Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 29 No. 5 November / December 2013

40 Days for Life - It’s all about prayer and it’s all about life

See story, page 36 8 One of Pope Francis' 'G-8' cardinals to address UDMC In This Issue... Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, one of the eight cardinals advising Pope Francis on reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, Catholics draw line in Sand 14 will be the keynote speaker for over HHS Mandate the University of Dallas Ministry Deacon Greg Hall is the Houston Conference, Friday, Oct. 25. (CNS Photo business owner who drilled 800 / Paul Haring) meters through solid granite to free 8 33 miners in Chile in 2010. Now he's Friars of the Renewal offer fighting to keep the U.S. government 24 more than food for the body from making him pay for abortions and Their work with the homeless seeks abortifacients for his employees. to offer welcome, fellowship, and friendship in the name and person of Christ to those who live on the streets. Raoul Martinez Lopez 23 (NTC Photo / Jerry Circelli) and Gary Picou, Jr. ordained 24 to diaconate 27 St. Thomas celebrates first More than 300 family and friends Mass on site where new joined Raoul Martinez and Gary Picou 27 church will be built Sept. 14 at St. Michael Church in St. Thomas the Apostle pastor Fr. Bedford as they were ordained to the Antony Mathew, TOR, celebrates the transitional diaconate, moving them first Mass at the site where the parish's one step closer to the priesthood. new church will be built, Sept. 30. (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen)

Elaine Schad shares memories 28 St. Jude will display art from of St. John's in Valley View 34 around the u.s. & the world Children were baptized and grew up Fr. George Foley admires a replica of there, religious education was taught, the Pieta before its installation in the weddings witnessed, and Catholic life new St. Jude Church, which will feature thrived at St. John's in Valley View for art from American churches, Vietnam, decades. The people who shared many and Mexico, among other places. (NTC of those memories came together 34 Photo / Jerry Circelli) recently to honor their bonds one last time before closing the doors for good. 36 40 Days is still praying Fort Worth is one of 307 cities around the world where Catholics and other Christians are offering their prayers for unborn babies, their parents, Cover Photos: and clinic workers, outside abortion Main Picture: The Gonzales family join in prayer for the unborn, those seeking abortions, and for the conversion facilities. Ann Landry from St. Maria of workers in front of the Planned Parenthood facility's Goretti Parish in Arlington was among sign in Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) those offering their prayers in Fort Three photos at bottom of page: Individuals Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photo / Juan pray the Rosary in front of the planned Parenthood facility in 36 Guajardo) Southwest Fort Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photos / Juan Guajardo)

Page 2 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Pope Francis challenges us to evangelical poverty and charity toward all ope Francis surely doesn't seem like a man of 76. Maybe it's Pall that bike riding in Buenos Aires. Whatever the reason, he Editorial Office: 800 West continues to amaze and surprise us all, continually. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Publisher: Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; I don't know a single person who doesn't feel challenged to do Monsignor Stephen Berg FAX (817) 244-8839. more for the poor, wherever they are, or to at least examine their Circulation Office: Rita lives to see if how they are currently living stands up to the ex- Director of Garber, 800 West Loop 820 Communications: S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, ample of evangelical poverty that Francis has provided each of us. Pat Svacina (817) 560-3300. And his radical openness has made that example available to NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Christians of all stripes and even persons of good will who claim Editor: Newsmagazine (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) no particular faith at all. Jeff Hensley is published six times a year Some have reacted to that openness with suspicion or fear. Associate Editor: (bi-monthly) by the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese His long — very long — interview in America and other Jesuit Tony Gutiérrez of Fort Worth, Msgr. Stephen Berg, 800 W. Loop 820 S., publications around the world was particularly worrisome to Administrative Fort Worth, Texas 76108. For many people — and particularly encouraging to others. Associate: those who are not registered Judy Russeau parishioners in the Diocese of Some feared that in emphasizing Christian mercy, he was Fort Worth, subscription rates making the Catholic positions on such settled issues as the right Web Designer: are $18 for one year, $35 for two years, $50 for three to life and our opposition to same-sex marrage less clear. But Chris Kastner years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. watching his public actions both before and after that interview, POSTMASTER: Send address firmly established that he is willing and able to speak clearly and WRITERS AND changes to North Texas PHOTOGRAPHERS: Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., to act forcefully to enforce the teachings of the Church. Michele Baker Fort Worth, Texas 76108. The part of the interview I thought told us most clearly Crystal Brown Deadline for information for that Pope Francis would lead the Church on the middle ground the North Texas Catholic is Jenara Kocks Burgess noon of the Wednesday two between excessive legalism and too great a laxity toward sin Jaqueline Burkepile weeks before the magazine is published. The NTC is pub- came about two thirds of the way in, where he was reported Jerry Circelli lished bi-monthly, the third as saying, “The church sometimes has locked itself up in small Juan Guajardo Friday of the month, with the following two months as things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the Kathy Cribari Hamer the date of each issue. first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers Joan Kurkowski-Gillen To access current news and of the church must be ministers of mercy above all. The confes- Mike McGee information, find us at www. northtexascatholic.org sor, for example, is always in danger of being either too much of Nicki Prevou The appearance of advertis- a rigorist or too lax. Neither is merciful, because neither of them Donna Ryckaert ing in these pages does not imply endorsement of busi- really takes responsibility for the person. The rigorist washes nesses, services, or products. his hands so that he leaves it to the commandment. The loose Columnists: Readers must exercise prudence in responding to minister washes his hands by simply saying, ‘This is not a sin’ Denise Bossert advertising in all media. or something like that. In pastoral ministry we must accompany Jean Denton Kathy Cribari Hamer people, and we must heal their wounds." Jeff Hedglen I'm not trying to be an interpreter of Pope Francis, but people Jeff Hensley continue to talk about that interview, and I think they should Father David Mercer do so with this portion of it in mind. Check out our website for David Mills updated news — northtexascatholic.org. Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Jeff Hensley Editor

Page 3 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Church, National & International newsBriefs Council of Cardinals begins work of overhaul of Roman Curia By Cindy Wooden church,” Father Lombardi said. Catholic News Service The vast majority of the Catho- VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis lic Church’s 1.2 billion members are and his international Council of Cardi- laypeople, the spokesman said. Their nals are laying out plans to completely activities and needs are followed by the overhaul the Roman Curia, underlin- Pontifical Council for the Laity, which ing its role of “service to the universal is “very active,” he said, but does not church and the local churches,” the have the profile or authority of a Vatican Vatican spokesman said. congregation, such as those for bishops, As the pope and the eight cardinals for priests, and for religious. he named to advise him were about to At the end of their meeting, council begin the final session of their Oct. 1-3 members announced they would hold meeting, Jesuit Father Federico Lom- their second meeting with the pope Dec. bardi, the spokesman, said the role and 3-5, and they planned to meet again responsibilities of the Vatican secretary Pope Francis prays during a meeting with cardinals at the Vatican Oct. 1. As a series of at the Vatican in February “so that the of state, the revamping of the world consultations aimed at the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy began, the pontiff told his work of the council, especially in this Synod of Bishops, and the Vatican’s group of cardinal advisers that humility and service attract people to the church, not power initial phase, can proceed quickly,” and pride. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters) attention to the role and responsibil- Father Lombardi said. ity of laity also were major themes of Under the terms of Blessed John Paul said, are going clearly in the direction The eight members, who represent discussion. Only days earlier on Sept. II’s constitution Pastor Bonus, a 1988 of an apostolic constitution to replace six continents, are: Cardinals Francisco 30, Pope Francis made his international reform of the curia, the Secretariat of Pastor Bonus, and not simply “cosmetic Javier Errazuriz Ossa, retired archbishop advisory panel on church governance a State includes two sections: One section retouches or marginal modifications” of of Santiago, Chile; Oswald Gracias of permanent council of cardinals, thereby deals with foreign relations and the other the 1988 document. Mumbai, India; Reinhard Marx of emphasizing the importance and open- deals with internal church matters. Pastor The eight cardinals — six of whom Munich and Freising, Germany; Lau- endedness of its work among his pon- Bonus said the secretariat was to “foster currently serve as diocesan bishops — rent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, tificate’s various efforts at reform. The relations” with other Curia offices and brought to the meeting with the pope Congo; Sean P. O’Malley of Boston; panel, has been informally dubbed the “coordinate their work.” suggestions they received from church George Pell of Sydney; Giuseppe “Group of Eight” or “G-8.” Father Lombardi said the pope and leaders around the world. One of the Bertello, president of the commission Father Lombardi said the group’s the cardinals emphasized the role of the topics mentioned most often, Father governing Vatican City State; and Õscar agenda was partially dictated by the Secretariat of State as “the secretariat Lombardi said, was concern for the role Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, pope’s own timetable. Pope Francis had of the pope,” and said the discussions of the laity in the church and the world. Honduras. In his decree, Pope Francis named Archbishop Pietro Parolin to be included “the hypothesis of a new The pope and his cardinal advisers left open the possibility that he would his secretary of state and had given him figure — the ‘moderator of the curia’” talked about “how to ensure that this change the size of the council. He sug- an Oct. 15 start date, so it made sense to ensure greater communication and dimension of the church’s reality is more gested last summer that he plans to add to discuss how the pope and cardinals cooperation among the Curia offices. adequately and effectively recognized at least one representative of the Eastern saw his role in a renewed curia. The discussions, Father Lombardi and followed in the governance of the Catholic Churches. Catholic University partners with Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng WASHINGTON (CNS) — Chen Foundation, a human rights organiza- imprisoned for his legal work dealing simply over. Guangcheng, Chinese dissident and hu- tion in Concord, N.H. with politically sensitive issues such At the Oct. 2 news conference, man rights activist, will be a visiting fellow At the National Press Club in as forced abortions and land seizures. John Garvey, president of Catholic at The Catholic University of America Washington Oct. 2, Chen told reporters He initially sought refuge at the University, said the university greatly next year working on a book about hu- through a translator that he is “at a new U.S. Embassy in Beijing before Chinese admired Chen’s “bravery in defending man rights abuses in rural China. starting point” and planned to “make officials agreed to let Chen and his basic human rights in China” and that For the next three years, while at concerted efforts to defend the freedom family accept an offer from New York his work went along with the “academic Catholic University’s Institute for Policy of the Chinese people and move forward University as a visiting scholar. mission of a Catholic university.” Research and Catholic Studies in Wash- courageously to defend human dignity, Chen has said that New York Uni- He also said that Chen “provides a ington, Chen also will be supported in and other universal values.” versity has forced him to leave because model for the kind of courageous com- his studies and human rights advocacy Last April, Chen, a blind, self- of pressure from the Chinese govern- mitment to protecting human dignity by the Witherspoon Institute, a think trained lawyer, fled house arrest in ment but the university has maintained and advancing human rights that we tank in Princeton, N.J., and the Lantos China, where he had spent several years that Chen’s one-year fellowship was hope for in our students.”

Page 4 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Church, National & International newsBriefs Venerating Fatima statue, pope entrusts world to Mary in St. Peter's Square By Francis X. Rocca cluded a recitation of the seven sorrows of Catholic News Service Mary. In a catechetical talk, the pope said VATICAN CITY — Before a congrega- that all believers can emulate the mother tion of more than 100,000 in St. Peter’s of God by giving “human flesh to Jesus” Square, Pope Francis formally entrusted when they assent freely to his call. the world to Mary. “Mary points to Jesus,” he said. “She “We are confident that each of us asks us to bear witness to Jesus, she is precious in your sight,” the pope constantly guides us to her son Jesus, said Oct. 13, facing the statue of Mary because in Him alone do we find salva- that normally stands in the shrine at tion. He alone can change the water of Fatima, Portugal. “Guard our lives in our loneliness, difficulties, and sin into your arms, bless and strengthen every the wine of encounter, joy, and forgive- desire for goodness.” ness. He alone.” The short ceremony was the culmi- Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the Oct. 13 is the anniversary of the last nation of a special Marian Day orga- end of a Mass in honor of Mary in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 13. The pope en- apparition of Mary to three shepherd trusted the world to Mary at the end of the Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) nized for the Year of Faith. In his hom- children at Fatima in 1917. Two of the ily during the morning’s Mass, Pope transported the statue, inside a trian- the Vatican guesthouse where he lives. visionaries, Blessed Jacinta Marto and Francis celebrated Mary as a model of gular container resembling a musical At the beginning of an Oct. 12 her brother Blessed Francisco Marto, docility, fidelity, and gratitude to God. instrument case, to Vatican City. The prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square, four were beatified by Blessed John Paul II Many in the crowd held small statue was then brought to the resi- attendants carried the statue on a litter in 2000. Their cousin, Sister Lucia de replicas of the crowned statue of Our dence of retired Pope Benedict XVI at through the crowd and brought it up to Jesus dos Santos, died in 2005, and three Lady of Fatima, which had arrived in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where the front of the basilica. Pilgrims waved years later Pope Benedict exempted her Rome the previous afternoon on a TAP he briefly venerated the statue in the white handkerchiefs in a traditional from the usual five-year waiting period Portugal airlines flight from Lisbon. monastery’s small chapel. Afterwards, gesture of devotion as the statue passed. between a death and the start of a be- An Italian air force helicopter Pope Francis welcomed the statue at Pope Francis led the vigil, which in- atification cause. Archaeological dig reveals Franciscan mission on Georgia barrier island By Barbara D. King American Indians. Thomas, currently overseeing an- In March 2007, Conventual Francis- Catholic News Service It was only in 1981 that Thomas, other excavation on the island, told the can Father Conrad Harkins, then vice ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, Ga.— curator with the American Museum of group that after the original discovery, postulator of the martyrs’ cause, took 500 Savannah Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer Natural History in New York, discov- excavations continued for 15 years into pages of documents supporting the case spent Columbus Day visiting the old- ered the mission site after five years of the 1990s until he decided to walk away for their canonization to the Vatican. est church in the diocese for the first excavations. The first call he made was from the island and preserve the site for Thomas, who has spent more than time since he was ordained to head the to then-Savannah Bishop Raymond W. future research. 40 years excavating in the Southwest diocese two years ago. Lessard, saying, “I think I found some- Nature, however, has compelled and Southeast, said the more he stud- Santa Catalina de Guale mission, thing that belongs to you.” him and his students to begin digging ies the missions, the more he becomes located on St. Catherines Island, an un- The connection between the ar- again in recent years. Erosion at the fascinated by the contrast between the developed barrier island 35 miles south chaeologist and the bishop led to a mission site is proceeding at a rapid rate. missions in the Southwest and those in of Savannah, is a 16th-century Spanish reconsecration service conducted by For Bishop Hartmayer, the trip had the Southeast. He has come to think mission rediscovered by archaeologist Bishop Lessard in 1984 when the skel- a twofold purpose. He wanted to see the of the Franciscan missionaries at St. David Hurst Thomas only 32 years ago. etons of two Indians were reburied at mission site where fellow Franciscans Catherines as 16th-century “Peace “This (St. Catherines) is one of the the mission site. Eventually the remains first brought Christianity to the New Corps members.” most important Spanish colonial sites of 432 American Indians that had been World. As bishop of Savannah, he is “Basically there was an alliance be- in the U.S. It needs to be preserved...." excavated and studied in laboratories now in charge of advancing the saint- tween the Church and the Indians that said Thomas. around the U.S. were returned to the hood cause of the Georgia martyrs, five preserved the Indian culture,” he said. In the late 1500s, Franciscan mis- site and reinterred. Spanish friars who were murdered by Instead of forcing religion on the Ameri- sionaries, followers of St. Francis, like On Oct. 14, Bishop Hartmayer paid American Indians in 1597. Two of them can Indians, the Franciscans brokered Bishop Hartmayer, who is a Conventual a visit to the island,and celebrated Mass met their deaths on St. Catherines, two an agreement with them that kept the Franciscan, came from Spain by way at the mission site, now a grassy berm near present-day Darien, and a fifth on Indians’ way of life while incorporating of Cuba to introduce Christianity to outlined by palm trees. St. Simons Island. the teachings of Christianity. Page 5 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 To Report Misconduct If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or e-mail her at [email protected] ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2462 ext. 102 and ask for the moderator of the curia, Msgr. Stephen Berg To Report Abuse Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400

Page 6 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 7 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Page 8 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 9 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Page 10 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 11 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Page 12 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Catholic Charities

NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo Undergraduate accounting student Santeev Khadka listens to the Jan. 18 VITA presentation at UTA. CCFW hosted the presentation at the school to target students interested in volunteering as income tax preparers. VITA teaches clients about taxes

Trisha Kirkland, 32, used to be reluctant to talk to people. For almost 10 years, she covered her mouth with her hand while speaking, feeling extreme self- consciousness about her broken and missing teeth. Thanks to Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) and the agency’s Bishop Kevin W. Vahelp clients become self-sufficient. “We really care,” she says. “We feel that great dental care is one step on a path that helps our clients move forward in life.” For more information, call CCFW at (817) 289-3882.

Page 13 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 St. Mark breaks ground for new church — images Church as Body of Christ

Page 14 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 15 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Lighter & Brighter

Pope Francis accepts a gift of a 1984 Renault at the Vatican Sept. 7. The silver-white four- door vehicle with 186,000 miles was donated by Father Renzo Zocca of Verona, Italy. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photo) Father Ignacio Llorente, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Portland, Ore., and Father Lucas Laborde, a former campus minister and former pastor at St. Patrick's, pose for a photo The pen and inkwell used by St. Thérèse of Lisieux rests on a facsimile of handwritten at the Grand Canyon in Arizona in late July. The two men were among four priests who pages from the saint's Story of a Soul. The artifacts, including her small wooden writing traveled from Portland to the Grand Canyon and were inspired by the warmth of the case, were being displayed for reflection and veneration for the first time in America people they encountered while hitchiking during a tour organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. St. Thérèse after their car broke down. is patron of missionaries and missions. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) (CNS photo/courtesy St. John Society)

Sister Angelique Namaika, a member of the Augustine Sisters of Dungu and Doruma, embraces a Congolese child at a site for internally displaced people Aug. 1 in Congo. Sister Angelique received the 2013 Nansen Refugee Award from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Sept. 17 for her work with women forced to leave their homes in northeastern Congo because of long-term civil strife. (CNS photo/Brian Sokol, courtesy UNHR)

Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth

Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com

1. Prophet in 3. The "D" in LED Numbers 11:16 4. Summed up 2. Leave out 5. Feats

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Page 16 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Growing as a Christian When Christmas comes, let's embrace the true Kernel of the season Throughout the Bible we encounter the images of chaff and wheat, thresh- ing floor and winnowing It is no coincidence that we fan. For years I wondered what Jeff Hedglen is the Campus the significance of these images Minister at UTA and associate is and how they apply to my life. decorate with pumpkins, corn, director of Young Adult Ministry for After a bit of research and some the diocese. He is also the primary reflection, I discovered that this and wheat stalks at this time convener of Camp Fort Worth’s metaphor is good fodder to pre- many editions. pare for Advent and Christmas, which are approaching sooner of year. These items are not than we might realize. In short, the chaff is the outer just for the Hobby Lobby fall casing that covers the seed, or the separate the holiday chaff from wheat grain. We often hear of the the wheat. This separation does need to separate the chaff from decorations aisle, they are real not have to be literal, meaning the wheat. In days gone by this discarding these non-central was done by beating the stalks aspects of life all over the world. decorations. Rather this separat- of wheat on what was called the ing of the chaff from the wheat threshing floor to separate the is more of a spiritual exercise. We wheat from the chaff. The result do this to remind us of the differ- of this action was a floor filled Bishop William P. Callahan of La Crosse, Wisconsin, blesses the harvest during the ence between the “lightweight” with chaff and wheat, separate, Rural Life Day celebration Sept. 25 on the grounds of St. Adalbert Church in Rosholt. symbols of Christmas and the but all mixed together. Separat- (CNS photo/Joseph O'Brien, The Catholic Times) more substantial, or weighty, real- ing the two was done in a couple 90 degree days, pumpkin spiced to think about an oft complained ity of God becoming human in of ways. You could throw a bunch foods of all kinds, soup in the about reality in our modern so- the Incarnation. of the mixture into the air, and crock pot, and morning jacket ciety: Christmas decorations in The prophet Hosea encour- the wind would blow the lighter wearing. But for many people and stores four months before Christ- ages us, writing 2,500 years ago: chaff away and the heavier grain many parts of the world, this time mas. Each and every decoration I “Like chaff storm-driven from would fall to the ground. Another of year has always been known as see is chaff… unnecessary. None the threshing floor or like smoke way was to use what is called a harvest time. of them are the “seed” of the out of the window. I, the LORD, winnowing fan, which is actu- This is what brought to mind season. Yes they are pretty, color- am your God, since the land of ally a basket where you place the the images of chaff and wheat. It ful, bright, and shiny. Yes I use Egypt; gods apart from me you mixture and shake it, allowing the is no coincidence that we decorate many of them at my own home do not know; there is no savior heavier grain to sink to the bot- with pumpkins, corn, and wheat to celebrate the season. Yes they but me” (Hosea 13:3). tom. Modern technology makes stalks at this time of year. These are magical. But they are not the Yes indeed there is no Savior these rituals obsolete, but the need items are not just for the Hobby central, nourishing, life chang- but God, all other gods are but to separate the two parts of wheat Lobby fall decorations aisle. They ing and sustaining Kernel that is chaff blown by the wind of his remains. are real aspects of life all over the planted in our hearts and blos- coming. Let us burn away all We are in the time of year world. soms throughout our lives. that distracts us from the central when the weather turns a bit So as I looked at stalks of There are many weeks to go reality of Christmas: God become cooler and the leaves begin to wheat still with the chaff at- before the holiday rush is upon man, born in our hearts, prom- change colors. All over Facebook tached, two aisles over from us, and this gives us an advantage ised to come again. I see excitement for the below Christmas decorations, I began this year. Let’s take some time to Come Lord Jesus, come!

Page 17 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 voice My childhood phantoms were gradually replaced by images of Jesus By Kathy Cribari Hamer Our house was 900 square feet, Sometimes God would hold both my hands. with two bedrooms, a bathroom It was a good way to feel safe. The smaller than today’s closets, Our basement at stuffed animals were encircled on my bed, and closets that, even then, guarding so I could close my eyes, but if were mini. night... guarded by I shut my eyes and also went into a secret There was absolutely no room for mon- room in the closet, wasn’t that better? sters in our closets. that cigar store Indian, So, in my imaginary safe space that could But when I was growing up, the mon- barely hold seven shoe boxes end-to-end, I ster in my closet was the least of my worries, it was impossible entertained Jesus, the Lord. Entertaining was because I shared a room with my older sister. the correct word, too, because I did all the She loved bossing me, the youngest, and talking. I followed the Catholic school rules blaming me for even the tiniest events. to endure. for effective prayer, beginning with adoration “Quit opening your eyes, Kathy,” my and contrition, saving requests for the end — sister would say, late at night, in our darkened Brown trusts her, like I trusted my sister to dessert if you will — in my little home. bedroom. “Your eyelashes are sweeping against walk downstairs and back. But our ventures But I always got stuck on the thank-you the pillow case and keeping me awake.” usually ended up with a comic-sized holler. portion. Thank you for giving me a new Scary as my sister was, I was more afraid Thankfully, though, in our dark bed- niece. Thank you for my dad getting better. of the basement. It was unfinished, a mass of room at night, there was no monster. (Except Thank you for letting me be a cheerleader. walk-through walls, wood beam frames, so maybe in the other bed.) The list grew yearly, but I repeated them all, when the light was on (a bulb hanging from Our bedroom closet was about five feet adding new ones. the ceiling), the shadows were terrifying. In long, with one rod and a shelf. But I had a Yesterday, at Mass, trying to focus — one room, filled with a coal chute and furnace, vivid imagination, and at night I liked to the most difficult part of prayer for me — I darkness and shadows caused those utilities to close my eyes and create a scene in there — a closed my external eyes, imagined Jesus’s become supersized and animated. sort of playhouse. “My own room.” eyes, and began. “Thank you for my sweet And then there was the six-foot American On one end of the closet, I pretend-placed grandson on the altar carrying the crucifix. Indian, dressed in native garb. The stuffed my bed, with fluffy throw pillows. I imagined Thank you for the two granddaughters hold- image had fronted my uncle’s cigar store, and a powder puff rug, nightstand, frilly lamp, and ing my hands … I found myself reciting a list later, for some reason, moved to our home. roll-top desk. This part of my pretend room, of gifts for which I am sincerely grateful. Our cement-floored basement with had it been real, would have extended through I praise you. Lord God, I said, and I its washtubs, rough-hewn shelves, and dis- the wall, the linen closet, our hallway, and into am sorry for my sins. I paused, and with carded furniture was fun in the daytime. But the upright piano in the living room. my external eyes still closed, I opened my at night, guarded by that cigar store Indian, On the other end of the closet/dream internal ones and realized Jesus was sitting it was impossible to endure. hideaway — the part where our closet door in that same easy chair, the big, fluffy one The steps leading downstairs were long was cut — I dream-created a stuffed winged He always sat in, every day of my life, in the and looming, and whenever I had to climb chair, with ottoman, and a sofa, coffee table, little parlor of my heart. them, I asked for a partner. Unfortunately I and lamp. I loved to imagine how everything I looked at Jesus, smiling. “You are the always got my sister, who would begrudgingly looked, and clever ways to arrange it. Almost reason,” I told Him, “there are no monsters walk with me on whatever errand I was as- every night, with my eyes shut, I went in there. in my closets.” signed. That part went fine. But when we were I can still see that space. finished, my sister would make a mad dash up Somewhere in the many years I slept in Kathy Cribari Hamer and her the stairs, leaving me behind, screaming. that bedroom — from birth into my 20s — husband are members of St. It was like the Peanuts cartoon gag I added something else: the presence of God. Andrew Parish. Her family when Lucy tells Charlie Brown she will Jesus Christ always sat in the big soft life column has been honored hold the football while he kicks it, and she chair, and I would plop down on the ottoman, for excellence repeatedly by the snatches it away at the last minute, leaving leaning forward, looking into his eyes. He Catholic Press Association of him to let out a colossal “AAUGH!” Charlie would lean forward too, looking into mine. the United States and Canada.

Page 18 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 voice

Stations of the Cross with Polish religious heros interposed

By George Weigel

KRAKOW, Poland — The village sus to the Cross are obviously Roman; from a of Pasierbiec is in the south of distance, their helmets are eerily reminiscent Poland, about 30 miles from the of the familiar SS helmets of World War II. old royal capital of Kracow. And at the 14th station, two contempo- Its church, the Basilica of Our Lady of rary Polish martyrs witness the entombment Consolation, is full of votum gifts testifying of the Crucified One: Father Jan Czuba, to favors received through the intercession martyred in the Congo, and Father Zbig- of the basilica’s namesake. (The church niew Strzalkowski, martyred in Peru. itself reminds me of a comment Pope John The dedication of this shrine, which Paul II’s secretary, now-Cardinal Stanislaw reflects a thoroughly contemporary biblical Dziwisz, once made when we were look- faith, was led by the archbishop of Cologne, ing at a photo album of new churches in Cardinal Joachim Meisner, who once told Nowa Huta, the mill-town built by Polish me that German martyrs, not German theo- communists outside Krakow: “Troppo [Too logians, would be the foundation on which much] Corbusier...”) Christianity in 21st-century Germany would Outside the church, the priests and be rebuilt after the horrors of the 20th centu- people of Pasierbiec have done something ry. Meisner’s presence at the dedication was quite remarkable, however: they’ve recently Sixth Station of the Cross at Pasierbiec, Poland. a powerful sign of the German-Polish rec- constructed a stunning, contemporary (Photo by Roman Szuszkiewicz) onciliation sought by Wyszynski and Karol Via Crucis, in which figures from modern with good”—is inscribed on the Cross. Wojtyla, the future John Paul II, at the end Polish Catholic history are “inserted” into At the seventh station, the second fall, the of the Second Vatican Council; it also em- the traditional Stations of the Cross. The Lord is supported by Father Franciszek Blach- bodied the German prelate’s conviction that bronzes themselves are well-done, but what nicki, founder of the Oasis youth movement in Tertullian’s second-century insight remains is particularly striking about the Pasierbiec which tens of thousands of young Poles were true, 18 centuries later: sanguis martyrum Via Crucis is the idea that animates these catechized during holiday camping trips. semen christianorum [the blood of martyrs is sculptures — the idea that we can, and At the eighth station, where Jesus tradi- the seed of the Church]. should, imagine ourselves living inside the tionally meets the women of Jerusalem, he The post-modern world is a wilder- biblical story. Or, if you prefer, the Pasier- now meets Stanislawa Leszczynska and Ste- ness of mirrors in which nothing is stable: biec Via Crucis is a powerful invitation fania Lacka, prisoners who rescued children even maleness and femaleness, two “givens” to look at the world around us, including born in the Auschwitz concentration camp. throughout recorded human history, are recent history, through lenses ground by At the ninth station, the third fall, the now regarded as “cultural constructs” to be biblical faith. priest comforting the Lord is Blessed Roman altered at will. Reason alone seems unable to Some examples of this optic at work at Sitka, rector of the local seminary in Tarnow offer a powerful antidote to a post-mod cul- Pasierbiec: and a concentration camp prisoner (like sev- ture of unreality. To see the world around us In the depiction of the fifth station, eral thousand Polish priests). from “inside” the biblical story of the human it is Blessed John Paul II, not Simon of At the 10th station, Cardinal Stefan condition can be a reality-check. It’s one our Cyrene, who helps Jesus carry the cross. Wyszynski, primate of Poland during the culture and society badly need these days. At the sixth station, Blessed Jerzy first 33 years of communist rule, holds the Popieluszko, the martyr-priest of Solidarity, clothes being stripped from Jesus — an im- George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fel- relieves Jesus of some of the weight of the age that evokes memories of the cardinal low of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Cross while Veronica wipes the Holy Face; being stripped of his freedom and his dignity Washington, D.C. Weigel’s column is distrib- the message Father Jerzy preached during during three years of house arrest. uted by the Denver Catholic Register, the martial law in Poland— “Overcome evil Viewed close-up, the soldiers nailing Je- newspaper of the Archdiocese of Denver.

Page 19 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 voice Al Williams helped me come to Jesus He offered Christian witness with openness, hospitality, and courtesy

By David Mills Al Williams died a few days ago, at 91, surrounded by his family. None of you have ever heard of him because he never did anything to bring him- Many of his arguments never convinced self to public notice, much less anything that would carry his name from me — he was, as I say, a conservative western Massachusetts to other parts of the country. Baptist — but his life and words showed me You’ve heard of him at one remove, though. He was one of the biggest reasons that he knew Jesus and that knowing Jesus I became a convinced Christian and eventually came to write for our diocese’s newspaper. He lived in the town in which made a man happy and good. I grew up, and worked at the local uni- versity making things for the psychology department, and was apparently a kind of mechanical genius. The job didn’t pay very much, and he lived simply with his everyone else. Some of those young people, I mention Al here partly so that four children, he and his wife sharing sometime in the fourth quarter or the seventh genuinely good man will have some writ- one cramped attic room, his three boys inning when they felt comfortable, would ten memorial. It’s the least I can do. I crammed into the other. ask a question or make a statement, usually also mention him because after writing Al had cable TV when few people did religious. Al would answer them, always gently so much against so many bad ideas and — it was expensive — so that he could and always shrewdly and always in some way so many assaults on the Catholic faith, I watch the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and that made the attraction of knowing Jesus wanted to say something about the effects Celtics, depending on the season. I don’t Christ obvious, and not only obvious but of godliness. think he missed a game unless he was at compelling. We need good arguments, of course, church. He was a Baptist deacon, who I found his answers did so, anyway. Oth- though a lot of Christians who think attended an old, small, and very conserva- ers did too. Many of his arguments never about these things now say we ought to tive church in the country outside town. convinced me — he was, as I say, a conserva- give up on apologetics, that ideas don’t do And he was a man of obvious good- tive Baptist — but his life and words showed any good, that arguments don’t change ness who loved our Lord with a directness me that he knew Jesus and that knowing Jesus lives. They’re quite wrong. But there and simplicity I have rarely seen since. He made a man happy and good. And if Al knew is still nothing like genuine sanctity to loved the Boston teams but, as I realized Jesus so well, the rest of us, even the smart-al- break down your barriers to belief and only years later, he also watched them ecky and annoying teenage boy I’m sure I was, open your mind and heart. because the games gave young people a could get to know Him too. In my own case, I can say that I saw reason to drop by. He kept a gallon or His youngest son Joel became a very good the truth in St. Thomas and Newman two of vanilla ice cream in his freezer and friend. Why, I don’t remember, because we and Chesterton and so many others, every visitor got a big bowlful. (And that didn’t have much in common. After I left for partly because I saw Jesus Christ in Al itself was no small expense for him.) college, my friend was found to have cancer, Williams. Who has, though he emphati- You would sometimes find circled and I watched him and his father as for two cally did not believe in praying for the around Al’s television a would-be hippie, years he fought what wound up to be a losing dead, my grateful prayers. a guy who lived to work on his muscle battle. They both showed a nobility in suffer- car, a cheerleader, the dweeby guy from ing and a trust in God when the doctors gave David Mills is the executive editor of First the radio club, and an intellectual-type them many reasons to fear that was to me a Things (www.firstthings.com). He can be who felt himself of superior insight to witness to the reality of the things they said. reached at [email protected].

Page 20 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 voice Life's traumas and tragedies demand more than platitudes and stock motivational phrases

By Mary Regina Morrell

Can I tell you just how often I become frustrated with plati- tudes, motivational tomes, and And those who can move through the the often trite wisdom of self- empowerment gurus? times of struggle, of grief and suffering, After 13 years of posting prayer requests to my network of women pray- with integrity, without losing hope in ers, of responding daily during those years to the intentions of those who are the future, who get up every morning struggling with some of the most pain- ful circumstances imaginable, platitudes and carry on in spite of the emotional make me see red. What pithy phrase can you offer the or physical pain and find ways to friend who, within the past 12 months has lost two sons — one to cancer and help others do the same these are another to suicide? What do you say to — the family of the young man, a football player with college scholarships lined up, successful people, these are life’s heroes. who tried to cross the street only to be hit by an 18-wheeler? When I received of the power of intention would have helped losing hope in the future, who get up the prayer request, doctors had already them move forward in their pain and grief. every morning and carry on in spite of the amputated one leg and were trying to save I remember the first few moments after emotional or physical pain and find ways the other. He was still in a coma. Or the my father died. He was in a hospital bed in the to help others do the same — these are young mother of three who was just diag- hospice unit in the room next to my mother, successful people, these are life’s heroes. nosed with a virulent form of cancer, who who was terminally ill. I sat at the foot of his In that hospice room, so many years was not expected to live more than a few bed and sobbed, yelling at God, demanding ago, when I stopped trying to hold God’s months, or the father who accidentally that He explain why all this was happening. feet to the fire, I looked around and saw ran over his own child in their driveway. Exactly what was it God expected me to learn all the other jewels of compassion milling We have prayed for spouses who from all that I had been through in the past about the room with me — people who have disappeared, new parents of infants few years, and now, losing my beloved father would take their newfound wisdom born who have died, families who have lost who hadn’t even been sick a week before. I of grief into the world and be of support everything, including family members, in received my answer immediately — I have to others. I thought of Enid Starkies’ a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane; families forged you in the fires of grief to form a jewel profound words: “Unhurt people are not who are dealing with addiction or abuse of compassion. My response was immediate as much good in the world.” or have become homeless — the amount well — I don’t want to be a jewel of anything. I also remembered, and have held on of prayers sent up to heaven in the almost I want my father back. I want my mother to through the years to the words of Christ, 5,000 days since this group was founded be healed. I want my children to grow up with “I am with you always.” is beyond counting. their grandparents. I want my life to go back There is nothing trite about that. Perhaps, instead of lifting them up in to the way it was! prayer, we should we have told them — But it was in those moments that I truly Mary Morrell is the managing editor of “Choose success!” “Change your attitude, began to understand that life is suffering, as The Monitor, the diocesan newspaper of change your life!” “Pain is inevitable, suf- much as it is joy, perhaps more so. And those Trenton, New Jersey. She and her husband fering is optional.” Maybe a few well cho- who can move through the times of struggle, are the parents of six adult sons and live in sen happy faces or a graphic illustration of grief and suffering, with integrity, without Colonia, New Jersey.

Page 21 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Seeking God’s Path Vocations Lent — a perfect time for discernment

By Fr. Isaac Orozco Director of Vocations

ent is upon us and some Lthings come to mind as I ponder what might be going through a discerner’s heart and mind. Those who are considering a vocation to the priesthood are about to walk into a gold mine of spiritual discerning should also be considered. This Lent is a great time to consider both.

Page 22 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Background: Youth and young adults from St. Elizabeth World Youth Day 2013 in Rio, gave local young adults Ann Seton Parish in Keller and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Pilot Point participate in a Holy Hour at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Botafogo, Brazil, July 23. (Photos this page courtesy of Randell Labio) By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

Anna Carroll experienced something she didn’t expect to find in Brazil — joy. A sophomore at Southern Methodist University, she wanted to g

Brother Timothy Pio Sgoutas, CFR, (center, with guitar) from Fort Worth, leads pilgrims from the Diocese of Fort Worth in Evening Prayer on Sunday, July 28.

Page 23 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Pope commisions young people to become

Cardinals stand beside the altar as Pope Francis celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

RIO DE JANEIRO — Pope Francis commissioned some 3 million young people to join forc- es and form what could be called Missionaries Without Borders. “Where does Jesus

Twelve World Youth Day pilgrims stand with Pope Francis for grace before lunch at the archbishop's residence in Rio de Janeiro July 26. The pope showed the world on his first international trip that his forte as a communicator is the simple, seemingly artless action that resonates powerfully in context. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

Page 24 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 In Brazil, pope’s simple, unscripted actions resonate powerfully By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

RIO DE JANEIRO — If Blessed John Paul II had an actor’s mas- tery of the dramatic gesture and Polish pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro Pope Francis blesses a woman in a wheelchair as he arrives for the closing Pope Benedict XVI engaged the cheer as Pope Francis announces Mass of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo/Ueslei Marcelino, faithful most effectively through that World Youth Day 2016 will Reuters) his learned and lucid writing, take place in Krakow, Poland. (CNS Pope Francis s photo/Paul Haring) Krakow, Poland, to host World Youth 2016 By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

RIO DE JANEIRO — Krakow, Poland, will be the site of the next World Youth Day, in 2016. Po

Page 25 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 The brightly colored robes of Texas CDA regents and state officers, regents from other Texas CDA courts, as well as the bright red robe of Olga Samaniego, second vice national regent (second from left on front row) added a sense of pagaentry to the Centennial Mass in St. Patrick Cathedral, June 22.

Local CDA member Jane Savoy poses with the Catholic Daughters of the America banner commemorating its founding date of June 22, 1913. Beside her is Texas CDA State Regent Peggy Rosales. Catholic Daughters of America’s original Fort Worth court, Court Louise, celebrates its

Concelebrating the Centennial Mass were (L to R) Fr. Jeff Poirot, Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Stephen Berg, and Msgr. Joseph Pemberton.

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

Five young girls sat in the back pew of St. Pat- rick Cathedral on June 22 a The youngsters — age seven to 17 — came to the cathedral for so much to contribute to the Church,” said Msgr. Pemberton, who served as the group’s chaplain during his 15-year tenure as pas- tor of Holy Family Church. “To see so many women come to this event is inspiring.”

Page 26 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Local CDA members Vera Fowlkes and Jackie Berry strike a sisterly pose in the St. This large framed, yellowed document is the original charter Patrick’s Parish of Court Louise, issued in 1913.It was displayed along with Community Pat Dickerson, past regent of Court other memorabilia documenting the organization's history Center. Louise (2010-2012) points out a and honors. The table at right above displays documents and detail in a photo to Rosie Stockwell awards from the Catholic Daughters and proclamations from of Edinburgh, Second Vice Regent for Governor Rick Perry and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. Texas Catholic Daughters of America, photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen

Page 27 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Page 28 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 29 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Lent offers chance to Re-Focus our Lives Re-Boot your spiritual life in Lent

Page 30 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 31 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Local CDA members Vera Fowlkes and Jackie Berry strike a sisterly pose in the St. Patrick's Parish Pastoral Center.

Page 32 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 33 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Father George Foley offers a sneak peak at some of the church art he's assembled New St. Jude Church features art from around the world

By Jerry Circelli Fr. Foley from a Catholic church Correspondent that was closed in Milwaukee. The Stations of the Cross are With dedication of a new church among many artifacts traveling building for St. Jude Parish in from Catholic churches closing in Mansfield only a few months northern cities to the new St. Jude away, local Catholics are abuzz being built in Mansfield. with speculation about what they “When you’re building might find inside. Some have a church and you have these heard that stained-glass win- resources that already exist dows created in the 1850s will somewhere else, why reinvent the be installed, while others tell wheel?” Fr. Foley asked. “So I of life-size statues of the saints thought, ‘Let me go and see what’s carved by artisans in Mexico. Still available.’” Fr. Foley brings his visitor others are talking about an altar Fr. George Foley, pastor of St. Jude Church in Mansfield, pulls back a plastic tarp and pulpit tooled by craftsmen in to reveal a hand-carved white marble altar made by artisans in Vietnam. (NTC to the new church building for a Vietnam from some of the world’s Photo / Jerry Circelli) glimpse of four antique stained- finest marble. The list of Church glass angel windows already treasures being discussed seems In an exclusive interview with After visiting with woodcarv- installed along the top wall. They endless, even to the point of being the North Texas Catholic, St. Jude ers in Mexico last year, Fr. Foley are protected by plastic from dust somewhat unbelievable. Some Church Pastor Father George fell in love with their work. Their stirred up in the final construc- people have even passed along Foley unlocked doors and pulled first creation was a 10-foot figure tion phases of the church interior. rumors that a white marble replica back tarps to reveal cherished of Jesus on the cross. Just recently, The church is filled with painters, of the “Pietà” has been delivered artifacts that will be part of the it was placed 15 feet above the electricians, trim specialists, and a to the parish and will be placed diocese’s newest house of worship. altar in the new church. host of others. inside the church entrance. On the first leg of the jour- “I want this church to be the In all, 30 stained-glass win- The fact of the matter is — ney around the St. Jude Parish focal point for Catholics in the dows will add dramatic color to it’s all true. More than 100 holy grounds, in a peaceful neighbor- town of Mansfield,” said Fr. Foley. the church, including 14 antique treasures have been secured, and hood at the historic center of “I want it to be the place where windows repurposed from closed the new St. Jude Church has been Mansfield, Fr. Foley brings his people can go in and feel they’re churches and 16 transferred constructed to accommodate visitor to the parish center. Mean- in God’s house, they’re in his from the current St. Jude church them. dering through dim hallways, Fr. temple. That’s all I want. I hope building. Foley arrives at his destination — its beauty is something people can Fr. Foley traveled to Boston, Detail of St. Anthony of Padua holding a quiet room tucked away at a far appreciate for the next 100 years.” where he obtained a 163-year-old child Jesus carving. (NTC Photo / Jerry corner of the building. He inserts Ready to arrive any day now stained-glass window depicting Circelli) a key in the door, swings it open, from Mexico are carvings of St. flips on the light switch and says, Kateri Tekakwitha (the first Na- “Meet Padre Pio, St. Anthony tive American saint in the U.S.) of Padua, St. Jude, and a host of and an angel. But sharing space others.” There, standing silently, with the saints already in this but with a presence that fills the temporary storage room are more room, are life-size carved wooden treasures. Along the floor are 14 statues of the saints. ceramic Stations of the Cross, Soon they will take their painted in earth tones and finely places in the new church, but detailed. They were obtained by today they share storage space with 3-foot-high wooden Nativity carvings. Included are Jesus in his Baby Jesus in the manager is among manger, Mary, Joseph, the three the several nativity pieces carved in kings, a shepherd, a burro, and an Mexico for the new church. (NTC Photo ox. All were hand-made in Mexico. / Jerry Circelli)

Page 34 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Beverly Hills, California, donated it. According to the Arte Devine website, the replica is cast in Car- rera marble from a mold derived from the original “Pietà” and produced under license with the Vatican Observatory Foundation. “The result is a precise reproduc- tion that is faithful to the original “Pietà” in every detail,” according to Arte Devine. Admiring the details of the One of four antique angel stained-glass piece, Fr. Foley predicts it may windows high along the wall of the draw crowds. “I think people church.. (NTC Photo / Jerry Circelli) are really going to enjoy seeing Carvers in Apaseo el Alto, Mexico, earlier this year created a 10-foot figure of Jesus that has now been placed above the altar at the new St. Jude Church in Man- this. I hope that the ambience it sfield. (Photo courtesy Fr. George Foley) will bring to the church will lead passion for the entire Catholic people to feel closer to God.” Church is as healthy and vibrant Reflecting on three busy today as it was when he was or- John the Baptist, with an angel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On years of drawing up plans with his dained in Pretoria, South Africa, looking on as he baptizes Christ. tables and along the floor are building committee, working with 55 years ago. A master stained-glass artist in other treasures. the Diocese of Fort Worth, and “God has been very good to England created the piece. Three “I’ve always had a love for recruiting help from dedicated me,” says Fr. Foley, reflecting on additional window panels were antiques,” says Fr. Foley. “They and generous parishioners on the his life and the latest accomplish- also obtained in Boston. never become personal antiques. project, Fr. Foley sometimes has ments about to unfold. Fr. Foley also secured six They become part of the parishes difficulty believing that the trans- “I often think of Solomon. stained-glass window panels from where I serve.” formation is taking place at his David called him in and said, a church that was closed in Min- Just across the street, inside parish in Mansfield. The current ‘God has informed me that I am neapolis. All of the windows are the garage of the church rectory, church seats 667 people, far too not going to build the temple that being reconditioned in Waco. Fr. Foley prepares to unveil a few for a dynamic parish that now I wanted to build and he has cho- The priest makes his way masterpiece. The priest enters a includes 3,700 families. sen you to build it.’ to the sanctuary and draws back security code and up goes the ga- The new church, with a “That this project comes my a large sheet of heavy plastic. rage door. To the right is his SUV, 23,000-square-foot interior, can way while I am in this parish is Beneath it is a white marble altar and to the left is a recasting of seat 1,700 people. just another unbelievable story in from Vietnam. On the front is a Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” The piece A few months away from his my life. I am so happy here. I am stunning carving of Christ and weighs 800 pounds, measures 7 80th birthday, Fr. Foley possesses in utopia as far as I’m concerned, his disciples at the Last Supper. and a half feet high, 6 feet wide, a clear vision for the future of St. as far as Catholicism is concerned. Even a non-believer would have to and 3 and a half feet deep. Arte Jude Church in Mansfield and It’s unbelievable, and I just ask, pause and admire this work of art. Devine, an organization based in an appreciation of its past. His ‘Why me? Why me?’” “Where do you even see something like this?” asks Fr. Stations of the cross and their bases await placement on the walls of the new St. Jude Church building. They were obtained Foley. A marble podium and from a church closed in Milwaukee. (Photo by Fr. George Foley) lectern, also carved in Vietnam, sit nearby and are still uncrated, while a matching baptismal font has just been unpacked. Across the walkway from the new church building are the parish offices. It is here, in a con- ference room adjoining Fr. Foley’s workspace, where more treasures are stored. A beautiful statue of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, obtained from a closed church in Milwau- kee, stands next to a conference table. Near her is a painting, extending from floor to ceiling,

Page 35 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 40 Days for Life rally and vigil begins in Fort Worth, 300 strong

By Jerry Circelli During her brief and compel- Correspondent ling remarks, Podell looked out at the crowd of pro-life support- Along a short bend of road on ers and said, “I can’t tell you how “When a woman decides to John Ryan Drive in Southwest grateful we are at Gladney that have an abortion, her mind Fort Worth exists a strange jux- you guys are going to be here is set. If anything is going to taposition of services — one of- across the street for the next 40 help change her mind, it will fering life for the unborn and the days. I personally think that it is be God. We pray that God other death. The Edna Gladney divine intervention that Planned will help people discover right Center for Adoption and Planned Parenthood happened to go up from wrong.” Parenthood may be next door next to an adoption agency.” — Evangelina Perez, Fort neighbors, but they stand in stark Podell extended her arm in the Worth. Our Lady of Guada- contrast to one another. Planned direction of the Edna Gladney lupe Church Parenthood resembles a bastion Center and continued, “We built set back behind a stone wall, with this sidewalk and gate for women “I’m in the Knights of Co- no hint of what goes on inside. who are looking for another an- Catholic commentator and author lumbus, I’m pro-life, I’m Next door, at the Edna Gladney swer, so they can come through a Catholic and I will do Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, talks to Center for Adoption, the frontage participants at the rally Sept. 25. that gate and find the hope they everything I can to protect is designed with a life-size metal (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) are looking for.” the sanctity of life. Whenever statue of a young boy running Podell invited pro-life volun- I hear of a pro-life event, I’m in the grass, trying to set his kite door to the newly constructed teers to lead women to that adop- there. The people I meet at 40 aloft. Behind him are the words: 19,000-square-foot Planned tion center entrance as they carry Days for Life do great work. “A Future and a Hope.” Parenthood facility. Inside that out their mission, adding, “We They’re very inspiring and It was here, with a clear view building, Planned Parenthood appreciate what you’re doing. God they inspire me.” of Planned Parenthood as the makes available clinical abortions, bless you.” — Jim Shehan, Benbrook, St. backdrop, that organizers of 40 abortion pills, and counseling — With the comfort of knowing Peter the Apostle Church Days for Life kicked off their lo- procedures and prescriptions for there were friends in the neighbor- “This is a huge public wit- cal pro-life prayer vigil Sept. 25. what Blessed Pope John Paul II hood, 40 Days for Life organizers ness. What’s going on in this Fort Worth is one of 306 cities termed, “the culture of death.” continued the rally with keynote country is a holocaust and we participating around the world. just can’t sit by idly and stay This includes 273 locations in the More than 300 participants of different faith backgrounds showed up U.S. and 33 cities in nine other to help kickoff the 2013 40 Days for Life prayer campaign on Sept. 25. at home.” Participants peacefully lined the sidewalk across from the new Planned — Tim Schauf, Aledo, Holy nations. Tens of thousands of vol- Parenthood building in Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) Redeemer Church unteers have made commitments to the 40 Days for Life mission “It’s very important for to end abortion through a vigil people to be aware of what of prayer, fasting, and peaceful goes on here at this abor- activism. The lengthy campaign tion clinic. During the 40 continues through Nov. 3. days that people are out here Although she was not on the praying, they’re going to be agenda to address the 300-plus looking and staring into the people gathered for the 40 Days face of evil.” for Life kick-off, Janice Podell — Chuck Pelletier, Director, was welcomed to the microphone Mother and Unborn Baby Care by organizers of the event. As Center, Catholics United For community education coordi- Life of North Texas nator with the Edna Gladney Center, Podell works right next

Page 36 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 “The ancient pagan Roman empire was no friend to human life. Abortion and infanticide ran rampant,” Karlen said. “Jesus Christ knew that Caesar didn’t have the last word. That’s why he didn’t send disciples out two by two to lobby the Roman senate to legally ban abortion. He sent his disciples out two by two to pro- claim the Gospel, to give witness to the good news of the Lord’s plan for hope, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, and to rescue lost men and women from the clutches (L-R) Roque Magallanes, Olga Watson, Anne Landry, Mary Berger, and Julie Tembrek pray the Rosary together during outside the Planned Parenthood of Satan.” Karlen concluded with a chal- Anne Landry of St. Maria Goretti clinic in Southwest Fort Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) Parish in Arlington prays the Ro- lenge for volunteers. Pointing to sary with other parishioners during speaker Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Planned Parenthood. He said the Planned Parenthood building, 40 Days for Life Oct. 11, outside who holds a Ph.D. in Theology they were all “victims,” just as the he said, “They have built a fortress Planned Parenthood in Southwest and Biblical Interpretation. He di- unborn babies are victims of the here. How else can I describe that, Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan rects the Crossroads Initiative, an abortion industry. D’Ambrosio except as an abortion fortress? Guajardo) international apostolate of evan- asked the crowd to pray for fami- They are counting on us getting gelization and renewal, is a New lies, employees, and babies “so we tired and going away,” he said. York Times best-selling author, can say down the road, when this “I know that you won’t let and has appeared on national tele- clinic is closed, that we were part them outlast you, because you vision news shows. of this battle and the battle was understand the stakes,” Karlen For the Fort Worth audi- won by love.” told the crowd. “You know this ence, D’Ambrosio quoted Saint Emcee Steve Karlen, who is a matter of life and death. I Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always. serves as the director of North know that they won’t outlast you I shall say it again: rejoice!” – Phi- American outreach for 40 Days because you will fight the good lippians 4:4 for Life, echoed D’Ambrosio’s fight. You will finish the race. You “There is cause for rejoicing comments. He encouraged volun- will keep the faith, because you — right here,” D’Ambrosio said, look- teers to remain strong and stead- the body of Christ, his hands and ing toward the new $6.5 million fast over the next 40 days. his feet — will come here to bring Planned Parenthood building. “Don’t despair,” Karlen said. the light of Christ to this place Christopher Abrego, a UTA He explained that in 2004, 40 “We have our Lord and Savior that is so desperately in need of it. graduate student, prays the Rosary during 40 Days for Life on Oct. 11 Days for Life started in front of Jesus Christ who knows what it’s “The light shines in the dark- outside Planned Parenthood in a Planned Parenthood clinic in like to walk in our shoes. He min- ness and the darkness does not Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Bryan/College Station and contin- istered in a world similar to ours. overcome it. Let us begin.” Juan Guajardo) ued there for three years before it expanded globally. Last month, he L-R) Sharon explained, the Planned Parenthood Brown, and Walter facility in Bryan/College Station Brauer and his closed. If it could happen there, it wife, Tamita, all could happen here, he explained. from St. Michael's Parish in Bedford, D’Ambrosio also discussed pray together new abortion restrictions in Texas during 40 Days for that are helping to close abor- Life on October 11 tion clinics and save unborn lives. outside Planned As people at the rally cheered, Parenthood in Southwest Fort D’Ambrosio cautioned, “It’s a Worth. (NTC Photo tremendous victory, but the battle / Juan Guajardo) is still on.” He implored volunteers not to cast judgment on the moth- ers or employees walking into

Page 37 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 November 3, Thirty-first we instantly knew each other. visiting impoverished areas, gawk- Sunday in Ordinary Time. There was no condemnation in ing and taking photos as though her gaze, although I felt over- at a poverty “theme park.” Indeed, Cycle C: Readings: dressed in my normal clothes. But if people come just to take a look 1) Wisdom 11:22-12:2 her eyes held me and said, unmis- as detached observers, it’s grossly Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 takably, “Remember me.” disrespectful, and the grumbling 2) Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 At that moment I knew I had is justified. Gospel) Luke 19:1-10 to change my attitude toward But, just as Jesus wanted to others. I knew that from then on, dine at Zacchaeus’ home, some- By Jean Denton I had to join my life to the life of times the poor want us to see and remember having a Zacchaeus this girl and to make her, and oth- know them. They want to spend Imoment once, and it changed er people struggling in difficult time with us sinners who’ve never my life, just as it changed the life circumstances, my concern. before paid them much attention of Zacchaeus, the main character Since that encounter I’ve been or even considered a relation- back to Haiti many times. There ship with them. Incredibly, they in this week’s Gospel. “He has gone to stay at I was on my first visit to Hai- and elsewhere, I’ve heard grum- welcome us! ti, straggling behind my group the house of a sinner.” bling. Just as Jesus’ disciples com- Few things are as earthshak- of Catholic journalists, priests – Luke 19:713 plained about Him eating with ing as such an experience. It is and Protestant ministers walking sinners, some people who have Jesus in the flesh. through a crowded maze of shan- understand its meaning and relate invested much time and work I always will remember that ties in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince’s to it. serving the poor of the Third young girl, how she drew me in worst slum. Then someone in a doorway World complain about people and opened my life to Christ. Overwhelmed by this impov- caught my eye. She was a girl of erished mass of humanity, I felt about 15, pregnant and holding small and insignificant, but I very a small child. Her feet were bare, QUESTIONS: much wanted to see it. I searched her T-shirt dirty and torn. She Have you ever had a Zacchaeus moment? How have you experienced the scene before me for a way to looked straight into my eyes and Jesus coming to you in a personal way? How has it changed you?

November 10, Thirty-sec- “[God] is not God of the dead, All were great, God-loving when we have lost someone we love people. Two seemed to be taken dearly. Nonetheless, the fact that ond Sunday in Ordinary but of the living, for to him all are too soon, and the other’s passing death is not the end is a core tenet Time. Cycle C. Readings: alive.” was “just right,” if that makes any of our faith. 1) 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 - Luke 20:388 sense. In my faith-filled mind, The only way I know to really Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 I know our destiny is death and embrace this truth is simply to let 2) 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 resurrection and eternity with go and believe. My mind will never Gospel) Luke 20:27-38 Jesus. In my flesh-feeling heart, fully grasp it so I have to just fall it just hurts. Increasingly, as my into this truth. Years ago, I wrote a By Jeff Hedglen years grow longer, I know many song with this sentiment in mind: I don’t think I will ever un- more stories of life ending - yet I Falling into the arms of Jesus/ derstand it. I probably am not have no more answers. supposed to, but it bothers me As a human, death is our There I find the trust that I seek./ that life can end so suddenly for destiny; as a Christian, it is not our Falling into the arms of Jesus/ some, and for others it can end destination. In this week’s Gospel, like a light that you move away Jesus says that God “is not God of There I go, oh, when I am weak./ from ever so slowly. the dead, but of the living, for to You watch it teasingly flicker, him all are alive.” What an amaz- Falling into the arms of Jesus/ then come back, then flicker ingly beautiful truth. Yet, it is a That is when I know that I am again, going on and on as hopes truth that is not easy to hold on to home. repeatedly rise and fall until fi- nally - agonizingly - it goes out. The first example just hap- Still, for others life ends with pened to a friend. QUESTIONS: hundreds of kisses each night be- The second was my mother. How does hearing Jesus say that everyone is alive in the eyes of God fore bed after 60 wonderful years The third was my brother’s help you understand death? What do you most want to remember of marriage. in-laws. about someone you love who has passed into eternity?

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November 17, Thirty-third “By your perseverance you will Through Fire and Flood.) Typically devastation, persecution, and suf- Sunday in Ordinary Time. secure your lives.” after such disasters, the indomi- fering, Jesus assures his disciples - Luke 21:19 table parishioners would roll up that He will preserve them from Cycle C. Readings: their sleeves, rebuild trouble if they but persevere and 1) Malachi 3:19-20a their beloved houses trust Him. Psalm 98:5-9 of worship and start Easier said than done, 2) 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 over. right? Gospel) Luke 21:5-19 If the churches It’s human nature, when of Texas immi- threatened by destruction and By Sharon K. Perkins grants were that chaos, to either try to escape the magine a European Catholic important to their danger, deny that it exists, or find Iimmigrating to the United spiritual stability, our own solutions and fix the situ- States in the late 1800s, leav- the magnificent ation. The readings today call for ing home, family, and familiar Jerusalem Temple in none of these. Rather, according customs behind. Unable to speak today’s Gospel was to the advice of St. Paul, we are to English very well, the immigrant even more central to roll up our proverbial sleeves, con- and his family find friendship, a the life of the first- duct ourselves in an orderly and network of support and the famil- century Jew. Hence exemplary manner, do the work iar sounds of their native language ture destroyed by a violent storm Jesus’ warning of its utter destruc- God has given us to do, and per- - in the parish church. that demolishes all but the steeple. tion, of “wars and insurrections,” severe until the day that the same Imagine that same church, In 19th and early-20th-century “earthquakes, famines, and earth, sea, and sky, which caused which had been so lovingly con- South Texas, it was not unheard plagues,” must have been terrify- so much havoc, unite in joyful structed a few years before, and of for little country churches and ing and almost inconceivable. Yet praise to the Lord who brings which was the anchor of their schools to succumb to tornadoes, even in the face of such certain “justice with its healing rays.” social and spiritual lives, burn- hurricanes, or fires, sometimes ing to the ground. But even that more than once. (In fact, a his- QUESTIONS: wouldn’t compare to the anguish tory of the Texas Catholic Church Have you experienced the loss of someone or something that provided of seeing the newly rebuilt struc- during that period is aptly named stability in your life? How were you able to persevere in hope and trust?

November 24, Feast of our “For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” particle “the god particle,” it Lord Jesus Christ, King would be necessary to proclaim in - Colossians 1:19 an unmistakable manner the mes- of the Universe. Cycle C. in his Letter to the Colossians of sage of St. Paul to the Colossians. Readings: Jesus, and referring to the Messiah St. Paul also says of Jesus that “in 1) 2 Samuel 5:1-3 as the “image of the invisible God, him were created all things in Psalm 122:1-5 the firstborn of all creation. … He heaven and on earth, the visible 2) Colossians 1:12-20 is before all things, and in him all and the invisible” and that “all things hold together.” Gospel) Luke 23:35-43 things were created through him Perhaps it’s no coincidence and for him.” that Pope Paul VI changed the Perhaps it’s simply a matter of By Jeff Hensley name of the feast to encompass God in his wisdom allowing us aving been writing about all of creation the same year that a peek at the grand and glorious Heach week’s Scripture read- Neil Armstrong took a few steps extent of the cosmos and who it ings for a number of years, I on the moon. Perhaps Pope Paul is who rules it - even before we was shocked to find that I’d not anticipated that in our day, when had any idea just how much of it noticed that the name of the liturgical calendar. particle physics declares a tiny there was. feast of Christ the King, the last The Scripture readings for Sunday of the liturgical year, is this week reflect a similar change now named the feast of Our Lord in perspective, from the Old Tes- QUESTIONS: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe tament expectation of the Messi- Do you ever become confused about just how great God is? Do you - and has been since 1969 when ah, or anointed one, coming as a think it’s possible to project the degree of God’s compassion and power Pope Paul VI made changes to the king of Israel, to St. Paul writing from this cosmic view of his power?

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December 1, First Sun- “For our salvation is nearer now than when we offer. Consequently, they were day of Advent. Cycle A. first believed; … put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” swept away in a flood. It’s the ultimate case of what Readings: - Romans 13:11,14 we call missing the boat. 1) Isaiah 2:1-5 family offer what she says is be- Libby has realized she can’t Psalm 122:1-9 coming a tiresome refrain: “One control or know when the right 2) Romans 13:11-14 day, when you aren’t looking for person will come along to share Gospel) Matthew 24:37-44 him, he’ll come along.” She has her life. But while she keeps a standard response: “I’m 30. I watching for him, she is prepar- By JeanDenton want to have a family. I’m always ing herself to be able to fully love read in a recent magazine looking.” and serve another. She is trying Iarticle that an increasing num- As we enter the season of Ad- to be more generous and selfless; ber of young American women vent, hopefully that same intensity she is practicing patience, forgive- are choosing to remain single. characterizes our desire for God in ness, and kindness, so that her Although they may enjoy dating our lives - so that we are always hoped-for partner will find in her and the company of men, they looking for Him. Our human na- everything he needs. wish to pursue careers or other ture, as God created it, constantly So it must be as we watch con- interests unencumbered by com- wants deeper meaning that only stantly for God. We practice the mitments to spouse and children, God can provide. For that, we explained, that they weren’t look- ways of Christ so that whenever it explained. watch and wait. ing for God and hadn’t prepared He comes to enter our lives we are Not so for Libby, the But the Scriptures for this for the possibility of a new, more prepared to return his love and 30-something woman in my fam- week urge us to more than simple meaningful life that God would serve Him in gratitude. ily. She has long desired to have watchfulness. “You also must a husband and children, and she be prepared,” Jesus Himself told QUESTIONS: makes no secret of the fact. But his disciples. Their forefathers in How can you prepare yourself for Christ to enter your life? What spe- she hasn’t found the right man. the days of Noah got so lost in cific attitudes and behaviors do you need to change in order to be one Well-meaning friends and their selfish, worldly interests, He with Him?

December 8, Second Sun- “He will baptize you with the It was like being born again. day of Advent. Cycle A. This week’s readings tell of Holy Spirit and fire.” similar, though admittedly much Readings: - Matthew 3:11 weightier, new beginnings. Isaiah 1) Isaiah 11:1-10 speaks of a “day” when lions will Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 lie with lambs and babies will 2) Romans 15:4-9 play with cobras. The Gospel tells Gospel) Matthew 3:1-12 tally new environment. of the great moment when John The first day of school was the Baptist calls for repentance nerve-racking. Yet, I distinctly and announces the One who will By Jeff Hedglen remember the moment a new door usher in the change foretold by grew up in Michigan. In el- was opened and my life changed. Isaiah and take this prophecy Iementary school, I had a num- It was my first class, History. The a step further to send the Holy ber of friends. We played whiffle girl in front of me, a cheerleader, Spirit and fire. ball in a vacant lot, built forts in turned around and said, “Hi.” I One of the paradoxes of our the woods, spent the night in a was flabbergasted! I could not be- faith is that God never changes, pop-up trailer, and did regular person. Maybe they were the ones lieve someone of the “social” class but when we follow God, we childhood guy kinds of things. who changed. Maybe I should at school gave me the time of day. never stay the same. As Christ- Everything was great. Then came have changed to be friends with It was then that I realized that mas approaches let us beseech the junior high school. them. Whatever the reason, they this move to Texas was an oppor- unchanging God of change and I have no idea what happened, became the cool kids, and I was tunity to start over. These people brace ourselves for the new things but when school began, some left to be in a “lower” class in the had not left me behind in junior that await us, most of which will of my friends from the previ- schoolyard. high. They had no idea who I was. not be under the tree. ous school year left me in their Halfway through my tenth collective dust. It was befud- grade year, my family moved to QUESTIONS: dling and a bit heartbreaking. Texas. I was uprooted from all I Was there ever a time when you had a new beginning in your life? What As far as I knew, I was the same had known and planted in a to- are you doing to prepare the way of the Lord in your life this Advent?

Page 40 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Word to life December 15, Third Sun- “See how the farmer waits for the of baptizing young children rests to the faith development of their day of Advent. Cycle A. precious fruit of the earth, being upon the assumption that parents, adult members. patient with it until it receives the grandparents, and godparents will Advent calls us to a patient Readings: indeed continue what the waters waiting for the coming of the Lord early and the late rains.” 1) Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 of baptism have begun, helping - but not a passive one. As the Psalm 146:6-10 -James 5:7 youngsters to develop deep roots seeds in the earth receive heaven’s 2) James 5:7-10 of trust in God that will serve moisture at critical times, taking Gospel) Matthew 11:2-11 them later in life. it in and developing to full poten- However, our historical tial, so too must we eagerly receive By Sharon K. Perkins emphasis on catechizing chil- the life-giving grace of God that is aving spent all of my dren has often caused Catholics available to us as adults, nurturing Hformative years on a farm to neglect the “late rains” that the transforming presence of Jesus with a father who raised field enable adult faith to mature in our lives through communal crops, I became intensely aware and bear fruit. It’s a familiar worship, prayer, works of service, of the importance of rain - as story - adults who were “sac- and even study. well as the timing of its arrival. ramentalized” as children but Only then can we become as My dad was almost obsessed who left the Church soon after fruitful as God intends for us to with the daily weather forecast, drier years the corn crop was often Confirmation, never to return, be. Only then can we become, like and for good reason. If rain didn’t characterized by scorched, stunted or parishes that expended most of John the Baptist, the messengers fall soon after the planting, either stalks and underdeveloped ears of their resources on programs for who truly prepare the way for the seeds didn’t sprout at all or the grain, all for lack of moisture. young people with nary a thought Christ in the world. young seedlings weren’t able to put Faith can be likened to a crop down adequate roots. in that it requires nurturing to Another critical time was help it grow. Much talk focuses QUESTIONS: when the plants were maturing on the important role of parents As an adult, what have you done to intentionally nurture your faith and and forming the seed heads that as primary educators of their help it mature? What do you find most helpful to your growth in Christ were to be harvested. Thus, in children in the faith. The practice - communal worship, private prayer, works of service, or study?

December 22, Fourth instructions about how we are to “Behold, the virgin shall live our lives. Such instructions Sunday of Advent. Cycle A. conceive and bear a son, come through sources as diverse Readings: and they shall name him as Micah’s simple admonition to 1) Isaiah 7:10-14 Emmanuel.” act justly and walk humbly with God and Jesus’ teachings to put Psalm 24:1-6 - Matthew 1:23ab 2) Romans 1:1-7 others first. Gospel) Matthew 1:18-24 Pope Francis is asking all of us to be more active in reaching out to invite those who feel estranged By Jeff Hensley from the Church. He asks us to be hough I don’t recall Pope mindful of the needs of the poor, TFrancis using the term and he doesn’t mince words. “dream” or “prophecy” to describe conceive, and bear a son, and shall ‘God is with us.’” Personally, I know I can’t do what he has been asking of the name him Emmanuel.” Contrast this with Paul’s everything, but I also know that church, his statements often have In the Gospel, an angel ap- introduction to his Letter to the I can do something. Since I know that feel to them. He speaks pears to Joseph in a dream, telling Romans. It is a straightforward that our God is a God who speaks prophetically, minus the old King him to not “be afraid to take statement of who Paul is, but more to his people and expects their James language: “Thus saith the Mary your wife into your home. importantly, who Jesus is. obedience, I’m determined to try Lord.” … She will bear a son and you Most of what we know about to do the last thing I think God Two of the readings for this are to name him Jesus.” Then the the will of God for our lives comes asked of me. He doesn’t like for us weekend do speak of dreams and angel tells Joseph point blank that in statements like this and in to be inattentive. prophecies. Isaiah speaks in ap- all this is “to fulfill what the Lord parent anger when Ahaz refuses had said through the prophet: ‘Be- to ask God for a sign. Then Isaiah hold, the virgin shall conceive and announces the coming of the Lord bear a son, and they shall name QUESTIONS: given as a sign: “The virgin shall him Emmanuel,’ which means Is God asking you to reach out to others in invitation or charity?

Page 41 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Página 42 North Texas Catholic Septiembre / Octubre 2013 Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada

Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual in- apropiada por parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro del clero, puede repor- tarlo de las siguientes maneras: ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordina- dora de asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico a [email protected] ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560- 2452, Ext. 900 ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por el canciller/mod- erador de la curia, el monseńor Stephen Berg. Mecanismo para reportar abuso Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Servicios de protección (Servicios de protección de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400.

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Page 46 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER /DecemBER 2013 Page 47 North Texas Catholic NovEMBER / DecemBER 2013 Good Newsmaker

Former Swiss Guard passes on lessons learned from Blessed Pope John Paul II

By Jerry Circelli / Correspondent

Photo courtesy Andreas Widmer Pope John Paul II expressed appreciation for the work of Swiss Guard Andreas Widmer from his first day on the job to his last. It was a lesson in leadership that would change the young man’s life.

CONTINUED ON pAGE 47

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