Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 36, Number 9 * May 2, 2010 YOU ARE INVITED

To join in the celebration of the GOLDEN JUBILEE OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION FOR MOST REVEREND EUSEBIUS J. BELTRAN ARCHBISHOP OF OKLAHOMA CITY Who: All Oklahoma Catholics When: Saturday, May 15, 2010 Where: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp (OLOG) What: Anniversary Mass followed by picnic, entertainment and children’s games The camp will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mass begins at 11 a.m. Archbishop Beltran is very pleased to invite you to share in his special jubilee, 50 years as a priest. He looks forward to celebrating Mass and visiting with his guests. Come and join in prayer, visiting and a picnic lunch. State Lawmakers Override Abortion Veto Oklahoma Senate President past. partisan margins,” Coffee said. Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said a “It is striking that a pro- “The Left consistently claims lawsuit filed by Reproductive abortion organization based in that education and more informa- Services following the successful New York believes they know tion is always beneficial for our override of Gov. Brad Henry’s what is best for Oklahomans and citizens. Now, we pass a bill which veto of two anti-abortion laws will go to the expense of filing would provide more information contradicts what the organiza- suit over a bill that passed both for a woman contemplating the tion has said and done in the legislative bodies by wide, bi- Continued to Page 4 2 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010

The Good News Sooner Catholic Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran ... Homily, Mystogogy Mass Archbishop of Oklahoma City My dear Brothers and Sisters in News anew: “Behold, this day a Publisher Christ: Savior has been born to you. He is ‘The Catholic Church may It is with great joy that I Christ the Lord.” Ray Dyer welcome you here today to our Jesus is the Christ. He is the not answer Editor Catholic Pastoral Center. I am espe- Lord. He is the One and only Savior all your cially pleased to extend that welcome of the world. It is He Who offers us questions as Cara Koenig to those of you who recently were new life through the holy, Catholic Technology/ baptized, received First Communion Church which He established. Thus you would Photographer and were confirmed in your parish to become a member of the Catholic like them to church. You entered the Catholic Church is radically different than Mauro Yanez Church after a long and prayerful joining any other group, society or be answered Hispanic Editor search. You heard the Lord calling institution. This is the uniqueness of but it will Archbishop and offering you new life. You dis- the holy Catholic Church. While the Beltran covered in the teachings of the Church is a community, an organiza- always direct 7501 Northwest Expressway Church the fulfillment of the Word of tion, a visible society, at the same you to the Lord...’ Oklahoma City, OK 73132 God. time, it is, in the revealed plan of (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 God, the Mystical Body of Christ. sinking. It was then that the disci- In your RCIA instructions and e-mail: [email protected] formation, you learned that the The Church is Divinely established, ples realized this was Jesus Who had Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 human being is made in the Image sustained and directed. Jesus is the risen from the dead. and Likeness of God but we are not Foundation and the Head of this Like the disciples, we too have Oklahoma City, OK 73123 God. We are His creatures. We Church. Therefore, when by the been challenged by the Lord to place depend totally upon God as Jesus inspiration of God, we respond to His our trust and faith in Him. The Visit us online through the says: “Without Me, you can do noth- invitation and join the Church, we Catholic Church may not answer all Archdiocesan Web Page at become not just members of a your questions as you would like ing.” www.catharchdioceseokc.org. When human beings first sinned, community but also members of the them to be answered but it will we rejected the plan that God had Mystical Body of Christ. This new always direct you to the Lord established for us. We were like and intimate relationship with Jesus Himself because He is the Way, the The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is branches cut off the vine. There was is a communion, a coming together Truth and the Life. Now that you published biweekly except for once in July no hope for us, for without God, we so that we truly share in His life and share His life in the Eucharist, and twice in December by the Archdiocese can do nothing. But Almighty God, His love. It is through this unity with continue to follow Him all the days of of Oklahoma City. Who is good and gracious, looked Christ that we receive the fulfillment your life. upon us with love. He said: “I will of our human longing and nature. Therefore, I congratulate you for The newspaper is not responsible for send My Son and He will save you.” In today’s Gospel, we heard the responding to the invitation of Jesus. This promise of salvation was the story of Jesus appearing to His disci- I pray that you will be devout and unsolicited material. Good News that suffering humanity ples at the Sea of Galilee. They had active members of the Catholic Copyright © 2010 Sooner Catholic could depend upon in its daily fished all night and caught nothing. Church. If so, I know that you will struggles against evil. This was the At dawn they met Jesus standing on have life everlasting. May God Who Subscription rate: $20 per year for all has begun this good work in you, hope that faithful, loving people the shore and He challenged them to who are not members of the nourished for generations and even cast their nets again and when they bring it to fulfillment. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. centuries. Then, at the appointed did, they pulled in such a large Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran time, the angels proclaimed the Good number of fish that the boat was Archbishop of Oklahoma City Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK 73125. POSTMASTER: Send address changes Mother’s Day Collection to Aid Birth Choice to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Editor’s Note: This letter was sent to priests in the annual collection is critical to the lifesaving efforts at Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. It was written by Jan Birth Choice. It helps keep the doors open at four centers O’Neill, development director for Birth Choice of in the metropolitan Oklahoma City area in Bethany, Oklahoma, Inc. On May 9, Mother’s Day, Archbishop Edmond, Norman and south OKC, along with Rose Home, Beltran, as he does each year, is asking Oklahoma our shelter for homeless pregnant women 18 and older Catholics to support the ministry of Birth Choice with a and their children. The monies raised help provide special collection. pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, prenatal medical assessments, prenatal vitamins, shelter and food through Dear Shepherds of His Flock, Rose Home, maternity and infant clothing, diapers and The Sooner Catholic is Mother’s Day is fast approaching. I am writing you to formula, all at no cost to the women who need them. supported through the request that you please ask your parishioners to partici- During 2009, an additional prenatal assessment clinic was Archdiocesan Development Fund. pate in the Archbishop’s Mother’s Day Collection. This Continued to Page 5 May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 3 A Golden Anniversary Archbishop Beltran Reflects on Half Century of Love, Service to God and to His People; Celebration Set for May 15 By Ray Dyer know and love their faith. They were raised to The Sooner Catholic understand their Catholic faith was a gift to be cherished and taken seriously. On May 15, Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran will “We were a very devout Catholic family,” celebrate the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordi- Archbishop Beltran said. An older brother, Joseph nation. All are invited on this day to celebrate with Beltran, would enter the priesthood before Arch- him at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth bishop Beltran. It was actually Father Joseph Camp. Beltran who persuaded his younger brother to be “It’s wonderful to be alive,” Archbishop Beltran ordained a priest for the Church in Georgia. said when asked his thoughts leading up to the Archbishop Beltran said at the time of his dis- celebration of his golden anniversary. He said this cernment of a priestly vocation, he was strongly thought enters his mind each morning when he considering responding to a plea from the bishop of awakens. He is truly grateful to God for the Mobile, Ala. The Alabama bishop was making a beautiful gift of life. A life the Archbishop said our strong recruiting pitch for priests, calling Alabama Catholic faith rightfully teaches us is the beginning “mission territory.” Father Joseph Beltran was suc- of our journey to the promise of eternal life with our cessful in convincing his younger brother the need Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. for Catholic priests was even greater in Georgia. In 1934, Eusebius J. Beltran was born into a At 25 years of age and following 12 years of large Catholic family. The fifth of eight children, Catholic education, as well as four years of college the future Archbishop would grow up in a predomi- seminary and four more years of theological studies, nantly Catholic neighborhood. Father Eusebius J. Beltran was ordained a Roman “There were a number of different nationalities Catholic priest on May 14, 1960, in Atlanta’s in the neighborhood, but more than 50 percent of Cathedral of Christ the King. the people were Catholic,” Archbishop Beltran said. The Chapel at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic As a priest, Father Beltran served in parish and He said the Catholic faith was a way of life, from Youth Camp will greet those who take part in the Archdiocese appointments. He served as pastor for attending Mass on Sunday, often during the week May 15 celebration. three assignments, as well as Officialis, presiding and attending Catholic school. The Beltran children, Judge for the Tribunal and Vicar General. Charities. He reached out through the parishes to born to Joseph and Helen Beltran, were raised to The 1960s were turbulent times in the Deep the needy and saw that support was increased for South with the Civil Rights struggle reaching a unwed mothers, AIDS victims, the homeless and fever pitch. As a young priest, Father Beltran was women who had just been released from prison. How to Get to OLOG deeply affected by the injustice he witnessed. He During his 15 years in the Diocese of Tulsa, Bishop Directions: From I-35 (north of chose to stand and walk with the blacks, Catholics Beltran opened eight new parishes. Oklahoma City), take Highway 66 East and Jewish people who demanded that all in Bishop Beltran’s great love for the Church and for 16 miles. You will go through America be treated as equals. He marched with Dr. God’s people did not go unnoticed. In November of Arcadia and the north edge of Luther. Martin Luther King Jr. and remembers the orders 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop At the Lincoln-Oklahoma County Line he and his fellow priests received from their of Oklahoma City. He was installed on Jan. 22, 1993. Road (also called Pottawatomie Road), Archbishop. The priests were told what they were As Archbishop of Oklahoma City, he has fought for the sanctity of life, constantly delivering the un- there will be a large sign which says doing was the right thing, but were warned if they were arrested while marching, they would not be wavering message that we are created in the image OLOG. Turn north at this County Line bailed out of jail by the Church. and likeness of God. He is a staunch supporter of Road and go three and a half miles. St. Anthony’s was the last Atlanta parish in Birth Choice and ministries that help support Another sign will be at the entrance which now Monsignor Beltran would serve. The women who have been abused or abandoned. He is which is on the east side. At that point, inner-city parish was “probably 10 percent black” outspoken in his opposition to the death penalty. there will be greeters and people giving when he arrived as a priest. By the time he left six Archbishop Beltran has led the effort to build homes parking instructions. years later, white-flight had transformed it into a for the elderly, modern and affordable housing for parish that was 80 percent African-American. needy families and sanctuaries for young women Pope Paul VI appointed Monsignor Beltran to who are with child. He is an advocate for those men In Lieu of Gifts and women who with their families seek to build a Archbishop Beltran can be honored serve as Bishop of Tulsa on Feb. 28, 1978. He was ordained by Most Reverend Charles A. Salatka in better life in our nation. with a donation to the Catholic Schools Holy Family Cathedral on April 20, 1978. So loved Tens of thousands of Oklahoma children will Endowment Fund or the Our Lady of was he from his time in Atlanta, the Gospel choir carry wonderful memories of their days spent at Guadalupe Youth Camp Endowment from St. Anthony’s Church traveled to Tulsa to sing Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp. Arch- Fund at the Catholic Foundation of at his ordination. bishop Beltran led the effort to build the beautiful Oklahoma. The donation can be made Newly ordained Bishop Beltran chose for his camp. It is the Camp where his Golden Jubilee cele- online at www.cfook.org or by calling motto: “We are one in Christ.” His actions proved his bration will be celebrated May 15. Barney Semtner at (405) 721-4115. belief in this Biblical statement. As Bishop of Tulsa, As always with Archbishop Beltran, all are he would work to build up the ministries of Catholic welcome and invited. 4 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 Archbishop: First Bishop Built Solid Foundation By Ray Dyer young Oklahomans, relieving the Archdiocese and our state.” They have seen him travel The Sooner Catholic state of a great financial burden, Catholic schools, Archbishop continuously throughout our large The Catholic Faith in Oklahoma something that seems Beltran said, continue Archdiocese, celebrating Mass, is “mature” and “growing,” and much too often overlooked by to play a major role in administering the Sacrament of of the credit for this should go to the Oklahoma’s political creating a healthier Confirmation, meeting with school- man who first planted the seeds of leaders. and more prosperous children, visiting priests and church the faith here, Bishop Theophile Archbishop Beltran Oklahoma. He said leaders and presiding at countless Meerschaert. will celebrate the 50th our Catholic schools groundbreakings and blessings. Most “Bishop Meerschaert did a very anniversary of his ordi- provide a wonderful importantly, they and every other wise thing,” Archbishop Beltran said. nation as a Catholic opportunity for evange- Catholic see Archbishop Beltran “He brought very well-educated priest on May 15 at Our lization, a statement doing these things in a loving and priests to Oklahoma.” It was these Lady of Guadalupe strongly● supported by Christ-like manner. well-educated priests who helped Catholic Youth Camp. the fact more than 120 Jim Weinmann has served the immigrants and Native Americans It was his vision that students, parents and Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for struggling to carve out a life in this led to the creation of the beautiful teachers involved in our schools more than 30 years. He has held new and rugged territory build up youth camp. entered the Church this past Easter. positions such as superintendent of strong Catholic communities. The For the past 17 years, the son of “Catholic schools are the key to Catholic Schools, director of the kind that nurtured people like Joseph and Helen (Kozlowski) the future,” said Archbishop Beltran. Pastoral Center and today he serves Father Stanley Rother, the priest Beltran has served as Archbishop of That’s why he continues to strongly as coordinator of special projects, Oklahoma Catholics are praying will Oklahoma City. Before that, he was support Catholic education and the including the Heritage Room at the one day be declared a saint. Bishop of Tulsa, 1978 to 1993. And reason he created the Catholic Catholic Pastoral Center. Archbishop Beltran said Okla- before that he was a parish priest School Endowment. Administered “I have had the distinct pleasure homa’s first bishop was able to for close to two decades in the by the Catholic Foundation of of working with four bishops since attract some of the very best and Archdiocese of Atlanta, Ga. Oklahoma, Inc., the Endowment is 1973,” Weinmann said. “All were brightest priests from Belgium and Archbishop Beltran points to one of the gifts Archbishop Beltran great to be with and yet Archbishop other European countries. This gave those who came before him, calling will leave to the future. It is his Beltran ranks number one in his be- Oklahoma a solid Catholic founda- them the ones who planted the seeds prayer that one day the Endowment ing available, pleasant and ‘ordinary’ tion and opened the way for the faith of faith in the red Oklahoma clay. will grow to the point it helps cap as a person.” to grow and flourish. “Oklahoma has been very tuition at our Catholic schools and Weinmann points to how ap- Oklahoma is certainly enjoying blessed by the thousands of Catholic eventually make Catholic education proachable and welcoming the the fruits of the early Catholic faith- Sisters who have ministered here,” affordable to every family in the Archbishop always is, even when it’s ful who ventured here, many in he said. “Those Sisters served as Archdiocese. obvious he’s quite busy. covered wagons or on foot. Today, great missionaries in schools and in While Archbishop Beltran talks “He is so kind and caring as a our Catholic faith provides more hospitals. They have meant a great of the countless blessings he has shepherd,” Weinmann said. “He is a hospitals and health care for Okla- deal to the development of Oklahoma received in his 50 years of Catholic great teacher of the faith; certainly homa than any other non-govern- and to the growth of the Catholic leadership and ministry, those his relationship with the staff is one ment entity. And every year Catholic faith. And while their numbers aren’t who have witnessed his faith and as friend and yet he is always our schools educate several thousand as large today, they continue to commitment to Christ-like service Archbishop and Shepherd of the make a major contribution to our are in a word, inspired. Archdiocese.”

Lawmakers Continued from Page 1 Services lawsuit, the plaintiff states clearly that the Tony Lauinger, state chairman of Oklahomans decision to end a life growing inside of her, and impact of this legislation will result in less medical for Life Inc., said pro-life Oklahomans provided great we hear them claim that more information is not supervision of their clients, and ultimately fewer support for members of the House and Senate who beneficial in this case. abortions performed. were willing to oppose the governor. “We heard a Democrat senator say that HB 2780 Requiring the physician to perform the ultra- “Thanks to all of you who have contacted would not prevent any abortions from occurring,” sound imaging himself or herself, or requiring that members of the Legislature urging support for Coffee said. “Unfortunately for his argument, history the ultrasound imaging be performed while the the pro-life bills,” said Lauinger. “Your e-mails to and the plaintiffs themselves in this lawsuit refute physician is on-site, would drastically reduce the members of the Senate these past few days were a that claim. number of abortions that Reproductive Services tremendous encouragement in helping them to “In November, 2009, the director of the Planned could perform. Reproductive Services would not be stand true and resist the pro-abortion pressure. Parenthood office in Bryan, Texas, resigned her posi- able to meet the demand for abortions from its “Later in the week, we will forward the names of tion after witnessing a pre-abortion ultrasound. She patients and might not be able to remain in business. the House members who voted to override the pro- is now a pro-life advocate. Certainly, that ultrasound “Because abortion is a billion-dollar business, abortion vetoes of the Ultrasound and Wrongful-life and her decision has resulted in fewer abortions in those promoting the termination of pre-born lives bills. Thank you for protecting that tiniest little that location and nationwide. will stop at no expense to forestall or circumvent the masterpiece of God’s creation, the helpless, innocent “Further, in paragraph 37 of the Reproductive will of the people through their elected officials.” child waiting to be born.” May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Producer Life of the ‘Birth Choice’ Party By Rex Hogan fused and because of your film I’m Nancy Martin and Charlotte For the Sooner Catholic here. Wouldn’t that be amazing ... a Peterson looking at auction Leo Severino, a Hollywood living Oscar,” Severino said. items during Birth Choice of writer and producer, made a He said he has several films Oklahoma’s “Life of the Party” promise to young people attending in the making and he has found fundraiser. the Birth Choice of Oklahoma a niche in the Hollywood film fundraiser dinner. business. “My pledge is not to be involved “Eighty-one percent of films in any film ever that in any way, glorify some sort of vice or drug shape or form degrades human use. There’s a correlation between dignity and I want you to make a sex and the media, and premarital pledge to me. sex among teens. It is almost the “I beg you to be careful what same correlation as drunk driving you watch. Make a promise to God and getting in an accident. that you will be careful what you “There is a real-life correlation watch. That you won’t watch films that our Lord and Our Lady to what we are producing and what wouldn’t sit next to you and watch we are doing as a society,” Severino it all the way through,” Severino said. said. Jan O’Neil, Birth Choice Severino was guest speaker at development director, said the Birth Choice’s “Life of the Party” preliminary numbers indicate the dinner and auction at the event raised about $170,000, and Oklahoma Golf and Country Club she anticipates additional pledge to raise money for Birth Choice of money will be coming in. Oklahoma. O’Neil said the fundraiser Severino is the producer of represents about one-third of the “Bella,” an award-winning movie money that Birth Choice needs to about a New York City waitress run its programs. who becomes pregnant. The film “We did about the same as we is about her journey and those around her who help her make the did last year and we feel pretty decision to have her baby. good about that,” O’Neil said. “My hope for that film is that Birth Choice of Oklahoma we touched one heart and some day provides a variety of services for someone would knock on our door pregnant woman including Rose who is 12 or 13 years old and says Home, a shelter for pregnant and a few years back my mom was con- homeless women. Mother’s Day Continued from Page 2 percent increase in ultrasounds, performing 115 say and do. Please support the unborn and their added to our South Birth Choice center. Open more than in 2008. mothers with your endorsement of parish one day per week, the clinic typically sees 12 to We have come to rely heavily on the generos- participation in the Mother’s Day collection! 14 women in one afternoon. Just last month, the ity of you and the people of God. The Mother’s Countless lives are depending on you. Thank you South Center alone ran 252 pregnancy tests, of Day Collection last year was instrumental in the for all your support! which 139 were positive! ability of Birth Choice to meet these increases You are in my daily prayers, that you will Statistics from 2009 are as follows: 18,468 - doing God’s work on behalf of the unborn and continue to grow in your love and faith of God, women assisted; 3,191 - pregnancy tests; 2,986 - their mothers. and for guidance of the Holy Spirit in all you infant and maternity clothes; 2,294 - diapers; As we are reminded in John’s gospel, think, do and say, 1,539 - formula; 934 - ultrasounds; 122 - pre- Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd and I In Christ, natal clinic patients. know my sheep and my sheep know me ... Jan There were 2,653 more women assisted in My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they (Mrs.) Jan L. O’Neill 2009 than 2008, a 17 percent increase. Birth follow me.” Development Choice centers ran 591 more pregnancy tests, 23 You are His Shepherds here on earth and Birth Choice of Oklahoma, Inc. percent more than 2008, and experienced a 14 your parishioners are influenced by what you 405-606-8426 6 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 ‘Women of Achievement’ Honored at Banquet By Eliana Tedrow For the Sooner Catholic OKLAHOMA CITY — As goes the annual tradition, women from across the Archdiocese were honored for their dedication and faithful service to their parishes and community. The tradi- tion, which started in 1934 as “Mother of the Year,” evolved to “Women of Achievement” in 1964. This year, 16 women from across the Archdiocese were honored for their faith and com- mitment to servi- tude. The banquet was held April 10 at St. James the Greater Parish, where almost 300 were treated to Mass, a luncheon, and words of encourage- Pearl Sullens ment and praise by Archbishop Beltran. Every honoree was presented a medal, blessed by the archbishop. The “Women of Achievement” award is sponsored by the Central Region Council of Catholic Women (CRCCW), an affiliate of the Arch- Archbishop Beltran pictured with the ACCW Women of Achievement. diocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW), Catholic Relief Services Pearl Sullens, a member of St. Francis (CRS). Catholic Relief Services provide of Assisi and 30-plus-year member an abundance of economic and social of the CRCCW/ACCW. Sullens was 2010 Women of Achievement services to women and children in recognized for her years of dedication need — the most recognized being to the organization, which has in- Catholic Women’s Activities Club - Kathy Ward “Works of Peace” and “Works of cluded a vital role as the chair of Reconciliation.” “International Concerns,” advocating St. Joseph - Norman - Katie Fisher This year, the CRCCW has chosen and fundraising for Sister Mary Saint Francis of Assisi - Lyn Swihard “Water for Life” — a fundraising Sponsa Beltran, founder of “Our Lady program that provides people the op- of Fatima Rehabilitation Center” Saint Teresa of Avila - Pat Russell portunity for clean and safe drinking in Liberia, in addition to numerous Church of the Epiphany of the Lord - Pat Cunningham water, primarily through the drilling of charitable contributions. wells — as their primary cause. Archbishop Beltran, in his address St. John the Baptist - Rosalie Seikel “Water for Life” is one of the many to the recipients, pointed to the first Our Lady of Fatima - Kathy Dilbeck international social programs facili- canonized American saints, including tated and funded by Catholic Relief Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose Saint Joseph - Union City - Mari Esselmann Services. persistence and dedication to everyday Saint James the Greater - Annette Sharp “If you leave here with one thing,” works of charity led to a profound Brenda Arambula, chair of the Woman effect on God’s people. Saint Charles Borromeo - Betty Temple of Achievement banquet, stressed to Further stressing the importance St. Joseph Old Cathedral - Linda Connally the crowd, “remember that every 15 of everyday, practical works, the arch- seconds a child dies from the lack of bishop concluded with the final urge, Saint Mark the Evangelist - Marilyn Wehling clean drinking water.” “Don’t give up on the hope of becoming Of the parishes represented, four a saint … That is the only reason Saint Eugene - Ellen Kiss have pledged to raise the $1,200 you’re on this earth. Love god, love Saint John Nepomuk - Alberta French needed in order for a well to be drilled. your neighbor, do the best you can “We don’t just do ‘Women of with the talents God has given you and Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Carol Woitchek Achievement,’” Arambula reiterated to realize that through all the bad things Saint Monica - Helen O’Connor the audience, “we do a lot of things.” and discrepancies — that basically life In addition to those honored was is good.” Our Lady of Sorrows - Yvonne Dennis May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Death Penalty Foes Learn of Innocence Project By Carmen Bourlon portrayed scenes from “The There are innocence projects in Rev. Bryan Brooks was presented For the Sooner Catholic Exonerated,” a play by Erik Jensen Arkansas, Kansas and Texas, a Lifetime Achievement Award by and Jessica Blank. “The Exonerated” Hellman said. Monsignor Edward Weisenburger. OKLAHOMA CITY — The state is a play about six death row inmates “There is no such program in Rev. Brooks received the award be- of Oklahoma currently has 79 men who were falsely accused and con- Oklahoma yet. But we’re about to cause he prays before each execution and one woman on death row. What if victed, in spite of their innocence. change that at OCU,” he said. at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in one of these people were actually All of the inmates were eventually OCU officials aim to have the McAlester. He invites anyone to at- innocent of the crime for which they released, but not without serving time clinic open in fall 2011, Hellman said. tend his prayer vigils and has hosted have been sentenced to die? in prison. He said officials need $1.5 million to the vigils for about 15 years. The Oklahoma Coalition to Lawrence Hellman, dean of OCU start the clinic. A third of their budget Monsignor Weisenburger ended Abolish the Death Penalty hosted its School of Law, told the audience of an has been raised as of April 17. the evening with a prayer. annual banquet April 17 at the initiative to start an innocence project Hellman presented a video, which For more information about Rev. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual at OCU. An innocence project is a law was taped at OCU School of Law Brooks’ prayer vigils, call (918) 687- Help. Several organizations were clinic that is created to research cases when author John Grisham visited 1351. represented at the banquet, including where some type of misconduct may to help raise money for the OCU For more information about the Catholic Charities and a group from have led to a false conviction. These innocence project. innocence project at OCU, contact Oklahoma City University. projects are often created at law “Every wrongful conviction can be Dean Lawrence Hellman at (405) 208- A group of OCU acting students schools and are run by students. prevented,” Grisham said in the video. 5440.

Conference Speakers Set Archdiocese Continues The second annual Women of Region II of the National Council of Faith/Women of Action Conference will Catholic Women, will be speaking be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at on the newest resource packet, Efforts To Build Network St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic “Campaign for Human Dignity,” focus- Church in Norman. The theme of this ing on the National Council’s involve- The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City covers over 47,000 square miles. year’s conference is “Moving Forward ment with Catholic Relief Services. Eighteen states have fewer square miles each. This distance among us in In Faith, Hope and Love.” Doors will A priests panel including Revs. the Archdiocese presents quite a challenge for all members of the open at 7:30 a.m. and close with Mass Tom Boyer, Jim Goin and Paul Archdiocese to feel connected and to participate in Archdiocesan activities, at 5:30 p.m. Most Reverend Eusebius Gallatin will entertain questions from programs and events. Beginning in fall 2010, the Archdiocese is taking a J. Beltran, Archbishop of Oklahoma the assembly. creative step forward in addressing the distance among us, and connecting City, will be the principle celebrant Donations from Women of us in a new way. and homilist, with the Most Rev. Faith/Women of Action Conference The Pastoral Ministry program will begin offering classes using video- Edward J. Slattery-Bishop of Tulsa 2010 will benefit “Water for Life” conferencing technology. The main site classroom at the Catholic Pastoral concelebrating at the closing Mass. through Catholic Relief Services. Center will be linked to classrooms at four remote parish sites: St. Mary, The morning session will begin with a This will be a wonderful spiritual- Clinton; St. Francis Xavier, Enid; Holy Family, Lawton; and St. Peter, Byzantine prayer service with Rev. filled day with speakers, prayer Woodward. Classes will be live and fully interactive. Students will enroll in Phil Seeton, pastor of St. Charles service, music, priests panel, Catholic courses through the Pastoral Ministry Office, and can attend at any one of Borromeo Catholic Church presiding. vendors, pastoral services and catered the five sites. Live and fully interactive, each site will experience the class- Keynote speaker is Most Reverend box lunch. The Sacrament of room in real time with all of the other sites. Edward J. Slattery, bishop of Tulsa, Reconciliation will be available. During the next few months, equipment will be installed, tested and who will speak in the morning session The Archdiocesan Council of piloted. Training and practice sessions will follow. The fall 2010 Pastoral on “Praying with the Icons” and in the Catholic Women is sponsoring this Ministry program schedule will then be announced by early May. For this afternoon session on “The Little Way of great event. Mark your calendars now year only, no Pastoral Ministry courses will be offered during summer 2010. St. Therese.” for Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. Registra- This is an exciting and hopeful project for our Archdiocese. More infor- Special guest speaker Tim Staples, tion to attend is $40. A box lunch will mation will be coming in future issues of the Sooner Catholic. For informa- an apologist, of Catholic Answers and be provided for $10. A conference T- tion on Pastoral Ministry programs, please call or e-mail the Office of EWTN will address the assembly both shirt is $15. Pastoral Ministry, (405) 721-4208, [email protected]. You can in the morning and afternoon sessions, To register by PayPal or for infor- also visit the Archdiocesan Web site, www.catharchdioceseokc.org, and his topics are: “Saved by Faith mation, visit our Web site: http://okac- Archdiocese Offices, Education, Pastoral Ministry, for information on our Alone or Faith, Hope and Charity” and cw.tripod.com/woa/index.html programs. “The Eucharist — God’s Extravagant For mail-in registration, contact Love Revealed.” Marilyn Blevins at 6300 S.W. 104th National seminar speaker Rev. St., Oklahoma City 73173, or call (405) Catholic Radio – Now on AM and FM radio Tom Boyer, pastor of St. Mark Catholic 745-5966 or e-mail Barbara Wann at Church in Norman, will address [email protected], (580) 875-2278. KTLR 890 AM and “Moving Forward in Faith, Hope and For general information, contact Love.” Chris Thomas at thomaschrisL@sbc- Guest speaker Karen Painter, V.P. global.net or call (405) 306-5187. KTLR 94.1 FM 8 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 Peggy Noonan Is Out of Touch A Response to the Wall Street Journal Article of April 17, 2010 Peggy Noonan is usually so good. But I am manner. In 2001, Pope John Paul II issued a afraid she is stuck in the past with regard to the ‘There will be media reports of decree Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela drawn Church’s response to sexual abuse (WSJ, April 17). up by Cardinal Ratzinger. Among other things, it She charges Vatican officials with complacency and sexual abuse by schoolteachers, amended canon law in 18 places to allow a more declares, the “more relaxed the institution, the less Scout leaders, swimming coaches effective response to charges of sexual abuse. likely it will reform.” Priests came to be more easily disciplined and But Peggy has apparently not noticed that and others, but they are fleeting.’ defrocked, and they were. tremendous reform has occurred. In fact, more Other reforms continued. One can visit the Web reform has taken place in the Catholic Church than site of virtually any diocese in this country and in any other social institution in which the abuse of there will be an icon taking the visitor to the poli- minors has occurred. In 2002, the U.S. Bishops provide “entertainment” for visitors and whose cies pertaining to abuse. Most dioceses have a approved a Charter for the Protection of Children male students were having sexual relations with victims assistance coordinator who is a layperson to and Young People. They hired the John Jay College the wives of teachers. A music teacher had numer- whom abuse can be reported if the victim would be of Criminal Justice to conduct an independent ous pupils living with him in his apartment. The uneasy approaching a cleric. The Church has also investigation of the problem. They established a administrator of the school was an adviser to the adopted a “zero tolerance” policy, meaning that if a National Review Board chaired by a woman (Peggy German Ministry of Education. Where were the priest admits to any past sexual activity with a called for a woman’s touch), Justice Anne M. Burke. headlines proclaiming that a UNESCO model minor or is found guilty of it, he may no longer The National Review Board monitors the policies of school was engaged in the systematic molestation function as a priest. No other social institution has the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the of children? In fact, when the report of the as many safeguards in place for dealing with per- bishops and oversees its annual audit. Five of its Odenwaldschule first appeared, it was under a petrators of these criminal acts. current 13 members have that “woman’s touch.” headline decrying abuse in Catholic schools! All were shocked by the sexual abuse in One of the original members of the Review Board None of these other social institutions have put Catholic and state institutions in Ireland. But is it was a media representative, William Burleigh, at safeguards in place that even begin to approach known that the Church has been engaged for some the time head of the Scripps news agency. This those that have been established by the Catholic time in addressing the problem? was surely expressive of a desire on the part of the Church. There is nothing on a national level that In 1996, the Catholic Church in Ireland pub- bishops for transparency. tracks abusive schoolteachers, for example. And lished Child Sexual Abuse: Framework for a The chairman of the research committee of the such negligence by these other institutions leaves Church Response, which provided guidelines for original National Review Board, Robert Bennett, more children at risk. dealing with abuse cases. The Bishops Committee said when the report was issued that the sexual on Child Abuse actually commissioned independent abuse of minors was a broad social problem and ‘Peggy Noonan and others should research into the problem by the Royal College of that a focus merely on the Catholic Church would recognize and applaud the reforms Surgeons. Their report was published in 2003 as be a disservice to our children. Regrettably, how- A Time to Listen. The National Board for ever, that is exactly what has happened. which have taken place in the Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in There will be media reports of sexual abuse by Ireland had its inaugural meeting in May 2006 and schoolteachers, Scout leaders, swimming coaches Catholic Church and urge other was headed by layman Justice Anthony Hederman. and others, but they are fleeting. In March a judge institutions working with the It is currently chaired by an attorney. Four of its ordered the Boy Scouts to release over 1,200 “per- members are women. (There’s that woman’s touch version files” with Scout leaders who had molested young to be equally as bold and as again, Peggy.) Pope Benedict severely criticized the boys. In early April a headline shouted, “Sex Abuse far-reaching in establishing Irish bishops for their handling of the abuse cases, Pervasive in USA Swimming,” with reports of and four have offered their resignation. And the molesters going unchallenged for decades as they programs to protect our children.’ Holy Father just met with abuse victims during his moved from state to state. In 2002, Dr. Charol trip to Malta, not shying away from a public Shakeshaft of Hofstra University prepared a report acknowledgment of the sins of those in the Church for the U.S. Department of Education that found and the Church’s desire to make amends. None of that 6 to 10 percent of high school students across Frankly, the only pedophile our family has ever this seems to express complacency. the country have been sexually abused or harassed. known personally was our children’s dentist. He Peggy Noonan and others should recognize and “The physical sexual abuse of students in schools is was married with children, an elder in his applaud the reforms which have taken place in the likely more than 100 times the abuse by priests,” Protestant church, and delivered Meals on Wheels Catholic Church and urge other institutions work- she declared. However, such reports will surface for to shut-ins. He was also a child pornographer and ing with the young to be equally as bold and as far- a day and then quickly recede from public con- abuser. If we are not vigilant against abuse every- reaching in establishing programs to protect our sciousness. where, our children are at risk. children. Many have heard of the sexual abuse by clergy The reforms in the Church have been exten- in Catholic schools in Germany. However, at the sive, indicating anything but complacency. When John M. Haas, Ph.D., S.T.L. time these reports were surfacing, it was learned Josef Ratzinger was head of the Congregation for President that a prestigious private boarding school had an the Doctrine of the Faith, he arranged for abuse The National Catholic Bioethics Center unspeakable record of abuse of its own. The cases to be moved from another Vatican office to his 6399 Drexel Road Odenwaldschule is a UNESCO model school whose own — not for purposes of cover-up but so that the Philadelphia, PA 19151 administration would arrange to have students cases could be dealt with in a more expeditious [email protected]. Cell: 215-983-8228 May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 9

Father Stephen Hamilton, left, and Father Shane Tharp, at right, traveled with a group of young men to Conception Seminary in Missouri. Young Men Journey To Seminary By Gavin Anderson weekend we ate with the seminarians, we talked pray and reflect. Confession was also available. Saint Mary, Ardmore one-on-one with them, and we played sports with I think many people were surprised after we them. We were able to interact and experience the On April 17, 35 young men, representing 19 left Conception. Some went there just because they life of the seminary. archdiocesan parishes, and two great priests set out didn’t have anything better to do, or because their The trip was a great spiritual experience. by chartered bus to Conception Seminary in parish priest had been nagging them to go and There was lots of time for prayer and reflection, Missouri to participate in Encounter with God’s they finally gave in. For whatever reason, all 35 and most of us took advantage of it. We were able Call, a priesthood discernment retreat. Many of the young men took something back home with them to tour the campus with the seminarians, and visit boys had never been to the weekend retreat; how- from Conception. their dorms and recreation areas. There was always ever, some had been multiple times before. On the On the way home one participant said that something to do and there was lots of free time. long bus ride we watched movies, laughed, prayed Encounter with God’s Call was the most significant The seminarians gave some very good talks. the rosary, and slept. Upon arrival at the seminary religious experience he has had so far in his life. They went into depth about experiencing God’s we were greeted by all the seminarians from the I’m absolutely sure that all of us had a great and call and how to respond to Him when He calls. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Throughout the wonderful experience and I can’t wait to go back. Eucharistic adoration was a great time to Author Takes Look at Lives of Unlikely Spiritual Heroes Unlikely Spiritual Heroes. (advocate against Kolbe (martyred by the Nazis), injustice. Brennan R. Hill. Cincinnati, Ohio: the death penalty Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (former Hill is professor emeritus in the St. Anthony Messenger Press, and author), Sister archbishop of Chicago), and the theology department at Xavier December, 2009. 143 pages. Dorothy Stang Venerable Pope John Paul II (third University in Cincinnati. He is the Paperback. ISBN 978-0-86716-924- (martyred in Brazil longest serving pope). Only one of author of “8 Freedom Heroes: 9. $14.95. and advocate for these is still alive, Sister Helen Changing the World with Faith” and the poor), Father Prejean, while all the others are “8 Spiritual Heroes: Their Search Pedro Arrupe dead. Hill presents their stories for God.” This book is inspiring and (former superior based on various sources about or by thought-provoking. This book is By Brother Dr. Brennan Hill presents short general of the the person he is writing about which highly recommended to those inter- biographies on Jean Donovan (a Jesuits), Thomas Benet Exton are included in the endnotes. These ested in saints or heroic Christians. lay missionary martyred in El Merton (Trappist biographies show how these people — Brother Benet Exton, O.S.B., St. Salvador), Sister Helen Prejean monk and author), St. Maximilian fought against the evils of social Gregory’s University, Shawnee. 10 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 Small But Mighty Teacher Honored for Dedication to Faith, Church, Children

By Candace Krebs For the Sooner Catholic uzie Mitten is a study in contrasts: a tiny woman, with larg- SSer-than-life faith, heart and spirit. Of severely limited mobility since age 2 when she was diag- nosed with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis, she never let it hold her back, eventually accomplishing her highest goal of all: making a difference in the lives of countless children and having a family of her own. Mitten was recently named Religious Educator of the Year by the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma and honored with a celebra- tion at St. Gregory’s Church of Enid, where she has taught religious education for 25 years. In addition to sponsoring the reception, the foundation provided her with a $500 cash gift and presented St. Gregory’s religious education program with a $2,100 tech- nology grant in her honor. She also received a large plaque. “She’s one of only two R.E. teachers we’ve had where the class- es asked her if she would graduate with them, because they enjoyed her teaching so much,” said Father Larry Kowalski, who has known her since the 1970s. “She just stays cheery. There’s a light in her eyes. She is such a blessing to the human family, the parish and to our religious education program.” Mitten has taught several different elementary classes over the years, most recently the fifth-graders, who studied the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Her goal for the class was to help them recognize “when they have failed to love.” She plans to teach it again next year. “It was the first time I’d done it, but I loved it,” she said. In revamping the religious education program at St. Gregory’s, director Allison Aholt placed a renewed emphasis on instruction of the sacraments, which fit Mitten like a glove. “I want them to know why their church is important to them,” Mitten explained. “I really try to impress on them that when you go to communion, it is such a powerful thing.” Mitten engages students by using active exercises like role- playing of biblical stories. New this year, students rotated week- ly between classrooms painted and decorated to go along with different activities, such as computers, food, theater or games, a set- On behalf of the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Dr. Charles Lawrence presents a plaque up Mitten says has met with great enthusiasm. to fellow parishioner Suzie Mitten. She is joined at the front of the church by her son, Ray, of Aholt applauded Mitten’s special gift for working with kids who Tulsa, her husband, Wayne, and Father Larry Kowalski. (Photo by Bonnie G. Vculek) — as Mitten puts it — just need “a little extra help.” She’s achieved “In addition to her role as a catechist, Suzie’s faith is put into action as she remarkable results, in both group and private tutoring settings, in one case, has held nearly every office in the Altar Society, has served on the Social Action calming and helping an autistic boy stay focused in her classroom; in another, Committee, and assists in the church office as needed,” Aholt wrote. assisting a struggling niece in learning to read proficiently. Mitten expressed gratitude to her husband, Wayne. “He has been right “My heart goes out to people who are having any kind of problems,” Mitten beside me with everything we’ve done in life,” she said. said. They married 42 years ago on the second anniversary of their first date, She holds an education degree from Phillips University. She also attended despite the fact that it fell on a Tuesday. St. Joseph’s Catholic School for 12 years. He was Lutheran at the time. “When he proposed, the first thing I said is, “I think educating your children in the faith is one of the most important ‘I’m not going to ask you to join the Catholic religion, but I am going to ask that things you can ever do. You also have to live by example,” Mitten adds. “I believe you take me to church every Sunday, because I don’t drive.’ And he said, ‘I will.’ you can’t just instruct children in the gospels, you have to live it.” And he did,” she recalls. “A year later he said, ‘I think I’d like to take instruc- Despite physical challenges, Mitten’s dedication to others and service to the tion.’ He’s been very active in the church ever since.” church has been exemplary. After she broke her leg a few years ago after a wheelchair mishap at a Tulsa In nominating her for the award, Aholt called her “a Christian role model of mall, he gave her a pin that read, “I’ve survived darn near everything.” service.” contiuned on page 11 May 2, 2010 Sooner Catholic 11

“There isn’t anything she can’t do when she puts her mind to it,” he said. “She’s always just amazed me with the things she could do that a lot of people who don’t have her handicap couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do.” She’s also been there for him, working in the same truck parts supply business and faithfully nursing him through eight surgeries and four months in the hospital after he suffered a brain aneurism several years ago that forced him to retire early. “Susie continued working at Truck Pro for a year or so after I retired. She said she wasn’t ready to retire,” he recounted. Early in their marriage, she was a social work- er at the Salvation Army, with the key role of con- ducting intake interviews. When a teenage boy arrived with nowhere to go, she convinced her new husband they should take him in. “We'd only been married four years, and he wasn’t that much younger than we were,” Mitten recalls. The boy lived with them for a year, while they got him back into school and helped him reunite with his mother. They remain in touch to this day. They also housed a teenage girl under similar circumstances along with helping other children in need. “I wanted kids so badly at the time, I couldn’t believe they could be so unwanted by their own par- ents,” Mitten says. It took nine years but eventually the couple was approved for adoption through Catholic Charities. To Wayne’s surprise, they were given two children, a brother and sister a year apart in age. His wife Suzie Mitten, seated in the center, was honored at a reception, where she was surrounded by family assured him she was up to the task of raising two members, including her mother, Mimi Collar, seated to her left, her husband, Wayne behind her, their son, kids at once. Ray and Katherine are both married Ray and his family, to her left, and one of her two younger brothers, Bill Waltz, far left, and his fam- now, with children of their own. ily. (Photo by Bonnie G. Vculek) Mitten accomplished her dreams, but it took for- morning before the aspirin would kick in, and then I would be OK.” titude. While her mother, Mary Alice “Mimi” Collar brushed off com- “I didn’t like the pain, but I didn’t know any different,” she continued. “I pliments, her daughter credited her with imparting a can-do attitude. remember that riding in the car was painful, going over dips and bumps. But I “She taught me that I could do anything,” Mitten said. would do everything I could. I was involved in everything at school. I would do Her father, Bill Waltz, died suddenly 31 years ago, but he was also a source dishes, even though I would cry sometimes because I hurt.” of encouragement in her early years. Today’s medications are vastly improved, helping her live largely pain-free, “Growing up, all we had was aspirin,” she recalled of her childhood. “Every enjoying the gifts of faith, family and children that clearly mean the most to her. morning I would get up, and I could hardly walk. My mother had to help “I think I’ve been so blessed to be a Catholic, and I wish all Catholics could me walk to the bathroom to get ready for school. It would be about 10 in the feel like that,” she said.

CFO Presents Educator of the Year Awards Over the past six years, High School. The award was drive school buses, paint with the whiteboards in his class- the Catholic Foundation of presented at the Catholic our custodians and even pick up room to focus his students on Oklahoma has recognized out- Schools Spring Professional trash with the ISS students. their individual dreams. standing educators in the Day at the Catholic Pastoral With his remarkable patriot- Likewise, for the year 2009- Archdiocese as an extension of Center on Feb. 15, 2010. Keilty ism, he speaks about his love for 10, the Archbishop Eusebius J. its focus on education. is a science teacher at the America due to his commitment Beltran Religious Education For the year 2009-10, the Mount. In his nomination form, to the Navy. He also constantly Educator of the Year Award was Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran it said that he teaches God’s encourages and praises both his presented to Suzie Mitten of St. Catholic School Educator of the lessons in his science courses students and his colleagues. Gregory the Great Parish, Enid. Year Award was presented to and that he also lives his He challenges his students to Her award was presented on John Keilty of Mount St. Mary Catholic faith. He is there to Dream Big Dreams and uses Continued to Page 12 12 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 CFO Awards

Continued from Page 11 March 21, 2010, at her parish Mass by Rev. Lawrence Kowalski. Mitten has served as a catechist for 25 years, in the first-, third-, fifth- and seventh- grade levels. She has built her own faith not only by obtaining her Advanced Catechist Certification but by her continued activities in Women’s Bible Study, Marriage Encounter, teacher training, RCIA and Confirm- ation sponsor. She is active in the Altar Society, has served on the Social Action Committee and assists in the church office as needed. Disabled since childhood, Susie is confined to a wheelchair, but her disability has obviously not limited her ministry. In addition to the Catholic School Educator of the Year Award, the Catholic Foundation also awarded two Finalist Awards for Catholic Schools Educator. They were presented to Steve McConnell Father William Novak with Barbara Hietpas Steve McConnell of Bishop Mc- Guinness Catholic High School and Donna Holmes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic School in Edmond. McConnell is the longest tenured teacher at McGuinness, joining the faculty in the spring of 1974. He teaches art and has spent his career helping his students explore and ex- press their creative gifts. His nomina- tion form tells of countless stories from students of how McConnell helped them discover a love of art and a talent they didn’t know they possessed. As a 14-year veteran as a second- grade teacher, Holmes’ nomination form tells of her most obvious strengths in relating to students and developing their potential. She provides critical faith instruction to her second-graders in preparation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. On the parish level, Archbishop Beltran and Catholic Foundation Executive Director Barney Semtner Donna Holmes she is a Eucharistic Minister and also with John Keilty. sings in the choir. has demonstrated her commitment was presented Feb. 14, 2010, by Father nate the JustFaith Program, was a In addition to the Religious to St. Peter’s religious education Pruitt at St. Peter’s in Guymon. founding member of the Social Education Educator of the Year program as an active catechist for over As a catechist at both her former Ministry Board and has served on the Award, the Catholic Foundation 25 years. She is active in her parish parish, St. Patrick Church, and now at Christian Formation Council. also awarded two Finalist Awards and her own ongoing faith formation St. John Nepomuk in Yukon, Hietpas She also volunteers for the for Religious Education Educator. by participating in parish missions, re- has taught for the past 18 years Archdiocesan Office of Family Life Finalist Awards were presented to treats and adult education programs. and has attended the Archdiocese “Beginning Experiences” team, at Mary Long of St. Peter Parish, Not only does she teach each week, Catechetical Congress for the past 15 Catholic Charities and Calm Waters Guymon, and Barbara Hietpas of St. Long also mentors prospective cate- years. She has developed a special non-profit agency in Oklahoma City. John Nepomuk Parish, Yukon. chists and shares successful teaching tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas Her award was presented Jan. 31 by Long lives on a farm near Optima, strategies and projects with other Day for the children in her class. Father Novak at St. John Nepomuk in 27 miles northeast of Guymon, but catechists and parents. Her award Within the parish, she helped coordi- Yukon. May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 13 Briefs Receiving a master’s of arts in Pastoral Correction Ministry, Aquinas Institute of Theology, will be Summer Youth Program The date for the upcoming Rachel’s Mary Fahy, Irene Haefele, Barbara Harris, Available at Villa Teresa Vineyard retreat was incorrect in the April 18 Geralyn Hough, William King, Peggy Kitchens, issue of The Sooner Catholic. The correct date Paul Lewis, Gary Peterson, Danna Schweitzer OKLAHOMA CITY — Are you looking for a for the retreat will be June 18-20. and Steve Young. fun summer program for your child? Check out Villa Teresa Moore, 13501 S. Western. We have a CFO Golf Tournament Precious Blood Devotees few openings for 3- to 8-year-olds that we would love to fill. Each week has a special theme plus Slots Still Open To Host Retreat May 20 we have swim lessons every day, taught by certified lifeguards. A few of the weekly themes OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s not too late to OKLAHOMA CITY — A retreat will be held are vacation Bible school, Father’s Day, Fourth sign up for the 2010 CFO Golf Classic. The at lmmaculate Conception Church on May 20 of July, etc. Call Ann Grover at 691-7737 for tournament will be held at Twin Hills Golf and focusing on Pentecost. The retreat will be from more information. Country Club on Monday, June 7, with a noon 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, May 20 and from start. Visit www.cfook.org for a golf tournament 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 21. On Saturday, Bishops Target College brochure or call The Catholic Foundation at the retreat will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 721-4115 for more information. The retreat is a three-day waiting vigil in Campuses With Web Site preparation of Pentecost Sunday. The theme is “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit — The Breeze of WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Pastoral Ministry the Second Pentecost.” There will be Mass, Catholic Bishops Department of Justice, Peace Graduation May 23 adoration, rosary, Scripture readings, reflection and Human Development has collaborated and prayer from the book “The Breeze of the with 11 Catholic organizations to create a new The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Second Pentecost,” accumulation of the devotion Web site to help college students and campus Department of Catholic Education Office of to our Lord’s most precious blood which our ministers promote Catholic social teaching on Pastoral Ministry will host a graduation cere- Lord has awakened in Nigeria through Barna- campus. mony for students receiving diplomas in bas since 1995. Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP of The Web site, “Transforming Our World: Our Pastoral Ministry studies. Nigeria, is the spiritual director of the devotion Catholic Faith in Action,” can be found at The May 23 event will be held at the worldwide. www.usccb.org/campus. Catholic Pastoral Center in Oklahoma City. It Father George and Father Billy will cele- Site elements include principles of Catholic will begin at 3 p.m. with prayer led by Arch- brate Mass beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May social teaching, prayer materials, small group bishop Beltran. A reception will follow. 22. Blessed Sacrament Procession will follow resources, tools for action, and multimedia such Sister Merys Jimenez and Alfonzo Lopez with songs and prayers. Refreshments will be as videos and podcasts. The home page features will receive the Archdiocesan Diploma. served throughout the day in the Parish Hall. quotes from Church leaders, ideas of the week Receiving a bachelor of arts in Pastoral The retreat is free and open to everyone. For and an invitation to site visitors to submit Ministry, Newman University, will be Deborah more information, contact Carolyn at (405) 793- resources and ideas for possible features on the Bates, Ann Grover and Denise Slattery. 7664 or Loan at (405) 946-5429. Web site.

The Holy Trinity second-grade school and Religious Education First Communion classes went to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery in Piedmont on Monday, March 22. The students learned how the altar bread is made. Sister Donna escorted the group to the kitchen where the demonstration took place. The Holy Trinity children learned about the ingredients, how it is baked, dried and cut with the cutting machine. All of the students tasted the altar bread. Following the demonstration, the group proceeded to the chapel where they learned about the Carmelite Order and about St. Therese of Lisieux. Sister Donna answered the students’ questions. 14 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010

Father Rick Stansberry, center, is pictured with Dr. Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Education Association, and Brother Robert Bimonte, Director of the Elementary Department of NCEA at the NCEA convention in Minnesota. Father Stansberry was honored with the “Distinguished Pastor” award. A number of fellow Oklahomans, principals and teachers attended the conference and offered their support for Father Stansberry.

LIFE ISSUES FORUM Questions About Abortion in the New Health Care Law? By Tom Grenchik Funding-in-Health-Care-Law-4-12- not promote a fundamental moral who oppose abortion funding in 10.pdf. evil or force people to participate in health care reform, Congress has Since the recent passage of the * A nine-page legal analysis that evil. Health care reform should now enacted the largest expansion “Patient Protection and Affordable of the abortion and conscience not have become the vehicle for of abortion funding in our nation’s Care Act,” scores of people have been issues in the Act and President expanding abortion or challenging history, since Roe v. Wade. contacting the Pro-Life Secretariat Obama’s subsequent Executive conscience protection. It was not the Assurances that abortion funding of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Order: www.usccb.org/healthcare- bishops who forced the issue, but would be removed and consciences Bishops with a multitude of /03-2510-Memo-re-Executive-Order- congressional leaders themselves. would be thoroughly protected have questions, such as: Final.pdf. They refused to apply longstanding turned out to be empty promises. Does the new health care legis- Then there are callers with current policies on abortion funding But our efforts are far from over. lation actually provide federal funds tactical questions, like: and conscience rights to this legisla- Now we must go back to all the leg- for elective abortions? Answer: Yes. Weren’t the bishops just out to tion, all the while claiming that islators who stated that the abortion Can individuals be forced to pay kill health care reform all along? abortions were not being funded. and conscience problems were either for other people’s abortions even if Answer: No. When it became clearer that not there, or would be fixed at an- they are morally opposed? Answer: Haven’t the bishops just been congressional leaders would not other time, because that time is now! Yes. over-reacting to abortion-related back down, the bishops’ message to We must fix this “deeply flawed law,” Are there new challenges to problems that weren’t really there? Congress was unambiguous as well. as Cardinal George called it, and the consciences of individuals, em- Answer: No. Just before the final vote, the we’ll need a strong bi-partisan effort ployers and health care providers? Can anything be done to fix bishops sent one more appeal to to do so. It will require the active Answer: Yes. these problems? Answer: Yes. Congress that was introduced with a engagement of Catholics and other Didn’t President Obama’s For many, many months now the USCCB press release titled: constituents demanding this con- Executive Order fix the abortion U.S. bishops have made statements “Bishops to House of Represen- gressional response. Correcting this and conscience problems that the and sent numerous letters to tatives: Fix Flaws or Vote No on law, so it will truly uphold everyone’s bishops had raised about this legis- Congress with the message that our Health Reform Bill.” It stated: rights to life and health, will take lation? Answer: No. country needs reform that makes “House leadership … won’t even try much prayer and hard work, but the For those interested in more in- health care available to everybody, to address the serious problems on stakes have never been higher. depth answers, we offer callers a while killing nobody (www.usccb.- abortion funding … [and are] ignor- couple of helpful new resources org/healthcare/official_documents. ing conscience protection and fair Tom Grenchik is executive developed by the bishops conference: shtml#releases). The bishops have treatment of immigrants.” (www.- director of the Secretariat of Pro- * A one-page fact sheet called long supported reform, but they usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10- Life Activities, U.S. Conference of “Abortion Funding in the New made it very clear that no matter 051.shtml). Catholic Bishops. Go to Health Care Reform Act”: how much perceived good might be Ignoring the plea of the bishops www.usccb.org/prolife to learn more www.usccb.org/healthcare/Abortion- accomplished, such legislation must and the large majority of Americans about the bishops’ pro-life activities. May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 15 New Arizona Law Criticized Woman: Abortion Does WASHINGTON — In solidarity with the Catholic how members of our immigrant communities are both Bishops of Arizona, Bishop John C. Wester of perceived and treated. Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of SB 1070 gives law enforcement officials powers to Not Heal Rape Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, issued a detain and arrest individuals based on a very low MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNA) — statement April 27, opposing the enactment and legal standard, possibly leading to the profiling of In an interview with Mexican colum- implementation of Arizona SB 1070, which criminal- individuals based upon their appearance, manner of nist Sergio Sarmiento, Lianna izes undocumented immigrants. speaking, or ethnicity. It could lead to the wrongful “This new law, although limited to the state of questioning and arrest of U.S. citizens and permanent Rebolledo, who was raped at the age Arizona, could have impact throughout the nation, in residents as well as the division of families — parents of 13 but chose to carry her child to terms of how members of our immigrant communities from children and husbands from wives. It certainly term, explained that “abortion is are both perceived and treated,” Bishop Wester said would lead to the rise in fear and distrust in immi- not the solution” to an unplanned in the statement. “SB 1070 gives law enforcement grant communities, undermining the relationships pregnancy, even “in cases such as officials powers to detain and arrest individuals between their members and law enforcement officials. rape.” based on a very low legal standard, possibly leading SB 1070 is symptomatic of the absence of federal Rebolledo said in the interview to the profiling of individuals based upon their leadership on the issue of immigration. For years that during her upcoming visit to the appearance, manner of speaking, or ethnicity.” now, the U.S. Catholic bishops have called upon city of Cancun to promote the Forum Bishop Wester called SB 1070 “symptomatic of Congress and two administrations to enact meaning- for the Defense of Life, she hopes to the absence of federal leadership on the issue of ful and just comprehensive immigration reform. meet the 11-year-old Mexican girl immigration” and called for “the administration While many of our federal elected officials have who was raped and is currently 19 and Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to made good faith efforts to pass reform, too many still weeks pregnant. The girl has been enact comprehensive immigration reform as soon as view the issue through a political lens, using it to gain the object of intense pressure from possible.” political or partisan advantage. This gamesmanship feminist groups to undergo an Full text of the statement follows. must stop. abortion, but has resisted, saying that Our national leaders must educate the American she understands “a life is growing in Statement of Most Reverend John C. Wester public on the need for reform and show courage in her womb.” Bishop of Salt Lake City, Utah making it happen. Until immigration reform is Carlos Polo of the Population passed, other states will attempt to create and Chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Research Institute said the girl’s case enforce immigration law, with harsh and ineffective Committee on Migration is the modus operandi of abortion consequences. April 27, 2010 supporters in Latin America who The U.S. Catholic Bishops stand in solidarity with seek to legalize the procedure at any On behalf of the United States Conference of the Bishops of Arizona in opposing this draconian law. cost. Rebolledo’s testimony shows Catholic Bishops (USCCB), I join with the Catholic We call upon the administration to review its impact that these kinds of situations are Bishops of Arizona in strongly opposing the enact- on civil rights and liberties. We renew our call for the not resolved by abortion and that ment and implementation of Arizona SB 1070. This administration and Congress to work in a bipartisan young girls need to be protected and new law, although limited to the state of Arizona, manner to enact comprehensive immigration reform guaranteed a chance to grow and could have impact throughout the nation, in terms of as soon as possible. mature in a safe environment. Museum to Host Spanish Colonial Religious Art The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of tional, but nearly forgotten, art form. piece which dominates the gallery. Gregory’s University, 1900 W. Mac- Art will be hosting the exhibition, The bulk of the exhibition is on “The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Arthur St. in Shawnee. The museum Objects of Devotion: Spanish Colonial loan from the Mathis Gallery in Art has a very nice, well-rounded is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Religious Art 1650-1950 from April 30 Wisconsin. “This collection includes collection of Spanish Colonial art- Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to - June 13. some good examples of the different works including retablos, niches and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 for From the 17th century on, types of religious art being created altarpieces,” said MGMoA Curator of adults, $4 for seniors age 65 or older, Spanish friars in New Mexico im- in Mexico and New Mexico from the Collections, Delaynna Trim. “This $3 for students and children ages 6 to ported religious sculptures and paint- 17th century to the 20th century,” exhibition is a great way for us to 17, and free for children age 5 and ings from Europe and Mexico to adorn said Dane Pollei, director of the bring out pieces that have not been younger. newly built mission churches. By the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. seen for 10 years or more.” This exhibition is funded in part second half of the 18th century, “Several of these pieces are unique, Daniel Lay, MGMoA Preparator, by the Inasmuch Foundation, several New Mexican artists were well-preserved examples that are set up the gallery in a chapel format Oklahoma Arts Council, National transforming native woods and other hard to find today.” so that the visitor can see the objects Endowment for the Arts and Allied materials into bultos, retablos, hide The exhibition has been enhanced in a way similar to how they were Arts. For accommodations on the paintings and more in a local version with several pieces from the Mabee- meant to be seen. basis of disability or more information of the Baroque style. The exhibition Gerrer Museum of Art’s permanent The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of on this exhibit, call the museum at examines 300 years of this tradi- collection including a very large altar- Art is located on the campus of St. (405) 878-5300.

18 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 Jobs Box Teacher Openings Youth - Young Adult Minister Catholic Elementary Principal Holy Trinity Catholic School, Okarche, has St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oklahoma St. Pius X Catholic School in Tulsa, serving positions available for highly motivated and quali- City is accepting applications for a dynamic youth - approximately 400 students in pre-kindergarten fied applicants looking for a challenging career in young adult minister. Full-time position with through eighth grade, is seeking a candidate for the Catholic education for the 2010-11 school year. benefits. Send or drop by an application together 2010-2011 school year. St. Pius X Catholic School is Second-grade teacher, early childhood certification with curricula vitae and references to “YOUTH a parish school located in midtown Tulsa. We are required, additional middle certifications desired. MINISTER Search Committee” - St. Francis of seeking a highly motivated, well-qualified adminis- Qualified candidate must be Catholic; 3- and 4- Assisi Parish, 1901 N. W. 18th St., Oklahoma City, trator with excellent people skills and experience year-old preschool teacher, early childhood certifica- Okla. 73106. in Catholic education. Requirements: practicing tion required. It is preferred that the qualified Catholic, master’s degree (prefer education admin- candidate be Catholic. Full benefits package is paid istration) and classroom teaching experience. Must by the school for full-time employees. All qualified Teacher Openings demonstrate a working knowledge of and practice and interested applicants should contact Tammy Villa Teresa Catholic School has opening in strong educational, administrative and communi- Jacobs, Principal, at (405) 263-4422. For more infor- Learning Center for 3-year-olds. The applicant cations ability and a commitment to partnership mation, visit our Web site: www.holytrinityok.org. must have an early childhood certification. This with pastoral staff, parents and faculty. Salary and position is a 12-month commitment. Please send benefits are commensurate with experience and Middle School Science Teacher resume to Sister Veronica Higgins and call for an qualifications. Interested applicants should contact Christ the King School in Oklahoma City is interview (232-4286). looking for an experienced, certified middle school Principal Search Committee, Catholic Schools science teacher. Prefer active Catholic with high Office, 820 S. Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Okla. 74137, school experience. Contact Christ the King Catholic Part-Time Organist Needed telephone (918) 582-9177. School, 843-3909, Karen Carter, Principal. St. Philip Neri Catholic Church is in need of an organist to play for our 5 p.m. Saturday Vigil Coordinator of Youth Ministries High School Coaches Needed Mass. Must meet with cantor at 4:30 for brief Mount St. Mary Catholic High School rehearsal. The candidate must be a proficient St. Eugene Parish is accepting applications (Oklahoma City) is currently seeking qualified sightreader and possess a level of playing skill to for the full-time position of Coordinator of Youth candidates in the following coaching fields for confidently lead an attendance of 300 in the singing and Young Adult Ministries. Applicant must be in the 2010-2011 school year: cross country, boys of hymns, psalm, and other liturgical music. full communion with the Catholic Church, have basketball assistant, track, football assistant with Knowledge of the Catholic liturgy is preferable but previous experience in youth ministry, have flexible offensive line and/or receivers experience, and not required. Please submit a resume and be pre- working hours, and be fluent in Spanish. Principle soccer assistant. Teaching fields are chemistry with pared to play a work of your choice to demonstrate responsibilities are ministry to youth and young experience in AP and Pre-AP, social studies and your skill. Contact Bernard Jones at 737-4476 Ext. adults and overseeing the preparation of youth for physical education. Applicants can fax letter of 123 or [email protected] to arrange an inter- the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please submit interest, resume and copy of teaching certificate to view/audition. - SPN has a Rogers Trillium 958 resumes in writing to Rev. Joseph A. Jacobi, St. Talita DeNegri at (405) 631-9209 or by e-mail to three manual organ. Eugene Catholic Church, P.O. Box 20930, [email protected]. EOE Oklahoma City, Okla. 73156-0930. Rosary Students Enjoy the Magic of Chemistry Science is fun! That’s the message physical science teacher, got into the placed into water. By means of a concepts which were demonstrated. the eighth-grade physical science act first. Chambers was invited to sit universal indicator solution, the These students had previously students at Rosary Catholic School down while a student held a plastic students were able to observe a series attended Chemistry Day activities at received when two chemists from bag full of water over her head. The of color changes in the water as more the Science Museum. The principles Tronox presented their “Chemistry student then pushed a pencil through and more acid was formed. As the learned at Chemistry Day, such as Magic” show for the class. Tom the bag and out the other side without show wrapped up, the window blinds exothermic reactions, were reinforced Rachal, a parishioner at St. Eugene, a drop spilling on Chambers. A dis- were closed and the lights in the in the “Chemistry Magic” show. and Clay Chambers, from St. Francis cussion of water pressure and the classroom were turned off. Two Because the show was so well of Assisi Parish, hosted the show, but physical properties of plastics then liquids were mixed together to received, Chambers hopes to make the students did all the work. Under ensued. produce an eerie blue solution which “Chemistry Magic” an annual event. the direction of the chemists, the One of the students’ favorite glowed in the dark for several Chambers strongly believes in a students were invited to mix various demonstrations involved mixing minutes. firm science background for her solutions or add different chemical three different solutions together in During the show the students students as they prepare for their reagents to produce some dazzling a large beaker. When stirred, the were asked to predict what would transition to high school. As such, her effects throughout the hour-long pre- solution changed colors from clear happen or explain the chemistry students put on their own version of sentation. to gold to blue/black. This process involved as each new reaction or Science Magic for the Rosary kinder- At least 10 different chemical repeated itself dozens of times to the effect was introduced. To their credit, garten class. Experiments for the reactions and/or physical principles delight of all. the students were able to employ kindergartners included a balloon were shown and each student had Another demonstration showed many of the scientific methods rocket, suspended animation, color- their own particular favorite. the formation of carbonic acid when learned in class and use deductive changing water, fun with polymers, Lisa Chambers, eighth-grade dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) is reasoning techniques to master the and the bouncing ball. May 2, 2010 ● Sooner Catholic 19

Calendar MAY the gym. A light dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., first session begins at 7 4 Eucharistic Adoration at the p.m., second session at 8:30. Each Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual session is $5, blackouts are $1 each, Help, NW 32nd and Western, every no limit. On Friday, May 14, we will Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. All celebrate our sixth anniversary with are welcome. a drawing for a 22-inch TV grand prize. 6 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Epiphany Parish, in 15 Gourd Prayer Bowl Retreat, the chapel every Thursday, 8:30 a.m. from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Melissa to 8 p.m. and daily (M,T,W,F) from Anna Letts, OSB. Enjoy creating 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. your own decorative gourd bowl Epiphany is located at 7336 W. using wood-burning tools, paints and Britton Road, Oklahoma City 73132. dye while learning the spirituality and meaning of American Indian 7 1st Friday Adoration at St. symbols. All materials provided. Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City. Place: Red Art Barn at Red Plains After the 7:30 a.m. Mass, and Spirituality Center. Call (405) 373- concludes at 5:30 p.m. with closing 0804 to register. Fee: $50 ($15 prayer and Benediction. This is open deposit). Bring a sack lunch. to all. St. Francis is located at 1910 NW 19th (just two blocks east of Christ the King librarian Tanya Brown planned a unique way to recycle Penn), Oklahoma City. books to honor Earth Day this year. Students bring in books they have read 16 The community of the Secular and outgrown and receive credits to select from other donated books. The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary 7 Holy Family Home Mass, 11:30 students get a new supply of reading material without any cost and we will of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of a.m., Holy Family Home, 6821 Eddie donate any leftover donated books to another Catholic school that can use Jesus - Oklahoma Community and Drive, Midwest City. To confirm that our help. Pictured, third-grade students were participating in the book Province of St. Therese meets at St. Mass will be held that day and for swap. Photo provided. Joseph Carmelite Monastery in directions, contact HFMH at 741- Piedmont from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For 7419. You will learn how to spot early signs more information, call Susan Staudt 9 Mother’s Day of dementia, and what you can do at (405) 282-6624 or Sister Silvia 7 First Friday Sacred Heart Mass to financially prepare for dementia. Negrete at (405) 232-7926. at the Catholic Pastoral Center. 9 Charismatic Healing Mass,5:30 Dementia, long-term care insurance Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament p.m. at Immaculate Conception and estate planning will be dis- 16 The Secular Franciscan Order is at 5:30 p.m. with the Sacrament Catholic Church, 3901 S.W. 29th cussed. No product sales will occur of St. Francis Fraternity meets at of Reconciliation available prior to Street, Oklahoma City. For more at this educational seminar. For 1:15 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Hospital Mass. Mass is at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Church office at questions or to reserve your seat, call Chapel. For more information, call information, please call the Office of (405) 685-4806. Chris Matteson at (405) 314-4608. Jim Disbrow at 830-8688. Family Life at (405) 721-8944 or Diane Grim at (405) 528-6252. 10 17th Annual Christ the King 11 Catholic War Veterans (of any 16 The Divine Liturgy (the Golf Tournament at Rose Creek war/conflict) will meet the second Eucharist or Mass) of the 8 Retreat Living the Fullness of Golf Course, Monday, May 10. Check- Tuesday of each month in the Byzantine Catholic Church will Our Batismal Commitment, from in and lunch is at noon with a 1:30 community room of St. Ann Retire- be celebrated in St. Mark the 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Benedicta p.m. shotgun start. This is a four- ment Center at 7 p.m. For more Evangelist Church in Norman at 6 Boland, OSB. Dare to consider the player scramble, men and women information, contact Father M. Price p.m. Everyone is invited to come and exalted gift of baptism in your life. teams. Cost for an individual player Oswalt at (405) 567-3404. experience the diversity and richness Place: Retreat House at Red Plains is $150 or a team of four is $600. CK of our Catholic Church. By attending Spirituality Center. Call (405) 373- on the Links 2010 Registration dead- 12 Catholic War Veterans USA, Divine Liturgy, you fulfill your 0804 to register. Fee: $40 ($10 line is May 7. For more information, Oklahoma Memorial Post 168 will Sunday obligation and all Catholics deposit). Bring a sack lunch. contact the school office at (405) 843- hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. who are properly prepared are 3909. in the Sunnylane Family Reception welcome to receive Holy 8 The Benedictine Oblates of Red Center located at 3900 SE 29th St. in Communion. St. Mark the Evange- Plains Monastery will meet from 10 Dementia Seminar, sponsored Del City, every second Wednesday. list Church is located at 3939 W. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. They join the by St. Eugene’s at 6:30 p.m. Those in- For more information, contact Bob Tecumseh Road, Norman. Refresh- Community for Vespers, followed by terested in learning about dementia, at (405) 672-7728 or by e-mail at ments with questions and answers a potluck dinner. For more informa- its effect on your family and what [email protected]. will follow the Liturgy. For more tion, contact Sister Eunice at 373- you can do now to avoid problems information, please call Father Phil 4565 or [email protected]. later, should benefit from this event. 14 Bingo at St. Joseph’s, Norman, in Seeton at (405) 789-2595. 20 Sooner Catholic ● May 2, 2010 Maronite Catholic Church Dedicated in Norman By Anamaria Scaperlanda-Ruiz in Oklahoma brings much to the For the Sooner Catholic Oklahoma Catholic community as a NORMAN — Seventeen whole. The culturally and historic- Maronite rite families dreamed of ally distinct rites, all of which adhere opening a Maronite Catholic Church to the truths of the Holy Gospel and to bring this central part of Sacred Tradition as well as to the their Lebanese heritage to their essential elements of the liturgy, are community. On April 11, their dream expressive of the universality of the became a reality with the blessing Church. Bishop Shaheen said, “The and dedication of Our Lady of existence of the 22 different rites Lebanon by Bishop Robert Shaheen. gives a fuller picture to the Catholic The new church, a converted Church.” funeral home, is located at 500 Until recently, most Maronites Alameda in Norman, blocks from St. in Oklahoma attended the Roman Joseph, a Roman Catholic parish. liturgy. Bishop Shaheen sent Father The sanctuary is a simple white Elias Abi-sarkis to Tulsa in October room, adorned with an image of Our 2002 to start a church for Maronites Lady of Lebanon at the rear, a depic- at the request of 28 families. At the tion of Jesus and Peter above the dedication of that church four years altar, and Stations of the Cross ago, a group of 17 families from lining the walls. The church lacks Norman and Oklahoma City ap- kneelers as the Maronite liturgy proached the bishop about starting doesn’t include the kneeling posture. something in this area. At that time, Sunday’s liturgy included the Father Abi-sarkis began coming consecration and blessing of the Maronite Bishop Robert Shaheen blesses the walls of Our Lady of Lebanon as from Tulsa once a month to celebrate church, which took place between Father Thomas Boyer looks on. the Maronite liturgy, which was cele- the Service of the Word and the brated in the Apostles Chapel of St. Maronite Bishop Robert been present in Oklahoma since the Mark’s in Norman. After Father Abi- Service of the Holy Mysteries. The Shaheen, who traveled from St. 1890s, when they came with the rail- consecration began with a solemn sarkis received additional adminis- Louis for the event, was joined by road. trative duties, Father Assaaol El procession inside the church. During Father Assaaol El Basha, Father Most Maronite Catholics are the procession, the bishop sprinkled Basha began to come from Dallas to Elias Abi-sarkis, Father Galssan from Lebanon or Syria, or are celebrate the liturgy. While grateful the whole church with Holy Water, Mattar and Father Thomas Boyer Lebanese in the Diaspora. The as if to clean it in preparation for the to St. Mark’s for the use of their in celebrating the liturgy. Father Maronite rite is an Eastern Catholic chapel, the 17 families wanted their Rite of Consecration. Next, the Assaol El Basha is the pastor of the rite with unbroken royalty to Rome. bishop anointed the door and the own church and worked to have that new church. Before the church was Father Thomas Boyer said that he happen. walls with Holy Oil, making the sign open, he came once a month from has “heard it accurately described as of the cross three times on the door Dallas to celebrate the Maronite the bridge between the East and the Louis Khoury, a member of and on each wall. After the anoint- liturgy in the Apostles Chapel at St. West.” The Maronite liturgy is an the new parish, said, “I am excited ing, the priest, aided by ministers Mark the Evangelist. ancient liturgy that developed at about the Maronite mission because from the congregation, encircled the Despite this short history of Antioch in Aramaric, right after the it brings a piece of home to the church walls with a red ribbon. the Maronite liturgy in Norman, time of the Apostles, and is ascribed United States. I have been here According to Father Galssan Mattar Maronites have a long history in to St. James the Less. for 14 years and having this here from San Antonio, “The red ribbon is Oklahoma. Maronite Catholics have The presence of Maronite liturgy completes it.” fire from the Holy Spirit. Encircling the community is the bond of the Holy Spirit.” Finally, the bishop con- secrated the altar, which involved burning incense on the four sides of the altar and reverencing the altar. Clapping and other noises of celebra- tion ensued. The liturgy took place in a mixture of Syro-Armaic, English and Arabic. As in all Maronite liturgies, Syro-Armaic was used for the conse- cration of the Eucharist. Arabic was the predominant language for the music, which consisted of beautiful Arabic chants led by choir director Leila Dina. Altar servers lead the procession out of the newly dedicated Our Lady of Lebanon.