It’s All Good Embrace a childlike faith, modeled by Mary, in 2021, page 12.

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CriterionOnline.com January 8, 2021 Vol. LXI, No. 13 75¢ Pandemic focuses ‘I always want people to know they’re not alone’ priorities for ICC Even a frightening threat didn’t stop Joan Hess during 2021 from sharing God’s light in people’s darkness General Assembly By Victoria Arthur By John Shaughnessy together through this—the man being so distraught about his life that he threatened to kill himself right here, right now, For the Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC), The threat from the man sitting across from her gripped right in front of Hess. the 2021 state legislative session will bring Joan Hess with fear. “I was scared: ‘Oh my God, he’s going to kill himself unique challenges due to social distancing— She tried to look calm on the outside, but inside her heart here!’ ” Hess recalls about that moment that took place in her along with a heightened focus on Catholic and her mind raced. office at Catholic Charities Tell City. “I looked at him and social teaching—as the global coronavirus Seeing the desperation in the man’s face and hearing his said, ‘No, you’re not going to do that now, and you’re not pandemic continues to take its toll. threat, she knew that everything that happened in the next few going to do it later. We’re not going to solve all your problems The 122nd Indiana moments would come to a point of life or death. today, but we’re going to work on them one at a time.’ General Assembly She started to talk to him. She tried to tell him that he “By the time he left the office, he was laughing, and we opened for business didn’t want to do this, that they could find a way to work See HESS, page 16 on Jan. 4 under new safety protocols and a tighter agenda, with fewer bills expected to be introduced and an overarching goal of crafting and passing the state’s two-year budget. But as COVID-19 persists, ravaging the economy and devastating the most vulnerable, the Catholic Church and other advocates for the poor will double down on their efforts to influence the debate. “Now more than ever, it’s critically important that we seek the common good and help people who are struggling,” said Angela Espada, executive director of the ICC, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Indiana. “We must be in solidarity with those in most need, because in the midst of this pandemic, the needs have never been greater.” Espada pointed Angela Espada to two longstanding priorities that she expects will come to the forefront for the ICC and its allies this year—restricting the payday lending industry and modernizing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. A long overdue updating of TANF was passed over during the 2020 legislative session, to the dismay of the ICC and other advocates for the poor. TANF is a federal government program that provides grants to the states for distribution to families in dire economic circumstances. Because The community of Tell City thanked Joan Hess, left, on Dec. 18, 2020, for her 14 years as the of antiquated state guidelines, the $288 director of Catholic Charities Tell City, honoring her with gifts and a drive-by salute. (Submitted photo) maximum monthly payout for a family See ICC, page 16 Christ’s human condition is a sign of God’s love, Pope Francis says at Angelus VATICAN CITY (CNS)—By taking your frailty, right there, where we are most to take care of each other and of creation, on the frail human condition, God ashamed, where you are most ashamed. our common home,” he said. showed his love for humanity and his “He enters into our shame, to become Nevertheless, he also warned of the desire to share in people’s joys and our brother, to share the path of life,” he temptation to “take care only of our own sufferings, Pope Francis said. said. interests, to continue to wage war,” or During his Sunday Angelus address on After praying the Angelus prayer and to live “hedonistically, that is, seeking Jan. 3, the pope said that God made the renewing his good wishes for the new year, See ANGELUS, page 8 “bold” decision to become Pope Francis said that Christians, without human “to tell us, to tell resorting to “the mentality of fatalism or you, that he loves us like magic,” know that “things will improve to that, in our frailty, in the extent that, with God’s help, we work together for the common good, Pope Francis leads the placing the weakest and most Angelus prayer from disadvantaged at the center. the library of the “We do not know what Apostolic Palace 2021 holds for us, but at the Vatican on what each one of Jan. 3. (CNS photo/ us, and all of us Vatican Media) together, can do is Page 2 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021

Archbishop to speak at Public Schedule of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson virtual vigil on Jan. 12 ______January 10–22, 2021 prior to federal execution January 10 – 8 a.m. January 14 – 7 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church, St. Croix Confirmation Mass for youths of By Natalie Hoefer with the revision of paragraph 2267 of St. Malachy Parish at St. Malachy the Catechism of the Catholic Church, January 10 – 10 a.m. Church, Brownsburg Archbishop Charles C. Thompson will as promulgated by Pope Francis, ‘the Mass at St. Augustine Church, Leopold participate in an online vigil from death penalty is inadmissible because January 17 – 9:45 a.m. 2-3 p.m. on Jan. 12 prior to the scheduled it is an attack on the inviolability and January 12 – 10:30 a.m. Department Heads meeting at execution of death-row inmate Lisa dignity of the person.’ … The Church has Priest Personnel Board meeting at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Montgomery at the Federal Correctional consistently held up the dignity of the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center Complex in Terre Haute. person and sacredness of life from the Catholic Center, Indianapolis The virtual vigil is offered by Catholic moment of conception to natural death.” January 20 – 8:30 a.m. Mobilizing Network (CMN). While noting the inmates’ “grave January 12 – 2 p.m. School Mass at Holy Spirit Church, “CMN’s Virtual Prayer Vigils offer criminal acts … cannot be overlooked,” Virtual vigil for federal execution of Indianapolis a space to pray and lament as a faith Archbishop Thompson added that the Lisa Montgomery community in the face of these “taking of life, no matter how ‘sanitary’ or January 22 – 10:30 a.m. wrong-headed attacks on human dignity,” ‘humane,’ is always an act of violence. … January 14 – 8:15 a.m. Respect Life Mass at St. John said Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, I make this plea against the death penalty Judicatories virtual meeting the Evangelist Catholic Church, executive director of the non-profit out of ultimate concern for the eternal Indianapolis organization. “Vigils feature prayers, soul of humanity.” January 14 – 10 a.m. petitions and Scripture reflections from To sign up for the Jan. 12 vigil or Leadership Team meeting at January 22 – Noon Catholic bishops, Church leaders, and the CMN vigils scheduled from 2-3 p.m. Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Indiana March for Life, Indianapolis other allies from across the abolition on Jan. 14 and 15 prior to the pending Catholic Center movement.” federal executions of Corey Johnson In response to the reinstatement of the and Dustin Higgs, respectively, go to January 14 – 2 p.m. federal death penalty last summer after catholicsmobilizing.org/virtual-vigils. Legal Review meeting, Archbishop a 17-year hiatus, Archbishop Thompson For updates on currently scheduled Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center issued a statement on June 18, 2020. executions, go to catholicsmobilizing.org/ In it, he noted that, “In accordance death-penalty/executions. † Updated information for Indiana March for Life events on Jan. 21 and 22, and for Terre Haute vigil on Jan. 30 By Natalie Hoefer registration is still required for the Mass— coronavirus safety measures, the church Wisconsin, as well as Indianapolis and see below for details). capacity is currently 250. Therefore, Fort Wayne, Ind., between Jan. 2 and The Criterion has obtained more Also, the location for the diaper drive registration for the Mass is required, and Jan. 23. information regarding the Jan. 22 Indiana has been set. Diapers to benefit three tickets (paper or by showing e-mailed Also new this year as part of the March for Life march and rally, held in Indianapolis pregnancy care centers can be ticket on a mobile device) will be Moving the Movement tour, all are solemn observance of the 1973 Supreme dropped off in the parking lot of St. John gathered at the church entrances. asked to donate diapers on Jan. 22 in the Court Roe v. Wade decision legalizing the Evangelist Church, 126 W. Georgia St., To register, go to cutt.ly/ parking lot of St. John the Evangelist abortion. in Indianapolis, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See IndyMarch4LifeMass. Guidelines and Church from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Diaper Due to Marion County COVID below for more details. regulations may change per Marion donations are welcome regardless of restrictions, the march and rally are now Following is detailed information about County recommendations, so the number participation in the march or rally. The limited to 250 people, and registration is the Indiana March for Life vigil on of tickets available will be updated to goal is to gather 130,000 diapers, one for required. To register for the march and Jan. 21; the Mass, march, rally and diaper allow as many people to attend the Mass every child aborted on average annually in rally, go to www.rtlindy.org (separate drive on Jan. 22; and the Roe v. Wade solemn as possible. the Midwest. observance in Terre Haute on Jan. 30. Updates can be found at www. The diapers will be donated to archindy.org/humanlifeanddignity. The Birthline, Life Centers and Women’s Care Jan. 21 Vigil Mass will also be livestreamed at www. Center. Financial donations to purchase The events will begin with a prayer facebook.com/stjohnsindy and www. diapers can also be made at cutt.ly/ vigil, organized by the Lafayette Diocese, stjohnsindy.org/mass-feed.html. IndyMarch4LifeDiapers, with the ability from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 21 at St. Elizabeth to direct the contribution to the three Seton Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, Jan. 22 march, rally and diaper drive designated pregnancy care centers and in Carmel, Ind. (Lafayette Diocese). The march and rally, coordinated by ministries in Indianapolis. The evening will include eucharistic Right to Life of Indianapolis, will take For updates regarding the march and adoration, praise and worship music and place at noon, starting on Georgia Street rally—particularly in terms of changes to the opportunity to receive the sacrament between Capitol Avenue and Illinois the number allowed to participate—and of reconciliation. Street near St. John the Evangelist the diaper drive, go to www.rtlindy.org. Seating is limited to 200 due to Church. The march will process to COVID-19 restrictions, and Monument Circle, then around the Jan. 30 Terre Haute solemn observance mask-wearing and social distancing will Indiana state capitol building, ending on In solemn observance of the be observed. Registration is required at the south lawn, where a rally will take Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, all vigilforlifecarmel2021.eventbrite.com. place. Masks and social distancing will are invited to join in a peaceful, prayerful be observed. For information on how to and pro-life gathering in front of the Jan. 22 Mass register for the march and rally and for Vigo County Court House, located at 3rd Lafayette Bishop Timothy L. Doherty, left, The archdiocesan Office of Human Life updates, go to www.rtlindy.org. Street and Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute, concelebrates as Archbishop Charles C. and Dignity is sponsoring the Mass on Jan. The Indiana March for Life is also a from 2-3 p.m. on Jan. 30. Signs will Thompson raises the Blessed Sacrament during 22. It will be celebrated by Archbishop registered stop this year on March for be provided. Parking may be available a Jan. 22, 2020, Mass at St. John the Evangelist Charles C. Thompson at St. John the Life Chicago’s “Moving the Movement” behind the Vigo County Court House. For Church in Indianapolis prior to the Indiana March Evangelist Church, 126 W. Georgia St., Midwest tour. The tour includes seven more information, call Tom McBroom at for Life. (Criterion file photo by Sean Gallagher) in Indianapolis, at 10:30 a.m. Due to events in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and 812-841-0060. †

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is The Do you have something exciting or published weekly except Criterion newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of TheCriterion 01/08/21 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: January. Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1585 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1585 317-236-1570 Staff: Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Editor: Mike Krokos Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy E-mail______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. 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Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 3 Sister Nancy Nolan served as general superior of Sisters of Providence Criterion staff report memory is in fourth grade when a sister asked what we general superior of the Sisters of Providence, serving in wanted to be when we grew up, and I knew I wanted to that role from 1986-96. Providence Sister Nancy Nolan (formerly Sister Jean be a sister. I know I was influenced by the sisters who “It was the greatest privilege of my life,” Sister Nancy Paula) died on Dec. 20 at Mother Theodore Hall on the taught me. That is important because my two sisters said of her years of service as general superior. “I felt motherhouse campus of the Sisters of Providence of Saint joined the community before I did, but I remembered I very honored to be in that position. And I said many Mary-of-the-Woods in St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She was wanted to join before they did.” times that it probably was the best 10 years of my life.” 84 and had served as general superior Sister Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in education During her tenure, the community celebrated the 150th of her religious order from 1986-96. at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree anniversary of its founding and saw progress made on Because of the coronavirus in education at the University of Illinois and a master’s the beatification and canonization cause of its foundress, pandemic, a virtual funeral service degree in pastoral studies at Loyola University Chicago. Mother Theodore Guérin, who was declared Indiana’s was held on Dec. 28. Burial followed In her 66 years as a member of the Sisters of first saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. at the sisters’ cemetery. Providence, Sister Nancy ministered for 12 years in Providence Sister Ann Casper, who served as the Sister Nancy was born on May 13, Catholic schools in Illinois, Indiana and Oklahoma. In community’s general secretary at the time that Sister 1936, in Galesburg, Ill. She entered the archdiocese, she served at St. Philip Neri School in Nancy ministered as general superior, said that Sister the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 2, Indianapolis from 1959-65 and as associate administrator Nancy “was the perfect leader for those 10 years. Her 1955, and professed final vows on and director of religious education at the former St. Ann laid-back style was somewhat misleading, for she was a Sr. Nancy Nolan, S.P. Aug. 15, 1962. Parish in Terre Haute from 1985-86. woman of great wisdom, vision, strength and courage.” Her family had deep connections In the 1970s, Sister Nancy began serving in Sister Nancy is survived by a brother, John Nolan, to the community, with two of her sisters joining it before positions of leadership, ministering as provincial of her and two sisters, Providence Sister Carol Nolan and her. community’s St. Joseph Province in Illinois and then as Providence Sister Lucille Nolan. “My grandfather’s sister, Sister Modesta Nolan, joined the associate executive secretary for the Asian Bishops Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Sisters of Providence, so the sisters were always Conference, based in Taiwan. Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the- important to our family,” Sister Nancy once said. “My After she returned to the United States, she was elected Woods, IN, 47876. † In new year, share the blessing of your time, Pope Francis writes in homily VATICAN CITY (CNS)—At the Mary, Mother of God, and for the Catholic But with the birth of Jesus, he said, is all the more amazing because God sent beginning of a year people hope will mark Church’s celebration of World Peace Day. “we receive not only words of blessing, the Savior into the world as a baby, who the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Only about 100 people, all wearing but the blessing itself: Jesus is himself the was formed in the flesh within the womb Francis urged them masks, were in the socially distanced blessing of the Father. of Mary. to create a “culture congregation for the Mass at the Altar of “Every time we open our hearts to Jesus, “The heart of the Lord began to beat of care,” including the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. Two dozen God’s blessing enters our lives,” he said. within Mary; the God of life drew oxygen by sharing the gift of cardinals, also wearing masks, concelebrated. The example of Mary, blessed in a from her,” the pope wrote. “Through Mary, their time with others. In the homily he wrote, Pope Francis special way, he wrote, “teaches us that we encounter God the way he wants us to: Despite suffering returned to themes from his World Peace blessings are received in order to be given.” in tender love, in intimacy, in the flesh.” from a bout of Day message—“A Culture of Care as Referring to the Latin roots of the word As 2021 begins, he said, people should sciatica, nerve pain, a Path to Peace”—and a recent general “benediction”—to speak well—Pope make a commitment to finding time for that left him unable audience talk about prayers of blessing. Francis wrote that “we, too, are called to others. to preside over Mass “This year, while we hope for new bless, to ‘speak well’ in God’s name. “Time is a treasure that all of us Pope Francis on Jan. 1 in St. Peter’s beginnings and new cures, let us not “Our world is gravely polluted by the possess, yet we guard it jealously, since Basilica, the pope sent neglect care,” the pope wrote. “Together way we speak and think badly of others, we want to use it only for ourselves,” he a homily focused on God’s blessings and with a vaccine for our bodies, we need of society, of ourselves,” he said. But wrote. “Let us ask for the grace to find on sharing those blessings with others. a vaccine for our hearts. That vaccine is complaining and denigrating others “corrupts time for God and for our neighbor—for Consecrating the new year to Mary, the care. This will be a good year if we take and decays, whereas blessing restores life those who are alone or suffering, for those pope prayed that she would “care for us, care of others, as Our Lady does with us. and gives the strength needed to begin anew.” who need someone to listen and show bless our time, and teach us to find time “The Lord knows how much we need The blessing of Jesus’ birth, he wrote, concern for them.” † for God and for others.” to be blessed,” the pope wrote. “The first Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican thing he did after creating the world was secretary of state, read the pope’s homily to say that everything was good and to say as he celebrated the Mass for the feast of of us that that we were very good.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, swings a censer over a statue of the Christ Child as he celebrates Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and Word Peace Day on Jan. 1 in St. Peter’s HOPE Basilica at the CHANGES EVERYTHING Vatican. (CNS photo/ Vatican Media) and all it takes is ONE good person

Support of our seminarians. A Catholic education for children in need. Loving care for our retired priests. 01/22/21 YOUR support of the United Catholic Appeal makes all of these things possible. Every day, YOUR gift brings hope to others. Thank YOU for being one good person.

01/22/21 01/22/21 You can provide hope to others today by scanning the QR code, or by visiting our website at www.archindy.org/UCA. Page 4 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021

Opinion Be Our Guest/Shannen Dee Williams An extraordinary nun and champion of Black Catholic history Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher 2020 was a year of monumental losses in helping to reopen and secure the Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus for the nation’s community of women financial future of Baltimore’s St. Frances religious. Academy, her order’s first school, which Among them was had closed in 1972 due to desegregation the passing of 88-year- and lack of archdiocesan support. Editorial old Oblate Sister of After retiring from teaching and school Providence Mary administration in the 1980s, Sister Mary Pope Francis Reginald Gerdes. Reginald began her “second career” as wears a mask On Sept. 7, Sister her order’s full-time archivist, where she as he attends an encounter to pray Mary Reginald, a undertook a monumental campaign to for peace in Piazza former leader of organize the Oblate Sister of Providence’s del Campidoglio Baltimore’s invaluable repository of records, collect in Rome in this St. Frances Academy, oral histories and research the life of her Oct. 20, 2020, file the nation’s oldest community’s foundress, Mother Mary photo. In his 2021 historically Black Catholic school, and Lange, in support of her canonization cause. World Day of Peace longest-serving archivist of the Oblate In 1988, Sister Mary Reginald Message, the pope Sisters of Providence, died of heart failure published a seminal article in the cited how the at her order’s motherhouse in Arbutus, Md. U.S. Catholic Historian, documenting COVID-19 health In a racially and economically her order’s pioneering role in founding crisis has impacted tumultuous year that saw a significant rise Black Catholic schools during slavery the world. (CNS photo/ Paul Haring) in calls for the Church to acknowledge and in the immediate decades following and make reparations for its largely emancipation when much of the former unreconciled practices of slavery and slaveholding Church abandoned the Black segregation, the loss of Sister Mary, and Catholic community. her expertise in African American Catholic Sister Mary Reginald also taught history, was especially wrenching. African American heritage at the That is, of course, for those who Community College of Baltimore County, The liberating power of knew Sister Mary Regiland’s story and wrote a regular Black history column for all that she did to recover, preserve and The Catholic Review, newspaper of the disseminate the history of the Church’s Archdiocese of Baltimore, and joined unselfish love Black faithful and their widely overlooked the Maryland Humanities Speaker’s In his 2021 World Day of Peace be present to the sick, to alleviate their roles in the making of U.S. Catholicism. Bureau, offering dynamic lectures on the Message, Pope Francis describes what sufferings and to save their lives; indeed, Born Althea Mary Gerdes on Sept. 3, experiences of Black nuns in the he calls a “culture of care” that is many of them have died in the process.” 1932, Sister Mary Reginald was a proud U.S. slave society across the state. indispensable to achieving true peace. Equally practical, unfortunately, are the member of New Orleans’ longstanding While Sister Mary Reginald’s name The Holy Father says: “The culture instances when we have failed to express Afro-Creole and Black Catholic may not be as recognizable as that of the of care thus calls for a common, the love of God in our dealings with one communities. Her mother, Elmira (née late Benedictine Father Cyprian Davis of supportive and inclusive commitment another. “Sad to say, alongside all these Raymond) Gerdes was a homemaker, and Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, to protecting and promoting the testimonies of love and solidarity, we her father Louis Gerdes owned a roofing the Church’s most prolific historian of the dignity and good of all, a willingness have also seen a surge in various forms of company that served Black and white Black Catholic experience, or the late Father to show care and compassion, to work nationalism, racism and xenophobia, and households and businesses in the Crescent Peter Hogan, the longtime administrator for reconciliation and healing, and to wars and conflicts that bring only death City’s famed French Quarter. of the Josephite Archives in Baltimore, she advance mutual respect and acceptance. and destruction in their wake,” the Holy As a member of one of New Orleans’ was undoubtedly one of the Church’s most As such, it represents a privileged path Father says. “These and other events that largest Black Catholic parishes, Corpus important archivists and chroniclers of the to peace. ‘In many parts of the world, marked humanity’s path this past year Christi, and a pupil of historically white American Catholic experience in the 20th there is a need for paths of peace to have taught us how important it is to care Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for and early 21st centuries. heal open wounds. There is also a need for one another and for creation in our elementary and high school, Sister Mary Like so many members of her for peacemakers, men and women efforts to build a more fraternal society.” Reginald grew up in a vibrant community of congregation who pioneered the teaching prepared to work boldly and creatively Since our world first began to faithfulness and was shielded from the most of Black and Black Catholic history in to initiate processes of healing and experience the devastating effects of the dehumanizing humiliations forced upon the U.S. Church, Sister Mary Reginald renewed encounter’ ” (“Fratelli Tutti: On pandemic, Pope Francis has repeatedly Black faithful in their racially segregated understood that the history of Black nuns Fraternity and Social Friendship,” #225). reminded us that sins of indifference Church for much of her childhood. and the larger Black Catholic community A culture of care—for human life and and neglect can be every bit as lethal Nonetheless, her journey, like most fundamentally mattered. Moreover, for all of God’s creation—is essential as the coronavirus. Unless we use this Black Catholics who came of age during her herculean efforts in organizing and to overcoming the sins of violence, crisis as an opportunity to care for one the civil rights and Black power eras, safeguarding her congregation’s archive exploitation of the environment and another and for our common home, the would not be free from struggle against made it possible for scores of academic indifference to the needs of our sisters destruction caused by the pandemic segregation and exclusion. and independent researchers to unlock and brothers here in Indiana and will go far beyond its consequences for In 1952, Sister Mary Reginald opted countless secrets about the American throughout the world. public health and the economy. It will to leave New Orleans and enter the Catholic past documented in their records. “Caring” is, of course, another word be a worldwide spiritual malady whose historically Black Oblate Sisters of As we move into a new year for caritas (charity), the greatest of all effects will negatively influence our Providence in Baltimore. Three decades confronted with the enduring challenges the virtues. Unless we develop a culture lives for generations. earlier, her aunt, Mother Martin (Cecile) of racism buttressed by miseducation and of charity, of the love that comes from The ultimate cure for this spiritual Lalonier, in response to the exclusionary misinformation, I cannot help but consider God’s own heart, we cannot be at peace disease of callous neglect and admissions policies of local white how much more difficult the fight ahead with ourselves, with our neighbors or indifference is charity. We find the women’s religious communities and deep would be without the intellectual and with the world we inhabit. If we really greatest examples of this kind of caring South segregation, had done the same. archival activism of Sister Mary Reginald. don’t care about anything or anyone, we in the ministry of Jesus. Through the next 30 years, Sister Mary In the face of scholarly silence, erasure have become trapped within a hardened As Pope Francis points out: “In his Reginald, who earned a bachelor’s degree and outright lies about her order and shell of indifference and resentment. compassion, Christ drew near to the from Marillac College and a master’s the wider African American Catholic What Pope Francis calls “a culture sick in body and spirit, and brought degree in education from Duke University, community, she chose to fight back with of care” is the network of relationships them healing; he pardoned sinners and became a well-respected biology teacher, historical truth telling, education and with God and with others that allows us gave them new life. Jesus is the Good school leader and champion of Black unwavering grace. to move beyond selfishness and sin in Shepherd who cares for his sheep freedom and educational excellence. And for that and so much more, the order to experience the liberating power [Jn 10:11-18; Ez 34:1-31]. He is the During the civil rights movement, Church should be forever grateful. of unselfish love. Good Samaritan who stoops to help she participated in local desegregation According to Pope Francis, this the injured man, binds his wounds and campaigns while ministering at her (Shannen Dee Williams is the Albert culture of care is eminently practical. cares for him [Lk 10:30-37]. At the order’s Immaculate Conception School in Lepage assistant professor of history at As he says in his World Day of Peace culmination of his mission, Jesus gave Charleston, S.C. Villanova University. She is completing message: “The year 2020 was marked the ultimate proof of his care for us by In the 1970s, Sister Mary Reginald her first book, Subversive Habits: Black by the massive COVID-19 health crisis, offering himself on the cross to set us with the support of a diversity of sisters, Catholic Nuns in the Long African which became a global phenomenon free from the slavery of sin and death. Oblate Sister of Providence alumni American Freedom Struggle. Follow her cutting across boundaries, aggravating By the sacrificial gift of his life, he and state officials played a leading role on Twitter at @Blknunhistorian.) † deeply interrelated crises like those of opened for us the path of love. To each the climate, food, the economy and of us he says, ‘Follow me; go and do migration, and causing great suffering and likewise’ ” (Lk 10:37). Letters Policy hardship. I think especially of all those As we begin this new year, who lost family members or loved ones, let’s resolve to imitate Jesus in our Letters from readers are welcome and published and to edit letters from readers as and all who lost their jobs. I think too commitment to care for each other. every effort will be made to include letters necessary. Letters must be signed, but, for of physicians and nurses, pharmacists, Let’s be true peacemakers working to from as many people and representing as serious reasons, names may be withheld. researchers, volunteers, chaplains and build cultures of care in our homes, our many viewpoints as possible. Letters should Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” The the personnel of hospitals and health neighborhoods, our nation and our world. be informed, relevant, well-expressed and Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis,­ care centers. They have made, and are temperate in tone. The editors reserve IN 46202-2367. Readers with access to e-mail continuing to make, great sacrifices to —Daniel Conway the right to select the letters that will be may send letters to [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Jesus’ baptism calls us to share in his humility, holiness “One mightier than I is coming after St. Mark describes for us the miracle From this moment on, he spends the This humble, holy man—the “Lamb me. I am not worthy to stoop and that John the Baptist witnessed: rest of his short life on Earth preaching, of God”—can take away the sins of the loosen the thongs of his sandals. “It happened in those days that Jesus healing, comforting and challenging all world precisely because everything he I have baptized you with water; came from Nazareth of Galilee who have ears to hear. says and does is in perfect conformity he will baptize you with the Holy and was baptized in the Jordan by The Baptism of the Lord celebrates to God’s will. Every miracle of healing Spirit” (Mk 1:7–8). John. On coming up out of the water he Jesus’ humility and his holiness. He and hope that he performs is made saw the heavens being torn open didn’t need to repent. He didn’t need possible by the power of the Holy It’s appropriate that the Gospel and the Spirit, like a dove, descending to be reborn spiritually. He chose to Spirit. reading for this Sunday, the Baptism of upon him. And a voice came from the submit himself to this ritual cleansing The Baptism of the Lord is a feast the Lord, features St. John the Baptist. heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with as a sign that this kind of action is that invites us to carry forward the joy John was a key figure in our you I am well pleased’ ” (Mk 1:9-11). essential for those of us, his disciples, we experienced during the Christmas observance of Advent last month. But even after witnessing this great who want to follow him. Unless we season. Jesus shows us the way to be He was the self-proclaimed “voice epiphany at the time he baptized Jesus surrender ourselves to the Father’s will, his humble, holy missionary disciples. crying in the wilderness,” calling us in the Jordan River, John could only and let ourselves be filled with the He invites us to surrender ourselves all to repentance and rebirth through a guess at the true identity and mission of sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, we to the Father’s will, and to be filled baptism of water. His mission was to his younger cousin. Like so many of us, cannot successfully carry on the work with the grace of the Holy Spirit, prepare the way for the long-awaited John needed to be told that “the blind of Jesus: proclaiming the Good News, so that in Jesus’ name we can bring Messiah, and so it is significant that he see, the lame walk, and the poor have healing others’ wounds and bringing healing and hope to all our sisters and is present as a witness to Jesus’ entry the Good News preached to them” comfort and joy to a sad and weary brothers here at home and throughout into public life and ministry. (Mt 11:5) before he was ready to world. the world. The Gospels paint a portrait of John believe. To follow Jesus as missionary As we begin this new calendar year the Baptist as an austere man, a prophet What the baptism in the Jordan disciples, we must be humble and holy 2021, let’s ask the Lamb of God to who spoke the truth to power and, as signifies is that Jesus’ ministry is a as he was. We must be servants who lead take away the sins of the world that a consequence, was rewarded with a work of the Triune God—Father, Son with a quiet confidence in God’s power we experienced so intensely last year. martyr’s death. and Holy Spirit. Jesus never acts in to do things that would be impossible May we all find ways to surrender our John was keenly aware of who isolation. His words and actions are for us alone. St. John the Evangelist tells egos and be filled with God’s grace so he was—and who he was not. “One always united with the will of his us that “John [the Baptist] saw Jesus that the healing and unity our world so mightier than I is coming after me,” John Father; they are always empowered approaching him, and said: ‘Behold the desperately needs can happen in and proclaimed. “I am not worthy to stoop by his Holy Spirit. Jesus’ baptism Lamb of God who takes away the sin of through us. and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” inaugurates the Lord’s public ministry. the world’ ” (Jn 1:29). Have a blessed New Year! †

El bautismo de Jesús nos llama a compartir su humildad, su santidad “Tras mí viene uno que es más San Marcos nos describe el de ese momento, pasa el resto de su pecados del mundo precisamente poderoso que yo, a quien no soy milagro que presenció Juan el corta vida en la Tierra predicando, porque todo lo que dice y hace digno de desatar, inclinándome, la Bautista: curando, consolando y desafiando a está en perfecta conformidad con correa de sus sandalias. “Y sucedió en aquellos días que todos los que tienen oídos para oír. la voluntad de Dios. Cada milagro Yo os bauticé con agua, pero Jesús vino de Nazaret de Galilea, y El Bautismo del Señor celebra de curación y esperanza que realiza Él os bautizará con el Espíritu fue bautizado por Juan en el Jordán. la humildad y la santidad de Jesús. es posible por el poder del Espíritu Santo” (Mc 1:7– 8). E inmediatamente, al salir del agua, No tenía que arrepentirse ni renacer Santo. vio que los cielos se abrían, y que espiritualmente. Eligió someterse El Bautismo del Señor es una Resulta apropiado que la lectura el Espíritu como paloma descendía a este ritual de limpieza como una fiesta que nos invita a llevar adelante del Evangelio de este domingo, el sobre Él; Entonces vino una voz del señal de que este tipo de acción es la alegría que experimentamos Bautismo del Señor, incluya a san cielo, que decía: ‘Tú eres mi Hijo esencial para aquellos de nosotros, en la época de la Navidad. Jesús Juan el Bautista, quien fue una figura amado, en quien me complazco’ ” sus discípulos, que quieran seguirlo. nos muestra el camino para ser clave durante el período de Adviento. (Mc 1:9-11). A menos que nos entreguemos a la sus humildes y santos discípulos Él fue la autoproclamada “voz que Pero incluso después de ser testigo voluntad del Padre y nos dejemos misioneros. Nos invita a entregarnos clama en el desierto,” llamándonos de esta gran epifanía en el momento llenar con la gracia santificante del a la voluntad del Padre y a llenarnos a todos al arrepentimiento y al en que bautizó a Jesús en el río Espíritu Santo, no podremos llevar de la gracia del Espíritu Santo, para renacimiento a través de un bautismo Jordán, Juan apenas podía adivinar a cabo con éxito el trabajo de Jesús: que en el nombre de Jesús podamos de agua. Su misión era preparar el la verdadera identidad y misión de proclamar la Buena Nueva, curar las traer sanación y esperanza a todas camino para el tan esperado Mesías, su primo menor. Como muchos de heridas de los demás y llevar consuelo nuestras hermanas y hermanos aquí por lo que es significativo que esté nosotros, Juan necesitaba que le y alegría a un mundo triste y cansado. en casa y en todo el mundo. presente como testigo del ingreso dijeran que “los ciegos ven, los cojos Para seguir a Jesús como Al comenzar este nuevo año de Jesús en la vida pública y en su caminan y los pobres reciben la discípulos misioneros, debemos ser calendario 2021, pidamos al Cordero ministerio. Buena Nueva” (Mt 11:5) para poder humildes y santos como él; debemos de Dios que quite los pecados Los Evangelios ilustran a Juan el estar listo para creer. ser sirvientes que lideren con una del mundo que experimentamos Bautista como un hombre austero, Lo que significa el bautismo en el confianza serena en el poder de Dios tan intensamente el año pasado. un profeta que declaró la verdad ante Jordán es que el ministerio de Jesús para lograr cosas que nos resultarían Que todos encontremos formas el poder y, como consecuencia, fue es una obra del Dios Trino, Padre, imposibles de alcanzar por nosotros de entregar nuestros egos y recompensado con la muerte de un mártir. Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Jesús nunca mismos. San Juan Evangelista nos llenarnos de la gracia de Dios Juan estaba muy consciente de actúa por sí solo; sus palabras y dice que “[Juan el Bautista] vio a para que la curación y la unidad lo que era y lo que no. “Tras mí acciones están siempre unidas a la Jesús que venía hacia él, y dijo: He que nuestro mundo necesita tan viene uno que es más poderoso que voluntad de su Padre; siempre están ahí el Cordero de Dios que quita el desesperadamente pueda ocurrir en y yo—proclama Juan—a quien no soy potenciadas por su Espíritu Santo. pecado del mundo” (Jn 1:29). a través de nosotros. digno de desatar, inclinándome, la El bautismo de Jesús inaugura el Este hombre humilde y santo, el ¡Que tengan un bendecido año correa de sus sandalias.” ministerio público del Señor. A partir “Cordero de Dios,” puede quitar los nuevo! † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

January 12 interceding for women St. John the Evangelist Terre Haute. Solemn February 5 February 9 Monthly Virtual Taizé experiencing crisis pregnancy, Church, Indianapolis. Indiana Observance of Roe v. Wade, Women’s Care Center, 4901 Monthly Virtual Taizé Prayer Service, 7-8 p.m., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at March for Life and Rally, 2-3 p.m., peaceful prayer W. 86th St., Indianapolis. First Prayer Service, 7-8 p.m., silent and spoken prayers, 5:45 p.m. noon following Mass, march gathering, signs provided. Friday Mass, 5 p.m., optional silent and spoken prayers, simple music, silence. Link: will proceed to Monument Information, Tom McBroom, tour of center to follow. simple music, silence. Link: Taize.SistersofProvidence.org. Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Circle then south lawn of 812-841-0060 or mcbroom. Information: 317-829-6800, Taize.SistersofProvidence.org. Information: 812-535-2952, and Mausoleum, 9001 Capitol building, participation [email protected]. www.womenscarecenter.org. Information: 812-535-2952, [email protected]. Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. limited to 250 due to Marion [email protected]. Monthly Mass, 2 p.m. County COVID restrictions, February 3 Our Lady of the Greenwood January 20 Information: 317-574-8898 or registration required. MCL Cafeteria, 5520 Church, 335 S. Meridian St., February 11 Calvary Mausoleum www.catholiccemeteries.cc. Registration and updated Castleton Corner Lane, Greenwood. First Friday Sisters of Providence White Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., information: www.rtlindy.org. Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, bilingual celebration of the Violet Center for Eco- Indianapolis. Monthly January 22 5 p.m., Catholic, educational, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Justice Virtual Workshop: Mass, 2 p.m. Information: St. John the Evangelist St. John the Evangelist Church charitable and social singles— Mass, 5:45 p.m., exposition Baking Sourdough Bread, 317-784-4439 or www. Church, 126 W. Georgia St., parking lot, 126 W. Georgia separated, widowed or of the Blessed Sacrament, via Zoom, 6:30-8 p.m., $45 catholiccemeteries.cc. Indianapolis. Indiana St., Indianapolis. “Moving the divorced—age 50 and older, following Mass until 9 p.m., includes instruction materials March for Life Mass with Movement” Diaper Drive, new members welcome, also sacrament of Reconciliation and sourdough bread starter, January 21 Archbishop Charles diapers for three Indianapolis call about regular Friday night available. Information: 317-750- register by Feb. 4. Registration St. Elizabeth Seton Church, C. Thompson, sponsored by pregnancy care organizations dinner events. Information: 7309, [email protected]. and information: 812-535- 10655 Haverstick Road, archdiocesan Office of collected 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 317-796-8605 or 2952, [email protected] or Carmel, Ind. (Lafayette Human Life and Dignity, financial donations for diaper 317-243-0777. February 6 www.spsmw.org/event. Diocese), Indiana March 10:30 a.m., mask-wearing and purchases accepted at cutt.ly/ John Paul II Parish, for Life Vigil, 7-9 p.m., social distancing necessary, IndyMarch4LifeDiapers. February 4 St. Paul Chapel, 216 The Third Option virtual eucharistic adoration, seating limited to 250 The Third Option virtual Schellers Ave., Sellersburg. marriage crisis/enrichment praise and worship music, participants due to COVID-19 January 24 marriage crisis/enrichment First Saturday Marian class, “Responsibility and reconciliation, seating limited restrictions, registration St. Matthew School, 4100 class, “Building a Climate Devotion, 8 a.m. rosary, Blame Game,” 7-8 p.m., to 200 participants due to required—must show paper E. 56th St., Indianapolis. of Respect,” 7-8 p.m., meditation, prayer; 8:30 a.m. Thursdays bi-weekly through COVID-19 restrictions, or e-mailed ticket at church St. Matthew School Open Thursdays bi-weekly through Mass with confessions prior. May 20, viewing all sessions mask-wearing and social entrance. Registration: cutt. House, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 20, viewing all sessions Information: 812-246-3522. recommended but not required, distancing necessary. ly/IndyMarch4LifeMass. for prospective families. recommended but not required, no registration needed, free. Registration required: Livestream available at www. Information: 317-251-3997, no registration needed, free. St. Michael Church, 145 Go to carmelthirdoption. vigilforlifecarmel2021. facebook.com/stjohnsindy and ext. 3913, or dsmock@ Go to carmelthirdoption. St. Michael Blvd., Brookville. org/web then click on link eventbrite.com. www.stjohnsindy.org/mass- saintmatt.org. org/web then click on link First Saturday Marian at top of page. Information: feed.html. at top of page. Information: Devotional Prayer Group, carmelthirdoption.org/web, St. Joseph Church, 1401 January 30 carmelthirdoption.org/web, Mass, devotional prayers, or Keith Ingram, kingram@ S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. Georgia St. between Capitol Vigo County Court House, or Keith Ingram, kingram@ rosary, 8 a.m. Information: aicinvest.com or Third Thursday Adoration, Ave. and Illinois St. near 3rd St. and Wabash Ave., aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. 765-647-5462. 317-324-8446. †

For a complete list of retreats as reported to Retreats and Programs The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/retreats.

January 18 or via Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m., January 20 self-guided retreat, 9 a.m.- January 24 upcoming Sunday Scripture Mount Saint Francis Conventual Franciscan Father A Good Book and a 4 p.m., $20 includes private Virtual “Mystics & readings, saints and Center for Spirituality Vincent Peterson presenting, Glass of Wine virtual room, $70 with spiritual Prayer” Coffee Talk via liturgical seasons, posted virtual “Mondays at the $30. Information, registration: event via Zoom, offered by direction. Information, Zoom: Caryll Houslander, on Monday mornings Mount,” 30-minute study by mountsaintfrancis.org/retreats Providence Spirituality & registration: center@ offered by Oldenburg at m.facebook.com/pg/ Conventual Franciscan Father or 812-923-8817. Conference Center, oldenburgosf.com, Franciscan Center, 10:45 a.m.- MountStFrancis. Vince Petersen and Andrew 6:30-8 p.m., part one of four oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ noon, Amy Kistner Hennessey on upcoming January 12 (Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and 10) programs. presenting. Information, January 29-30 Sunday Scripture readings, Benedict Inn Retreat & on Abounding in Kindness registration: center@ Benedict Inn Retreat & saints and liturgical seasons, Conference Center, 1402 by Elizabeth Johnson, January 23 oldenburgosf.com, Conference Center, posted on Monday mornings Southern Ave., Beech Grove. $25 for all four sessions, Mindfulness Retreat, oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ 1402 Southern Ave., Beech at m.facebook.com/pg/ Personal Day of Retreat, book not included, Oldenburg Franciscan programs. Grove. Soul Healing with MountStFrancis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., includes register by Jan. 16. Center via Zoom, Julian of Norwich, 7 p.m. Fri. - private room for the day Registration, information: 9:30-11:30 a.m., Franciscan January 25 3:30 p.m. Sat., Carolyn Mount Saint Francis and lunch, $40, spiritual 812-535-2952, provctr@ Sister Olga Wittekind Mount Saint Francis Berghuis presenting, Center for Spirituality, direction for additional spsmw.org, spsmw.org/event. facilitating, $25, $40 with Center for Spirituality $175 includes meals and 101 St. Anthony Dr., $30 (must be scheduled in CEUs. Information, virtual “Mondays at the room. Registration: www. Mt. St. Francis. Living the advance). Registration: cutt.ly/ January 22 registration: center@ Mount,” 30-minute study benedictinn.org/retreats- Gospel of Non-Violence: In benedictinn_reg. Information: Oldenburg Franciscan Center, oldenburgosf.com, by Conventual Franciscan programs. Information: the steps of Rev. Dr. Martin [email protected], 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ Father Vince Petersen and [email protected], Luther King, Jr., in-person 317-788-7581. A Quiet Day of Renewal, programs. Andrew Hennessey on 317-788-7581. † Uniting in prayer WeddingANNIVERSARIES

Harold and Anna Mae (Moorman) Kramer, Years members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Decatur County, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary 60 on Jan. 14. The couple was married in St. Maurice Church in Decatur County on Jan. 14, 1961. They have six children: Terri Boyd, Lori Garringer, Nancy Means, Suzanne Miller, Patrick and Tim Kramer. The couple also has 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. † Father Rick Nagel, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis, leads about 250 Catholics in a eucharistic procession along a downtown street on Dec. 12 as part of a national movement called “Unite Our Nation.” The movement, led by a non-profit organization of the same name, calls for cities to host eucharistic processions accompanied by prayers for peace in our nation. The event was sponsored by Soldiers for Peace, a local Catholic organization inviting people to pray the rosary for peace throughout the streets of Indianapolis. Being held Announcements for couples celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years of on Dec. 12, the procession included a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and children dancers dressed in festive traditional Mexican attire. (Submitted photo by Megan Fish) marriage are accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or call 317-236-1585. The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 7

‘Salud!’: Leaders say a better 2021 requires more than a toast VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Whether or elderly, and Sister Angel will not take not they raised a glass of bubbly as the a chance on bringing the virus home to new year made its debut, many people them. around the world were convinced that After having seen so many people 2021 had to be better than 2020 was. die and having had to comfort so many Pope Francis, leading the recitation grieving families, Sister Angel said she of the Angelus on Jan. 3, had a simple- has no patience for people who object to sounding idea for how to make that wearing a mask. “Having to wear a mask happen. is not a violation of personal freedom. “We do not know what 2021 holds for In fact, those who don’t wear masks us,” he said, “but what each one of us, violate the rights of others because and all of us together, can do is to take they can infect them. We all have an care of each other and of creation, our obligation to wear masks and observe common home.” the precautions.” The pope’s hopes and best wishes for The virus, she said, has or should the new year were echoed, and expanded have taught people some useful upon, by a variety of Catholic leaders perspective. “We used to think we could reached by Catholic News Service dominate everything, but now we see (CNS). that we were super-dominated by a “Maybe with the discovery of the pandemic.” vaccines, we can have some hope. But Cardinal Michael Czerny, Vatican what gives me more confidence is that undersecretary for migrants and patients and people in general now know refugees, said that before the pandemic, how to protect themselves and how to wishing someone a happy New Year coexist with COVID,” said one of Italy’s meant, “Here’s wishing you more of the front-line heroes, a religious from Congo same good things” or good things “along who became a doctor to help her people with, if possible, a bit of improvement. and ended up working in Italy’s hard-hit “But that doesn’t work this time Bergamo region. around,” he said. “As Pope Francis often Disciples of the Redeemer Sister repeats, so eloquently, ‘Anyone who thinks Angel Bipendu, a physician working in that the only lesson to be learned’—from the public health service in Villa d’Alme, the annus horribilis 2020—‘is the need to a small town near Bergamo, told CNS, improve what we were already doing … is “We are still battling COVID-19, there denying reality.’ ” are still cases, but it is not like it was” So, the cardinal said, “the first step last spring. to really meaning ‘Happy New Year of Until Dec. 13, she was focusing on 2021’ is to stop fantasizing about the COVID-19 patients, but she has since old normal. The vaccine is good and returned to her principal duties as the important, but it won’t bring 2019 back. physician on call each night for the town “Instead, we have to wish each other of about 6,500 people. She still has an entirely new, a radically new, new year not returned to the Canossian Sisters’ of 2021, going forward differently and convent where she was living prior to the not turning back,” Cardinal Czerny said. pandemic. Many of the sisters there are Like Pope Francis indicated, “2021 will be a good year only if we start taking care of each other and of our common home. And make no mistake, in this perspective, ‘each other’ doesn’t mean ‘our own and An empty street is seen in Times Square in New York City during the virtual New Year’s Eve event forget the rest’; it means all our brothers Dec. 31, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (CNS photo/Jeenah Moon, Reuters) and sisters, beginning with the neediest and most vulnerable, as well as future Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, her, hope is “the virtue that pushes generations, too.” president of the Pontifical Academy for us to build the future, our tomorrow, Ginevra Ossola, a sustainability Life, said he already saw signs of hope without being paralyzed and waiting specialist serving as the junior in many of the ways people reacted to for something to change. It makes us coordinator of the ecology task force of the challenges of 2020. operative today, because what will come the Vatican’s COVID-19 Commission, “The solidarity that I saw in action depends on us, too. said her hopes for the new year also are in the months of the pandemic was for “In Italy,” she said, “we have a “to avoid going ‘back to normal,’ ” and me a strong sign of the rediscovery of saying: ‘Push your heart over the instead “realize and face the mistakes we our community roots,” he said. “I think obstacle and go after it.’ Hope makes us have made as human beings until today. that next year we need to strengthen look beyond the obstacles.” “My biggest hope for 2021 is to brotherhood, community, human bonds Sister Alessandra said she hoped stop harming our home, Earth, and without borders. This is the deep root Catholics model their behavior on that of to work together to regenerate what of Christianity: the spirit of universal the first Christian communities, sharing we helped destroy,” she said. “I wish brotherhood, through which we can all they have to ensure that no one goes for a regeneration from the social, work for truth, for justice, for peace, without basic necessities. “I would like Disciples of the Redeemer Sister Angel environmental and economic point of for a respectful development of the love for one’s brother and sister to be Bipendu, a physician from Congo working view, starting with the equal and safe environment and peoples.” the distinctive trait of Christians today in the public health service in Villa d’Alme, vaccination for all, with maximum Salesian Sister Alessandra Smerilli, as well, and for us to be exemplary Italy, is seen in her office in this August 2020 transparency and without unjust an economist and member of the Vatican in showing personal and collective photo. (CNS photo/courtesy Sister Angel Bipendu) privileges.” COVID-19 Commission, said that for responsibility.” †

Vatican news agency says 20 ‘missionaries’ died violently in 2020 VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Attacked because of their the agency explained. While the word “martyr” literally pattern of violence against women and girls, and he urged faith, killed in a robbery, murdered in a general climate of means “witness,” the agency does not use the term for the Catholics in the diocese to report to police “anything that violence or struck down by someone with obvious mental missionaries killed “in order not to enter into the question puts their physical, psychological and spiritual integrity difficulties, the 20 missionaries who died violent deaths of the judgment that the Church might eventually deliver at risk.” in 2020 were witnesses of the Gospel, said Fides, the upon some of them, after careful consideration, for While most of the people on the list were killed in Vatican’s missionary news agency. beatification or canonization.” places many people would think of as mission lands, Presenting its annual list of missionaries killed during The murdered missionaries, Fides said, shared the life Fides included 51-year-old Father Roberto Malgesini, a the year, the news agency of the Congregation for the of the people with whom they lived and, in too many priest of the Diocese of Como, Italy, who was stabbed to Evangelization of Peoples explained, “We use the term cases, shared the same kind of violent death. death on Sept. 15 by a mentally ill homeless man he was ‘missionary’ for all the baptized, aware that in virtue of They include Michael Nnadi, 18, one of four seminarians helping. their baptism, all the members of the people of God have kidnapped in Nigeria from a seminary in Kakau. During a Eight of the 20 victims on the Fides list were killed in become missionary disciples.” two-week period in late January, three of the seminarians Central or South America, seven were killed in Africa, Fides’ 2020 list includes eight priests, six laypeople— were released. Nnadi’s body was found on Feb. 1. three in Asia and two in Italy; in addition to Father including two girls, 10- and 12-year-old sisters, who Police arrested Mustapha Mohammed, alleged leader Malgesini, Fides listed Camillian Brother Leonardo were members of the Holy Childhood Association in of a gang that specialized in stopping cars and robbing Grasso, 78, who was beaten and then died in a fire set Nicaragua—three women religious, two seminarians and the drivers, Fides reported. Mohammed confessed to at the community for recovering addicts he operated in a religious brother. killing Nnadi because “he kept preaching the Gospel of Riposto. From 2000 to 2020, Fides said, 535 pastoral workers, Jesus Christ” to members of the gang. Fides also noted that the numbers would be much, much including five bishops, were killed. The girls on Fides’ list, Lilliam Yunielka Gonzalez and higher if one considered the number of priests, religious When Fides first began publishing the list and still Blanca Marlene Gonzalez, were murdered with machetes and laypeople who died after contracting COVID-19 while today it focuses primarily on foreign missionaries or on Sept. 15 in Mulukuku, Nicaragua. Their mother had serving others as doctors, nurses or chaplains. The Council pastoral workers in mission lands, but also “tries to record already told police that Lilliam, the older girl, had been of European Bishops’ Conferences had reported in late all the baptized engaged in the life of the Church who harassed. The bishop, U.S.-born Bishop Pablo Schmitz September that at least 400 priests had died in Europe after died in a violent way, not only ‘in hatred of the faith,’ ” Simon, said their deaths were part of a widespread contracting the virus. † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Nine Sisters of St. Joseph die in COVID-19 outbreak in New York ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS)—As COVID-19 number of cases across our country is cases and deaths continue to rise in the temporary, and we mourn the loss not United States, the pandemic has taken a only of our nine sisters but also the loss terrible toll on the Sisters of St. Joseph of of all life during this pandemic. We look Carondelet in Latham. In December, nine forward to the vaccine and the end of this sisters there died of COVID-19 as nearly worldwide health crisis.” half of the residents became infected The Albany Times Union first reported during an outbreak at the provincial the sisters’ deaths on Dec 30. house that has affected 47 sisters and 26 The order’s provincial house in employees since October. Latham, seven miles from Albany, is the “Like all members of our global headquarters of the Albany Province and community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of home to 114 sisters; many are retired and Carondelet have been struggling with the in need of long-term care. tragic consequences of COVID-19. We are Since Thanksgiving, cases have mourning the loss of nine beloved sisters skyrocketed across the country and in to this awful disease,” said St Joseph upstate New York. And with the recently Sister Joan Mary Hartigan, director of the celebrated Christmas and New Year’s order’s Albany Province. holidays, many fear the worst is yet to In a statement to The Evangelist, come in January. The positivity rate, diocesan newspaper of Albany, Sister based on a seven-day average, which has Joan Mary said of the 47 sisters, most been as high as 12.4 percent in Albany have recovered, but three sisters at the County, currently is 10.5 percent and 10.8 provincial house are being treated by their percent in Schenectady County, according personal physicians for the virus. The nine to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. sisters who died ranged in age from 84 “All of us at the Diocese of Albany The front entrance to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet’s provincial house in Latham, N.Y., is to 98. Twenty-one employees who tested are praying for the sisters during this seen on Jan. 4. (CNS photo/Emily Benson, The Evangelist) positive have recovered while five staff challenging time,” said Mary DeTurris members are quarantining at home. Poust, director of communications for the The recent rise in infections and deaths facility Notre Dame of Elm Grove. She said the home is following all Diocese of Albany. “In addition to the loss is all the more unsettling when taking Much like with the Sisters of St. Joseph, guidelines from the Centers for Disease of so many beloved sisters who served into account the stringent procedures the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Control and Prevention and the New York others so selflessly for decades, there is the sisters have had in place since the Pacific Province, who are based in St. Louis State Department of Health “to limit the the added difficulty of not being able to pandemic started such as ending public and care for the sisters in the Wisconsin spread of the virus to the greatest extent celebrate their lives as a community due access and visits to the provincial health facility, learned of a positive case possible, including using appropriate to COVID restrictions. As for so many house, including from other sisters, and within the community around Thanksgiving. personal protective equipment, people who have lost loved ones in recent canceling events, meetings and programs. The first death reportedly happened on Dec. quarantining sisters who are COVID-19 months, the already difficult task of The sisters’ deaths follow the COVID-19 9, but the deadliest day came on Dec. 14 positive and prohibiting all public access.” grieving is made even more difficult by deaths of eight sisters in mid-December when four sisters died. Many of these sisters She added: “We pray the increasing isolation and lack of closure.” in Milwaukee who had been living at the had been teachers. † Creighton University plans to divest from fossil fuels within a decade OMAHA, Neb. (CNS)—Creighton energy and energy efficiency. to manage investments to provide for the corporate annual meetings in favor of University plans to divest from fossil School officials announced the plan on university’s operations, academic programs, carbon-reduction resolutions while fuels over the next decade and turn Dec. 31, saying it marks a commitment to scholarships and other needs. pursuing opportunities to partner with toward investments in renewable its Jesuit Catholic mission while continuing The plan calls for withdrawing from organizations that engage companies ownership of public securities of fossil on environmental issues, such as fuel corporations within five years and the Interfaith Center on Corporate exiting from holdings in private fossil fuel Responsibility and the Jesuit Committee investments within 10 years. on Investment Responsibility. “This modified policy signifies The move comes as school officials our strong commitment to sustainable have incorporated sustainability and investing—and sustainability in general care for creation campus wide. Among Marriagennouncements across the university—and according the steps the university has taken is a A to our investment advisers, it can be comprehensive composting program Be a part of our Spring Marriage Edition accomplished without a negative impact and stronger adherence to Pope Francis’ on the strength and overall performance 2015 encyclical on environmental February 26 issue of The Criterion of our endowment, which greatly serves responsibility, “Laudato Si’, on Care for the mission of the institution,” Jesuit Our Common Home.” Couples who are planning to be married between Feb. 26 and July 9 in a marriage Father Daniel Hendrickson, Creighton’s “We have intensified and sharpened that is recognized as a valid sacramental or valid natural marriage, or couples who president, said in a statement. our efforts and focus and allocation of were wed between July 1, 2020, and Feb. 12, 2021, in such a recognized marriage Michael McCarthy, chairman of resources around sustainability, including and did not have their engagement announcement in The Criterion are invited to the university’s board of trustees, hiring a new director of sustainability,” submit the information for the upcoming Feb. 26 Spring Marriage Edition. acknowledged Father Daniel’s leadership Father Daniel said. “This a significant Announcements can be submitted using the form below, or electronically at in encouraging board members to review issue for our world, and I hope that www.archindy.org/engagements. the school’s investment policies. in many ways Creighton can lead E-mailed photos The university said it will continue the discussion and identify creative Photos should be saved in jpg format and be at least 500 kb. Color photos are to vote shareholder proxies during solutions.” † preferred. We recommend sending a photo where the couple’s faces are close to each other. Please send the photo as an attachment to the e-mail: [email protected]. Subject line: Spring Marriage (Last name). In the e-mail, true light’ and wants to remove the darkness please include the information in the form located below. ANGELUS of evil from us. He is ‘the life,’ who knows continued from page 1 our lives and wants to tell us that he has If it is not possible to e-mail a photo, a photo can be mailed with the bottom always loved them. He loves us all.” form. Please no photocopy photos. To have the photo returned, please include a only to satisfy our own pleasure.” However, he continued, St. John’s return addressed envelope with a postage stamp on it. Pope Francis said he had read in a specific use of the word “flesh” instead Deadline newspaper about a country, “I forget of a more “elegant” expression to define All announcements and photos must be received by 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. which,” where people were leaving in Christ’s humanity is meant to highlight (No announcements or photos will be accepted after this date.) private planes to “flee lockdown and “our human condition in all its weakness, enjoy the holidays. in all its frailty. — Use this form to furnish information — “But those people, good people, did “He tells us that God became fragile so Clip and mail to: BRIDES, The Criterion, ATTN: Ann Lewis, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Deadline with photos: Friday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. they not think about those who stayed at he could touch our fragility up close,” the Please print or type: home, about the economic problems faced pope said. “So, from the moment that the by many people who have been laid low Lord became flesh, nothing about our life Name of Bride (first, middle, last) Daytime Phone by the lockdown or about the sick?” he is extraneous to him. There is nothing that

Mailing Address City State Zip Code asked. “They thought only about taking he scorns; we can share everything with a holiday for their own pleasure. This him, everything.” Name of Bride’s Parents (first, last) pained me greatly.” Moreover, the pope said that Christ In his main talk, the pope reflected on didn’t “put our humanity on like a garment City State the prologue of the Gospel of St. John, that can be put on and taken off”; rather he

Name of Bridegroom (first, middle, last) in which the evangelist says that “the “united himself forever to our humanity,” Word became flesh and made his dwelling suffered, died, rose from the dead and Name of Bridegroom’s Parents (first, last) among us” (Jn 1:14). ascended into heaven, body and soul. Calling Christ “the Word,” the As the Christmas season continued, City State pope explained, “means that from the Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to Wedding Date Church City State beginning, God wants to communicate “pause in silence before the creche to with us, he wants to talk to us. savor the tenderness of God who came q Photo Enclosed q Return photo “The only-begotten Son of the Father close [to us], who became flesh. And q No Picture Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone wants to tell us about the beauty of being without fear, let’s invite him among us, children of God,” the pope said. “He is ‘the into our homes, into our families.” † The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 9

‘Christ is at the center’ as St. Margaret Mary Parish marks centennial By Natalie Hoefer By the time he returned to Terre Haute, said Brentlinger, “there was a whole new church.” It was midnight on Christmas Eve, 1920. In the living room of a two-story house on the southern ‘The church is historical’ outskirts of Terre Haute, Harry Patrick Brentlinger By the mid-1950s, the school was bursting at the joined with others for a special celebration. His son, seams. Space from the church sanctuary was even Harry Patrick, Jr., was playing a special role in the carved out to make more room. event. A fundraising campaign was held. In 1958, the It was not a play or a Christmas program. Rather, it church/school building was renovated to be used was the first Mass celebrated by the newly formed entirely as a school, and a new church was built. It St. Margaret Mary Parish, and the young boy served at was designed by parishioner Mark Yeager of Yeager the altar. Architects. “The church then was originally a farmhouse, I’m Around that time, the central southern Indiana city told,” said lifetime parishioner Ted Brentlinger, 83. of Columbus was gaining international attention for its He is the son of Harry Patrick, Jr., and grandson of avant-garde, modernistic architecture. Harry Patrick, Sr., one of the founding members of the “St. Margaret Mary Church was [Yeager’s] first parish. stab at a building like in Columbus,” said Jerry Brentlinger was unable to attend the parish’s Moorman, pastoral associate of the parish since 1998. 100th anniversary Mass at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, “It’s made with Indiana limestone and sandstone 2020. While the congregation was limited to 150 people from St. Meinrad. due to restrictions surrounding the coronavirus “Some don’t like it, but actually, the church is pandemic, it was still likely a larger group than the one historical,” he said, noting that the structure “has gathered in the farmhouse living room 100 years prior. been praised by Indiana Landmarks,” an organization Much has changed in the century between the two dedicated to preserving architecturally-significant Masses. From a group of 115 families, St. Margaret buildings. Mary Parish has become what current pastor Father Brentlinger appreciated the structure because “it felt Daniel Bedel describes as “very welcoming, multi- like a church a little more than the combination cultural and very ecumenical, especially in reaching out school/meeting hall/church,” he said. to the broader community.” He admitted the new structure “was a difficulty for It all began with the desire of a bishop and the some people, because they had lived a large chunk of canonization of a new saint. their life going to the old church. … Some people found it hard to make the transition.” ‘Mass is important, you need to be here’ It wasn’t long after the church was dedicated that the Terre Haute was growing in the early 1900s. By Second Vatican Council brought changes to the Mass, 1919, the city already had four parishes in its central and consequently to church interiors. and northern areas. “The pews and sanctuary were re-oriented to reflect Bishop Joseph Chartrand of what was then the some of Vatican II’s edicts,” and the former servers’ Diocese of Indianapolis saw a need to form a new sacristy was converted into an adoration chapel, recalled Father Daniel Bedel, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in parish for Catholics on the south side of Terre Haute. Brentlinger. “It changed the overall look of the church.” Terre Haute, celebtrates Mass in the church on Jan. 3. A farm was purchased and a pastor appointed in 1920. The 1958 structure is where members of St. Margaret (Submitted photo) The farmhouse would serve as the parish’s church until Mary still worship today. a new worship space was constructed. The church’s construction and renovation were not “The poverty level in our area is quite high,” said the As for the parish’s name, the bishop looked to the the last major changes to the parish. In the last 20 years, priest, who also serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish Church’s most recent saint of the time: St. Margaret said Brentlinger, “The complexion of the parish has in Terre Haute. “Every weekend, we collect food to Mary Alacoque, promoter of devotion to the Sacred changed to one that is more diverse.” donate to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. We have Heart of Jesus, who was canonized on May 13, 1920. a brown bag program. We Christmas carol in nearby A newly-built church was consecrated in September ‘A rich experience’ neighborhoods,” although not this year because of the 1921—but it was more than a place for worship. Maryanne Dagat arrived in Terre Haute from the pandemic, he noted. “There was a meeting hall in the basement, the first Philippines in 2003. An occupational therapist, she Most recently, the parish held a pajama and blanket floor was the church, and on the upper floor was the was one of many Filipinos working in the medical drive for a local school, and a toy drive is underway for school,” Brentlinger said. field to move to the area—and to become a member of children in Louisiana affected by hurricanes. Members of the nearby Sisters of Providence of Saint St. Margaret Mary Parish. “And that just scratches the surface,” Father Bedel Mary-of-the-Woods taught at the school. Brentlinger The wave began with one Filipino doctor “who added. recalled parishioners driving the sisters between the discovered a great need [for medical workers] here,” Dagat appreciates the parish’s outreach efforts. school and the motherhouse until 1941, when successful said Dagat, 43. “He invited a friend of his from medical “Our goal is to become saints, so we want to be a Terre Haute businessman and Catholic Tony Hulman school [in the Philippines] to come work in Terre great example in the neighborhood,” she said. “We bought a home for the sisters across from the parish Haute.” hope a lot of our younger generation will see that, the campus. As more Filipinos doctors and therapists came, they vibrancy, peace and joy the [parish] community gives, The four-room school included grades one through invited more of their friends and family in the health and that they want that for themselves when they grow eight, with two grades per room. care industry to work in Terre Haute. up.” “The lower grade got to listen to the teacher Likewise, said Dagat, “When I came just after I teach the upper grade, so the next year was a whiz,” graduated, I brought the résumés of two of my friends.” ‘Christ is at the center’ Brentlinger said with a chuckle. While the members are Anglo like the parish’s The coronavirus pandemic curtailed many He recalled going to Mass on Sundays and sitting in founders, Moorman estimates that about 20% of events planned in 2020 to celebrate the parish’s the front pews reserved for the school children. parishioners are Filipino, plus a large number of 100th anniversary. A pilgrimage to the birthplace “You sat with your grade, and nuns took attendance Latinos. of St. Margaret Mary in France was canceled. So to make sure every kid went to Sunday Mass,” he said. The parish celebrates the cultural feasts and faith was a special Mass with Archbishop Charles “They would make arrangements for those who had traditions of its ethnic members, such as Our Lady of C. Thompson, which has been rescheduled for this trouble getting to church, and emphasize to them that Guadalupe on Dec. 12 and a Filipino Advent novena coming October. Mass is important, and you need to be here.” called Simbang Gabi. That Mass, which will take place near the Oct. 16 When he left to join the army in the 1950s, Mass was Such variety has not resulted in three separate, feast of the parish’s patron saint, will be the culminating still held on the first floor of the church/school building. ethnic-based communities in the parish. event for a new year of celebrating “Even with the diversity, we are a family,” said the faith community’s founding, Dagat. “It’s helped me grow spiritually, and I’m sure starting with the 2020 Christmas others feel the same way.” Eve Mass. Brentlinger agrees. “It’s like when a baby is born— “It feels like one parish,” he said. “We are very well you celebrate their first birthday,” integrated, and I really like having other ethnic groups Father Bedel explained. as a part of our parish. It reminds you that the Church There were a few ways in which is global. For me and many others, it’s given a rich the parish was able to honor its experience.” centennial in 2020. Ornaments and Fr. Daniel Bedel other memorabilia were sold, and ‘A strong presence’ Dagat and others on the parish’s Another notable aspect of St. Margaret Mary Centennial Committee interviewed members of the Parish in addition to its diversity is its outreach, said parish to create a DVD about the faith community’s past Moorman. and present. “When I hear from some of the elderly But Father Bedel is especially pleased by a change parishioners about the ups and downs during the made in the sanctuary during the parish’s 100th year. Great Depression and World War II, it’s obvious the “We moved the tabernacle back into central Church was a strong presence on the south side of church,” he said. “It was inside a chapel that served its Terre Haute,” he noted. purpose. But in the course of church renovations, an He recalled when the parish “opened its doors to old confessional next to the chapel was made into a [death penalty] protesters and housed them” during handicap bathroom. It just wasn’t the best place for the the execution of Timothy McVeigh at the Federal tabernacle. This undated photo shows the farmhouse that served as Correctional Complex in Terre Haute in 2001, the first “I’m so excited we got to [move the tabernacle] the site of the first Mass for the newly formed St. Margaret federal execution since 1963. for the 100th anniversary,” he said. “It shows that in Mary Parish in Terre Haute on Dec. 24, 1920. (Photo courtesy of Serving the local and broader community is still our 100th year, Christ is at the center of our lives, our archdiocesan Archives) important to the parish, said Father Bedel. parish, all our outreach—and our future.” † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 With land mines gone, Mass to be celebrated at West Bank baptismal site QASR AL-YAHUD, West Bank (CNS)—For the first Christian churches, time in 54 years, a Mass will be celebrated on Jan. 10, the remained off limits behind feast of the Baptism of the Lord, at St. John the Baptist the fences, in the middle Chapel on the banks of the Jordan River. of the mine fields. The “It will be a very special day,” said Franciscan Father Israeli Ministry of Tourism Ibrahim Faltas, chancellor of the Franciscan Custody of administered the accessible the Holy Land, which cares for holy sites there. “After area near the river as a all this time, we have come back. This gives us hope for national park. peace. For us, this is a sign not to lose hope, not to lose In 2016, Israel began hope for peace.” clearing the area with the The almost 100-year-old church and monastery were help of the British HALO vacated in 1967 at the outbreak of war between Israel and Trust, and finally in October some of its Arab neighbors, including Jordan, just across the Franciscan Custody the Jordan River. After Israel took control of the area of the Holy Land and from Jordan, the area was laid out with land mines by Christian churches were both the Israeli army and Palestinian gunmen who battled able to take possession of in the area in the 1960s and 1970s. It became a fenced their properties. military zone, off limits to pilgrims. The Qasr Al-Yahud site Today, the round, second-floor open-air chapel, with is also revered by Jews as its two stairways curving around either side, is still the crossing place along the riddled with bullet holes, as are the rooms in the small Jordan River of the biblical monastery underneath. Israelites into the Promised Father Ibrahim said the Franciscans first starting Land after having wandered coming to this place in 1641 and began purchasing land the desert for 40 years. in the area in early 1920 to build churches. In 1933, Leonardo DiMarco, they built a chapel, which is now located on the edge of a civil engineer and the A Palestinian works on the Franciscan Chapel of St. John the Baptist at Qasr al-Yahud, on the the river, and in 1935 built a larger St. John the Baptist director of the technical West Bank of the Jordan River on Dec. 22, 2020. The bullet-marked chapel was returned to the Church, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1956. office of the Custody, said Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land after being closed by the Israelis in 1967 as a closed military The existing chapel was built in its place. they are planning for 100 zone with mine fields. (CNS photo/Debbie Hill) Clearing the area of land mines and making it possible people to be present at for pilgrims to return has been a long process, with the outdoor chapel for the Jan. 10 Mass, with socially completed by next year and, once travel is permitted organized groups of pilgrims first allowed to come to the distanced groupings set up and a mobile baptismal font again, the site will be open for pilgrimages. banks of the river in 1994 on the Epiphany and Easter and altar at the top of the chapel. “It is something special, the way the Custody found holidays following the signing of the peace treaty with Pointing out the layout of the area on maps, DiMarco the place is exactly in the same condition it was after so Jordan. A baptismal site was opened on the water’s edge noted that the chapel is located in the middle of two many years. Everything was left the same, the furniture, in 2011 for all visitors, who had to walk down a dirt road paths that form a cross and lead to the river. He said the small objects, were found in the same place they were left to the river, with fences and warning signs on either side Franciscans were in discussions with the Israeli army to in 1967 when the friars had to leave in a hurry,” he said. admonishing them not to veer off the path because of retain the original design. He said the bullet holes would not be repaired, but would land mines. There are plans to rehabilitate the compound’s walled be kept as a reminder of the war. Jordan completed demining its eastern bank of the garden, which through the years has been overtaken by “This is the past history of the place, you can’t cancel river by 1999. There, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is the desert sands, and to build a number of smaller chapels those things. The door is full of bullet holes, the inside recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, “believed inside the garden to allow for private group and solitary wooden doors. This will be part of the experience of the to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized contemplation and prayers for pilgrims, said DiMarco. pilgrims. The place itself is telling something important,” by John the Baptist.” “The idea is that pilgrims can come here in preparation said DiMarco. “It is important; this is a religious place, On the West Bank, the St. John the Baptist Chapel, to go down to the river,” he said. but not only. It is also a place which was in the middle of along with chapels and monasteries belonging to other DiMarco said he expects the restoration work to be a fight.” †

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A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Catholic social teaching is rooted in affirming the dignity of all people

By Mike Nelson

In recent centuries, dozens (if not hundreds) of Church documents address Catholic social teaching. But the essence of this teaching can be boiled down to a mere 10 words, written in the first century by St. John: “Let us love one another, because love is of God” (1 Jn 4:7). That lone sentence offers a clear framework for how we, as followers of Christ, are called to treat one another. To embrace Catholic social teaching mandates that we, as children of God, respect the God-given dignity inherent in everyone. And it begins with love. “Only love is capable of radically transforming the relationships that men maintain among themselves,” states the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, issued in 2004 by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. “This is the perspective that allows every person of goodwill to perceive the broad horizons of justice and human development in truth and goodness” (#4). St. John Paul II made that point near the beginning of his 1995 encyclical, “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”). “Every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who Men eat while others wait in line at Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles. The Jesuit-run parish’s Guadalupe Homeless Project provides housing and was made flesh ... is entrusted to the social services to homeless men and women. The most striking and convincing way to teach social justice has less to do with reading about it, and much maternal care of the Church,” said the more to do with actually practicing it. (CNS photo/David Maung) pope. “Therefore every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt a moral vision for society,” the bishops to prevent conflicts and resolve them by examples—it becomes difficult to hear in the Church’s very heart; it cannot but state. “This belief is the foundation of all peaceful means.” the cry of nature itself,” says the pope. affect her at the core of her faith in the the principles of our social teaching.” “We believe,” state the bishops, “that “Everything is connected” (#117). redemptive incarnation of the Son of The bishops note that in today’s world every person is precious, that people are Of course, the most striking and God, and engage her in her mission of and society, human life is “under direct more important than things, and that the convincing way to teach social justice proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the attack” from abortion and euthanasia, measure of every institution is whether it has less to do with reading about it and world and to every creature” (#3). while its value “is being threatened” by threatens or enhances the life and dignity much more to do with actually practicing The life and dignity of the human cloning, embryonic stem-cell research and of the human person.” it. Jesus taught and preached endlessly person is, in fact, the first of seven themes use of the death penalty. Pope Francis makes that very point about love and care for one’s neighbor, of Catholic social teaching, as articulated And “the intentional targeting of in his encyclical letter “Laudato Si’, On but what caught the eye of his disciples by the U.S. bishops’ Office of Justice, civilians in war or terrorist attacks is Care for Our Common Home”: the most was his equally endless example Peace and Human Development. always wrong,” say the bishops. Catholic “When we fail to acknowledge on how to instill and spread God’s love in “The Catholic Church proclaims that teaching “calls on us to work to avoid as part of reality the worth of a poor the world. human life is sacred and that the dignity war. Nations must protect the right to life person, a human embryo, a person Perhaps no example was more of the human person is the foundation of by finding increasingly effective ways with disabilities—to offer just a few revealing than his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:4-42). It is a profound lesson to love as Jesus loves, unconditionally. For it did not matter to Jesus that the woman he encountered was from a people scorned by the Jews of that time or that she had five husbands, or that she was a woman or that he was speaking to her in public (actions that would, in the social mores of the time, be considered strikes one, two, three and four). What mattered was that this woman was a creation of God, with God-given dignity, and therefore worthy of love and respect. It also mattered—to Jesus, certainly—that she was a woman with a heart ready for conversion to a new way of life. Jesus’ treating the woman at the well with respect—and, just as important, his refusal to assume that her race, gender or occupation defined who she was—is a significant lesson for us all, especially in a time when we all too quickly make assumptions, generalizations and exaggerations about one another. To do so is to deny one another’s dignity and status as a child of the God who gives us life and the capacity to love—and to be loved. Only by recognizing that each of us has value can we proclaim justice for all. A doctor checks a malnourished child during an event organized by the Catholic aid agency Caritas at a church in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, on Aug. 10, 2019. “The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society,” (Catholic journalist Mike Nelson writes the U.S. bishops state. (CNS photo/Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Reuters) from Southern California.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Perspectives The Theology of Technology/Brett Robinson For the Journey/ Those who have faith have eyes to see the truth Effie Caldarola It is ancient in internet terms, but have sublime feelings. He explains that frivolous argument about the “real” color How generous do you remember the debate over “the being in the presence of the sublime of the dress, the lingering effect of the dress”? An image of a dress went viral should actually lead to humble feelings. whole affair is to plant the assumption on Facebook back in According to The Green Book, language that the world is illusory and that seeing is are we? 2015 and sparked an does not give us access to reality, it only no longer believing. Someone I know is a waiter. Like online debate about captures our feelings. Lewis disagrees. The media we consume online are restaurants across the U.S. during the whether the dress was A proper grammar is one that links illusory, a stream of dreamlike images that COVID-19 pandemic, his establishment blue and black, or language to creation, even when our amuse and bewitch us. Without leaving has been open, closed, white and gold. experience of creation reaches beyond one’s desk or armchair, the fever dream of carry-out only, 50% The Washington the material world and touches something catastrophic news, hilarious memes and capacity—in other Post called it the sublime and even transcendent. disembodied podcast voices leaves the words, his income has “drama that divided We are experiencing a new grammar in viewer both stimulated and exhausted. bounced like a yo-yo. the planet.” It turns out the digital age. The problem is no longer It’s easy to compare to Plato’s Allegory The other evening, the competing views just poorly written textbooks, but the daily of the Cave in which chained prisoners with renewed closure over the color of the dress came down to experience of filtering much of our reality believe that the dancing shadows on the rules going into effect, poor lighting and the tricks our eyes can through the giant textbook of the internet. wall in front of them are the fullness of he served his last table. play on us, but the story belies a deeper When one person online says a dress is reality because they are unable to see the He chatted with these point. If the internet can play tricks on blue and another says it’s white, we have real people and objects behind them who customers, and when our senses, what is it doing to the interior to allow for the fact that both of them are casting the shadows. they left, he discovered they had left a senses like judgment? may be right. In the end, they are arguing As we move beyond our celebration of $200 tip—more than the cost of their meal. Before the blue dress, there was over a digital projection of the dress and Christmas, it is worth remembering the This comes at a time of great need. The Green Book, a grammar textbook projecting their own biases onto it. shepherds’ expressions of awe and joy at When I hear stories like this, it that C.S. Lewis describes in his famous As a result, communication breaks Christ’s birth. Were they just expressing challenges my own generosity. philosophical book, The Abolition of Man. down. Our ability to have a collective subjective feelings, or were they having Am I a generous and spontaneous The Green Book relates the story of two experience of anything, a sublime a collective experience of humility and giver? Or do I parse out my treasure, my tourists looking at a waterfall. One calls it waterfall or a beautiful dress, is gratitude in the presence of the Word talents, my time, as if I’m budgeting for “sublime” and the other calls it “pretty.” diminished when viewed through our made flesh? the electric bill? Do I overthink my giving? The authors of the textbook explain digital window to the world. That debate, like the one over the Or do I give freely and from my essence? this difference away by suggesting The problem with this type of dress, is a matter of perception. Those During Advent and Christmas, I that the words are just expressions of education is not that it actively promotes who have faith have eyes to see the truth. reflected on the Gospel of John: “The the tourists’ feelings. That is to say, relativism—that there is no objective truth light shines in the darkness, and the neither of the tourists is saying anything and that everyone is entitled to their own (Brett Robinson is director of darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). important about the waterfall, they are just truth—but that it does so in the mode of a communications and Catholic media I have a Christmas candle I pull out conveying their feelings. silly meme about a dress. studies at the University of Notre Dame every year. I can’t even remember where Lewis wonders if a person can really While millions of internet users have a McGrath Institute for Church Life.) † I got it. It’s sparkly silver. It’s very pretty. But as I prayed one morning, the thought came to me: Why have I never lit this It’s All Good/Patti Lamb candle? Isn’t a candle meant to burned? Aren’t there more candles out there, which could replace this one when it’s Embrace a childlike faith, modeled by Mary, in 2021 used up? What am I waiting for? Why am A message conveyed by Father Rob Hausladen during his My thoughts circle back to Father Rob’s message about how I hoarding it? homily on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception has been Mary got by—with pure faith in God and trust in his will, even The candle became a metaphor, of lingering in my brain, especially as we begin a new calendar year. when she didn’t know what the next turn of events would bring. course, for my own generosity and my My takeaway from our pastor at Mary’s trust is what I pray to model and cling to in the New attitude toward giving, toward using what St. Susanna Parish in Plainfield that day Year. I know I will fail and be startled by curve balls, but my I have as God intends. What am I waiting was clear and concise. Mary genuinely hope is to find the spiritual strength to echo Mary’s faith when for? So I lit the candle and now it burns trusted. When the angel departed from she said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be while I pray, reminding me that light is her, he didn’t leave her with a playbook done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). meant to be shared generously. outlining the next 30 plus years of her I’m learning that’s the kind of faith to which we’re There’s the ancient story from the life. Even as the mother of Jesus, she ultimately called. It’s about believing when we don’t desert fathers about the monk who came didn’t receive inside information as to how understand, as my Aunt Dolores used to say. Trust over to “Abba Joseph” for advice, much like everything would unfold for the glory of circumstances. the rich young man who came to Jesus God and the salvation of humankind. An entry from the devotional, God Calling, says: “It is to ask whether he was doing what was When she was about to give birth, there not passionate appeal that gains the Divine Ear, so much as necessary for salvation. was no room at the inn, so she birthed a king in a manger the quiet placing of the difficulty and worry in the Divine The monk told Abba the ways he was in the company of livestock. As if that wasn’t enough of a Hands. So trust and be no more afraid than a child would be, being a good person—prayer, fasting, surprise, then she and Joseph trusted an angel, instructing them who places its tangled skein of wool in the hands of a loving keeping the rules—what more should he do? to flee to Egypt. We know that, several decades later, Mary mother, and runs out to play, pleasing the mother more by its The older monk reached his hands up watched her son be beaten, mocked and left to die on a cross unquestioning confidence than if it went down on its knees and to heaven and his fingers became like with nail marks through his flesh. implored her help, which would pain her the rather, as it would 10 lamps of fire, and he said, “Why not We recently celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of imply she was not eager to help when help was needed.” become fire?” God, on the first day of January, and I can’t think of a better Last week, my brother and sister-in-law loaded their three Jesus told the rich man something that way to embrace a new year, reminded to trust like Mary. grandkids into their van after Mass. As each was busy buckling at first sounds like different advice. Jesus That same day, I opened a 2021 calendar and began to write a child into a car seat, that left Cooper, a toddler, waiting for told him to give up all his possessions and in birthdays, appointments and other important events in the his turn. He stood there, bawling, with his arms raised up to then “follow me” (Mt 19:21). Sometimes, year to come. As much as I’m ready to close the books on my brother, as if to say, “Take care of me, Papa.” when we read this, we decide it can’t apply 2020, the uncertainty of what’s to come left me uneasy, and I Here’s to embracing childlike faith, modeled best by our to us. Most of us can’t give up everything. felt a wave of anxiety. Blessed Mother Mary, in 2021. We need to save for retirement. We need Unexpected events occurred in 2020 for all of us, and while to provide for our families. So Jesus isn’t it’s nice to start a new chapter with 2021, I think we’re all a bit (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna Parish in Plainfield, is a talking to me, is he? weary from these last 12 months. regular columnist for The Criterion.) † It has taken me a while to realize the point of the story isn’t about possessions. The point is that Jesus speaks to each The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick of us individually about his will for us, but he always includes the call—we are When looking ahead, remember virtue of positive expectations always asked to follow him, and if we do, we become fire. Are you fearful about the future? If so, to see them as one expectation following conquering the coronavirus. If we have the means, this year read the first chapters of Luke’s Gospel. another: an angel tells Zechariah to expect A spiritual exercise of St. Ignatius of provides us the opportunity, the gift, They start with an angel announcing a son; Mary is expected to bear Jesus; Loyola is one means for handling fear of of learning to stretch the warm fire Zechariah’s wife Simeon speaks of Jesus as an expectation the future. Ignatius implores us to pray of our generosity. Many parishes are Elizabeth will bear a for the fall and rise of many in Israel; and for what we most desire; what one thing experiencing a huge downturn in son who will be great Anna prophesies Christ as the expectation do we most treasure? The exercise helps donations due to smaller crowds and before the Lord. of Jerusalem’s redemption. reveal our values and what we hold most closures. Food banks see lines snake Next, the angel Related to the concept of expectation important. It creates a reality check on mercilessly around city blocks. People are Gabriel informs Mary is the word “spectacle” and the idea of who we are in contrast to what we should being evicted in unprecedented numbers. she will conceive and looking forward. Expectation suggests be in reality, especially in God’s eyes. Our neighbors may be lonely or depressed bear Jesus. hope, faith and probability. Its positive When we succumb to fear and dreaded and need a phone call. Moving on, effect is creating an excitement about expectations, our energy becomes sapped. My deacon friend was asked, “How much Simeon, a devout man, possible events to happen. Most Examining our center—our very soul— should I give?” He replied, “Give more.” prophesizes, “Behold, important, it contains the virtues of faith helps to change expectations by challenging Don’t overthink it. We’re called to this child is destined for the fall and rise and hope in God’s providence. us to reflect on our potential to face life be lavishly, spontaneously, sacrificially of many in Israel” (Lk 2:34). Finally, Recently, I have encountered numerous rather than fear it—to turn to the Holy generous with our time and resources. Anna, a prophetess, gives “thanks to God people in depression who only see a Spirit’s powers of faith and hope and the When I light my candle, the flame and spoke about the child to all who were declining world, meaninglessness and ability to look forward to a brighter future. reminds me of this. awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” no light at the end of the tunnel. They (Lk 2:38). have been infected with the doldrums. (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for (Effie Caldarola writes for Catholic News One way to interpret these events is Countering this despair is as crucial as Catholic News Service.) † Service.) † The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 13

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, January 11 Friday, January 15 Hebrews 1:1-6 Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Psalm 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9 Psalm 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8 • Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Mark 1:14-20 Mark 2:1-12 • Acts 10:34-38 Tuesday, January 12 Saturday, January 16 • Mark 1:7-11 Hebrews 2:5-12 Hebrews 4:12-16 Psalm 8:2ab, 5-9 Psalm 19:8-10, 15 This weekend, the Church invites us Christ. Union with God fulfills every Mark 1:21-28 Mark 2:13-17 to celebrate the great Solemnity of the human’s need. Baptism of the Lord. It is great because St. Mark’s Gospel furnishes the story Wednesday, January 13 Sunday, January 17 it commemorates of the Lord’s baptism in the River Jordan St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time an important event by John the Baptist. Church 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19 in the life of Jesus Ritual washings, or baptisms, were Hebrews 2:14-18 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10 and in the unfolding popular in certain Jewish circles in the Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20 of salvation. It also first century. Homes were built with Mark 1:29-36 John 1:35-42 draws our attention ceremonial baths. A person could visibly to marvelous and state the desire to be rid of sin, as if sin Thursday, January 14 fundamental aspects literally soiled the body, by washing in Hebrews 3:7-14 of our salvation. water. Psalm 95:6-7c, 8-11 Jesus, the Son of John the Baptist acknowledges Jesus Mark 1:40-45 God, the Redeemer, as the Redeemer. John insists that he is the centerpiece of all three readings, himself is not the Savior. John confesses although, of course, the Book of Isaiah, that he is “not worthy to loosen” the the source of the first reading, only sandal-straps of the Savior (Mk 1:7) Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle prefigures Jesus. The Gospel reading is clear. Jesus is Isaiah mentions no one by name, but the perfect, innocent and utterly sinless Church sets conditions for baptism of the reading describes a faithful servant Lord. Nonetheless, Jesus assumes the of God who, although suffering unjustly sinfulness of humankind. Then God and greatly, will be steadfastly faithful to identifies Jesus as the Savior and, children of non-practicing Catholics God. moreover, as the Son of God. To make I was recently asked whether an infant the baptism is to be delayed ... after the Through the centuries, several this declaration clear, God speaks and Qcan be baptized in the Church even if his parents have been advised about the passages from Isaiah, similar in literary gestures in ancient Old Testament words parents, although Catholic (non-practicing), reason.” (The baptismal ceremony itself construction and in reference to the and symbols that no Jew would have were married in a civil ceremony. The includes a pledge by the parents to raise figure that Christians have called the misunderstood. parents were told by a and educate the child in the beliefs and “suffering servant,” have been very priest that they had to be practices of the Catholic faith.) popular among the pious. Believers Reflection married in the Church What I normally do is to meet for half through the ages have seen in them a This feast is great because it clearly before the infant could an hour individually with each couple who description of Jesus. (These passages and expressly reveals to us the Lord’s be baptized. I don’t are having their first child baptized. If I also provide readings for Holy Week, identity. He is the Son of God. Not even a think this is correct. have not seen them regularly in church, I including Good Friday.) prophet of John’s holiness and tenacious What does Church law am particularly direct in highlighting their In the second reading, from the Acts faith was the Lord’s equal. say? (Kansas) own responsibility to support the child’s of the Apostles, St. Peter stands as the Secondly, Jesus assumed the sinfulness growth in faith by their own Catholic principal figure. He appeared before of us all. As stated elsewhere in the There is nothing practice. (Only a couple of times—in more Cornelius, whose name indicates Roman Scriptures by St. Paul, Jesus is the new Ain Church law than 50 years—have I sensed that this origins. In itself, this encounter is greatly Adam, a new and perfect representative that requires that parents be married in commitment was “altogether lacking.”) revealing. Peter did not limit his interest of the human race. Unlike Adam, Jesus a Church ceremony prior to having their to Jews, whose heritage Peter shared. causes union with God, not estrangement child baptized. although that, of course, A friend’s sibling committed suicide Rather, Peter preached the Gospel from God. Jesus brings life not death, would be the ideal. Qabout 20 years ago while in high to gentiles and indeed to the despised holiness not fault. In 2014, the Italian press reported that school after struggling with depression Romans, who were responsible for the Common human nature unites all Pope Francis had baptized the child of an for years, despite getting treatment, military conquest and occupation of the people with the Lord. He confirms this unmarried couple in a ceremony in the counseling and a lot of family support. Holy Land, a circumstance detested by union by freeing us all from the eternal Sistine Chapel. And in 2009, while still a The family was—and still is—devastated. the Jews. consequences of human sin. cardinal in Argentina, the pope was quoted At the time, the family’s priest said Peter’s message was crisp and We are sinners, but in Jesus, we as telling the Italian magazine 30 Giorni that something about suicide being a sin, profound. Salvation is in Jesus. The Holy find reconciliation with God. Our “the child has absolutely no responsibility for which added to the family’s hurt and Spirit anointed Jesus as the Savior. God reconciliation through Jesus is perfect, the state of the parents’ marriage.” turned them away from the Church. was with Jesus as the Lord went about unbroken and absolute. In it is eternal Canon law does say, though, that I fully support respect for life, but “doing good works” and healing the sick life. for a baptism to take place, “there must I think I remember reading that the (Acts 10:38). Especially note that Peter spoke for be a founded hope that the infant will Church has changed its thinking about This point, too, is crucial. The pagan the other Apostles, for the Church and, be brought up in the Catholic religion” depression-related suicide in recent years Cornelius yearned for what is good and most importantly, for Jesus. It affirms the (#868). That same canon goes on to note and now relates it to an illness that might perfect and thus wholeheartedly accepted papacy. † that “if such hope is altogether lacking, not be a sin in those circumstances. Is that correct, and do you have any suggestions for helping the family think about getting My Journey to God back to Church? (Location withheld) I commend you for your concern— Aand for your prayers for that family. Salvation is Won By Hilda Buck The hurt from a suicide lasts a long time, and I will pray for them, too. Your question arrived in my e-mail during God of splendor, God of glory, the same week that I was involved in a God of mercy and of love — funeral for a suicide victim. A tiny babe born this Holy Night I have explained to this family that, In the little town of Bethlehem when I was ordained (in the 1960s), the common practice of the Church was not to Angel choirs sing in exultation celebrate a funeral Mass for someone who Heaven and earth rejoice had chosen to take his or her own life. But that is no longer true. As Salvation is won. psychological research has shown a connection between mental illness and many cases of suicide, the Church has acknowledged that grave cases of mental illness can sometimes mitigate—or even remove—a person’s capacity to make decisions and his or her moral responsibility for those choices. (Hilda Buck, formerly of Based on that, the Catechism of the St. Lawrence Parish in Catholic Church teaches, “We should not Lawrenceburg, is now a member despair of the eternal salvation of persons of St. Mary Parish in Anderson, in who have taken their own lives” (#2283). the Diocese of Lafayette, Ind. Art: This family, I believe, has found some This 17th-century painting titled comfort in knowing that. “Adoration of the Shepherds” by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth depicts the birth of Christ.) (Public Doyle at [email protected] and domain image via Wikimedia Commons) 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021

Ralph Biehle. Grandfather of 12. Great-grandfather of 21. CAVANESS, Rita M., 76, St. Joseph, Shelbyville, Rest in Dec. 2. Mother of Elizabeth Brown, Theresa Ernstes, Haiti Mass Dawn McIntyre and Barbara peace McPherson. Grandmother of nine. Great-grandmother of 16. Please submit in writing CLANCY, Robert C., 83, to our office by 10 a.m. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Thursday before the week of Dec. 13. Husband of Linda publication; be sure to state Clancy. Father of Vicky Goins, date of death. Obituaries of Cindy Hughett, Bob, Jr., and archdiocesan priests serving Shawn Clancy. Stepfather of our archdiocese are listed Michele LaCluse, Joe and Rob elsewhere in The Criterion. Banayote. Grandfather of 19. Order priests and religious Great-Grandfather of 25. sisters and brothers are DAGLEY, June M., 94, included here, unless they are St. Joseph, Shelbyville, natives of the archdiocese or Nov. 20. Mother of Michael have other connec­tions to it; and Stephen Dagley. those are separate obituaries Grandmother of five. Great- on this page. grandmother of 10. Great- great-grandmother of three.

AHAUS, Anthony E., 70, DECKER, Frank, 83, St. Roch, Indianapolis, Dec. 14. St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Husband of Gertrude Ahaus. Nov. 25. Husband of Burnis Father of Edward and Decker. Father of Tracy Foster, Raymond Ahaus. Brother of Sherry Pollard, Steve and Carolyn, Cindy, Diane, Tom Tony Decker. Brother of Vera and Bernard. Grandfather of Seawright and Larry Decker. six. Grandfather of seven. Great- grandfather of nine. BAILEY, Martha C., 91, St. Anne, New Castle, Dec. 10. FAUST, Alice E., 92, Stepmother of Marisa St. Anthony of Padua, Morris, Anderson and Kimberly Dec. 11. Mother of Karol Fowler. Grandmother of one. Ingersoll, Pat Stenger, Greg, Rick and Tom Faust. Sister Father Rony Fabien, right, and Deacon Hernst Bellevue elevate the Eucharist during a Mass for Catholics of Haitian ancestry on BARRETT, Gerald, 81, of Joan Eckstein, Marilyn the feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, N.Y., on Jan. 1. The liturgy, hosted by the Diocese St. Mary, Lanesville, Dec. 3. Riehle and Edgar Lohman. of Rockville Centre’s Office of Multicultural Diversity, also marked the 217th anniversary of Haiti’s declaration of political Husband of Marilyn Barrett. Grandmother of 13. Great- independence from France. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) Father of Angela Forchlich grandmother of 14. and Paul Barrett. Brother of Ursuline Sister Ann Barrett. FULLER, Helen (Iacuone), 97, St. Anne, New Castle, Jeff Jansing. Sister of Margie Indianapolis, Dec. 12. Mother Stanley and Steve Schoettmer. VORBROKER, Rosemary, Grandfather of six. Great- Rach, Shirley Robbins and of Mary Ann Davis, Suzanne Grandfather of five. 94, St. Mary of the grandfather of four. Dec. 7. Mother of Victoria Knaack, Joseph, Robert and Gene Vernon. Grandmother of Schiffmacher, Daniel, David, SCHUMAN, Richard, 87, Immaculate Conception, BEDEL, Marjorie A., 86, William Fuller. Grandmother three. John and Joseph Neely. All Saints, Dearborn County, Aurora, Oct. 29. Mother St. Catherine of Siena, Decatur of 11. Great-grandmother of JONES, Margaret Mary, Stepmother of Patricia Davis- Dec. 8. Husband of Pat of Kathy Donselman, Dan, County, Dec. 10. Wife of 20. 93, St. Joseph, Shelbyville, Milburn-Pace, Mary, Ed, Schuman. Father of Connie David and Jim Vorbroker. Ferdinand Bedel. Mother of Frank, Jr., James and William Grandmother of 16. Great- GESELL, Joyce, 70, Dec. 1. Mother of Janet and Hornbach, Regina Kamos, Mary Laudick, Jeannie Portis, Bruce Jones. Sister of Vernon Davis. Grandmother of several. Marilyn White, Joan, Cliff, grandmother of 17. Benson, Dan, John, Joseph St. Michael, Brookville, Great-grandmother of three. Dec. 2. Wife of Glenn Havens. Grandmother of five. John and Rick Schuman. WAGNER, Herman J., 85, and Michael Bedel. Sister of Great-grandmother of 13. PHIELER, Elsie Mae, 83, Brother of Frances and St. Mary, Greensburg, Martha and Arthur Blankman. Gesell. Mother of Becky Bright, Christy, Mike and LOWS, Mary E., 96, St. Mary, Lanesville, Nov. 28. Viola Andrews, Loretta Bihr, Dec. 9. Husband of Agnes Grandmother of 14. Great- Mother of Betty Conklin, Matilda Bischoff, Alberta Wagner. Father of Susan Geis, grandmother of nine. Nick Gesell. Sister of Kathy St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, Stenger and Dan Schwegman. Nov. 21. Aunt of several. Kathleen, David, Glenn, Mergenthal, Joe and Walter Lisa Huff, Dennis and Michael BEVAN, William J., 75, Grandmother of six. Kevin and Michael Phieler. Schuman. Grandfather of 16. Wagner. Brother of Amelia St. Jude, Indianapolis, MILLER, William J., 71. Grandmother of 11. Great- Great-grandfather of seven. Carter, Kay Prather, Gail Dec. 14. Husband of Sheryl GLENN, Jemma, 83, St. Jude, Indianapolis, Dec. 6. grandmother of seven. Waltz, Al, Charles, Daniel, St. Mary of the Immaculate Brother of Margaret Lindop, SCHWALLIE, Edward, 84, Bevan. Father of Danielle POPP, George J., 91, St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, Sam and Urban Wagner. Bevan. Brother of Judy Moran, Conception, Aurora, Dec. 10. Nancy Morse, Jeannie Wilson, Grandfather of eight. Great- Mother of Debbie Huffman Franciscan Sister Ellen, Suzan St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, Nov. 20. Husband of Bess Nancy Pullam and Steve Dec. 1. Father of Theresa Schwallie. Father of Andrea grandfather of nine. Bevan. Uncle of several. and Cindy Vogt. Grandmother and Robert Miller. Uncle and of four. great-uncle of several. Lenfert, Rick and Tony Popp. Rumrill, Nicholas and Timothy WANINGER, Jerry, 59, BEYER, Michael J., 64, Brother of Barbara Beavin, Schwallie. Brother of Janet St. Paul, Tell City, Dec. 7. St. Vincent de Paul, Shelby HUDDLESTONE, NAVARRA, Rita R., 88, Joanie Renn, Esther Wheatley, Fritz and Ruby Mattox. Husband of Jo Waninger. Father County, Dec. 7. Brother of Andrew R., 31, St. Mark St. Mary, Greensburg, Dec. 12. Bill, Jim, Kenny, Maurice and Grandfather of four. Great- of Clint and Corey Waninger. Rose Mary Sheedy, Stephan, the Evangelist, Indianapolis, Mother of Marilyn Ewer, Merlin Popp. Grandfather of grandfather of three. Brother of Charles, Don and Dec. 11. Son of Donnie Kathy Kress, Gina and Margie Thomas and Timothy Beyer. six. Great-grandfather of 11. SCHWENDENMANN, John Waninger. Uncle of several. Uncle of several. Huddlestone. Brother of Colby Langferman, Cecelia McNeal, and Zachary Huddlestone. Theresa Panhorst, Greg, Phil, SCHOETTMER, Charles Jerry, 71, St. Mary, WEAVER, Paul J., 93, Christ BIEHLE, Frank J., 94, Nephew of several. Tom and Vince Navarra. Sister F., 63, St. Mary, Greensburg, Greensburg, Dec. 10. Brother the King, Indianapolis, St. Mary, North Vernon, Dec. 9. Father of Amber, of Mary Melcher and Tom Dec. 9. Father of Terri JANSING, Mary Jane, 77, of Marcie Harping. Aunt of Dec. 15. Father of Debra one. Lee and Travis Schoettmer. Schwendenmann. Uncle of McLaughlin, Susie Sokol, Heckman, Cynthia Speer, St. John the Baptist, Osgood, Brother of Joyce Comer, Mary several. Maribeth Wenclewicz, Larry Donald and Mark Biehle. Dec. 9. Wife of Marcellus NEELY DAVIS, Laverne F., Anne Smith, Leonard, Patrick, and Paul Weaver. Grandfather of Brother of Deloris Sorg and Jansing. Mother of Jill and 91, St. Mark the Evangelist, 11. Great-grandfather of three. † Nigerian bishop, driver released by kidnappers LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS)—Auxiliary Bishop Moses visited Bishop Chikwe at his residence, the bishop was Chikwe of Owerri and his driver, Robert Ndubuisi, “looking and feeling very weak from the traumatic were released by their abductors on Jan. 1 after being experience.” He said the bishop’s driver had been taken kidnapped five days earlier. to the hospital for treatment of a deep cut to his hand, Archbishop John Obinna of Owerri said when he received from the kidnappers. The archbishop thanked state authorities and security agents for their work to get the two men released. The 53-year-old bishop lived and worked in Southern California from 2005 to 2017. He completed a master’s degree in educational administration at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in education at the University of California at Los Angeles. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of his home archdiocese in 2019. Bishop Chikwe’s kidnapping came less than two REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW weeks after the kidnapping and release in Imo state If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on of Father Valentine Oluchukwu Ezeagu, a member behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation. of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance The priest was stopped and taken by armed men coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: on Dec. 15 as he was driving to his father’s funeral Ethics Point in Anambra state, north of Imo. He was released 1 Confidential, Online Reporting www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 unharmed the next day. Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator Bishop Chikwe remains the first Catholic bishop to be 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 kidnapped in Nigeria since the Boko Haram insurgency 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 began in 2009. Through the years, several priests and [email protected] hundreds of others have been kidnapped. These include cases involving groups of school students. † The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 15 Florida hospital tests medications to lessen pandemic’s deadly impact

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CNS)— “Anecdotally, I can say the risk of With public health officials warning that having a blood clot in an artery or vein is COVID-19 vaccination rollouts won’t do a devastating disease that can occur to any much to tame the immediate dangers of sick patient who is admitted to a hospital, the pandemic, a Florida Catholic hospital but we know the risk of that happening is looking at medications and protocols to goes up significantly with COVID protect and save lives. infection,” Larned said. The U.S. continues to lead the world in While the number of COVID-19 the number of reported deaths attributed to infections in Broward County, Fla., is far the coronavirus, topping 352,000 deaths on lower than those in Miami-Dade County, Jan. 4. Rapidly expanding hospitalization Holy Cross moved quickly in the spring numbers are stressing health care workers to prepare for the pandemic. It managed and facilities in many regions. to continue normal operations and regular “This is obviously, in many of our patient care while also accommodating lifetimes, the most significant impact to patients sick with the coronavirus. public health, even to Hospitalizations at Holy Cross peaked the point of disruption in June, July and August. While there across the health is growing concern that early 2021 may care system,” said see a return to those same hospitalization Dr. Joshua Larned, a levels, such a scenario has not yet arrived cardiologist with Holy at Holy Cross, Larned said. Cross Medical Group There is also no universal agreement on in South Florida and outpatient care for COVID-19 patients who a member of Holy are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Cross Hospital’s Some Holy Cross patients have Dr. Joshua Larned steering committee on qualified for medical trials with the management of COVID- antiviral medicines and other medications. 19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. The hospital also is studying monoclonal Larned also is a past research fellow at antibodies, which are made in a lab to the Centers for Disease Control and National mirror the body’s natural immune response Center for Infectious Diseases in Atlanta. to the virus. Not everyone qualifies for such “What we are seeing here is something treatment, Larned said, but the hospital that happened very quickly without a lot is conducting clinical trials to determine of initial understanding of how quickly whether every patient should receive it. the spread could occur; and we were The ideal course of action for someone a little behind in terms of processes to who tests positive for COVID-19 is to deal with it, in spite of other respiratory communicate with a physician, local lessons from SARS or MERS. This one health system or public health department caught the world off guard,” Larned told to determine treatment options and the Florida Catholic, newspaper of the eligibility for possible clinical trials. Miami Archdiocese. There is no consensus on at-home A Florida Department of Health worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine in New Port Richey, Fla., on “One of the problems with COVID-19 is treatments for the coronavirus, Larned Dec. 31, 2020. (CNS photo/Octavio Jones, Reuters) the fact that it doesn’t just cause pneumonia. added. That’s why public health officials It can also be associated with a respiratory are urging caution to avoid the infection distress syndrome, a multi-inflammatory in the first place. syndrome that can affect a multitude of Holy Cross will follow the Operation Special Care different organ systems, including the Warp Speed national plan for vaccine Classified Directory heart. It can be associated with thrombosis rollout and distribution consistent with where the body wants to form clots, and is the Florida state plan, with various phases Construction associated, in its more severe form, with prioritizing nursing home residents, first Trusted and Compassionate Care multi-organ failure,” he said. responders and the elderly. Serving people with Autism & Holy Cross Hospital is participating in Larned said the size of both the Pfizer Developmental Disabilities a study to understand if administering high and Moderna vaccine trials—each with ∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) doses of anticoagulants, or blood thinners, 30,000 individuals—offers encouragement ∙ Residential, Community, Respite will safely reduce the risk of COVID-19 that both vaccines are effective and safe, and PAC Services patients developing deadly clots. although no one can say how long they ∙ Staff screened and trained

Blood clots are one of the things that confer protection against coronavirus. Kathy and Terry Huser makes patients with COVID-19 severely “It is going to be a leap of faith to take (317) 255-5700 ill, with clots forming either in the major a vaccine, but you may recall the polio Call 317-236-1585 www.HuserSpecialCare.com TO ADVERTISE IN The Criterion Career Opportunities Available arteries or veins leading to the lungs and epidemic and how devastating that was to other parts of the body, Larned explained. the population. With the commitment to He said many patients with even a vaccine America took that leap of faith Employment mild to moderate symptoms who are together and we got over that pandemic. never hospitalized and will recover may We are going to need that commitment experience lingering chronic fatigue, again,” he said. shortness of breath, excessive heart rate or In the short term, Larned encouraged long-term damage to lungs and heart. people to continue wearing masks, School Superintendent Holy Cross is running two clinical frequently wash hands and observe trials in which COVID-19 patients under appropriate social distancing. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis is seeking a School intensive care receive high doses of “We are reaching a point in the year Superintendent to provide proactive leadership for 57 elementary schools and 11 two anticoagulants—used together—to where we are all starting to get tired of high schools with combined enrollment of nearly 22,000 students. The person in prevent arterial and venous clots. this and it is easy to let our guard down,” this position is responsible for articulating the vision, values, and achievements Another clinical trial involves patients he said, suggesting that simple things of Catholic education, collaborating with pastors, principals, commission not in an ICU but admitted to the hospital like wearing a mask and avoiding overly members and community leaders, and providing leadership to fully develop the with COVID-19 who randomly receive just crowded indoor places are key to staying human and financial resources necessary for quality Catholic education. one anticoagulant. safe. † Candidates must be professed and practicing Catholics in good standing with and faithful to the Church with a minimum of 10 years of highly successful educational leadership experience. A master’s degree in education, business, Sister of Providence celebrated or a related field is required. Candidates must be eligible for state school administrator certification. Participation in a wide variety of educational jubilee of religious life in 2020 experiences and settings is essential, including familiarity with urban and rural populations and ethnically and racially diverse communities. Expertise Another Sister of Providence of education from Indiana University. in curriculum development, grant administration, student achievement Saint Mary-of-the-Woods celebrated her In the archdiocese, Sister Ann Stephen measurement, and faculty and administrator development is also required. 60-year jubilee in served at the former St. Mary-of-the- 2020. Woods Village School in St. Mary-of-the- To apply, please e-mail your cover letter, resume, and list of references, in Sister Ann Woods (1963-64) and St. Malachy School confidence, to: Stephen Stouffer, in Brownsburg (1969-75). She also served a native of Wabash, at schools in the Diocese of Fort Wayne- Ed Isakson Ind., entered the South Bend, Ind., and in Illinois and Director, Human Resources congregation on California. Archdiocese of Indianapolis Feb. 2, 1960, and Sister Ann Stephen served as director 1400 N. Meridian St. professed perpetual of residential life and as administrator Indianapolis, IN 46202 vows on Aug. 15, of Providence Hall at Saint Mary-of-the- E-mail: [email protected] 1967. Woods from 2008-2015, and volunteered Sr. Ann Stephen Application deadline is January 31, 2021. Stouffer, S.P. She earned a in residential service ministry at Saint bachelor’s degree Mary-of-the-Woods from 2016-2019. in education from Saint Mary-of-the- She currently ministers in prayer at the Equal Opportunity Employer Woods College and a master’s degree in motherhouse. † Page 16 The Criterion Friday, January 8, 2021

help with paying their utility bills. In passing, they also HESS mentioned their need for a refrigerator and a washing continued from page 1 machine. “I’m driving down the street later and I get a call were telling jokes. We solved a couple minor problems, from my sister-in-law,” Hess says. “She says someone is and we had a plan of action for him. He’s doing great to moving from town, and they have a washer and a dryer this day.” and a refrigerator, and they want to donate it. I pulled Still Hess takes no credit for the man’s turnaround. over and pointed up to the sky and said, ‘You are so “It wasn’t me because I’m no therapist. It was God good!’ ” working through me. I was allowed to be the flesh-and- “The next week, I get a phone call from a man who blood presence that this man could actually see. But it said he was bringing his wife home from the hospital was God.” because she was going to die. He said that he needed a Hess served as God’s presence for 14 years as the hospital bed for her. A couple hours later, I got a phone director of Catholic Charities Tell City before retiring on call from the guy in charge of the plant facilities at Saint Dec. 31. She also served as a constant, compassionate Meinrad Archabbey. He said, ‘Joan, we’re updating our voice for people whose lives are challenged by rural infirmary and I have a couple of hospital beds that are poverty in southern Indiana and across the state and the still in good shape and we’re getting rid of them. Would nation. you need them?’ ” “Joan was a champion that we do not forget the Fourteen years have passed since those three blessings, faces of rural poverty,” says David Bethuram, executive and Hess is still stunned by them. director of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese. “This all happened within a two-week period. There “In our leadership meetings, state meetings and even wasn’t a thing I did,” Hess says. “People just called me, at the national level at the Catholic Charities USA and I was the connection. I was where I needed to be.” annual gathering, she often reminded her peers of the She also felt those moments confirmed that she was challenges the poor have in finding resources in our rural where God needed her to be—a revelation that she had communities. been waiting for all of her adult life. “Her advocacy for the rural poor enlightened her Catholic Charities peers on how important it is to keep Offering light in people’s darkest hours Before her recent retirement as the director of Catholic striving for ways to enhance our outreach to our rural “I asked God so many times, ‘I don’t know what Charities Tell City, Joan Hess served for 14 years as a constant, communities.” you have planned for me.’ I think he finally decided to compassionate voice for people whose lives are challenged by For Hess, all her efforts to help people in need flow tell me,” says the mother of two grown children about rural poverty. (Submitted photo) from one defining approach: “I always want people to starting as the director of Catholic Charities Tell City at know they’re not alone, that even when they’re getting the age of 51. “I think he waited until my children were job. I’m apprehensive for me. I’ve worked my whole life, pushed down, there are people who care. And even when old enough so I could give 100 percent to this—to work and this place has been like my baby. There wasn’t much things are not easy, they can get better.” nights and weekends when I needed to and not be away when we started, and it’s grown into an integral part of She then shared three connected stories that offer a from my kids.” the community. It’s hard, but it’s time to let the baby go. glimpse of the difference she made—and the unexpected For her part, she never wasted any time or opportunity It’s time for a change for me and time for a change for blessings that God and others provided for her efforts to to help people during these past 14 years. the agency. It needs a new set of eyes to grow.” help people who are vulnerable. “People come to me at some of their darkest hours, The past 14 years have taught Hess numerous lessons, and they share things that are hard to share,” she says. including two main ones: never underestimate the ‘I was where I needed to be’ “To be put in that place is amazing and humbling. I’ve goodness of God and people, and never take anything in The three stories happened within a two-week period become a conduit for what they need.” life for granted. during Hess’ first year of work for Catholic Charities in She’s also been a source of inspiration and ideas That second lesson leads her to want to spend more Tell City in 2006. for bringing people together to help others. Two of her time with her husband of 45 years, Tom, with her two “It started when I got a phone call from a lady who favorite programs are “Table of Blessings” and “Birthday grown children and her three grandchildren. At the same had left an abusive situation and found an apartment, but in a Box.” time, she knows she will miss the family she helped to she needed a place where her kids could sleep. She said “We’ve heard a lot of foster children say they’ve create through her efforts to help people in times of need. she needed a sleeper sofa,” Hess recalls. “We don’t have never had a birthday party, and that’s just wrong,” the “I’m going to miss seeing a spark in someone’s eyes furniture, but I said I would ask around. The next day, I grandmother of three says. “With Birthday in a Box, when they realize their electricity won’t be shut off. I’m got a phone call from someone saying, ‘I’m getting a new we work with the local Department of Child Services, going to miss a little kid’s smile at the Table of Blessings sleeper sofa, and I’d like to donate my old one. Do you and they tell us how many foster children are having when we give them their favorite dessert. I’m going to have a use for it?’ ” a birthday in the upcoming month. We put together a miss anytime someone has a need and knowing that need Two days later, a couple visited her office seeking birthday party for them and give them a Walmart gift will be fulfilled because this community cares.” card. Every foster child gets a birthday party every year.” Bethuram says that Hess will be missed—“dearly”— The joy exudes from Hess as she talks about that too. Describing her as “an exemplary witness of the program. It’s also there when she describes Table of faith,” he also cites “her great compassion and her ‘Joan was a champion that we do not Blessings. personal interest in every detail of serving others.” forget the faces of rural poverty. … Her “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” she says. Hess insists her own life is much better because of the advocacy for the rural poor enlightened “It’s a once-a-week, hot-meal program that right now people she has helped. we’re doing as a drive-thru because of COVID. “I think I’m much more accepting of people. Before her Catholic Charities peers on how “It involves the entire community. Each week, a new this, I didn’t have much contact with people who are important it is to keep group sponsors the meal and staffs the meal. There are homeless or facing food insecurity. I think I’ve gained striving for ways to different churches, nursing homes, banks, hospitals and more compassion for all people. And I’ve learned not to enhance our outreach to political parties among the groups that take turns. We do judge people, to not judge prematurely. our rural communities.’ it in coordination with the Evangelical United Church of “It’s important to listen, listen, listen first—to hear Christ. It’s just been amazing.” their story before making any judgments on what they need as far as help. Everyone has a story.” — David Bethuram, executive Two lessons to remember Hess’ story has a defining theme: She always cared director of Catholic Charities In the days before she retired at 66, Hess shared the deeply. † for the archdiocese bittersweet feelings she had about that decision. “When I look back, I feel like everything I ever did in (For more information about Catholic Charities Tell City, my life led me to this job and prepared me to do a good visit www.archindy.org/cc/tellcity.)

all stages, as well as protecting religious agenda item, according to Espada. and Mingus are devising new ways to ICC liberty and choice in education. One The 2020 legislative session reach their various audiences. They continued from page 1 pro-life measure that Espada hopes to concluded in early March, just before recently hosted a series of webinars to see back on the legislative agenda is COVID-19 drastically altered life for educate the public about the ICC and of three in deep poverty has not been providing reasonable accommodations in Hoosiers and all Americans. Last year’s engage the Catholic faithful in policy adjusted for inflation since 1988. the workplace for pregnant employees, session also marked the final one with matters. Mingus has revamped the ICC “People are needier now, so from more frequent breaks to exemptions the longtime presence of Glenn Tebbe website, and is also launching a weekly modernizing this program in Indiana is from heavy lifting. Despite a broad base at the Statehouse. Tebbe had led the podcast to update listeners throughout more important than it has ever been,” of support that included Indiana Gov. Eric ICC for 16 years, advancing many of the 2021 legislative session. Espada said. “With 33 years of inflation, Holcomb, a Senate bill designed to offer the Church’s causes in the public arena “I believe that the virtual orientation and considering that we are in the midst such protections stalled in 2020. before his retirement in May. of this session will open avenues of of an economic downturn and a pandemic, As in past years, the ICC will support Now, Espada—an attorney who communication with Catholics around now is the time to make it happen.” certain legislation in keeping with brought an extensive the state,” Mingus said. “I look forward With respect to the payday lending Catholic social teaching, while opposing background in law to working with Angela and helping to industry, the ICC and its allies have other proposed measures. and higher education amplify the voice of the Church.” supported past legislative efforts to cap This year’s legislative session, leadership to the ICC To follow priority legislation of the the interest rate and fees that lenders however, will be anything but business when she was named ICC and listen to the podcasts, visit may charge to an annual percentage rate as usual. Due to the pandemic, social executive director indianacc.org. This website includes of 36%. Currently, some payday lending distancing will be the order of the last year—will move access to I-CAN, the Indiana Catholic institutions in Indiana charge up to day. Lawmakers will work both at the the organization Action Network, which offers the 391% on the short-term loans that they Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis forward with a new Church’s position on key issues. Those offer. and in adjoining government buildings. partner. Alexander who sign up for I-CAN receive alerts on “We are very worried about people This will be a long session of the Alexander Mingus Mingus, formerly a legislation moving forward and ways to not being able to make ends meet and legislature, held every two years and leader of the contact their elected representatives. turning to payday lending more in these culminating in passage of the state St. Vincent de Paul Society of Dayton, very challenging times,” Espada said. budget, likely in late April. Redistricting Ohio, was recently appointed associate (Victoria Arthur, a member of Other key priorities for the ICC remain for congressional and state legislative director of the ICC. St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg, is a constant: promoting respect for life at districts also is likely to be a major In these unprecedented times, Espada correspondent for The Criterion.) †