The MESSAGE May 22, 2020 Volume 50, Number 36 www.evdiomessage.org Bishop names Denise Seibert Townsend director of Catholic Charities BY TIM LILLEY The Message editor

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel has appointed Denise Seibert Townsend as director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville. She will Photo special to The Message assume her duties on June 1. Townsend joins the diocesan Masses resume across the Diocese of Evansville staff from Arc of Evansville, where she has served since Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen, rector of St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, begins the 2005 — most recently as Vice 9 a.m. Mass on May 18. Bishop Joseph M. Siegel announced May 7 that weekday Masses in President of Development. parishes across our 12 counties could resume beginning May 18, and weekend Masses may Catholic Charities and the dio- resume beginning May 23-24. The seating shown reflects people living under the same roof cese will benefit from her 15+ sitting with each other, with appropriate social distancing in place for separating families and years of experience in strategic DENISE SEIBERT individuals. Seats at St. Benedict Cathedral have been marked with tape, and a sign at the TOWNSEND entrance notes that the cathedral’s seating capacity is 180 due to social-distancing guidelines. See CHARITIES, page 2 See additional photos on page 17 of this issue. ‘No better person out there than Mrs. Popham’

BY MEGAN ERBACHER The Message assistant editor

Lisa Popham always put her children first and had an open ear to talk about anything; that is, unless the Indianapolis Colts were playing, her daughter Paige Popham said. Paige, 29, and her sister, Rachel Updike, 31, were always No. 1 in Lisa’s life. Until Rachel had Cooper, 4, and Collins, 2; and the daugh- ters quickly fell in seniority to Lisa’s two grandsons. “But that was okay with us,” LISA POPHAM Paige said. “As loving of a mother as she was, she was an Reitz Memorial President John even better ‘Gram, Gram.’” Browning said Memorial Lisa (Hedge) Popham, 62, remembered Lisa the evening who served Reitz Memorial of April 26. The entire school High School as assistant prin- remained dark except for the cipal the past 23 years, died light in Lisa’s office, Browning April 26 at her home, sur- said, which “shined bright in Submitted photo rounded by her family and her honor.” The Reitz The Reitz Memorial community gathered, but stayed socially distant, for a funeral procession husband of 33 years, Joe. Memorial flag in the Koch on May 1 for Lisa Popham, who served as Reitz Memorial assistant principal the past 23 years. Since COVID-19 prevented a The school community had a chance to say goodbye as she was led past the school and through public gathering in her honor, See POPHAM, page 3 the front circle. Reopening Catholic school buildings: Plan, prepare and respond

BY DR. DARYL HAGAN know about the start of the 1, 2020 (school buildings are health and safety actions in that the Catholic Schools Superintendent of new school year. The following scheduled to reopen per the place. Office form a core committee Catholic Schools will provide parents, students, Governor’s executive order), To assist me in carrying out to act as a clearinghouse to faculty, staff and parishioners a and Aug. 5, 2020 (the first day this monumental task — share best practices and clarify For the first time, parents roadmap as to where we are of scheduled instruction for where the health and well- all state, local and diocesan might actually be looking for- today and the plan to reopen several Catholic schools). The being of our students, faculty directives as it relates to miti- ward to summer more than our Catholic school buildings. goal is to start school within and staff are at the core of gating the spread of COVID- their children. I also believe The plan begins with a focus the buildings on time in every decision — Bishop parents want and need to on two key re-entry dates: July August with all recommended Joseph M. Siegel has asked See SCHOOLS, page 2 2 The Message MAY 22, 2020 Poland marks centenary A Bright Light Again of St. John Paul’s birth BY SHARON BURGER BY JONATHAN that death is not the Creator’s online, to comply with Editor’s note: The Diocese of Evansville Office of Catechesis has LUXMOORE desire. If the Polish pope COVID-19 restrictions. provided the following poem by Sharon Burger of Jasper. Catholic News Service lived today, he would certain- Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz of ly well understand people Warsaw said the necessarily To win against this present invisible foe that is now WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — experiencing isolation and modest celebrations offered amongst us and a threat Poland’s Catholic bishops quarantine,” the bishops said. Polish Catholics “more time to We equip ourselves with faith, and trust . . . . the lessons urged citizens to learn from St. Noting the Polish saint’s go deeper into his (St. John our ancestors taught us to never forget John Paul II in coming to contributions “to the history Paul’s) teachings,” which Now, we go into combat and find refuge by staying safe at terms with COVID-19, as the of our country, Europe and remained “a still undiscovered home 100th anniversary of his birth the world, and to the history church treasure.” Yet through all of this isolation from society, we are never was celebrated with Masses of universal church,” the bish- Born May 18, 1920, in alone and other events across his ops encouraged prayers for Wadowice, Karol Wojtyla was God’s promise is that he will be with us always and in all homeland. his intercession to “help in ordained in Krakow in 1946, our days In a pastoral letter read stopping this pandemic, for became a bishop in 1957, arch- Let us lean on Him for all things and especially during this nationwide May 17, the day the sick, the dead and their bishop in 1964 and pope Oct. pandemic craze before the anniversary, the families, for the doctors, med- 16, 1978. As we wait in the spirit of hope . . . for this danger to sub- bishops said it was worth ask- ical services and all those A canonization process for side ing what message St. John risking their lives for our safe- his parents, Karol and Emilia We pray for strength and endurance, as we manage this Paul would have for Poles in ty. May this centenary invoke Wojtyla, was launched May 7 challenging rollercoaster ride May 2020. brotherhood and unity among by the Krakow Archdiocese, So when the time is right for families and friends to gather “St. John Paul II bore his us.” with the same postulator, once again around the table own sufferings and uncer- Masses to mark the cente- Msgr. Stanislaw Oder, who led Let us remember those who put their life on the line to tainties, believing God ulti- nary were celebrated May 18 work on the late pontiff’s make our world stable mately guides human history, with limited congregations or sainthood cause. In our hometown, anywhere, and in any place Let us look forward to the time when we will again be able to meet face to face Association, diocesan attor- protocols, health checks, con- In the whole realm of this experience, when we think this Schools neys, diocesan directors, tact tracing, assessing risk, and has to be the worst Continued from page 1 diocesan chancellor, Indiana implement social-distancing We can look to models of faith through all the ages who Department of Education, strategies for gatherings, class- lived by the motto to seek God first 19. The core committee will Indiana Catholic Conference, rooms and movement through Let us pray that all citizens of this world will open their expand as needed to seek Indiana Catholic School the building. hearts to allow God to enter direction and advice from Consortium, Catholic Charities Catholic schools will So that we can know the joy of living during a time in experts in various fields. – Diocese of Evansville, Youth respond to this challenge and which God is front and center We are not isolated in our First, Indiana High School employ every measure we can Let that be among our prayers as we lament and pray for desire to return to school Athletic Association, local to ensure the safety of our stu- God’s protective hand buildings, where there exists educational leaders and health dents, faculty and staff mem- To be the light in our darkness . . . . and that with His help genuine communities of faith. department officials. bers. As we move through the and guidance . . . . together we will stand I, along with school adminis- Preparations and directives summer months, I will pro- COVID 19 — we can turn it around trators and the reopening com- will not be a one-size-fits-all vide updates on our efforts to Read Psalm 91 — in which our refuge, our rock, and our mittee, continue to collaborate approach for schools. We reopen school buildings for strength can be found with key organizations to seek understand the unique needs the start of the new school During this time of uncertainty and in facing the unknown the most up-to-date findings that vary from early learning year. I am grateful to be a part Let us acknowledge the risk, the loss of life; and the great as well as best practices students to high school stu- of a Catholic community that, sacrifices that are being shown regarding COVID-19 and dents. With that said, we are through the intercession of As we move forward with trust and hope, a power on schools. The organizations we expecting that schools will Mary, remains rooted in the which we can always rely directly collaborate with comply with a set of require- conviction that Catholic A visible regard for others is being molded . . . to that we include the Indiana Nonpublic ments (including the recently schools form students as mis- can testify Education Association, released CDC guidelines for sionary disciples who serve So let’s reach out to others in a way that we can National Catholic Educational schools) targeted at cleaning one another. Let’s be a bridge for a better time . . . . when the dimness becomes a bright light again

from Indiana University’s provide hope and life-chang- Sharon Burger is a member of Holy Family Parish in Jasper. Charities Lilly Family School of Philan- ing programs to the poor and Continued from page 1 thropy. She is a member of St. vulnerable to strengthen our Wendel Parish in St. Wendel, community.” leadership, development and where she has served in the In 2017, the Evansville SIEMERS AUTO GLASS CO., INC. administration. religious education program Business Journal included Bishop Siegel said, “It is a since 2018. Townsend on the magazine’s KATE SIEMERS • JANE & MARK WEINZAPFEL great joy to welcome Denise to Townsend said, “Catholic annual “20 Under 40” list. EVANSVILLE MT. VERNON PRINCETON JASPER the Diocesan staff as Director Charities has a long history United Way of Southwestern (812) 422-4149 (812) 838-2475 (812) 386-1100 (812) 634-6500 of Catholic Charities. For 75 of service, and I am honored Indiana also recognized her in years, Catholic Charities has and grateful for the opportu- 2017 with its Advocate served a vital role in helping nity to serve as the next Award. She has served in the Evansville Diocese provide director. I look forward to leadership roles with the faith-based assistance to peo- working with our community Evansville Area Fundraising ple with various needs in our as we serve those that seek Council since 2009, and cur- 12 counties. With her profes- and rely on our support. rently serves as its member- sional training and with her Together, we will continue to ship chair. experience with Arc of Evans- ville, Denise is well-suited to guide and develop the work of Charities in the years to come.” Mexican Restaurant Townsend is a 2004 gradu- 101 N. Meridian St. Washington, IN West Location: ate of Hanover College, and 812-421-1986 she earned a certificate in 812-254-3612 Steeple Restoration fundraising management BEST MEXICAN Stained Glass (Custom & Restoration) NEW 2nd location: RESTAURANT The 620 E. Viola Ave. Architectural Restoration Message Washington, IN Copper Goods Fabrication

The Message (USPS 843-800). 1030 Fairview Ave. Copper & Zinc Roofing and Owned by Andy & Reba Arvin Wall Systems Periodical Postage Paid at Evansville, IN. Jasper, IN 47546 www.edleemortuary.com GOLD WINNER Postmaster: Send address changes to The 812-634-9797 Lightning Protection and Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. ONLY locally owned funeral North Location: Fax 812-634-9798 Surge Suppression Systems** Copyright 2020 Catholic Press of Evansville home in Washington 812-402-6500 www.helmingbrothers.com **UL® Listed & LPI Certified MAY 22, 2020 The Message 3 Popham Continued from page 1 homework,” Paige said. “She was the biggest supporter, but Family Plaza was flown at half- always wanted us to be a better staff until the morning after her version of ourselves. I would burial, and candles were lit and say that she was a fantastic placed in the shape of a heart mother. She found a way to on the school’s front steps. make it to all of our sporting On social media, friends, events, plus most of Memorial’s family, colleagues and former extra activities. I am not quite students used the hashtags sure how she had the time to #FightLikeATiger and work and do all of this.” #PrayersForPopham. Many Her personality was some- people expressed condolences thing special, Paige explained. and shared memories, like She not only had a “teacher- “Lisa: always a giver!!;” “No voice,” but Paige said she was better person out there than bubbly, funny and loved to Mrs. Popham;” and “Thanks have a good time. for helping us when we need- Paige said her mom was pas- ed it most.” sionate about her job, the Reitz Nick Rudisill, Reitz Memorial Memorial community, her fam- Class of 2015 graduate, said ily and friends, and she trav- Submitted photo by Stanley Updike, Lisa’s son-in-law Mrs. Popham always had a eled to Acworth, Georgia, to Reitz Memorial High School remained dark except for the light in Lisa Popham’s office, which smile on her face and offered visit Rachel, her son-in-law “shined bright in her honor” on April 26. As a tribute for her 23 years of service, candles were wise advice to all who stepped and grandsons any chance she lit and placed in the shape of a heart on the school’s front steps, and the Reitz Memorial flag in into her office. She was not could. the Koch Family Plaza was flown at half-staff until the morning after her burial. only a mentor, Rudisill said, but “When she was having a one of the biggest cheerleaders good time, she had the loudest istrative team. Over the past the icebreaker games at admin- environment.” The Reitz of her students. laugh and the biggest smile in year and a half, Sternberg had istrators meetings — she was a Memorial art instructor knew “The light shining from her the room,” Paige said. “She the opportunity to work close- tough opponent!” Lisa for 23 years, and he said office was a beautiful and also loved to dance. You could ly with Lisa. Jennifer Godsey, Reitz she was “always approach- appropriate tribute to the lady always count on her to be the “I witnessed her selfless Memorial administrative assis- able and always kind.” that radiated positivity and first one on the dance floor at nature of giving to the students, tant, first met Lisa in 2008 “Memorial lost one of its guidance into so many lives,” a wedding or just dancing by parents, faculty and staff of when she started working at finest,” Schoenbaum said. he said. “She will be greatly herself at home.” Memorial on a daily basis, the school, and she worked “Brother Eugene once said to missed.” Lisa was known to greet stu- whether that was through the directly with her this year. me, ‘. . . that the school is bigger It is hard to put into words dents with a smile, and she open-door policy of her office “I really got to see first-hand than any one individual.’ Lisa what kind of mother she was, offered a comforting presence or her many evenings spent how Lisa was so great with will be a very difficult person to Paige said. to students and faculty. supporting students in their the students — all students,” replace, because she truly loved “She was our best friend, but Reitz Memorial principal extracurricular and athletic Godsey said. “She treated the the students, faculty and Mem- also spent most of my nights in Sally Sternberg said Lisa was a events,” Sternberg said. “Truly, student who might have been orial. She, without a doubt, was school fighting with me over valued member of the admin- Lisa viewed the Reitz Memorial struggling with their grades a Tiger and bled blue!” school community as her fami- just the same as the class Lisa had a heart of gold, ly. And, as her family, we were Valedictorian. She was a very said Catie Diefenbaugh, Reitz blessed to have been shaped by fair and non-judgemental Memorial administrative assis- her presence in our lives.” administrator.” tant. The two weren’t just Superintendent of Catholic The last time Godsey saw coworkers, they were family. Schools Dr. Daryl Hagan said Lisa, she thought Lisa was “I will miss her every day Lisa’s passing was heartbreak- going to the doctor and and look forward to meeting ing for the community. believed she would return in a her again when we reunite in “Lisa shared the school’s few days. She’ll miss Lisa’s heaven,” Diefenbaugh said. “I conviction that students must singing next school year. am forever thankful for our Are you ready for fun at be taught holistically,” Hagan “She was the worst/best time together. Lisa Popham Holiday World and said. “She lived her Catholic singer I have ever known,” was a gift to Memorial. We can faith one encounter at a time Godsey said. “She would turn all keep her memory alive by Splashin’ Safari? with students, parents, teach- on her 70’s playlist and sing seeing the good in those ers, and all who she came in her heart out back behind her around us.” BY THE MESSAGE STAFF contact with. She expressed the desk. It was great, it made me Private graveside services positives in all and looked for giggle daily!” were held May 1 at St. Joseph Who’s ready for a day of fun at Holiday World and solutions when needed. Lisa Mark Schoenbaum recalled Cemetery. A celebration of Splashin’ Safari?! was a caring, Catholic educator Lisa’s “infectious laugh that Lisa’s life and Memorial Mass Our friends at these wonderful parks are again helping who made a difference to oth- could melt away the stress of will be held at a later date The Message say “thank you” to our subscribers. They ers. She also enjoyed playing working in an educational after restrictions are lifted. have provided 50 pairs of general admission tickets, good through Oct. 31, and we’re giving them away to subscribers! To be eligible to win a pair of general admission passes to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, you must be a paid subscriber to The Message on June 5, 2020. We will draw 50 subscribers at random, and each of them will receive a pair of passes in the mail. Winners will be published in the June 19 edition of The Message. General admission tickets are priced at $59.99 each on the Holiday World website, so the winners will receive prizes valued at almost $120 — just for subscribing to The Message! And the fun they will enjoy at one of the nation’s premier attractions is simply priceless! If you subscribe to The Message and your subscription is active as of June 5, you don’t have to do anything except enjoy every issue of Southwest Indiana’s Catholic Community Newspaper. If you don’t subscribe . . . what are you waiting for?! Not only will you stay up-to-date on news from around our diocese and around the Catholic world, but you will also get a chance to enjoy a day for two at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari! The Message photo by Tim Lilley To subscribe to The Message, visit 75th Anniversary wildflower garden www.evdiomessage.org and click on the “subscribe” button at the top of the homepage, or call 812-424-5536, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel blesses the diamond-shaped 75th Anniversary Wildflower ext. 236. Do it now, and make sure you are eligible for a Garden, located on the east side of the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Center, on May pair of general admission tickets to Holiday World and 15. The planning and blessing of this new garden coincides with the fifth anniversary Splashin’ Safari! of “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for the earth. 4 The Message MAY 22, 2020 A year later, and I still don’t know how to say goodbye

A year later, and I still don’t know how to say Chel gave me that stuffed figure years ago. goodbye. DAILY Chel and I always loved taking pictures and rush- I’m having a hard time believing it’s been 12 ing to Walmart or CVS to get the film developed; months since I last saw you; 52 weeks since you BLESSINGS and then, in high school, to print images from our took your last breath; 365 days since we desperately MEGAN ERBACHER digital cameras. We often enjoyed going back prayed for a miracle. through albums years later. If you regularly read my column, or if you did a I’m forever grateful we stayed photo-obsessed. year ago, then you’re aware I lost a best friend, together, and we were supposed to grow old togeth- My appreciation for those thousands of pictures of Chelsea Blackburn Mercer, May 21, 2019. er. our friendship has grown so much in the past year. I’ve lost my grandparents and other important I know I’m repeating myself a little, but for as As much as I love reliving our memories and all people in my life, and I miss them every day; but long as I can remember, she was Thang 1 and I was the fun we had, it’s also just as painful because we Chel’s death has forever changed me. Thang 2; at least we were to each other. We both col- won’t get the chance to make more memories. Maybe it’s because she turned 30-years-old the lected salt and pepper shakers, and we would Some days it’s still surreal, and I feel like I should- February before she died and we didn’t get a chance always share our finds. One Christmas, or it may n’t have to figure out a life without you. But I have to celebrate her milestone birthday. Or maybe it’s have been for my birthday, she gave me a set of two to remind myself that you are gone and in a better because she couldn’t party with us at my bridal peas in a pod. place. shower or bachelorette party, and she couldn’t stand This past Christmas, her husband gifted me a Eleven years ago, my group of friends lost some- at the front of St. Boniface Catholic Church with me “Monsters, Inc.” salt and pepper shaker set that one close to us. I remember telling my best friend at when I got married. Maybe it’s the holidays she’s Chel bought years ago. Chel and I shared a love for the time to talk to the best friend he had just lost. missed and the get-togethers we always had with the Disney Pixar movie. I’m not sure Brad under- “‘Tell him how your day went. Share your worries our girlfriends while everyone was home. stands just how special the gift is to me. They now or your victories with him. Go to his gravesite, or Chel, a lot can happen in a year, and it breaks my sit beside my bed, next to a small, stuffed Thing 2 heart you weren’t with us for any of it. We grew up character from “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. See BLESSINGS, page 5 Inside out — Faith Formation in the time of Pandemic

Just when I was worried about switching from Riley is struggling after a move from Minnesota to giving up candy to giving up ice cream or watching CONNECTING FAITH San Francisco with her parents. The story deals with television for Lent, the CROSS came crashing into the profound importance of memory. The movie my life and all lives. There is no sugar-coating this AND LIFE focuses on core memories that allow Riley to find experience. It is scary and heartbreaking. Where do joy in the past and ultimately allow her to move on. we find Life? Easter has come and gone, and we are KATHY GALLO Memory plays such an important role in our life of moving toward Pentecost. What have we learned faith. When we read Scripture, when we participate about ourselves, our relationship with God and how in Mass virtually or in-person, when we share a faith formation continues even when we cannot go It seems that this is a turning point in our lives, an meal together, when we talk about what is most to Church? opportunity for conversion. We cannot deny that the important to us, and when we share memories The resilience and adaptability of people is always church building, while particularly important, does together and make new memories, we make Christ amazing. Catechetical leaders, friends and families not define us. We are discovering a deeper under- present in our lives. In remembering in our house- share that while this time is not easy, they find standing of what it means to be church. Even in our holds, we form a living church. A living church themselves desiring a deeper relationship with isolation, it is evident that our Catholic Church is teaches us how to be church. Living church changes Jesus. There is a grace that comes when confronted universal. We live our connection to one another as us. with a totally new reality. We are challenged to see the Body of Christ and there are parts of this body As Catholics, core memories always guide us. what is most important in our lives. Family, com- that are suffering. While not being able to receive These core memories are found in the beauty of the munity, celebrations, time together, work and care the Eucharist at Mass we experience the real pres- Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the church; for those who are sick and hurting becomes over- ence of Christ in one another, in Scripture, at the in prayer and moral teachings; and in the call to whelmingly important. What we miss, what we table, in the good works that the “front-liners” missionary discipleship and service. When we long for, what breaks our hearts reveals who we are. around the world are doing in hospitals, grocery return to whatever normal will be for us — when all All these experiences are elements of faith forma- stores, food lines and warehouses. We are reminded of this is over — we will be different. This differ- tion. Jesus reveals himself to us in these events and that there is no resurrection without the cross. at this time. In the Disney movie “Inside Out,” 11-year-old See FAITH AND LIFE, page 5

CHANGE OF ADDRESS To the Catholics of the Diocese of Evansville: This edition is one of six issues of The Message to be The Post Office charges The Message nearly 60 cents mailed to every registered Catholic household this year. Two dollars of each Catholic Church member’s for notification of a subscriber’s change of address. contribution pays for these diocesan-wide subscriptions. Please help us reduce these expenses by notifying us immediately when you plan to move. Please legibly print your new address below: To report allegations of sexual misconduct Name ______Diocesan policy: involving bishops of the United States, or to Street address ______report their intentional interference in a sexual Report and inform abuse investigation, contact the Catholic City, state, zip ______Bishop Abuse Reporting service. New parish ______Toll-free: 800-276-1562, or report online at Moving date ______Report child abuse ReportBishopAbuse.org. Please attach your Message address label if possible. Every allegation of child abuse must be Send information to: The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Denuncie e informe Evansville, IN 47724-0169 or reported to Child Protection Services, an email to [email protected] agency of Indiana state government. En caso de una alegación de abuso sexual de Toll-free: 800-800-5556 un menor (una persona menor de 18 años) cometido por algún miembro del personal The Message Denuncie diocesano, reporte dicha alegación a las Toda acusación de abuso de menores debe autoridades y también infórmele al WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE ser reportada al Servicio de Protección al coordinador diocesano de Asistencia para las 4200 N. Kentucky Ave. | Evansville, IN 47711 Menor (Chils Protective Services, CPS), una Victimas. Published weekly except one week at Christmas time by the Catholic Press of Evansville agencia del gobierno de Estados Unidos que Puede llamar gratis al: 866-200-3004, o al May 22, 2020 — Vol. 50, No. 36 — Mailed May 21, 2020 está localizada en el estado de Indiana. número local: 812-490-9565. Publisher...... Bishop Joseph M. Siegel Puede llamar gratis al: 800-800-5556. Editor ...... Tim Lilley Subscriptions: Assistant Editor...... Megan Erbacher Para reportar alegaciones de conducta sexual Print: $24/yr, includes Design Editor ...... Sheila R. Barclay Report and inform inapropiada cometida por obispos en los Advertising & Office digital edition Coordinator ...... Ruth Bandas Digital edition only: $12/yr In the event of an allegation of sexual abuse Estados Unidos, o para reportar su Subscriptions...... Ruth Bandas Single Copy Price: $.50 of a minor (a person under 18) by diocesan interferencia intencional en una investigación personnel, report the allegation to authorities, de abuso sexual, contacte al Servicio de Abuso Address all communications to: To subscribe: P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724-0169 and inform the Victims Assistance Coordinator de Obispos Católicos. call 1-800-637-1731 or Telephone (812) 424-5536 812-424-5536, or go to for the diocese. Puede llamar gratis al: 800-276-1562, o Email: [email protected] www.evdiomessage.org Toll-free: 866-200-3004, local: 812-490-9565 reportarlo en línea en ReportBishopAbuse.org. www.evdiomessage.org and click on “Subscribe” MAY 22, 2020 The Message 5 Calling upon the gifts of the Spirit in challenging time

As our parishes prepare their people and their Knowledge allows us to see earthly realities and churches for the resumption of public Masses, I THE BISHOP’S CORNER the circumstances of our lives in their relation to want to take the opportunity to express my admira- God and to eternal life. Through the exercise of tion for your perseverance in faith during these past MOST REV. knowledge, we can discern how to use material months. So much has been written about the impact JOSEPH M. SIEGEL things in a way that will lead us to a deeper union of the coronavirus on so many levels and on every with God as well as understand God’s purpose for aspect of life that I don’t need to discuss that here. our lives and why He places us in our particular cir- Yet, in the midst of these unprecedented and bur- Understanding allows us to grasp, at least in a cumstances. densome circumstances, I am grateful that so many limited way, the essential meaning of the truths of Piety (Reverence) takes us beyond a sense of duty have chosen to remain hopeful and to put their the Catholic faith that moves beyond simply assent- in fulfilling the expectations of our Catholic faith in energy into their relationships with the Lord, their ing to what God has revealed. Understanding rises worshiping God and serving Him and neighbor, so family and service to others. above natural reason as it lifts us beyond just the that we desire to do these things out of love for In the tumult of these past weeks, I have found things we see in this world to our relationship with God. It is an instinctive affection for God that moves myself often calling upon the Holy Spirit and asking God and our role in the world. beyond mere obligation to a desire to express our for a greater share of His seven-fold gifts to help me Counsel (Right Judgment) helps us to judge how love for God by doing what is pleasing to Him. navigate these uncertain days. As we know, these to act in a given situation with an almost supernatu- Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) is not a mat- Gifts are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, ral intuition. With this gift, the Holy Spirit speaks to ter of being frightened of God for fear of punish- Strength, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. the heart and guides us what to do so that we can ment; rather, it is a sense of amazement at God’s While we may possess these qualities or virtues on a speak and act correctly, discerning God’s will from utter holiness, beauty, goodness, justice and mercy. natural level, the grace of God given to us in the our will, especially when faced with trouble or diffi- St. Thomas Aquinas explains this gift as a fear of sacraments, especially Confirmation, raises them to culties. losing a relationship with the One we love and who a higher level in order to view life from a supernat- Fortitude (Courage or Strength) helps us to face loves us. ural point of view. difficult situations and to overcome our fears in order By calling upon these Gifts of the Spirit each day, The gift of Wisdom helps us to see the world as to do what is right. Fortitude isn’t reckless or rash, we invite the Lord into every aspect of our lives to God sees it and to interpret life as He does; not as a but rather is always reasoned and reasonable as we help us fully live our Catholic faith, even in the face meaningless series of events, but with an eternal don’t seek danger for danger’s sake. It is the gift of of the challenges we face in these days. As we move purpose. Knowing the proper ordering of the mate- the martyrs who are willing to give their lives rather toward the great feast of Pentecost on May 31, let us rial and spiritual worlds through Wisdom, we can than renounce their faith. It helps us to cope with our invoke the Holy Spirit and ask for a greater out- more easily make sense of the challenges and per- struggles, resist temptation and enables us to rise pouring of His Gifts upon us, our nation and our plexities of this life. beyond the minimum requirements of our faith. world. Invocando a los regalos del Espíritu en tiempos de desafíos

Mientras nuestras parroquias preparan a su gente intuición casi supernatural. Con este don, el Espíritu y sus iglesias para la reanudación de las Misas EL RINCÓN DEL OBISPO Santo le habla al corazón y nos guía en lo que publicas, yo quiero aprovechar estar oportunidad hacemos para que hablemos y actuemos para expresar mi admiración por su perseverancia y MÁS REV. correctamente, discerniendo entre la voluntad de fe durante los pasados meses. Tanto ha sido escrito Dios y la nuestra, especialmente cuando nos acerca del impacto del coronavirus a muchos niveles JOSEPH M. SIEGEL enfrentamos a problemas o dificultades. y en cada aspecto de la vida que no necesito La Fortaleza (el Coraje o la Fuerza) nos ayuda a examinar esto ahora. Sin embargo, en medio de enfrentar situaciones difíciles y a superar nuestros estas circunstancias onerosas y sin precedentes, ayudarme a atravesar con éxito estos días inciertos. miedos para hacer lo correcto. La Fortaleza no es estoy agradecido de que tantos hayan elegido Como ya sabemos, estos Dones son: la Sabiduría, el imprudente o precipitada, sino que es siempre permanecer esperanzados, volcando sus energías en Entendimiento, el Consejo, la Fortaleza, la Ciencia, razonada y razonable ya que no buscamos el peligro su relación con el Señor, sus familias y el servicio a la Piedad, y el Temor de Dios. A pesar de poseer por el peligro mismo. Es el don de los mártires los demás. estas cualidades o virtudes a nivel natural, la gracia quienes están dispuestos a dar sus vidas antes que En el tumulto de las semanas pasadas, me he de Dios dada a nosotros en los sacramentos, renunciar a su fe. Nos ayuda a sobrellevar nuestras encontrado invocando al Espíritu Santo y pidiendo especialmente en la Confirmación, las eleva a un luchas, a resistir las tentaciones y nos permite por una mayor proporción de sus siete dones para nivel más alto para mirar la vida desde un punto de elevarnos más allá de los requisitos mínimos de vista supernatural. nuestra fe. El don de la Sabiduría nos ayuda a ver el mundo La Ciencia nos permite ver las realidades terrenas Bishop’s como lo ve Dios y a interpretar la vida como Él lo y las circunstancias de nuestras vidas en su relación hace; no como una serie de eventos insignificantes, con Dios y la vida eterna. A través del ejercicio de la sino con un propósito eterno. Al conocer el orden ciencia, podemos discernir cómo usar las cosas adecuado de los mundos materiales y espirituales a materiales de una forma que nos conduzcan a una Schedule través de la Sabiduría, podemos más fácilmente relación más profunda con Dios, así como también darle sentido a los retos y perplejidades de esta vida. entender el propósito de Dios en nuestras vidas y Mass, St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville, El Entendimiento nos permite captar, al menos de por qué Él nos sitúa en nuestras circunstancias 10:30 a.m. CDT, Sunday, May 24. forma limitada, el significado esencial de las particulares. verdades de la fe católica que se mueve más allá de La Piedad (la Reverencia) nos lleva más allá de simplemente consentir con lo que Dios nos ha un sentido del deber para cumplir con las revelado. El Entendimiento se levanta por encima expectativas de nuestra fe católica de alabar a Dios y de la razón natural a medida que nos eleva más allá servirlo a Él y al prójimo, para que deseemos hacer Blessings de las cosas que vemos en este mundo hacia nuestra estas cosas por amor a Dios. Es un afecto instintivo Continued from page 4 relación con Dios y nuestro papel en el mundo. por Dios que se mueve más allá de una mera El Consejo (Buen Juicio) nos ayuda a juzgar obligación para ser un deseo de expresar nuestro talk to him while you’re driving,’” I suggested to cómo actuar en una situación determinada con una amor por Dios haciendo lo que le complazca a Él. my friend. El temor de Dios (Asombro y Admiración) no es At first, he looked at me like I was crazy; maybe I una cuestión de estar asustado de Dios por miedo a am. I still encouraged him to do it. I didn’t just sug- ser castigado; sino que es una sensación de asombro gest it, but I also talked to our lost friend. Faith and Life hacia la absoluta santidad, belleza, bondad, justicia Now, I talk to Chel. Continued from page 4 y misericordia de Dios. Santo Tomás de Aquino As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for explica este don como un miedo de perder una everything.” ence, if rooted in Jesus Christ, will be the result of relación con el Uno que amamos y que nos ama. “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn faith formation with each other or alone at home. At Al hacer un llamamiento por estos Dones del and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). this point we are being turned inside out, discover- Espíritu cada día, invitamos al Señor a todos los Chel, I imagine you’re in heaven taking advantage ing that we cannot go out until we go deeper with- aspectos de nuestras vidas para que nos ayude a of the latter: laughing and dancing. I still selfishly in. This time moves us to realize the importance of vivir plenamente nuestra fe católica, incluso frente a wish you were here with us to make us laugh. faith reflection in our lives and for each one of us los retos que enfrentamos en estos días. A medida I miss you just as much as I did a year ago, and whatever age we are. This enables the hope that we que avanzamos hacia la gran fiesta de Pentecostés el I’m still not sure how to say goodbye. So, I’ll just will be different when we move from inside to out. 31 de mayo, invoquemos al Espíritu Santo y talk to you soon, Thang 1. “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone pidamos por una efusión mayor de Sus Dones para who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15). nosotros, nuestra nación y nuestro mundo. Megan is the assistant director of communications and assistant editor of The Message. Contact her at Kathy Gallo is the director of the Office of Catechesis — Translated by Dr. Daniela Abraham, St. [email protected]. and can be reached at [email protected]. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology 6 The Message MAY 22, 2020

AROUND THE DIOCESE Prayer-a-Thon on WTJW in Jasper

Father Chris Forler, pastor Happy Birthday of St. John the Evangelist Deacon Michael Morris, Parish in Daylight, was who serves in the prison min- ordained to the priesthood on istry at Carlisle, celebrates his May 31, 2008. birthday May 28. Father Edward Schnur, pas- tor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Poseyville and St. Wendel Happy Parish in St. Wendel, was Anniversary ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1991. Ordained to the priesthood Father Ron Kreilein, pastor on May 27, 1965: Father Ralph of St. Martin I Parish in Schipp, retired priest of the Chrisney and St. Bernard Diocese of Evansville and Parish in Rockport, was Father Kenneth Betz, senior ordained to the priesthood on associate pastor of St. James June 2, 2007. Parish in Haubstadt. Ordained to the priesthood Father Kenneth Walker, on June 2, 2012: Father Brian diocesan judicial vicar and Emmick, pastor of St. Joseph pastor of St. John the Parish in Princeton and St. Evangelist Parish in Bernard Parish in Snake Run; Loogootee, was ordained to and Father Jeff Read, pastor the priesthood on May 29, of St. Isidore the Farmer Submitted photos courtesy of WTJW 93.1 FM 1981. Parish in Celestine. Catholic radio station WTJW 93.1 FM in Jasper aired a Prayer-A-Thon on May 7, the National Day of Prayer. In the photo above, Anna Buechler Hayden, Jacqueline Ripberger and Steve Luegers are praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet on the air. In the photo below, Ralph Turpen and Father Andrew Thomas, parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Jasper, Reitz Memorial swimmers pray the rosary. earn academic honors SPECIAL TO THE MESSAGE

The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association has honored several Reitz Memorial High School swimmers with academic awards.

They include: Swimming Academic All America — students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75, must be a senior and have earned a varsity letter: • Nate Alexander • Elizabeth Broshears • Anna McCoy Girls Swimming and Diving Bronze Scholar Team Award, and Boys Swimming and Diving Bronze Scholar Team Award — all varsity team members had a cumulative com- bined GPA of 3.2 or above. The girls’ combined GPA was 3.47, and the boys’ combined GPA was 3.40. Swimming Scholar Team: • Elizabeth Broshears, 50 Free 22.97 • Elizabeth Broshears, 100 Fly 53.55 Swimmers still under consideration, which will be deter- mined in June: • Mason Miller, 100 Free 45.59 Three from Spring graduates of St. Philosophical Studies. • Lilia Newkirk, 100 Back 55.85 Meinrad Seminary and School Scherzinger is a son of St. • Elizabeth Broshears, Lilia Newkirk, Anna McCoy and Diocese of of Theology in St. Meinrad Isidore the Farmer Parish in Izzy Haseman, 200 Free Relay 1:36.48 included three students from Celestine, and Wickman is a Evansville earn the Diocese of Evansville. son of Our Lady of Hope Coaches Dave and Francs Enzler are extremely proud of the master’s degrees Seminarians Caleb Parish in Washington. overwhelming successes of the boys and girls swimming and Scherzinger and Christopher In addition to our seminari- diving team in and out of the water this year. Congratulations from St. Meinrad Wickman earned Master of to all! Arts degrees in Catholic Continued on page 7 MAY 22, 2020 The Message 7

Around the Diocese The Lilly Endowment Guidelines for the Resumption Community Scholarship is Continued from page 6 awarded based on academic of the Sacraments, Memorial High School senior merit and a selective interview ans, Coy Hobson of Evansville Ethan Meunier has committed process. It provides full- earned a Master of Arts degree to attend Notre Dame tuition, required fees and an Sacramentals and Devotions in Theology. University in the fall. annual stipend of up to $900 They are among 60 students The Message published a for required books and equip- BY TIM LILLEY who earned graduate degrees story in the May 8 issue that ment for four years of full- The Message editor following the Spring 2020 reported Meunier planned to time undergraduate study at semester. attend the University of an accredited public or private This issue of The Message is arriving in mailboxes and Evansville, but later The nonprofit Indiana college or email boxes less than a week into the resumption of weekday Message received word from university. public Masses across the Diocese of Evansville. Weekend Reitz Memorial’s Ethan’s dad, Chris, of his Masses begin again this weekend (May 23-24). Meunier commits changed plans. Please send information for Following are some things to remember as we move for- “We love the fact that he is AROUND THE DIOCESE to ward with the resumption of the sacraments, sacramentals to Notre Dame continuing his education at a Tim Lilley, The Message, P.O. and devotions across our 12 counties. The following guide- After recently being award- catholic university,” Chris Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. lines are in effect until further notice. ed the Lilly Endowment Meunier said of his son’s deci- The e-mail address is tlilley@ Please note: Celebrations for the RCIA and Confirmations are Community Scholarship, Reitz sion. evdio.org. still on hold as questions regarding the safe celebration of these sacraments are addressed. The Message will publish updates when they are available. Youth Resources honors Sydney and General: • Individuals 65 and over, as well as those of any age in high risk categories, should remain home for the sake of their Sophie Kleiman health and wellbeing. • All Masses must follow the Diocesan Guidelines for the SPECIAL TO THE MESSAGE Resumption of Masses. • Protocols regarding social distancing and sanitizing We’ve all heard the saying “Two churches must be observed. heads are better than one.” April’s Baptism of Children (may begin any time): Youth of the Month winners took APRIL 2020 • All baptisms of children should be celebrated outside teamwork (and sisterhood) to the next Mass for the time being. level, by creating over 250 masks for • Participation limited according to current social distanc- healthcare workers, while stuck at ing guidelines. home during COVID-19. SYDNEY AND First Communions (may begin any time): Sydney Kleiman (junior) and Sophie SOPHIE The celebration of first Holy Communions may resume as Kleiman (sophomore) are students at KLEIMAN soon as the parish is prepared to do so. Mater Dei High School; and like oth- Reconciliation (may begin any time): ers their age across the globe, they Mater Dei Reconciliation will temporarily move out of the confession- have been homebound during the High School al and instead be celebrated in a larger room. pandemic. They decided to work Weddings (may begin any time): together, with the help of their mom, Matrimony may be celebrated within Mass or without to create and sew masks as a project Mass. to help others during this time. Funerals: The sisters first began making Photo courtesy of Youth Resources • Funeral Masses, celebrated at the church, may begin any masks to help out their family mem- Sydney, left, and Sophie Kleiman sew and donate time. bers who were ill. masks for those on the front lines of the fight • Funeral liturgy outside Mass may be celebrated at the “We have a grandma with breast against COVID-19. church or at the funeral home. cancer and a grandpa that recently Adoration Chapels/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament had a liver transplant. They both (may begin any time): needed masks, so it started there,” Exposition should be moved from smaller chapels into the Sydney said. About Youth Resources main body of the church to allow for recommended social Once each of the girls discovered distancing and less chance for contact upon entering and which tasks they excelled at, they Since 1987, Youth Resources has involved more than exiting. started creating masks in an assem- 150,000 young people in local community service proj- Devotions (may begin any time): bly-line fashion. ects while training them to be stronger leaders and Communal recitation of the rosary, novenas, Stations of the “Sophie cuts the fabric and elastic inspiring them to be lifelong volunteers. YR’s Teen Cross and other devotions may be offered as long as social and later flips them inside out,” said Advisory Council, TEENPOWER, Vanderburgh County distancing and sanitizing guidelines are observed. Sydney. “I sew and pin. My mom Teen Court and Make a Difference Grants are unique, Holy Communion Outside of Mass: sews, too. We all know how to do each evidence-based programs that impact regional youth • As diocesan staff and pastors continue to work through step, but we found our strengths and ages 5-18. Learn more about Youth Resources of how to best care for the people’s spiritual needs while also formed an assembly line based on Southwestern Indiana at www.youth-resources.org. being attentive to their physical well-being, it is prudent for them to produce more at a faster rate.” the time being to limit the distribution of Holy Communion They make their masks according to only to Mass and as viaticum. the guidelines provided by the CDC and Aside from mask-making, Sydney and • Those who are unable to come to Mass to should contin- Deaconess. Although they first donated the Sophie have written and mailed cards for nurs- ue to make an act of spiritual communion. masks to family and friends, they now donate ing home residents, created palm door hangers Communion Service Exception: through Sew and Serve, which takes requests for neighbors for Palm Sunday and Easter, If a priest is over the age of 65 or in the high risk cate- locally and fulfills them. donated food, and created scrub caps for area gories, and does not feel it would be prudent for him to cele- “This is a tough time for every person in the health care professionals. brate Mass with a congregation, a Communion service cele- world, but together these two sisters are mak- “They have really managed to turn their brated in a parish church by a deacon or other minister could ing a positive impact on our community and quarantine into a time of helping and serving be held. others around us. They are helping many peo- others,” said Mary. Pastoral Care of the Sick/Homebound: ple in health care and others feel safe during The sisters, 18 months apart in age, both said While it is still necessary to limit or temporarily suspend these times of uncertainty, and bringing joy to it’s been helpful having a sibling to share this routine visits to the homebound or nursing homes, every others who are in quarantine,” said Mary time with. effort will be made to provide the sacrament of the Anointing Goedde, who nominated the sisters for Youth “Quarantine has been a lot easier with hav- of the Sick as well as viaticum for those who are in need. of the Month. ing a sibling so close in age,” said Sydney. “We Chrism Mass: Both girls learned to sew from their mother hang out together a lot and help each other The date for the Chrism Mass has not yet been determined. and grandmother. They have perfected their with homework. Sophie is one of the funniest The Message will publish information on the Mass when it skills through lots of practice, as well as their people I know, so it is definitely beneficial to be is available. involvement in 4H and Girl Scouts. quarantined together, even though we do argue When asked how they stay motivated with and annoy each other sometimes.” their mask-sewing project and school, both “We have actually had time to ride bikes seem to keep a goal-oriented schedule through- together and play cards. We don’t usually have MUENSTERMAN’S SCHNELLVILLE out the day. They wake up and focus on doing time for either of those, so having Sydney to do AUTO FOR COMPLETE their school work first, then they are able to things with has made things a lot easier,” said SERVICE, INC. ELECTRICAL SERVICE dedicate the rest of their day to service projects, Sophie. 1400 W. Franklin FISCHER ELECTRIC INC. as well as fun activities like hanging outdoors, Evansville, IN SCHNELLVILLE, IN playing with their dogs, and watching TV. See YOUTH, page 12 424-5000 389-2418 8 The Message MAY 22, 2020 Building a home for Christ “And

MEDITATIONE behold, I IGNIS MARIA SERMERSHEIM am with

In recent ruminations, I have thought a lot you about distinctions of space and the permanence of personal reflection. For a while, I was caught in a cycle where I continually encountered the same struggles and devised solutions in my always, reflections, but they never seemed to stick; thus, the cycle. Why were my reflections not sinking in? Why did I forget them so easily? Additionally, merging school and home was until the not in the least bit helpful or healthy for me. There was no distinction in time or space between the two; and whenever I spent time with my family, I felt I was neglecting my duty to my end of the schoolwork. But whenever I devoted hours to schoolwork, it seemed I was rejecting my family. And God forbid I take time for myself, disregard- age.” ing both responsibilities in this season of oppor- tunity to pour myself out for both! When I finally left the house to pray in a near- by church, I realized the value of a commute. I — Matthew need the drive to work or the walk to class so I can clear my head and process the movements of 28:20 the Spirit in my life. I need to have the excuse to gaze at the sky; I need it to prompt me to think of its wonderful maker. However, the commute itself is not the necessary thing. Rather, I need to tend to the room for Christ that is built in my heart. Meditating on my reflections on repeat, I had clearly not internalized the fruits of my thoughts. My commutes, it seems, not only transported me from one location to another, but also acted as the hammer to drive in nails on which I would hang new fixtures of spiritual reflection. Lacking my usual tools, none of my conclusions were permanent. Instead of hanging a heavy thought on solid nails, I was hastily slathering Elmer’s glue on its back. It should be no surprise, then, that the adhe- sive did not last long, and my reflections did not remain. The short mental breaks of my com- mutes were opportunities to return to the home I was building for the Lord and dust things off, or sit with him for a minute. The transitions to other activities allowed me to deposit thoughts I had gleaned for further reflection and place them in context with all the other furnishings of the space. Did a certain attitude or reaction of mine fit with the décor? Would Christ appreciate such a fixture, or was it unfitting? I could take the time to evaluate the happenings of my life and toss out my own poor responses as I moved forward if I recognized that they did not belong. Many people have taken advantage of this time to work on home-improvement projects, but I allowed the most important home to fall into disrepair. Rather than repeating this mis- take, let us reflect on our lives such that our res- olutions remain. We must be aware of God’s deep desire to permeate our lives and welcome him into our hearts. With the words of St. Teresa of Avila’s beautiful poem, let us plead, “Lord, make my soul Thine own abode/and I will build a nest so sweet/It may not be too poor for God.” Let us remember to build the room for Christ throughout the day by taking time for silence and prayer, by seizing opportunities for reflec- tion such as commutes. Let us not forget the hammer simply because no one handed it to us; we must find new ways to tend to Christ’s home in our hearts.

Maria Sermersheim is a 2018 graduate of Reitz Memorial High School. She recently served her sec- ond year as a summer intern with The Message and is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame this year. MAY 22, 2020 The Message 9

“How to Build a Girl” (IFC) There's a tension within this coming-of-age comedy, set in Northern England, between the generally upbeat personali- ty of its precocious 16-year-old protagonist (Beanie Feldstein) and the seaminess of some of the mistakes to which she falls prey on her path to maturity. Smart but socially awkward, AT she relies heavily on her close- knit relationship with her gay brother (Laurie Kynaston) as THE she yearns to be thought of as cool. She gets a seemingly unlikely opportunity to MOVIES remake her image when she's hired as a freelance critic by a pop music magazine. But the poisonous spirit of the staff, NEW YORK (CNS) — The with one of whom (Frank following are capsule reviews Dillane) she starts an affair, of movies recently reviewed by turns her toxic and threatens Catholic News Service (CNS). her friendship with the sensi- Ratings are also given by the tive older singer (Alfie Allen) CNS photo/IFC Motion Picture Association of she would like to make her Beanie Feldstein, right, is shown in a scene from the movie “How to Build a Girl.” America (MPAA). boyfriend. Based on Caitlin Moran semi-autobiographical teristic of its working-class explicitly and too flippantly. A about a dozen crude or crass 2014 novel, director Coky milieu and sees its heroine frivolous view of human sexu- terms, an obscene gesture. The Giedroyc's film is rife with the pass through a promiscuity ality, strong sexual content — CNS classification is O — vulgarity it portrays as charac- phase that's depicted both too including graphic casual activ- morally offensive. The MPAA ity, masturbation and rear rating is R — restricted. Under The nudity — at least one mild 17 requires accompanying par- Message CROSSWORD oath, numerous rough and ent or adult guardian. MESSAGE AD PRINT? SCRIPTURE SEARCH or DIGITAL? Gospel for Sunday, May 24, 2020 Mathew 28:16-20

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Ascension of the Lord. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

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Subscribe or renew online at www.evdiomessage.org or call Ruth at 812-424-5536 See answers on page 16. 10 The Message MAY 22, 2020 Resurrection’s Theresa Berendes named Outstanding Principal of the Year

BY MEGAN ERBACHER gram chair, said. “Teachers had The Message assistant editor to forego their original plans. They had to become instant Resurrection School experts on virtual and distance Principal Theresa Berendes learning. Administrators, like wrapped-up a faculty meeting yourself, have had to navigate on May 1, and then she joined these uncharted waters to pro- what she thought was a vide stability and calm for staff, finance meeting. faculty, students and parents. It Once she logged into her required many hours of work second virtual meeting on by all, but the results have been Zoom, she sat in her office, very uplifting. You have all stunned and quiet. She real- become a beacon of light for ized there were about 60 peo- your students during this diffi- ple logged into the meeting, cult time.” which wasn’t a meeting at all, Berendes has been an educa- but a surprise to announce her tor for 29 years, with 10 of as the 2020 Outstanding those years as principal of Building Principal of the Year. Resurrection and three years She shook her head in disbe- as principal of St. Theresa lief and covered her mouth in School. She said Catholic shock before removing her schools are the place to be. glasses to wipe her eyes as she “I’m honored, and I’m hum- Photo screenshot of Zoom meeting by Megan Erbacher fought back tears. bled,” she said. “I wouldn’t Theresa Berendes, second row second-from-left, smiles as she realizes what she thought was a This is the 29th Annual have been nominated for this virtual finance meeting was actually a surprise to name her 2020 Outstanding Building Outstanding Educator of the award without my staff. They Principal of the Year. Year Awards, according to are my backbone. We are fami- organizers, which is sponsored ly, and we are an incredible losophy, and through these for qualities including solid “She has this gift for think- by the University of Evansville team. We do good things here. programs she helps students content knowledge, positive ing outside the box,” he said. and the Evansville Courier and And my fellow principals, connect and grow. relationships with students and “She’s constantly saying, Press. The program honors the we’re a great team. We all “I believe it is my duty to families, powerful teaching ‘How can we be better? How dedication of Vanderburgh work tgether.” help each child achieve his/her strategies and leadership skills. can we improve? How can we County K-12 educators at non- During her time at Resur- highest potential academically, Catholic Schools Superinten- grow?’ She’s not willing to rest public and public schools who rection, Berendes has imple- spiritually and emotionally,” dent Dr. Daryl Hagan congrat- on any laurels at all. I think excel in the profession and mented many programs Berendes said. “I cannot do this ulated Berendes. He said the we’re just so blessed to have have at least three years of including a house system for by myself alone. I believe that I day before the announcement, her here . . . . On behalf of this experience. Awards are given students in grades 5-8 to must work to include all staff, he talked to Berendes on the parish, we congratulate her in four categories: elementary, strengthen communication and parents and our community to phone regarding Outstanding and love her for all she does middle schools, high schools, leadership skills, as well as to promote the success of each Educator finalists, and he for us and our kids.” and principal. encourage a sense of family child.” recalled her saying she didn’t As principal of a Catholic Typically, UE officials host a and community. Students also Berendes strives to meet the win because she said the other school, she believes it’s impor- “prize patrol” day to surprise participate in the Amazing needs of students. As an edu- principals are so deserving for tant to lead by example, so she the winners in-person, but the Shake Challenge, which helps cator, Berendes spends count- everything they do for kids. begins and ends each school coronavirus pandemic resulted them gain confidence in intro- less hours tutoring, mentoring “I played it up like she didn’t day with prayer. She works in virtual surprises this year. ducing themselves through a and inspiring students, while win, and I was so touched at with teachers to incorporate The Zoom link was shared firm handshake, eye contact she also encourages communi- how quick she is to build oth- prayer services and Masses with faculty, staff, priests, fam- and clear communication. cation between parents and ers up around her. with relevant content from the ily and friends so others could Younger kids develop leader- faculty. “Theresa, it’s only appropri- outside world that still corre- participate in the fun. ship skills through the Leader McBride said 50-100 candi- ate to honor and recognize late with the liturgical calendar, “This school year was partic- in Me program. dates are nominated each year excellence and distinguished meets with students to reflect ularly unique,” Amy McBride, Berendes puts the child first and it’s challenging to select service, especially today in the on their behavior, and eases the UE associate professor and pro- as part of her educational phi- winners. She said judges look midst of this world pandemic transition for new pastors. and especially for the unsung “It is a true blessing to be heroes in education,” Hagan able to share faith and our said. “You are one of those Catholic beliefs to every aspect heroes.” we encounter in the education Father Jerry Pratt, adminis- of our students,” Berendes trator of Resurrection Parish, said. said it’s appropriate for The winners will be cele- Berendes to receive this award brated at an awards banquet in “no ordinary time because later this year when it is safe she’s no ordinary principal.” to gather.

Clip & Save EARLY BIRD SPECIALS $5.00 off 2 Early Bird Entreés Only Submitted photo Code #060705 Tasty land forms 650 S. Hebron Reservations Recommended Located one block from Green River Jessica Niehaus, a third-grader at St. John the Baptist School in Newburgh, used food for Rd. between Bellemeade & Lincoln Present Coupon when ordering. Good Sun thru Thurs 4-5:30 p.m. her science project about landforms during extended learning. Not good on holidays or with any other offer or discount. Expires 06/19/20 479-6974 MAY 22, 2020 The Message 11

Submitted photo Family Fun Friday! St. John the Baptist School in Newburgh recently chal- lenged school families to embrace Family Fun Friday by enjoying family activities together and making memories. Staff shared a list of suggested activities, but they also encouraged families to create their own! Submitted photo Ending the school year with a cleanup! In a traditional school year, the last week of school involves a lot of cleaning and some fun days. Principal Theresa Berendes tells The Message that, at Evansville’s Resurrection School, students would have been cleaning desks, classrooms, and lockers. With that in mind, students received an extended-learning assignment to clean their bedrooms to their parents’ approval. Students provided pictures of their clean rooms, and students Jack and Charlie Tindle proudly shared their completed homework!

Submitted photo State archery champ Nathan Neisen, a fifth-grader at Good Shepherd School, was named the Elementary Boys State Archery Champion by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) based on his qualifying score of 280/300. Nathan’s coach said he was up for 290/300 or better at state, but COVID-19 prevented the state competition, so Nathan’s January qualifier score was Submitted photo used to rank him. At the end of March, Marcy Groves posted Westside Catholic school parade on Facebook: “I’ve just got to say how proud I am of Nathan Neisen — our State Champion. This young man has worked Evansville’s Westside Catholic School organized a school parade on May 11. Families so hard all archery season. He is an absolute joy to coach. He drove through the St. Boniface Parish parking lot as school staff greeted them from safe always tries harder. He does not give up.” distances. 12 The Message MAY 22, 2020 St. Peter’s Basilica reopens to the public

BY CINDY WOODEN they must wear a mask and before entering the church, Catholic News Service stay 2 meters (6.5 feet) away visitors find another hand-san- from others in order to enter itizer dispenser. VATICAN CITY (CNS) — the basilica. While many of the people Almost 10 weeks after St. The Vatican sanitation serv- attending the Mass celebrated Peter’s Basilica was closed to ice placed hand-sanitizer dis- by Pope Francis were not wear- the public in cooperation with pensers at the end of the ing masks, once the celebration Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown colonnade surrounding St. was over, Vatican security measures, the faithful and Peter’s Square. From there, the began enforcing the face-mask tourists were allowed back in public finds “keep your dis- requirement and breaking up beginning May 18. tance” labels and tape on the any situation where it looked Pope Francis celebrated cobblestone path leading to like people were standing close Mass at 7 a.m. at the tomb of the health and security checks to each other to talk, including St. John Paul II to mark the before entering the basilica. journalists trying to interview 100th anniversary of the Polish At the end of the path, two some of the first people inside. pope’s birth. Then, at 8 a.m., members of the Knights of Vatican Media did not show the general public was admit- Malta dressed in white, light- people receiving Communion CNS photo by Remo Casilli, Reuters ted. weight hazmat suits point a at the pope’s Mass. For the People pray in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 18, 2020, The basilica was sanitized small thermoscanner at the Masses celebrated later that after the basilica reopened to the public during the COVID-19 May 15 in preparation for the visitor’s forehead. If the per- morning, Communion was pandemic. reopening. It had been closed son does not have a fever, he distributed only in the hand. to the public since March 10. or she can proceed to the line Vatican workers with large were celebrated with the pub- space needed for the line for On the edge of St. Peter’s for the metal detectors. spray bottles resanitized the lic. security checks, St. Peter’s Square, a sign advises visitors After the security check and altars and pews where Masses Except for the expanded Square remained closed. Veteran using sewing machines he rebuilt for face masks stash — not a stash of cash but Arizona and Oklahoma who “I think God’s on my jour- a stash of fabric — to sew have underlying health condi- ney with me,” he said. “This is masks for the vulnerable and tions. Armatys said she better for my health and my anyone else in need. doesn’t mind the requests, emotional health than medi- Ruth Armatys, a parishioner especially since she is retired cine. I can still serve my coun- at St. Leo’s Church in Grand and has “lots of extra time on try and my community. I’m Island and a member of the her hands.” not giving up.” Grand Island Prairie Pioneer Beach said he has enough Quilt Guild, said she has Shortage prompts action supplies to make 15-18 masks, donated nearly 100 for friends, In Kearney, Beach said what which he plans to donate to family and staff members at prompted him to get involved Regenirex – Advanced Pain the church. in making masks was hearing Solutions in Kearney. Armatys said when the virus there was a shortage of them He hopes to make more and first broke out, she found out and that the Federal is open to anyone wishing to that not everyone on the Emergency Management volunteer to use one of his administrative staff at St. Agency couldn’t get enough to other two sewing machines to Elizabeth Medical Center in distribute to those in need. So mass-produce the masks. Lincoln, Nebraska, had a mask, even despite his physical dis- “You can’t let medical prob- including her daughter-in-law. abilities from serving in the lems let you feel sorry for Photo courtesy of John Beach via West Nebraska Register “She asked if I could make military, he decided this was a yourself,” he said. “Each day Beach accepted donations of sewing materials and a pattern some for her and the girls she way he could give back to the is a blessing. Each day you can for the masks he is making. works with,” she said. community and the people do something for your fellow She did not have a pattern that are helping to take care of people and learn to stay close BY COLLEEN GALLION the machines in a state of dis- and, like many people, looked him now. to Jesus.” Catholic News Service repair. The first, he said, was a online for an example. After a commercial Singer sewing few trial runs, she decided on a KEARNEY, Nebraska (CNS) machine from the 1920s. The rectangular shaped mask with — Kearney resident John machine had been thrown interfacing and she used a pipe Youth Beach, a Catholic military vet- away with all the wires cut off. cleaner for a nose piece. She fin- Continued from page 7 a member of Mater Dei’s Pep eran, enjoys rebuilding things. He rewired the machine and ishes the mask with elastic to Club Exec, Service Club, So when he found an oppor- the foot pedal, then found a go around the ears and pleats When asked how they are Dance Marathon, TEENPOW- tunity to use some of his rebuilt cabinet for it. He found the sec- in the fabric for a better fit. staying positive during this ER, and Peer Mediation. She sewing machines for a good ond machine, a 2004 Brother, at She said she’s been fortunate time, Sydney mentioned con- was awarded the St. Maria cause, he didn’t hesitate, a garage sale for $5. It “was that she hasn’t had to buy any- necting online with friends, Goretti Youth Distinction. despite not knowing how to hardly ever used,” he said. thing to make the masks, doing fun stuff with her fami- Sophie plays softball and use any of them. He bought the third machine including the elastic, which has ly and continuing her bible volleyball for Mater Dei and “I’ve never sewn a stitch at Goodwill for $15. He later become hard to find in Grand studies. on Metro Volleyball National before I made these masks,” learned that it was a model Island. “I can’t wait to have sleep- team and Indiana Dreams he said. “I taught myself how from before 1900, before sewing “I happen to have a huge overs with my best friends, go Softball team. She is the to thread the bobbins and machines had serial numbers. stash and some are quite col- out to eat, travel, and go cheer Treasurer for Stevenson 4H thread the machine.” “It’s 30 years older than the orful. I was lucky I had a lot of on my sister at her games. I am Club and an 8-year 4H mem- Initially, he said he got the Singer (commercial machine),” elastic,” she said, “because definitely her No. 1 fan!” said ber. She is a member of Mater machines to make blankets for he told the West Nebraska you can’t get it right now.” Sydney. Dei’s Pep Club, Service Club, guitar cases and guitars he has Register, newspaper of the “I customized the fit to each Sophie, who is heavily Dance Marathon, and Fresh rebuilt. But when he heard Grand Island Diocese. “It’s a person the best I could,” she involved in sports, has been Beginnings. about the need for masks to museum piece. It’s in immacu- said. “Some have ear loops practicing volleyball and soft- Both attend Good Shepard help protect people from the late shape.” made from quarter-inch elastic ball outside, and staying active Parish. novel coronavirus and COVID- Once he received the pattern and others I used headbands by riding her bike and occa- “I have known Sydney and 19, the disease it causes, he and fabric, he set to work cut- cut apart.” sionally participating in a Sophie for the past six years changed gears. ting and ironing the interfac- She also made some masks spontaneous dance party. through my ministry as pastor As a disabled veteran on a ing and making the ties for the with ties and used a paper clip “I am really looking forward at Good Shepherd Parish. Both limited budget, he received the masks. Each mask has a pock- for a nose piece. She added to playing softball and travel are wonderful role models for fabric, pattern and thread as et inside for a filter, and the that her mom, Debbie Girard volleyball again!” said Sophie. their family and friends. I pray donations. Material Girl, a fab- masks can be washed and ster- of Osceola, Nebraska, was Sydney is a member of that they will continue to grow ric and quilt store in Grand ilized for repeat use. making masks for the local Youth Resources’ TAC EXEC in their Catholic faith and con- Island, Nebraska, has the mask county hospital. and serves as an Outreach Co- tinue to share their talents pattern and is offering the fab- Quilters also sewing masks Armatys said she has given Chair. She is the Secretary for with our extended Evansville ric at a discount for others Elsewhere in the Grand masks to neighbors; her niece, Stevenson 4H Club and a 9- community,” said Rev. interested in sewing the masks. Island Diocese, quilters and whose son has cancer; a sister year 4H member, and serves Zachary J. Etienne, pastor at Beach said he found each of seamstresses are using their in Kansas; and friends in as a 4H camp counselor. She is Good Shepherd. MAY 22, 2020 The Message 13 Called to serve: Tebbe exemplifies a life of witness for the Church

BY VICTORIA ARTHUR matter what their income to Special to The Message choose a school that’s the right Tributes to Tebbe fit for their kids. You can see it Glenn Tebbe has always in his tireless efforts in protect- SPECIAL TO THE MESSAGE viewed his life as a calling. ing the unborn, or trying to And most of the time, prohibit predatory lending, or Following are comments from those around the Province of according to his wife of nearly being an advocate for immi- Indianapolis who worked closely with Glenn Tebbe during his 49 years, the calls have been grants. All of those who typi- service as executive director of the Indiana Catholic Conference. quite literal. cally don’t have a voice — or Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis: “Deeply Laura Jo Tebbe recounts at least not a voice in the polit- rooted in his Catholic identity, Glenn exudes a wonderful ecu- how shortly after earning a ical process — Glenn has spent menical and interreligious spirit of dialogue and collaboration. I master’s degree in history his life being their advocate.” recall the 50th anniversary of the ICC, when Bishop Timothy from Xavier University in “Working with him side by Doherty of Lafayette and I accompanied Glenn to the state capi- Cincinnati in 1972, her hus- side at the Statehouse all those tal. It was quite apparent that Glenn is greatly admired and band received an offer for a years, I know that he’s incredi- respected in both chambers of our state legislature. In addition, job he never sought — teach- bly well-respected by people on he has represented us well with other Catholic conferences ing seventh-grade social stud- GLENN TEBBE both sides of the aisle,” contin- throughout the country, especially through the United States ies at St. Lawrence School in ued Elcesser, who said he con- Conference of Catholic Bishops. Above all, Glenn is a prayerful Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in the — a response that would rever- siders Tebbe not only a friend man of devout Catholic faith, which is reflected in all aspects of Archdiocese of Indianapolis — berate throughout the state for and colleague but a mentor and his life. I consider him a friend and inspiration.” and launching a career he the next 16 years and result in role model. “I always say that Bishop Joseph M. Siegel of Evansville: “During the past two never anticipated. numerous advances for the he’s not only respected because and a half years that I have been privileged to work with A few years later, teaching at causes the Church holds dear, of his passion and skill, but Glenn, I have experienced and admired his wisdom, profession- St. Louis School in Batesville, especially helping the most because of the person he is. He alism, experience and, above all, his passion for the Catholic Indiana, he got an unexpected vulnerable. Last week, just doesn’t just talk the talk; he Church and her mission in the state of Indiana. Glenn has been phone call from the pastor of St. ahead of his 71st birthday, walks the walk.” a great help to me in my ministry as Bishop of Evansville, as I Mary Parish in Greensburg, Tebbe officially retired from the learned about the life, culture and politics of our state.” Indiana, offering him the role of ICC, but not before one more ‘Chasing down’ Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb: “Glenn has dedicated his life the school’s principal. In an era surprise: He received the legislators to the life of the church and our state. Whether it be through when most Catholic school state’s highest honor — the And walk he did at the education or his advocacy at the Statehouse, every day with- principals were nuns and at the Sagamore of the Wabash — Indiana Statehouse — often at out exception, he worked thoughtfully to give a voice to very least individuals with from Gov. Eric Holcomb for his a brisk pace. During his busiest those less fortunate and in need. Glenn will be missed in the much more experience, 26-year- distinguished record of service months at the beginning of halls of our state capitol, but his retirement is well earned.” old Glenn Tebbe answered the to the people of Indiana. every year, when the Indiana Angela Espada, Indiana Catholic Conference Executive call and served faithfully for “To have a job where you can General Assembly was in ses- Director: “After having worked alongside Glenn for just six the next 18 years. try to make the world a better sion, he was always on the go. months, I will dearly miss his knowledge, grace and wit. I Now fast-forward two place is perfect,” Laura Jo There were bills to track, hear- cannot even imagine how his colleagues of several years will decades, to when Tebbe was Tebbe said. “Glenn has always ings that required his testimo- fill the void that he is leaving. However, I am committed to the leader of the Indiana Non- approached his life and his ny, and legislators to meet and working with these good people to continue the important Public Education Association, work very much as a vocation.” persuade. In fact, his dogged work that Glenn began.” an organization he helped Close friend and colleague determination earned him a Mike Fichter, President and CEO, Indiana Right to Life: build from the ground up. One John Elcesser, who has served special moniker from his long- “Glenn is a real champion for unborn children and their moms. day in the halls of the 13 years as executive director time colleague and friend. Over the years of our friendship, Glenn always brought a Archbishop Edward T. of the INPEA, the organization “My nickname for him is level-headed approach to life issues and could be counted on O’Meara Catholic Center in Tebbe once led, has witnessed Tebbe Terrier,” Elcesser said for wise advice based on his exceptional grasp of the legislative Indianapolis, then-Archbishop that firsthand. with a laugh. “Because if you process. There is no doubt that many children are alive today Daniel M. Buechlein called him “Glenn has dedicated his saw him at the Statehouse chas- because of the dedicated efforts of Glenn at the Statehouse. by name with another opportu- entire adult life to serving the ing down a legislator, he’s just Indiana Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-District 5: “Glenn Tebbe is nity: taking the reins of the Church and being an advocate like a terrier. He knows what a ‘gentle giant’ who practices his Catholic faith in everything Indiana Catholic Conference, for the less fortunate,” Elcesser he’s got to do, and he’ll chase he does. Over the years, the issues Glenn tackled were often the public policy voice of the said. “You can see that in his them all over the place until emotional and extremely controversial. However, when he sat Catholic Church in Indiana. involvement with school they understand how impor- down to discuss those issues with you, he presented the facts Again, Tebbe answered yes choice — enabling families no tant a particular issue is.” from all perspectives and would do so very calmly and gra- School choice is one such ciously. Glenn was extremely well respected not only by the issue, and an area in which members of the Indiana General Assembly but his peers as Tebbe and Elcesser collaborated well. His knowledge allowed Glenn to be very influential in closely. The INPEA, originally the Statehouse, and his character earned him the respect of an ad hoc group that gained everyone he encountered. He will be missed!” formal structure and influence Indiana Rep. Bob Behning, R-District 91: “Glenn is a man under Tebbe’s leadership and of unwavering faith and a fierce advocate for providing high- has continued to grow with quality education to all children. I have enjoyed working with Elcesser at the helm, represents him over the years and appreciate his passion for driving stu- Catholic, Lutheran and other dent success. His leadership will be greatly missed.” non-public schools around the Jessica Fraser, Indiana Institue for Working Families: state. Along with the ICC, the “Glenn was a great partner to have at the Statehouse, as we organization was instrumental worked together on issues affecting low-income Hoosiers. In in the passage of groundbreak- addition to having great ideas and a tireless work ethic, you ing school choice legislation could always count on him to be a calming presence and to put that has served as a model for a smile on your face. I always appreciated his kind and other states. The School thoughtful approach to advocating for Hoosier families. We will Scholarship Tax Credit and the miss him at the Statehouse but wish him so much happiness in Indiana Choice Scholarship his retirement!” (voucher) programs, passed in Charles Schilsa, Archdiocese of Indianapolis Communi- 2009 and 2011, respectively, cations Specialist: “Glenn has been an exceptionally effective ensured that low- and middle- voice for the Catholic Church in all matters related to public income Hoosier families could policy in Indiana. It is most fitting that Gov. Eric Holcomb has select the right school for their recognized his life and contributions to the state of Indiana by children. naming him a Sagamore of the Wabash upon his retirement.” “I remember our late hours at the Statehouse counting votes — who was in support, to be able to take those losses ‘He could work who wasn’t in support and and come back and fight the with anyone’ who we needed to talk to,” next day, on another issue or Nel Thompson, who served Elcesser recalled. “That was a the same issue. Glenn was as the ICC’s administrative big victory, but you don’t always able to be resilient. assistant from 1974 until her always win. That’s the chal- There were days where the job retirement last year and lenge with a job like Glenn’s. was not easy at all. But Glenn You lose a lot, and you’ve got always handled it with class.” See TEBBE, page 15 14 The Message MAY 22, 2020 Creating ‘a place for all’

“As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Testament that Jesus’ life speaks to a reality of mak- the United States: How Parishes in the United Corinthians 12:20). Many of us are very familiar ing a place for all. His actions bring assurance that States Accommodate and Serve People with with the scriptures that speak to the unity that we everyone will be embraced, gathered in and appre- Disabilities. CARA shared the results of a survey share as members of the Body of Christ. It is ciated for who they are. He tells us that, as brothers sent to all parishes in the U.S., which generated 789 and sisters in Christ, we must follow the example responses. A snapshot was offered of those parishes A PLACE FOR ALL he has set forth. No one, for any reason, is ever to in regard to their strengths in meeting the needs of By the Committee for the Inclusion stand outside this circle of love and acceptance. those who are disabled and their families, as well of Persons with Disabilities As the greater Church and our individual parish as their challenges. It was very interesting to see communities strive to find ways to reach out to all that the strengths and challenges reflected many of through our Baptism we enter the Body of Christ our members, we never forget those individuals the results found in our own diocesan survey, par- and now have a role in bringing about the with different abilities who may need to do things ticularly a continued awareness of the unique gifts Kingdom according to gifts that have been given. differently. We are called to make sure that they possessed by all God’s people. The gifts are many, and all are needed. Scripture have access to and full participation in the life of further tells us that if a member is not present, we the parish community. In this monthly column titled, A Place for All, the are not complete; and their absence will be felt by In the summer of 2016, Georgetown University’s Committee for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities all. Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate pub- will share how we may accompany one another as we We also see very vividly throughout the New lished a report titled: Disabilities in Parishes Across journey together as One Body in Christ. Footprints of our Catholic brethren

temperatures and icy There lies a little town just south of skies. Ash Wednesday the land where Abraham Lincoln once had signaled the start of lived and north of the mighty Ohio Lent the previous week. River. Nestled in the rolling farmland But the warmth of the on old U.S. Route 231 is the little church remained; and as the story of the transfigu- REFLECTION ration unfolded in the By Jim Schroeder gospel and homily, I St. Martin I Church, Chrisney strangely noticed what appeared to be leaves hamlet of Chrisney. Originally fluttering outside the fur- known as Spring’s Station, the name thest stained glass win- changed in 1882 in honor of John B. dow. Befuddled by the Chrisney, who owned the land where signs of a different sea- JIM SCHROEDER the first post office and rail station son, I remained trans- Submitted photo were built. As the traveler enters the fixed for a moment trying This is the cover of Jim Schroeder’s book. town from the west, a small, brick to understand how these remnants of which was steeple rises above the northerly hill an earlier time could still be twisting the way in atop a structure erected in 1898. A in the wind. Suddenly, I realized that which he invoked camaraderie love. faded gold cross rises above it all. my eyes had fooled me, as the leaves among the members of the church. We thanked him, and headed out- The pale blue and yellow windows turned to birds joyfully playing in the But as we continued to converse, he side. It was still raining. Chrisney lay adorn the Spartan church. The pews tree. As their silhouettes fluttered told us that one year ago this Sunday, quiet as the parishioners slowly are 10 deep on the eastern side. near the window, I wondered what his life had taken a dramatic turn. drove away. I wasn’t sure if we As our family piled into the inti- this winter had been like for them. I During his routine duties at church, would see this town again. To my mate, sacred place on the day before wondered what it had been like for he suddenly felt his heart spike. knowledge, I had never seen it St. Patrick’s Day, little St. Martin I the people of Chrisney, now and Before he could react, his face hit the before. But Deacon Mike and his spir- Church appeared to smile curiously then. I thought about what the winter floor leaving a huge knot that, self- it would live on into another season. at our rather unfamiliar kids. The had meant to me. The sobriety of professed, pronounced the floor even And that made me smile. small, squatty nave filled up quickly Lent would continue, but would the more hard-headed than the forehead as the sounds of “These Forty Days . . growth of this spring find its way that it met. A pulmonary embolism This reflection is from Jim Schroeder’s . ” started from the balcony above. into our souls? Or would it be just had shot up into his brain that, had it book “The Evansville Diocese Historical Outside, the spring solstice was another season? remained in his chest cavity, would Tour: Footprints of Our Catholic approaching, but the cold wind was As Mass ended, we introduced our- have killed him. But he was not dead, Brethren.” Jim, his wife, Amy, and their beckoning another ice storm that selves to Deacon Michael Waninger. the furthest thing from it. Just min- kids live in Evansville. They are parish- would arrive later in the day as the He immediately recognized us as the utes ago, his life and the fervency ioners at Holy Redeemer Parish. Jim is a rain began to fall. Somehow, despite family from St. John Chrysostom that sprung from his mouth was so pediatric psychologist and Vice President having one of the harshest winters in Church, our stop the previous evident when he reminded the of the psychology department at the last three decades, our historical November. I had been inspired by his parishioners of all that they had Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. “The tour had managed to avoid the many challenge to the congregation regard- accomplished together. He spoke not full story, including illustrations, is avail- Sundays that were fraught with frigid ing the yearly diocesan campaign, not of a sober season, but one of new life, able on Amazon or with his other books the least of new meaning, new love. Christ’s and articles at www.james-schroeder.com. Apple’s Honey Farm “Making Life Sweeter” for over 63 years Jerry & Alice Apple, Beekeepers Jasper, Indiana (812) 482-3024

DANIEL JERRY ZIEMER ZIEMER

OFFICE (812) 477-1515 EAST CHAPEL 800 S. HEBRON AVE. NORTH CHAPEL 6300 FIRST AVE. CENTRAL CHAPEL 626 FIRST AVE. WWW.ZIEMERFUNERALHOME.COM MAY 22, 2020 The Message 15 “Our Son, Father Tony”

Father Tony Ernst’s humble disposition, mean- ingful preaching and his love for his parishioners VOCATIONS are trademarks of his two decades of ministry. The Diocesan Vocations Office interviewed his STORIES parents to get a closer look at raising a priest. FATHER TYLER TENBARGE “I was not at all surprised,” said Father Tony’s mother, Linda, when her son said he would go to seminary. working: Dave at Jasper Engines and “Dave (his father) was very surprised,” she said, Transmissions Exchange, and Linda as a “because he said Tony was so shy. It would be diffi- beautician. Dave enjoys being a cobbler, cult for him to give a homily!” fishing and doing yardwork. Linda enjoys Father Tony commented, “I remember my mom playing bridge, reading and crocheting. asked our pastor, Father John Finis, why ‘my son Both are active members of St. Joseph would go to the seminary because we aren’t that reli- Parish in Jasper. gious.’ Father Finis replied, ‘Well maybe you are.’” Linda recalled, “After he graduated from Father Tony said, “My dad said, ‘If you’re going to do the University of Southern Indiana in that, then you’re going to be all in.’ He is that way December of his senior year, Tony was about everything.” kind of at ‘loose ends,’ and I suggested he Dave and Linda are a typical Catholic couple from go talk to Father John Boeglin, who was Dubois County. Both are retired after many years the pastor in Celestine. He recommended Tony attend a retreat at St. Meinrad.” The rest is history. When asked about what made their family “Catholic,” Submitted photos courtesy of Father Tony Ernst Father Tony’s parents men- Dave and Linda Ernst pose with their son, Father Tony, on his tioned simple things. “We ordination day, May 9, 1998. attend Mass regularly together. I lector, and we are both Eucharistic granddaughters, and they really love their Uncle Ministers,” Dave said. Linda is also train- Tony. Our son celebrated the funeral Masses for two ing to help those in need through St. of our parents, Tony’s grandmothers. Our son cele- Stephen’s ministry. brated a special Mass for our own 50th Wedding “I just think it’s that they lived the faith,” Anniversary.” It doesn’t seem like Linda or Dave Father Tony responded. could be more proud or happy for their son. “It is After Father Tony entered seminary in such a blessing to attend a Mass that your own son 1993, Dave and Linda “really enjoyed” celebrates.” going to visit him. They got to know the “He is so happy to be a priest,” Father Tony’s par- seminary rector. “He still sends us a per- ents commented with joy. “As a parent that’s what sonal Christmas card every year,” Linda you hope for your children.” said. When asked what advice they would give, Dave Some parents struggle with encouraging responded, “Give your children a good example. or accepting a celibate vocation in their Encourage and support them in whatever vocation children. They often want grandchildren God is calling them to.” Linda added, “It is very hum- instead. “Angie is the only sibling to bling to have a son that is a priest. It is a blessing and Tony,” said Linda. “She has given us three a joy!” granddaughters.” And often, parents worry that their son Father Tyler Tenbarge is Diocesan Director of Vocations. will be lonely or not experience the full- Father Tony Ernst serves as administrator of St. Francis ness of life. Xavier Parish in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri Parish in But the fears parents often develop Bicknell. Bishop Joseph M. Siegel recently appointed The Ernst family poses at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in appear unfounded in the face of what Father Ernst to serve as Associate Director of Vocations Haubstadt at a 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass Father Tony Dave and Linda have experienced. while continuing to serve St. Francis Xavier and St. Philip celebrated for his parents. “Our son baptized all three of our Neri parishes. Tebbe Continued from page 13 sion of the ICC’s 50th anniver- tive director of the organization sary, Tebbe reflected on his role effective on Jan. 1 of this year. worked closely with Tebbe as the organization’s fifth exec- Tebbe stayed on to acclimate throughout his tenure, echoed utive director. “My job is to Espada to the new role and those sentiments. make sure the Catholic perspec- work alongside her through the “He always had a good work- tive is part of the discussion,” 2020 legislative session. ing relationship with legislators he said. “I try to be the voice of Now, the Tebbes — high and with other organizations our five bishops, and also to school sweethearts who gradu- we worked with,” Thompson enable the Catholic faithful and ated in 1967 from Brookville said. “Even when we would be all people of goodwill to help High School, married shortly working with legislators who shape public policy for the best after graduating together from didn’t hold our view, he could interests of the common good.” Marian College in Indianapolis, always explain the Church’s According to Archbishop and raised four children togeth- position, and people respected Charles C. Thompson of er — look forward to what’s him and sought him out for Indianapolis, Tebbe has fulfilled next. support or information. He that mission exceedingly well. “It’ll be different,” Laura Jo could work with anyone.” “Glenn’s many years of dedi- Tebbe says of her husband’s Always underlying his cation, expertise and experience suddenly free schedule. A actions, she and others say, was have been indispensable for so longtime teacher herself until Tebbe’s respect for people and many in our state,” Archbishop her retirement, she has been his deep knowledge of and Thompson said. “He has her husband’s biggest sup- Photo by Natalie Hoefer, The Criterion, Special to The Message commitment to the Catholic enabled the Catholic Church to porter and partner in his life’s Snow falls as Glenn Tebbe, executive director of the Indiana Church and its teachings. be most effective in addressing work. “We always said that Catholic Conference, leaves the Indiana Statehouse after a day “Glenn was effective because multiple issues that impact his job was like our fifth child. representing the voice of the Indiana Catholic bishops during he was very dedicated and education, families, poverty, the He would come home and we the General Assembly on Feb. 8, 2017. knowledgeable — about how sacredness of life and the digni- would talk about it, and worry the legislature works, and ty of persons. Most people will about it, and nurture it.” community of Greensburg, “We’ve always laughed about the Catholic Church,” never know all that he has Spending more time with including St. Mary Parish. And about how we are very literally Thompson said. “Not only done behind the scenes.” their 10 grandchildren surely she said she is certain her hus- called by God to do the things that, he had the heart for it — The ICC’s work will continue will be on the agenda going band would want to continue we are doing,” Laura Jo Tebbe a true love for the Church.” under the leadership of Angela forward, as well as staying supporting the archdiocese in said. “Glenn is just waiting for Four years ago, on the occa- Espada, who was named execu- involved with their longtime any way he may be of service. the next call.” 16 The Message MAY 22, 2020 Be grateful for the gift of obedience

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does goes to Mass, where he is able to join his family in a the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). GRATITUDE FOR pew, he knows when to kneel, sit and stand; he knows how to sing and respond when the music The words obedience and authority are sometimes THE GIFT OF FAITH plays; and he knows to look up at the altar when looked upon negatively in our culture. I have ZOE CANNON the bells ring during the Consecration. He said, thought a lot about these two words during the past “When I watch the Mass on the computer at home I few months. We have been put in a position to sub- get in trouble because I lay on the floor or couch, mit to government decisions and trust science tells us that God alone can satisfy, and He takes and don’t pay close attention.” The understanding experts because of a virus! away our thirst for earthly things. This amazing of the “True Presence” is not lost on children! Prayer This unprecedented pandemic showed up com- Doctor of the Church provides wonderful imagery and obedience are companions; good communica- plete with conspiracy theories, problematic cancella- of the mystery of the human person, describing how tion and rules are meant to help us! The Authority tions, isolation and fear — all valid concerns. As we the soul truly seeks perfect union with God. blessed by God keeps us safe, in fact, it is liberating! were beginning the ninth week of the quarantine, I For weeks we have been obedient to the latest In the midst of all the changes in our lives please tuned in to a live-streamed morning Mass celebrat- government and Church guidelines, watching news remember to pray for the priests who will soon be ed by Father Tony Ernst in the Crypt of the St. reports about the pandemic, following live-streamed moving to new parishes. Obedience to their Bishop Francis Xavier Minor Basilica in Vincennes. His Masses and living in required isolation. I am grate- for the purpose of strengthening our Church is nec- homily reminded me to view obedience with prayer ful for the reminder Father Tony shared on that essary; but transitions are not always easy, especial- as the saints did. St Francis De Sales said, “The Monday morning. I believe God calls each of us to ly during a global pandemic with social distancing. Devil doesn’t fear austerity but holy obedience.” be attentive to the witness of saintly people, the The human person was created to interact with Father Tony shared a message from St. Teresa of ones who knew the true meaning of suffering. As human touch. The soul, as St. Teresa shared, desires Avila, who believed one gets closer to God through we move forward in a world divided by disinforma- to seek perfect union with God. To achieve both obedience than through prayer! Seven years ago, I tion and the reality of a very contagious disease, requires trust in Our Heavenly Father who created purchased a copy of the “Interior Castle,” written pray for wisdom from God, only then will we find us in His image and likeness. Through our prayer by St Teresa of Avila. The book is very challenging; truth, peace and healing. and obedience, we will live with Him forever! and every time I reread this valuable guide, I learn I took our grandsons to our church parking lot Amen! something new about spiritual life! In her treatise, one morning to pray. We created some “chalk art” she reminds the reader that the Our Father prayer for Good Shepherd Sunday weekend. When we Zoe Cannon lives in Morgantown, Indiana, and is a leads to the fount of living waters. She describes arrived, the 6-year-old exited the car and shouted, “I member of Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, how the soul feels when it drinks living water. She miss coming to church!” He explained that when he Indiana. Feel, felt, found

Back in the old days, when we could meet as I set my Wayback machine to 1965, when I was groups and nobody wore a mask, I would talk to RADICAL JOY seven years old, to see the answer. I was shocked. parishioners in our diocese about stewardship. The That $5 gift in 1965 has the same value as $41 discussion would often turn away from the fact that CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP today. Over the course of a year that amounted to stewardship is not a program, but a way of life; that AND ABUNDANCE $2,132. stewardship is about one thing, which is everything; Wow. Even at seven-years-old, I knew we didn’t that stewardship encompasses our time, our talent MATT POTTER have that kind of money. To top it off, my dad was and our treasure. Inevitably, the only survivor of Methodist and didn’t go to Mass with us. It was a these topics was money. real, meaningful sacrifice. One of my older brothers once gave me a piece of much it cost and what it did for us. That’s true “Stewardship is really just about money.” I under- sage advice: “Choose your battles.” When people whether it was a baseball glove, a bicycle or a great stand how you feel. I know others who have felt the only see the money component of stewardship, I meal. same way. But here is what I have found: Money is can tell them how wrong they are and argue with One memory for me that shaped my idea of stew- a component of stewardship. Stewardship is about them, which is not a battle that can be won. Or I can ardship is that of my mother, every Sunday before returning to God what is His, with increase. It is not recognize their concerns and try to expand their Mass, calling out to my father, “Dean, do you have a program. It is a way of life. It is not about one thinking. $5 for the collection?” thing, it is about everything. A way to answer objections that are based on Dad would reach into his wallet and give my What shaped your ideas of stewardship? I would incomplete information is to show empathy for the mom a $5 bill. She put it in the collection envelope, love to hear from you. Write to me at person objecting, to assure him or her that others and I would be given the responsibility of dropping [email protected]. are in the same boat, and that the truth is different it into the collection basket during the offertory. As always, thanks for reading. than the perception. It’s called the “feel, felt, found” Week in, week out. Every Sunday. It was a lesson in Like and Follow us on Facebook (Radical Joy — method: “I understand how you feel, and I know stewardship that told me sharing what we had was Diocese of Evansville Stewardship); Twitter others who have felt the same way. But here is what the right thing to do. @Radicallyjoyful; Check out our blog radicaljoy.blog/. I have found . . .” I have told that story in our diocese dozens of Money drives things. In our day-to-day lives, we times, yet a key point eluded me until very recently. Matt Potter is Director of Stewardship for the Diocese determine what kind of home we live in, car we I would mention the $5 and smile, thinking of that of Evansville. drive, food we eat, things we do or job we have by small sum driving my vision of steward- the amount of money we have, spend and earn. ship of treasure. Only a few months ago, Money is also a memory-maker. Our memories I wondered how much that $5 would are stoked by what was bought, where, when, how amount to in today’s dollars. THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS MAY 22, 2020 The Message 17

Submitted photo courtesy of St. Mary Parish, Ireland Inside the new St. Mary Church, Ireland Painting and installation of the high altar in the new St. Mary Church in Ireland occurred on May 18. Dedication and blessing of the new church is sched- uled for 1 p.m. EDT on June 28.

More from May 18 Mass at St. Benedict Cathedral Before the 9 a.m. Mass on May 18, St. Benedict Cathedral rector Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen explains the new seating in the cathedral, which is following strict social-distancing guidelines. Masses from the cathedral will continue to be livestreamed, as the other photo illustrates.

Photos special to The Message 18 The Message MAY 22, 2020 The Ascension of the Lord

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11; Response: Psalm 47:2-3, 6- Galilee on a mountain. The “mountain” immediate- 7, 8-9; Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23; Gospel: SUNDAY SCRIPTURE ly alerts us to the glorified Jesus as God, because in Matthew 28:16-20 the Old Testament the best known manifestations of God are on a mountain. If that is not enough to Luke addresses his Acts of Apostles to the same FATHER DONALD DILGER proclaim Jesus’ glory, Matthew writes, “When they Theophilus to whom he addressed his gospel. saw him, they worshipped him.” That’s the good Writing materials — parchment, papyrus, ink — news. Now the bad news: “but they doubted.” were expensive. The skill to write must have been a ing him at his right hand in the heavens, far above After having experienced the intimacy of compan- well-paid profession. Theophilus may have been the every . . . authority, power, dominion and above ionship with Jesus, their training, their instruction, wealthy sponsor who made it possible for Luke to every name that is named. He put all things under reports of his resurrection, they doubted. True, in compose his documents for a Christian community. his feet, and gave him as head over all things . . . .” Matthew’s gospel the risen Jesus had not at all As Acts begins, the author gives his sponsor a quick In ancient times, this describes kingship. Ascension appeared to them. He had appeared only to his review of the first book, the gospel. In Luke’s gospel means Jesus is king. women disciples. Is doubt simply the other side of the following events all happen on one day, the day Another incident follows the disappearance of the coin in matters of faith? In John’s gospel — of the resurrection. Jesus rises from the dead, Jesus. Two men in white stood by them as their eyes doubting Thomas. In Luke’s gospel: when Jesus encounters the two men from Emmaus, appears to kept searching for a sighting of Jesus. The men appears to his disciples, he has to convince them he the Eleven, briefly instructs them, leads them out of assure the disciples that Jesus would return “the is real by eating a piece of broiled fish in their pres- Jerusalem, and “was carried up to heaven.” All same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” ence. This writer asked an ancient priest many these events happened on the same day. In today’s Who are the two men in white? We have met them years ago if he ever has doubts about what he has first reading, however, Luke informs that after the before. When Jesus’ faithful women-disciples came believed and defended in a long life of ministry. resurrection, Jesus kept appearing to the disciples to the tomb of Jesus they found it empty. Two men His reply: every day! So let’s not judge the apostles. during 40 days and instructing them. They must stay in white appeared, assuring them that the same They worked through it, and the Church is the evi- in Jerusalem to wait until “the promise of the Jesus whom they had seen crucified had now risen dence. Father,” the Holy Spirit, arrived, and “you will be from the dead. Long before these two incidents we The gospel reading closes with the Great baptized with the Holy Spirit.” The apostles still met two men in white at the Transfiguration — Commission. Matthew attributes to Jesus words that think Jesus will establish a political kingdom, but Moses and Elijah. The purpose of their appearance echo the power given by the Ancient of Days to the they want to know when? Jesus informs them that on that occasion, representatives of the Torah and Son of Man in Daniel 7:13-14, “All power in heaven “times and seasons” are established by his Father, or the Prophets proclaiming that what was about to and on earth has been given to me,” That truly sum- “You don’t need to know that.” After they receive happen to Jesus was in accord with what was writ- marizes the meaning of ascension. That power does the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), they won’t be asking ten in the Old Testament. Their presence has the not remain in Jesus alone. The word “therefore” such questions. Jesus designates them his official same purpose at the resurrection and the ascension. connects the commissioning of the disciples with witness “from Jerusalem . . . to the ends of the All events concerning Jesus were God’s plan. the power of Jesus, “Therefore, go and make disci- earth.” Then he was lifted up, and a cloud took him The Responsorial Psalm 47 is particularly appro- ples of all nations.” Discipling begins with an initia- from their sight. That’s the ascension of Jesus in priate as a response to the concrete language of Acts tion, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and Acts. To recall: in Luke’s gospel the ascension hap- expressing Jesus rising into the air, and seated at of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Is that enough? pens on the day of the resurrection. In Acts, forty God’s right hand in the second reading — human No way! The RCIA begins, “teaching them to days after the resurrection. Can both be correct? Is it language that cannot and does not express the reali- observe all that I have commanded you. Jesus does possible that Luke was telescoping events in his ty of the Divine. Nevertheless, it is all we have. not expect them to work without his help, “And gospel, then expanding them in Acts? Or is he hint- Therefore, we unite ourselves with the people’s behold, I am with you to the end of the age.” This ing that we should not understand the ascension so response in the divinely inspired human words of leaves us up in the air, so to speak. Did Jesus leave concretely, that is, Jesus floating away into the sky, the Psalmist, “God mounts his throne to shouts of or did he stay? The Gospel of John has the same that there are different ways of expressing Jesus’ joy, a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” challenge. His bodily presence subject to the laws of ascension? In other words, what does “ascension” The gospel reading from Matthew for the physics is gone. His spiritual body, a term coined by mean for Jesus? St. Paul may have the answer to Solemnity of the Ascension does not depict an St. Paul in I Corinthians 15:44, is alive and well and this question in today’s second reading. “. . . the ascension of Jesus but well expresses what ascen- makes possible his presence as food and drink in Father of glory . . . raising him from the dead, seat- sion means — Jesus appears in glory. The location: the Eucharist. Vatican announces Laudato Si’ anniversary year

BY JUNNO AROCHO approach as everything is ESTEVES closely interrelated and today’s Catholic News Service problems call for a vision capa- ble of taking into account VATICAN CITY (CNS) — every aspect of the global cri- The Vatican announced that it sis,” the statement said. will commemorate the fifth Among the events set to anniversary of Pope Francis’ take place throughout the year encyclical on the environment are prayer services and webi- with a yearlong series of initia- nars dedicated to environmen- tives dedicated to the safe- tal care, education and the guarding and care for the economy. The dicastery also Earth. detailed the rollout of a In a statement released by “seven-year journey toward the Vatican press office May integral ecology” for families, 16, the Dicastery for Promoting dioceses, schools, universities, CNS file photo by Sam Lucero, The Compass Integral Human Development hospitals, businesses, farms Wildflowers frame the peak of Byron Glacier near Girwood, Alaska. The Vatican announced announced a “Special Laudato and religious orders. May 16, 2020, that it will commemorate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year” from The Dicastery for Promoting Si’ with a year-long series of initiatives dedicated to the safeguarding and care for the earth. May 24, 2020, to May 24, 2021, Integral Human Development which will emphasize “ecolog- said that amid the current monious relationship with the us,” it said, “‘all of us can each according to his or her ical conversion in action.” pandemic, “Laudato Si’” can natural world, our common cooperate as instruments of own culture, experience, As the world continues to “indeed provide the moral home,” the dicastery’s state- God for the care of creation, involvements and talents.’” deal with the coronavirus pan- and spiritual compass for the ment said. demic, the dicastery said, the journey to create a more car- “As Pope Francis reminds encyclical’s message is “just as ing, fraternal, peaceful and prophetic today as it was in sustainable world.” Call 2015.” “We have, in fact, a unique “Truly, COVID-19 has made opportunity to transform the clear how deeply we are all present groaning and travail interconnected and interde- into the birth pangs of a new to the rescue! pendent. As we begin to envi- way of living together, bonded sion a post-COVID world, we together in love, compassion Evansville Gibson Co. need above all an integral and solidarity and a more har- 428-COOL 386-TEMP MAY 22, 2020 The Message 19 Pray to Mother Angelica; Crimes pardoned by the pope

Question: I have always had great admiration for at the time to ask, but now I am wondering: What Mother Angelica. Would it be wrong of me to talk to QUESTION sort of sins are they? (Little Rock, Arkansas) her and ask her prayers if she has not yet been CORNER Answer: There are, in fact, certain sins that are also declared “blessed” by the church? (Phoenix) crimes in the church — named specifically in the Answer: Mother Angelica died in 2016 at the age FR. KENNETH DOYLE church’s Code of Canon Law — that are so egregious of 92. In 1981, she founded the Eternal Word they can be pardoned only by the pope. Probably the Television Network and turned it into a vast reli- reason you might not know what they are is that gious media operation, which today transmits pro- to canonized saints, there might never be any saints (thankfully) these offenses rarely, if ever, happen. grams to more than 200 million homes in nearly 150 — since it takes miracles, gained through the Some examples are: a person who throws away, or countries. prayers of the faithful, for canonization to occur. otherwise desecrates, the consecrated bread or wine At her death, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, then- The vast majority of those who make it into heav- of the Eucharist; a priest who breaks the seal of con- president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, praised en will never, of course, be formally canonized by fession by revealing the nature of the sin and the Mother Angelica for spreading the Gospel of Jesus, the church; but there are people we have all known identity of the person who confessed it; someone saying that “like the best evangelists, she used the — including family members — who have lived who uses physical force against the pope; or, a priest communications tools of her time to make this hap- good lives and who, we are quite sure, now enjoy who has sex with a penitent and then offers that pen.” the company of the Lord in heaven. penitent sacramental absolution for that very sin. There are many who share our writer’s confidence I think about some of these people often, talk with It should be noted that if a penitent were in dan- that Mother Angelica is now enjoying the peace of them and pray for their help. But to be on the safe ger of death, any priest could absolve that person God’s presence; in fact, just three days after her side, I continue to pray “for” them as well as “to” from any sin, including those listed above. This death Pope Francis spoke to members of the EWTN them — just in case they still need a boost! would apply even if that priest had been deprived staff in Rome and, pointing to the sky, said of of his faculties to hear confessions. Mother Angelica, “She is in heaven.” Question: When I was going through the RCIA So as to whether it’s OK for you to ask her program (to join the Catholic Church), the presenter Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at prayers, I’d say that the answer is a resounding said that there are some sins that can be absolved [email protected] and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., “Yes.” It strikes me, too, that if you could only pray only by the pope. I didn’t have the presence of mind Albany, New York 12203. Pentecost: Know forgiveness, know peace; no forgiveness, no peace

Editor’s note: Pentecost Sunday is May 31. mony” among us. True peace is found within us when we believe that God dwells in our world “Peace be with you,” Jesus says in the Gospel and is the source of all life, that death has no reading for Pentecost Sunday (Jn 20:19). power over him, something we are reminded Peace — as in harmony, or even as in a lack of each time we celebrate the paschal mystery. noise — is not exactly plentiful these days; certainly Initially, after Jesus’ crucifixion, it is clear that not in an election year, when cacophony seems to be his disciples were experiencing anything but the (dis)order of the day. peace. They were hiding behind locked doors, troubled by what they had seen and, no doubt, COMMENTARY by what they had done, fleeing in terror when BY MIKE NELSON Jesus was arrested, tried, sentenced and crucified. Catholic News Service One can only imagine their amazement when Jesus appeared to them, despite the locked In fact, the barrage of political rhetoric presents an doors, and offered them peace — and a pointed ironic contrast to the first Scripture reading from suggestion on what kind of peace he meant. Pentecost Sunday, from the Acts of the Apostles. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” Jesus said, breathing Galileans, filled with the Holy Spirit, were speak- on them.”Whose sins you forgive are forgiven ing in multiple languages (or tongues), yet each them, and whose sins you retain are retained” were understood by “devout Jews from every (Jn 20:22-23). nation,” no matter which nation they were from Ah, forgiveness; maybe the hardest action that Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Phrygia, we who call ourselves disciples of Jesus are Pamphylia, even Rome. called to perform — again and again. When we But in today’s United States, we have thousands look at our world, our country, even our church, CNS photo by Crosiers upon thousands of people (not all of them politi- we don’t see much peace, in part because we An artist’s depiction of a scene from the Pentecost cians) failing to understand, or wanting to under- don’t see much forgiveness. appears in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in St. Louis, stand, anyone else — even though most speak We do see anger, frustration and obstinance. Missouri. “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, English. We might as well be speaking Greek or We see a lack of respect for anyone suggesting a they were all in one place together. And suddenly there Aramaic or even Latin to one another, for all the belief or idea different from our own. We see came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, good our conversation does. jealousies and hurts, grudges and retribution. and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then What is peaceful or harmonious about that? It’s We see pain, suffering and anything but peace. there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted enough to make us cry out the words of today’s “Peace is not possible without forgiveness,” and came to rest on each one of them” (Acts 2:1-3). psalm: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the states Naomi Drew, a noted authority on conflict face of the earth” (Ps 104: 30). resolution and author of “Learning the Skills of someone must love beyond what is due, in order to Which is, of course, exactly what the Lord does in Peacemaking.” recommence a relationship of grace.” sending the tongues “as of fire” to descend on the “Enormous amounts of energy are wasted when Martin Luther King Jr., no stranger to conflict or Galileans. On that first Pentecost day alone, 3,000 we hold back our love, hold onto hate and harbor the cause of peace, offered this succinct advice: followed Peter’s plea to “repent and be baptized,” a acrimonious feelings,” says Drew. “The only reme- “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a perma- joyous development in the life of the early church. dy is letting go, and being willing to forgive.” nent attitude.” And that directs us to what Jesus may actually be Pope Francis spoke to that point during an April We are called to remember this each time we pray getting at when he proclaims, “Peace be with you,” 2019 general audience in Rome, asserting that for- the Our Father: “Forgive us our trespasses as we to his disciples. giveness fills a gap left by justice, or the lack thereof. forgive those who have trespassed against us.” Peace is not necessarily “with us” when there is a “In life not everything is resolved with justice,” he Those are not words to mumble perfunctorily so lack of noise, or even when there is outward “har- said. “Especially where one must put a stop to evil, that they leave our heads the second they leave our mouths. They belong perma- nently etched in our hearts Mary J. Miles, DMD Barry W. Ray, DDS Joseph W. King, DDS and minds. “God can be appeased only 2038 Lincoln Avenue by prayers that make peace,” Evansville, IN 47714 says the Catechism of the (812) 473-1128 Catholic Church (No. 2845). www.rayofsmiles.com “To God, the better offering is peace, brotherly concord and a people made one in the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” MAY 22, 2020 The Message 20 St. John Newburgh’s Elizabeth Flatt awarded Lilly Fellowship

BY MEGAN ERBACHER al development and nurture in Australia. The Message assistant editor their own curiosity. The “Upon my return, I will Endowment selected the 2020 keep this rekindled energy Elizabeth Flatt, principal of fellows from a competitive pool and enthusiasm alive through St. John the Baptist Catholic of more than 450 applicants. local wellness initiatives,” School in Newburgh, has Flatt had to re-read the con- Flatt said. always dreamed of visiting gratulatory email multiple Including the 2020 Fellows, Australia; and she planned to times because she was sur- more than 3,100 Indiana edu- make that dream come true at prised to be chosen as a first- cators have received fellow- the end of the month as part of time applicant for the fellow- ship grants. her Lilly Endowment Teacher ship. She feels honored Most 2020 fellows plan to Creativity Fellowship. because she said there are “so travel to explore locations Earlier this year, Flatt was many great educators” who across the globe and pursue one of 100 Indiana K-12 educa- apply every year. creative passions in the arts tors honored with a Lilly fel- “This opportunity is impor- and humanities, some will lowship. However, the coron- tant to me to recharge and be write retreats and others will avirus pandemic halted travel- rejuvenated so I can continue participate in language and ing plans, so Lilly officials working in education with the cultural immersion programs. have allowed educators the great passion and energy it “These teachers, school Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Flatt flexibility to complete their takes,” she said. “My job as a counselors, principals and St. John the Baptist School principal Elizabeth Flatt took this self- grant on a longer timeline. school administrator can be media specialists have ie with “Flat Elizabeth” during the school’s last-day celebration. Flatt plans to visit Sydney, stressful at times and this designed projects that prom- Flatt’s selfie from National Walk-to-School Day a few years ago Australia, in summer 2021. allows a break in all of that to ise to restore them both per- became the first Selfie of the Week in The Message. Flatt is one of Educators spend their days fill my own cup so I can sup- sonally and professionally,” 100 Indiana K-12 educators honored with a Lilly fellowship. inspiring students to explore, port and inspire others that I said Ted Maple, the inquire and grow. So, Lilly work with.” Endowment’s vice president a “beautiful” place she’s only we focus on the 7 Habits (of Endowment, Inc. launched the Flatt’s proposal, “Return to for education. “For more than dreamed of, but she hopes this Highly Effective People) so Teacher Creativity Fellowship Running in the Land Down three decades we have learned opportunity also allows her to this is a great example of Program in 1987 to give Under,” focuses on overall how meaningful these renewal refocus on her personal well- “Sharpening the Saw” to be Indiana’s private and public wellness. It combines her pas- experiences can be for the edu- ness (physical, emotional and the best version of myself,” school K-12 educators the sions for running and traveling cators themselves. But we spiritual) to help her grow. Flatt said. “I also hope to con- encouragement and financial by completing a half-marathon know, too, that they return to “I also hope to inspire others tinue to encourage wellness support to renew their com- race, attending a wellness their schools rejuvenated and to set goals and have the initiatives at our school.” mitment to the education pro- retreat to learn new practices with a greater commitment to courage to pursue their dreams fession. and witnessing world-class their students and their no matter how big or small The Message will provide cov- Each fellow receives a grant athletes compete by volunteer- schools.” they seem. erage of Flatt’s experiences once of up to $12,000 to fund person- ing at the Ironman Cairns Race Flatt not only wants to visit “As a Leader in Me School, she is able to safely travel.

Holy Trinity drive-through celebrations Holy Trinity School in Dubois County celebrated wrap-up drive-thru celebra- tions on May 15-16 at its Central (located at Precious Blood Parish in Jasper) and East (located at Holy Family Parish in Jasper) campuses. Faculty members wore their summer best (Hawaiin shirts, fun sunglasses, swim goggles, flower leis, grass skirts, etc.) to wish students and their families a happy and safe summer. They also disbursed classroom items, collected library and text books, and returned devices from students, and settled outstanding balances. As you can see, they practiced appropriate social distancing, and wore face masks and gloves if they had direct contact with families or vehicles. Submitted photos courtesy of Holy Trinity School

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