Celebrating 25 Years of Service by Permanent Deacons Formed in and for the Diocese

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 30 No. 7 November / December 2014

Celebrating 25 years of service by permanent deacons formed in and for the diocese

The first class of 17 permanent deacons formed in a Diocese of Fort Worth- conceived and executed program are vested, ordained, and greet one another with fraternal hugs after their ordination in 1989. (NTC file photos)

Preparing for a new Permanent Deacon Formation class Juan Rendon, who will head the newly re-activated Permanent Deacon Formation Program, says, “It’s exciting to build on a foundation that was laid previously and improve on it.” P. 38 Español In addition to designing a formation program, he will head efforts P. 50 to find deacon candidates “who do their best to live out the Gospel in the community.” Juan Rendon waiting for an appointment at the diocesan Catholic Center (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) 10 YOUNG CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS In This Issue... Fairly new in the diocese and only the second chapter in the country, the YCP group offers young Catholics a chance ST. PATRICK LEADER ART 15 to connect, grow in their faith, and DICKERSON HONORED BY FFHL 10 grow professionally. About 300 supporters of the Franciscan WORLD YOUTH DAY KRAKOW Foundation for the Holy Land gathered 12 With memories of WYD Rio still fresh, recently to join in honoring Art the diocese is in full-scale preparation Dickerson for his generous and genuine mode for WYD 2016 in Poland, where support of the Christian population of Bishop Olson will join the pilgrimage, the Holy Land. sharing the full experience with the youth and young adults taking in the holy places of Poland, celebrating the events with the pope. THREE LONG-TERM CATHOLIC 18 CENTER EMPLOYEES HONORED 12 On three separate days of leave-taking, EMERGING BECOMES THRIVE long term employees of the diocese: 14 Fort Worth’s Young Adult Ministry and Executive Administrative Assistant Carol its Dallas equivalent, will join up as Watson, Superintendent of Catholic Emerging merges with THRIVE. Hopes Schools Don Miller, and Director of are for huge numbers as young adults Youth and Young Adult Ministry Kevin come together to know their faith Prevou were honored by hundreds of better, worship, and hear nationally their co-workers, friends, and family 14 known speakers. members for their contributions to the work of the Church of North Texas. 34 40 DAYS PRAYER VIGIL KICKS OFF As 40 Days for Life campaigns kicked off around the globe seeking to end In the Spirit of St. Francis: 33 abortion, more than 150 gathered in Pet blessing at St. Maria Goretti Southwest Fort Worth to start the Fort Many of our churches observe St. Worth campaign near the Planned Francis’ of Assissi’s birthday with the Parenthood facility there. blessing of the animals. NTC writer and 30 photographer Juan Guajardo catches 37 RESPECT LIFE GALA SETS RECORDS the owners’ and their pets’ startled More people attended and more money responses as the blessed sprinkles ﬂ y at was bid on auction items at the 10th St. Maria Goretti. annual Bishop’s Respect Life Gala. In his ﬁ rst year addressing the banquet as bishop, Bishop Olson left no doubt as to his role in defending life from conception to natural death. And he challenged the audience to be transparent, honest, and truthful, that the world might see Christ 37 in us.

PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Permanent Diaconate marks milestone, prepares for future

hether you are interested in becoming a permanent deacon Wor are simply one of us who admires these men who have taken on the work of serving the poor, the ill, and a little bit of all of the work of the Church, be sure to read Joan Kurkowski Gillen’s story on the 25th anniversary of the Permanenet Deacon Forma- PUBLISHER: Editorial Oﬃ ce: 800 West Bishop Michael Olson Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, tion Program in the diocese beginning on p. 38. Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; These fine men who take on Holy Orders, while most often COMMUNICATIONS FAX (817) 244-8839. maintaining their secular employment for the support of their DIRECTOR: Pat Svacina Circulation Offi ce: Pam Quat- trochi, 800 West Loop 820 families, make a choice to follow God that requires a great deal EDITOR: Jeff Hensley S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. from them and those families. Yet, by their own account, they have ASSOCIATE EDITOR: NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC received much in return as they have followed out their vocations. Tony Gutiérrez Newsmagazine (USPS Like the vast majority of those who serve the Church in the priest- 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: is published bi-monthly plus hood, they are happy with their choice. Judy Russeau one special issue in January We have a special package of deacons’ personal remembrances by the Most Rev. Michael F. WEB DESIGNER: Olson, Bishop of the Diocese available on the Web only, (northtexascatholic.org) gathered by Chris Kastner of Fort Worth, 800 W. Loop our Wichita Falls correspondent, Jenara Kocks Burgess. I men- 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas CIRCULATION: Pam 76108. For those who are tion it because I find her collection of the personal stories of eight Quattrochi not registered parishioners of the original 17 deacons ordained for our diocese in that first in the Diocese of Fort Worth, CONTRIBUTORS: subscription rates are $18 for Fort Worth-conceived and carried out program of formation to be Michele Baker one year, $35 for two years, extraordinary — and I’m afraid you might miss it. $50 for three years. Periodical The package of stories is a jewel, as a tale of human service Jenara Kocks Burgess postage paid at Fort Worth, Jaqueline Burkepile Texas. POSTMASTER: Send ad- and sacrifice, told in the voices of these men, who have endured in Jerry Circelli dress changes to North Texas their calling for more than 25 years now. Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Juan Guajardo Fort Worth, Texas 76108. They have visited the sick and dying, even offering little Kathy Cribari Hamer Deadline for information for “sermonettes” as Deacon Jim Poole termed it, to congregations of Joan Kurkowski-Gillen the North Texas Catholic is one, to bring both the Eucharist and the presence of the Church to noon of the Wednesday two Michael McGee weeks before the paper is their bedsides. Wendy Pandolfo published. The NTC is pub- They have witnessed the passing of their spouses, women lished bi-monthly, the third Nicki Prevou Friday of the month, with formed in the whole body of knowledge that helps inform the Donna Ryckaert the following two months as diaconate, women who served at their husbands’ sides for decades the date of each issue. following their ordinations. TRANSLATORS: To access current news and Reyna Castelan information, fi nd us at www. They have grieved, and found comfort in their deep relation- Pedro Moreno northtexascatholic.org ships with our Lord and in the rhythms of praying the Divine The appearance of advertis- Office every day, as Deacon Ray Lamarre recalls. REGULAR COLUMNISTS: ing in these pages does not They have drawn on their own experience in helping develop Denise Bossert imply endorsement of busi- nesses, services, or products. programs of marriage preparation, their knowledge of family life Marlon De La Torre Readers must exercise in helping bring RCIA programs into compliance with diocesan Jean Denton prudence in responding to advertising in all media. norms. Kathy Cribari Hamer They have worked with pastors and parishioners to build new Jeff Hedglen church buildings and remodel and refurbish old ones. Jeff Hensley They have been a part of the life of our churches, and like our Fr. Carmen Mele, OP priests, offer an image of Jesus the Servant that can make all of us David Mills proud to be part of their stories. Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Jeff Hensley Fr. James Wilcox

PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 OUR SHEPHERD SPEAKS

We must trust the Holy Spirit, and preach the whole Gospel

rust the Holy Spirit, be yourselves, and “Tresist the temptation to change your There is a confidence about the Pope people — but accompany them on the way of conversion.” These are the words that I most that is marked by the direct honesty of remember as being spoken by Pope Francis to me and to 139 other bishops ordained and installed during this past year. My recent time an authentically humble man. He is a spent in Rome took on more of the character of a retreat with fellow bishops than that of a man who is very much himself — the vacation. The nine days included lectures, time for prayer together, Mass concelebrated at the confidently loved disciple of Jesus. tomb of St. Peter, and the audience with Pope Francis. The opportunity to be received by the “Be yourselves.” There is a confidence company each other on this way of conversion Holy Father with bishops from all over the about the Pope that is marked by the direct and resist the temptation to preach anything world whom I had recently gotten to know on honesty of an authentically humble man. He less than the entire Gospel that we have re- this retreat, offered me the experience that it is a man who is very much himself — the conceived from Christ that many will be able to is indeed a “small world” but an even smaller fidently loved disciple of Jesus. When I spoke hear Him call them each by name. Church. It was truly joyful for me to listen directly with the Pope, I shared with him that to and share stories with bishops who are all of the people of the Diocese of Fort Worth adjusting to the change in ministry that each — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, people of all of us are experiencing. Each of us carried the faiths, and even people of no religious faith people of our respective dioceses with us in our — love him and pray for him. He smiled and prayers, thoughts, and intentions. asked me to convey his thanks to them and the + Bishop Michael F. Olson, STD, MA The substance of these words of encour- promise of his prayers. Diocese of Fort Worth agement and guidance directed to us by Pope “Accompany the people on the way of Francis were very much reflected in the char- conversion.” I asked the Holy Father to please acter of the Pope as he spent time with each pray for vocations to the priesthood and of us. “Trust the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Fa- religious life in the Fort Worth Diocese. He ther is very much a man who trusts the Holy smiled and promised that he would do so and Spirit in all that he says and does in service then he added — “Trust the Holy Spirit and to the entire Church. This is especially seen preach the Gospel, the WHOLE Gospel — in his beautiful gift of joy that he shared with and the vocations will come.” So as I carried me and with my brother bishops as he took each and all of you in my prayers on my pil- time to receive each of the 140 of us present grimage to the Holy See, I carry this message for this audience. back to you from our Holy Father. Let’s ac-

PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Pope Francis and Bishop Olson beam as they greet one another Bishop Michael Olson traveled to Rome in September to meet with the pope and the other bishops of the Church from around the world who had been ordained and installed in the last year, for instruction, prayer, worship, and fellowship.

Above: Above Right: Bishop Michael Olson Bishop Michael Olson kisses Pope Francis’ approaches Pope ring as a sign of his Francis in a receiving union with and loyal line for a personal word obedience to the pope. and greeting.

Right: Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with 140 new bishops from around the world — including Bishop Michael F. Olson — at the Vatican Sept. 18. The pope encouraged bishops to be as vigilant and courageous as sentinels keeping watch over the faith, and as forgiving and patient as Moses. (CNS photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO)

PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Catholic Schools Office announces free/ reduced-price lunch and milk programs The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools has announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children who are unable to pay for meals served under the National School Breakfast and Lunch, Free Milk, or Commodity School programs. The following parochial schools will participate in the National School Lunch Program: All Saints, St. George, Our Mother of Mercy, and Our Lady of Victory, St. Rita, and St. Peter the Apostle, all in Fort Worth; Sacred Heart, Muenster; Notre Dame Elementary, Wichita Falls; St. Mary’s, Gainesville. St. Maria Goretti School in Arlington will participate in the free and reduced-price milk program. Under current guidelines, applicants for the free and reduced-price lunch program must list all incomes by source, such as Social Security, wages, child support, and pension for each household member. Everyone wanting to participate in the program must apply again this year at their respective schools, including children who qualified for free/reduced meals during the last school year. A child must be registered in school before an application will be accepted. Participants will be noti- fied within one week after applying if their children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches or milk. In the operation of child-feeding programs, no child will be dis- criminated against because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or 90,478 85,944 handicap.

Correction to Clergy Assignments for the Diocese of Fort Worth Rev. Albert Francis Kanjiranthumkal, HGN, upon presentation by the Provincial of the Heralds of the Good News – Mother Theresa Province is appointed Sacramental Priest, Sacred Heart Parish, Seymour and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Megargel from Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick Cathedral Parish, Fort Worth, effective September 6, 2014

Rev. John Perikomalayil, HGN, upon presentation by the Pro- vincial of the Heralds of the Good News – Mother Theresa Province is appointed Sacramental Priest, St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland and Santa Rose Parish, Knox City effective September 6, 2014..

The North Texas Catholic is seeking freelance correspondents The North Texas Catholic is looking for good, practicing Catho- lics with journalistic experience to cover events and write features. We are also seeking reporters who can write original news or feature content in Spanish. Those interested must have taken, or be willing to take the Diocese of Fort Worth’s “Keeping Children Safe” program. If you are interested in writing news and/or feature articles for the NTC, please send samples of your published work to the editor, Jeff Hensley, at [email protected], or to the associate editor, Tony Gutiérrez, at [email protected]. Archbishop Kurtz hopes CHURCH, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL Hunger in a world of synod’s final report will NEWSBRIEFS wasted food is a tragic ‘refine and clarify’ paradox, pope says Archbishop Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., greets VATICANVA CITY (CNS) — Provid- Cardinal Raymundo iningg food aid to people in need is not Damasceno Assis of enoughen to eradicate world hunger, Pope Aparecida, Brazil, as FrFrancisa said. they leave the morning A n overhau l of t he entire fra mework session of the extraordi- ooff aid policies and food production is nary Synod of Bishops ne e de d s o t h at c ou nt r ie s c a n b e i n c h a r g e (CNS / PAUL HARING) of ttheir own agricultural markets, he said. “For how long will systems of pro- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Arch- Archbishop Kurtz was one of 18 bishops dductionu and consumption that exclude bishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, in his English-speaking group, which also ththee majority of the world’s population A vendor rests at his stall that has Kentucky, said he hoped the final included Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of evevene from the crumbs that fall from spoiled vegetables under a table report of the Synod of Bishops on Washington, one of nine members as- tthehe tables of the rich continue to be in Quezon City, Philippines. In his the family would improve on the as- signed to draft the synod’s final report. ddefended?”e he asked. statement for World Food Day, sembly’s midterm report in celebrat- The archbishop said his group com- The pope made his comments in a Pope Francis called for an overhaul ing exemplary families, encouraging pleted its work that morning, and had mmessagee marking the Oct. 16 celebration of the framework for food produc- missionary outreach, and emphasizing arrived at its recommendations with ooff World Food Day, a commemora- tion and aid policies. (CNS PHOTO/ that the church’s pastoral efforts must “great unanimity.” ttionio sponsored by the U.N. Food and ROLEX DELA PENA, EPA) be grounded in Scripture and Catholic Archbishop Kurtz said the group’s AAgricultureg Organization to highlight teaching. proposed changes had three basic pur- ththee global fight against hunger and the products destroyed, and price specula- The archbishop, president of the poses: “to highlight the importance of neneed to help farmers and farm workers. tion in the name of the god of profit. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the witness of sacrificial, loving families The U.N. organization estimates “To eradicate hunger, it’s not enough spoke to reporters Oct. 15 about the today,” to encourage a missionary spirit tthatha 842 million people are chronically to overcome the food gaps of those who process of recommending amendments of “reaching out and accompanying hhungry,u but that many more die or suffer are less fortunate or to assist those who to the midterm report, which Hungar- people, starting where people are,” and ththee ill effects of inadequate nutrition. live in emergency situations with help ian Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom- “to locate clearly our pastoral avenues CClosel to 7 million children die before and aid,” he said. Budapest delivered two days earlier. and pastoral outreach ... within the ttheirhe fifth birthday every year, 162 mil- “Rather, it is necessary to change Cardinal Erdo’s address stirred con- beauty of sacred Scripture and our llionio children under 5 are stunted, while the paradigm of aid and development troversy inside and outside the synod Church teaching.” at thet same time, 500 million people are policies, modify international regula- hall with its strikingly conciliatory Asked about the midterm report’s call oobese,b its latest figures say. tions concerning agricultural produc- language toward people in situations for the church to recognize the “positive In his written message, Pope Francis tion and commerce — guaranteeing contrary to Church teaching. reality” of non-marital unions when they sas ai id it i s “one of t he mo s t t r a g ic pa r a doxe s countries where agriculture represents Following the cardinal’s address, reflect “authentic family values,” the ooff our time” that there can be so many the foundation of their economy and the 191 synod fathers split into 10 dis- archbishop said his group had sought pepeople going hungry where there is an their survival the self-determination of cussion groups organized by language. to “refine and clarify what that means.” “e“enormousn quantity of food wasted, their own agricultural markets.” ‘PlacePlace thethe poorpoor’’ aheadahead ofof everything,everything CatholicCatholic CharitiesCharities workers workers toldtold CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) — Pov- throughout this nation,” said Gerard everything you do. “I would rather have a wounded and erty, in particular understanding its Carter, executive director of Catholic “You are the very hands of Jesus in stained Church that’s out in the street, root causes and finding innovative ways Charities Diocese of Charlotte, which the world. Your witness helps change the rather than having a Church that’s ill to reduce it, was the focus of Catholic hosted the event. course of many people, many families because of staying behind locked doors, Charities USA’s annual national gath- A message from Pope Francis could and many communities,” he continued. comfortable and clinging to the safety ering Oct. 4-7 in Charlotte. not have been more fitting for the 500- He said he was grateful to God “for of the status quo,” he said. Discussions had extra urgency plus people from Catholic Charities the work each and every one of you do The Church’s charitable outreach given the stagnating number of Ameri- agencies and partners across the United on a daily basis.” He reminded them efforts must help people not only survive cans living at or below the poverty line. St ate s a s t he y op ene d t hei r pro c e e d i n g s . that since day one of his papacy, he but thrive, said Father Larry Snyder, the “This is our opportunity to come “Be merciful,” the pope said, speak- has been telling the whole Church that outgoing president of Catholic Charities together as providers of critical life ing in his native Spanish in a person- “going out in the street could get you USA. This was his 10th and last an- services to nearly 10 million of our alized video message. “I ask you to bruised, staying in your home behind nual gathering as head of the national economically poor sisters and brothers place the poor ahead of yourselves in locked doors is safe.” network of local agencies.

PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 JPII Foundation for DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Memorial Mass for Life and Family’s NEWSBRIEFS Children Who Died Arland Nichols Diocesan schools deliver supplies for Before Baptism addresses UNT unaccompanied immigrant children offers peace to pro-life group grieving parents

By Erica Rohde By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Contributing Writer Correspondent

DE N T ON — A rl a nd Nic hol s , fou nder FORT WORTH — Held Oct. 4 in of the John Paul II Foundation for Life St. Mary of the Assumption Church in and Family, addressed a group of pro- South Fort Worth, the Memorial Mass life students at the University of North for Children Who Died Before Baptism Texas Sept. 30. Nichols started the is planned each year to comfort parents foundation to promote the Culture of who lost children to miscarriage, still- Life through education and formation, birth, or abortion. Photo by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic and was invited to the campus by Eagles Students from Catholic schools all over the diocese delivered donations of It is schedu led a s close a s possible to for Life, UNT’s pro-life organization. more than 80 boxes of school supplies and hygiene kits for unaccompanied the feast day celebrating Our Lady of the “Science shows that life begins minors being cared for at Catholic Charities’ Assessment Center on Oct. 1. Rosary. During the Mass, participants at the moment of fertilization, at the place roses, in memory of their babies, moment of conception,” Nichols said. By Juan Guajardo project,” Griffith said. The schools par- on a side altar dedicated to the Virgin “That’s independent of any specific Correspondent ticipated in the World Mission Rosary Mary. The event has been sponsored by ethical, moral, political, religious view Day again this year on Oct. 17. “We Mother & Unborn Baby Care of North of human life or of human embryos.” FORT WORTH — When they heard felt like we could come and help meet Texas and Catholics United for Life for Despite evidence that the four ma- ne w s of C at hol ic C h a r it ie s For t Wor t h ’s the need.” the past 20 years. jor contraceptives — combined oral efforts to help and house unaccompa- And they are meeting a huge need, Bishop Michael Olson concel- contraceptive pills (OCP), Plan B, the nied minors crossing into the U.S. to according to Danielle Graham, In- ebrated the Mass with St. Mary’s pas- Intrauterine Device (IUD), and Ella — escape violence and poverty in their Kind Services coordinator for Catholic tor Father David Bristow and Father are abortion-inducing, he said, women home nations, the principals of the 20 Charities. Christopher Stainbrook, pastor of St. remain uninformed of the dangers as- Catholic schools in the diocese and Lisa “They’re so important!” Graham Timothy Anglican Ordinariate Com- sociated with them. Griffith, development associate for the said, referring to the donations for the munity, which uses St. Mary’s facilities. He shared information about each Catholic Schools Office, decided to do unaccompanied minors. “They come “Oftentimes, in the world today — one and their individual harmful effects something to aid in the effort. here and they don’t have anything. They when we’re dealing with the mystery of on the endometrium, or inner lining They met in early August, brain- only have the clothes on their back — death — we tend to approach it simply of the uterus, giving them abortion- stormed, and came up with an idea: that’s very true. It means so much for with a certitude of faith,” he said. “We inducing effects. He added that there is Help Catholic Charities by gather- them to have their own toothbrush, to should approach it with the certitude no question as to whether IUDs cause ing much-needed backpacks, school have their very own hairbrush, and we of hope — the hope of God’s goodness, early abortions, and Ella is the strongest supplies, hygiene kits for those needy ask that there’s a small toy in each of mercy, and love.” in causing early abortions. children, and general cleaning supplies the boxes, and that goes a long way. Christians have hope and confi- Nichols answered the students’ for the Assessment Center where many “Our mission here is to give people dence that those who have died are with questions, exposing important points of them are being housed. And to help hope,” she continued. “So everything Christ, Bishop Olson said. about women’s health, such as the reali- keep young hands from boredom, accounts, everything we can do to give “We have the confidence and hope ties of underdiagnosed endometriosis, tivity boxes with puzzles, small games, them hope.” that Christ will not let one of us per- the faulty research behind the policies colored pencils, etc. Johnathon Muraski, a senior at ish,” he added. “Confidence and hope of the HHS mandate, and the realities So they started a donation drive Nolan Catholic High School, was part does not leave room for fear, but is of being pro-life among a largely pro- at every school as soon as the school of a small team of volunteers from his emboldened with courage.” choice population. year started, and on Oct. 1, students school who helped unload more than A life does not have to be long on “Is it wise for you to talk to college volunteered to drop off the donations 80 medium and large boxes brimming earth to accomplish Christ’s mission, students about this? They’d be more at Catholic Charities’ main campus in with donations from the various schools. the bishop pointed out. inclined to be pro-life, because now South Fort Worth. “It’s a really good thing to have go- “So we pray for the consolation of they know that the contraception they “Our principals last year started a ing,” Muraski said. “It feels really nice hope that only Christ can give us,” he really want is causing early abortions,” World Mission Rosary Day, and they being able to help out and support your said in closing. “A hope that is vibrant, Nichols said. “I say people need truth, thought in conjunction with doing this community,” and those whose needs are a live, a nd more powerf u l t ha n sin, sick- to be able to make informed decisions.” to let the kids do an all-schools service so much greater than your own. ness, or death.”

PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Young Catholic Professionals Offers a new platform for mingling, networking — and growing in faith By Juan Guajardo fer something different. … It’s a Correspondent different platform, a different environment, and it’s not that theo- Where can you find young logically- or catechetically-based, pilots, nurses, teachers, engi- but you still get a great dose of the neers, social workers, police faith and learn more.” officers, software developers, YCP’s mix of faith and work, and information technol- the spiritual and the secular, and ogy professionals — not to its penchant for making every- mention priests — mixing and one feel invited, are part of its mingling in one place over free allure. Its events, which include a drinks and appetizers? Mary Elizabeth Levy, vice president of development for YCP, and Aaron Muñoz, monthly Executive Speaker Series, A Young Catholic Profession- president of YCP Fort Worth, laugh at a joke told by keynote speaker Tom Horton. a Networking Happy Hour every other month, semi-annual St. als (YCP) event, that’s where. More than 120 young adult professionals gathered at Good Shepherd Parish in Founded in 2010 by Jennifer Joseph the Worker Retreats (first Colleyville on Sept. 16. (NTC / Juan Guajardo) Baugh, a young Catholic from the one coming this fall), and (eventu- Diocese of Dallas, the ministry is chapter in our own diocese, and some of their goals, some of their ally) mentorship and spiritual di- dedicated to encouraging “young in September San Antonio had its desires,” Muñoz said. “We’ve had rection programs, offer something adults in their 20s and 30s to kick-off making it the third YCP plenty of people approach us and for everyone — from those who have a deeper relationship with chapter in the nation, with more say, ‘Thank you guys for doing want to learn about their faith, the Lord and to be courageous cities expressing interest in orga- this. Thank you guys for help- and those who want to hang out witnesses in imitation of Christ” nizing their own chapters. ing to start this chapter.’ I think with other young Catholic adults, as well as reminding young pro- Fort Worth’s has proven through God’s grace we’re reach- to those who want to network and fessionals of their responsibility to be popular, bringing in an ing young adults, and, hopefully, make business connections, Levy to “apply our Catholic faith to all average of 150 people per event, they are finding fulfillment, and and Muñoz said. aspects of our lives — at work, at according to YCP Fort Worth maybe some of what God is calling As an example, take YCP’s home, and in all our interactions,” chapter president Aaron Muñoz. them to, in this group.” monthly Executive Speaker Series. as Baugh stated recently in an At some events (one featuring YCP brings a unique approach At the latest Executive Speaker interview for the National Catholic Bishop Michael Olson), they had to ministry — one that Muñoz event, at Good Shepherd Parish Register. more than 200 in attendance. and the chapter’s vice president in Colleyville Sept. 16, more YCP has gained nationwide “I think it speaks to the de- of development, Mary Elizabeth than 120 participants enjoyed a attention. In May of this year, the sire that many young adults have Levy, believe appeals to cradle cocktail hour with free wine, beer, organization launched its second and had, so I think we’re meeting Catholics, active and involved and appetizers, and chatted and Catholics, fallen-away Catholics, networked with others like them- (L-R) Daniel Cochran, Cassandra Escobar, Israel Hurtado, and Sergio Rocha chat and new Catholics alike. And with selves from the Fort Worth Metro at the YCP Executive Speaker event Sept. 16. (NTC / Juan Guajardo) nationwide statistics showing more area. They then engaged in a and more young adults falling away short reflection and prayer led by from their faith, they hope YCP Father Jonathan McElhone, TOR, Fort Worth brings renewed interest, parochial vicar at Good Shepherd, solidarity, and fellowship to local and listened to a seasoned Catho- young Catholic adults, renewed lic professional (in this case, Tom interest that gets them back in the Horton, former chairman and pews and staying involved. CEO of American Airlines) give a “The mission of YCP is to talk on spirituality and work. At foster Catholic identity, encourage the back, community tables (think community, and inspire a call to of them as a sort of ministry fair) action,” Levy said. “We’re kind of from Cassata High School and offering this platform for people 40 Days for Life offered volunteer from everywhere to get together opportunities. and learn from each other and “I think YCP brings a safe support each other too. We of- environment for young Catholics

PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 their Catholic faith and where they are encouraged and offered he mission of insights for living this faith in the workplace.” “TYCP is to foster He continued, “I think sometimes young adults feel they CCatholic identity, encourage don’t fit into the local church, community, and inspire a especially when they are single.... By bringing this dynamic and in- call to action. We’re ... offering fluential group together, they are supported by each other and have this platform for people from a chance to interact with other like-minded young adults. Of everywhere to get together course, each person brings back to and learn from each other their workplace something they’ve Participants chat with other young professionals. More than 120 gathered at learned regarding integrating their Good Shepherd Parish in Colleyville Sept. 16, for an Executive Speaker Series event faith into their work, which can and support each other too. hosted by the Young Catholic Professionals. (NTC / Juan Guajardo) only be a bonus for the workplace We offer something different." environment.” other people in the Fort Worth of YCP yet, or are seeking a com- Levy, 29, vice president of Diocese is such a blessing,” Levy munity, too, or maybe have fallen — Mary Elizabeth Levy merchandising and marketing for said. “Young adults are thirsty for away from the Church, or gotten Into the Garden, an outdoor liv- community and this understand- sort of disinterested,” she added. to come and interact with each ing store, and Muñoz, 33, a spe- ing of our faith and making life “This is a great way to get them other,” Fr. McElhone said of the cialist in network security, agree. make sense and seeking balance. back thinking about their faith event. “There seem to be so few “It’s a lot of fun, and I’ve met I’m searching for that too. and hopefully back active in the opportunities like this for them, a lot of wonderful people. To be “I know there are many more Church. We hope people try out where they can be unashamed of able to offer that opportunity to young adults who haven’t heard some of our events.”

PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Local Catholics to follow in footsteps of St. John Paul II on 14-day pilgrimage to Worth Youth Day 2016 in Krakow

De La Torre said, “It gives us a chance to really see the Church universal. We are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. And you come away with an awe of our Church and a better understanding of our faith.” That was St. John Paul II’s plan all along, said De La Torre. Out of love and respect for youth, the pope encouraged and invited young people to come together and created the first World Youth Day in 1984. In all, 30 World Youth Days have been held, 18 at the diocesan level and 12 with international gatherings. Locally, World Youth Day is celebrated annually. De La Torre is looking forward to helping Photo courtesy of Catholic Pilgrim Office, Inc. The side of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, where as pope, St. John Paul II preached and heard confessions guide a diocesan group this year, along with when he returned to visit his native Poland. Krakow is the site of the 2016 World Youth Day. Gutiérrez, Spoolstra, at least six priests, and several chaperones. What he finds most excit- By Jerry Circelli men and is looking to them to be coordinators ing, however, is that Bishop Olson will lead the Correspondent for the diocesan pilgrimage. pilgrimage. Like the two World Youth Day coordinators, “Our shepherd is shepherding his flock GABE GUTIÉRREZ CLEARLY REMEMBERS AN EXCITING De La Torre has also grown spiritually through to World Youth Day 2016,” De La Torre said, SUMMER NIGHT IN RIO DE JANEIRO, SURROUNDED BY 3 past involvement in the youth pilgrimages. As emphasizing that the bishop leads by example. MILLION SPIRITED YOUTH AT C OPACABANA B EACH, WHERE a college student in 1993, he attended World Gutiérrez, Spoolstra, and some of their IT EMBRACES THE ATLANTIC OCEAN IN A 2.5 MILE-LONG Youth Day in Denver, with his home parish from friends met with the bishop recently and pro- SANDY CRESCENT. At one end, Sugarloaf Mountain rises El Centro, California. In 2000, leading a large duced a video in which he discussed his own straight up from the water’s edge. “And the silence was group from the Diocese of Memphis, where he experiences at World Youth Day, attending as a deafening,” recalled, Gutiérrez, high school youth served as director of religious education, De La local seminarian in 1993. and young adult minister for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Torre traveled to World Youth Day in Rome. In the video interview, the bishop said of Parish in Keller. “It was the Jubilee year and it was phenom- World Youth Day in Krakow and the exciting There before the crowd was Pope Francis, enal,” he said. “We had 2 million kids in the destinations planned along the way, “I’m asking who had asked the gathered masses at World square chanting ‘Viva Papa!’ That was a pretty you to join me as well as other Catholics, young Youth Day 2013 to pray in silence at Eucharistic awesome sight.” adults, youth from the Diocese of Fort Worth, Adoration and in the presence of Christ. “The waves were crashing on the beach, and that’s all you could hear,” added Jason Spools- World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrimage Itinerary tra, a friend of Gutiérrez and youth minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Pilot Point, who NOTE: Mass will be celebrated every day of the pilgrimage. also attended. DAY 1 — DALLAS-FORT WORTH: Depart for Rome, Italy. Together, Gutiérrez and Spoolstra helped DAY 2-5 — ROME AND ASSISI: Visit the Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul guide about 30 youth, young adults, and chaper- Outside the Walls; the tomb of St. Francis and the Portiuncula and celebrate Mass there; and the ones on the spiritual pilgrimage to World Youth Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square and the Church of St. Peter. Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. The two said their DAY 6 — MUNICH, GERMANY; PRAGUE AND BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC: Attend Mass at Svaty Hora the e xperienc e s were so mov ing t hat t he y wa nted ot h- holy mountain. Visit Our Lady Victorious Church, famous for the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. ers to share another global journey in faith, this DAY 7 — BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC; AUSCHWITZ AND WADOWICE, POLAND: Sites include: the gothic time to World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul; Auschwitz concentration camp and the martyrdom cell of St. On learning that Bishop Michael Olson was Maximilian Kolbe; and birthplace and home parish of St. John Paul II. encouraging youth from throughout the diocese DAY 8 — KRAKOW AND CZĘ STOCHOWA, POLAND: Visit monastery and chapel of the miraculous to attend World Youth Day 2016, the two offered painting of the Black Madonna — Our Lady of Czę stochowa. In the evening, attend the opening to help organize the pilgrimage, slated July 19 ceremonies of World Youth Day 2016. through Aug. 1, 2016. DAY 9-13: Participate in World Youth Day activities. Marlon De La Torre, diocesan director of DAY 14: Return to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Catechesis, welcomed the help of the two young

PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 that we can take a great pilgrimage together to super excited,” she said. “I already have enough pray at these sites for the good of our diocese and money saved up for the second deposit for the to better understand the mission that the Lord has trip,” Elizabeth said. “I think it will be a great entrusted to all of us, and each of us as the Body experience to see the pope and so many Catholics of Christ in all our 28 counties in North Texas. from around the world all gathered in one place. “Please pray for a successful pilgrimage, and “Also,” she added, “I think it’s great that we’ll please consider joining me on this pilgrimage for not only be going to Krakow, but we will also get the sake of the Diocese of Fort Worth,” Bishop to see so many other places that are important to Olson added. the Catholic faith.” Spoolstra said that for a spiritual pilgrimage, Thirteen-year-old Bryan Shipman of Keller the company at the upcoming World Youth Day is also looking forward to the pilgrimage. He is couldn’t be any better. Youth will be accompanied especially interested in seeing Assisi, the birthplace by Bi shop Ol son, pa r t icipate i n a Ma s s c elebr ated of St. Francis of Assisi. “He’s my favorite saint,” by Pope Francis, and literally follow in the foot- Bryan said. “He loved animals and so do I, and steps of St. John Paul II. I just find his story remarkable.” “And most important of all,” Spoolstra said, Bryan’s father, Dale, is planning to join his “we’re going to have an encounter with Christ.” son, along with the rest of their family on the The prospect of having those experiences is pilgrimage. almost too much for 16-year-old Tori Caranna. “When I first heard of this, we determined “I c a n’t w a it ,” s a id t he A ubre y H i g h S c ho ol ju n ior we were going to go…,” said Dale. who attends St. Thomas Aquinas. “These are places we haven’t seen before. Photo courtesy of Randell Labio “I h ave s o m a ny brot her s a nd si s ter s i n C h r i s t And, we have a very vibrant bishop who is alive Pilgrims from the Diocese of Fort Worth pose in throughout the world. I rea lly want to meet some with the Holy Spirit. And because he’s leading it, front of the world-famous Christ the Redeemer of them. I think it’s going to be a really cool it motivates us, and it should motivate everyone statue shortly after arriving in Rio de Janeiro experience,” Tori said. “I know I will be able to in the diocese. He put out a call for everyone to for last year’s World Youth Day. Youth ministers deepen my faith by going on this trip.” come and join him, and we’re going. ” Gabe Gutiérrez and Jason Spoolstra, who led the Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Burke of Fort 2013 pilgrimage, are organizing the WYD 2016 Worth has also committed to the pilgrimage. “I’m For more information, visit www.fwwyd.org. pilgrimage to Krakow.

PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 YOUNG ADULT Young adult Emerging conference to merge with Dallas Diocese’s THRIVE this year

By Juan Guajardo Young adults clap to praise music at Correspondent the 2012 Emerging conference held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grapevine. The Dioceses of Fort Worth This year, the Diocese of Fort Worth is and Dallas are combining their partnering with the Diocese of Dallas to efforts and resources to draw co-sponsor the THRIVE Conference for in larger numbers to an annual young adults. (Photo by Juan Guajardo / conference aimed specifically at NTC file photo) Catholics in their 20s and 30s. Called THRIVE, the young that conference, so they can go adult conference will take place get plugged in at their parishes.” Nov. 14-15 at St. Ann Parish in The cost of the conference is Coppell. $40 until Nov. 11 and includes Titled “Transforming Our drinks and snacks on Friday and Culture,” the conference will also tate how they act,” he said, saying for young adult ministry, and a continental breakfast and lunch offer Adoration, confession (on he hopes the conference will help that there are going to be outlets on Saturday. Registration at the both days), four keynote talks, them be able to demonstrate how for them to connect with other door costs $60. For more infor- several workshops (including to live a holy life within the con- Catholics, to grow deeper in their mation or to register, visit www. some in Spanish), and plenty of text of a secular world. faith together…after they leave thriveindallas.net. time for creating connections THRIVE’s coordinating among the young adults of both team, made up of young adult dioceses. This year, THRIVE, and youth ministers from both which has been sponsored by the dioceses and two priests from Diocese of Dallas in the past, is Dallas, hopes to spread that mes- merging with the Diocese of Fort sage far and wide. The conference Worth’s young adult Emerging will feature nationally-recognized conference. By merging the two keynote speakers including Matt conferences, organizers hope to Fradd, a renowned Catholic apol- draw 600 young adults this year. ogist; Jimmy Mitchell, a Catholic “Christianity has been spread artist and speaker for Mysterium throughout the world for a long Records and Books; and Sister time now, but there are many Maria Cecilia, OP. Music will be people who are Christian or led by Dave Moore, a Catho- Catholic in name, and they aren’t lic singer and songwriter from living their faith as ‘out-loud’ as Corpus Christi. THRIVE will they could be in the places where have male- and female-specific they work and socialize,” said Jeff workshops, too. Hedglen, diocesan coordinator of Josh Schwartz, director of Young Adult Ministry, explain- young adult ministry for Prince ing that the focus of this year’s of Peace Parish in Plano, said he conference is more on the New and the rest of the coordinating Evangelization and how to live team expect the conference to be out one’s faith, despite the chal- “even better than last year.” lenges the culture presents. “I think we just want to “These young adults are im- see an explosion of young adult mersed in the culture,” Hedglen ministry across both dioceses,” added. “Let’s give them some in- Schwartz said. “We want to see spiration and some tools to know people lit on fire and knowing how to transform the culture in that there’s really something which they live, so it doesn’t dic- happening; there’s a groundswell

PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 ored with the Pontifical Equestri- an Order of St. Gregory the Great Art Dickerson honored as ‘Guardian of Award for their commitment to faith, the Diocese of Fort Worth, the Holy Land’ by Franciscans (FFHL) and St. Patrick Cathedral. Dick- erson’s hard and successful efforts by Jerry Circelli on planning and construction Correspondent activities at the cathedral were recognized. His wife was hon- Art Dickerson, who has spent ored for her important work in more than 45 years supporting the Church, which has included and strengthening God’s Church promotion of devotional life at in the Diocese of Fort Worth and St. Patrick, serving the Catholic around the world, received the Daughters and the Altar Society, highest honor recently from the as well as tireless involvement in Franciscan Foundation for the many other important Church Holy Land (FFHL). That organi- activities. zation presented Dickerson with The Dickersons recently the Guardian of the Holy Land celebrated 63 years of marriage Award for his extraordinary com- Art Dickerson, recipient of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land’s and have been blessed with 11 mitment and support in preserv- Guardian of the Holy Land Award, poses with his wife, Patricia, and Fr. Peter children, 45 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. ing the presence of Christians in Vasko, president of the foundation. (NTC Photo /Jerry Circelli) the land where Jesus walked. Dickerson is the chairman and The Foundation helps Chris- mission to preserve a Christian At the conclusion of his ad- CEO of Southwestern Petroleum tians there remain in their home presence there. dress, Dickerson said, “I want to Corporation and also the founder countries by supporting them eco- “I think it is a noble Chris- call upon God tonight to bless of local chapters of the Young nomically and socially. Dickerson tian cause, and I think it is a noble the people who do so much for Presidents Organization and the was recognized for his longstand- Catholic cause,” Dickerson said. the Holy Land.” At the end of his World Presidents Organization. ing support of that goal at a special “The Christians in the Holy remarks, the audience responded He is a member of the Fort gathering of about 300 FFHL Land are suffering,” said Dicker- with sustained applause. Worth Chapter of Legatus, com- benefactors Sept. 13 at the Ritz- son, “but the friars for 800 years Whether supporting the posed of local business leaders Carlton Hotel in Dallas. have taken care of Christians in Church where Christ walked or dedicated to their Catholic faith. As FFHL President Father Peter the Holy Land. It was St. Francis the house of God in the diocese, a member of the Equestrian Order Vasko, OFM, explained that the himself, in the early 1200s, who Dickerson has responded in ser- of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, award is made “in recognition of accepted custody of the Chris- vice much of his life. he holds the rank of Grand Cross. an individual who has not only tians, and it still goes on today. Currently chair of the St. Dickerson said that even with been spiritually united in guarding The Franciscans have adapted and Patrick Cathedral Capital Cam- the most recent award from the Christianity in the Holy Land, but adopted various programs that paign, Dickerson has worked hard Franciscan Foundation for the whose actions, vision, and service respond to the needs of the Chris- through the years to strengthen Holy Land, that he felt unworthy have brought about a new hope for tians in the Holy Land today.” the Church. He oversaw renova- and even considered declining. the people of that land.” Many wonder, said Dicker- tion of St. Patrick Cathedral and “But I do it because it brings The priest continued, “This son, why maintaining a Christian the construction of the St. Patrick attention to the Diocese of Fort individual has borne witness to presence there is so important. Pastoral Center. Worth. And I like people to know the light and love of Jesus Christ “If we don’t have Christians In 2012, during the dedication about our Church here. That through an act of community in the Holy Land, the holy places of the St. Patrick Pastoral Center, has to be a good thing. And, of with them, as well as for all of will not be as vibrant as they Dickerson put the day in perspec- course, I sincerely believe in the God’s people. In recognition of should be. That’s where Christ, tive. “We don’t dedicate buildings work the Franciscans are doing in such magnanimity, we honor the as you know, lived his entire life very often. The last one was 99 the Holy Land.” name of Arthur J. Dickerson, on earth. years ago, the rectory.... It’s a glori- Dickerson says his goal in the Guardian of the Holy Land.” “The alternative could well ous day in our history.” renovation of St. Patrick Cathedral In accepting the award, be ‘Disneyland’ instead of the Dickerson and his work has and the new Pastoral Center has Dickerson told fellow support- Holy Land,” Dickerson said. “And not gone unrecognized. been for people driving by to “see ers gathered in his honor that by that I mean if we were to lose He and his wife, Patricia, a church that is second to none in he considered all of them to be ownership of those places that received Papal Honors from Pope this area. It’s for God and his peo- guardians of the Holy Land. Like are so sacred to our religion, we Benedict XVI in December 2011 ple. Really, it’s all part of evangeli- them, he said, he supports the would have to pay as we would in for their services to the Holy See zation — to bring people to God’s foundation because of its ultimate a museum to go into the place.” and the Church. They were hon- Church. That’s our mission.”

PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 God is the source of justice, says Brownsville Bishop Daniel Flores at annual Fort Worth Red Mass By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen LEFT: Attorney Robert Gieb (center), Correspondent chairman of the Red Mass committee, poses with Bishops Daniel Flores of “WE NEED THE HELP OF GOD IN OUR Brownsville (left), and Michael Olson LIVES — ESPECIALLY HIS HOLY S PIRIT of Fort Worth (right). — TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE (Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC) ULTIMATELY GOOD, NOBLE, AND JUST.” Brownsville Bishop Daniel E. BELOW: Bishop Flores delivered Flores affirmed that Christian be- the homily at the diocese’s eighth lief for an assembly of 150 lawyers, annual Red Mass. judges, and public officials attending the eighth annual Red Mass celebrated Sept. 25 in St. Patrick Cathedral. “Most people seek your advice or judgment because there is a Spirit for help. and in the end life wins. In the end, problem that involves conflict,” he “You need the Spirit to make the truth will be revealed. In the observed “That’s all the more reason good and just decisions and show end, justice matters.” to invoke God’s help.” compassion in the one-on-one situa- Robert Gieb, a seasoned lawyer An historic tradition dating tions you have to deal with,” Bishop and chairman of the Red Mass com- back to the 13th century, the Red Flores said. mittee, said the annual event has a nicipal Court Judge Kim Catalano, Mass officially opened the judicial The Holy Spirit is also a useful twofold purpose: it recognizes the have attended Red Mass gather- year in European countries. It was resource in resisting the frustration, Almighty as the source of justice ings since both were students at St. introduced to the United States in jaded attitudes, and other tempta- and allows the legal community to Mary’s Law School in San Antonio. 1928 at New York City’s Church tions that can develop in the legal gather for prayer and ask for wisdom. Th ey call the tradition “inspiring.” of St. Andrew. The 62nd annual system. All the judges and most pub- “The job of lawyers, judges, and Red Mass, opening the Supreme “Life is messy. But the Light of lic officials in Tarrant County are public officials can be so demand- Court’s term, was held Oct. 5 in Christ and the Gospel have an effect invited each year, and attendance ing — we need divine guidance. We Washington, D.C. on a messy world,” Bishop Flores continues to grow. ne e d t he Holy Spi r it i n ou r l ive s , a nd “Red Mass” refers to the scarlet asserted. “Stand in your profession “From the Catholic point of that’s not always easy to do,” Robb robes worn by the judiciary as they with the conviction that there is such view, it’s part of our evangelization. Catalano said. “This Mass brings processed into church centuries ago. a thing as justice. It’s not a game. It’s our attempt to go into the com- those two things together.” Concelebrating the Mass here, There is such a thing as honor, being munity to address important issues,” Kim Catalano says lawyers Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson faithful to your word, being ethical, Gieb explained. “The Catholic often have to weigh morals against and Bishop Flores donned red and living by a standard.” Church is not asking for a theocracy. what a client wants. That’s not an vestments signifying the fire of the Referencing a bestselling novel- We’re asking for an opportunity to easy decision. Holy Spirit’s guidance to all who turned-movie, set in a dystopian give our opinions, ideas, and have a “It’s important for Christians pursue justice in their daily lives. future, Bishop Flores reminded the voice in the public square.” to put their faith before their job Red carnations placed on the altar legal professionals, “life is not the Criminal District Court Judge and make sure they’re doing God’s and a red-trimmed tabernacle veil Hunger Games where it’s all about Robb Catalano and, his wife, Mu- will,” she said. continued the theme. power and control. We’re called to A nationally-recognized speak- something better than that.” er known for his immigration reform He urged them to invoke the To Report Misconduct advocacy, Bishop Flores said the Holy Spirit in moments that beg If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who invitation from Bishop Olson was the question, “What’s the point?” serves the church, you may ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or his first Red Mass homily in Texas. God entered a messy world e-mail her at [email protected] Following the liturgy, he spoke again to make it holy, and there’s noth- ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 and leave a at a reception in the parish hall. ing messier in the world than his message. Although we live in a world crucifixion, Bishop Flores said, where public expressions of faith are matter-of-factly. To Report Abuse discouraged, the bishop told the as- “But He is risen,” the prelate Call the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400 sembly not to avoid asking the Holy continued. “Live with conviction,

PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 ABOVE: First-year UNT Health Science Center medical student Ruben Solis reads a reading during the White Mass Oct. 6. BELOW: Colleen Carrera (right) prays during the White Mass.

UNT medical students take a photo with Bishop Michael Olson after the White Mass. About 40 medical students, doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals attended the annual liturgy at St. Patrick Cathedral. Healthcare workers called to imitate Christ the Healer, Bishop Olson says at annual White Mass Story and Photos we can forget.” also makes up — in a sense, compensates — for By Juan Guajardo Reading from Matthew 25 — the verses that the limits that you have in your human weakness Correspondent state that by ministering to the “least of us” we in all areas.” minister to Christ Himself — Bishop Michael He continued, “But you do have an ability, STUDENTS IN WHITE LAB COATS, PHARMACISTS, NURS- Olson in his homily was keen to remind the medi- and you do have a gift, and you do have especially ES IN SCRUBS, DOCTORS, AND OTHER HEALTHCARE cal students and all the health professionals in the the role of your conscience that is very strong in PROFESSIONALS — NEARLY 40 OF THEM — LINED THE audience to not get dragged down by the sometimes living the truth, not to be afraid, even of the culture CENTER PEWS OF ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL OCT. 6. impersonal demands of the profession. With the that you are called to practice your vocation in. Every year around the feast day of St. Luke, recent intensive use of technology and a fast-paced, For we know that Christ has called you through the patron saint of doctors and surgeons, medical stressful, and even litigious environment, there can your baptism and in this very important societal workers flock to the cathedral to attend the White be a distancing of patient and healer, he warned, vocation that you have, you also have imbued in Mass, a service held specifically for those in the which can distance the patient even from himself. you the Christian vocation to bring mercy, to al- health professions. Bishop Olson recalled when he visited a leviate suffering, and in so doing to bring hope, Hosted by the Medical Association of Catho- terminally-ill patient during his time as a hospi- knowing that disease and suffering are not the lic Students (MACS) at the University of North tal chaplain. ultimate enemy — but that the ultimate enemy is Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, the “I remembered that one of the things he ap- really evil, and hopelessness, abandonment, apa- Mass is an important reminder of the purpose preciated was that I used his name,” the bishop said. thy — the opposite of the love that is manifested and sense of mission behind many of the healing “At that time — it was a number of years ago — it perfectly by Christ on the cross.” professions, according to Ruben Solis, a first-year simply became a practice to refer to a patient by After the Mass, the bishop continued encour- medical student. their disease. How painful that is — and that also aging the assembly of health-promoters, specifically “I think from time to time, God will chal- forces greater and greater suffering on someone.” the medical students, chatting with a large group lenge you to take a look at your life and think That man, the bishop said, was suffering to of them during the reception following Mass. about what you’re doing,” said Solis, who is also the point that he felt he was “just a place where Among them was Solis. on the leadership board of MACS. medicines are tested.” “One of the things the bishop said to me was Solis said that as medical students, it’s easy to Of course, that is not the will of physicians, that we have to remember that we are aspiring to get caught up in studying, doing labs, etc. Bishop Olson clarified, but that it’s facilitated by be imitators of Christ, and one of the things he “To make time for God, believe it or not, the structure of the profession. told me just now is that Jesus is the Divine Healer. can sometimes be hard for students to get to,” he “At those times, it’s very important to keep in He is the one Who gives you the motivation, the said. “I think this is just one more opportunity for mind the consolation of our Gospel today,” Bishop compassion,” Solis said. “And the more you are God to call people again to come and praise Him Olson said. “The Lord does know what you do, and in Him, the more you’re able to be yourself in and remind us of our vocation. I think sometimes He also knows what your intentions are, and He medicine, and that’s huge for me.”

PAGE 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 DIOCESE Always welcoming longtime executive assistant Carol Watson, retires

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Carol Watson stands the camaraderie of co-workers are Correspondent at her desk in the parts of the job she enjoyed the most. Few people can appreciate the explo- diocesan Catholic “Before restaurants were built sive growth of Catholics in North Center. Watson nearby, everybody ate lunch in the Texas better than Carol Watson. retired as executive kitchen, and we’d laugh and tell Raised in an Irish Catholic assistant to the stories,” she says, remembering her neighborhood, the Manhattan native vicar general Sept. first years at the Catholic Center. went to Catholic schools surrounded 5. (Photo by Joan “Morale was great. Everybody loved by people of the same faith. When Kurkowski-Gillen / what they were doing. It was fun, she married her husband, Frank, and NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC) but everyone got their work done.” settled in New Jersey, her environ- That close-knit family atmo- ment was still heavily Catholic. sphere still exists today. All that changed in 1979 when “I know if I ever needed any- the couple relocated to Grapevine thing, I could ask them — and I because of Frank’s job with Ameri- just astonished,” says Watson, who was a miracle. I am forever indebted would do the same in return,” Watson can Airlines. retired from her job as executive as- to those guys.” adds. “I could never have imagined “We moved from a big church sistant to the vicar general Sept. 5. She started working for the Dio- working for the Church all these to a little church with almost no She credits the late Father c e s e of For t Wor t h a s a re c ept ion i s t i n years. I’ve met so many great people.” Catholics around,” Watson explains. Baltasar Szarka for making her 1983. At the time, employees shared Some of those connections Finding herself in the Bible Belt transition to Texas easier. The a small set of offices on Bolt Street in were made over the phone. Parish- reminded the transplanted Yankee Hungarian-born priest was pastor of South Fort Worth. Two years later, ioners with concerns, complaints, or of the Baltimore Catechism lessons the small but enthusiastic Catholic the diocesan Catholic Center was people who “used to be Catholic” and that were drummed into her at Our community at St. Francis of Assisi built, and the diocese’s pastoral and wanted to reconnect with the Church Lady Queen of Martyrs School and Church in Grapevine. administrative offices were brought were often directed to her extension. later at the all-girls Assissium Sec- The first time the Watsons at- together under one roof. “People called in who were retarial School. tended Mass in their new parish, “When we moved to The Catho- hurting, and I like to think I helped “The Franciscan nuns would Fr. Szarka picked up the couple’s lic Center operations were centralized them a bit,” reflects the new retiree. tell us, ‘Girls, you have to know the 3-year-old son and walked around and everything just started happen- “I was that voice on the other end of answers to these questions because the congregation introducing the ing,” she said, citing initiatives like the the phone for people who had been w hen s ome one c h a l len g e s you r f a it h, family to other church members. RENEW small faith communities away from the Church and didn’t you’re going to have to know how to “I got back in the car and said to and the Diocesan Pastoral Advisory know where else to go.” respond,’” she remembers. my husband, ‘We’re going to love it Council (DPAC). “It was really nice Treating others with kindness The sisters’ warning never made here,’” she says, recalling the pastor’s to work ne x t to people we on ly t a l ked and a welcoming smile was a priority. sense because everyone she knew was welcoming and affable personality. to on the phone before.” “And that’s one of the reasons I Catholic. “Then I came down here “We became very active in the parish Getting to know priests as always kept a ‘welcome’ sign on my and understood what those nuns and helped with the building of the people — not just pastors — and desk,” she observes. meant,” she admits. “People were new church.” always asking me, ‘Why do you The Watsons taught religion to St. Anthony’s Church Supplies adore Mary?’ ‘Why do you say the high school students, and Frank was Rosary?’ and more.” Since arriving instrumental in starting the parish’s 5312 Trail Lake Dr. in Fort Worth, Watson has seen the men’s club. Fort Worth, Tx 76133 Catholic population in the Diocese Years later, when he was diag- 817 924 7221 of Fort Worth mushroom from nosed with Amyotrophic Lateral 120,000 in 1980 to 710,000 in 2014. Sclerosis (ALS), members of the We have many beautiful gifts for the Advent and Christmas season, And she’s watched the development Men’s Club cared for him. including Advent calendars and Advent wreaths and candles. of new parishes and programs first- “A guy from the parish would We have gifts for every sacramental occasion and a complete line of church supplies. hand as a diocesan employee for the come and sit with him every single Located in the Wedgwood Village Shopping Center just south of I-20. past 30 years. day until I got home from work,” “When I think about the num- Watson says, her voice quieting with www.stellamarisbooks.com ber of Catholics who were here when the memory. “I never had to worry A family built business since 1974. we came compared to now, I’m that Frank would be left alone. It

PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 DIOCESE After 48 years in Catholic education, diocesan Superintendent Don Miller retires

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen The search for a new school have received $5.1 million in aid Correspondent superintendent for the Diocese of from the fund. Fort Worth brought him to Texas. “Our mission is to spread the Don Miller’s 48 years as a Catholic “I got to visit several schools and Good News. It’s one of evangeliza- educator was born from a simple act felt comfortable,” he remembered. tion and making sure every family of kindness. “I experienced the same faith, same and student encounters Jesus Christ After graduating from the commitment to excellence, and the every single day. The bigger challenge ei g ht h g r a de at O u r L a dy of L ou rde s same commitment to a daily encoun- is being a good Catholic school.” Elementary School in Bettendorf, ter with Jesus, and that helped me Catholic schools aren’t the only Iowa, the future school superin- make the change.” way the Church can spread the Good tendent planned to attend the local During his tenure, Miller cel- News, and many religious education public high school. The $100 yearly ebrated the opening of Holy Cross programs do outstanding work, the fee at the Catholic secondary school, School in The Colony, saw enroll- school superintendent admitted. located in Davenport, the next town, Don Miller at his desk in the ment rates and school finances “But I see nowhere else in our was too steep for his family’s budget. diocesan Catholic Center. Miller stabilized, and helped boost the educational system or format where “On Labor Day weekend, just retired as diocesan superintendent Bishop’s Scholars Fund. Established the lens of grace is any sharper, or before classes started, my parish of Catholic Schools Sept. 30. (Photo in 2006 by then-Bishop Kevin Vann, more profound,” he asserted. “I priest told me he talked to my par- by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NORTH TEXAS the fund provides tuition assistance tell people all the time, there are ents, and I was going to the Catholic CATHOLIC) for families who cannot afford a no secular subjects in a Catholic school,” said Miller. “I found out — Catholic school education. In eight school. Everything is infused with much later — that he paid all four Miller still has the “heart” to years, more than 1,600 families the dimensions of faith.” years of my tuition.” help people but lacks the physical His time at Assumption High energy necessary to oversee 20 di- School proved to be a life-changer ocesan schools. for the impressionable teen in two When I arrived here in July ways. On the second day of his 2004, it was the right time to come. freshman year, Miller met Elaine Now it’s time to go.” Feeney, the girl who would become Miller’s life in Catholic educa- his wife for almost 35 years and the tion began shortly after he received a mother of his nine children. And bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose he experienced an emotional and University in Davenport. For the spiritual transformation. next eight years, the young hus- “I always knew I was Catholic, band and father taught English at but I found a faith during that first his alma mater, Assumption High semester that never left me,” the School. He was happily entrenched superintendent said from his office in classroom routine when the prin- in the diocesan Catholic Center. “I cipal announced his retirement and found a connection.” offered him the job. As a young man, he considered “Up to that point I wasn’t in- other jobs and other vocations but terested in administration, but he always came back to the same vis- told me I had a vision for Catholic ceral decision. schools,” Miller explained. “That “I needed to be a teacher,” Mill- opened me up to the possibility.” er recalled resolutely, “and I needed In 1985, he lef t A s su mpt ion a nd to be a Catholic school teacher.” became principal of Wahlert Catholic After almost five decades guid- High School — the largest Catholic ing students and staff, the seasoned high school in Iowa. Eventually, he educator retired Sept. 30, and he’s w a s promote d to re g ion a l sup er i nten- leaving with the same resolve that dent for the Holy Family Catholic launched his career. School System in Dubuque.

PAGE 19 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 DIOCESE Crowd celebrates years of Kevin Prevou’s ministry to the ‘Young Church’ By Juan Guajardo Shawndra Hall, a middle school presented the Prevous with a framed Correspondent youth minister at St. John the Apos- photo with written farewells, a ban- tle Parish in North Richland Hills, ner made by various youth, and a large Kevin Prevou made an impact on is one of those who benefited from quilt made up of the logos on every the diocese. Proof overflowed Aug. Prevou’s inclusive style of leadership. DCYC T-shirt from across the years. 24 at the diocesan Catholic Center Hall met Prevou when she was 14. They were visible signs of his where more than 90 co-workers- “Within the first few months approach to ministry and serving turned-friends celebrated a 19-year of meeting Kevin, he recognized the God: togetherness and compassion career in diocesan youth ministry gifts that I had and immediately put — and inviting others into that. with hugs, tears of joy, prayer, me to work in t he d ioc e se on DC YC “It wasn’t all about how great I thank-yous, and the recounting of or DYC, Disciple Now, and lots of was; it was about ministry together many memories. They shared stories other diocesan things,” Hall said in this diocese focused on real care of “lives touched and enriched by at the farewell gathering Aug. 24. Kevin Prevou enjoys reminiscences and concern for our young people Kevin,” as diocesan Vicar General She recalled being with a friend of his years as director of Youth and to invite them into the life and mis- Very Rev. Karl Schilken put it. at DCYC. “Sometimes we’d hide Young Adult Ministry for the diocese sion of the Church. It was beauti- Prevou stepped down as the di- from Kevin because if he saw us, he’d among his friends and colleagues ful, touching, and I thought people ocesan director of Youth and Young give us another job,” she said with a in ministry Aug. 24. (Photo by Juan were so, so kind to us and we are Adult Ministry Aug. 8. laugh. “But I can honestly say that Guajardo / NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC) extremely grateful.” Since arriving in 1995, Prevou without Kevin having recognized has worked to build up youth min- the gifts that I had and being so istry in the diocese, and seven years supportive as I became a young ago he took charge of leading young adult and as I worked within young adult ministry at the request of then- adult ministry as well … I would Bishop Kevin Vann. He strengthened not be where I am today, a youth the Theology on Tap program ini- minister and able to share my faith tiated by the previous young adult with other young people as Kevin director, Paul Combest, and helped shared his faith with me when I was develop the Emerging conference for a young person.” young adults, which has now joined For Prevou, helping youth with the Diocese of Dallas to become ministers and developing a strong the THRIVE conference. system of fellowship and support Meanwhile, throughout those among them is something he looks years in diocesan youth ministry, he back on joyfully. put together training programs for “Whether I’m there or not, youth ministers and helped bring in they’re going to be able to call one many new programs for youth, like another up and say, ‘Hey can you the popular annual Diocesan Catho- help me with this?’ because they lic Youth Conference (DCYC), the have these relationships,” Prevou Middle School Rally, and youth said. “You just go talk to some of leadership formation retreats like these youth ministers, and they’ll Disciple Now and YouthLeader, tell you the most important thing aimed at catechizing and creat- Kevin Prevou did is help us to get ing a community of support and together and learn how to support belonging for Catholic youth and one another in ministry.” teens. Moreover, Prevou recognized At the end of the farewell cel- their gifts and worked diligently ebration, which also included vid- to give youth the opportunities to eotaped thank yous from renowned share those gifts with the Catholic Catholic speakers Jesse Manibusan community through the Diocesan and Mike Patin, Peter Flynn, vice Youth Council (DYC), today made chancellor for administrative ser- up of 125 youth. vices, and other long-time friends,

PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 CATHOLIC CHARITIES JD Trucking General construction work/repairs inside and out including topsoil, CCFW in news: CEO shares successful sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. approaches in case management Heather Reynolds, president and CEO of CCFW, testified before the House Budget Committee July 9 describing how case management can move families from dependency to self-sufficiency. (Courtesy of CCFW)

Heather Reynolds, president process. “Good case managers and Chief Executive Officer of help clients manage their situa- Catholic Charities Fort Worth tion; they do not ‘manage’ the (CCFW), is in the news. Over client,” said Reynolds. “Under- the past few months, the self- standing a client’s experience of described “non-profit strate- poverty allows us to serve them gist with a zealous goal to end in an individualized way.” poverty in her community” has Reynolds’ articulate testi- appeared in local and national mony caught the attention of media, representing CCFW, national media figures such as sharing compelling statistics and MSNBC talk show host Me- proven, innovative approaches to lissa Harris-Perry, who invited combating poverty in the U.S. Reynolds to be interviewed on One example of Reynolds’ her weekend news and opinion increasing visibility is her pres- program in August. And, also ence in Washington, D.C., July in August, Reynolds’ message 9, when she appeared before was recognized in a media outlet the House Budget Committee closer to home. to provide congressional testi- Named a “Texan with mony at the hearing entitled, “A Character” by Channel 11, Progress Report on the War on Dallas-Fort Worth's CBS-TV Poverty: Working with Families affiliate, Reynolds was featured in Need.” Appearing with repre- in a segment highlighting her sentatives of Catholic Charities recent visibility on the national USA (CCUSA), Reynolds spoke scene. Described on the program to members of the bi-partisan as a “dynamic whirlwind of posi- House Committee on the Bud- tive energy,” Reynolds reflected get, te st if y ing on t he crit ic a l role on her life’s mission. of holistic case management in “I want to serve my com- moving individuals and families munity; I want to serve people from government dependency to in need; and I want to serve self-sufficiency. Her appearance my God,” said Reynolds. She was televised live on C-SPAN. explained her focus is not on “Poverty is complex and drawing attention to herself, often cyclical,” Reynolds testi- but on helping people believe fied, explaining that CCFW they can rewrite their life stories. staff members — who serve more “Case management is criti- than 120,000 individuals and cal to moving a family out of families in need each year — are poverty, and keeping them out,” trained to help clients manage she added. “That’s a message their situations in a participative worth sharing.”

PAGE 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

Girls dressed up as Blessed Mother Teresa during an Retired Pope Benedict XVI poses for his first selfie A family in 2013 pose outside their home in event to commemorate her 104th birth anniversary Nashville, Kan. The family and how it has with Italian seminarian Giuseppe Ricciardi. The in a school in Bhopal, India. Mother Teresa was born photo of the pope and Ricciardi, was posted on the changed in recent decades was the topic of the Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu Aug. 26, 1910. She died in extraordinary Synod of Bishops convened at the seminarian's Twitter feed, Sept. 12. (CNS / Giuseppe 1997 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003. Ricciardi via Twitter) Copyright Giuseppe Ricciardi. Vatican Oct. 5. (CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn) (CNS photo / Sanjeev Gupta, EPA)

An elderly woman chats with a Father Edward Flanagan, the Irish-born priest who Pope Francis greets a girl as he arrives to lead his general audience young woman before Pope Francis’ founded Boys Town in Nebraska, talks with a group in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Aug. 27. (CNS photo / Paul Haring) encounter for the elderly in St. of boys in this undated photo. On March 17, 2014, Peter’s Square Sept. 28. (CNS photo / his sainthood cause was officially opened. (CNS Paul Haring) photo / courtesy Boys Town)

www.sheepdotcom.com

PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN

Concentrate on the Light in the midst of darkness

BY JEFF HEDGLEN

READING THE NEWSPAPER EVERY DAY CAN BE PRETTY DEPRESSING. Jeff Hedglen is the Campus FROM EVERYTHING I READ AND Minister at UTA and director of WATCH ON THE NEWS, IT SEEMS Young Adult Ministry and Campus LIKE THE WORLD IS FALLING APART. Ministry for the diocese. His column War throughout the Mid- was recognized as second best east, much of Africa, and the spiritual life column by the Catholic Ukraine; the seemingly uncon- Press Association of the United trolled spread of Ebola and civil States and Canada in 2014. unrest in U.S. cities. Add to this the suicide of a beloved actor in our world. Jesus anticipated giving voice to the epidemic of this, and so he encouraged us with suicide and mental illness in our Holy Family in Fort Worth has a series called “Feeding Our Faith” with a video cooking these words: “In the world you society and a high profile ath- show featuring Father Jeff Poirot with a follow-up, potluck dinner where faith themes will have trouble, but take cour- lete’s domestic violence caught on are explored. (Photo provided by Fr. Jeff Poirot) age, I have conquered the world” tape, shining a light on this all (John 16:33). too common occurrence in our ing and truly enjoying their youth Lastly, youth groups, campus No matter how bleak it world. These are just the high- group and encountering Jesus and young adult ministries, and may seem, and no matter how lights of the last few months, and in community and catechesis. It adults groups are traipsing all over uninvolved God seems to be in there are many more headlines is always so heartwarming and this and other countries doing the events of the world, Isaiah daily revealing the world as a encouraging, knowing that young mission work. In the past year urges us to: “Remember not the pretty scary and depressing place. people are embracing their faith. groups and individuals from our events of the past, the things of But in the midst of the But the kids are not the only diocese have traveled to places as long ago consider not; See, I am darkness a light is shining. Yes points of light. Parishes are doing close as Nebraska and Oklahoma doing something new! Now it there are terrible atrocities being more and more to reach out to as well as cities within our own springs forth, do you not perceive perpetrated by individuals on one adults and providing innovative diocese like Fort Worth, Arling- it? In the wilderness I make a way, another, but there are also some programs to draw people deeper ton, and Wichita Falls. They have in the wasteland, rivers” (Isaiah beautiful things happening, in into the life of the Church. At St. gone as far as Guatemala, Hondu- 43:18-19). our very own diocese. Francis in Grapevine they have ras, and Africa. Whether it is near God is always doing some- A couple of months ago many started a Sunday evening Mass or far from home, there is physical thing new. These new things may folks who have Facebook accounts followed by dinner and high and spiritual work to be done to not always grab the headlines, saw countless pictures of happy school religious education and build the Kingdom of God, and but that does not mean that God kiddos dressed up — oh so cute multiple tracks of adult cateche- people from our diocese are doing is not moving. I will continue to — for their first day of school. As sis. Holy Family in Fort Worth this vital work. read the newspaper daily, and as I saw these photos I felt so much has a series called “Feeding Our With just these few examples, I pray for the tragic events in our joy for these young ones as they Faith” with a video cooking show it is clear to see that there is a lot world, I will also celebrate our embark on a new year of learning featuring Father Jeff Poirot with of light shining, just in our dio- God who is not stymied by the and growing. Around the same a follow-up potluck dinner where cese, not to mention the ways God sins of humanity. time many youth ministries were faith themes are explored. These is moving in the rest of the world. Lord God, in the wilderness posting photos of their first youth are but a few examples of new and As I mentioned, it is tempting to of our world I beg you to make a group meeting with parish halls fresh ways parishes are bringing get depressed and discouraged way for your love, peace, and heal- and gyms packed with teens smil- the Good News to adults. when we see the evil and trouble ing to flow.

PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 VOICE

God's love is evident In a beautiful blossom and the miracle of new life

By Kathy Cribari Hamer

FUNNY THING ABOUT BOUGAINVILLEA, WHOSE When we talk about “God’s plan,” and NAME I COULDN’T EVEN PRONOUNCE A COUPLE There is no accounting for God’s trying to keep our faith, sometimes we are OF YEARS AGO, IS THAT SOMETIMES THE PLANTS just using words. It is an action without BLOOM LIKE CRAZY, MAKING YOU UNACCOUNT- plan; and sometimes it feels like reason, maybe even a prayer. Mother Maria, ABLY JOYFUL, LIKE THE GLOW OF BRAND NEW at the Carmel of the Most Holy Trinity, tells LOVE. there isn’t one, anyway. But if that me the essential element in love is to first be- But sometimes they turn the table on have in a loving way, and the love will take you. root and grow. They hang there, prickly branches is true, where did we come from in It is the same with faith. When Christ- clothed in green that is perhaps as attractive mas is coming, you think about purchasing as a cardigan in December, but not as pretty the first place? toy cars, pretty clothes, and dolls, even if as a Christmas tree, and not like any flower tin. Justin died when he was four years old. there is no one to buy them for. You think my good friend St. Thérèse would “cast I think of him every year at this time — about seeing the person you loved again, upon mankind.” when nothing is flowering outside, but the knowing this will, in fact, happen. Thérèse wrote that Jesus, in his mercy, optimistic joy in your heart is in bloom. It is God promised us eternal life. We gotta willed the biggest, prettiest flowers to grow Advent. Jesus is coming. have faith. among smaller ones, without distinction. Marilyn would mourn during this Living it makes us believe; believing She took upon herself the role of the little season, because of the Christmas presents — makes us be able to live. unimportant flowers who were privileged to fire engines, puppies, flags of many colors For many years I have watched my grow in the rose garden. — she wanted to buy for her son. Instead she friends Marilyn and Jerry live their faith, but My flowers of distinction are gardenias, cried, read every book she could find that there is sadness with them, side-by-side, like all-time favorites because the fragrance re- spoke of resurrection. She stood up, prayed, the collection of angels on their shelves, and minds me of my father, who gave me garde- and with her husband and daughter, tried to the Bougainvillea in their backyard. nia corsages for dad-daughter banquets every heal. They walked in faith. Last August, right about the time my own year of high school. After that, though, I There is no accounting for God’s plan; Bougainvillea bloomed, my friends gave me an received the worst possible gift. He died and sometimes it feels like there isn’t one, early Christmas gift. It was the most joy I had when I was 18. anyway. But if that is true, where did we heard from their lips in 23 years. The joy radi- But Bougainvillea, my goodness! My come from in the first place? ated throughout the walls of their house. second-favorite flower, they are a blessing When Job harassed God because of all They told me their beautiful, beloved when they bloom, like mine did, the first the injustices heaped on him, God kept quiet daughter was going to have a baby. He time I tried — in 2013. In 2014, however, for as long as He could. Then He reminded would be born in the winter. those rascals just sat there, playing dead. Job of the special attention He pays to all And his name would be Justin. From April through the summer, I creation, the amazing gifts He gives. “Do you This Christmas Marilyn can buy gifts searched for blossoms — and even though I know when the mountain goats give birth?” for her coming grandson, Justin McNeill. talked to them, they never bloomed. Maybe He asked. “Do you observe the calving of the God knows what He’s doing. they don’t understand English. BUT I deer? Can you number the months that they DON’T SPEAK BOUGAIN. fulfill? And do you know the time when they Kathy Cribari Hamer’s At the end of August, one tiny pink leaf give birth?” (Job 39: 1-3). column was recognized as showed itself. By September there were 15 So God is watching us? He cares? There best family life column by the blossoms, and on September 24, I counted is a reason for everything? Catholic Press Association of 123 on that one plant. I have many friends who have lost chil- the United States and Canada Ah yes, true love’s flowers. dren, including my friend Joan, who shares in 2014. She is the author of My friends Marilyn and Jerry — who with me the reality that our adult nephews ME AND THE CHICKENS: BIG KATE’S SIMPLE WIS- DO in fact raise beautiful Bougainvillea — died at their own hands, leaving the worst DOM, and can be found on her website www. had two gorgeous children: Kristen and Jus- possible legacy to their families. somethingelseagain.com.

PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 VOICE Francis and human solidarity Are we really living the Gospel?

By David Mills

POPE FRANCIS BOTHERS SOME OF MY POLITI- servative” issues. “We should love the poor and love the unborn child,” says Chaput. CALLY CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS. They’re not as “There’s nothing ‘progressive’ upset as the talk show host who called the “Service to the oppressed and service to the pope a Marxist, which was about the worst about killing an unborn family; defense of the weak and defense of thing he could say about anyone. But both- the unborn child; belief in the value of busi- ered, annoyed, vexed, disturbed, and peeved human child or allowing ness and belief in restraints on predatory they are. business practices — all these things spring Whether they should be is a matter of it to happen. And there’s from the same Catholic commitment to hu- opinion, but if they’re peeved with Fran- man dignity. There’s nothing ‘progressive’ cis, they ought to be peeved with most of nothing ‘conservative’ about about killing an unborn human child or the last 10 popes as well. In a talk given allowing it to happen. And there’s nothing to a meeting in California last month, the ignoring the cries of the poor.” ‘conservative’ about ignoring the cries of the archbishop of Philadelphia pointed out that poor.” Francis is concerned about the same things — Archbishop Charles Chaput This, Chaput explains, is the way we that Benedict and St. John Paul II were con- community.” reveal Christ to a world that desperately cerned about, and Pius XI and Leo XIII too. Like the popes before him, Chaput needs Him but isn’t particularly interested in Francis has never said anything quite explains, Francis “defends human dignity Him. “In the task of bringing the world to like Benedict’s observation that “In many re- in a world that consistently threatens it. But Jesus Christ, we witness best when we save spects, democratic socialism was and is close he stresses more directly than they did that the unborn and when we feed their mothers, to Catholic social doctrine and has in any human solidarity is a necessary dimension when we help immigrants, when we serve case made a remarkable contribution to the of human dignity. We need both. Human the poor, when we stand against division formation of a social consciousness.” Francis dignity requires not just the protection of in- and exploitation, when we speak for a more isn’t an American libertarian, but he isn’t a dividuals, as in our pro-life work, but an on- just social order. European socialist either. He understands going commitment to the common good.” “When we don’t witness that way, a economic issues through the Church’s teach- I think that’s right, though Benedict society as broken as ours won’t pay atten- ing as it’s described in the Compendium of did speak a lot about human solidarity. The tion to our moral and religious convictions. the Social Doctrine of the Church, which popes’ personal styles explain some of the And that’s fair enough. Why should anyone doesn’t really fit our usual left-right grid. differences in the way they talk about the believe that the Gospel is good news when For example, as Archbishop Charles Church’s work and witness in the world. we live as if it weren’t?” Chaput points out, Francis insists that the Francis speaks as a pastor addressing issues There is a great deal more to be said Church (these are Francis’s words) “has as they come. He doesn’t speak in the cool about Francis’s understanding of economics, always maintained that the key to the social analytical style of the German intellectual and I commend the archbishop’s talk, which question is work” and that government Benedict is. has more to say about his understanding and “should cultivate a culture of work, not But the development in what they think about the practical expressions the pope of- charity.” It is, Francis says, “through free, the Church should be looking at explains fers (it can be found at tinyurl.com/ creative, participatory, and mutually sup- most of the differences. The last two popes ChaputonFrancis). I can understand my portive labor that human beings express and spoke to a world that did not believe in hu- friends’ reaction, but perhaps they should enhance the dignity of their lives.” man dignity. The world hasn’t improved in feel challenged rather than peeved. On the other hand, he also insists that that area, but the Christian witness has been welfare programs are needed to meet urgent made clearly. Now, without neglecting the David Mills is the author of DISCOVERING social needs and thinks that people should need to keep speaking about human dignity, MARY and his column, “Catholic Sense” runs be given education and basic health care. Francis is stressing an aspect of human dig- in multiple diocesan publications. He and his “Economic activity has to be ordered to the nity the world also neglects or rejects. family attend St. Joseph Church in Coraopolis, attainment of the common good, which is It requires concern with issues people Pennsylvania. He blogs at www.patheos.com/ the responsibility above all of the political wrongly divide into “progressive” and “con- blogs/davidmills.

PAGE 25 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 VOICE

Transformational leaders Walking in the footsteps of Christ By Mary Morrell

RECENTLY WHILE HOUSEBOUND DURING A DAY renewal. OF THUNDERSTORMS AND FLOODING, I HAD Jesus was genuine — and In his leadership work with Project Ka- THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THE POIGNANT leidoscope, John W. Gardner lists nine tasks AND WHIMSICAL MOVIE, “BOGUS”, ABOUT AN those who are called to which comprise the most significant, but not ORPHANED BOY FORCED TO LIVE WITH HIS the only, functions of leadership: envisioning AUNT, A WOMAN WHO HAD NO CHILDREN AND Christian leadership need goals, affirming values, motivating, manag- REALLY HAD NO CLUE ABOUT HOW TO TAKE to be genuine, too; to follow ing, achieving a workable level of unity, CARE OF HER NEW CHARGE. explaining, serving as a symbol, representing While on the plane to meet his new in Jesus' footsteps of faith, the group externally, and renewing. guardian, the little boy colored a picture of Of the last function, Gardner writes: a funny looking man who suddenly came to compassionate service, “One of the great historical examples of the life and became the little boy’s best friend. leader/renewer is John XXIII, who was elect- The man’s name was Bogus, and, as his truth, and keeping eyes ed Pope at the age of 76. In his long years name suggests, he was pretend — the wise of rising through the ranks of the Church and warm imaginary friend of a little boy focused on God, not self. hierarchy, the spark of imagination and trying to come to grips with the loss of his creativity remained undimmed, and when mother. strategy before relationships, and embracing he reached the top he became the greatest For Bogus, though obviously not real, the adage that the ends justify the means force for renewal the Church has known in his name implied none of the negativ- even when the means conflict with the this century.” ity inherent in the word when we use it to values of the organization — then everyone And then there is Jesus — the consum- describe something counterfeit or pseudo, suffers. mate leader of human history, who not only something not authentic in spite of appear- Scripture is full of examples of leaders, motivated his followers but inspired them, ances — bogus coin, bogus legislation, who though flawed in many ways as all of who established love as the firm foundation bogus remedy us are, were powerful, effective, transforma- of all his endeavors and challenges us to do Today, as a commonly used synonym, tional leaders. the same. pseudo is applied in many fields: pseudo Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, at Aish.com, Jesus was genuine — and those who class and pseudo elements in web technol- defines the essence of such leadership: “To are called to Christian leadership need to ogy, pseudo science, pseudo math, even be an agent of hope, to love the people you be genuine, too; to follow in Jesus’ footsteps pseudo weddings. But one term stands out lead, and to widen their horizons to embrace of faith, compassionate service, truth, and in my mind — pseudo leadership. humanity as a whole — that is the kind of keeping eyes focused on God, not on self. In the course of a lifetime we are faced leadership that gives people the ability to Bogus may make a delightful imaginary with leaders on every level, beginning with recover from crisis and move on. It is what friend, but there’s no place for such a person the family and including schools, small busi- made Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah three of in the realm of Christian leadership. nesses, major corporations, faith communi- the greatest leaders of all time.” ties big and small and, of course, countries. What our biblical ancestors clearly em- Mary Morrell serves as We are blessed when our leaders under- braced was the belief that they were called the managing editor stand the value of transformation and strive to stand with integrity and honor before of THE MONITOR, to be those transformational leaders who God who sees all things, and, in spite of the newspaper for the leave a place better for their having served reality that leadership in all circumstances Diocese of Trenton, there. is complex, laden with substantial tasks and New Jersey. A mother of six, she has served the When our leaders succumb to pseudo- equally substantial responsibilities, these Church for more than 22 years in the fields of leadership — enchanted with power, putting graced leaders never lost sight of the need for catechesis, communications, and education.

PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 VOICE

Having faith Brings blessings beyond measure By Denise Bossert

MY OLDEST DAUGHTER SAT ACROSS THE TABLE Gifts of the Visitation, but this was the first FROM ME AND SHOOK HER HEAD NO. THE time I truly felt Elizabeth’s pain. Elizabeth’s GESTURE WAS FULL OF SADNESS AND QUIET Thisache-for-God's-blessing longing. Israel’s longing. It seemed as though ACCEPTANCE. SHE TAPPED INTO AN INNER some kind of spiritual pilgrimage had ended STRENGTH THAT SHE HAD DISCOVERED OVER touched the matriarchs at the feet of Elizabeth, her son’s name on THE PAST FEW YEARS. the bulletin, the signpost, the priest’s lips. St. This was the first time she had said the of salvation history and John the Baptist Church. words. That ship has sailed. There will be no I had a glimpse into the matriarchs of babies for us, Mom. reached its summit in the salvation’s history that I had never had. They She didn’t go into details. I knew the had no reason to believe they would ever back story. And I grieved for my daughter lives of Mary and Elizabeth hear their own child’s first cry. They would and son-in-law who had accepted infertility not know what it was like to push that final with marital resolve and met it with reor- in the hills of Judea push — the one that instantly transforms dered plans. My daughter had cried plenty of pain into joy. They had no reason to believe tears, she said, and then smiled softly when — except a faint hope that remained in the she saw the tears forming in my eyes. Her deepest, most hidden part of their hearts. strength, her calm acceptance, had not come Where God listens. easily or quickly. It had come with each Rebekah, and Hannah. These women sym- Where each tear is saved and returns to passing month. bolized Israel. Daughter Zion. The barren earth full of divine grace. Each time her younger sister announced one. The tears of each woman — the tears of Last January, my daughter called to another pregnancy — and again when her a nation — accompanied each supplication. say that she is expecting a baby. Her little brother’s wife became pregnant — the want- When, oh Lord? When will the promised girl is due this month. Soon, I will travel to ing returned. And then the wanting was one come to us? Minnesota and hold my granddaughter for processed and quietly set aside. This ache-for-God’s-blessing had the first time. And I will return to St. John She was working on her master’s degree, touched the matriarchs of salvation history the Baptist Parish to say thank you. Thank she said. They were planning a trip to Costa and reached its summit in the lives of Mary you, oh Lord, for hearing the supplications Rica for their anniversary. and Elizabeth in the hills of Judea. of women throughout Sacred Scripture, for I wanted to change things for her. I As I waited for Mass to begin, I thought giving life where new life is least expected, wanted to make life fair as I had during my of Elizabeth. Was there a moment when she for raising up sons and daughters — and children’s youth. When one of my children sat across from her own mother and said grandsons and granddaughters — who will played with a toy for a while, another one these words? “There will be no baby for learn to hear your voice and take their own had a turn. When one child had a birthday, Zechariah and me. We are focusing on other places in this Christ-bearing mission. the other celebrated because his birthday things now. ” Had Elizabeth cried? Had would come in time. The longing for a child those tears dried up as the years passed? Had is central to the vocation of married life. she watched as siblings welcomed babies into Denise Bossert has four Love presses on to this great event. So why their own little families? Had she rested in children and is a member does pregnancy come so easily to some, yet her husband’s arms with reluctant accep- of Immaculate Heart of not for all? I had no answers. tance hanging heavy in the air around them? Mary Parish in New Melle, The next morning we worshipped at There I was, praying, offering up a Missouri. Her column, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in petition as I went forward to receive the Eu- CATHOLIC BY GRACE, has run New Brighton, Minnesota. As I genuflected charist that Sunday morning. For months, I in 46 diocesan newspapers. She blogs at www. and knelt to pray, I thought of Sarah, and had been working on a book proposal called catholicbygrace.com.

PAGE 27 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 SEEKING GOD’S PATH VOCATIONS With an abundant harvest, prayers are needed for vocations Father James Wilcox was ordained to the priesthood in 2013 and serves as the Vocations BY FATHER JAMES WILCOX Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth.

ONE OF THE GREAT PARTS ABOUT BEING God has generously provided the THE VOCATIONS DIRECTOR IS GETTING grace of the call to many. To those who TO VISIT WITH SO MANY PEOPLE FROM have received the call, they follow the DIFFERENT PARISHES, AND INTEREST- will of God through honest discern- INGLY, ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENT ment. To families, they follow the will QUESTIONS I GET (AFTER “HOW MANY of God by encouraging each other to SEMINARIANS DO WE HAVE?”) IS, “WHEN live fully God’s will in their life. To all, WILL WE RECEIVE THE NEW POSTERS OF we follow the command of Jesus Christ THIS YEAR’S SEMINARIANS?” when we beg the Master of the Harvest Well, fret not, the posters are head- for an increase in vocations to the ing to the printer as I type this. For this priesthood and religious life, especially year’s poster, we selected some powerful from our families and parishes in the words of Jesus Christ to serve as a re- diocese. minder to the entire diocese to pray and Bishop Olson recently sent a letter to foster vocations. “The harvest is abun- all pastors requesting that they institute dant but the laborers are few; so ask the a monthly Holy Hour for Vocations. master of the harvest to send out laborers Some parishes with established times of for his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Eucharistic Adoration will likely devote Jesus Christ proclaims this as He one of those hours to specifically pray is sending out the 72, and they harken for vocations. Others will add an hour as a reminder to all of us Catholics each month to live out the words of Jesus in the diocese about three important Christ to pray. Formats for the Holy aspects of vocations. First, vocations Hour, along with suggested Scripture are abundant in the Diocese of Fort readings and prayers, are available at Worth. Yes, we have 31 seminarians www.fwdioc.org/pages/vocations-about. as well as several men and women in Through our prayers and with God’s study for religious orders, AND there grace, all parishes — large or small; are many young people who have yet urban, rural, or suburban — can send to answer their call. Second, it is our duty to homily for the World Day of Prayer for Voca- laborers into the harvest. pray, asking the Lord to continue calling men tions by asking how the harvest became so So when you see the new poster go up at and women, and it is our duty to be instru- abundant for us, that all we need to do is your parish, take a moment. Give praise to ments of support to them. Third, we must al- reap. “But who did the work to bring about God that the harvest is abundant. Pray for ways remember that vocations are the work of these results? There is only one answer: God. the seminarians in their discernment, study, God, not us. Bearing this in mind and heart, Clearly the field of which Jesus is speaking and formation. Then, consider who in your we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in the is humanity, us. And the efficacious action family and parish is being called by the Lord lives of people, gracing their lives by deepen- which has borne ‘much fruit’ is the grace of to serve. Pray for them, encourage them, and ing their desire to serve the Church. God, that is, communion with Him” (cf. John help them to answer the call with the grace In May 2014, Pope Francis opened his 15:5). of the Holy Spirit.

PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 ESSENTIALS OF THE FAITH

Discipleship is possible

within the classroom if... Marlon De La Torre is the director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort BY MARLON DE LA TORRE Worth, and author of SCREWTAPE TEACHES THE FAITH: A GUIDE FOR CATECHISTS.

WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE IS THE the Gospel must bring an initial Discipleship is possible if: and in turn become disciples. PRIMARY INTENT OF A PARENT conversion that leads toward a One of the great realities that WHEN THEY SEND THEIR CHILD maturation and education of the 1. Our intention is to form we as the body of Christ often- THROUGH A RELIGIOUS EDUCATION human being in the person and disciples in the faith and not times neglect to see is that we PROGRAM? Whether through the message of Jesus Christ (Catechesis just to regurgitate information are created by God to freely and parish religious education pro- in Our Time, 19). the student may or may not openly speak about Him if we so gram or a Catholic school, the Is discipleship possible in the comprehend. choose. Discipleship is possible if hope would be that the intent of classroom? In short, yes. Prior to we choose to exercise this reality the parents is for their child to any formal catechetical formation 2. The classroom invokes an and communicate who Christ is continue to develop an aware- taking place, the classroom must opportunity for prayer, especially instead of ignoring it. In commu- ness of God and an intimate be arranged in a way where an in- to Christ. nicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus Christ vitation to know God and his Son we begin to illuminate the mind that has already been established Jesus Christ is established. Merely 3. The teacher is truly interested of the student to something other at home. You would think this sitting someone down behind a in Jesus. Note: A student can than themselves. Instead we gradu- would be the primary purpose of desk and having them take out immediately tell if a teacher is ally and continually draw them religious formation. their religion book, for example, interested in and is living a life into a sense of discipleship i.e., a G.K. Chesterton once re- will not suffice if the intent is au- in Christ. Putting on a false face sense and desire of belonging with marked that: “One of the chief thentic discipleship. Any student doesn’t help. and in Christ. At the heart of au- uses of religion is that it makes young or old within a classroom thentic discipleship is revealing the us remember our coming from setting deserves to be brought 4. There is an authentic joy in identity of our Lord and the hope darkness, the simple fact that we from an institutional format of presenting the Gospel and active displayed through the offering of are created.” And here lies an im- instruction toward a systematic Gospel living i.e., the sacramental his Son Jesus Christ to humanity. portant point to consider when we presentation of the Gospel where life. Our efforts should naturally reflect bring the notion of discipleship questions are answered about the this desire in that we want God ac- into this equation. faith, and curiosity about the faith 5. The teacher truly values the cessible, not distant. The basic tenet of a school of is established. development of the student’s soul. St. Paul provides us with an religion is to assist in the ongoing Children, for example, should exhortation on discipleship to St. formation of not just a child, but be asked and exposed to the ques- The Catechism reminds us Timothy that could very easily be anyone young and old, toward an tion of where they see themselves that all the baptized (us) are called directed toward us to “keep the active and living proclamation of in relation to God. And depend- to conversion (CCC 1427). By its commandment unstained and free the Gospel. This tenet in turn re- ing on the age, provided living very nature the sacrament of bap- from reproach until the appear- sults in the person having a genu- witnesses i.e., active disciples who tism is the principal place for the ing of our Lord Jesus Christ; and ine and intimate relationship with can effectively share how they have first and fundamental conversion. this will be made manifest at the Jesus Christ. Hence the question, walked with Christ. Frank Sheed In other words our evangelistic proper time by the blessed and “Is discipleship possible within once said that the “special object efforts should be directed toward only Sovereign, the King of kings the classroom?” St. John Paul II of religious education is to prepare helping all young and old exercise and Lord of lords …” (1 Timothy wrote that the proclamation of the pupils for life in Christ.” their baptismal call to seek Christ 6:14-16).

PAGE 29 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Pointing from the crib to the cross, the Rosary can

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHARON K. PERKINS

n all my years of praying the Rosary, I’ve never really thought of it as a IChristmas prayer — until now. But the more I’ve learned about Christmas, and the more I’ve prayed the Rosary, the connection seems so obvious I wonder why I didn’t get it before (like a “Wow — I could’ve had a V-8!” moment). I guess it started with a gift from a friend when it wasn’t even Christmas. (Note to self: don’t second-guess those impulsive gift-giving opportunities. You might not ever fully realize their ap- propriateness or their potential to bless someone!) I received an unusual but beautiful set of rosary beads from an especially thoughtful friend. Now I already owned several rosaries, heirloom and otherwise — even more than I “needed” — but this is a particularly dear friend, and so I put Th e red and green beads on my her gift in a drawer for safekeeping. It Christmas rosary aren’t simply wasn’t until I was packing for a trip to symbolic of a limited season. Th e Israel a year ago that I spied those red red crystals signify the blood of and green beads with the poinsettia Christ’s sacrifi ce on Calvary, motifs and, on a whim, added them to and the green are for the new my travel bag. life that results. Put another I saw countless rosaries in many religious gift shops during my 10 days in way, there is no Easter without the Holy Land, and I even bought a few Christmas; Jesus’ crib always to give to others, but the “Christmas” points us to his Cross. rosary became my go-to for personal prayer. Th ose red crystal beads accompanied me to the Basilica of the Annuncia- near the fourteen-pointed silver star in salem, I prayed them in the Garden of tion in Nazareth, the site of the Arch- the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethle- Gethsemane for the physical injury of a angel Gabriel’s incredible invitation to hem, vowing that from then on, I would fellow pilgrim, whose swift and miracu- a teenaged girl named Miriam. I prayed pray those beads every Christmas Eve lous healing occurred the very next day. them in the garden of the Church of the in thanksgiving for the great gift of the My prayers of meditation on the Visitation at Ein Kerem, where Mary Incarnation. I even prayed them in the mysteries — the life events of Jesus and climbed the steep and rugged hills of old city of Jerusalem near the ancient Mary — were obviously rendered more the Judean wilderness 2,000 years ago Temple where the infant Jesus was pre- poignant and powerful because of the to visit her cousin Elizabeth — and sented and where later his parents found holy sites I was able to visit. But I also where today the “Magnifi cat” prayer is Him conversing with the teachers of the became keenly aware of how in those displayed in 62 languages. I laid them Law. And fi nally, on my last day in Jeru- prayers, the past, present, and future

PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 were all woven together. And isn’t that life that results. Put another way, there what the miracle of Christmas is really Th e Rosary, a humble is no Easter without Christmas; Jesus’ all about? crib always points us to his Cross. As a child, I was introduced to prayer of repetition And, as I learned from a Christmas Baby Jesus in the manger, but as chil- card recently, even the poinsettia motif dren usually do, I focused on the pres- and meditation, has can reach beyond the season. Accord- ent (and the “presents”!) and had only the power to eﬀ ect ing to an old Mexican custom, villag- a vague notion of the holy birth and its ers brought gifts to the Baby Jesus on signifi cance for my life and the life of change beyond our Christmas Eve, but one young child the world. Back then, the Rosary was comprehension. had nothing to off er. He (or she) prayed a prayer that all the grandkids recited for some way to demonstrate love for in an upstairs bedroom of my grand- the infant king, and God mercifully mother’s house in order to give my har- Rosary-praying was less frequent. answered the prayer by causing some ried aunts and uncles a few moments As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become roadside weeds to develop the brilliantly of Christmas peace (I can still feel the increasingly future-oriented. I see the abundant red leaves resembling the star hard wooden fl oor under my six year- clashes of cultures and the violence of of Bethlehem. Th is “fl ower of the Holy old knees and the anticipation of the war, an uncertain global economy and Night” reminds me that my gifts of downstairs dash to the tree!). the futility of human solutions, and I love for Christ, however small, are the As a young adult theology stu- long for Christ’s return in glory. I’ve seeds of great blessing whose beauty I dent, I became more conscious of the sat by the bedsides of dying loved ones cannot foresee. Th e Rosary, a humble Nativity as an event of the “distant and glimpsed a foretaste of the glori- prayer of repetition and meditation, has past” which somehow encompassed my ous new life that they already know but the power to eff ect change beyond our existence and brought abundant life which I’ve yet to experience. And in the comprehension. to every aspect of my being. I couldn’t Rosary, I bring the mysteries of past and Sure, I have other sets of rosary fully grasp how or why Jesus’ birth in present to bear on those things which beads. Whether they’re glow-in-the- Bethlehem could be the hinge of his- are to come. It has become my year- dark plastic, crystal, or olive wood, they tory or the turning point of my own life. round prayer of Christmas hope. all “work.” But my Christmas rosary has It was just something I gradually came Th e red and green beads on my taught me a few things about the eter- to know through the prayer of faith and Christmas rosary aren’t simply symbolic nal love of God and the great gifts of through the consistent experience of of a limited season. Th e red crystals Jesus and his mother. I’ll be kneeling at Jesus’ presence in the events and rela- signify the blood of Christ’s sacrifi ce on the crèche this Christmas Eve, red and tionships of the everyday, even when my Calvary, and the green are for the new green beads in hand.

Mary’s “Magnifi cat” is displayed in 62 languages on the wall of the outer courtyard if the Church of the Visitation at Ein Kerem (right), including the Czech language (below), so much a part of Sharon Kapavik Perkins, family of origin’s heritage. (Photos by Sharon K. Perkins)

PAGE 31 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 BY JEFF HEDGLEN t a recent talk given of people take turns reading by Bishop Olson the Christmas Story from Ato more than 200 Failing to listen can mean missing the Luke’s Gospel, each of you young adults of the Diocese taking the time to just listen of Fort Worth, he was ex- call of God in our lives. to the words of the coming pounding on the virtue of of the Savior. Th en sit quietly Prudence. He explained that But taking the time to listen opens up and listen to the story reso- part of this virtue is listen- nating in your heart. Take ing. A lot of what he said our spirits to hear what God is calling time to quietly share what I recognized in myself. He this story means to each of said that the modern world you. doesn’t really like to listen. In us to do, not just during Advent, but Failing to listen can conversations we are often mean missing the call of just waiting until the other every day of our lives. God in our lives. But taking person stops talking, so we the time to listen opens up can chime in with our own Th e Advent wreath, with a lit candle marking each week of the season, is a our spirits to hear what God insights, not really listening traditional symbol of this time of listening. (CNS ﬁ le photo) is calling us to do, not just to what the person we are during Advent, but every day talking with is actually say- of life with our hearts and really listen, to the joy and of our lives. ing. minds turned inward, listen- excitement your children Th is may seem like an Bishop Olson went on ing for the still small voice have as Christmas approach- impossible task, especially to say that “Listening means that Elisha speaks about. But es. Make a commitment during the busy holiday sea- we enter into a conversation.” the season that is fast ap- to read the daily readings son, but remember, we are Th is is diff erent than the proaching off ers us a chance (maybe just one day a week), talking about the virtue of usual discourse that is full of to listen, even though the but don’t just read them and Prudence. Th e Catechism of self-interest and focused on noise level is about to go up. move on to the next task. the Catholic Church says this getting our point across. Th e Advent is around the Take a moment and listen to about virtues: “Human vir- clincher for me was when he corner, and with this won- what God is saying through tues acquired by education, said: “Th is approach leads to derful season of waiting and the readings. by deliberate acts and by a a loss of the call of God in preparation often comes Th ink back on the year perseverance ever-renewed in our life because we are not the hustle and bustle of the and remember your friends repeated eff orts are purifi ed listening.” He continued: holidays. Th e typically cel- who have lost a loved one and elevated by divine grace” “We need quiet if we are to ebratory rituals of shopping, recently and take them out (CCC 1810). In other words, listen, to hear, to discern. decorating, Christmas carols, for a pumpkin-spiced latte. if at fi rst you don’t succeed, Listening is a key part to liv- and gathering with friends But don’t just drink coff ee try, try again. Also inviting our faith.” and family, can also just be and talk about you, let them ing God into your eff orts to I don’t think the basic added on noise to our already share memories of this loved listen will purify them and ideas Bishop Olson was talk- cacophonous lives. But it one, ask them how the griev- bring you into contact with ing about are totally new to doesn’t have to be this way. ing process is going, and lis- his grace. us. We all are bombarded by Advent is a holy season, ten to them without needing So for Christmas this noise in the forms of televi- but for us to experience the to take their pain away; just year, ask for an early present, sion, radio, social media, and holiness, we have to inten- listen and off er your sorrow the gift of Prudence. And cell phones, not to mention tionally turn down the noise and sympathy. in the midst of the noise work, chores, errands, sports, and fi nd time to listen. Th ere As Christmas gets closer, and confusion of the secular and dance practices. Th ere is so much to listen to dur- maybe you can gather your Xmas have a great season of is not enough time spent ing Advent. Certainly there family or friends in a can- quiet, listening for the call of turned away from these parts are the carols, but also, listen, dlelit room and have a couple God in your life.

PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 St. Maria Goretti pastor Father Jim Gigliotti, TOR, blesses parishioners and their pets on Sept. 28. Dozens of people flocked to the parish to have their dogs, cats, and household pets blessed by the parish’s Franciscan priests. In the spirit of St. Francis Honoring their order’s founder, Franciscan Fathers Jim Gigliotti and David Morrier of St. Maria Goretti bless their parishioners’ pets

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JUAN GUAJARDO “[St. Francis] just had a special simpatico CORRESPONDENT with pets, and he said that they were loving; cause love in us; and where there is THOSE WHO WALKED BY ARLINGTON’S ST. love, there is the presence of God,” said MARIA GORETTI PARISH SEPT. 28, PERHAPS Fr. Gigliotti. “And so it’s part of creation GOT A GLIMPSE OF SOME ODD VISITORS TO THE that God has given to us that we help CHURCH, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY FRAN- to make holy by taking care of CISCANS OF THE THIRD ORDER REGULAR. They it.” It’s part of our role, “as we might even have seen pastor Father Jim are stewards of creation from the Gigliotti, TOR, and parochial vicar Fa- Book of Genesis. So we help to ther David Morrier, TOR, minister- maintain and sustain creation. ing to these peculiar guests. Francis was always for that.” For in the field behind the That sentiment is echoed by church, dozens of parishioners Father Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, a and their furry, feathered, and/ Franciscan Friar of the Holy Name or scaled friends, formed two neat Province, who in an article for lines and marched up to the two AmericanCatholic.org wrote that, “The Franciscan priests, who gave a bless- love we give to a pet, and receive from ing to each person and pet — be a pet, can draw us more deeply into the it Great Dane, Chihuahua, cat, bird, larger circle of life, into the wonder of weasel, or turtle — and then sprinkled them with holy water. our common relationship to our Creator.” An annual tradition at many Franciscan-run parishes, at St. Maria Fr. Gigliotti has been bestowing the special blessing on that rela- Goretti the Blessing of the Animals takes place twice each year: A week tionship for the last 19 years at St. Maria Goretti. before St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day for parishioners and then the “We’ve gone through whole generations of Fidos and Mitzis, parrots Friday before the Feast Day for the students at St. Maria Goretti School. and ferrets, and snakes,” he said. “And they have babies you know, and But it also takes place nationwide on Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis, then they have babies. So yes, I know their grandfathers, and great-great in remembrance of the saint’s love and respect for all of God’s creatures. grandfathers and great grandmothers.”

St. Maria Goretti parochial vicar Father David Morrier, TOR, blesses parishioners and their pets on Sept. 28.

PAGE 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 40Days for Life kick-off draws ecumenical crowd to begin prayer vigil linked to vigils around the world

Fort Worth Director Bobby Warren addresses the approximately 180 pro-lifers who attended the 40 Days for Life Kickoff rally in front of Planned Parenthood in Southwest Fort Worth Sept. 24.

Very Rev. Karl Schilken, vicar general and moderator of the curia, gives a keynote talk during the 40 Days kick-off rally.

Story and Photos fasting and peaceful activism, for the end of Fr. Schilken urged the pro-lifers to con- By Juan Guajardo abortion. tinue praying for changes of hearts in our Correspondent “I think we’re joyous knowing that we’re society, for the conversion of those involved in out here motivated,” Warren said. “We have the abortion industry, and to continue putting About 180 pro-lifers from all over the the heart of Christ, and we want to pray to save their faith into action and being a people of diocese convened in front of Planned lives, and that’s the main thing to stay focused prayer and peace when advocating for lives. Parenthood in Southwest Fort Worth on.” “Brothers and sisters, we can make a dif- on Sept 24 for the kickoff of 40 Days for Life, Speaking from the back of a pick-up truck, ference,” Fr. Schilken said. “We can change an ecumenical peaceful prayer vigil that takes surrounded by participants lining the side- the world. Christ started with 12 people, and place 24/7 throughout the course of 40 days. walks, the Very Rev. Karl Schilken, diocesan one of them wasn’t so good, and look at what’s Bobby Warren, director of 40 Days for vicar general, reiterated that sentiment. happened. We are more than 12, and I suspect Life Fort Worth, encouraged the participants “What’s important is that we’re here, and that most people here are good. That, my — which included families, college students, we’re gathered for a purpose that’s very valu- brothers and sisters, is the good news. Decent professionals, teenagers, and children — to able and is very sacred,” said Father Schilken, a people are trying to do the right thing. With remain motivated in praying for an end to canon lawyer and long-time pro-life volunteer God’s help we can accomplish that task.” abortion despite the “somber backdrop” of at Mother and Unborn Baby Care. “We come The Rev. Scott Fisher, senior pastor of one of the largest Planned Parenthood cen- here because we believe that Christ, that God, Metroplex Chapel in Euless, also gave encour- ters in Texas nearby. Since it started in Fort gave us the gift of life and that it is a gift from aging words to the diverse group of pro-lifers, Worth in 2008, 40 Days for Life has taken God. It’s not something that is valuable because many of whom signed up to pray for a one- place outside a local abortion facility in order we think it’s valuable. We think that life is valu- hour time slot each week of the campaign. to provide constant prayerful vigil, along with able because He gave us that gift.” He kicked off his talk by tallying up abor-

PAGE 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Sarah Stehling (right), a sophomore involved in Nolan Catholic High School’s Pro Life Club, listens to keynote speakers during the rally.

Pro-lifers from accross the diocese gathered for the 40 Days for Life ecumenical kick-off rally. Approximately 180 people participated in the Kickoff rally in front of Planned Parenthood in Southwest Fort Worth on Sept. 24. tion statistics, mentioning how 75,000 babies me, forgive all of us who call ourselves Chris- are aborted in Texas each year, and how nearly tians and yet did nothing to intervene.” 56 million babies have been aborted since Fisher applauded the participants for not 1973, the year abortion was legalized in the “[intending] to sing louder, to look the other United States, under the cloak of “sophistica- way, or to rationalize the wholesale slaughter of tion and supposed planning.” human life,” but for being there to intervene. “That’s twice the population of the state That intervention, Fisher said, involves A pro-lifer holds her baby as she listens to a of Texas,” said Fisher, a fervent pro-lifer and two powerful elements: prayer and people. keynote during the rally in front of Planned chairman of the board of the Texas Juvenile “We’re engaged in a cultural, philosophical, Parenthood in Southwest Fort Worth. Justice Department. “Every man, woman, and and spiritual battle,” Fisher said. “It is a battle child times two.” for the hearts and minds of people, and tonight Fisher alluded to an excerpt from the we stand together to embrace and wield the ally moved to come here and to support every- book, When a Nation Forgets God, by Dr. most powerful weapon on the planet: prayer.” one else and all these Catholics,” said Stehling, Erwin Lutzer. He mentioned one passage, As the audience clapped, he continued, who joined the school’s Pro-Life Club earlier where Lutzer interviewed an eyewitness to the “The apostle Paul instructed that though we this year. “It’s just a great community and such Holocaust — a Christian — and how every live in this physical realm, our battle is spiritu- a wonderful thing to be a part of, praying for Sunday the man would hear the cries of Jews al and is not fought with physical weapons but these babies who have no one else to pray for locked in the cars of the train running behind is fought with spiritual weapons. Tonight we them.” the church as they were sent to concentration take up the weapon of united prayer. Men and camps. Dreading the moment, he and the women, boys and girls, Catholics and Protes- The campaign ends Nov. 2. For more other church-goers would sing louder during tants, under the banner of Jesus Christ praying information, visit 40daysfortworth.com the service to drown out the Jews’ cries. for God to move in our community. Fisher read aloud the words of the eyewit- “….When we pray together, when we join A pro-lifer listens to a keynote speaker encourage ness Christian, “Although years passed, I still together as one, when we lift up the name of the audience during the rally, as the sun sets. hear the train whistle in my sleep. God forgive Jesus unashamedly, his kingdom expands. For these next 40 days, that’s what’s going to be happening here on these sidewalks and at centers throughout the nation and around the world.” Sarah Stehling, a sophomore at Nolan Catholic High School, hopes to be a part of that united effort. “My whole family is pro-life. It’s always been something important, and I just felt re-

Pastor Scott Fisher, with Metroplex Chapel in Euless, encouraged pro-lifers in attendance during the Kickoff rally.

PAGE 35 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 REVIEW 40 Days for Life offers compelling stories for pro-lifers on their journey to end abortion

by Jerry Circelli / Correspondent

Full of inspirational stories and pow- watched from the comfort of his automobile erful testimonies, 40 DAYS FOR LIFE is a as another volunteer arrived, umbrella in page-turner. It was not, however, meant to hand, and knelt down on the sidewalk near be read in a single sitting. In fact, if read the the abortion center to pray. Mark invited way that authors David Bereit and Shawn the man to sit inside his dry car, but the Carney intended, it should take you 40 days man refused, stating that he signed up for a to complete the book. peaceful prayer vigil on the public right of No surprise, there are 40 chapters in 40 way in front of the abortion facility, and that Days for Life, and each takes only about five is what he intended to do. to 10 minutes to read. The first part of each Then Mark did the same and joined the PUBLISHED BY: Cappella Books, Nashville, chapter involves a short, moving testimonial, other man to pray, despite the downpour. followed by a Scripture verse and prayer. As the rain pelted the two men, they Tennessee, 2013 From a single campaign that started watched a couple drive by. They had a baby PAGE COUNT: 272 in 2007 in College Station, the 40 Days in a car seat. Mark made eye contact with PRICE: $11.25. for Life movement has inspired more than the woman who sat in the passenger seat 3,000 campaigns today. Those campaigns as the car pulled into the abortion center have taken place in 539 cities in 24 countries driveway. Mark knew instinctively she was strangers to stand out in the rain and wait for around the world. scheduled for an abortion, and he was wit- me and pray for me!” 40 Days for Life reports that the nessing, for the first time, the prelude to a A life had been saved. “What a powerful movement has saved nearly 9,000 lives and dramatic horror that was about to take place God we have,” Mark was quoted as saying. inspired 101 abortion workers to quit their inside the building. The authors go on to tell us that they jobs. Since its inception, 56 abortion centers The men prayed harder, this time their have met many people along the way that at have closed. pleas to God focused clearly on the woman’s first are reluctant to follow-through on their In 40 Days for Life, co-author David face they had seen. Heavy in prayer and calling, but find strength and persevere after Bereit writes, “God repeatedly uses 40 days deep in sadness, they continued this way for God gives them a visible sign. to call his own people back to him, both to 10 minutes until the abortion center door 40 Days for Life gives us a glimpse of chastise and to encourage. He uses 40 days opened and the woman came out. She went those people so that we, too, might find our to transform and prepare his people for the directly to the men. She told them that she strength through their stories. mission he has called them to do. He uses was being pressured to have an abortion and If you seek truthful encouragement 40 days to ready the world for the impact his that she was once Christian but had fallen about what is happening in the pro-life people are about to have on their culture.” away. The men told her that God has never movement today, despite what you hear on The foreword of this book was written left her side and that He loved her. television or read in the newspapers, read by former Planned Parenthood center direc- In the book, the authors relate her story: 40 Days for Life. And if you want to take it a tor, Abby Johnson, who presents her own “I cried out to God. I was desperate! I step further, participate in a peaceful prayer moving testimonial of transformation. asked him for a sign if he didn’t want me to vigil at a 40 Days for Life campaign. You One of the book’s early chapters tells have this abortion. And just as we were turn- may be just the sign a desperate mother is the story of a reluctant volunteer, named ing into the lot, I saw you!” looking for. Mark. In a heavy rainstorm, Mark decided “Two guys standing outside in the pour- to stay in his car instead of praying outside ing rain, soaking wet — praying! I just knew More about 40 Days for Life: an abortion facility during his vigil time- you were praying. I couldn’t believe it! God 40daysforlife.com slot at a 40 Days for Life campaign. Mark answered my prayer after all! He sent two 40daysfortworth.com

PAGE 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 We build a culture of life by reflecting Christ, says bishop at Respect Life Gala

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen culture of death,” Bishop Olson continued. “We Correspondent are the light of the world when we reflect Christ in our actions and in our words. When we are IT’S A CALL FOR HELP BETSY KOPOR NEVER TIRES transparent and honest — in a word, truthful, OF ANSWERING. At least 400 times a year, women so He might shine through us.” suffering from post-abortion trauma phone her In closing, he asked the gathering of pro- Rachel Ministries office hoping to find forgive- life supporters to be vigilant in examining how ness and peace. they live their daily lives in favor of life. “I hear the pain they have been living with “If we are not honest and compassionate, for years,” says Kopor, who founded the minis- we block and promote a barrier to the light try in 2001. “Most of the people who call had that Christ shines on human life,” the bishop an abortion five to seven years ago. They tried suggested. to live with it, and get past it, but couldn’t.” Among the bishop’s listeners were the Through retreats, peer counseling, and young members of Nolan Catholic Students for referrals, the Rachel Ministries coordinator lets Life and the diocesan Youth for Life who volun- them know about the Divine Mercy of God. teered to set up tables, work the silent auction, “The saddest thing is they don’t believe and validate parking receipts. But their presence God can forgive them for what they’ve done,” at the gala had an even greater purpose, ac- she says, describing a mindset that often leads cording to Sean Gillen, president of the Nolan Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC to substance abuse, promiscuity, and other self- Bishop Michael Olson addresses pro-lifers at the pro-life group. destructive behavior. “It’s a terrible tragedy to Bishop’s 10th Annual Catholic Respect Life Gala, “I think Bishop Olson wanted us to be think God doesn’t want anything to do with his first gala as bishop of Fort Worth. visible at the banquet so everyone could see that you.” youth are involved in pro-life work,” the Nolan The healing and post-abortion care women the fundraising arm of the diocese. “Our new senior explained. “The youth in the Catho- find at Rachel Ministries was showcased at bishop was the keynote speaker. That combina- lic Church are very important for the pro-life the 10th Annual Bishop’s Catholic Respect tion helped fill 75 tables.” movement and mystical body of Christ, in gen- Life Gala held Sept. 27 at the Omni Hotel in Addressing the audience at his first pro-life eral, because we are the future of the Church. downtown Fort Worth. In a five-minute video banquet as bishop, Bishop Michael Olson left We have an important role in pro-life activities, a woman shared the story of her struggles that no doubt as to his role in defending life from involvement, and awareness.” began with a late-term abortion at age 13. conception to natural death. Youth for Life Coordinator Sue Laux says Ten years later, a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat “There are many voices in the pro-life young people are continually becoming more helped end her ongoing depression and suicidal universe,” he told the crowd. “Yet we are here pro-life. tendencies. tonight to speak to the particular voice that is “The younger generation is better educated Money raised at the gala supports Rachel Catholic — a voice that during this past year, I on the issue, and that’s what Youth for Life is all Ministries, Youth for Life, the Gabriel Project, have personally become ever more responsible about — to educate and train,” Laux said. “The which serves women in crisis pregnancies, and for articulating.” kids who participate in our events are encour- other Respect Life activities in the diocese. Referencing St. John Paul II, he said the aged to reach out to their peers, and they do.” The fundraiser underwrites six Rachel’s Church must safeguard the dignity of man Her ministry organizes an annual Lock-in Vineyard retreats, offered in English and Span- against a “culture of death” that exalts the for Life, a trip to the March for Life in Wash- ish each year to abortion’s second victim — the individual and demands the resolution of social ington, D.C., a summer Pro-Life Boot Camp, mother. problems by killing weaker human beings. and a biannual chastity awareness rally. Funds “I’m grateful to everyone who attended the “For rape and violence, it proposes abor- raised at the gala subsidize programs and pro- banquet. Because of their generosity, I’m able tion. For crime, it demands capital punishment. vide participation incentives. The impact social to do what I do with Rachel Ministries,” Kopor For limits in allocation of health care resources, media is having on young people is a targeted explains. “The diocese never wants anyone to go it proposes euthanasia and assisted suicide,” he topic for upcoming programs. without help because of money.” pointed out. “It’s tainting their behavior and interac- More than 750 people attended the 2014 The Catholic response to this culture is tion with one another,” said Laux referring to gathering — setting a record for the annual never reactive but directed at the persons most the general teen population. The temptations event. Table sponsorships and bids for silent and affected and attacked within the milieu of this presented by digital communication devices live auction items also increased. culture — the weak, the unborn, the terminally “desensitize kids and that leads to promiscuity “We made an effort to reach out to parish ill, and the poor. and use of Internet porn. Those are huge things respect life groups and doubled the mailing “Christ tells us we are called to be the light hurting young people.” list,” says Yolanda Newcomb, special events of the world that we might dispel fear, anguish, The 2015 Bishop’s Catholic Respect Life coordinator for the Advancement Foundation, and ignorance — the chief component of the Gala is set for Nov. 7, 2015.

PAGE 37 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Deacons remember and celebrate more than 25 years of Permanent Diaconate in the dioc

All photos are NTC ﬁ le photos or provided photos For personal rembrances from nine of the members of the Permanent By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Deacon class of 1989, see Correspondent North TexasCatholic.com

Comforting the sick and consoling the grief-stricken is an important part of ministry for Deacon Ron Aziere. But there was a time, 10 years ago, when officiating at a wake service filled him with anxiety. Dcn. Aziere’s wife, Cecilia, had died a month earlier, and he was in the throes of personal heartache. “One of the benefits of being a married deacon was knowing that anytime I was out doing ministry work, I knew she was home praying for me,” he explains. “As I drove to the funeral home, Deacon Butch Amos, assists Bishop Joseph I thought about that and started having a panic Delaney as he ordains the deacon class of 1989. Deacon Jim Novak baptizes an infant. attack.” But his uneasiness was soon replaced with a moment of clarity. understanding of the communion of saints. We duct the funeral service with dignified, unruffled “I realized she’s up there sitting with the good exist at different levels but are still united, with compassion. “At that moment, I had the grace Lord and can pray for me just as well up there Christ in the center.” and power to do what I was called to do and did as she did here,” he recalls. “It gave me a better That epiphany allowed the deacon to con- not impose myself on someone else’s grief,” Dcn. Juan Rendon will direct new Permanent Deacon Formation By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen The knowledgeable director says the dio- Correspondent cese will seek candidates who are selfless, service-minded, and have the heart of the Good If you ask Juan Rendon what the Diocese Shepherd. Deacons are vital to the sacramental of Fort Worth can expect from its new life of the Church but also work as ministers director of Permanent Deacon Forma- of charity. They are a living example of Christ tion, the seasoned college instructor para- the Servant in the world. phrases a quote from Blessed Mother Teresa. Most permanent deacons are married men “Expect faithfulness — not perfection,” who join the ministry when they are in their he says wisely. “I will give my best to serve the 40s and 50s. needs of the diocese and will always be honest “One of the main reasons deacons were in my work. Ultimately, I do what I do out of instituted in the early Church was to serve love for Jesus Christ. That’s the bottom line.” the needs of the poor. That was their primary Chosen by Fort Worth Bishop Michael expectation — to work with the poor and to Olson to revamp the formation program for show the Church is present for them,” Rendon permanent deacons and find men willing to Juan Rendon (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) explains. serve, Rendon is looking forward to his new Within the next five years, 25 percent of job and its challenges with enthusiasm. The explains the Mexico native who grew up in the 90 deacons currently working in the dio- last class of permanent deacons ordained here Houston. “Deacon Don Warner (director of cese will retire from active ministry. was ordained in 2009. Deacons) is a good resource, and I will be “These men will have to be replaced, so “It’s exciting to build on a foundation working closely with him. We hope to begin we’re facing a tremendous need,” continues the that was laid previously and improve on it,” inquiry sessions across the diocese in January.” director, who anticipates starting formation

PAGE 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 the Gospel better. “Get t ing to live a nd k now you r fa it h is prob - ably the biggest blessing that comes with being a deacon,” he points out. “It allows you to live what you proclaim.” cese Heeding the Second Vatican Council’s recommendation to restore the diaconate as a per- Facing the camera, (L. to R.) Dcn. Doug Wuenschel , Dcn. Clif Green, manent order of ministry, the late Bishop Joseph and Deacon Simon Torres offer embraces to their newly ordained Delaney, second bishop of Fort Worth, initiated fellow deacons of the original Fort Worth-formed class of 1989. formation classes in 1984 under the direction of Ann Healey. Prior to that, candidates from the Fort Worth area relied on classes and materials taught by the Diocese of Dallas. The first deacons to work in the diocese were ordained by Bishop John Cassata in 1978. Bishop Delaney ordained a second group of men, formed by the Diocese of Dallas, in 1982. Establishing a diaconate curriculum was part of Bishop Delaney’s long-range vision for the diocese, said Healey. “My greatest challenge was how to put together a ‘home grown’ program,” says the former director of Permanent Deacon Formation. “To Dcn. Novak examines Deacon candidates of the deacon class of 2009 stand as they are accomplish this, I sought input and wisdom from wheat on his farm. prepared to receive the office of Lector. other directors throughout the country.” During her tenure from 1984 until 2010, Aziere continues. “It was an uplifting service. I deacons trained and ordained in the Diocese of 80 men from four different classes (1989, 1995, was able to get through it without breaking down Fort Worth 25 years ago in 1989, along with 16 2003, and 2009) were ordained to the diaconate. or having a flashback.” other men, the Kansas native says ministering The last two classes offered instruction in both A member of the first class of permanent to others allows him to know and understand SEE PAGE 34 n Program — The program is in formation itself...

classes in September 2015. structor by the University of Dallas School the program. To be as inclusive as possible, the intel- of Ministry to teach Scripture and theology Working at Holy Trinity Seminary fa- lectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation of courses in the Catholic Biblical School. He miliarized him with evaluating men for the candidates will be offered in both English continues to teach UD undergraduates and priesthood. and Spanish. A pastor’s recommendation is theology studies to diaconate candidates from “This is similar,” he pointed out. “We want required as part of the application process. the dioceses of Tyler and Dallas. what is best for the Church and rely on help A graduate of the University of Dallas who When Fr. Olson was named rector of from the Holy Spirit.” earned his master’s degrees in pastoral studies Holy Trinity Seminary in 2008, he asked Ren- The diocesan program will follow steps and theological studies from the University of don to serve as director of pastoral field educa- outlined in the National Directory of Deacon St. Thomas in Houston, Rendon spent seven tion for the seminarians. In that position, he Formation but will adapt those guidelines to years studying for the priesthood before decid- coordinates student practicums and monitors meet local needs. ing to serve the Church in the areas of educa- their work with parish supervisors. “The bishop’s focus is mission and evan- tion and evangelization. While a student at St. The veteran educator plans to resign from gelization, and he wants deacons to do what Mary’s Seminary, he met then-Father Michael both teaching posts at the end of the academic they are called to do biblically — a ministry of Olson who was a faculty member. The pair year to concentrate on his new diocesan job. service, outreach, and charity,” Rendon adds. became friends. Rendon and his wife, Anna, are also expecting Formation team members aren’t looking “I had excellent formation in the semi- their fifth child this fall. for perfect candidates. nary, and, after I left, I wanted to give back to “I’m going to be busy assembling a for- “We want healthy, sane people who do the Church a little bit of what I received,” re- mation team — deacon couples and mentors their best to live out the Gospel in the com- calls Rendon, who became a teacher at Bishop — that will be willing to open their hearts munity,” he insists. “Finding them is both chal- Gorman Catholic High School in Tyler. and minds to diaconate formation,” says the lenging and rewarding.” Four years later, he was hired as an in- director, who is organizing materials to initiate

PAGE 39 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Deacons of the class of 2003 lie prostrate during the ordination rite at Holy Name Church in Fort Worth.

Bishop Emeritus John McCarthy poses with the just-ordained deacons of the class of 2003.

Dcn. Joe Milligan (center left) and his Bishop Vann with Dcn. Ruben Castañeda on his right and wife Betsie, pose with the new director of Then-Permanent Deacon Formation Dcn. Don Warner on his left celebrates a Deacon Formation permanent deacons, Dcn. Don Warner and his Director Ann Healey explains the symbol- Mass Dec. 5, 2005. (NTC photo Kathy Cribari Hamer) wife Candy at Joe’s retirement party. ism of the permanent diaconate logo.

English and Spanish. faith, and compassion in the community. the ministry. In addition to his duties as direc- “The ministry of deacons assists and sup- Candidates are carefully screened and un- tor of deacons, he also works full time for the ports priests and made it possible to extend min- dergo three to five years of specialized instruc- diocese as director of Liturgy and Worship and istry to Catholics in all parts of the diocese,” she tion before ordination. Currently, there are 90 administers the sacraments at his home parish of adds. “Those 26 years as director were a source permanent deacons working in active ministry St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Keller. of joy for me.” throughout North Texas with 25 percent of those Over the past 25 years, deacons have had Historically, the Order of Deacons can trace expected to retire in the next five years. a positive impact throughout the diocese, Dcn. its roots back to the Acts of the Apostles. In the Bishop Michael Olson marked the 25th an- Warner asserts. Two-thirds of parishes have at early Church, deacons held a special place in the niversary of the Permanent Diaconate Program in least one on staff, and they assume a variety of community along with bishops and presbyters. the Diocese of Fort Worth with a Mass celebrated roles depending on local needs. The first recognized martyr of the Church was Aug. 18 in St. Patrick Cathedral. After a break of In addition to assisting with the sacramental the deacon, Stephen, who was stoned to death more than five years due to budgetary concerns, life of a parish, “deacons are involved in many for preaching the Gospel. the bishop announced plans to reinstate the for- other aspects of ministry including visiting the Over the centuries, misunderstanding led mation program. Classes are expected to begin sick and homebound, volunteering in prison to the decline of the permanent diaconate. The in September 2015 under the direction of Juan ministry, assisting with advocacy for the margin- Council of Trent renewed the Office of Deacon Rendon, recently appointed director of Permanent alized, and teaching in various parish programs,” as a permanent and separate order, but it wasn’t Deacon Formation. he points out. “Deacons in the Diocese of Fort fully restored until the Second Vatican Council Rendon will work closely with Deacon Don Worth are, and have been, a witness to the min- in 1963. Pope Paul V I re-established the perma- Warner, diocesan director of Permanent Deacons, istry of Christ the Servant.” nent diaconate in the Roman Church when he to set up inquiry sessions throughout the diocese. Ordained 37 years ago by Bishop John Cas- published the Apostolic letter Sacrum Diaconatus “There are a lot of priests who would like to sata, Deacon Franklin Eschbach says becoming Ordinem in 1967 which implemented the decree have deacons in their parishes,” says Dcn. Warner, a deacon transformed his life. Raised Lutheran, of the Council. who is fielding questions from interested men. the 81-year-old cites his education at the Jesuit- Today, the Order of Deacon is a ministry of “The time is right for us to begin the process again.” owned Seattle University and the example of his service to the Word of God, the sacraments of Dcn. Warner, ordained to the diaconate in wife, Joan, as the driving motivation for convert- the Church, and works of heroic charity. Men, 1995 by Bishop Delaney along with 12 other ing to Catholicism. ordained as deacons, represent Christ in the candidates, says another deacon, Deacon Ruben “In the beginning we had to do a lot of world and are expected to model grace, justice, Castañeda, inspired and encouraged him to pursue explaining,” says Dcn. Eschbach, remembering

PAGE 40 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 Ninety-three percent are married, and most hold jobs outside of ministry. One of them is Deacon Gary Brooks, the newly appointed pastoral associate at St. Bar- tholomew Parish in Southwest Fort Worth who is employed full-time by Citibank as a computer programmer. A Catholic convert who grew up in New York, he says becoming a deacon allowed his penchant for service work to flourish. While living in New Mexico, the 64-year-old and his wife, Cheryl, organized a summer lunch program for 1,200 kids. “My ordination expanded the kinds of min- (Left to Right) Dcn. Joe Milligan, Dcn. Clarence Metzinger (deceased), Dcn. John McDermott, Dcn Ruben istry I do and allowed me to serve more people,” Castañeda, Dcn. Andres Luna (deceased), and Dcn. Gerald Barry (deceased) form part of the group of 17 says the deacon, who volunteers at Wings of Hope deacons ordained in 1989, the first class to be formed by the diocese's own PDFP program. — a charity that provides therapeutic horseback riding, or equitherapy, to children and adults when the words “permanent deacon” were still a ance of the Diocese of Dallas. Along with a small with disabilities. new concept. “But we were accepted and treated cadre of local men, he drove to Longview once Ordained in 2003, Dcn. Brooks learned well. I think the presence of a married man with a month for class. from the deacons who preceded him. “During children encouraged people to get involved in “At the time, Tyler was part of the Dallas my formation, I got to know them and learn what the Church.” Diocese and diaconate training was held there ministry meant to them,” he says. For 10 years, he taught sacramental prepa- because they wanted to train deacons for East Many of his predecessors will retire from ration classes and performed baptisms and mar- Texas,” he explains. ministry soon. “We need more men to step up riages for the University Catholic Community Bishop Delaney ordained him to the dia- and fill those roles,” observes the deacon who at the University of Texas at Arlington. At the conate on Oct. 30, 1982 along with two other now has an office at St. Bartholomew where two time, UTA was considered a commuter college, candidates. Looking back, he says the experience computers help him bridge church and secular and the congregation was composed of professors, of serving others made him more compassionate responsibilities. “There’s always a need.” students, and families living in the area. toward people and brought him closer to God. A deacon’s primary responsibilities are to his “We are getting a few more men in the It’s a joy he shares with men considering the family and job. Church ministry is third. seminary now, but for a time there, we had a ministry. “You can invite them, but they have to “I’ve found that my work guiding couples real shortage of priests,” recalls the deacon, who figure out if it’s for them on their own,” Dcn. Heinz through marriage preparation helps me strive now works at St. Rose of Lima Church in Glen admits. Deacons give up a lot of personal time. to be a better husband and father,” says Deacon Rose. “I think it gave people a Catholic presence “I’ve missed many birthdays with my grand- Larry Sandoval. “My relationship with Christ in ministry — especially in outlying areas and children and family get-togethers because of continues to grow on a daily basis. It’s not just with college kids. We filled a void.” diaconate commitments,” he adds. “Your job is what I preach and teach but how I live.” The resounding success of the permanent to serve the people, and you have to be willing When the Air Force Academy graduate isn’t diaconate brought the Church to people some- to make that commitment.” leading a Bible study class at St. Elizabeth Ann times overlooked in society — the homeless, the Deacon Sangote ‘Ulupano advises would- Seton Church, he’s piloting planes for Southwest imprisoned, and the hospitalized. be candidates to the diaconate to pray about the Airlines. The jet pilot underwent one year of Deacon Harry Heinz’ interest in visiting the vocation. “During your discernment, pray and inquiry and four years of formation before he sick and homebound began before he moved to ask God for help,” suggests the native of Tonga was ordained to the diaconate in 2009. Finding Fort Worth. So did his studies for the diacon- who serves at Mass and administers sacraments quiet moments to pray in the bustle of a noisy ate. “My friend was going to be ordained for the to the large Tongan community and others at St. airport terminal is one of the challenges he faces Diocese of Patterson, New Jersey, and he invited Michael Parish in Bedford. “Enter the program during the workday. me to a class,” he recounts. “I enjoyed it so much, and learn about it.” “I’m a deacon 24 hours a day. That doesn’t I went back the following week.” Married to wife, Fuatapu, and the father of six change when I put on a uniform,” he states. “I’m At first, the busy husband and father resisted children, Dcn. ‘Ulupano says parishioners often called to holiness by the way I live, act, and pray.” the idea of becoming a deacon. approach him with family or marriage problems. His dual role as airline pilot and Catholic “My wife was supportive, but my son wanted “You represent Christ to people,” he adds, deacon sometimes leads to interesting discussions to know if he would have to go to church more matter-of-factly. “You continue his work on earth.” — especially with co-workers. He remembers than once a weekend,” quips Dcn. Heinz with a Although a permanent deacon commits to trying to console a flight attendant whose son laugh. “I said, ‘no’ and had his blessing to enter a lifelong ministry of worship, preaching, and had recently died in a car accident. the program.” service, he maintains his professional life and “You find yourself ministering to people in When his job with American Airlines relo- family obligations. According to the U.S. Con- various situations in their lives,” he elaborates. cated the family to Fort Worth, the St. Michael ference of Catholic Bishops, currently there are “All of us are the face of Christ in the world. parishioner resumed his studies under the guid- 15,000 active deacons working across the country. Sometimes you just have to be present and listen.”

PAGE 41 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 November 2, Commemo- sought to be faithful followers ration of all the Faithful “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no of Jesus. How comforting it is to read earlier in that same chapter, torment shall touch them." — Wisdom 3:1 Departed (All Souls). “Everything that the Father gives Cycle A. Readings: The largest portion of Fr. me will come to me, and I will not 1) Wisdom 3:1-9 George’s priestly career took place reject anyone who comes to me, Psalm 23:1-6 in hospital chaplaincy, where he because I came down from heaven 2) Romans 5:5-11 was faced, no doubt, with having not to do my own will but the will Gospel) John 6:37-40 to console the families of those of the one who sent me. And this who spent their last days on earth is the will of the one who sent me, By Jeff Hensley in St. Joseph Hospital. How com- that I should not lose anything of he eldest priest of our diocese forting he must have been as he what he gave me, but that I should Tdeparted for heaven just conveyed Jesus’ promise of eternal raise it on the last day.” recently at age 99. We felt some life to believers. Whatever the exact timing, degree of sorrow — for ourselves As a quote from John 6 puts it, and with or without a bit of ad- — but mainly joy, for we felt cer- “For this is the will of my Father, ditional polishing up before enter- tain he would be welcomed into that everyone who sees the Son ing God’s presence, we are certain the arms of God. and believes in him may have that the promise held out by Jesus Only a few months ago, eternal life, and I shall raise him in the readings for this weekend Father George, living in retire- on the last day.” applied to Fr. George Curtsinger. ment, worked with his caretaker This is a great assurance to He was demonstrably a believer in to respond to Pope Francis’ call items, placing them in bags they us if we and our loved ones have and a follower of Jesus. to all of us to be more mindful of would distribute to homeless per- the poor. They assembled small sons in their daily drives around QUESTIONS: kits of food, water, and toiletry the city’s streets and parks. How can you express your love for God in your actions toward others?

November 9, Feast of the “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, palachia, but he loved even more Dedication of the Lateran and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” seeing the life of Christ grow in the people. Basilica in Rome. — 1 Corinthians 3:16 He told me about a woman in Cycle A. Readings: Christ — for a time from the back a rural African-American com- 1) Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 of a trailer as he traveled the back- munity who came to him after Psalm: 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 woods where evangelical churches following his preaching intently. 2) 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, predominated. She said she wanted to become a 16-17 He witnessed many conver- member of his church, “but I can’t Gospel) John 2:13-22 sions and the number of Catholic because if I joined, you’d never faithful grew in that unlikely have another white convert.” By Jean Denton place. He replied, “Come on in!” lenmary Father Rollie Hautz, This week, Paul’s First Letter He trusted Jesus as the Ga priest for 60 years, loved ing a house of worship that would to the Corinthians explains that Church’s foundation. building churches. stand and serve a small Catholic God’s Spirit lives in his people, In his 59th year of ministering One of them he literally built community for more than 50 that we are “God’s building.” and converting hearts, I watched with his own hands as a young years, what gratified Fr. Rollie the However, he says, while we are Fr.Rollie celebrate the real pres- man — well, with the help of his most was building up the human called to continue to build God’s ence of Christ in the Eucharist at dad and a few parishioners. He church. kingdom, “no one can lay a foun- Mass. At the moment of consecra- still likes to tell about fabricating He lived and worked in a dation other than the one that is tion, I witnessed a sudden burst of the steeple off-site and then using remote region of Appalachia, ful- there, namely, Jesus Christ.” enthusiasm. his own dump truck to haul it to filling a mission of his Glenmary Fr. Rollie loved seeing the He explained later. “It is excit- the new church where he arranged religious community to establish a Catholic Church grow in Ap- ing every time.” for a local crane operator to stop “Catholic presence” there. While by between jobs and hoist it into ministering to the considerable QUESTIONS: place on the roof. temporal needs of the impov- Why do you think Scripture reminds us to ensure that our Church But as much as he enjoyed the erished people, Fr. Rollie also builds only on the foundation of Jesus? How have you witnessed Christ’s sense of accomplishment in erect- delighted in preaching the love of power energizing and growing the human church?

PAGE 42 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE November 16, Thirty-third sitting with people when they are Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” sick. God has graciously blessed us — Matthew 25:21 all with so many gifts and talents. Cycle A. Readings: Usually they are things that come 1) Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, the world. Rather we are to take so naturally to us that we do not 30-31 risks, share them, offer them to see them as extra special. But in Psalm 128:1-5 others, and, most especially, offer reality, not everyone can do cer- 2) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 them to God. tain things as easily as you can. Gospel) Matthew 25:14-30 Sometimes when we think of The key is to use these gifts in offering gifts to God we think in the spirit of the words of Mother By Jeff Hedglen the context of ministries at church, Teresa: “We can do no great hen I was a kid, I always such as giving our musical abilities things, only small things with Wgot this week’s Gospel for the choir, or our time to serve great love.” When we follow her wrong. When the master gives tal- on a committee, or as an altar wisdom, we can be assured that ents to his servants, and the first server. But in reality, any and all of when the Master comes back and two take some risks, even though our gifts can be used to serve God. asks us what we have done with they double the money, I thought Maybe you are a good lis- the talents he has given us, we they were the foolish ones. I be- tener, maybe you are good at will hear the all-important words: lieved the one who safely buried fixing things around the house, “Well done, my good and faithful the talent was smart because “no or maybe one of your gifts is just servant.” risk, no worry.” When the master praises the the master’s money! first two and chastises the third, What I did not understand as QUESTIONS: I was always dumbfounded. It a child is that this is a metaphor What gifts and talents do you have, and how have you used them? What seemed that he was the safe and for the gifts God has given each of other ways might you use them? What are the challenges to using them secure one, while the others risked us. We are not to hide them from to the fullest?

November 23, Solemnity “The injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal, but the sleek and the he judges justly by separating of Our Lord Jesus Christ, strong I will destroy.” — Ezekiel 34:16 the sick from the self-sufficient, the injured and weak from the King of the Universe. I recall that incident in light conceited and arrogant, the sheep Cycle A. Readings: of this Sunday’s readings, which from the goats. 1) Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 illuminate the authority of Jesus He exposes sin and death as Psalm 23:1-3, 5-6 Christ as King. the destructive foes of goodness, 2) 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 Many people hold an attitude kindness, and abundant life — Gospel) Matthew 25:31-46 that emphasizes a false dichotomy reigning until those enemies are between the punitive, wrathful judge put under his feet. He teaches us of the Old Testament and the meek, that the ultimate criterion of jus- By Sharon K. Perkins docile Lord of the 23rd Psalm. tice is, in fact, the demonstration couple of years ago, I was But the Jesus of Matthew’s of mercy toward the least of his responsible for organizing an A Gospel dispels that ancient heresy. brothers and sisters. event at our parish that featured As one with dominion over all The patrol officer’s unex- a well-known guest speaker. I things, Jesus exercises his author- pected leniency that day brought picked him up at the airport and ity in a rather paradoxical fashion. a welcome source of relief and a was driving him to the parish hall In his reign, justice and mercy are reminder to be more careful in the when I noticed a most unwelcome amuses me. When the officer distinctive and yet the same. future. It also demonstrated the sight in my rearview mirror: the inquired about my hurry, my com- Jesus’ judgment is not the exercise of authority as a vehicle flashing lights of a policeman’s panion, a Bible teacher, explained meting out of arbitrary punish- of mercy despite what the traffic squad car. the reason for his visit. In response, ment or the imposition of penal- code warranted. But then, when is Chagrined and embarrassed, I the officer asked him, “Tell me: In ties for breaking the rules. Rather, mercy ever deserved? realized that our conversation had this situation, should I show justice distracted me from a familiar school or mercy?” Without missing a beat, zone and its speed limit sign. I I replied, “But of course — mercy!” QUESTIONS: pulled over and braced myself for a The officer laughed and waved When have you experienced leniency instead of a penalty you deserved? stiff (and well-deserved) penalty. me on with a warning to be more How can you show mercy today to someone whom you usually would What happened next still vigilant about my speed. consider undeserving of it?

PAGE 43 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE December 7, Second with other individuals that night Sunday of Advent. “Prepare the way of the Lord, who shared stories of how the make straight his paths.” — Mark 1:3bc Behnkes had taken them in at a Cycle A. Readings: crucial time or offered them sup- 1) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 women were to be treated with port, just when it was needed. Psalm 85:9-14 respect, not beaten or otherwise When we think about how we 2) 2 Peter 3:8-14 abused. Like I said — direct, would prepare the way of the Lord Gospel) Mark 1:1-8 straightforward. in our own communities, I like to When we visited Lubbock for a think of it as how we would fix up By Jeff Hensley state meeting, at a reception attend- our homes and our lives if we knew ne of my oldest friends, ed largely by local folks who were a great king were coming to visit. ODeacon Leroy Behnke, is friends of Leroy and his delightful Then, knowing the nature of the a boisterous giant of a man who wife Pat, we met person after person great King for whom we are pre- reminds me a lot of John the who had benefited from their lov- paring this Advent, I think what Baptist. As we come to the secondd ing hospitality. Leroy is the kind he would want is not a new rug on Sunday of Advent, we get the great editor of the Diocese of Lubbock of guy who would —and often has the floor or a new bed in the guest- Isaiah Scripture speaking about newspaper, he spent the bulk of — given the shirt off his back to a room, but to know that we were John’s role in preparing the way for his ordained career as a pastoral person in need. basing our lives on his love. Jesus: “Behold, I am sending my administrator of a couple of rural One was a farmer who had How do we prepare the way of messenger ahead of you; he will parishes, where he spoke with the lost his farming income after the Lord? The same way the prepare your way. A voice of one voice of a prophet preparing the thieves stole his irrigation rigging. Behnkes show us: by loving our crying out in the desert: ‘Pre- way of God with the folks under I had numerous conversations neighbors. pare the way of the Lord, make his pastoral care. straight his paths.’” I remember one straight-spo- QUESTIONS: Though I got to be friends ken homily he spoke of, in which How can you offer hospitality to those in your community who are in with Leroy because of his role as he told the men of the parish that need or personal crisis?

December 14, Third “The Lord has anointed me; he has sent nothing we could do. She died Sunday of Advent me to bring glad tidings to the in my arms. She just wanted a priest. I couldn’t be what she Cycle B. Readings poor.” — Isaiah 61:1 needed.” 1) Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 A week later he quit his job Psalm: Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 EMT. While and began preparing to enter the 2) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 on duty one seminary. His task as an EMT Gospel) John 1:6-8, 19-28 evening, his was to help save lives, but that crew was called young woman only wanted to be By Jean Denton to the scene of assured of Christ’s presence. An- he third Sunday of Advent an accident. dres realized he was called to be Tbrings us to the brink of On arrival able to shine the light of Jesus in a Christ’s coming, as the Scriptures they saw it was pastoral way. place us in the moments just be- bad. A small At the same time, that fore the light — Jesus — appears passenger car 17-year-old herself testified to the in the world. was “wrapped light, revealing to Andres that it There is no stopping the light. Baptist defined our relationship to around a light pole.” Andres ex- was the one and only presence she Its presence is ordained by God. it (I’m not the light or the voice of plained that as he opened the car needed in her last moments on It is here and continues coming to Christ, but I make a path for it). door he realized the only occu- earth. Her young soul magnified us eternally. Andres, an emergency medical pant had little chance of survival. the Lord for him. How the faithful present technician with 10 years experi- “It was a 17-year-old girl. I tried As we approach Christmas, Christ the Light of Life to others ence, recently shared with me a to make her comfortable while consider the questions that must today is just as exciting as it was dramatic account of how he was all she kept saying was that she be in every faithful Christian when Isaiah explained what it called to present the light in a wanted to see a priest. There was heart. does (sets the captives free) or specific way. when Mary suggested how it He’d begun discerning a pos- QUESTIONS: maintains its brilliance (my soul sible vocation to the priesthood How do I set the captives free? How do I magnify the Lord? How do I magnifies it) or when John the while continuing to work as an prepare the way for his life and message among the human family?

PAGE 44 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 WORD TO LIFE December 21, Fourth not always use the exact phrase: Sunday of Advent “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me Cycle A. Readings: done to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38 according to your word.” 1) 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, Feeling that God is calling 14a, 16 I have yet to hear one quite you, whatever the call is about — Psalm 89:2-5, 27-29 like the one we hear in this week’s a move, a new job, your vocation 2) Romans 16:25-27 Gospel. No one has ever shared in life or anything else — can be Gospel) Luke 1:26-38 with me a story that involved an overwhelming. angel appearing or a message that We do not know all the By Jeff Hedglen they were going to be a mother thoughts Mary had or exactly what remember it as if it was yester- though still a virgin. But most of she was feeling. I imagine that she Iday. I was sitting on the floor, the stories I have heard do have was a bit overwhelmed, too. surrounded by my friends on a a few things in common with We do know that, in the end, youth retreat when I was 17 years Mary’s call to be the mother of she said yes. We also know that this old. God. simple yes launched an amazing A priest was reading us a Many times people have told adventure full of joy, sorrow, and, story. I do not remember what the This was the beginning of my call of questions they had when they ultimately, eternal life with the one story was or who the priest was, to serve in church ministry. felt called by God, their own she was saying yes to. May this be but I do remember a warm feeling Over the years, I have heard “How can this be?” query. And true of all of our calls as well. that started in the center of my many individuals’ “call stories.” almost all of them have a very Mary, mother of God, pray chest and spread throughout my Each is unique. Some are really similar ending, though they do for us. body. As I looked up at the priest, astounding, full of phenomeno- a thought ran through my mind: logical signs and wonders, while QUESTIONS: “I want to be the person up front others are soft and gentle, with Have you ever felt a special call by God in your life? How difficult was it helping others grow in faith.” promptings from within. for you to respond? What has been the result of that call?

December 28, The Holy “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks and are rooted in Christ’s example Family of Jesus, Mary, and in his ways!” — Psalm 128:1 of selfless love and nourished by his word: compassion, kindness, Joseph. perfect, hassle-free situation, and patience, gratitude, humility, obe- Cycle B. Readings: yet, taken together, they reveal dience, and especially forgiveness 1) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 the image of a “holy family.” of ourselves and others when we Psalm 128: 1-5 What constitutes this sort of fall short. 2) Colossians 3:12-21 family holiness? The difficulties of family life Gospel) Luke 2:22-40 Sirach highlights the charac- are nothing new to our gen- teristics of honor and reverence eration. Even so, many people for those whom God places in By Sharon K. Perkins become discouraged and over- authority. whelmed by their trials, while still ike many of my contempo- sung caregivers I marvel at their Walking in the fear of the others elude hardship by avoiding raries, I’m becoming part heroic virtue. L Lord, according to the psalmist, the commitments of marriage of the “sandwich generation” Today’s Scripture readings is borne out by the examples of and family life altogether. Yet, — adults caring for semi-inde- paint a portrait of family life Joseph, Mary, Simeon, and Anna, those families who cling to the pendent children who still need undergoing these same kinds as they hold fast to the religious Lord — the author of family life parental support, while tending of stresses. They depict parents customs of prayer, worship, fast- in all its complexities — have the to the physical and emotional struggling to patiently train their ing, and obedience to God’s opportunity and the call to be a needs of aging parents. This can children, sons caring for aging revealed law. heroic, fruitful, and joyful sign be a stressful situation for many, parents whose minds are failing, Paul’s Letter to the Colossians of contradiction and a source of even in a society that offers the wives and husbands persevering tells us to “put on” those virtues renewal in our world. The “holy resources of professional child care through challenges to marital that define God’s “chosen ones” family” is us. and home health providers. harmony, and Mary and Joseph One’s time and resources are — parents of a newborn — mak- stretched thin, and it’s difficult to ing an arduous journey to fulfill QUESTIONS: fulfill one’s obligations without the “prescriptions of the law of the What are the most challenging stresses in your family life right now? a great deal of guilt and anxiety. Lord” despite their limited means. What virtues of a holy family are already present, and for which ones When I hear stories of these un- None of these readings reflect a can you pray?

PAGE 45 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 NUESTRO PASTOR HABLA ‘Confíen en el Espíritu Santo’ Consejo del Santo Padre para los nuevos obispos

“CONFÍEN EN EL ESPÍRITU SANTO, SEAN US- La substancia de estas palabras de ánimo TEDES MISMOS Y RESISTAN LA TENTACIÓN DE y consejo que nos dirigió el Papa Francisco CAMBIAR A SU PUEBLO — PERO ACOMPÁÑENLOS reflejaron mucho del carácter del Papa cuan- EN SU CAMINO DE CONVERSIÓN”. Esto es lo do pasó tiempo con cada uno. “Confíen en el Monseñor Michael F. Olson, STD, MA, fue que más recuerdo de las palabras que el Papa Espíritu Santo”. El Santo Padre es un hombre ordenado e instalado como el cuarto obispo de Francisco me dirigió a mí y a otros 139 obis- que verdaderamente confía en el Espíritu la DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH el 29 de enero del pos ordenados e instalados este año pasado. Santo en todo lo que dice y hace en servicio 2014. Fue ordenado como sacerdote en 1994. El tiempo que pasé en Roma, más que una de la Iglesia. Esto se nota especialmente en su vacación, tuvo el carácter de un retiro con mis hermoso don de alegría que compartió con- compañeros obispos. Los nueve días inclu- migo y mis hermanos obispos cuando tomó conversión”. Le pedí al Santo Padre que por yeron conferencias, tiempo para orar juntos, el tiempo para recibir a cada uno de los 140, favor rezara por vocaciones al sacerdocio y Misa concelebrada en la tumba de San Pedro, presentes para la audiencia. la vida religiosa en la Diócesis de Fort Worth. y la audiencia con el Papa Francisco. “Sean ustedes mismos”. El Papa tiene el Sonrió y prometió que lo haría, y añadió, La oportunidad de ser recibido por el aire de seguridad propio de la honestidad de “Confía en el Espíritu Santo y proclama el Santo Padre junto con obispos de todo el un hombre auténticamente humilde. Él es Evangelio — el Evangelio COMPLETO — y mundo, a quienes acababa de conocer en este absolutamente él mismo — el confiadamen- las vocaciones vendrán”. Por eso, así como lle- retiro, me ofreció la experiencia de que éste de te amado discípulo de Jesús. Cuando hablé vé a cada uno de ustedes en mis oraciones al verdad es un “mundo pequeño”, y la Iglesia, directamente con el Papa, le compartí que peregrinar a la Santa Sede, así les traigo a mi aún más pequeña. Fue un verdadero gusto toda la gente de la Diócesis de Fort Worth — regreso este mensaje del Santo Padre. Seamos para mí escuchar y compartir historias con católicos, protestantes, judíos, gente de todas todos compañeros en este camino de conver- obispos que se están adaptando al cambio las creencias, y hasta la gente sin religión sión y resistamos la tentación de proclamar de ministerio que estamos experimentando. alguna — lo ama y reza por él. Sonrió y me nada que no sea el Evangelio completo que Cada uno de nosotros llevamos en nuestras pidió que les diera las gracias y la promesa de hemos recibido de Cristo, para que muchos oraciones, pensamientos e intenciones a la sus oraciones. puedan oír a Cristo mismo llamando a cada gente de nuestras respectivas diócesis. “Acompañen a la gente en su camino de uno de ellos por su nombre.

El Obispo Michael Olson saluda el Papa Francisco durante una asamblea de los 140 nuevos obispos + MONSEÑOR MICHAEL F. OLSON, STD, MA nombrados OBISPO DE LA DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH durante el año. (Copyright © 2014 Servizio Fotografico de “L’O.R.” 00120 CITTA DEL VATICANO Tel. 0669 884 797 – Fax 0669 884 998 E-mail:photo@ ossrom.va)

PÁGINA 46 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 Siete parejas locales entrenadas a enseñar Planificación familiar natural (PFN)

Por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Corresponsal

Para Lydia Mendez, Planificación familiar natural (PFN) significa enseñar a las parejas la belleza de la fertilidad humana y, al mismo tiempo, dar honor a Dios por su maravilloso plan. La residente de McAllen y el Diácono Santiago Molina, de la Diócesis de Tallahas- see, Florida, visitaron la Parroquia de San Bartolomé en Fort Worth del 25 al 28 de septiembre, para entrenar en el Método de ovula- ción Billings (BOM) a feligreses de habla His- pana. Sometido a más investigación científica Foto cortesía de Chris Vaughan que ninguna otra técnica, Billings es una de DE IZQUIERDA A DERECHA: El Diácono Santiago Molina de la Diócesis de Tallahasse, Florida; Jorge y Monica varias metodologías de PFN aprobadas por la Mendoza; Jose Antonio y Marisa Marin; Jose y Maria Lopez; Pedro y Rosa Murguia; Lorenzo y Alejandra Iglesia católica. El manejo de la fertilidad está Guzman; Yolanda y Hector Gonzalez; Mayela Munoz; Magdalena Jasso; Lydia Mendez; y Rosa Maria Narvaez. basado en reconocer uno de los signos de la fertilidad femenina — el moco cervical. la Oficina de matrimonio y vida familiar. “Es- “Él nos dijo que la Iglesia necesita mucha “Es usado por millones de mujeres en tas parejas podrán servir a nuestra creciente ayuda y quiere entrenar a personas de habla todo el mundo y es muy simple y efectivo”, población Hispana en Fort Worth y en otras Hispana”, recuerda José, instructor de PFN indica Mendez. “Las parejas pueden apren- áreas de nuestra diócesis”. con el método de la temperatura para cono- der el método para lograr un embarazo o Algunos de los participantes, actualmen- cer el período fértil. “Yo no había estudiado posponerlo”. te involucrados en programas parroquiales de nunca este método, y fue un poco difícil para Cuando pasen el examen, siete parejas PFN, estaban ya familiarizados con el Método mí”. locales que terminaron el curso, tendrán la de ovulación Billings. Pero el feligrés de la Parroquia del Inma- oportunidad de compartir lo que aprendieron “Las parejas e individuos que tomaron culado Corazón de María dice que la clase fue con otras parejas de habla hispana. el entrenamiento, son cristianos maravillos interesante y ofrecerá a las parejas una opción “La Diócesis de Fort Worth necesita que aman a Dios, a la Iglesia y sus enseñanzas para Planificación familiar natural. instructores del PFN que hablen Español”, sobre sexualidad”, dijo Mendez, quien por Jorge y Mónica Mendoza dicen que hay explica Chris Vaughan, director diocesano de cuatro años ha enseñado el método Billings en un gran interés en la comunidad hispana por la Diócesis de Brownsville. tener información sobre Planificación familiar Mecanismos para reportar conducta Aumentar el número de instructores de natural. sexual inapropiada habla Hispana permitirá el aumento del uso “Es importante hacerles notar las opcio- de la PFN en la comunidad. nes que la Iglesia provee en lugar de anticon- Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de “Confío que estas parejas estarán listas ceptivos”, dice Mónica, experimentada ins- conducta sexual inapropiada por parte de para enseñar a las parejas católicas el tesoro tructora del BOM en la Iglesia de San Esteban cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, que tienen en su fertilidad, así como a usar un en Weatherford. “Sé que los que escuchen y sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: método que está abierto a la vida y permite es- entiendan la información apreciarán más el paciar los nacimientos”, añade la instructora. don de la vida”. ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia Hay también otra ventaja al escoger este Los Mendoza, quienes de nuevo toman la para víctimas, al número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle un correo electrónico a jlocke@ confiable, inofensivo, barato e inmediatamen- clase, han visto los beneficios de la planeación fwdioc.org te reversible método de planeación familiar. familiar natural en las parejas que conocen y ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso “Cuando una mujer aprende el BOM, en su relación personal. sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 puede identificar patrones de fertilidad e in- “Yo confío en él porque sé que fun- Mecanismo para reportar abuso fertilidad que son normales en ella”, enfatiza ciona”, insiste Mónica Mendoza. “Hemos Llamar al Departamento de servicios para la Mendez. Y cuando hay cambios, puede notar recibido muchas bendiciones por medio del familia y de protección del estado de Texas las anormalidades y buscar cuidado medico”. método. Hemos visto cómo nuestra relación (Servicios de protección al menor) al número: (800) José y María López se inscribieron para la se ha fortalecido y queremos lo mismo para 252-5400. sesión BOM; a petición de su párroco. otras parejas”.

PÁGINA 47 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 Un grupo de NOTICIAS Los C9 comienzan católicos lanza primer borrador un camino El Obispo Álvaro del Portillo, líder de de documento de alternativo para Opus Dei, beatificado en Madrid reestructuración seguro de salud del Vaticano

Por Carol Zimmermann Por Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — Un grupo de cató- CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — El licos ha lanzado un camino alternativo internacional Consejo de cardenales del para seguro de salud, por medio del cual Papa Francisco ha comenzado a crear se les permita a las personas que paguen el primer borrador de una constitución sus gastos médicos sin formar parte del apostólica que implementaría una re- plan de seguro de salud por el cual ven forma mayor de la burocracia vaticana. comprometidas sus creencias religiosas. El llamado C9, grupo nombrado por “Tenemos que encontrar nuevas el Papa de nueve miembros cardenales, CNS fotos / cortesía de la Oficina de información de Opus Dei formas para proteger los derechos de El Obispo Álvaro del Portillo, el sucesor de San Josemaría Escriva como celebró su sexta reunión del 15 al 17 de conciencia en el cuidado de la salud”, director de la PRELATURA PERSONAL OPUS DEI, ha sido beatificado en su natal septiembre con el Papa Francisco en el dijo Mike O’Dea, uno de los cofunda- Madrid el 27 de septiembre. Está representado en este foto sin fecha. Vaticano para asesorarle en la reforma dores de un nuevo programa, llamado de la organización y la gobernanza Christ Medicus Foundation CURO. MADRID (CNS) — Un obispo espa- eclesiástica del Vaticano. El programa de salud compartido, ñol que trabajó como ingeniero antes El Padre Federico Lombardi, SJ, como el primer programa de esta na- de convertirse en el primer prelado del portavoz del Vaticano, dijo ante repor- turaleza que es católico en los EU, se movimiento Opus Dei ha sido beatifi- teros el 17 de septiembre que la serie de ha asociado con Samaritan Ministries cado en su natal Madrid. discusiones ahora ha comenzado una International, prog r a m a de s a lud , e v a n- E l C a rden a l A n g e lo A m ato, pre fe c to fase más “concreta” poniendo “tinta en gélico, compartido. de la Congregación para las causas de los pap e l ” en l a for m a de u n b or r a dor pa r a l a Conforme la ley de Affordable santos, dijo que el Obispo Álvaro del introducción de una nueva constitución. Care Act, los ministerios compartidos Portillo fue conocido por su “prudencia “Puede suponerse que con las dos de salud existentes antes del 1999 han y rectitud al evaluar eventos y personas, próximas reuniones del consejo, a quedado exentos de la orden de cuidado p or su ju s t ic i a a l re sp e t a r e l buen nombre realizarse del 9 al 11 de diciembre de de salud federal individual por la que y la libertad de los demás, por su for- 2014 y del 9 al 11 de febrero de 2015, se les requiere a todas las personas que taleza al enfrentar dificultades físicas o el borrado de la constitución llegará a El Obispo del Portillo, en esta foto tengan seguro de salud. morales y por la templanza demostrada una etapa avanzada de la preparación, cuando era joven, era un ingeniero Esta clase de grupos, han sido en su sobriedad y mortificación interior haciendo posible que el Papa proceda a en España antes de ser ordenado instituidos conforme el mandato bí- y exterior”. consultas adicionales”, dijo el sacerdote sacerdote cuando tenía 30 años. blico impuesto a los creyentes de que “Él no era una persona habladora; en una declaración escrita. compartan las necesidades de manera su entrenamiento en ingeniería le dio hablar bien de los demás y reflexionar En el primer paso hacia reorganizar la mutua. Estos grupos no reciben fondos hábitos de rigor, concisión y precisión profundamente antes de juzgar”. Curia romana, el Papa Francisco creó del gobierno ni subvenciones y no son intelectuales, permitiéndole ir direc- “Su humildad no era áspera, lla- la Secretaría para la economía en febrero tampoco compañías de seguros. tamente a la esencia de los problemas mativa ni malgeniada, sino afectuosa como una manera de comenzar supervi- Los miembros pagan una cuota y resolverlos”, dijo el cardenal Amato y alegre; su alegría se basaba en su sión y estándares universales para todos mensual. Las necesidades de cuidado durante la Misa de beatificación del 27 convicción de que él mismo era de muy los activos y actividades financieras del médico que generen un costo de me- de septiembre. poco valor”, dijo el Cardenal Amato Vaticano. nos de $300 no “se comparten entre El Beato Álvaro, quien murió en añadiendo que tal santidad es necesaria El Padre Lombardi dijo ante los los miembros”, pero gastos que vayan 1994, fue sucesor de San Josemaría “para contrarrestar la contaminación de reporteros que las discusiones de los desde $300 a $250,000 por caso sí Escrivá de Balaguer como director de la inmoralidad y la corrupción”. cardenales concernientes a asuntos son compartidos. Y en circunstancias la Prelatura personal Opus Dei. La bea- Nacido el 11 de marzo de 1914, el financieros han concluido y que ahora en las que los gastos médicos excedan tificación es un paso hacia la santidad. Beato Alvaro estudió y enseñó en la es- han reanudado examinar los diversos la cantidad máxima se pueden hacer El cardenal dijo ante unas 150,000 cuela de ingeniería de la Universidad de consejos pontificios de la curia como arreglos especiales. p er s on a s de 8 0 p a í s e s que e l B e ato Á lv a ro Madrid, más tarde trabajó brevemente parte de una estrategia mayor de encon- Para mas información, visita www. tenía “serenidad y consideración nota- con la Oficina de carreteras y puentes del trar la forma más efectiva y eficiente de cmfcuro.com. bles, un hábito de sonreír, comprender, gobierno español. reorganizar la gran burocracia.

PÁGINA 48 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 PENSAMIENTOS DE UN PREDICADOR Pedro Martínez y el futuro de la Iglesia

POR EL PADRE CARMELO MELE, OP

¿QUIÉN ES PEDRO MARTÍNEZ? PEDRO MARTÍNEZ larizada por John Lennon de un mundo sin los El Padre Carmelo Mele, de la ORDEN DE ES JOVEN, SIMPÁTICO E INTELIGENTE. TAMBIÉN, dogmas siendo un paraíso. De todos modos, PREDICADORES (LOS DOMINICOS), ordenado como COMO SEMINARISTA PARA LA DIÓCESIS DE FORT no creo que se den cuenta de la maldad que ha sacerdote en 1980, es el director del INSTITUTO WORTH PEDRO REPRESENTA LA ESPERANZA DE LA estropeado los corazones humanos. Tampoco JUAN PABLO II y de la CATEQUESIS PARA ADULTOS IGLESIA LATINA AQUÍ EN ESTA PARTE DEL NORTE están conscientes de cómo la doctrina de Jesús, HISPANOS de la DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH. DE TEXAS. Pues con éstas y otras cualidades preservada en la Iglesia, provee el camino más Pedro podría guiar al pueblo de Dios a través de probable a sanarlos. los retos enfrentando a los católicos el día hoy. fortuna para atender al pueblo. Los sacerdotes LA NECESIDAD DE VOCACIONES y religiosas constituyen en la parroquia un tes- LOS RETOS DEL DÍA HOY LATINOAMERICANAS timonio al amor de Dios tan importante como Actualmente el secularismo parece ser la Pedro Martínez puede detener esta incli- la imagen de la Virgen. Ya no hay tantos listos amenaza más fuerte para la religión en muchas nación aen la religiosidad latina y quizás re- para hacer tales sacrificios. Esto es una lástima. partes. El secularismo es la suma preocupación trocederla porque es arraigada en dos culturas. Pues la solución del reto del secularismo no con el “aquí” y el “ahora” sin pensar en otro Nació mexicano en el pueblo de La Colorada, existe en parroquias más grandes o en páginas reino de existencia. Conscientes de cómo la Guanajuato. Allá su familia lo criaba como de Internet más repletas con información. No, ciencia y la tecnología han extendido lo largo un fuerte católico recibiendo los sacramentos, el pueblo creerá sólo si ve a personas que por y la conveniencia de la vida, a muchos no les asistiendo a clases de doctrina, y rezando el su compromiso más íntimo se dirigen al bien importan Dios y sus promesas. Hace poco un Rosario a la Virgen. Cuando tenía 14 años, espiritual de todos. centro de investigaciones sociales de este país emigró con su familia a los Estados Unidos. publicó un informe indicando el poder del se- Aunque podía ver diferencias entre la práctica ¿POR QUÉ LA IGLESIA CATÓLICA? cularismo. Sus cifras deberían sonar la alarma de la fe aquí y en México, Pedro encontró ser- ¿Por qué nos preocupamos con cuestiones particularmente en una diócesis como nuestra vicios de oración en la idioma de su niñez que como la presencia de la Iglesia Católica en el con poblaciones significativas de latinos. Según le sostuvieron como discípulo de Jesucristo. mundo o aun la necesidad de la religión? ¿No el informe, el porcentaje de los latinos en este Dice que por la oración y el involucramiento es que reconozcamos la obra del Espíritu Santo país declarándose como católicos ha declinado en el trabajo de Dios, oyó la voz del Señor lla- en las comunidades protestantes? ¿No es que 12 por ciento en sólo cuatro años. Más al caso, mándolo para servir a su pueblo. el Concilio vaticano segundo haya enseñado que muchos de aquellos que no más se consideran La gente latina, realmente como todos aun los no bautizados pueden salvarse si se como católicos piensan en sí mismos como de los pueblos, necesitan a sacerdotes que hablen conforman a la ley de amor? Nuestra respuesta ninguna religión. Son los famosos “nadas” que su lenguaje, que conozcan sus inquietudes, dará el motivo para nuestra participación reno- comprenden más que un cuarto de los nortea- y que se preocupen por sus almas. Aceptará vada en la Iglesia. mericanos entre 18 y 36 años. la resurrección de la muerte como su destino Nos importa la Iglesia Católica no sólo Estos jóvenes son tanto desilusionados por solamente si personas dedicadas a su bien les porque ha preservado la doctrina de Cristo el catolicismo como fascinados por la tecnolo- acompañan por la vida. Un sacerdote latinoa- que es la más eficaz para sanar el corazón. gía. Ven la insistencia de los obispos en doctri- mericano en El Paso era párroco de la misma Más significativo aún, en la Iglesia Católica la nas como la asistencia en la misa dominical y iglesia fronteriza por más que 30 años. Tra- presencia de Jesucristo se hace palpable por la el desorden de los actos homosexuales como de bajaba para formar una comunidad integrada Eucaristía. Él nos acompaña diariamente si te- poca importancia en comparación con los pro- de inmigrantes y nativos, de ricos y pobres, nemos la voluntad de buscarlo y semanalmente blemas sociales como la condición de la econo- de mexicanos y anglos. El resultado fue el por la insistencia de la jerarquía. Sólo con su mía, particularmente cómo ella va a afectar la nombramiento de la parroquia por un experto acompañamiento son superables los retos de posibilidad de encontrar buen trabajo. Por otro como una de las mejores en este país. hoy. Sin ello podemos vaticinar el derriba- lado están absortos en las invenciones como la Por la mayor parte la Iglesia Católica ha miento de la humanidad por invenciones de la inseminación artificial para superar las dificul- prosperado porque ha habido muchos hombres ciencia y la tecnología que tanto fascinan a la tades de parejas a tener hijos y la visión popu- y mujeres dispuestos a sacrificar familia y generación actual.

PÁGINA 49 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 Diáconos recuerdan y celebran más que 25 años del Diaconado Permanente en la diócesis Todas las fotos pertenecen al archivo del NTC o son prestadas ABAJO: El Por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen IZQUIERDA: El Diácono Butch Amos asiste Novak bautiz Corresponsal al Obispo Joseph Delaney mientras él en la Parroqui ordena a los diáconos de la clase de 1989. Corazón PARA EL D IÁCONO R ON A ZIERE, ALENTAR AL ENFERMO Y CONSOLAR AL AFLIGIDO ES PARTE IMPORTANTE DEL MINISTERIO. Pero en una ocasión, hace 10 años, al ir a ofi- ciar en un velorio se llenó de ansiedad. Cecilia, su esposa, había fallecido un mes antes, y él mismo estaba viviendo su profundo dolor personal. “Uno de los beneficios de ser un diácono casado, era saber que cada vez que yo estaba fuera haciendo mi ministerio, ella estaba en casa orando por mí”, él explica. “Y cuando iba manejando hacia la funeraria, pensé en eso y empecé a sentir pánico”. Pero esta preocupación rápidamente dio paso a un momento de claridad. ducir el servicio funerario con digna y serena primer curso de diáconos permanentes instruidos y “Me di cuenta que ella está sentada alla arriba compasión. ordenados en la Diócesis de Fort Worth hace 25 a ños, con el buen Dios y puede rezar por mí tan bien allá “En ese momento, tuve la gracia y el poder para el nativo de Kansas dice que el servir a los demás como aquí”, recuerda. “Eso me permitió entender hacer lo que he sido llamado a hacer, y no agregué le permite conocer y entender mejor el Evangelio. mejor la communion de los santos. Existimos en mi pena al dolor de otros”, continua el Diácono “Llegar a vivir y conocer mejor la propia fe es, diferentes niveles pero permanecemos unidos, y Aziere. “Fue un servicio que me levantó el ánimo y probablemente, la mayor bendición que trae consigo Jesús está en el centro. pude terminarlo sin desfaller ni recordar el pasado”. ser un diácono”, indica. “Le permite a uno vivir lo Esta revelación le permitió al diácono con- Miembro, junto con otros 16 hombres, del que proclama”. Juan Rendon dirigirá el nuevo programa de Formación d Por Joan Kurkowski-Gillen El director sabiamente dice que la diócesis Corresponsal buscará candidatos que sean desinteresados, servi- ciales y que tengan el corazón del Buen Pastor. Los SI LE PREGUNTAN A JUAN RENDON QUÉ PUEDE diáconos son vitales para la vida sacramental de la ESPERAR LA DIÓCESIS DE FORT WORTH DE SU NUEVO Iglesia, pero también trabajan como ministros de DIRECTOR DE FORMACIÓN DE DIÁCONOS PERMANENTES, caridad. En el mundo, ellos son el ejemplo vivo de el experimentado instructor parafrasea una cita de Cristo el Servidor. la Beata Madre Teresa. La mayoría de los diáconos permanentes son “Esperen fidelidad — no perfección”, contesta hombres casados que entran al ministerio cuando prudentemente. “Daré lo mejor de mí mismo para tienen 40 o 50 años. “Una de las principales razones servir las necesidades de la diócesis y siempre haré mi por las que fueron instituidos en la Iglesia primitiva trabajo honestamente. Fundamentalmente, hago lo fue la de aliviar las necesidades de los pobres. Esa fue que hago por amor a Jesucristo; eso es todo. la primera expectativa — trabajar con los pobres, mos- Elegido por el Obispo Michael Olson para trarles que la Iglesia está con ellos”, explica Rendón. revisar el programa de formación de los diáconos Juan Rendon (Foto de NTC / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) Dentro de los próximos cinco años, el 25 por permanentes y para encontrar a los hombres idóneos ciento de los 90 diáconos que actualmente trabajan para el ministerio, Rendón mira con entusiasmo su México criado en Houston. “Trabajar de cerca con en la diócesis se retirarán del ministerio activo. nuevo trabajo y los retos que le presenta. el Diácono Don Warner (director diocesano de “Estos hombres tendrán que ser reemplazados, Es excitante construir sobre bases establecidas Diáconos permanentes) será de gran ayuda. Espera- así que nuestra necesidad es tremenda”, continua el anteriormente, y mejorarlas”, explicó el nativo de mos empezar las sesiones de indagación en enero”. director, quien anticipa empezar las clases de for-

PÁGINA 50 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 bién en la Diócesis de Dallas. El Obispo Delaney estableció el programa de formación de diáconos permanentes como parte del plan para el futuro de la diócesis, dijo Healey. “Mi más grande reto fue cómo formar un programa propio”, dice la anterior directora de For- mación de diáconos permanentes. “Para lograr esto, Diácono Jim Viendo a la cámara, (de izquierda a derecha) el Diácono Doug busqué, la opinion y sabiduría de otros directores za un infante Wuenschel, el Diácono Clif Green, y el Diácono Simon Torres abraza en otras partes del país. ia de Sacrado al recién ordenado diácono del curso original de 1989. Durante su función directoral, de 1984 a 2010, en Seymour. 80 hombres de las clases de 1989, 1995, 2003 y 2009 fueron ordenados al diaconado. En los dos últimos cursos se ofreció instrucción en Inglés y Español. “El ministerio de diáconos ayuda y apoya a los sacerdotes y hace posible que el ministerio a los católicos se extienda por toda la diócesis”, agrega ella. “Esos 26 años como directora fueron causa de gran alegría para mí”. Históricamente, la Orden de diáconos tiene sus raíces en el libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles. En la Iglesia primitiva, los diáconos tenían un lugar especial en la comunidad, junto con los obispos y los presbíteros. El primer martir reconocido de El Diácono Novak examina Los candidatos al diaconado de la clase del 2009, están de pie la Iglesia fue un diácono, San Esteban, quien fue el trigo en su granja. preparados para recibir el Oficio de lector. apedreado hasta morir por proclamar el Evangelio. A través de los siglos, por malos entendimientos Siguiendo la recomendación del Segundo Con- los candidatos del área de Fort Worth se confiaba el diaconado permanente declinó. El Concilio de cilio Vaticano de restaurar la orden del diaconado a los materiales y los cursos que se enseñaban en Trento renovó el Oficio de diácono como una orden c omo u n m i n i s ter io p er m a nente , e l f a l le c ido Obi sp o la Diócesis de Dallas. Los primeros diáconos que permanente y separada, pero sólo fue totalmente Joseph Delaney, segundo obispo de Fort Worth, trabajaron en la diócesis, fueron ordenados por el restaurada hasta el Segundo Concilio Vaticano en inició en 1984 las clases de formación bajo la direc- Obispo John Cassata en 1978. El Obispo Delaney, ción de Ann Healey. Anteriormente la formación de en 1982, ordenó un segundo grupo, formado tam- CONTINUADA A PÁGINA 52

que estén dispuestos a abrir sus corazones y mentes a de diáconos permanentes l a for m a c ión de d i á c ono s”, d ic e e l d i re c tor, qu ien e s t á organizando los materiales para iniciar el programa. mación en septiembre 2015. Cuatro años después, la Escuela de ministerio de Trabajar en el Seminario del Espíritu Santo lo Para que el programa sea tan inclusivo como es la Universidad de Dallas lo contrató como instructor ha familiarizado con la evaluación de hombres para posible, la formación intelectual, espiritual y pastoral para enseñar cursos de Escritura Sagrada y de teología el sacerdocio. de los candidatos se ofrecerá en inglés y en español. en la Escuela bíblica católica. Continúa enseñando “Esto es similar”, indicó. “Queremos lo que es La recomendación del párroco es parte indispensable a nivel licenciatura en la Universidad de Dallas, y major para la Iglesia y confiamos en la ayuda del del proceso de solicitud de ingreso al programa. estudios de teología a los candidatos al diaconado Espíritu Santo”. Graduado de la Universidad de Dallas y con de las diócesis de Tyler y Dallas. El programa diocesano seguirá los pasos mar- maestrías en estudios pastorales y en estudios teoló- Cuando el Padre Olson fue nombrado rector cados en el Directorio nacional para la formación, de gicos de la Universidad de Santo Tomás en Houston, del Seminario del Espíritu Santo en 2008, le pidió a los diáconos permanentes, pero esos lineamientos se Juan Rendón pasó siete años estudiando para el Rendon que sierviera como director del área de edu- adaptarán a nuestras necesidades locales. sacerdocio antes de decidir servir a la Iglesia en las cación pastoral para los seminaristas. En ese puesto, Y agrega, “El obispo se enfoca en misión y áreas de educación y evangelización. Cuando estu- coordina los cursos prácticos de los estudiantes y su evangelización, y quiere que los diáconos hagan diaba en el Seminario de Santa María, conoció al trabajo con los supervisores parroquiales. lo que están llamados a hacer bíblicamente — un entonces Padre Michael Olson quien era miembro El experimentado educador planea renunciar ministerio de servicio, de compromiso con los mar- de la facultad. Se hicieron amigos. a ambos puestos al final del año académico para ginados y de caridad”. “Obtuve una excelente formación en el semi- concentrarse en su nuevo trabajo diocesano. Ren- Los miembros del equipo de formación no nario y, cuando lo dejé, quise regresar a la Iglesia dón y su esposa, Anna, están esperando a su quinto están buscando candidatos perfectos. “Queremos un poco de lo que recibí”, recuerda Rendón, quien hijo este otoño. personas mental y físicamente sanas que, dentro de la se inició como profesor en Bishop Gorman Catholic “Voy a estar ocupado reuniendo un equipo de comunidad, vivan el Evangelio lo mejor que puedan”, High School en Tyler. formación — diáconos y sus esposas y consejeros — insiste, “encontrarlas es un reto y una satisfacción.

PÁGINA 51 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 Los diáconos de la clase del 2003 se postran frente al altar durante el Rito de ordenación en la Parroquia del Santo Nombre en Fort Worth. El Obispo emérito John McCarthy de la Diócesis de Austin posa con los recién ordenados diáconos de la clase del 2003.

El Obispo Vann con el Diácono Ruben Castañeda a su derecha Diácono Joe Milligan (centro a la izq) y su esposa Ann Healey, entonces directora de y el Diácono Don Warner a su izquierda, celebra una Misa Betsie, posan con el nuevo director de Diáconos Formación de diáconos permanentes, explica para el programa de Formación de diáconos permanentes el 5 permanentes, Diácono Don Warner y su esposa el simbolismo del logo del diaconado de diciembre, 2005. (Foto de NTC / Kathy Cribari Hamer) Candy, en la fiesta de jubilación de Joe. permanente.

1963. El Papa Paulo VI restableció el diaconado no Don Warner, director diocesano de Diáconos prisiones, ayudan a abogar por los marginados, permanente en la Iglesia Romana cuando publicó permanentes, para programar las sesiones de inda- y enseñan en varios programas parroquiales. Los la carta Apostólica Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem en gación para toda la diócesis. diáconos en la Diócesis de Fort Worth son, y han 1967, la cual implementó el decreto del Concilio. “Hay muchos sacerdotes a quienes les gustaría sido, testigos del ministerio de Cristo el Servidor”. Hoy en día, la Orden de Diácono es un minis- tener diáconos en sus parroquias”, dice el Diácono Ordenado hace 37 años por el Obispo John terio de servicio de la Palabra de Dios, los sacra- Warner, quien está contestando preguntas de los Cassata, el Diácono Franklin Eschbach dice que mentos de la Iglesia, y obras de heróica caridad. hombres interesados en el programa. “Es tiempo hacerse diácono transformó su vida. Criado lute- Los hombres, ordenados diáconos, representan a de empezar de nuevo el proceso”. rano, el octogenario menciona que su educación Cristo en el mundo y se espera que sean modelo de El Diácono Warner, a quien el Obispo Delaney en la jesuita Universidad de Seattle y el ejemplo gracia, justicia, fe y compasión en la comunidad. ordenó al diaconado en 1995 junto con otros 12 de su esposa, Joan, fueron su motivación para Los candidatos son cuidadosamente exami- candidatos, dice que otro diácono, Rubén Casta- convertirse al catolicismo. nados y cursan de tres a cinco años de instrucción ñeda, lo inspiró y lo animó a seguir el ministerio. “En el principio teníamos que dar muchas ex- especializada antes de ser ordenados. Actualmente, Además de sus obligaciones como director de diá- plicacionees”, dice el Diácono Eschbach, recordan- hay 90 diáconos permanentes trabajando en el conos, él trabaja tiempo completo para la diócesis do c u a ndo l a s pa l a br a s “ d i á c ono p er m a nente” er a n ministerio por todo el Norte de Texas. como director de la Liturgia y el culto, y también nuevas. “Pero nos aceptaron y nos trataron bien. El Obispo Michael Olson marcó el 25° administra los sacramentos en su Parroquia de Creo que la presencia de un hombre casado y con aniversario del Programa de diaconado perma- Santa Elizabeth Ann Seton en Keller. hijos animó a la gente a involucrarse en la Iglesia. nente en la Diócesis de Fort Worth con una Misa, Estos 25 años pasados, los diáconos han te- Por 10 años he dado clases de preparación sa- celebrada el 18 de agosto en la Catedral de San nido un impacto positivo en la diócesis, asegura cramental, he celebrado bautismos y matrimonios Patricio. Después de una interrupción de más de el Diácono Warner. Dos tercios de las parroquias para la Comunidad católica de la Universidad de cinco años por cautela presupuestaria, el obispo tienen por lo menos uno en su personal, y ellos Texas en Arlington. En aquel tiempo, UTA estaba anunció los planes para reinstaurar el programa asumen varios roles, según las necesidades locales. lejos y los estudiantes iban y venían cada día. de formación. Se espera que las clases empiecen en Él indica que además de ayudar a la vida La congregación estaba formada por profesores, s ept iembre 2 015 bajo l a d i re c c ión de Ju a n R endon, sacramental de la parroquia, “los diáconos se in- estudiantes y por familias que vivían en el área. recientemente nombrado director de Formación de volucran en muchos otros aspectos del ministerio, “Ahora tenemos más hombres en el seminario, diáconos permanentes. incluyendo visitar a los enfermos y a personas pero por algún tiempo, tuvimos muy pocos sacer- Rendon trabajará muy de cerca con el Diáco- confinadas en su hogar, son voluntarios en las dotes”, recuerda el diácono, quien ahora trabaja en

PÁGINA 52 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 converso que creció en New York, dice que ser diácono permitió que floreciera su inclinación por el trabajo de servicio. Mientras vivía en New Mexico, el hombre de 64 años y su esposa, Cheryl, organizaron un programa de almuerzos durante el verano para 1,200 niños. “Mi ordenación amplió las clases de ministerio que hago y me permitió servir a más gente”, dice el diácono, quien es voluntario en Wings of Hope — caridad que permite a niños y adultos discapacitados montar a caballo como terapia. Ordenado en 2003, el Diácono Brooks apren- dió de los diáconos que lo precedieron. DE IZQUIERDA A DERECHA: Los Diáconos Joe Milligan, Clarence Metzinger (fallecido), John McDermott, Ruben “Durante mi formación, llegué a conocerlos Castañeda, Andres Luna (fallecido), y Gerald Barry (fallecido), son una parte del grupo de 17 diáconos y aprendí lo que el ministerio significa para ellos”, quienes fueron ordenados en 1989, la primera clase formada por el programa de Formación de diáconos dice. Muchos de sus predecesores pronto se reti- permanentes de la Diócesis de Fort Worth. rarán del ministerio. “Necesitamos más hombres que se ofrezcan a la Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima en Glen Rose. “Creo “Uno puede invitarlos, pero ellos tienen que llenar esos roles”, observa el diácono quien ahora que nuestro ministerio llevó la presencia católica a descubrir por sí mismos si este ministerio es para tiene una oficina en San Bartolomé, donde dos la gente — especialmente en la áreas alejadas y a ellos”, admite el Diácono Heinz. computadoras le ayudan a compaginar sus res- los estudiantes universitarios. Llenamos un vacío.” Los diáconos dan mucho de su tiempo ponsabilidades eclesiásticas y seculares. “Siempre El éxito total del diaconado permanente llevó la personal. hay necesidad”. Iglesia a la gente ignorada por la sociedad — las per- “Me he perdido muchas fiestas de cumplea- Las primeras responsabilidades de un diáco- sonas sin hogar, los prisioneros y los hospitalizados. ños de mis nietos y reuniones familiares por los no son su familia y su trabajo. El ministerio de la El interés del Diácono Harry Heinz en visitar compromisos del diaconado”, agrega. “El trabajo Iglesia viene en tercer lugar. a los enfermos y confinados en su hogar empezó de uno es servir a la gente y uno tiene que cumplir “He notado que mi trabajo guiando a las pa- antes de que se cambiara a Fort Worth; así mismo con ese compromiso”. rejas por medio de la preparación matrimonial, me sus estudios de diaconado El Diácono Sangote ‘Ulupano aconseja a ayuda a esforzarme por ser mejor esposo y padre”, “Mi amigo iba a ser ordenado para la Dióce- los pre-candidatos al diaconado que oren por su dice el Diácono Larry Sandoval. “Mi relación con sis de Patterson en New Jersey y me invitó a una vocación. Cristo continúa creciendo dia ria mente. No es solo clase”, él cuenta. “La disfruté tanto que regresé la “Durante su discernimiento, oren y pídanle lo que predico y enseño, sino cómo vivo”. siguiente semana”. ayuda a Dios”, sugiere el nativo de Tonga, quien Cuando el graduado de la Academia de la Fuer- Al principio el ocupado esposo y padre resistió sirve en la Misa y administra los sacramentos tanto za Aérea no está dirigiendo una clase de estudio la idea de llegar a ser diácono. a la vasta comunidad de Tonga como a otros feli- Bíblico en la Iglesia de Santa Elizabeth Ann Seton, él “Mi esposa me apoyaba, pero mi hijo quería greses en la Parroquia de San Miguel en Bedford. está piloteando aviones para Southwest Airlines. El saber si tendría que ir a la iglesia más de una vez “Entren al programa y sepan de qué se trata”. piloto de jet pa s ó u n a ño en e l pro c e s o de i nd a g a c ión el fin de semana”, bromea y ríe el Diácono Heinz. Casado con su esposa, Fuatapu, y padre de seis y cuatro años de formación antes de ser ordenado “Yo dije ‘no’ y obtuve su bendición para entrar al hijos, el Diácono ‘Ulupano dice que los feligreses al diaconado en 2009. Encontrar momentos tran- programa”. frecuentemente se acercan a él con problemas quilos para rezar en medio del movimiento de una Cuando su trabajo en American Airlines movió familiares o matrimoniales. ruidosa terminal de aeropuerto es uno de los retos a su familia a Fort Worth, el feligrés de la Parroquia “Uno representa a Cristo a la gente”, agrega que encuentra durante el día de trabajo. de San Miguel reanudó sus estudios, ahora guiados sin rodeos. “Uno continúa Su trabajo en la tierra. “Soy un diácono 24 horas al día. Eso no por la Diócesis de Dallas. Junto con un pequeño Aunque un diácono permanente se compro- cambia cuando me pongo un uniforme”, declara. grupo de hombres, él manejó a Longview una vez mete para toda la vida al ministerio del culto, la “Estoy llamado a la santidad por la forma en que al mes para la clase. predicación y el servicio, él mantiene su vida pro- vivo, actúo y rezo”. “En ese entonces, Tyler, era parte de la Diócesis fesional y sus obligaciones familiares. De acuerdo Su dualidad de piloto y diácono católico lo de Dallas y la instrucción diaconal tenía lugar allá a la Conferencia estadounidense de obispos católicos, lleva algunas veces a discusiones interesantes — porque querían entrenar diáconos para el Este de actualmente hay 15,000 diáconos trabajando especialmente con sus compañeros de trabajo. Él Texas”, explica. activamente por todo el país. Noventa y tres por recuerda cuando trató de consolar a una azafata El Obispo Delaney lo ordenó a él, y a otros ciento de ellos están casados y la mayoría trabaja cuyo hijo había fallecido recientemente en un dos candidatos, al diaconado el 30 de octubre de fuera del ministerio. accidente automovilístico. 1982. Mirando al pasado, él dice que la experiencia Uno de ellos es el Diácono Gary Brooks, “Uno se encuentra sirviendo a la gente en de servir a otros lo volvió más compasivo con la recientemente nombrado asociado pastoral en la diferentes situaciones en sus vidas”, él explica. gente y lo acercó más a Dios. Parroquia de San Bartolomé en el suroeste de Fort “Todos nosotros somos el rostro de Cristo en el Es una alegría que el comparte con los hombres Worth, quien trabaja tiempo completo en Citibank mundo. Algunas veces uno solo tiene que estar que están considerando el ministerio. como programador de computadoras. Católico presente y escuchar”.

PÁGINA 53 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVIEMBRE / DICIEMBRE 2014 Father Benedict Groeschel, co-founder of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, dies

TOTOWA, New Jersey (CNS*) — Father Benedict J. Groeschel, who was a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a leading pro- life figure, and popular author, retreat master, and preacher, died Oct. 3 at St. Joseph’s Home for Elderly in Totowa after a long illness. He was 81. A funeral Mass was celebrated for Fr. Groe- schel Oct. 10 at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, followed by burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark. “The Catholic Church and the Francis- can family lost a giant today,” said an Oct. 3 statement issued by Fr. Groeschel’s community, based out of the Bronx, New York. LEFT: Elizabeth Victory (right) with Fr. Groeschel at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in New York City “Fr. Benedict was a brother and a father to on June 28, 2014, following the final vows of four Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. (Photo courtesy of everyone he encountered. In a world often over- Elizabeth Victory) • RIGHT: Fr. Groeschel is pictured in a 2012 photo. (CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec) whelmed with darkness, he was a man filled with hope, a hope that he shared with both the after a car hit him in Orlando. After a yearlong following year, he professed temporary vows rich and poor alike,” the statement said. “His recovery, he walked with a cane and experienced and took the name Benedict Joseph, after the love for others and deep desire to serve, sent him weakness in one of his arms, but was able to Franciscan saint, St. Benedict Joseph Labre. among poor families who were in need of as- resume his schedule. In 2012, following a minor He professed his final vows in 1954 and was sistance, young people trying to find their way, stroke and other health complications, he offi- ordained a priest in 1959. bishops faced with challenging decisions, priests cially retired from public life and was welcomed During his early years as a priest, he was and religious in need of an encouraging word, by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa. invited to conduct a retreat for the Missiona- and the stranger who was far from God. Fr. Groeschel published a number of books ries of Charity in India, which was the begin- “Fr. Benedict was at home in every circum- on spirituality and pastoral counseling and ning of Fr. Groeschel’s long relationship with stance and every encounter.” taught at Fordham University, Iona College, that community and his deep friendship with The Sacred Heart of Jesus Friary in Fort and Maryknoll Seminary. At the time of his its founder, Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata. Worth is home to four members of his com- death, he was writing a memoir to be pub- In 1987, Fr. Groeschel and seven other munity who serve the poor together at St. lished by Our Sunday Visitor called The Life of friars left the Capuchins to form a new religious Benedict’s Mission near downtown Fort Worth. a Struggling Soul. In the 1970s, he headed the community, the Franciscan Friars of the Renew- Soon after his arrival in Fort Worth in 2005, Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Spiritual al, based in the South Bronx and dedicated to then-Bishop Kevin Vann, a close friend of Fr. Development. For more than 30 years he was serving the poor. The community now numbers Groeschel’s, invited the religious community to a regular on various programs on EWTN and 115 members. A similar community for women, serve as an apostolate within the diocese. hosted “Sunday Night Prime” for many years. the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, also was Elizabeth Victory, a longtime parishioner at His outreach to the poor was legendary formed; it currently has 35 members. St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth and at St. — for decades he distributed food to hundreds Victory said she watched Fr. Groeschel’s Joseph Parish in Cleburne, first encountered the of needy people in the South Bronx. His first regular television appearances, and read his friars through her travels to Medjugorje, Bosnia, assignment as a priest was as Catholic chap- many books. She met him several more times in the early 1990s and through her involvement lain at Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, New through the years, including at Bishop Vann’s in the Queen of Peace Center in Fort Worth. York, a residential facility for troubled children. ordination as bishop in Fort Worth in July of Victory recalled how she and a friend who After being there 14 years, he founded Trinity 2005, she said. eventually became a CFR priest “took a group Retreat, a retreat house for Catholic clergy and “So many blessings have come to us, here of youth from the cathedral to Youth 2000 in religious. He also was the founder of St. Francis in Fort Worth, through the presence of the Dallas in 1994,” referring to the CFR-run Eu- House in Brooklyn, New York, for older ado- friars, and through the teaching and example of charistic Adoration retreat that is held in several lescents. In 1985, he co-founded Good Counsel Fr. Benedict. He was so genuine. He believed dioceses across the country, including the Dio- Homes for young pregnant women in need. what he was teaching, and he lived what he cese of Fort Worth. “Then, a few years later, I Born Robert Peter Groeschel July 23, 1933, believed,” said Victory. “When you were with first met Fr. Benedict at a Queen of Peace event in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the eldest of him, you knew that you were in the presence of in Dallas. He was the featured speaker. He was six children. He graduated from high school in the reality of Christ’s love.” such an inspired teacher, and so very gentle, 1951 and 10 days later entered the novitiate of holy, and very down to earth.” the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Prov- *North Texas Catholic correspondent Nicki Prevou In January 2004, Fr. Groeschel nearly died ince of St. Joseph in Huntington, Indiana. The contributed to this story.

PAGE 54 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 REVIEW Book: Epic Food Fight ‘Cooking Priest’ Fr. Leo Patalinghug gives a taste of God’s recipe for salvation in new book

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

IN HIS LATEST BOOK, EPIC FOOD FIGHT, what you eat.” FATHER LEO PATALINGHUG INVITES US Father Leo takes us through the Old ALONG TO FEAST WITH SOME OF THE MOST Testament, showing us that food was used PROMINENT FIGURES IN THE BIBLE. UNLIKE to celebrate covenants. It was also used HIS PREVIOUS TWO BOOKS, GRACE BEFORE to break covenants through gluttony and MEALS AND SPICING UP MARRIED LIFE, FR. drunkenness. Image courtesy of Franciscan Media LEO’S LATEST WORK CONTAINS NO RECIPES. Understanding the Old Testament Instead, it takes us on a fascinating, spiritual through a study of food, Fr. Leo explains, TITLE: Epic Food Fight: a bite-sized journey through the pages of Scripture to prepares us for a deeper understanding of history of salvation witness how food was an integral part of spiritual nourishment in the form of the BY: Father Leo Patalinghug God’s design to show love for his children. Eucharist in the New Testament. PUBLISHED BY: Servant Books Fr. Leo (SEE PAGE 56) refers to this In Salvation History, for example, Fr. (Cincinnati, Ohio, 2014) study of Scripture in relation to nourishment Leo says God redirects us back to his origi- PAGE COUNT: 176 as a “theology of food,” and it begins with nal plan for Adam and Eve, and his intent PRICE: $17.99 a battle of biblical proportions involving to feed them. But this time he gives us Jesus Satan, Adam, Eve, and God. and Mary. Mary faithfully follows God’s When Satan, for example, convinces plan and carries the blessed fruit in her linked to the same Latin-influenced Italian Eve to eat and share with Adam the fruit womb. She nourishes Jesus, who becomes word, mangiare, meaning “to eat”? from the tree of good and evil, we first “The Tree of Life for all to eat and drink.” “Already, before Jesus can even utter his discover the intentions of this fallen angel. This blessed fruit from the Tree of Life, first words,” writes Fr. Leo, “profound con- While God has literally given Adam and Eve Fr. Leo writes, “will be God’s ultimate wea- nections to food are established.” the freedom to eat anything in the Garden pon to reverse the destructive tendency that Later in Jesus’ life, we see the meaning- of Eden, with the exception of the fruit from comes from the poison of the forbidden fruit ful and spiritual connections of the Lord’s the forbidden tree, they fall victim to the from the Tree of Knowledge.” turning water into wine, the miracle of multi- temptation of the devil. Throughout the book, Fr. Leo reminds plying loaves and fishes, and so much more. As Fr. Leo writes in Epic Food Fight, us that the Good News is that God wants Near the end of Epic Food Fight, Fr. “The Evil One has an objective to feed us to feed us. The cooking priest explains to Leo leaves us with “Ten Commandments of with the food that destroys the soul, while us that we can become closer to God by fo- Personal Dieting” that are directly related God has the food for eternal life.” llowing the example of Jesus, who although to salvation history and filled with practical Fr. Leo provides food for thought He was master, served his disciples at the suggestions for how we deal with food in our throughout the book in order to help us table. He freely gave of Himself and fed personal lives, including the obvious, such grow in faith and appreciate the gifts God others. as praying before every meal, and the not has so freely given. As Fr. Leo deepens our understan- so obvious, like avoiding “the temptation to The priest reminds us that eating is im- ding of faith through food, he points out turn a diet plan into an organized religion.” portant, crucial to our very survival, and we some interesting facts of which we may Fr. Leo’s Epic Food Fight can help satisfy will certainly face many temptations in life not be aware. For example, did you know an inner hunger we all have to grow closer that may whet our appetites. Our mission, that Bethlehem means “House of Bread”? to our faith and will help us to develop however, is to feast on God’s teachings. “Be Certainly, you know that Jesus was born renewed appreciation for the food God pro- careful,” writes Fr. Leo. “Remember, you are in a manger, but did you know the word is vides to strengthen us every day.

PAGE 55 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 GOOD NEWSMAKER A Theology of food ‘Cooking Priest’ Father Leo is on a mission to bring families together with Christ

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

HAVING EARNED THE DISTINCTION AS THE “COOKING PRIEST,” FATHER LEO PATALINGHUG HAS DISCOVERED THE RIGHT RECIPE FOR TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD IN A MOST PALATABLE WAY. If you were to write it on your recipe file index card, it might go something like this: “Directions — Start with two parts Gospel, mix in delicious meal ingredi- ents, sprinkle on some humor, pasta dish at the same time. and bring the entire mixture up Fr. Leo comingles his mes- to high heat with the help of the sages: “It is at the table where we Holy Spirit.” communicate the greatest lessons An accomplished chef with a of life — namely how to love one Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic brilliant mind in Catholic theolo- Fr. Leo Patalinghug prepares, cooks, and serves a meal to members of the Fort another. Now, I’m adding some gy, and author of the recently-pub- Worth Legatus Chapter at their Aug. 14 meeting. black pepper to this. I’ll let that lished Epic Food Fight: A bite-sized continue to sauté. … Now, as this history of salvation (SEE PAGE 55), area. His love for cooking devel- delicious meal — Penne Pasta a la cooks down, I want to let you Fr. Leo founded the Grace Before oped while attending seminary Vodka, al dente — with a message know that Jesus takes food very Meals movement. Its mission is at the North American College about following God. seriously, too. You know this. In to bring families back to the din- in Rome. He is now a priest of Fr. Leo warmed up his audi- fact, his first miracle was what? ner table, to share delicious meals Voluntas Dei — that is “The Will ence with some simple advice on Turning water into wine …” Re- together, and to communicate and of God” in Latin — a community bringing families closer. “Let’s garding the Grace Before Meals love one another. In the process, made up of clergy and married face it,” he said, “if you want your movement and his mission, Fr. they are nourished in body, mind, and celibate laity, which is a Secu- families to come together, then Leo explained, “You can see what and soul. lar Institute of Pontifical Right. just cook better food; that’s just we’re trying to do is make faith Those who have seen Fr. Leo The talented priest’s television all there is to it.” bite-sizable and digestible.” in action on EWTN’s Savoring and radio shows, presentations, Between mincing onions Fr. Leo said that often our Faith or heard him on Sirius retreats, parish missions, and key- and heating up a large skillet, Fr. people ask him who he is, and XM Radio Catholic Channel’s note talks are bringing audiences Leo explained that food and faith his response is: “I am what I eat. Entertaining Truth know Fr. Leo closer together at the Lord’s Table. come together perfectly in the ful- I am part of the Body of Christ. is gifted in sharing his deep un- One of his presentations fillment of every hunger — Jesus. It is my mission to feed people, derstanding of his subject matter took place in the Diocese of Fort He reminded his audience that because that’s what a father does. — both culinary and spiritual. He Worth in late August, when Fr. this hunger is satisfied every week It’s my job to make sure that the has also appeared on ABC, CBS, Leo was invited to talk with mem- when they receive the Body and faith is not only accessible but it is NBC, and PBS. One of his most bers of the Fort Worth Chapter Blood of Christ in the form of the digestible and becomes incarnate. notable television appearances was of Legatus — a group of Catholic Eucharist at Mass. It takes on flesh in you and does on the Food Network, where the business leaders. After celebrating He continued, in typical Fr. not just remain at the level of priest defeated a world famous Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral with Leo fashion, in a way that caused theory. It is my job as a priest to chef in the cooking competition Father Jonathan Wallis, Fr. Leo his audience to multi-task without try to encourage families to come Throwdown with Bobby Flay. put on a cooking demonstration even realizing it. They were listen- together around the dinner table, Fr. Leo was born in the Phil- at the Fort Worth Club. Here, he ing to the word of God and hear- because that is where the commu- ippines and raised in the Baltimore blended his talent for cooking a ing about how to make a delicious nion begins.”

PAGE 56 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014