The Steubenville

www.diosteub.org REGISTER Vol. 76, No. 21 Serving 13 counties in southeast ohio JUNE 11, 2021 News Briefs Students graduate from two diocesan high schools Bishop will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville Bishop Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton gathers with the Class of 2021 graduates of St. Joseph Central Jeffrey M. Monforton will celebrate the Feast of High School, Ironton, following the celebration of a baccalaureate Mass, June 2, at St. Lawrence O’Toole the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 10 a.m., June Church, Ironton. (Photo provided) • Story/Pages 2-3 12, at St. Peter Church, Steubenville. The Immaculate Heart of Mary is the patroness Parishioners remember the life of Msgr. Kawa of the Diocese of Steubenville. BEVERLY — Msgr. Robert J. Kawa died June 6 at the 95. He was assigned pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Beverly, Pope dedicates June prayers age of 78. in 1995. He continued in that pastorship until his retirement. He was born May 26, 1943, in Canton, Ohio. He is one He served St. James Parish, McConnelsville, as pastor for a VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While uncertainty of five children of John and Anna Irene Younger Kawa. year, beginning in 2016, along with his St. Bernard duties. in the world may deter young couples from Msgr. Kawa held a Bachelor of Arts from The In the diocese, Msgr. Kawa was director of RENEW, taking the next big step in their relationships, the College of Steubenville; a Bachelor of which fosters spiritual renewal in parishes; vocational call to marriage is a risk worth taking, Sacred Theology from The Catholic director of diocesan vocations for two years; Pope Francis said. University of America, Washington, dean of two different deaneries; elected to Marriage “is a challenging journey, at times D.C.; and a licentiate in moral theology the Priests’ Personnel Board; a consultor and difficult, sometimes even confrontational, but from Academia Alfonsiana, Rome, Italy. Worldwide Marriage Encounter presenting it is worth the risk,” the pope said. “And in this He was ordained May 17, 1969, to the team priest for about 15 years. lifelong journey, the husband and wife are not priesthood for the Diocese of Steubenville Msgr. Kawa has also served the St. alone: Jesus accompanies them.” by Bishop John King Mussio at Holy Name Vincent de Paul of Beverly, Churchtown, In a video message released by the Pope’s Cathedral, Steubenville. His first assignments Lowell and Little Hocking, and was Worldwide Prayer Network June 1, the pope of- after ordination were to St. Peter Parish, chaplain of the Knights of Columbus fered his prayer intention for the month of June, Steubenville, and as a Latin teacher at Catholic Council 4617. In addition he taught Latin which he dedicated to “the beauty of marriage.” Central High School, Steubenville. He was (File photo) to fourth- through eighth-grade students Acknowledging the belief that young people Msgr. Robert J. Kawa sent to Rome in 1971 and resided at Casa at St. John Central School, Churchtown. “do not want to get married, especially in these Santa Maria and studied at the Academia Msgr. Kawa has served as a priest for the difficult times,” the pope said that marriage and Alfonsiana until 1973. Steubenville Diocese under the leadership of all five bishops. sharing one’s life “is a beautiful thing.” On his return, he resided and taught at St. John Vianney He retired from active parish ministry June 30, 2017. Fol- “Marriage is not just a ‘social’ act,” he said. “It Seminary, Bloomingdale, from 1973-78. lowing retirement he resided in Beverly, and assisted with the is a vocation that is born from the heart, it is a Msgr. Kawa resided at St. Mary of the Immaculate Con- celebration of Masses and sacraments at St. Bernard Parish, conscious lifelong decision that requires a specific ception Church, Morges. He later served that parish as its St. James Parish, Our Lady of Mercy, Lowell and St. John preparation.” pastor. In addition, he was administrator of St. Thomas More the Baptist Parish, Churchtown. “Please, never forget! God has a dream for us Mission, Bloomingdale; pastor from 1982-92, Our Lady of A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., June 15, at St. – love – and he asks us to make it our own,” the Mercy Parish, Carrollton, (named a monsignor in 1987); and Bernard Church with Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton as the pope said. pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Wintersville, from 1992- celebrant. The burial will be in Byesville. At the start of each month, the Pope’s World- wide Prayer Network posts a short video of the pope offering his specific prayer intention. Reaction from around the diocese Reciting his intention, the pope prayed for “What a wonderful priest. He was such a humble man.” – Diane Rauch “young people preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community, so that they may “Father Kawa will be missed. He was a great man!” – Mel Kern grow in love, generosity, faithfulness and patience.” The Pope Video was first launched in 2016 to He was an amazing priest – Gert Schilling Bradley encourage people to join an estimated 50 million “ .” Catholics who already had a more formal relation- ship with the prayer network – better known by “Msgr. Kawa lived his life the way all of us are supposed to, he not only preached on how to live life, he its former title, the Apostleship of Prayer. actually showed by his example.” – Marguerite Stolarik The prayer network is more than 170 years old. 2 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 Students graduate from two diocesan high schools in challenging year By Dino Orsatti Championship in 2019. The valedictorian Johnson of Raceland, Kentucky. The team All-Conference; the United Soccer Editor received the Freshman and Sophomore valedictorian will be attending Seton Hill Coaches Senior Excellence Award; and the IRONTON/STEUBENVILLE — Academic Awards and was a participant University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Southeast Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches COVID-19 presented many obstacles in the Marshall University Academic where he will major in pre-med and will Association Academic Excellence Award. this year for educators and students in SCORES Festival. Bryce was a member be a member of the soccer team. Jared is In basketball, he received second team schools in the Diocese of Steubenville, but of the basketball, soccer and bowling a member of the National Honor Society; All-Conference and special mention All- according to Permanent Deacon Paul D. teams. In soccer, he served as captain and Spanish Club; and president of the Mu District. In baseball, he received first team Ward, director, diocesan Office of Christian received honorable mention All-District, Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. All Southern Ohio Conference and second Formation and Schools, everyone involved first team All-District; first team South- He was a member of the Quiz Bowl Team, team All-District. Jackson is a parishioner deserved high marks. ern Ohio Conference; the United Soccer which competed in the National Cham- of St. Joseph Parish, where he is an altar “We had a plan to keep us in school with Coaches Senior Excellence Award; and the pionship in 2019 and he represented St. server. He received the Members Choice face-to-face instruction and I am grateful we Southeast Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Joseph Central High School at the Hugh Credit Union Scholarship and the Knights were able to achieve that goal. We all worked Association Academic Excellence Award. O’Brian Summer Youth Leadership Con- of Columbus Scholarship. At Marshall together, from students (pre-K through 12th In basketball, he received the Silver Certifi- ference at Marietta College in 2018. The University, he received the John Laidley grade), faculty, staff and parents, to navigate cate Ohio High School Basketball Coaches valedictorian received the Freshman and Scholarship. through the challenges that the pandemic Association Scholarship Society Award. Sophomore Academic Awards and was a brought,” said Deacon Ward. Bryce is a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish. Marshall University Academic SCORES Fifty-seven young men and women from At Marshall University, he received the Festival participant. He was a member of two parochial high schools in the diocese – Board of Governor’s Scholarship. the basketball and soccer teams all four St. Joseph Central, Ironton, and Catholic years. In soccer, he received All-District; Central, Steubenville, graduated this All-Conference honors; the United Soccer spring. Coaches Senior Excellence Award, and the Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Southeast Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Monforton congratulated seniors at Association Academic Excellence Award. baccalaureate Masses at Franciscan Jared is a parishioner of Holy Family University of Steubenville’s Finnegan Parish, Ashland, Kentucky, where he is Fieldhouse, May 23; and at St. Joseph an usher, server and greeter. He received Church, Ironton, June 2. the Holzer Science Award and the Sisters Bishop Monforton told the graduates, of Charity Scholarship. At Seton Hill, he “Get to work! It’s time to adjust the sails received the Honors and Athletic Scholar- (Photo provided) from one chapter to the next. But, remem- ship; the Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship; Max Weber ber, the Lord Jesus will never leave you. and the Catholic High School Scholarship. Max is the son of Nick and Mary Beth He is always there for you whether you are Weber of Ironton. The valedictorian will be going off to college here, other parts of the (Photo provided) attending Marshall University, Huntington country, a trade school or the military. You Emilee Blankenship West Virginia, where he will major in must live your life as faithful Christians.” Emilee is the daughter of John and health sciences/pre-optometry. Max is a The graduation for St. Joseph Central Kathy Blankenship of Ironton. She will member of the National Honor Society; was held June 4 at St. Joseph Church. be attending Ohio University Southern, the Spanish Club; and the Mu Alpha Theta Chris Monte is the principal of St. Joseph Ironton, where she will major in Business Mathematics Honor Society. He received Central and Father David L. Huffman, Management and Technology. Emilee was the Freshman and Sophomore Academic pastor of the Ironton Catholic community a member of the Spanish Club; and the Mu Awards; was a Marshall University and administrator of St. Mary Mission, Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society; Academic SCORES Festival participant; Pine Grove, is pastoral administrator. president of the National Honor Society St. Joseph Variety Show participant Monte gave credit to his students, teachers and a class officer. The valedictorian was and Class President all four years. He and staff for working hard through the new a member of the Impact Prevention Team, was a member of the Impact Prevention guidelines and periodic quarantines. Monte which led life skills classes for middle Team, which led life skills classes for added, “Our school nurse, Eileen Payton, school students and served as a math and (Photo provided) middle school students and served as a was a huge asset in helping make sure we reading tutor at St. Lawrence and St. Jo- Jackson Rowe reading tutor at St. Lawrence Central all stayed as healthy as possible.” seph schools. She received the Freshman Jackson is the son of James and Jennifer School. Max represented St. Joseph Guidance counselor Christi Bare and Sophomore Academic Awards; was a Rowe of Ironton. Jackson will be attend- Central High School at the State of Ohio announced Bryce Balestra, Emilee Marshall University Academic SCORES ing Marshall University, Huntington, West Legislative Day. He has been a member Blankenship, Jared Johnson, Jackson Festival participant; and St. Joseph Variety Virginia, where he will major in pre-med. of the soccer, basketball and baseball Rowe, Max Weber and Emma Whaley as Show participant. Emilee was captain of the The valedictorian is a member of the Na- teams all four years and the golf team valedictorians. Joshua Kline was chosen soccer and basketball teams; member of the tional Honor Society; Spanish Club; the Mu for one year. In soccer, he received All- as salutatorian. volleyball and softball teams and captain Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society; Southern Ohio Conference first team; the of the cheerleading squad. She received and the Quiz Bowl Team, which competed United Soccer Coaches Senior Excellence honorable mention in soccer and second in the 2019 National Championship. The Award; and the Southeast Ohio Scholastic team All-SOC in basketball. Emilee is a valedictorian received the Freshman and Soccer Coaches Association Academic parishioner of St. Lawrence O’Toole Par- Sophomore Academic Awards; was a Mar- Excellence Award. He is a parishioner ish, where she is an altar server. At Ohio shall University SCORES Festival and St. of St. Joseph Parish, where he is an altar University Southern, Emilee received the Joseph Variety Show participant. Jackson server. Max received the Members Choice Freshmen Excellence Merit Scholarship. was a member of the soccer, basketball, Credit Union Scholarship, and at Marshall and baseball teams all four years. In soc- University, he received the A. Michael cer, he received twice Honorable Mention Perry Scholarship. All-District, first team All-District, and first To Page 3

(Photo provided) Bryce Balestra Bryce is the son of Mike and Alice Balestra, of Haverhill, Ohio. He will be attending Marshall University, Hunting- ton, West Virginia. Bryce is a member of the National Honor Society; and the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. (Photo provided) He has been a member of the Quiz Bowl Jared Johnson Team, which competed in the National Jared is the son of Dwane and Lisa THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 3

Students graduate Bishop Monforton’s From Page 2 University Academic SCORES Festival Schedule participant. He was a member of the golf team. Joshua is a parishioner of St. Mary’s June Mission, where he is an altar server. At 12 Mass, Feast of the Immaculate Marshall University, he received the John Heart of Mary, patroness of the Laidley Scholarship. diocese, St. Peter Church, The remaining 2021 graduates of St. Steubenville, 10 a.m. Joseph Central were Aaron Collins, James Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Damron, James Mahlmeister, Jacob Salis- Steubenville, 4 p.m., bury, Bryce Sheridan and William Whaley. livestreamed and recorded Graduation for Catholic Central High (Triumph of the Cross Parish School, Steubenville, was held May 23 at and diocesan Facebook pages) Franciscan University’s Finnegan Field- 13 Mass, St. Joseph Church, house. Thomas J. Costello is principal of Amsterdam, 11 a.m. (Photo provided) Catholic Central. Father Thomas R. Nau, Tina Dong 14 Committee on Evangelization (Photo provided) pastor of Triumph of the Cross Parish, and Catechesis virtual meeting, 9 a.m. Emma Whaley Steubenville, is pastoral administrator of Pittsburgh, and is planning on majoring 15 Funeral Mass, St. Bernard Church, Emma is the daughter of Josh and Julie of the high school. Costello praised his in nursing. The salutatorian was the vice Beverly, 10 a.m. Whaley of Ironton. She will be attending teachers and staff for dealing with such a president of the National Honor Society Committee on National Collections Ohio University Southern, Ironton. Emma challenging year. “I’m very proud of the and the Frassati House Leader. In addi- virtual meeting, 1 p.m. is the vice president of the National Honor flexibility they displayed. Our students tion, she has three academic letters, three 16 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Society and a member of the Spanish Club were also a resilient group who were varsity letters in tennis, one varsity letter Steubenville, 8:30 a.m. and Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor able to make the best of this year, and in basketball, and one varsity letter in soc- Finance Council virtual meeting, Society. The valedictorian received the our parents were very supportive of our cer. Tina received the Vincent Memorial 10 a.m. Freshman and Sophomore Academic in-person learning,” said the principal. Scholarship, Vilma Kakaria Outstanding College of Consultors virtual Awards; was a Marshall University Aca- Costello singled out Joseph Rohde as Senior Scholarship, and Cecelia Whitehead meeting 10:30 a.m. demic SCORES Festival and St. Joseph the valedictorian and Tina Dong as the Serra Memorial Scholarship. 17 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Variety Show participant. She was a mem- salutatorian. Other members of the top 10 class of Steubenville, 7 a.m. ber of the Impact Prevention Team, which CCHS include Sophia Crust, Morgan 16-18 U.S. Conference of Catholic led life skills classes for middle school Green, Kaylee Kirkpatrick, Patrick Mitch, Bishops’ virtual meetings students and served as a math and reading Lauren Schaefer, Michael Sollom, Cole 19 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, tutor at St. Joseph and St. Lawrence. Emma Tegano and Nicolle Thompson. Steubenville, 4 p.m., was a member of the volleyball, soccer, The remaining 2021 Catholic Central livestreamed and recorded basketball and softball teams and was a High School graduates include: Kateri (Triumph of the Cross Parish cheerleader. She served as captain of the Arellano, Michael Boyle, Katelyn Boyuk, and diocesan Facebook pages) soccer and basketball teams. In soccer, she Lucia Burton, Vincent Carapellotti, Lucy 20 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, received first team All-Conference, first Cerqueda, Brianna DeChristopher, Holly Steubenville, 11:30 a.m. team All-District, and second team All- Eberhart, Ryan Gorman, Alison Grimm, 21 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, State. In basketball, she received honor- Ellen Hanood, Ruben Hilson, Isaac Hough, Steubenville, 8:30 a.m. able mention All-District and second team Margaret Kilonsky, Giuseppe Lancia, Mi- Annual Clergy Jubilee Mass and All-Conference. She is a parishioner of St. chael Lee, Adriana Lefever, Toby Lesnef- reception, St. Clairsville, 4:30 p.m. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, where she is a sky, Cecelia Libetti, Nathaniel Loot, Grace 22 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, student choir member and lector. At Ohio (Photo provided) McCart, Joseph McGinness, Angelica Steubenville, 7 a.m. University Southern, Emma received the Joseph Rohde Meyer, Charles Miller, JohnPaul Palladino, 26 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Freshman Excellence Scholarship. Joseph is the son of Jeffrey and Bridget Gabriel Pecar, Sandy Rao, Robert Rice, Steubenville, 4 p.m., Rohde and a member of Holy Family Jack Rook, Rebekah Runkel, Victoria livestreamed and recorded Parish, Steubenville. He will attend Shepherd, Nathanial Stark, Lucas Terry (Triumph of the Cross Parish college at Franciscan University of and Michael Tizziani. and diocesan Facebook pages) Steubenville, majoring in chemistry. Joseph was elected as the senior class Record number graduate from college seminary secretary and president of the National CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) — St. to discern the priesthood, and enrollment Honor Society. The valedictorian was Joseph College Seminary, the only program growth has been faster than anticipated. nominated for the 2020 Buckeye Boys of its kind between Washington and Miami, The diocese fast-tracked construction on a State, co-founder of Armis Dei, and co- graduated nine men this May – the largest permanent home for the college seminary in leader of the Gonzaga House. He earned class since its founding. Mount Holly, North Carolina, and the new eleven varsity sports letters as a member Seven of the nine men earned undergradu- 30,000-square-foot building opened last fall. of the soccer, track, cross country and ate degrees from the Benedictine-run Bel- “On a practical level, the establishment basketball teams. He received multiple mont Abbey College May 15. They join the of St. Joseph College Seminary made going OHSAA and OVAC all-conference ranks of nine other men who have graduated to seminary much more feasible,” graduate (Photo provided) recognitions, as well as OHSAA Scholar from the college seminary – a total of 18 men Kolbe Murrey said. Joshua Kline Athlete Award. Joseph was also a member in the five years since the program began. “Instead of traveling across country right Joshua is the son of Chris and Rhonda of the 2017, 2019 and 2020 OVAC Established by the Diocese of Charlotte in after graduating high school, I have stayed Kline of Ironton. Joshua will be attending champion soccer teams, the 2018 OVAC 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary enables in North Carolina and in the heart of the Marshall University, Huntington, West track and field team, and he won seven young men to discern a possible vocation to diocese,” he said. “This has been a great Virginia, where he will major in mechani- individual OVAC track championships. the priesthood while earning undergraduate blessing and given me a unified and focused cal engineering. He is a member of the Joseph achieved his Eagle Scout rank degrees at nearby Belmont Abbey College. first four years of seminary formation.” National Honor Society; the Mu Alpha in 2018. He was selected for the Upper Upon graduation, most go on to major In his homily for a baccalaureate Mass for Theta Mathematics Honor Society; and the Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival seminaries elsewhere to pursue graduate the graduates, the seminary’s rector, Father Mock Trial Team. He was a member of the Scholarship, the Steubenville Rotary Club degrees in theology and receive more Matthew Kauth, encouraged the graduates to Quiz Bowl Team, which competed in the “Service Above Self” Scholarship, the specific training before being ordained. keep growing in their relationship with Christ. National Championship in 2019. He was Josh Merriman Foundation Scholarship, This year’s graduates are moving on to “I think the greatest compliment I can say chosen to attend the Marshall University the Vilma Kakaria Outstanding Senior major seminaries in Cincinnati and Rome to you – in front of your brother seminarians Academy for Rising Scientists Summer Award Scholarship as well as the to continue their formation as future priests and your families – is that (God) abides in Camp in 2018 and he represented St. Press Macedonia Award, Dr. Jim Mills for the Diocese of Charlotte. you and you abide in him, that you are a Joseph High School at the Hugh O’Brian Memorial, Trinity Sports Medicine P3, With a Catholic population that has friend of God’s. I don’t know of any title Summer Youth Leadership Conference at and Franciscan University Chancellor’s grown by double digits in the past decade, in the world that is more desirous to have, Marietta College in 2019. The salutatorian Scholarships. the diocese launched the college seminary than to say someone is a friend of God’s.” received the Freshman and Sophomore Tina is the daughter of Qiang Zhang and with eight students. The program has prov- St. Joseph College Seminary is expect- Academic Awards and was a Marshall Bing Dong. She is attending the University en to be a magnet for young men wanting ing at least eight new men to enroll this fall. 4 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 The Rosary at Mass? By Father Jonas A. Shell different aspects of the life wonder in a truly unique Lord is in all of his majesty and splendor. of Christ. His advice began and unearthly way. These images, conveyed to us through As a seminarian, I often heard that to make sense. This does God draws us into this words, art and song, open more avenues people never participated in the old Mass not mean that everybody encounter in so many for the Lord to inflame our hearts. Like that was done in Latin. Old ladies would should pray the rosary while human ways. Through the the memory of someone we love, they pray their rosaries while the priest said the priest says the Mass, Scriptures, we read and hear make us long to be in the presence of the his prayers. This was an anecdotal way of but it does point to a deeper of God’s interactions with beloved. demonstrating why the old Mass was bad meaning of participation his creation, especially when Reading Scripture and praying the ro- and the new Mass in the vernacular with its in the Mass, which is to he became man and dwelt sary with these intentions make us well many responses was good. As a Catholic participate in the very life of among us. We also learn of disposed to engage in this type of mental and as a priest, I am continually in a pursuit Christ. This participation is ways to pray through the prayer. This ability to move into mental to understand how to pray at Mass and endless. This also points to Father Shell various characters in the prayer in turn helps us to pray the Mass. more importantly to pray the Mass. What a way in which we can more Old Testament, through the I can’t speak to the interior dispositions I’ve discovered thus far is that there are so easily enter into the prayer of the Mass: Psalms, the words and actions of Jesus and of those old ladies who prayed the rosary many ways to pray the Mass that it would by praying the rosary outside of Mass. As the words and actions of the saints. This at Mass, but it might be that they were be overwhelming to try and make sure that expressed in many of the previous articles verbal aspect is important, because it on the right track. The Mass is meant I checked all of the boxes each time. It is regarding sacrifice, the end goal of our teaches us how to conceive of God, what to engage us physically, mentally and better to think of all the ways in which we multifaceted prayer lives is adoration we should say to him, and what we are spiritually. In other words, it engages the can pray as guard rails that help us stay of God. Trying to describe adoration is allowed to say to him. He is worthy of all whole human person. For our part, we focused on what is happening and allow more difficult than writing why someone praise, has done wondrous deeds, and is must do what we can to be well disposed us to enter into Christ’s self-offering to the completely loves and adores another beyond comparison, but he also allows to the graces God wishes to bestow upon Father in the power of the Holy Spirit. person. That is us to question him us, including the grace of encountering The anecdote about old ladies to say that all of in striking ways, the living God. We use our God-given praying their rosaries sets up a false the love poetry “The Mass is meant to engage us even to complain as human powers to pray and to seek God, dichotomy between the rosary and the in the world only physically, mentally and spiritually. In the famous Psalm but he is the one who is pouring out the Mass. In reading St. Francis de Sales’ points to this great other words, it engages the whole begins, “My God, blessings upon us and allowing our hearts “Introduction to the Devout Life,” I mystery of adoring human person.” My God, why have and minds to receive glimpses of his awe- was first disappointed in his advice for God. Adoration of you forsaken me?” some majesty. attending Mass. From what I remember, God is to be caught (22). This verbal it could be boiled down to focusing up, captivated, enraptured in the mystery aspect gives us a framework by which we Father Shell is a Diocese of Steubenville on one or more of the mysteries of the of beauty, goodness and truth. All of the can speak to God and also hear from him, priest and the pastor of Our Lady of life of Christ. Lo and behold, this is the ways of praying revolve around and point but it also leads us to a deeper part of our Mercy Parish, Carrollton, and St. Mary purpose of praying the rosary. Lo and to the awesomeness of God. When we humanity which engages our imagination. of the Immaculate Conception Parish, behold, the liturgical year focuses on encounter him, we are full of awe and Images are brought to mind of who the Morges. Eucharist is bread of sinners, not reward of saints, Pope Francis says By Carol Glatz upper room they find for the Passover meal, Catholic News Service he said, a meal that will be significant be- VATICAN CITY — People’s hearts and cause of a tiny morsel of bread. the entire church must be wide open to “God makes himself small like a piece wonder and devotion to Christ and ready to of bread,” so humble, hidden and some- embrace everyone – sinner and saint alike, times invisible, that it is necessary that Pope Francis said. one’s heart be large, open and vigilant to “The church of the perfect and pure is a recognize, the pope said. room where there isn’t a place for anyone; The church also must be a large, wel- the church with open doors that celebrates coming space, “not a small exclusive club, around Christ is, on the other hand, a large but a community with its arms wide open, hall where everyone – the righteous and welcoming to everyone,” and willing to sinners – can enter,” the pope said in his lead to Christ the wounded, the wayward homily during Mass June 6, to mark the and those who have done wrong, he said. feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. “To celebrate and live the Eucharist,” he “The Eucharist is meant to nourish those said, “we, too, are called to live this love, who are tired and hungry along the journey, because you cannot break Sunday’s bread let’s not forget this!” he said during the early if your heart is closed to others, you cannot evening Mass, which was celebrated at the eat this bread if you do not give the bread Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. to the hungry, you cannot share this bread It was the second year the Mass was if you do not share the sufferings of those held with a reduced congregation and in need.” without the traditional outdoor Corpus Earlier in the day, the pope greeted hun- Christi procession afterward as part of the dreds of people spread out in St. Peter’s ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the Square. coronavirus. The Eucharist, he said, shows “the The ceremony instead concluded with a strength to love those who make mistakes” long moment of silent eucharistic adoration because Jesus gave the world the bread of and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. life on the night he was betrayed. The feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Pope Francis participates in adoration of the Eucharist during Mass on the Jesus reacts to the evil of Judas’ betrayal celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Feast of Corpus Christi in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican June 6. (CNS with a greater good, responding to Judas’ Eucharist. photo/Giuseppe Lami, Reuters pool) “no” with the “yes” of mercy, he said. “He In his homily, Pope Francis looked at does not punish the sinner, but rather gives the meaning of the images presented in the jar in our hands” as “each one of us is It is not enough for the church to be his life for him, he pays for him.” reading from the Gospel of St. Mark which thirsty for love, joy, a successful life in a a small group “of the usual people who “When we receive the Eucharist, Jesus detailed Jesus’ instructions for preparing more humane world,” he said, adding that gather to celebrate the Eucharist. We have does the same with us: he knows us; he and finding a place for Passover and the only God can satisfy that real thirst for to go into the city, encounter people, learn knows we are sinners; he knows we make Lord’s Supper. something more – that hope in an eternal to recognize and reawaken the thirst for many mistakes, but he does not give up Pope Francis said the image of a man life that sustains people in life. God and yearning for the Gospel,” he said. on joining his life to ours,” the pope said. carrying a jar of water reminds people Because that thirst is often not acknowl- It will be that renewed thirst that brings “He knows that we need it, because the that humanity is thirsty, “always seeking a edged, with fewer people seeking or asking people to the altar to encounter God in the Eucharist is not the reward of saints, but source of water that satisfies and restores.” about God, Christians must evangelize, the Eucharist, he added. the bread of sinners. This is why he exhorts “All of us journey through life with a pope said. The other important image is the grand us: ‘Do not be afraid! Take and eat.’” THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 5 Shrine’s videos highlight life, faith of first native-bornA merican saint

A youthful St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is seen in this undated photo. native-born American to be canonized, is (CNS photo/courtesy The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton) portrayed in this painting by Joseph Dawley. A The first story, appearing June 2, is an interview with for girls there. widowed mother of five, she founded the Sisters Luci Baines Johnson, the youngest daughter of President After a year or so, she was invited to Emmitsburg, where of Charity. Her legacy includes several religious Lyndon Baines Johnson. She became a Catholic at age 18 in 1809 she founded the U.S. Sisters of Charity. She and communities with thousands of sisters, who and has a deep devotion to Mother Seton. As a wife, mother, members of her religious order began St. Joseph’s Academy serve in schools, social service centers and businesswoman and philanthropist, Johnson said she feels and Free School there in 1810. It was the first free Catholic hospitals throughout the world. (CNS file photo) her life’s journey has been marked with connections to the school in America. EMMITSBURG, Md. (CNS) — The life and lessons of saint. Her legacy includes several religious communities with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American “Mother Seton’s life is filled with stories that people thousands of sisters, who serve in schools, social service saint, are coming to video as part of a monthly series at all stages of their lives can relate to,” said Rob Judge, centers and hospitals throughout the world. Mother Seton exploring her spiritual legacy. executive director of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth is considered the patron saint of Catholic schools. The “Seeker to Saint” series, produced by the National Ann Seton. “The videos bring these stories to life for a new The shrine’s yearlong celebration honoring Mother Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, is part of a yearlong generation seeking spiritual heroes and the healing power Seton began with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop commemoration of the 200th anniversary of her death. She of love and service that she represents.” William E. Lori of Baltimore. Emmitsburg is in the died at age 46 Jan. 4, 1821. Raised Episcopalian in colonial New York City, Baltimore Archdiocese. Mother Seton “embodies what it is to be a wife, Elizabeth Bayley married William Magee Seton, In July, the shrine will debut “The Seton Family Trea- mother, friend, teacher, spiritual seeker and servant of a wealthy shipping magnate. The couple had five sures,” a special exhibit featuring rarely seen artifacts from the poor in ways that people can identify with today,” children. William died in 1803 in Italy, where Elizabeth the saint’s life. said a news release announcing the series. “Everyday learned about Catholicism from the family who gave her These include the iconic bonnet she wore, her writing people see an ordinariness in how she lived and an hospitality. Wars had bankrupted the family’s shipping table and a christening dress worn by her daughter. Many extraordinariness in her response to these roles and the business. of these artifacts were donated to the national shrine earlier challenges she faced.” After becoming a Catholic in New York in 1805, the this year by the Sisters of Charity of New York, which The first video in the series, “I Am a Mother,” appears now-poor Elizabeth was abandoned by old friends, but traces its lineage to the order of sisters that Mother Seton on the shrine’s website at https://setonshrine.org/seeker- accepted the offer of a Baltimore priest to open a school founded. to-saint and its social media channels. Each video will be accompanied by a written story, which will be carried by Catholic News Service. Liberty Bank “Serving the Community Since 1896” 314 Park Ave., Ironton (740) 532-2856 • (740) 886-9491

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St. John Paul II The Married Catholic

By Diocese of Steubenville own proper value, which can never be underestimated. they must answer to Bishop Emeritus Gilbert I. Sheldon But, it is a limited value that is an insufficient basis for God for the way they the marriage union, which, by its nature, depends on live it, they can and will Having spoken at length about the laity, St. John Paul total personal commitment. Every sound psychology and overcome any obstacle goes to the closely related topic of marriage. After all, philosophy agrees on this point. Christian teaching also that comes in their way, marriage is the most common state in life that the laity emphasizes the qualities of the individuals’ unitive love be it the attraction of follow. It is the most common way that most people follow. and casts a higher light on it, raising it – by virtue of a another person, the (“It makes the world go ‘round.”) It is also the answer to sacrament – to the level of grace and of sharing the divine love of the bottle, of the universal call of all Christians to cooperate in the work love of Christ. ... For the Christian, this theological mystery drugs, of pornography, of evangelization, i.e., bringing all human beings to be is at the root of the ethics of marriage, conjugal love and or simply of the need followers of Christ. The Second Vatican Council put it his sexuality itself.” for “more space” for way: “The basic context where this cooperation is shown We must not underestimate the value of the sacrament one’s own interests and is married life, the family, which is the first, primordial of matrimony, as compared to a mere natural union of man hobbies. The “grace expression of the social dimension of the person” and woman. It is a sharing in the love of Christ for the of the sacrament” is Bishop Sheldon (“Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity,” “Apostolicam church. This is not simply a figure of speech, but a fact. not just another pious Actuositatem,” Paragraph 40). Vatican II said also: Among other things, it gives perpetuity to the marriage expression. It, too, is “Married couples and Christian parents should follow their of Christians: just as the union of Christ with the church a fact that must be taken seriously. One of the successful own proper path to holiness by faithful love. They should is a permanent one, so, too, is the sacramental union of features of the Marriage Encounter program is the emphasis sustain one another in grace throughout the entire length Christian spouses. For this reason, if one or the other of on this fact of sacramental grace and convincing the couple of their lives. They should imbue their offspring, lovingly Christian spouses reserve to him or herself the right to that sacramental grace is a reality that they can call upon welcomed as God’s gift, with Christian doctrine and the divorce for any reason (meaning separation with the right when needed. But, like so many realities about marriage it evangelical virtues (faith, hope and charity). ... In this way, of remarriage), such a union can be declared invalid (not must be sought together by spouses who are serious about they build up the brotherhood of charity; a true marriage in the sight of God) by the keeping their marriage intact or even saving it. Where one in so doing, they stand as the witnesses church. Closely connected to such perpetu- partner is willing to work at it and the other not, it has two and cooperators in the fruitfulness of “True Christians prefer ity is the quality of fidelity, faithfulness. If it and a half strikes against it! holy mother church; by such lives, they to play by God’s rules!” is likewise withheld (not intended), such a The pope calls attention to the education of children as are a sign and a participation in that very marriage is also invalid in the sight of God, a duty, which he points out goes with procreation. When a love, with which Christ loved his bride for the same reason: Christ is forever faith- couple calls another human being into existence, they and and for which he delivered himself up for her (“Dogmatic ful to his church. Sacramental marriage implies that the that child have mutual rights and obligations. For Christian Constitution on the Church,” “Lumen Gentium,” Paragraph spouses intend to be faithful forever and that this marriage couples, religious education stands out as one of the more 41). is “for keeps.” In this, Christian marriage differs essentially serious of them. If, as Christians believe, our first duty is The pope continues: “Today, we wish to reflect on the from secular marriage, in which the spouses make up their to seek God and the kingdom of heaven, we must know way of holiness proper to Christian married people, and rules. True Christians prefer to play by God’s rules! something about how to get there. Education teaches therefore to most of the faithful. “It is an important way, John Paul goes on to refer to divorce in today’s society, people how to get along in life. Religious education teaches but badly shaken today, by certain intellectual trends fueled which he labels “a widespread plague.” The consequences one how to get along in eternal life. Important? What do by the rampant hedonism in society as a whole (pursuit are obvious: the spouses “inflict a deep wound on each you think? Natural life is for what – 80 years, maybe? of pleasure).” He refers to St. Paul’s famous description other” as well as on the children. The spouses may be Eternal life is forever! No one contends that it should take of Christian marriage as patterned after the relationship willing to let their partner go, but what about the children? the place of natural knowledge. It is not just the three R’s of Christ with the church based on love (see, Ephesians, Do they want to see their mother or (most frequently) their that are needed, but the four’s; the fourth being religion. Chapter 5, Verses 21-32). “In this ecclesiological view, dad go and no longer be a part of their daily life? The pope A great part of it is imparted in the home informally and Christ’s love is the source and foundation of the love asks: “How many children suffer over the departure of automatically. How do parents value their religion? Do uniting the spouses. It should be stressed that true conjugal one or the other parent?” When a couple see themselves they work at it or just regard it as another obligation – like love is meant here, and not a mere spontaneous impulse. bound as firmly to each other as Christ is to the church, taxes? Are the parents happy with their faith and show it? Today, sexuality is oven exalted to the point of obscuring such tragedies are less likely to happen. If a couple take Or are they always negative about it? The kids don’t miss the profound nature of love. Certainly, sexual life has its this aspect of their marriage seriously, and realize that much! A lot also wears off on them! Rich Kids Growing Up Without Money – or Understanding By Father Ron Rolheiser pulled ourselves up by our own bootstraps. Why couldn’t be an excuse for not being a success in this world, that everyone else do the same? success is open equally to everyone. We’ve all inhaled the Gloria Steinem once confessed that, while never having So we protested: we grew up poor. We didn’t have any cliches. Any poor kid can grow up to be president of this been overweight, she has always been concerned about her money. We didn’t get free school lunches. We had to work To Page 8 weight because the genes she inherited from her parents to pay for our clothes and books. Our parents never took predisposed her in that direction. So, she says, “I think any handouts. Nobody helped them – they took care of The Steubenville Register of myself as a fat woman who is slim at the moment.” themselves. So have we, their kids. We resent those who Biweekly publication of the Diocese of Steubenville Her comment helped me to understand something I are getting things for nothing. Nothing came to us free! P.O. Box 969, 422 Washington St. misunderstood years before in a classroom. We’ve earned what we have. Steubenville, OH 43952-5969 email: [email protected] Early on in my seminary studies, taking a course on Our professor answered by telling us that this is precisely the sociology of poverty, I was struggling to accept why we needed a course on the sociology of poverty. Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, publisher our professor’s He wasn’t buying the notion that we had grown up poor explanation as to why and had earned things by our own hard work. Then, this Dino Orsatti, editor poverty isn’t always the surprising phrase: “None of you were poor as kids; you [email protected] consequence of personal were rich kids who grew up without money; and where Matthew A. DiCenzo, failure, but is often the you are today isn’t just the result of your own hard work, staff writer, social media coordinator product of unchosen it’s also the result of a lot of good fortune.” [email protected] Florence E. James, circulation/advertising circumstances, accidents It took me years (and Gloria Steinem’s comment) [email protected] and misfortune. Many to understand he was right. I was a rich kid who grew of us in the class weren’t up in a family without money. Moreover, so much of Telephone (740) 282-3631; FAX (740) 282-3327 buying it, and this was what I naively believed that I’d earned by my own Subscription rate $15 per year in state of Ohio; our logic. Most of us had hard work was in fact very much the product of good $17 per year outside the state of Ohio; come from very humble fortune. $24 per year to all foreign countries economic backgrounds I doubt our society understands that. A number of popular Father Rolheiser Periodicals postage paid at Steubenville, OH 43952 SSN 0744-77IX and believed that we had cliches have us believe that one’s background should never THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 7

‘Did You Know?’ What are Sacraments?

By Diocese of Steubenville that sacraments affect the very act of what they signify Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton (“Significando Causant”). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that a sacrament is an efficacious sign of “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church by ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of be shed for you’” (Lk 22:20). the Holy Spirit. Sacramental rituals emerged in the early church. In each era, we delved deeper into the very mean- Stats Don’t Lie ing of the seven sacraments whether the early church, Many of us may be familiar with the Pew Research medieval era, the Council of Trent, as well as the Second Center Survey that was published on Aug. 5, 2019, Vatican Council. In fact, the sacraments make the church concerning Catholics and their belief in the Holy Eucharist. and the church administers the sacraments. Nearly seven in 10 Catholics indicated that they believed We are graced by God with seven sacraments. The sacra- that “the bread and wine used in Communion ‘are symbols ments of initiation are baptism, Eucharist and confirmation. of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.’” Of course, the The sacraments of communion or unity are holy orders and results of this survey are more than troubling; however, marriage. Finally, the sacraments of healing are penance, they do almost match with the number of Catholics who also known as confession, and anointing of the sick. do not attend Mass regularly each Sunday. However, for You see, God makes himself present in each sacrament Bishop Monforton the Diocese of Steubenville, we are fortunate to have a and provides us the grace necessary to faithfully serve him. nearly 50% Sunday attendance rate pre-pandemic. That For instance, the Eucharist, which is the pinnacle sacrament means we still have another 50% to evangelize! in the church and the source and summit of our Christian Namely, we become who we receive. life, changes us. What does that mean? You see, each one of the seven sacraments teaches us The Sacraments When I preach on the Holy Eucharist in a homily or when that God is here with us and invites our response. It is God Perhaps a refresher on what the sacraments are in order. I visit our Catholic schools, I teach that as we consume who is the initiator and who invites us to participate in his Back in my seminary days, in my first theology class, I our meals, we recognize the food we receive is assimilated holiness through these seven sacraments, especially the learned that there are four levels of “S’s” in the church: into our body to feed our organs, our muscles, our bones, Holy Eucharist. Perhaps the next time you and I receive signs, signals, symbols and sacraments. Signs provide plus all parts of the body in order that we may not just Jesus’ body and blood, we approach that Communion information or reveal a subject. Signals supply information survive, but to become stronger. When we receive the Holy reception with the attitude we want to become more like and invite response. Symbols provide information, invite Eucharist, while the Eucharist is an appearance of both Jesus Christ himself. response and involves each one of us in the world, even bread and wine, it in fact has been transformed. We call As we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the to the point of showing forth realities present, but not yet that at Mass transubstantiation. Namely, the appearance of beloved patroness of our Diocese this Saturday, may we seen. Sacraments present the very reality already present, bread and wine remain, but the very form of both become do so with a sense of profound gratitude. Our Lady, with but not seen, namely, the presence of Jesus Christ who the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Each time you and her Immaculate Heart, has provided us with Jesus Christ. instituted the sacraments. I receive the Eucharist, namely Jesus’ body, blood, soul A great theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas, once indicated and divinity, we become more like Jesus Christ himself. Stay holy; stay healthy; stay safe.

A Saint of Darkness By Bishop Robert Barron expressed her bewilderment at this phenomenon of the saint is intense. It will often manifest itself, John of the Cross who seemed at times even to doubt the existence of God. said, as dryness in prayer and a keen sense of the absence I finished reading Father Paul Murray’s astonishing “Maybe Mother was just depressed because of her difficult of God, even of God’s active abandonment. In this process, little book on Mother Teresa’s interior life, called “I Have work,” she suggested. Father Murray immediately clarified God is not toying with the soul; rather, he is performing Loved Jesus in the Night.” Father Murray, a Dominican that Mother Teresa was not a depressive – as the rich a kind of surgery upon it, cutting certain things away that professor of spiritual theology at the Angelicum University accomplishment of her life and work bears witness – and its life might intensify. This aspect of the dark night, Paul in Rome, was a close confidant of the saint of Calcutta. that the dark night, in the strict sense, has little to do with Murray said, was present in Mother Teresa as well. In this brief and eminently readable text, he has woven emotional melancholy. Rather, he said, the dark night of Toward the end of the evening, after lots of give and together a number of personal reminscences with an the soul is like the shadow cast by the overwhelming light take, our Dominican friend offered another interpretation insightful reading of the famous “dark night” undergone of the indwelling God. Especially when he deigns to come of Mother Teresa’s experience. It was perhaps, he said, for nearly 60 years by the woman who, during her own close, God floods the faculties of the mind and the heart so a vivid participation in the desolation that Christ Jesus lifetime, was almost universally acknowledged as a saint. that they are incapable of processing and understanding in felt on the cross when he said, “God, my God, why have Father Murray states the paradox of Mother Teresa suc- the ordinary sense. The eye can see objects illuminated by you forsaken me?” We can say, blithely enough, that the cinctly: He had never known anyone more radiantly joyful the sun, but it becomes dysfunctional, even to the point of spiritual life consists in allowing Christ to live his life in us. than this woman who, in hundreds of private letters and blindness, when it turns to gaze at the sun itself. So, it is But, this means that he will live his passion in us, that he notes, admitted to an almost unremitting inner darkness, with the soul that has been invaded by God. Perhaps this is will permit us fully to feel what he felt at the bitter end of a practically unrelenting sense of the absence of God. why, Father Murray hinted, so many of the greatest saints his earthly life. In Mother Teresa’s case, this participation I’ve known Paul Murray for many years, and when I was report the experience of the dark night. was particularly intense, precisely because her ministry was with my team filming in Rome, we all sat down for a lovely, Next, someone asked about St. John of the Cross, the to the lonely, the poor, the hopeless and the abandoned. She long dinner with him at Spanish mystic who wrote most extensively about what identified with their physical and psychological suffering, a cozy restaurant not far he called “la noche oscura.” Father Paul reminded us that but her terrible sense of isolation from God allowed her from the Pantheon. In St. John saw the dark night as a cleansing and purifying to identify even with their spiritual suffering. And, from time, the conversation process, initiated and directed by God himself. We find that solidarity flowed her compassion. turned to Mother Teresa ourselves, John of the Cross taught, in the midst of a good I’m just giving you a sense of Paul Murray’s wisdom and this puzzle of her and beautiful world, but we are meant finally for union in regard to Mother Teresa. Do buy his book if you want dark night. In the course with God. Therefore, the soul had to become free from its to understand more fully the woman who said, “If I ever of this exchange, we attachments to finite things so as to be free for communion become a saint, I will be a saint of darkness.” all got a wonderful with God. This purification involves, first, what John sneak preview of the called “the night of the senses,” that is to say, the letting Bishop Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the book. A member of our go of physical and sensual pleasures, and it continues Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is the founder of Word group was a devout with the “night of the soul,” which is a detachment from on Fire Catholic Ministries, headquartered in Des Methodist, a woman the thoughts, ideas and mental images that one can use Plaines, Illinois. A nonprofit global media apostolate, Bishop Barron with a strong biblical as a substitute for God. Like all purifications, this one is additional information is available at www.wordonfire. sensibility, and she painful, especially if one’s attachment to these finite things org. 8 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 Catholic chaplains minister to families at Arlington National Cemetery By Matt Riedl the family to the grave site. Catholic News Service “It’s a very important ministry for the ARLINGTON, Va. — “No one has families and for us also, as priests, to be greater love than this, to lay down one’s there for the family in such a situation and life for one’s friends.” occasion,” said Father Nelson Ogwuegbu, These words, while not identical in lan- an Air Force chaplain who holds the rank guage to the oath every military member of captain. “It’s very consoling (for them) swears on entering the service, are identical to get here and find a priest who most of in substance. the time is wearing the same uniform that And, at Arlington National Cemetery, your loved one wore.” Catholic chaplains have a special mission Because of an extensive backlog and to provide last rites for those who gave their waitlist, families of fallen service mem- lives for their country. bers often have to wait at least a year to Though the cemetery is located in have their loved one buried at Arlington Arlington County, it is controlled by the National Cemetery, Father Kirk told the U.S. Department of the Army, and its Arlington Catholic Herald, the diocesan spiritual care falls under the jurisdiction newspaper. of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military When he makes contact with the families Services. to start arranging details for the funeral, However, many parish priests in North- he said he receives a wide variety of re- ern Virginia, with its sizable military sponses. population, have conducted funerals at “Families have said your sense of being the cemetery, as the families of fallen able to have closure and move on doesn’t happen as soon with Arlington,” Father military members can request that their Father David Kirk, an Army chaplain who holds the rank of major, and Father Kirk said of the wait to get in at the cem- parish priest offer the funeral – with Nelson Ogwuegbu, an Air Force chaplain who holds the rank of captain, etery. special permission from the military pose for a photo May 26, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. There “Then with those who have started archdiocese. are four Catholic priests currently assigned to the cemetery, and its spiritual making closure, it does open things Msgr. John C. Cregan, retired pastor of care falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria, (CNS photo/Matt Riedl, Arlington Catholic Herald) back up again,” he explained. “But, for a Virginia, said he has presided at several number of families, it opens things back for military people from his parish. National Cemetery. In the year and a Funeral Masses are celebrated in the up in a happy way – we’re now going to The priest, who served as an officer in half Father Kirk has been assigned to the Old Post Chapel at the cemetery, though be able to bury our loved one and fulfill the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years before cemetery, he said he’s performed between due to time constraints the rites are their wishes. For many people, you can he was ordained, said every time he con- 600 and 700 funerals, and as many as five typically shortened, Father Kirk said. almost sense on the phone that sense of ducts a military funeral, it is “very, very in a day. Afterward, the chaplain will walk with relief to them that they’ve finally got to moving.” this point.” “A lot of young military guys don’t While the ministry of an average parish consciously think of this, but when priest might involve many different things, you raise your right hand in an oath, the Arlington National Cemetery priests you’re placing your life on the line for spend the majority of their time consoling other people,” Msgr. Cregan said. “It’s those who are grieving. very important that we don’t forget the Father Kirk said military chaplains have people that have made great sacrifices a threefold call: “Nurture the living, care for the values we cherish ... as Catholic for the wounded, honor the dead.” Americans.” “At Arlington, we certainly honor There are four priests currently assigned the dead, but we also take care of the to Arlington National Cemetery – two wounded – and wounded doesn’t always from the U.S. Army, and one each from have to be physical wounds. They can be the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force emotional and spiritual wounds,” Father – who conduct the bulk of the Catholic Kirk said. funerals there. The Navy chaplain also “We care for and nurture the living, covers funerals for the Marine Corps and which are the soldiers who we are with and the Coast Guard. the family members that come here for the Father David Kirk, an Army chaplain funerals,” he said. who holds the rank of major, is the senior “It’s such a blessing to be able to be Catholic priest among them. at Arlington, because of how unique of On any given day, an average of 25 to The Washington Monument is seen from Arlington National Cemetery in a place this is,” he added. “It’s such a 30 funerals are performed at Arlington Virginia April 24, 2019. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) beautiful assignment.” Rich Kids From Page 6 makes for failure? Neither is failure necessarily the result of themselves to blame. Why can’t they pull country! Any poor kid can go to Harvard! In a best-selling book, “Elderhood,” weakness, laziness and lack of effort. We themselves up by their bootstraps? We did! Anybody industrious can make a success Louise Aronson, makes this comment aren’t all born equal, set equally into the But ... some of us have genes that pre- of his or her life! There’s no excuse for any about her mother and Queen Elizabeth, same starting blocks, have equally gifted dispose us to become fat, some of us are healthy person not having a job! both who aged wonderfully and gracefully: or abusive childhoods, are allotted equally rich kids who grow up without money, and Is this true? Partially, yes; kids from “They both were born into privilege: white, the same opportunities for education and willpower and capacity for wise decisions poor economic backgrounds have become citizens of developed countries, wealthy growth, and then are parceled out equally are often the products of a fortunate life president, thousands of poor kids have and educated. Both were gifted with great the same measure of accidents, illness rather than a matter of character. Recog- found entrance into the best universities, genetic DNA, and both had the good for- and tragedy in life. However, it’s because nizing that can make us less cruel in our countless kids who grew up poor have tune of not ever having been assaulted, we naively believe that fortune is allotted judgments and far less smug in our own been highly successful in life, and people abused, felled by cancer or in a debilitating equally to all that we glibly (and cruelly) successes. who are motivated and not lazy generally car accident. ... These advantages are not divide people into winners and losers, do make a success of their lives. However, a matter of character. Indeed, willpower judge harshly those we deem losers, blame Father Rolheiser, a Missionary Oblate that’s far from the whole story. and capacity for wise decisions are often them for their misfortunes and congratu- of Mary Immaculate priest, is an author, What really makes for the separation of by-products of fortunate lives” (emphasis late ourselves on what we have achieved, a retreat master and a newspaper rich and poor in our world? Is everyone mine). as if all the credit for our success can be columnist. More information about his really on equal footing? Is it really virtue Success isn’t predicated only on per- attributed to our own virtue. Conversely, ministry is available on his website: that makes for success and lack of it that sonal character, hard work and dedication. we see those who are poor as having only www.ronrolheiser.com. THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 9 USCCB president explains how planned discussion on Eucharist was set By Dennis Sadowski the discussion to take place during the bishops’ June spring Catholic News Service general assembly. LOS ANGELES — After receiving an unprecedented Archbishop Gomez has followed the correct procedures letter from 67 bishops appealing for a delay in a discussion to facilitate “this critical discussion as a body of bishops,” during the bishops’ upcoming spring general assembly on Archbishop Aquila said. whether to prepare a teaching document on the reception Without citing who, Archbishop Aquila said “there of Communion, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ have been some who have misrepresented” what Cardi- president explained in a memo the procedure followed in nal Ladaria’s letter said, “but it was clear from it that the bringing the question to a vote during the June 16-18 virtual USCCB’s plan to discuss and debate this important issue meeting. is warranted and encouraged.” The back-and-forth messages follow an increasingly In contrast,” he continued, “ the publication of the letter public debate among the bishops about Catholic politi- calling for a halt to discussion at our June meeting on this cians who support keeping abortion legal and whether they vital issue risks creating an atmosphere of factionalism, should be denied access to the Eucharist. rather than unity among the bishops.” In a May 22 memo to fellow bishops, Archbishop Jose Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbishop Cordileone said he was “deeply grieved H. Gomez of Los Angeles explained that the USCCB Ad- president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic by the rising public acrimony among bishops and the ministrative Committee approved a request from Bishop Bishops, is seen in this Nov. 20, 2019, file photo. adoption of behind-closed-doors maneuvers to interfere (CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Los Angeles) Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, with the accepted, normal agreed-upon procedures of the for the discussion on drafting a document to examine the The letter from the bishops was sent on letterhead of USCCB.” “meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the church.” the Archdiocese of Washington. The archdiocese did not “Those who do not want to issue a document on eucha- The Administrative Committee includes conference respond to a CNS email seeking comment. ristic coherence should be open to debating the question officers and all of the committee chairmen. It set the spring The bishops said the serious nature of “eucharistic objectively and fairly with their brother bishops, rather than assembly agenda during its meeting in March. worthiness” and other issues raised in Cardinal Ladaria’s attempting to derail the process,” Archbishop Cordileone Bishop Rhoades chairs the bishops’ Committee on Doc- letter requires the bishops to “forge substantive unity,” said. trine, which would draft the document if approved by the something which they said is “impossible to address ... He said he was looking forward to “serene dialogue,” as full assembly. productively in the fractured and isolated setting of a Cardinal Ladaria urged in his letter, during the upcoming Archbishop Gomez’s memo came in response to a May distance meeting.” June general assembly “so that we may discern ‘the best 13 letter, which was obtained by Catholic News Service, “The high standard of consensus among ourselves way forward for the Church in the United States to witness to him from 67 bishops who asked that any discussion on and of maintaining unity with the Holy See and the to the grave moral responsibility of Catholic public officials “eucharistic coherence” be removed from the assembly universal church as set forth by Cardinal Ladaria is to protect human life at all stages.” agenda. far from being achieved in the present moment,” the Archbishop Cordileone issued a pastoral letter May The Pillar, a news and analysis website covering the prelates wrote. 1 focusing on the unborn, Communion and Catholics in Catholic Church, first reported on the bishops’ letter, which “Moreover, as the prefect’s sound theological and pas- public life. It emphasized that “those who reject the teach- cites May 7 correspondence from Cardinal Luis Ladaria, toral advice opens a new path for moving forward, we ing of the church on the sanctity of human life and those prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith should take this opportunity to reenvision the best collegial who do not seek to live in accordance with that teaching at the Vatican, to Archbishop Gomez. structure for achieving that,” the letter said. should not receive the Eucharist.” The bishops wrote that “we respectfully urge that all Cardinal Ladaria in his letter urged the U.S. bishops to In a May 26 statement, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann conference-wide discussion and committee work on the proceed with caution in their discussions about formulating of Kansas City, Kansas, the U.S. bishops’ pro-life commit- topic of eucharistic worthiness and other issues raised by a national policy “to address the situation of Catholics in tee chairman, said he also supports Archbishop Gomez and the Holy See be postponed until the full body of bishops public office who support legislation allowing abortion, the opportunity for the bishops to authorize the doctrine is able to meet in person.” euthanasia or other moral evils.” committee to prepare a draft of a “timely and much-needed Four cardinals are among those signing the letter: The cardinal also reiterated what he had said he had told document “on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Wilton D. several groups of U.S. bishops during their 2019-2020 “ad the church.” Gregory of Washington, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of limina” visits, namely that “the effective development of Because of COVID-19, Catholics have been deprived Boston and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New a policy in this area requires that dialogue occurs in two of the Eucharist for a significant period of time, he said, Jersey. stages: first among the bishops themselves, and then be- but even before the pandemic, “there was evidence that Archbishop Gomez said USCCB rules require that the tween bishops and Catholic pro-choice politicians within many Catholics do not understand or believe” in the Real body of bishops first be asked whether to issue a document their jurisdictions.” Presence in the Eucharist. Many people need to be re- on a particular topic. Bishop Rhoades took such a step by Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, catechized about the gift of the Eucharist. We need to foster asking the Administrative Committee to include time on the one of the 67 signatories of the letter to Archbishop Gomez, what St. John Paul (II) termed ‘eucharistic amazement.’ spring agenda to discuss such a question. The committee said the correspondence was not meant to be divisive, but “In addition, we have several prominent Catholics in agreed. was in fact “in keeping with Cardinal Ladaria’s exhortation public life who profess to be devout Catholics while act- The process, the memo explained, involves the creation for an extended and serene dialogue.” ing in a manner contrary to Catholic moral teaching and in of an “Action Item” for the bishops to consider. “The letter is basically a direct response to Cardinal violation of the most fundamental of human rights, the right “Importantly, the Action Item does not ask the body to Ladaria’s intervention,” Wester told CNS May 26. to life,” Archbishop Naumann said. “Whether intentionally approve a final statement, but only whether drafting of a “The letter asked Archbishop Gomez to share it with the or not, they are sowing seeds of confusion about Catholic text may begin,” the memo said. Administrative Committee. It is trying to use the processes teaching, especially among our young people.” It added that if the action is approved, the doctrine com- of the conference,” Archbishop Wester said, noting that the He also said, “It would be a failure in our responsibility mittee would begin its work, subject to the conference’s Administrative Committee must set the final agenda for as bishops to neglect to address in a timely manner “usual process of consultation, modification and amend- the June plenary assembly. these challenges to what is central to our Catholic ment” when presented for consideration at a future general Archbishop Wester said the letter was “meant to create spirituality.” assembly. unity among the bishops” in advocating for a better time “As you will note, the focus of this proposed teaching to have this discussion. The June meeting will be virtual, document is on how best to help people to understand the which means that 275 bishops will be in a giant Zoom “Therapy From A Catholic Perspective” beauty and mystery of the Eucharist as the center of their meeting, he said. Christian lives,” the archbishop wrote. The ability to talk both formally and informally with David Prosen, LPCC-S Archbishop Gomez’s memo included a draft, dated May brother bishops is “very, very constrained on Zoom,” he Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor 14, of an outline of a possible document with the proposed noted. The November plenary session of the U.S. bishops’ 415 North 4th St., Steubenville, OH 43952 title “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the life of the Church: conference is likely to be in person, which Archbishop Why It Matters.” Wester thought would be more conducive for the kind of **Openings available during summer 2021** It outlines three parts, subtitled “The Eucharist, A Mys- extended discussion envisioned by Cardinal Ladaria in his Therapy for adults to help with: tery to be Believed,” “The Eucharist, A Mystery to be letter. grief, managing anxiety, codependent behaviors, Celebrated” and “The Eucharist: A Mystery to be Lived.” Meanwhile, two archbishops issued statements May establishing healthy boundaries and more. Each part has three topics that would be addressed 25 in support of keeping the discussion on a possible Anthem BC/BS, H.S.A., and cash rates including, respectively, the real presence of the body document focused on the Eucharist on the June general and blood of Christ in Communion, unity, beauty and assembly agenda. For additional information identity as the “fount and apex of the whole Christian Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver and Archbishop telephone (740) 346-9041 life,” and moral transformation, eucharistic consistency Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco called for work email: [email protected] and missionary discipleship. on a document on eucharistic coherence to continue and 10 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021

Up and Down the Diocese

Caldwell — Father Chester J. Pabin, For additional information, telephone the parochial vicar to Father Wayne E. parish office at (740) 732-4129. Morris, pastor of Corpus Christi, Belle Marietta — The Basilica of St. Steubenville Serra Club donates Valley; St. Michael, Carlisle; St. Stephen, Mary of the Assumption will host Caldwell; and St. Mary of the Immaculate “Totus Tuus,” a summer catechetical to summer seminarian program Conception, Fulda; will retire from active program, June 12-18. The program for parish ministry June 30. A retirement party grades 7-12 runs from Sunday-Thursday and Mass for Father Pabin will be held at and for grades 1-6, Monday-Friday. 4:30 p.m., June 20, at Floral Hall, located at Two “Totus Tuus” teams from the the Noble County Fairgrounds, Caldwell. Archdiocese of Cincinnati will provide Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m., the program. For additional information, followed by a reception with refreshments. email Cecelia Cottrill at ceceliacottrill@ Attendees need to bring their own chairs. stmaryscatholic.org. Student helps local food bank

Mark Morelli, Steubenville Serra Club president, presents Father Michael W. Gossett, director of vocations and pastor of Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes, Wintersville, a $1,000 check to assist with the summer seminarians program that will be hosted at Blessed Sacrament Church this year. (Photo provided)

Parishioner awarded Eagle Scout

David Cooney, a parishioner of St. Ann Parish, Chesapeake, pictured second from left, donates $200 to Community Mission Outreach, Chesapeake. David is a freshman student at St. Joseph High School, Huntington, West Virginia, and earned $200 in an art contest where he finished second. Pictured with David are, from left, Dannie Newman, treasurer; Betty Gwinn, board member; and Bill Self, director. David volunteers at Community Mission Outreach three to five times a month, helping by loading cars with food from the food bank for the less fortunate and elderly in the community. He is also active at St. Ann’s as an altar server and lector. Father Charles E. Moran is pastor of St. Ann Parish. (Photo provided)

Diocesan youth can receive a discount when attending FUS youth conference STEUBENVILLE — Youth in the steubenvilleconferences.com/youth. Diocese of Steubenville can receive According to Deacon Ward, a discount when registering for the Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Franciscan University of Steubenville Monforton will be the celebrant for Nicholas Vernier, a parishioner of St. Gabriel Parish, Minerva, is Summer Youth Conferences. the closing Sunday liturgy at two youth awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, Troop 150 of Minerva, at Good Permanent Deacon Paul D. Ward, conferences this year: June 25-27 Shepherd Hall, Malvern, May 23. Pictured with Nicholas are, from director, diocesan Office of Christian and July 23-25. He said he strongly left, his father, Doug Vernier; Father Victor P. Cinson, pastor of Formation and Schools, said in a let- encourages parishes and schools in the St. Francis Xavier Parish, Malvern, and St. Gabriel Parish; and his ter to pastors and parish youth leaders Steubenville Diocese to sign up their mother, Christine Bolanz Vernier. Nicholas is a 2021 graduate of that Franciscan University is offering youth for the two conferences with Carrollton High School, Carrollton. (Photo provided) a “tremendous discount to the youth of Bishop Monforton in attendance. our diocese at $110 per participant.” For additional information, contact When registering, participants Franciscan University’s Summer need to use the diocesan code of Conference office at (740) 283-6315 Around and About DIOSTEUB2021 in order to receive or by emailing youthconferences@ the discount. Deacon Ward is asking franciscan.edu. Martins Ferry — Knights of Columbus is takeout dinners only. The menu includes each parish and school wishing Contact Deacon Ward by telephoning Mother of God Council 1421, 25 N. Fourth Coleman’s fish, onion rings, French fries, to participant in the conferences (740) 282-3631, extension 156, or by St., will sponsor fish fries from 11 a.m.-6 macaroni and cheese, cabbage and noodles to register individually at https:// emailing [email protected]. p.m., or until fish is sold out, on the first and coleslaw. To place an order, telephone and third Fridays of each month. The meal (740) 633-0528. THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 11 Bishop Monforton will celebrate Mass for Religious Liberty Week June 29 STEUBENVILLE/WASHINGTON “Religious freedom allows the church, and support from the church.” Christians in Iraq and that people of all faiths (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic all religious communities, to live out their • June 23: Catholic social services dur- in the land of Abraham may live in peace.” Bishops invites Catholics “to pray, reflect faith in public and to serve the good of all,” ing the pandemic – “Pray that God would • June 29: Free speech – “Pray that and act to promote religious freedom” the release added. continue to grant Catholic institutions the Christians will have the courage to speak during Religious Freedom Week, which The first day of the observance is the wisdom and courage to serve a world suf- the truth with kindness and clarity, even in is set for June 22-29 and has as its theme feast of two English martyrs who fought fering the effects of the COVID pandemic.” the face of adversity.” “Solidarity in Freedom.” religious persecution, Sts. Thomas More • June 24: The Equality Act – “Pray that The USCCB resources aim “to help Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. and John Fisher. The week includes the the dignity of all people will be respected in people understand religious liberty from a Monforton will celebrate Mass for Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24, our country,” including “people of faith.” Catholic perspective, pray about particular religious liberty at 7 p.m., June 29, at and ends with the feast of two apostles • June 25: Church vandalism – “Pray that issues and act on what they learn by advo- Holy Family Church, Steubenville. martyred in Rome – Sts. Peter and Paul. Christian witness in the face of attacks on cating for policies that promote religious Joseph A. Schmidt, director, Diocese of Each day of the week focuses on dif- our churches will convert hearts to faith in freedom,” the news release said. Steubenville Office of Marriage, Family ferent religious liberty topics of concern Jesus Christ.” “Through prayer, education and public and Respect Life, said parishes are encour- for the U.S. Catholic Church. Resources • June 26: Catholics in Nicaragua – “Pray action during Religious Freedom Week, aged to observe Religious Freedom Week. prepared by the USCCB for Catholics to for our Catholic sisters and brothers who the USCCB hopes to promote the essential The USCCB said in a June 2 news re- “Pray – Reflect – Act” on the day’s theme are suffering in Nicaragua.” right of religious freedom for Catholics and lease about the annual observance: “Soli- can be found at: www.usccb.org/Religious- • June 27: Conscience rights for medical for those of all faiths,” it added. darity means much more than engaging in FreedomWeek. The topics are: professionals – “Pray that governments Catholics can connect with the USCCB sporadic acts of generosity.” • June 22: Adoption and foster care – would respect the consciences of all people Committee for Religious Liberty by texting It continued, “It means thinking and “Pray that children waiting to be placed who care for the sick and vulnerable.” FREEDOM to 84576 to sign up for First acting in terms of community,” quoting in a loving home and the caregivers who • June 28: Pope Francis’ solidarity with Freedom News, the committee’s monthly Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti.” serve those children will find strength and beleaguered Christians in Iraq – “Pray for newsletter. The Catholic Conference of Ohio appoints its new executive director COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Board of 2019-20 state budget and is currently Xavier University in Cincinnati. He and his Freewalt said, “I am honored to have Directors of the Catholic Conference of Ohio advocating for the establishment of wife, Karen, have three children. the opportunity to use my gifts as execu- announced the appointment of Jerry Freewalt the OhioRISE Medicaid managed care In announcing the appointment, tive director. I look forward to living out as the conference’s new executive director. program in Ohio’s next state budget. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati my vocation in this new role as a voice Freewalt comes to the conference When approved, this $1 billion program stated, “Jerry’s dedication and experience in for the church in advancing the common from the Diocese of Columbus, where he will assist 60,000 youth with complex service to the church have been recognized good.” currently serves as director of the Office behavioral health needs. nationally, statewide and throughout the Freewalt succeeds Carolyn Jurkowitz, for Social Concerns, a post he has held He also serves on the OhioRISE Advisory Columbus Diocese. The bishops of Ohio who is retiring from the conference after since 2018. During his 26 years in the Board, the Ohio Children’s Behavioral look forward to his leadership as the 34 years. He will assume his new position Office for Social Concerns, he has been Health Prevention Network Stakeholder conference’s new executive director.” Aug. 1. engaged in public Group, and the Advisory Board of J.O.I.N. policy at the local, (Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs). state and national Freewalt previously chaired the Board of Knights of Columbus present levels. Freewalt the Directors for the National Catholic was an integral Partnership on Disability, as well as the advocate for the Catholic Conference of Ohio’s Department scholarships to two graduates Multi-System of Social Concerns. Youth Custody He has a master’s degree in Public Relinquishment Policy and Management from The Ohio

Fund that was (Photo provided) State University, Columbus, Ohio, and a enacted in the Jerry Freewalt bachelor’s degree in political science from Your voice is needed to stop Congress from forcing Americans to pay for abortion The Hyde Amendment and similar laws have protected taxpayers from funding elective abortion for 45 years. Now, powerful members of Congress want to take away these laws that both Democrats and Republicans have supported for nearly half a century. Billions of taxpayer dollars could be used to pay for abortion. It is critically important for Catholics to send a strong message before Congress moves forward to impose taxpayer-funded abortion. Catholics are urged to sign the petition on NoTaxpayerAbortion.com. More information about this issue can be found on NoTaxpayerAbortion.com.

Obituaries

Michael Allietta, 60, Our Lady of Marietta, St. John the Baptist, Churchtown, Lourdes, Wintersville, May 17. April 25. Mary E. Davis, 88, St. Stephen, Gladys E. Schilling, 84, Marietta, St. Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Peace Council 4243, St. Clairsville, Caldwell, May 20. John the Baptist, Churchtown, May 27. recently awarded two $500 scholarships to graduates of the Class Gerald “Yonk” DiLoreto, 83, Triumph Kathleen M. Sheridan, 72, Ironton, St. of 2021. John Swan, Grand Knight, pictured center, along with of the Cross, Steubenville, May 28. Lawrence O’Toole, May 9. Steve Williams and Tom Hauner, trustees, pictured in the back row, Susan G. Gust, 82, St. Louis, Gallipolis, Richard Sklenar, 83, Blessed present a scholarship to Mikayla Hendershot, pictured at left, and May 1. Sacrament, Wintersville, May 18. Isabella “Bella” Swan, at right. Hendershot is the daughter of Kevin Teresa M. “Toots” Jones, 85, Triumph Marcella Snider, 93, St. Mary of the and Michelle Hendershot, and Swan is the daughter of John and of the Cross, Steubenville, June 2. Immaculate Conception, Fulda, May 30. Barbara Swan. Both recipients of the scholarships are graduates of Emile Lerby, 94, Blessed Sacrament, Donna J. Lang Sturm, 71, Marietta, St. St. Clairsville High School, St. Clairsville. Hendershot will be attending Wintersville, May 18. John the Baptist, Churchtown, March 15. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and Swan will be attending the Janet L. Lewis, 87, St. Peter, Gerald “Jerry” Sunseri, 78, Ironton, University of Pittsburgh. John Swan said both graduates attended Steubenville, May 21. St. Mary, Pine Grove, Feb. 21. St. Mary Central School, St. Clairsville, and noted that in the last five Lois Morgan, 97, Cadiz, St. Teresa of Dorothy D. Taylor White, 73, Basilica years, students from St. Mary Central School have been in the top 10 Avila, May 21. of St. Mary of the Assumption, Marietta, of their graduating classes at St. Clairsville High School. (Photo provided) Francis “Frank” Schilling, 83, May 28. 12 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JUNE 11, 2021 Pope Francis promulgates revised canon law on crimes, punishments By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A series of laws and procedures promulgated by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and, especially, by Pope Francis to protect children, promote the investigation of allegations of clerical sexual abuse and punish offenders are included in a heavily revised section of the Code of Canon Law. The revision of “Book VI: Penal Sanctions in the Church,” one of seven books that make up the code for the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, was promulgated June 1 and will go into effect Dec. 8, Pope Francis wrote. Rewriting 63 of the book’s 89 canons, the revision ad- dresses a host of issues that have come up in the life of the church since St. John Paul II promulgated the code in 1983. The descriptions of crimes of sexual abuse, including child pornography, are more explicit, and the required actions of a bishop or superior of a religious order in handling Archbishop Filippo Iannone, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, pictured in the allegations are more stringent. left photo, and Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, The revised canons also include new references to the at- pictured in the right photo, attend a press conference to discuss revisions to the Code of Canon Law, tempted ordination of a woman and to a variety of financial at the Vatican June 1. Pope Francis has promulgated a revised section of the Code of Canon Law crimes; like with the new canons dealing with sexual abuse, dealing with crimes and punishments. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) they rely on language from laws promulgated separately over the past 20 years. The revision moves the canons about the sexual abuse imperfect use of reason.” “In the past, much damage has been caused by a failure of children – on the part of a priest, religious or layperson The revised law also foresees penalties for “a person to perceive the intimate relationship existing in the church working for the church – out of the section on violations who neglects to report an offence, when required to do so between the exercise of charity and recourse – when of the obligation of celibacy and into a newly titled section by a canonical law.” circumstances and justice require it – to the discipline of of “Offenses Against Human Life, Dignity and Liberty.” Bishop Arrieta said that provision refers to the obligation sanctions. This way of thinking, as experience has taught It adds to canon law the crime of “grooming,” calling to report serious crimes, such as sexual abuse, to church us, risks leading to a life of behavior contrary to the disci- for penalties, including dismissal from the priesthood for authorities, not civil authorities. If criminal reporting to pline of morals, for the remedy of which exhortations or a cleric who “grooms or induces a minor or a person who the state is obligatory, the state will enforce that, he said. suggestions alone are not sufficient,” Pope Francis wrote habitually has an imperfect use of reason or one to whom The revised code also says, “Both a person who attempts in “Pascite Gregem Dei” (Shepherd God’s Flock), the the law recognizes equal protection to expose himself or to confer a sacred order on a woman, and the woman apostolic constitution promulgating the changes. herself pornographically or to take part in pornographic who attempts to receive the sacred order, incur a ‘latae While church law applies to all Catholics, the pope said, exhibitions, whether real or simulated.” sententiae’ (automatic) excommunication reserved to the for bishops, the observance of canon law “can in no way However, the revised language still refers to rape and Apostolic See; a cleric, moreover, may be punished by be separated from the pastoral ‘munus’ (service) entrusted other forms of sexual abuse as “an offence against the Sixth dismissal from the clerical state.” to them, and which must be carried out as a concrete and Commandment” – You shall not commit adultery. Given that Pope Francis in April 2020 formed a second inalienable requirement of charity not only toward the The continued use of the Sixth Commandment to refer to “Study Commission on the Female Diaconate,” Bishop church, the Christian community and possible victims, but any improper, immoral or even criminal sexual activity “is tra- Arrieta was asked why the revised canon did not specify also toward those who have committed a crime, who need ditional” in church law, Bishop Arrieta said, and for Catholics priestly ordination, leaving open the possibility of ordain- both mercy and correction on the part of the church.” its meaning “is clear,” which is necessary when drafting a law ing women to the diaconate. Over the years, he said, it became clear that the code’s that will be valid on every continent and in every culture. Canon law, he said, relies on the current state of the description of crimes and penalties needed to be “modified In incorporating recent church law regarding abuse, the teaching of the church. “If we come to a different theologi- in such a way as to allow pastors to use it as a more agile new code does not refer to abuse of “vulnerable” adults or cal conclusion, we will modify the norm,” he said, just as salvific and corrective instrument, to be employed promptly “vulnerable persons” as Pope Francis did in his May 2019 was done in January when Pope Francis ordered a change and with pastoral charity to avoid more serious evils and motu proprio, “Vos estis lux mundi.” in the wording of canon law so that women, as well as to soothe the wounds caused by human weakness.” Bishop Arrieta said the term “vulnerable person,” while men, could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes. The revised book was presented to the press June 1 by understood and recognized in the law of many countries, Archbishop Filippo Iannone and Bishop Juan Ignacio Ar- is not universally accepted as a legal category of persons rieta, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical deserving special protection. Instead, the new law refers Council for Legislative Texts. In 2009, Pope Benedict had to people whom the law recognizes as deserving of the asked the council to begin the revision project. same protection extended to minors and those with “an ChristLife meeting is set for June 29 in Steubenville STEUBENVILLE — An information meeting will be He said “the actual culture of the parish begins to change” held at 7 p.m., June 29, in the Marian Room at Holy Rosary during the process. Church, Steubenville, regarding ChristLife – Catholic The ChristLife process is divided into three segments Ministry for Evangelization. The meeting is for those – “Discovering Christ,” “Following Christ” and “Sharing who have served as leaders or on teams in the parishes of Christ.” Each course consists of seven sessions and a retreat the Diocese of Steubenville as well as those interested in day, which includes a meal (only “Discovering Christ”), beginning ChristLife in their parishes or organizations. prayer, a video and a small group discussion. ChristLife is described as a method of fostering new Information on the apostolate from www.christlife. evangelization to help people org describes “Discovering discover, follow and share Christ” as inviting guests to Jesus Christ as members of hear the good news and person- the Catholic Church, creating ally encountering Jesus Christ; a culture of missionary “Following Christ” is a way to discipleship in parishes. The help those who have completed ministry was founded in 1995 as an apostolate of the “Discovering Christ” to grow in their relationship with Je- Archdiocese of Baltimore. sus Christ and “Sharing Christ” is a way to train Catholics Permanent Deacon Richard G. Adams coordinates to share Jesus Christ with others and invite them to be part ChristLife under the direction of Permanent Deacon Paul of the church. D. Ward, director, diocesan Office of Christian Formation Registration is not necessary for the meeting. and Schools. For additional information about the ChristLife process Deacon Adams said, “ChristLife has been effectively in the Diocese of Steubenville, contact Deacon Adams via used by parishes in the diocese to deepen the faith of telephone at (740) 283-4564 or email radams@diosteub. individuals and to strengthen the vitality of the parishes.” org.