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Catholic Charities. RSVP by Jan. 9 Sacrament, Prayer of the Chaplet of 496-0033. Help, N.W. 32nd and Western, every at (405) 523-3009. the Infant Jesus and the Litany of Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. the Infant Jesus. Nat’l Shrine of the 25 Christmas — Holy Day of The Rosary is said every weekday at 18 Annual Chicken Noodle Infant Jesus of Prague is located at Obligation 2.30 p.m. All are welcome. Dinner offered by the Catholic St. Wenceslaus Church, SH-99 7 Daughters of Holy Trinity Church in miles N. I-40 or 20 miles S. I-44 at 27 Mass in Tagalog. St. Paul the 7 All-Day Adoration, every Okarche from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Stroud exit, Prague, (405) 567-3080. Apostle Catholic Church in Del City Wednesday at St. Eugene Church, the parish hall. Adults are $6, will celebrate Mass in Tagalog 2400 W. Hefner Road. Mass at 6:30 children 6-12 are $4 and 3 and 21 Taize Prayer, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Filipino) at 7 p.m. each Saturday. a.m., Exposition of Eucharist at 7 under are free. Two handmade Red Plains Monastery, 728 Richland A potluck dinner will occasionally a.m., Confessions from 12:30 to 1:30 quilts will also be given away. Road SW, Piedmont. For more follow Mass. All are welcome. p.m. Anointing of Sick at 3 p.m. details, call 373-4565. Optional Adoration all day and devotions video on Taize prayer at 6 p.m. conclude with multi-lingual evening 19 Fourth Annual Martin Luther January prayer and benediction at 7:30 p.m. King Jr. celebration will be held at Corpus Christi Church in Oklahoma 21 The Community of the 1 Mary, Mother of God — Contacts: Barbara Curcio at 755- City. Begins with a multicultural Secular Order of the Blessed Solemnity — Holy Day of 9163. O en Espanol – Gloria celebration at 11 a.m. followed by a Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel and Obligation Pantazis at 751-7115. noon Mass celebrated by Pastor St. Teresa of Jesus - Oklahoma Father David Lafferty. A parade at Community and Province of St. 1 Exposition of the Blessed 9 Bingo at St. Joseph’s Church in Therese meets at St. Joseph Sacrament at Epiphany Parish in Norman. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. will culminate the event. Carmelite Monastery in Piedmont the chapel every Thursday, 8:30 a.m. with the serving of a light dinner. Catholics and non-Catholics are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more to 8 p.m. and daily (M,T,W,F) from First session of games begins at 7; invited to attend. information, call Janet Mildfelt at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. second session at 8:30. Concessions (405) 848-6275 or Deacon Jim Epiphany is located at 7336 W. serve popcorn, candy, coffee, soft For an up-to-date calendar, go Breazile at (405) 377-9478. Britton Road, Oklahoma City. drinks. Drawings for door prizes. to catharcdhioceseokc.org Pontiff Praises Ecumenical Progress Made Between Catholics, Orthodox

VATICAN CITY, (Zenit.org).— 1997 on “Ecclesial Communion, “many contacts established between analysis of the results obtained.” There have been significant steps Conciliarity and Authority.” That leaders of the Roman Curia and The bishop of Rome encouraged forward in dialogue with the advance, known as the “Ravenna bishops of the Catholic Church with both reflection on the progress made, Orthodox regarding the relationship Document” “certainly opens a posi- leaders from the various Orthodox and “the discovery of new paths […] between papal primacy and the syn- tive perspective of reflection on the churches, as well as visits to Rome seeking together to overcome the odality of the Church, says Benedict relationship that exists between pri- and particular Catholic churches by divergences that unfortunately still XVI. macy and synodality in the Church, a leading figures from the Orthodox.” remain in the relationships between The pope recalled these advances discussion of crucial importance in Referring to the pontifical the disciples of Christ.” when he addressed Friday the relations with our Orthodox council’s analysis of the Harvest Faced with challenges that ecu- plenary assembly of the Pontifical brothers, and which will be the object Project, which deals with the first menical dialogue is facing with Council for Promoting Christian of deepening and discussion in four international bilateral dialogues the establishment of more new Unity.The council reflected last week upcoming meetings,” the pontiff said. in which the Church has partici- communities and groups, and with on the “Reception and Future of Benedict XVI recalled that pated since Vatican II, the pope certain unprecedented tendencies Ecumenical Dialogue.” Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I looked at advances with four and tension, the Holy Father In his address, the Holy Father made explicit reference to this issue Protestant confessions: Lutherans, continued emphasizing the im- mentioned progress, both at the level when he addressed the synod of Methodists, Anglicans and the World portance of dialogue. of theological dialogue and at the bishops in Rome in October. Alliance of Reformed Churches. “Charity,” he said, “will help level of ecclesial fraternity, with the In addition to this positive dia- Regarding progress in these dia- Christians to cultivate this ‘thirst’ for Orthodox churches and the ancient logue, the Holy Father noted, “A logues, the Holy Father considered full communion in the truth, and churches of the east. sincere spirit of friendship between that “we find ourselves on the road, docilely following the inspirations of In this regard, he particularly Catholics and Orthodox has been in an intermediate situation, in the Holy Spirit, we can hope to arrive pointed to the joint Catholic- growing over these years.” which it seems very useful and soon to the desired unity, on the day Orthodox statement from the end of This is shown, he said, in the opportune to make an objective that the Lord wants.” 16 Sooner Catholic ● December 21, 2008

Mount’s DeNegri Carries On Tradition of Living Mercy Values By Mike Bryan Nievez DeNegri joins a long line of dis- the teachers. People typically do not UCO Journalism student tinguished Oklahomans who have hear of such a school implementing Talita DeNegri’s devotion to received the Notre Dame Person of such benefits for the teachers, she Christian values and adoration for the Year award. “I felt like I was said. her students as principal of Mount in holy company,” DeNegri said, a DeNegri said there had been a St. Mary High School earned her smile on her face. lot of work enhancing the religious the Person of the Year award for According to “The Mount” curriculum at the school. She 2008 from Oklahoma City’s Notre magazine, Archbishop Eusebius focused on working toward retreats Dame Club. Beltran received the award in 2007. and service projects for every class. “Her servant leadership skills Former governor Frank Keating DeNegri also implemented a moral- and her commitment to Catholic won in 2000. The director of ity program for the junior class, and education made her the ideal choice Catholic Charities, Tim O’Connor, the campus ministry team is spear- for this prestigious honor,” said won in 1993. Father Stanley Rother heading the program. Mike Milligan, former president of won in 1982 and Dr. James DeNegri is proud to know every the Notre Dame Club of Oklahoma Halligan, former Oklahoma State student by name. She said high City. University president, was also a school students want that particu- The Person of the Year award is recipient. lar identity. DeNegri’s father, Pete Cordova, “At the Mount, students feel in partnership with the University Talita DeNegri of Notre Dame. was named Person of the Year in that they matter and have an im- “Each year we recognize a the 1990s. portance, whether you are quarter- “It is proven that schools with person in the community that epit- “My dad won the award upon back of the football team, lead actor smaller class sizes have fewer omizes the ideals of the University problems and we give personal of Notre Dame,” Milligan said. “The attention to each student as an concentrated areas that are very “Receiving this award individual. Every student feels they pertinent to this award include aca- is really a reflection of contribute to the overall atmos- demic excellence, religious leader- phere of MSM,” she said. ship and community service.” the great things that The greatest influence DeNegri DeNegri said she was honored are happening at had in her life was her father. to receive the award. Mount St. Mary DeNegri tagged along everywhere “Receiving this award is really a with him, and she learned a lot reflection of the great things that High School,” she about her Hispanic heritage and are happening at Mount St. Mary said. “The award culture. High School,” she said. “The award demonstrates Mercy DeNegri said prejudice and demonstrates Mercy values of ex- racism were a major factor for her cellence in academic achievement values of excellence in father and his siblings while going and service that support the morals academic achievement to school in the 1940s. of Notre Dame.” and service that DeNegri said her greatest DeNegri also won Oklahoma hero is her grandmother, Maria Teacher of the Year in 2001 for her support the morals of Cordova. excellence in teaching at Northeast Notre Dame.” “She had no education, but had Academy in Oklahoma City. the vision to raise five kids on a DeNegri also taught at Mount St. farm. She raised them all to be Mary in the mid-’90s and at South- college graduates and the vision east High School in Oklahoma City. his retirement from a 38-year in the play, or the quiet leader in and the foresight to tell them they DeNegri taught advanced place- career at Mount St. Mary High the hallway. Everyone knows they have to get an education,” DeNegri ment English courses to sopho- School,” DeNegri said. serve a purpose here,” DeNegri said. mores and juniors. She imple- DeNegri became principal of said. DeNegri today attributes her mented a “no excuses” approach in Mount St. Mary in 2004 and has DeNegri, a former cheerleader exceptional performance and her life to her students. made tremendous advances in the and 1980 alumna of the Mount St. call in life as principal of Mount St. DeNegri used her own life expe- school’s scholastic standing. Mary Rockets, still portrays the Mary to academics, the teachers, riences to encourage her students “We’ve gone from three AP peppiness of her alma mater spirit. and to the students. to develop a strong strength of classes to 12 in four years,” DeNegri DeNegri instills the positive “Our students are our best mind and a good work ethic. She said. “I am very proud of the values of the school in an individ- commercials. They are the ones that encouraged positive determination teachers for doing that.” ual. Mount St. Mary is an institu- go out and spread the word and and hard work to equal success in As principal, DeNegri placed a tion that revolves around a close- advertise what it is that we’re doing the classroom. merit performance PACE salary for knit community, she said. here. It’s awesome!” she said.