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CriterionOnline.com March 5, 2021 Vol. LXI, No. 21 75¢ School choice, Priest shares wisdom gained pro-life measures from exorcism ministry in new book still in play at midpoint of legislative session

By Victoria Arthur

At the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session, the Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) and other allies are closely monitoring and calling for public engagement on important bills that continue to advance at the Statehouse. Last week, the Indiana General Assembly reached what is known as crossover—the midway point of the session, during which bills that are still active move from one legislative chamber to the other. This is a long session of the legislature, held every other year and culminating in the passage of the state’s two-year budget. A major proposal to expand school choice is among the measures the John Elcesser ICC and other advocates By Sean Gallagher Father Lampert shared some of his are tracking. House Bill experiences as an exorcist and the spiritual 1005, which would extend the school voucher BROOKVILLE—Father Vincent Lampert travels lessons he’s gained in his book Exorcism: The Battle program to middle and upper-middle-class to the ends of the Earth in his ministry fighting the against Satan and His Demons, published last fall by families and increase scholarship amounts for devil as an exorcist. Emmaus Road Publishing. all students receiving vouchers, passed the From South Africa to Alaska and points in In that book, Father Lampert likens exorcists to medical House on a 61-38 vote. All of the Democrats between, the pastor of St. Michael Parish in specialists who travel and consult far and wide to help in the chamber voted against the measure, Brookville and St. Peter Parish in Franklin County people with their specialized knowledge. along with nine Republicans. has carried out this ministry since 2005. He also emphasized in the book and in a recent Now that the bill has moved to the Senate, When Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein interview with The Criterion that Catholics, with advocacy in favor of the measure will be appointed him to this ministry 16 years ago, the help of their parish priests (whom he says critically important, according to John there were only 12 priests in the U.S. who were are like general practitioners), can fend off the Elcesser, executive director of the Indiana exorcists. Today, there are 125. devil through their ordinary life of faith. Non-Public Education Association (INPEA). Now one of the senior exorcists in the “Ultimately, it’s the very normal aspects “It will be more of an uphill battle in the U.S., Father Lampert is often called upon to of our faith that protect us from evil: going Senate, which isn’t as broadly supportive mentor priests newly appointed to the ministry, to Mass, celebrating the sacraments, of all the expansions to school choice,” said or sometimes to perform exorcisms in far flung praying, reading Scripture,” Father Elcesser, whose organization represents locales. Lampert said. “It’s the ordinary aspects Indiana’s more than 400 non-public schools, In 2019, he traveled to Alaska to help a newly of our faith that will protect us from the including the state’s 175 Catholic schools. appointed exorcist with a special case. evil one.” “Thus far, Senate lawmakers have pulled “We were in an Eskimo village about 300 miles west See LAMPERT, page 8 much of the choice language out of similar of Anchorage,” Father Lampert recalled. “A small, little Senate bills with the idea of rolling it into village. And there we were in the church doing an exorcism.” (Photo of Father Vincent Lampert by Sean Gallagher) the budget bill. It will take non-public See ICC, page 9 U.S. House passes Equality Act; bishops say it will ‘discriminate against people of faith’ WASHINGTON (CNS)—The House H.R. 5 amends the Civil Rights Act charitable service to all people, without of Representatives passed the Equality of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the regard to race, religion or any other Act in a 224-206 vote on Feb. 25. basis of sexual orientation and gender characteristic. A couple days ahead of the identity in employment, “It means we need to honor vote, the chairmen of five housing, public every person’s right to gainful U.S. bishops’ committees said accommodations, employment free of unjust its mandates will “discriminate public education, discrimination or harassment, against people of faith” by federal funding, the and to the basic goods that adversely affecting charities and credit system and jury they need to live and thrive,” their beneficiaries, conscience duty. they continued. “It also means rights, women’s sports, “and “Human dignity that people of differing beliefs sex-specific facilities.” is central to what should be respected. In this, The bill, known as H.R. 5 Catholics believe we wholeheartedly support and recently reintroduced in Cardinal Timothy because every person Archbishop Joseph nondiscrimination principles to the House, also will provide M. Dolan is made in the image F. Naumann ensure that everyone’s rights for taxpayer funding of of God and should be are protected.” abortion and limit freedom of speech, treated accordingly, with respect and H.R. 5 “purports to protect people the chairmen said in a Feb. 23 letter to compassion,” the bishops said. “This experiencing same-sex attraction or all members of Congress. commitment is reflected in the Church’s See EQUALITY, page 8 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021

Pope Benedict XVI reads his resignation Public Schedule of in Latin during a meeting of cardinals Archbishop Charles C. Thompson at the Vatican in this ______Feb. 11, 2013, file March 5–13, 2021 photo. Speaking of his resignation, the retired pope recently told March 5 – 11 a.m. March 10 – 7 p.m. the Italian newspaper United States Conference of Catholic Confirmation Mass for youths of Corriere della Sera Bishops (USCCB) virtual National St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis, that “it was a difficult Advisory Council meeting at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral decision, but I made it in full awareness, March 5 – 1 p.m. March 11 – 8:15 a.m. and I believe it was Virtual USCCB Committee on Clergy, Virtual Judicatories meeting Consecrated Life and Vocations correct.” (CNS photo/ Vatican Media) meeting March 11 – 10 a.m. Leadership Team meeting at March 6 – 11 a.m. Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Virtual USCCB National Advisory Catholic Center Council meeting March 11 – 3 p.m. March 7 – Noon Finance Council meeting at Archbishop Virtual USCCB National Advisory Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center Retired pope talks about his Council meeting March 11 – 7 p.m. March 9 – 10:30 a.m. Confirmation Mass for youths of resignation, Pope Francis’ Priest Personnel Board meeting at Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Catholic Center, Indianapolis upcoming trip to Iraq March 13 – 9 a.m. March 10 – 11 a.m. Day of Prayer with Young Adult VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Although step toward beginning formal talks Mass for Deceased Priest, Very Discerners at SS. Peter and Paul it took obvious effort to pronounce aimed at reconciliation with the group. Reverend Richard Eldred at SS. Peter Cathedral Parish each word and sometimes his secretary However, there was widespread outrage and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis repeated what he said to make it clear, at revelations that Bishop Williamson retired Pope Benedict XVI spoke to an had denied the gassing of Jews in Nazi Italian newspaper about his retirement and concentration camps. The Vatican said the about Pope Francis’ planned trip to Iraq. pope had been unaware at the time of the The retired pope, who will turn 94 bishop’s radical views on the Holocaust. in April, resigned on Feb. 28, 2013. He Many of Pope Benedict’s supporters, How has the COVID-19 pandemic lives in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery he said, don’t want to believe his in the Vatican Gardens where he and his resignation “was a conscious decision” personal secretary, Archbishop Georg that had nothing to do with outside had an impact on your faith? Ganswein, met in February with the pressure. “But my conscience is clear. A year ago, the COVID-19 experiences and stories of how the director of the newspaper Corriere della “There are not two popes,” he said. pandemic began to have a dramatic COVID-19 crisis has affected your Sera. “There is only one.” and often devastating impact on every faith—the way you live your faith, “His words come out drop by drop; his Corriere described the retired pope aspect of life in the United States the way you celebrate your faith, voice is a whisper that comes and goes,” as alert, even though it was difficult to and around the world. A significant and whether it has deepened or according to the article published on the understand his speech at times. His wrists part of that impact extended to the weakened your faith. anniversary of his resignation. Sometimes, are “extremely thin, which underlines faith lives of people—and their faith Send your thoughts, experiences the report said, Archbishop Ganswein an image of great physical frailty.” He communities. It’s an impact that and stories to John Shaughnessy “repeats and ‘translates,’ while Benedict wears a watch on his left wrist and continues today and will undoubtedly by e-mail at jshaughnessy@ nods in a sign of approval.” an emergency alarm on his other, the continue into the future. archindy.org or by mail in care of Asked if he thinks a lot about his newspaper said. As part of our coverage of the The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian decision to resign, “he nods,” the When asked about Pope Francis’ ongoing influence that the pandemic St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please newspaper said. planned trip to Iraq on March 5-8, “his is having on the faith lives of include your parish and a daytime “It was a difficult decision, but I made expression becomes serious, worried,” the people, The Criterion invites you, phone number where you can be it in full awareness, and I believe it was newspaper said. our readers, to share your thoughts, reached. † correct,” the retired pope said. “Some of “I think it is a very important visit,” he my slightly ‘fanatical’ friends are still said. “Unfortunately, it comes at a very angry; they did not want to accept my difficult time that makes it a dangerous decision.” trip for security reasons and because of Abstinence from meat not required on Pope Benedict is aware of what he COVID.” termed “conspiracy theories” about why he And, in fact, Archbishop Mitja March 19 due to Solemnity of St. Joseph resigned. “Some have said it was because Leskovar, the Vatican nuncio to Iraq, who of the Vatileaks scandal,” created when was supposed to host the pope throughout The Solemnity of St. Joseph, the meat on March 19. his butler leaked private documents to a the trip, tested positive for the coronavirus Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Catholics in central and journalist, he said. Others thought it was “a and has gone into quarantine, the Mary, is celebrated annually southern Indiana may want to plot by the gay lobby,” a supposed group nunciature announced on Feb. 27. on March 19. This year, that receive a plenary indulgence of Curia officials who protect each other. “I will accompany Francis with my happens to be on a Friday in on the Solemnity of St. Joseph And, he said, some thought it prayers,” the retired pope said. Lent. this year, which falls in a was because of the case of Bishop Corriere also asked Pope Benedict According to Church year dedicated to the saint Richard Williamson, who had been about U.S. President Joe Biden. law, abstaining from proclaimed last December by excommunicated in 1988 when he and “It’s true, he is a practicing Catholic, meat is not required on a Pope Francis. three other traditionalist bishops were and personally against abortion,” the solemnity, including during There are many ways to ordained against papal orders by the late retired pope said. “But as president, he Lent. Therefore, Catholics meet the necessary conditions French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, tends to present himself in continuity with throughout the Church, to receive the indulgence. Learn founder of the Society of St. Pius X. the platform of the Democratic Party. And including in central and southern more about it at yearofstjoseph.org/ Pope Benedict lifted the on gender policy, we still don’t have a Indiana, are not obligated to abstain from indulgences. † excommunications in 2009 as a first clear idea of his position.” †

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Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 3 In interview, pope says he will remain in Rome until death VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis said he three military checkpoints,” he said. believes he will die in Rome, either in office or retired, “The tension it generated in me was and will not be buried in his native Argentina. enormous.” In an interview published in the Argentine newspaper The pope also said that while he La Nación on Feb. 27, the pope said that while he thinks believes that the “study of psychology about death, he is not afraid of it. is necessary for a priest,” he does not “How do you imagine your death?” the pope was believe that priests should practice asked by Argentine journalist and doctor Nelson Castro. psychology “due to the problem of “As pope, either in office or emeritus. And in Rome. I transference and countertransference.” will not return to Argentina,” he replied. When that happens, he explained, The interview was an excerpt from Castro’s new book, “the roles are confused and the priest titled La Salud de Los Papas (The Health of the Popes), stops being a priest and becomes a which details the health of the pontiffs from Pope Leo therapist with a level of involvement XIII to Pope Francis. that makes it very difficult to distance According to Castro, Pope Francis encouraged him himself.” to write the book and agreed to be interviewed. The Pope Francis also spoke about a conversation took place in February 2019. pulmonary condition he suffered in In it, the pope spoke candidly about his mental health 1957 at the age of 21 that required Pope Francis exits his car as he arrives for a prayer service in an empty St. Peter’s Square and told Castro that although he had never undergone him to undergo surgery to remove the at the Vatican in this March 27, 2020, file photo. In an interview with Argentine journalist psychoanalysis, he did meet with a psychiatrist for six upper right lobe of one of his lungs. and doctor Nelson Castro, the pope said he is not afraid of death and that he expects to months during “the terrible days of the dictatorship, when The pope said that while his die in Rome “as pope, either in office or emeritus.” (CNS photo/Evandro Inetti, pool) I had to take people into hiding to get them out of the recovery was painful, it was country and save their lives. “complete, and I never felt any limitation in my activities. deal with “a situation or a problem that makes me anxious. “I had to deal with situations I didn’t know how to “As you have seen, for example, in the various trips “One of them is listening to Bach,” the pope said. “It deal with,” he recalled. I have made and that you have covered, I never had to calms me down and helps me to analyze problems in a Praising the psychiatrist as “a great woman” whose restrict or cancel any of the scheduled activities. I never better way. I confess that, over the years, I have managed teachings “are still very useful to me today,” Pope Francis experienced fatigue or shortness of breath,” he told Castro. to put a barrier to the entry of anxiety in my spirit. said she helped him to manage his anxiety and “to avoid The Argentine journalist also asked Pope Francis if he “It would be equally harmful to make decisions rushing when making decisions. was aware of his own neuroses. dominated by anxiety and sadness,” he added. “That is “Imagine what it was like to drive a person hidden Describing it as an “anxious neurosis,” the pope said that why I say that a person must be attentive to neurosis, in a car—covered only by a blanket—and to go through he has “quite tamed my anxiety” and has learned ways to since it is something inherent in his or her being.” †

For Lent, read the Gospel, fast from gossip, pope says at Angelus VATICAN CITY (CNS)—People for them and their families, hoping for transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain this encounter by ourselves. Jesus himself should fast from gossiping and spreading their safe return home. and their subsequent descent back down brings us back to the valley, amid our hearsay as part of their Lenten journey, The nation’s bishops had already to the valley. brothers and sisters and into daily life.” Pope Francis said. warned of the deteriorating situation The pope said pausing with the Lord People must take that light that comes “For Lent this year, I will not speak ill in the country in a Feb. 23 statement, on the mountain “is a call to remember— from their encounter with Christ “and of others, I will not gossip and all of us according to Vatican News. especially when we pass through a difficult make it shine everywhere. Igniting little can do this, everyone. This is a wonderful “We are really on the brink of a trial—that the Lord is risen and does not lights in people’s hearts; being little lamps kind of fasting,” the pope said on Feb. 28 looming collapse from which we must do permit darkness to have the last word.” of the Gospel that bear a bit of love and after praying the Sunday Angelus. all we can to pull back before the worst However, he added, “we cannot remain hope: this is the mission of a Christian,” Greeting visitors in St. Peter’s Square, overcomes the nation,” the bishops wrote on the mountain and enjoy the beauty of he said. † the pope said his advice for Lent included in response to a previous attack. Insecurity adding a different kind of fasting “that and corruption have put into question “the won’t make you feel hungry: fasting from very survival of the nation,” they wrote. spreading rumors and gossiping. The pope also marked Rare Disease “And don’t forget that it will also be Day, held on Feb. 28 to raise awareness helpful to read a verse from the Gospel and improve advocacy and access to every day,” he said, urging people to have treatment. on hand a pocket-size edition to read He thanked all those involved in Hope whenever possible, even if it is just a medical research for diagnosing and for tomorrow random verse. coming up with treatments for rare “This will open your heart to the diseases, and he encouraged support Lord,” he added. networks and associations so people do The pope also led a moment of prayer for not feel alone and can share experience the more than 300 girls who were kidnapped and advice. by unidentified gunmen on Feb. 26 in “Let us pray for all people who have UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Jangebe in northwestern Nigeria. a rare disease,” he said, especially for Adding his voice to statements made children who suffer. WHAT IS THE UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL? by Nigeria’s bishops, the pope condemned In his main address, he reflected on the 1 The United Catholic Appeal is a unified effort in which all parishioners are asked to the “vile kidnapping of 317 girls, taken day’s Gospel reading (Mk 9:2-10) about away from their school,” and he prayed Peter, James and John witnessing the provide critical, financial support to archdiocesan ministries that serve thousands of people in need across central and southern Indiana.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ME TO SUPPORT THE APPEAL? 2 Your participation helps those whose needs are the greatest - the poor, the vulnerable, those on the margins. It shows your commitment to Catholic education. It shows that you are fighting for the unborn. Your support says “thank you” to our retired priests who have given their lives in service to the Church. It affords counseling to children, people struggling with addiction, those who grieve, and helps strenghten struggling families. It affords homeless families hot meals and a safe place to rest. It says “we believe in you” to our seminarians who are answering the call to the priesthood. It helps prepare future deacons who serve our parishes. Your gift provides hope.

HOW DOES MY PARISH BENEFIT FROM THE APPEAL? 03/19/21 3 100% of gifts made to the United Catholic Appeal go to support archdiocesan programs and ministries which in turn provide services that no one parish can offer on its own.

IS IT BETTER TO MAKE A PLEDGE OR A ONE-TIME GIFT? 4 Making a pledge allows you to spread your gift over 12 months, making it easier for you to budget, and may also allow you to give a larger gift. 03/19/21 03/19/21 HOW DO I MAKE A PLEDGE TO THE UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL? 5 You can make your pledge easily and securely online at www.archindy.org/UCA. Simply click on “Donate to UCA” in the top, right-hand corner and then follow the prompts. Questions? Call our office at (317) 236-1425. We are here to help! www.archindy.org/UCA Page 4 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021

Opinion Be Our Guest/Sr. Constance Veit, L.S.P. In tough times, go to St. Joseph This month, we Little Sisters of the and walk away, or somehow engage with it. Poor and our residents and staff will At times, difficulties bring out resources we Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher observe two major COVID-19 milestones. did not even know we had” (#5). Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus On March 11, we The pope suggests that Joseph turned will have been in challenges and problems into possibilities lockdown for a full by always trusting in divine providence. year. And on “If at times God seems not to help us,” Editorial March 19, we our Holy Father writes, “surely this does will finish the not mean that we have been abandoned, vaccination process but instead are being trusted to plan, to be Lenten practices of prayer, at our residence in creative and to find solutions ourselves” Washington, D.C., rather than expecting God to intervene with a compliance rate directly (#5). fasting and almsgiving help of nearly 100 percent God trusts us to be creative and take among those who live and work here. initiative! While I find this an exciting As I got my second vaccine dose, I was concept, when it comes to COVID I wish us be open to stewardship almost ecstatic. I wanted to sing the old God would just swoop down and take it standard, “Happy Days Are Here Again!” all away. As we are reminded Reality quickly set in, however. Nothing But I guess that’s not how he has each year, Christians are in our daily routine would change, at least envisioned the COVID trajectory. So invited, and challenged, for the foreseeable future. Our days are I turn again to St. Joseph, looking for to prepare for the joy of still ruled by an insidious virus and the encouragement in these trying times. Easter by engaging in the dictates of health experts and bureaucrats. The pope writes of the “Christian realism” three traditional Lenten I wanted to cry out with the psalmist, exemplified by Joseph. He shows us that practices of prayer, fasting “How long, O Lord? How long will you believing does not mean finding facile and and almsgiving. Most of us hide your face from us?” (Ps 13:1) comforting solutions. “Reality, in all its have a pretty clear idea of But then in his mercy God brought mysterious and irreducible complexity, is what the first two disciplines light into my darkness. the bearer of existential meaning, with all its require of us (even if we I’ve been reading “Patris Corde,” the lights and shadows” (#4). aren’t as faithful in prayer apostolic letter written by Pope Francis to He cites St. Paul’s well-known words, and fasting as we know we mark the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s “All things work together for good, for should be), but “almsgiving” designation as patron of the universal those who love God” (Rom 8:28), and is another matter. Church. I believe that our Holy Father St. Augustine’s addition to this phrase, The dictionary definition wrote this letter specifically for the times “even that which is called evil.” Faith of “almsgiving” is fairly we are living. His reflections have been gives meaning to every event, however straightforward. It means helpful to me, and I’d like to share them happy or sad, concludes Pope Francis. “the practice of giving money (CNS photo by Tyler Orsburn) with you. God told St. Joseph, “Do not be or food to poor people.” Referring to Joseph’s reaction to afraid” (Mt 1:20). As I turn to St. Joseph, Synonyms proposed by him and to demonstrate our gratitude Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, Pope he tells me, “Do not be afraid. Set Merriam-Webster include charity and by taking care of (and sharing) this Francis calls him an “accepting father” aside your fears, your frustrations and philanthropy, and the same source lets wonderful gift. We have received the who can help us to accept life as it is, disappointments and embrace the way us know that the practice of giving gift of intelligence. We are responsible even when we don’t understand. “The things are—both the positives and the alms is important in virtually all world for developing our minds and growing spiritual path that Joseph traces for negatives—not with mere resignation, but religions. in wisdom and understanding. We us,” he wrote, “is not one that explains, with hope and courage.” Many (but certainly not all) Catholics have been given the skills and abilities but accepts. Only as a result of this Pope Francis assures us that if we have been introduced to the spirituality that allow us to earn a living, care for acceptance, this reconciliation, can we follow St. Joseph’s example, we will of Christian stewardship. The American those we love, and contribute to the begin to glimpse a broader history, a be open to the deeper meaning of our bishops’ pastoral letter, “Stewardship: common good by our work and by our deeper meaning” (#4). current circumstances. “It does not matter A Disciple’s Response,” published in service to others in the Church and in St. Joseph did not look for shortcuts, if everything seems to have gone wrong November 1992, describes a Christian our community. These gifts make it Pope Francis writes, but confronted or some things can no longer be fixed,” steward as “one who receives God’s possible for us to acquire the material reality with open eyes, accepting personal the Holy Father writes. “God can make gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends possessions that we need and enjoy. responsibility for it. “Joseph is not flowers spring up from stony ground” (#4). them in a responsible and accountable All God’s gifts are meant to be used passively resigned, but courageously and Besides our COVID milestones this manner, and returns them with increase responsibly and shared generously with firmly proactive. In our own lives,” the month, we will also be celebrating the to the Lord.” others. pope adds, “acceptance and welcome can Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the A Christian steward is constantly Stewardship is a source of grace be an expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift Blessed Virgin Mary on March 19. And being invited (and challenged) to when we respond to God’s goodness of fortitude. Only the Lord can give us the day after is the first day of spring—I receive, cherish, share and return- by growing in gratitude, responsibility the strength needed to accept life as it is, think I’ll plant some flowers. with-increase the fruits of God’s and generosity. As a spiritual with all its contradictions, frustrations and abundant generosity. This is why discipline, stewardship invites us to disappointments” (#4). (Little Sisters of the Poor Sister stewardship is a lifelong responsibility. reflect on what is most basic and Pope Francis also calls St. Joseph a Constance Veit is director of As long as God keeps giving, we are fundamental in our lives—and to “creatively courageous father.” In the face of communications for the Little Sisters of called to be open and responsive to his respond from the heart. A Christian difficulty, he writes, “we can either give up the Poor in the United States.) † gifts (his grace). steward is one who makes a conscious This understanding of the decision to remain open to God’s spirituality of stewardship includes, grace and to respond generously (from Be Our Guest/Sandra Azab but is much more comprehensive the heart) to whatever opportunities than, almsgiving—the practice of and challenges may come. Young people challenge us to work giving money to the poor. A generous The Lenten practices of prayer, Christian steward gives back everything fasting and almsgiving help us to be he or she has received from God, open to the stewardship opportunities to create a better world for humanity including all spiritual and material that are presented to us every day. On Feb. 16, the Pontifical Academy for “Laudato Si’ ” is a huge wake-up gifts. Stewardship properly understood If we are in regular communication Life invited its members to meet online call for humanity so that we realize the and practiced is a total lifestyle of with God through prayer, it’s much for a seminar on some of the ethical destruction we inflict on the environment giving and sharing rooted in gratitude easier to discern his will for us as perspectives presented and our fellow human beings. We for all God’s blessings. stewards of his generosity. If we in Pope Francis’ must develop and apply sustainable, Stewardship as a Lenten observance are accustomed to self-denial and encyclicals “Laudato ecologically compatible production begins with almsgiving and grows willingly sacrifice our wants and Si’, on Care for Our methods with the help of people’s exponentially to include the generous desires (even good things), then the Common Home,” expertise and science’s creativity. But we giving of our hearts and minds and sharing of our time, talent and treasure and “Fratelli Tutti: must also shape our lifestyles in such a desires to God who is their source and, will not be nearly so difficult. On Fraternity and way that the Earth’s resources are used then, to all God’s people. Stewardship Lastly of course, if we are used to Social Friendship.” justly. is understood as a source of deepening sharing our financial resources with This meeting gave us The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed spirituality because it challenges us to others, we won’t hesitate to give money a space to discuss and our false security. “Fratelli Tutti” let go of any false notions that we are (or food, clothing and shelter) to those reflect on the human highlights how this time has highlighted somehow in control of our lives, our who are poor. Almsgiving won’t be just impact on all life on our planet. our interconnection and interdependence. skills and our talents, or our material a Lenten practice. It will become a way This raised some critical questions, The pope writes that “the brutal and possessions. We are not the authors of life. such as: How can we speak about the unforeseen blow of this uncontrolled of our own existence. We are not the Since God never stops giving, our dignity of every individual while our pandemic forced us to recover our owners of our spiritual and material opportunities to respond from the lifestyles and our use of natural resources concern for human beings, for everyone, gifts. We are stewards (caretakers or heart are truly endless. Let’s practice are already depriving a significant part of rather than for the benefit of a few” (#33). custodians) of what belongs exclusively almsgiving this Lent by being generous humanity of the foundations of life? Pope Francis has given the Church and and entirely to God. stewards of all God’s gifts. It’s important to share those reflections the community a guiding light that shows God has given us the gift of life. with the Church and the community to the way to repair our common home and Our response should be to praise —Daniel Conway indicate practical steps for all of humanity build a better future for our society. It is to move forward. See GUEST, page 15 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Jesus: the hope that will never disappoint us (The readings for the Third Sunday of the suffering, death and resurrection admonished, “If today you hear his woman, ‘We no longer believe because Lent—Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; of our Lord Jesus Christ. Never was voice, harden not your hearts!” of your word; for we have heard for Jn 4:5-42—that are being referenced there a situation more dismal, or The Gospel reading tells the ourselves, and we know that this is in this column presume the seemingly hopeless, than the Lord’s familiar story of the woman who truly the Savior of the world’ ” celebration of the scrutinies as passion and death. Preceded by the encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well (Jn 4:41-42). outlined in the Rite of Christian agony in the garden, where Jesus shed in Samaria. Breaking several social No matter what hardships or Initiation for Adults. The scrutinies tears of blood, the hardships faced taboos, Jesus engages in dialogue suffering we must face, no matter how are rites of self-searching and by God’s only Son at the end of his with this foreigner (a woman), and he far we have strayed from the way of repentance that have a profound ministry were intolerable by ordinary convinces her, simply by the power of life that leads to genuine happiness, spiritual purpose. They invite us to a human standards. Only the grace of his presence, that: we are invited to come to Jesus and conversion of our hearts and minds.) God could transform this barbaric “Everyone who drinks this water to receive his living water. This water, cruelty into a miracle of redemption will be thirsty again; but whoever which flows from the Sacred Heart of The world’s cruelty—whether in with far-reaching consequences for all drinks the water I shall give will Jesus as from an inexhaustible fountain the form of poverty, health crises, humankind. never thirst; the water I shall give of love and mercy, brings with it political turmoil or many other causes As St. Paul reminds us: will become in him a spring of water healing, nourishment, consolation and of personal and social unrest—too “For Christ, while we were still welling up to eternal life” the hope that will never disappoint us. often cause us to turn inward, to close helpless, died at the appointed time (Jn 4:13-14). The living water that Jesus gives ourselves off from God and from each for the ungodly. Indeed, only with Incredulous at first, the woman has the power to heal all our wounds other. Like the people of Israel lost difficulty does one die for a just ultimately says to him, “Sir, give and to break open our hardened hearts. and disheartened after many years person, though perhaps for a good me this water, so that I may not be As we continue our Lenten journey, of wandering in the desert, we are person one might even find courage to thirsty or have to keep coming here through the sufferings of the cross tempted to cry out, saying: Why did die. But God proves his love for us in to draw water ” (Jn 4:15). Then, after to the joy of the Resurrection, let’s we leave Egypt? Was it just to die here that while we were still sinners Christ Jesus points out the truth about her remember that Jesus knows our pain of thirst with our children and our died for us” (Rom 5:6-8). marital status and, by implication, and disillusionment. He has walked livestock? Whenever we are tempted to be the state of her soul, the Samaritan before us on the Via Dolorosa, the way Life is hard, but that doesn’t mean bitter or resentful because of the woman’s heart is unburdened and she of sorrow, and he has redeemed us and our reactions should be hard-hearted. hardships we’re required to face in our experiences genuine liberation and set us free. In fact, as St. Paul tells us in the second personal lives or in our society, we’re heartfelt joy. Lord, you are truly the Savior of reading, in Jesus we have been blessed invited to recall the fact that, while When she shares her experience the world; give us living water, that we with the great gift of hope, “and hope we were still helpless sinners, Christ with others, St. John tells us, “Many may never thirst again. Give us the gift does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). died for us. And in the words of this more began to believe in him because of hope in you, so that we will never The basis for our hope is, of course, Sunday’s psalm refrain (Ps 95), we are of his word, and they said to the again be disappointed. †

Jesús: la esperanza que nunca nos defraudará

(Las lecturas del tercer domingo de defrauda” (Rm 5:5). pecadores indefensos, Cristo murió palabra. Ellos decían a la mujer:—‘Ya Cuaresma—Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1- La base de nuestra esperanza por nosotros. Y en las palabras del no creemos a causa de la palabra 2,5-8; Jn 4:5-42—a las que se es, por supuesto, el sufrimiento, estribillo del salmo de este domingo tuya, porque nosotros mismos hemos hace referencia en esta columna la muerte y la resurrección de (Sal 95), se nos amonesta: “Si hoy oído y sabemos que verdaderamente suponen la celebración de los nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Nunca escuchan su voz, no endurezcan sus este es el Salvador del mundo’ ” escrutinios tal y como se indica en hubo una situación más lúgubre, o corazones.” (Jn 4:41-42). el Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para aparentemente sin esperanza, que la La lectura del Evangelio cuenta No importa las dificultades o el Adultos. Los escrutinios son ritos de pasión y muerte del Señor. Precedidas la conocida historia de la mujer que sufrimiento que debamos afrontar, no autoindagación y arrepentimiento que por la agonía en el huerto, donde encontró a Jesús en el pozo de Jacob importa lo mucho que nos hayamos tienen una finalidad profundamente Jesús derramó lágrimas de sangre, en Samaria. Contraviniendo varios alejado del camino de la vida que espiritual. Nos invitan a una las dificultades a las que se enfrentó tabúes sociales, Jesús dialoga con esta conduce a la auténtica felicidad, conversión de corazón y de mente). el Hijo único de Dios al final de su extranjera (una mujer), y la convence, estamos invitados a acudir a Jesús y ministerio eran intolerables para simplemente con el poder de su a recibir su agua viva. Esta agua, que La crueldad del mundo—ya los estándares humanos ordinarios. presencia, de que: brota del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús sea en forma de pobreza, crisis de Únicamente la gracia de Dios podía “Todo el que bebe de esta agua como de una fuente inagotable de salud, agitación política o muchas transformar esa abyecta crueldad volverá a tener sed. Pero cualquiera amor y misericordia, trae consigo la otras causas de malestar personal en un milagro de redención con que beba del agua que yo le daré, curación, el alimento, el consuelo y la y social—nos lleva con demasiada consecuencias de largo alcance para nunca más tendrá sed sino que el esperanza que nunca nos defraudará. frecuencia a encerrarnos en nosotros toda la humanidad. agua que yo le daré será en él una El agua viva que da Jesús tiene mismos, a cerrarnos a Dios y a los Como nos recuerda san Pablo: fuente de agua que salte para vida el poder de curar todas nuestras demás. Al igual que el pueblo de “Porque, aún siendo nosotros eterna” (Jn 4:13-14). heridas y de abrir nuestros corazones Israel, perdido y desanimado después débiles, a su tiempo Cristo murió Aunque al principio se mostraba endurecidos. Mientras continuamos de muchos años de vagar por el por los impíos. Difícilmente muere incrédula, la mujer le dice por fin: nuestro recorrido cuaresmal, desde desierto, sentimos la tentación de alguno por un justo. Con todo, podría “Señor, dame esta agua para que no los sufrimientos de la cruz hasta exclamar: ¿Por qué abandonamos ser que alguno osara morir por el tenga sed ni venga más acá a sacarla” la alegría de la Resurrección, Egipto? ¿Para sencillamente morir bueno. Pero Dios demuestra su amor (Jn 4:15). Entonces, después de que recordemos que Jesús conoce nuestro aquí de sed con nuestros hijos y para con nosotros en que, siendo Jesús le señala la verdad sobre su dolor y desilusión. Él ha caminado nuestro ganado? aún pecadores, Cristo murió por estado civil y, por implicación, sobre antes que nosotros por la vía dolorosa La vida es dura, pero eso no nosotros” (Rom 5:6-8). el estado de su alma, el corazón de la y nos ha redimido y liberado. significa que nuestras reacciones Siempre que tengamos la tentación samaritana se desahoga y experimenta Señor, tú eres verdaderamente también deban serlo. En efecto, de sentirnos amargados o resentidos una auténtica liberación y una sentida el Salvador del mundo; danos agua como nos dice san Pablo en la por las dificultades que debemos alegría. viva, para que nunca más tengamos segunda lectura, en Jesús hemos afrontar en nuestra vida personal o en San Juan nos dice que, tras sed. Danos el don de la esperanza en sido bendecidos con el gran don la sociedad, se nos invita a recordar el compartir su experiencia con otros: ti, para que nunca más nos sintamos de la esperanza, “y la esperanza no hecho de que, cuando todavía éramos “Muchos más creyeron a causa de su decepcionados. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021

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

March 11 donation. Information Indianapolis. Monthly 7-8 p.m., series offered most confessions prior. Information: April 14 The Third Option virtual 317-753-0866 or Mass, 2 p.m. Information: Thursdays through May 20, 812-246-3522. Calvary Mausoleum marriage crisis/enrichment [email protected]. 317-784-4439 or www. viewing all sessions Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., class, “Control Issues,” catholiccemeteries.cc. recommended but not required, St. Michael Church, 145 Indianapolis. Monthly 7-8 p.m., series offered most March 12, 19 no registration needed, free. St. Michael Blvd., Brookville. Mass, 2 p.m. Information: Thursdays through May 20, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, March 18 Go to carmelthirdoption.org/ First Saturday Marian 317-784-4439 or www. viewing all sessions 316 N. Sherwood Ave., St. Joseph Church, 1401 web, click on link at top Devotional Prayer Group, catholiccemeteries.cc. recommended but not required, Clarksville. Men’s Club S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. of page. Information: Mass, devotional prayers, no registration needed, free. Annual Fish Fry, 5-7:30 p.m., Third Thursday Adoration, carmelthirdoption.org/web, rosary, 8 a.m. Information: April 15 Go to carmelthirdoption.org/ take out only, includes baked interceding for women or Keith Ingram, kingram@ 765-647-5462. St. Joseph Church, 1401 web, click on link at top or fried fish, oysters and experiencing crisis pregnancy, aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. of page. Information: shrimp, two sides, adult dinners 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at April 7 Third Thursday Adoration, carmelthirdoption.org/web, $7.50-$9.50, children’s dinners 5:45 p.m. April 2 MCL Cafeteria, 5520 interceding for women or Keith Ingram, kingram@ $3-$5. Information: parish. Calvary Mausoleum Chapel, Castleton Corner Lane, experiencing crisis pregnancy, aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. office@stanthony-clarksville. Our Lady of Peace Cemetery 435 W. Troy Ave., Indianapolis. Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at com or 812-282-2290. and Mausoleum, 9001 Way of the Cross, noon. 5 p.m., Catholic, educational, 5:45 p.m. March 11, 18, 25 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. Information: 317-784-4439 or charitable and social singles— The Eucharist, Source and March 12, 19, 26 Monthly Mass, 2 p.m. www.catholiccemeteries.cc. separated, widowed or Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Summit of Faith, through Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Information: 317-574-8898 or divorced—age 50 and older, and Mausoleum, 9001 Old Testament and the 1530 Union Street, Indianapolis. www.catholiccemeteries.cc. Our Lady of the Greenwood new members welcome, also Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. Gospels, via Zoom, sponsored Praying the Stations with Church, 335 S. Meridian St., call about regular Friday night Monthly Mass, 2 p.m. by St. Michael Parish, St. John XXIII, 6:30 p.m., The Third Option virtual Greenwood. First Friday dinner events. Information: 317- Information: 317-574-8898 or Greenfield, 1-2:30 p.m., meditation, prayer, song. marriage crisis/enrichment bilingual celebration of the 796-8605 or 317-243-0777. www.catholiccemeteries.cc. three of six stand-alone Information: 317-638-5551. class, “Listening Beyond Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, sessions, led by graduates of the Words,” 7-8 p.m., series Mass, 5:45 p.m., exposition April 8 The Third Option virtual Guadalupe Bible College, free. March 12, 19, 26, offered most Thursdays, of the Blessed Sacrament, The Third Option virtual marriage crisis/enrichment Information and registration: April 2 viewing all sessions following Mass until 9 p.m., marriage crisis/enrichment class, “Handling Anger Darlene Davis, ljdarlene@ St. Thomas the Apostle Parish recommended but not required, sacrament of reconciliation class, “Childhood Issues and Constructively,” 7-8 p.m., gmail.com. Knights of Columbus #15712, no registration needed, free. available. Information: Emotional Baggage,” 7-8 p.m., series offered most Thursdays 523 S. Merrill St., Fortville. Go to carmelthirdoption.org/ 317-750-7309, msross1@ series offered most Thursdays through May 20, viewing all March 12 Friday Night Lenten Fish web, click on link at top hotmail.com. through May 20, viewing all sessions recommended but St. Jude School, 5353 Fry, 5 p.m. until supplies of page. Information: sessions recommended but not required, no registration McFarland Road, Indianapolis. last, includes fish sandwich, carmelthirdoption.org/web, April 3 not required, no registration needed, free. Go to St. Jude Fish Fry Drive-Thu, fries, coleslaw, dessert, $10. or Keith Ingram, kingram@ St. John Paul II Parish, needed, free. Go to carmelthirdoption.org/ hosted by Boy Scout Troop 51, Information: kofc115712info@ aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. St. Paul Chapel, 216 carmelthirdoption.org/ web, click on link at top 4-7 p.m., menu includes fish gmail.com or 317-485-5102. Schellers Ave., Sellersburg. web, click on link at top of page. Information: filets, grilled cheese, coleslaw, March 25 First Saturday Marian of page. Information: carmelthirdoption.org/web, macaroni and cheese, green March 17 The Third Option virtual Devotion, 8 a.m. rosary, carmelthirdoption.org/web, or Keith Ingram, kingram@ beans with potatoes, soda Calvary Mausoleum marriage crisis/enrichment meditation, prayer; or Keith Ingram, kingram@ aicinvest.com or 317-324- or bottled water, free will Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., class, “Personality Difference,” 8:30 a.m. Mass with aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. 8446. † All are invited to join Knights during St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Prayer Vigil for Life on night of March 19 central and southern Indiana in As part of the 40 Days For Life F. Stumpf, archdiocesan vicar general. urgent need of furniture, funds spring campaign, the central Indiana At 8 p.m., Father Christopher Shocklee, Knights of Columbus will hold an a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette who Due to the economic impact of the gravel parking lot no longer meets the all-night vigil for life in front of serves as the Indiana Knights’ associate COVID-19 pandemic, several St. Vincent challenge, especially when trying to the Planned Parenthood abortion state chaplain, will lead participants in de Paul conferences in central and move pallets of food on pallet jacks. facility at 8590 Georgetown Road, in prayer. southern Indiana are in urgent need of The conference is seeking funds to Indianapolis, from 7 p.m. on March 19 All attendees will receive a special furniture and funds to help the many cover the cost of surfacing the lot. through 7 a.m. on March 20. St. Joseph prayer card to mark the who are turning to them for assistance. To contribute online, go to All are invited—including non- saint’s March 19 feast day. Bloomington St. Vincent de Paul stagnescatholicnashville.org or members—to pray for any amount of For more information, contact Society has provided free furniture to stvincentdepaulbrowncounty.com. time during the 12-hour vigil. Indiana Knights of Columbus State Life Monroe County households for more Donations may also be sent by mailing The vigil will begin with the Stations Director Larry Kunkel at 317-223-4892 than 20 years. In 2020, 5,147 furniture a check made out for St. Vincent of the Cross, led by Msgr. William or [email protected]. † pieces, 336 major and minor appliances de Paul directly to P.O. Box 577, and more than 1,100 non-voucher items Nashville, IN 47448. (sheets, blankets, silverware, etc.) were In fiscal year 2019-2020, distributed to more than 700 unique St. Vincent de Paul Indianapolis gave Virtual ‘Shelterbration’ on March 11 will households. The conference is now in 1,584 dining sets, couches, dressers and desperate need of furniture and funds to chairs and 432 refrigerators, washers, raise funds for Becky’s Place in Bedford keep the furniture operations going. dryers and stoves to those in need. The To schedule a furniture pickup in demand has only increased, making the A virtual “Shelterbration” event Each year, Becky’s Place provides Monroe County or to make a financial organization in great need of furniture, to raise funds for Becky’s Place services to more than 100 women contribution, call 812-961-1510 or go particularly couches, living room chairs shelter for homeless women and and children to move them into to www.svdpbloomington.org. Checks and recliners, kitchen tables and chairs, children in Bedford will take place at more sustainable housing. Services made out for St. Vincent de Paul may dressers, end tables and coffee tables, BeckysPlaceBedford.org at 7 p.m. on include offering shelter, meals, also be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, 1413 as well as appliances. March 11. case management, support services, E. 17th St., Bloomington, IN 47408. To schedule a pickup, call The event includes an online silent counseling and more. St. Vincent de Paul in Brown 317-687-1006. Donations may also auction of items beginning on To become a “Shelterbration” event County continues to be the primary be dropped off at the St. Vincent March 4 at bidpal.net/beckysplace sponsor or to donate, go to cutt.ly/ emergency food responder for Brown de Paul Distribution Center at 1201 (PIN is 6480). Shelterbration. County. They have distributed more E. Maryland St., in Indianapolis. For a The virtual event on March 11 will For more information, contact than 100 tons of food since the start complete wish list of items needed and include residents’ success stories, Cheri Bush at [email protected] or of the pandemic. Now operating two a lit of items the organization does not results of the silent auction and awards. 317-236-1411. † 26-foot Freightliner trucks, their accept, go to cutt.ly/SVDPIndyItems. †

Cornelius and Katherine Vince and Jane (Fox) Carr, members of Nativity (Schwendeman) Horenkamp, of Our Lord Jesus Christ Parish in members of SS. Francis and Clare Indianapolis, celebrated their of Assisi Parish in Greenwood, edding 60th wedding anniversary on celebrated their 50th wedding W Feb. 11. anniversary on Feb. 20. The couple was married in The couple was married in ANNIVERSARIES St. Patrick Church in Indianapolis St. Charles Borromeo Church in on Feb. 11, 1961. St. Charles, Mo., on Feb. 20, 1971. They have four children: Cori They have two children: Emilie Dabney, Claire Strahan, Cornelius Dorsett and Lizzy Lucas. Announcements for couples and Francis Carr. The couple also has three celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 The couple also has two grandchildren. † or more years of marriage are grandchildren and two great- accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or grandchildren. † call 317-236-1585. The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 7 Bishops’ working group set up in November completes work WASHINGTON (CNS)—A special on other issues where we cannot agree “pre-eminent priority,” Archbishop held completely online because of the working group of the U.S. bishops with anticipated policies.” Gomez said, but “ ‘preeminent’ does not coronavirus pandemic. formed last November to deal with The second recommendation was to mean ‘only.’ We have deep concerns about He named Archbishop Allen conflicts that could arise between develop “a document addressed to all many threats to human life and dignity in H. Vigneron of Detroit, USCCB the policies of of the Catholic faithful on eucharistic our society.” vice president, to head up the group to President Joe Biden, coherence,” the archbishop said. As for developing a document address issues surrounding the election a Catholic, and Archbishop Gomez issued the Biden on “eucharistic coherence,” as of a Catholic president and policies that Church teaching letter on Jan. 20, which was Inauguration Archbishop Gomez called it, he said this may come about that would be in conflict has completed its Day and when Biden was sworn in as the recommendation has been “forwarded to with Catholic teaching and the bishops’ work, Los Angeles nation’s 46th president. “I look forward the Committee on Doctrine in the hope priorities. Archbishop Jose to working with President Biden and his that it will strengthen an understanding Other members were the chairmen of H. Gomez said in a administration, and the new Congress,” and deepen a common faith in the gift that USCCB committees focused on various March 1 memo to all the archbishop said. “As with every has been given to us in the Sacrament of policy areas. the U.S. bishops. administration, there will be areas where the Altar.” “We are facing a unique moment in the Archbishop Jose Catholic News we agree and work closely together and The reference to “eucharistic history of our country” with the election H. Gomez Service obtained a areas where we will have principled coherence” may reflect a growing concern of Biden, only the second Catholic to copy of the memo disagreement and strong opposition.” among the bishops regarding Catholic become president, Archbishop Gomez issued by Archbishop Gomez, president The archbishop said that the bishops understanding and practice regarding the said in announcing the group. “This of the U.S. Conference of Catholic hold deep concerns about “many threats sacrament. presents certain opportunities but also Bishops (USCCB), as a follow-up to a to human life and dignity in our society,” While there has been fierce debate in certain challenges.” February memo he sent to the bishops including euthanasia, the death penalty, some circles, including among bishops, Biden has indicated his faith explaining the working group’s two immigration policy, racism, poverty, care over the reception of the Eucharist commitments “will lead to certain policies recommendations given to him in its final for the environment, criminal justice when one is not in accord with Church that we favor,” Archbishop Gomez said, report. reform, economic development and teachings, there also is a deep concern such as immigration, aid to refugees The March 1 memo confirms the international peace. about polling that suggests a confusion and the poor, racial justice and climate actions taken on them. He also expressed hope the incoming or lack of understanding about the real change, but he supports Roe v. Wade and The first of two recommendations administration “will work with the Church presence of Christ in Catholic belief has said he favors repeal of the Hyde made by the working group, he and others of goodwill” to “address the and practice. Amendment. said, was to write a letter to Biden complicated cultural and economic factors Archbishop Gomez announced the Hyde, re-enacted every year for “conveying the USCCB’s eagerness to that are driving abortion and discouraging establishment of this special working 45 years, outlaws federal tax dollars from work with him on issues where we will families.” group at the end of the public portion directly funding abortion except in cases undoubtedly express strong support, For the U.S. bishops, the “continued of the U.S. bishops’ fall general of rape, incest or when the life of the while acknowledging a lack of support injustice of abortion” remains the assembly on Nov. 16-17, which was woman would be endangered. † Supreme Court decision lifts ban on indoor worship in California county WASHINGTON (CNS)—A Supreme Bishop Cantu said he was grateful the county was not subject to the ruling News, a San Jose daily newspaper. Court decision allowing indoor worship for the work of these churches and their because it already prohibited all indoor In a statement, he said the high court’s services in Santa Clara County, Calif., “efforts to uphold our right to worship” in gatherings even at retail establishments order was issued “without any analysis was praised by Bishop Oscar Cantu of the the county as guaranteed by the where people could shop but not attend at all of the county’s gathering rules, Diocese of San Jose, U.S. Constitution. gatherings, like book readings. Similarly, which have always been neutral and located in the county Effective immediately, he said, all county officials said people could go into applied equally to all gatherings across- where the ban had parishes, missions and chapels in the houses of worship for individual prayer, the-board. Indoor gatherings of all kinds been in effect. Diocese of San Jose may resume indoor but not join in gatherings with others. remain very risky, and we continue to “I join all Catholics worship services up to 20% capacity, After the county’s action, five Santa urge all religious institutions to carefully and people of faith in as long as each parish can do so Clara County churches filed a motion in follow the public health recommendations Santa Clara County following masking, social distancing and the U.S. District Court for the Northern to avoid spread of COVID-19 among in expressing our sanitization protocols. District of California to attempt to block their congregations and the broader satisfaction in tonight’s “As we continue to protect the most the county’s ban, saying the Supreme community.” U.S. Supreme Court vulnerable among us, the dispensation Court’s ruling must apply to the entire He also noted the county is still Bishop Oscar decision,” the bishop from the obligation to attend Sunday state. permitted to restrict the capacity of indoor Cantu said in a Feb. 26 Mass is still in effect. Parishes will A U.S. district court judge granted an worship services—at a 20% capacity, statement just after continue to offer outdoor and livestream injunction to temporarily block the Santa instead of the state’s 25% limit. The the court issued its brief order allowing the Masses wherever possible for parishioners Clara ban on indoor worship services, but 20% limit is what the county is currently pandemic-related worship restrictions to be who are vulnerable to COVID-19 or less than two days later, the U.S. Court of imposing on retail and grocery stores and lifted while these limits are challenged in hesitant about indoor worship,” he added. Appeals for the 9th Circuit temporarily other indoor businesses, Williams said. federal court. He also urged the Catholic community suspended that order, leaving in place the In its brief order on Santa Clara The bishop’s statement pointed out that to “move forward in hope, continuing county’s ban on all indoor gatherings. worship services, the Supreme Court Santa Clara was the only county in the all necessary safety precautions” and The churches filed their appeal did not provide reasons for siding with country with a ban on indoor worship. receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when with the Supreme Court on Feb. 17, the churches but said the decision was “Banning indoor worship and yet they could. “Let us pray for all those and pointed to the high court’s recent “clearly dictated” by its previous decision allowing people to gather at airports, personal suffering from the effects of the pandemic rulings on indoor worship where it lifted on California’s indoor worship. services establishments and retail shopping and its aftermath,” he added. New York’s pandemic-related limits on According to Becket, a religious liberty is unconstitutional—and the Supreme Court This all sounds somewhat familiar attendance at worship services and where law firm, 33 states have no restrictions has said so several times,” he added. because on Feb. 5, the Supreme Court it allowed California churches to resume on in-person worship and 17 have a The court’s 6-3 vote was in response gave California churches the go-ahead to indoor worship services. percentage limit—most at 50% capacity. to a lawsuit brought against Gov. Gavin resume indoor worship services with a Santa Clara County Counsel James But Louisiana has a 75% capacity cap, Newsom, Santa Clara County and County ban on singing and chanting and a limit of Williams said the Supreme Court’s and Maine’s limit is 13% capacity. Only Health Officer Sara Cody by a group of 25% capacity. decision regarding Santa Clara County the District of Columbia has a numerical five county churches. Santa Clara County officials said was disappointing, reported The Mercury cap, which is 250 people. †

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The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington is seen on Nov. 26, 2020. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) Page 8 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021

fracture and break them even further.” nonetheless “trained to be a skeptic.” LAMPERT He also sees the growth related in part “I should be the last one to believe continued from page 1 to the openness of him and other exorcists that someone is possessed,” he wrote. “I to speaking about their ministry, which must exhaust all reasonable explanations ‘The focus should be on the power of Father Lampert has done around the world. for what is taking place in the person. God’ He views these speaking opportunities as a Therefore, experts in the medical and Father Lampert was appointed to chance to help focus his listeners’ attention psychiatric sciences are always consulted.” serve as the archdiocese’s exorcist after on what’s most important. But when those explanations are the death of his predecessor, Msgr. John “More people today are fascinated by exhausted, Father Lampert is willing Ryan. That priest was discreet in his the devil than they are with the power of to minister to afflicted people with the ministry, not speaking about it publicly. God,” Father Lampert said. “We should spiritual means the Church provides. Because of that, and because there never believe that God and the devil are Bishop Grob spoke of the challenge were so few exorcists in the U.S. in on the same playing field. The devil is of charting this middle course. 2005, Father Lampert was in a bind. still a creature. “In a purely psychological world, there How would he learn about this ministry? “Very intellectual. Superior to us, is no place for what we profess in the “There was nobody I could turn to,” you could say, intellectually. But still a creed that God created all things visible he recalled. “The knowledge of creature. We should never put a creature and invisible,” he said. “Those invisible Msgr. Ryan had died with him.” on the same level as the Creator.” things, as we believe in them, don’t So, while on a sabbatical in Rome He also wants to “debunk a lot of the necessarily have a place when you talk soon after being appointed as exorcist, myths that surround the devil.” about angels and demons. As Catholics, Father Lampert was mentored by a “The more that you shroud something that’s part and parcel of our tradition. Franciscan priest there who had been in secrecy, the more you give it a life of “It’s always a challenge to keep a trained as an exorcist by Passionist Father its own,” he said. “To me, being public healthy balance, because either end is Candido Amantini, the chief exorcist of about the ministry is pulling back the counterproductive.” the Diocese of Rome for decades. curtain on who the devil is.” He said that Father Lampert’s book coronavirus pandemic last year that he “The Church says the best way to Bishop Jeffrey S. Grob, an auxiliary portrays this middle course well. had time to write his book. become an exorcist is the apprenticeship bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, “He presents the mind of the Church, He recognizes, though, that the model,” Father Lampert said. was appointed exorcist for his our understanding,” Bishop Grob said. pandemic and trends going on in society Observing his mentor perform archdiocese in 2006, a year after Father “It’s a balanced read that presents before it began gave an opening to exorcisms, though, was shocking at Lampert took up the ministry. He and concrete situations. It’s down-to-earth the devil to work in ordinary ways in times, as Father Lampert recalls in his Father Lampert have known each other and is approachable. It’s grounded in our people’s lives. book. The mentor priest never flinched, for decades, having been seminarians theology and tradition.” “The devil is an opportunist,” Father even when an afflicted person started together before they were ordained in Sometimes, it takes a long time for the Lampert said. “So, if we find ourselves levitating in one incident. the early 1990s. ministry of an exorcist to have the desired in a crisis, he’s going to use that to his “As the demon laughed hysterically Bishop Grob appreciates Father effect. Father Lampert describes in his own benefit to advance his agenda and and began to levitate, the priest put his Lampert’s willingness to speak publicly book ministering for more than a year to his kingdom. hand on the person’s head and pushed about the ministry of exorcism. a woman possessed by seven demons. “Christ came to give us community. the manifesting demon back into the “There are a handful of guys who are Not being caught up in the “theatrics But the devil is all about isolation— chair, all the while never pausing with more out there, trying to build a healthy of the devil,” when she was finally free divide and conquer—and we’re all the exorcism prayer of the Church,” balance in the understanding of it,” of them, Father Lampert took his success living in isolation today because of the Father Lampert wrote. “I must say at Bishop Grob said. “There are so many as another day at the office. pandemic. Even before the pandemic, that moment I thought, ‘What has my skewed understandings of the ministry. How did he celebrate? By going to a we were all in isolation because of bishop gotten me into?’ ” Father Lampert is a very solidly nearby Dairy Queen for a chocolate milk technology. We’re all walking around Years later and with much experience grounded guy in his faith, his practice of shake. with gadgets in our hands and not really under his belt, Father Lampert isn’t the faith and his teaching of the faith. “The place was crowded and as I communicating with each other. We’re taken aback by the manifestation of “He has good discernment. He looks waited in line to place my order,” he all in isolation.” demons, taking it all in stride. at a situation and sees what it is and notes in the book, “I thought to myself Despite the challenges of the pandemic “I’m not interested in seeing the what it’s not.” that if these people knew where I had and the continued efforts of the devil to theatrics of the devil,” he said. “The just come from I would be like Moses divide and isolate people, Father Lampert focus should be on the power of God ‘Trained to be a skeptic’ parting the Red Sea.” is grounded in the hope of Christ. and what God is doing in the lives of Father Lampert thinks the Church’s One of the reasons Father Lampert is “It may be challenging, but I know people who are afflicted.” approach to demonic activity takes a so successful in his ministry is that he that every time the devil is doing healthy middle ground between two doesn’t just see it as another day at the something that he believes is advancing Debunking devilish myths more extreme views. office. It’s part of his priestly vocation. his kingdom, ultimately he’s advancing Father Lampert is happy to see the “There are people who don’t believe “A vocation is a calling from God,” the kingdom of God,” Father Lampert growth in the ministry of exorcists in in the reality of a personified evil,” Father Lampert said. “Because there are said. “When you think of the crucifixion, the U.S. He credits the increase in part he said. “They would say that evil is fewer priests, we wear so many hats and the moment the devil thought he had to attention drawn to it by St. John nothing more than humanity’s inhumane are pulled in so many directions, there’s won in Christ’s death on the cross, it was Paul II, retired Pope Benedict XVI and treatment of one another. … Then the danger of seeing the priesthood as the moment of his defeat. Pope Francis. there’s the flip side of that where you an occupation. As a vocation, though, “Ultimately, everything the devil does “If the Church isn’t prepared to help have people that see the devil behind you’re a priest 24/7. As an occupation, plays into the hands of God. I believe that people who turn to her and who believe everything and that we’re all poor you do your thing and you’re done and wholeheartedly. And, because of that, I that they’re dealing with demonic victims of what the devil is trying to do.” go on to the next thing.” always have hope and joy.” influence, then they’ll turn elsewhere,” In his book, Father Lampert explains Father Lampert said. “And where they turn that, while he affirms the reality of the ‘I always have hope and joy’ (To purchase Exorcism: The Battle elsewhere may not necessarily bring them devil and the possibility of him and Father Lampert’s priestly ministry against Satan and His Demons, visit the help that they need. It may actually other demons afflicting people, he is was curtailed enough at the start of the stpaulcenter.com or amazon.com.) †

meaningfully exceed existing practical protections, the organizations based on their different beliefs by partially EQUALITY Equality Act would discriminate against people of faith,” repealing the bipartisan Religious Freedom Restoration continued from page 1 they said. “It would also inflict numerous legal and social Act, an unprecedented departure from that law and one of harms on Americans of any faith or none.” America’s founding principles.” gender discordance from discrimination. But instead, the The measure first passed the House on May 17, 2019, The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, is bill represents the imposition by Congress of novel and in a bipartisan 236–173 vote, but the Senate did not act on a 1993 law that protects religions against government divisive viewpoints regarding ‘gender’ on individuals and the bill after receiving it. President Donald J. Trump had intrusion. organizations,” they said. threatened to veto the measure if it ever reached his desk. Among its other provisions, the bishops said, the “This includes dismissing sexual difference and falsely House leadership pledged to see it reintroduced in the measure would expand “the government’s definition presenting ‘gender’ as only a social construct,” they said. 117th Congress. On Feb. 18, Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode of public places into numerous settings, even forcing “As Pope Francis has reflected, however, ‘biological Island, reintroduced it. Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of religiously operated spaces, such as some church halls sex and the sociocultural role of sex—gender—can be Oregon, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Tammy Baldwin of and equivalent facilities owned by synagogues or distinguished but not separated.’ ” Wisconsin are expected to reintroduce a Senate version soon. mosques, to either host functions that violate their beliefs Signing the letter were: Bishop Michael C. Barber A group of faith leaders who support the Equality Act or close their doors to their broader communities.” of Oakland, Calif., chairman of the U.S. Conference who held a webinar for the media on Feb. 24 included On Feb. 26, House Republicans introduced a of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Sister Simone Campbell, a Sister of Social Service, who compromise measure called the Fairness for All Act, Education; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma is the outgoing executive director of Network, a Catholic which differs from H.R. 5 in that it would “clarify City, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic social justice lobby organization. protections based on race, color and national origin.” Justice and Human Development; Cardinal Timothy Network has long supported the measure, she said. “It’s But also unlike the Equality Act, the compromise bill M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the USCCB critically important to ensure there is no discrimination in says RFRA can be used “as a defense in court against Committee for Religious Liberty; Bishop David our nation especially with regard to the LGBTQ community.” allegations of illegal anti-LGBTQ discrimination.” A. Konderla of Tulsa, Okla., chairman of the USCCB In the Catholic faith, all are welcome, she said, “and The USCCB on its website posted an “Action Alert”— Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage; if all are welcome, all need to be protected. I think the bit.ly/3qVHIkL—asking Catholics to write to their and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., bedrock position of our faith is to welcome and secure representatives and senators to urge them to vote against chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities. safety and the ability to flourish for all.” the Equality Act. “It is one thing to be understanding of human weakness Sister Simone and representatives of other faiths, including Some state Catholic conferences have done the same, and the complexities of life, and another to accept ideologies Jewish, Muslim and other Christian leaders, said in the including the Montana Catholic Conference. In a Feb. 24 that attempt to sunder what are inseparable aspects of webinar that the measure “will not reduce religious liberty,” as “Call to Action,” it said: “Everyone deserves to be treated reality,” the bishops said, further quoting Pope Francis. protected by the First Amendment and religious exemptions in with respect and dignity. The Equality Act ... in many “Tragically, this act can also be construed to include current law, “but it will reduce religious bigotry.” ways does the opposite and needs to be opposed.” an abortion mandate, a violation of precious rights to life However, the U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen and conscience,” the committee chairmen added. said in their Feb. 23 letter that if passed, the Equality (The full text of the bishops’ letter to members of Congress “Rather than affirm human dignity in ways that Act will “discriminate against individuals and religious can be found online at bit.ly/3dEDhXE.) † The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 9 A trip with a cooler leads to a journey of offering hope By John Shaughnessy to talk to people,” he says. “Others saw it was a good Andrew Costello’s uplifting journey started when thing that brought me joy. he rolled a cooler filled with leftover picnic food from They saw they could put a parish get-together through the streets of downtown themselves out there like I Indianapolis. had. And it’s hands-on. Half As the cooler bumped along behind him, the then-25- the battle is being present.” year-old Costello looked for anyone who seemed “down Another part of the on their luck.” approach is using the creativity When he met someone, he asked the person if he or and skills that God gives she would like something to eat and drink. Then Costello people, he adds. Beyond spent a few moments talking with the homeless person— distributing food and clothing, “just to let them know someone cared about them, and groups of volunteers also share that they were not forgotten.” a list of job prospects “because Costello kept following that simple approach until the one of the main reasons for cooler was empty. And when he headed home that evening, homelessness is job loss.” he had this amazing feeling, a feeling he wanted to continue. “Helping someone out That’s how “Operation Leftover” began. And for the is not a long, drawn-out past 11 years, one evening a month, Costello has roamed process,” Costello notes. “It through downtown Indianapolis in a personal ministry that can start with buying someone has grown to involve hundreds of volunteers, embraced the in need a sandwich at a local dignity of countless people who are homeless, and touched deli, having ‘goodie bags’ Andrew Costello, second from left, leads a prayer on the night of Feb. 21, 2013, as members of his life in a way he never imagined. ready in a vehicle to hand out, Operation Leftover take to the streets of downtown Indianapolis to provide food, clothing and Now, the 36-year-old Costello is stepping aside as the purchasing IndyGo bus tickets conversation with people who are homeless. The group of young adult Catholics dedicated to coordinator of that ministry as he and his wife, Rebecca, for medical appointments or helping the homeless is based at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. Costello prays are expecting their second child in late March. job interviews—or paying with a man who is homeless, left, and two other members of the group, Michael Gramke, second “I need to be a dad first,” says the member of St. Joan for a P.O. box so someone from right, and Kellye Cramsey. Costello is stepping aside as coordinator of the ministry to focus of Arc Parish in Indianapolis. can privately receive mail. Be on his family. (File photo by John Shaughnessy) While Costello says the grassroots effort will continue, creative with how you help he also reflected upon his time of leading the ministry—a others.” people of forgiveness and compassion.” ministry that he believes God called him to start. And never underestimate the power of prayer and Costello praised the hundreds of volunteers, thanking “If you are docile to the Holy Spirit, God can will God’s mercy to change lives, he says. them for their “time, talent, treasure and sacrifices” to something that will take off like a train,” Costello says. “Although I don’t measure the effectiveness of our help and interact with people who are homeless. Sharing that belief leads him to one of his favorite ministry by numbers, I can safely say that we have helped He especially focused on Juan Aguilar, a volunteer moments of Operation Leftover. at least 30 individuals get off the streets, and that may be for the past five years who will be the new coordinator a modest number,” he says. “I have confidence that our of Operation Leftover. He also thanked Father Rick ‘Half the battle is being present’ prayers have helped many more achieve autonomy, for we Nagel, the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in “There was a woman we helped,” he says. “She was on know that prayer changes things.” Indianapolis, for letting the group use the downtown faith crutches, and she was staying at one of the shelters. She community as its base. asked me if I was giving out something. I gave her some ‘Be people of forgiveness and compassion’ “I’ve always been impressed by his great zeal and love bus passes. Within 10 months, I learned she was gainfully That combination of faith in God and the need for for the poor,” Father Nagel says about Costello. “As a young employed at a furniture store. My understanding was that compassion toward others echoed through the farewell adult, he’s had a steadfast commitment to the community the bus passes helped her get to work. I needed a new note that Costello recently shared with volunteers and that God called him to serve. He’s had a great gift there, and sofa so I went there, and she was very knowledgeable supporters of Operation Leftover. I’m grateful to see how he did it all for the Lord.” about the product. I got a recliner there, too.” “Aside from the power of prayer and the effectiveness Costello is thankful for the gift of these 11 years, too. Besides the new furniture, Costello received a bonus in of God’s mercy, I wanted to remind everyone that the He shares one more story of success and one more request. seeing how God works—including how God seeks people’s people we serve are regular human beings like you and “I cannot tell you how much a consistent commitment help: “We do what we can, and God fills in the gaps behind me,” he wrote. “I have learned that people behave the to Christian charity and humility can change a person’s the scenes. We just need to take the step forward.” way that they do because of their life experiences. life. One of our volunteers who passed away significantly Stepping forward to help is so simple in Operation “Many of our brothers and sisters on the streets turned his life around after he got out of prison because Leftover that it draws many young adults as volunteers, have fallen on hard times due to a plethora of of the love and support of his family. according to Costello. reasons: mental health, chronic illness, loss of a job, “Please be open to forgiving others. That’s what Christ “It was just a simple approach—me going down there broken family relationships. I implore all of you to be did for us, even though we didn’t deserve it.” †

the legislation would require abortion ICC providers to inform them about an continued from page 1 option that could potentially save the ‘During a time when the pandemic has caused unborn child—taking the hormone untold numbers of people, through no fault of school stakeholders reaching out to their progesterone after that initial abortion their own, to be without an income to pay rent, senators if we are to be successful. pill is consumed. “There is strong and vocal opposition Planned Parenthood and the American government entities should be compassionately to these efforts, and we have to provide Civil Liberties Union oppose the working to keep people housed, not making it the other side of the story if school measure, and two Indiana physicians easier for them to be thrust into the streets.’ choice expansion is going to find its way testifying against the bill questioned into law, whether it be in House Bill both the safety and the effectiveness —Angela Espada, executive director of the Indiana 1005 or in House Bill 1001, the budget of abortion pill reversal. But another Catholic Conference bill.” obstetrician, Dr. Christina Francis, The ICC supports the legislation argued that there is a simple principle and encourages the Catholic faithful to behind the method. contact their elected representatives on “Though abortion supporters claim concern for vulnerable women who face the landlords and tenants, which in Indiana this and other matters important to the that this is experimental, nothing could daunting challenges of abortion.” typically favors landlords. Ultimately, Church and the common good. be further from the truth,” said Francis, Another effort that the ICC considers however, lawmakers overturned the veto. “At this critical point in the legislative a Fort Wayne-based physician who pro-life has once again stalled at the “During a time when the pandemic session, there are bills that need to be chairs the American Association of Pro- Statehouse despite backing from Gov. has caused untold numbers of supported, and bills that need to be Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Eric Holcomb and a host of advocates. people, through no fault of their defeated,” said Angela Espada, executive “The reversal of mifepristone with Legislation that would have required own, to be without an income to pay director of the ICC, the public policy progesterone is consistent with a basic employers to provide women with rent, government entities should be voice of the Catholic Church in Indiana. scientific principle that we all learned reasonable accommodations during their compassionately working to keep people “So we are asking everyone to make about in medical school.” pregnancy—adjustments as simple as housed, not making it easier for them to their voices heard.” The ICC also provided testimony offering them more frequent breaks or be thrust into the streets,” Espada said. A significant pro-life bill is another in favor of the bill during a House access to appropriate seating—failed to “As we move forward with the second measure that the ICC is watching closely. committee hearing. gain traction. half of the legislative session, we will House Bill 1577, authored by Rep. Peggy “The Church Another disappointment for the always stand in solidarity with the most Mayfield (R-Martinsville), would require consistently stands ICC and other advocates during the vulnerable among us and call on the abortion providers to offer additional in firm support of first half of the legislative session was Catholic faithful to do the same.” information and resources to women who pregnant women and the overriding of Holcomb’s veto of To follow priority legislation of the are considering abortion, including an their unborn children,” a landlord-tenant bill that was rushed ICC, visit www.indianacc.org. This ultrasound image of their unborn child. said Alexander through last year’s General Assembly. website includes access to I-CAN, the The most intensely debated aspect of Mingus, associate Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 148 was Indiana Catholic Action Network, which the bill involves providing women with director of the ICC. the result of language added to an offers the Church’s position on key information about possibly reversing a “We believe this bill’s unrelated Senate bill during the 2020 issues. Those who sign up for I-CAN chemical, or medication, abortion. This provisions align with legislative session and passed with little receive alerts on legislation moving method of abortion, which is reserved Alexander Mingus the Church’s vision opportunity for debate. forward and ways to contact their elected for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, of the dignity of the SEA 148 was the only bill the representatives. involves the ingestion of two pills human person. We also recognize that this governor vetoed last year. The ICC and within a 24- to 48-hour period. Women legislation is just one piece that’s necessary others wanted the veto to stand because (Victoria Arthur, a member of sometimes change their minds after as we advocate for the proper support, the legislation placed an even greater St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg, is a taking the first pill, mifepristone, and health care, spiritual care and tender imbalance in the relationship between correspondent for The Criterion.) † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 COVID bill OK’d without language to prevent funding of abortion WASHINGTON (CNS)—More than a Amendment—co-sponsored by 206 unemployment benefits through August 3,000 organizations are calling for, so dozen nonprofit organizations, including members—would have added Hyde and increasing the federal supplemental nonprofits can all continue to keep our Catholic Charities USA, praised the language to the American Rescue Plan. payment from $300 per week to $400; workforces intact and help people in our American Rescue Plan passed by the The Hyde language also was rejected as and $143 billion to expand child tax communities,” the organization said. U.S. House early on Feb. 27 for including what became the final bill worked its way credit, child care tax credit and earned March for Life’s president, Jeanne “several provisions of importance to the through various House committees, said income tax credit mostly for one year. Mancini, weighed in on the House not charitable nonprofit sector.” Smith and other national pro-life leaders. Other provisions include $45 billion including a Hyde provision. The $1.9 trillion relief package, which “In a radical departure from all to temporarily expand Affordable Care “At a time when our country is mourning now goes to the Senate for a vote, “would previous COVID-19 relief laws—the Act subsidies for two years and subsidize the deaths of 500,000 Americans, very provide much-needed relief to many bill before us today mandates taxpayer 2020 and 2021 coverage; $50 million for little [less than 10%] of the misnamed nonprofits on the front lines of helping funding for abortion on demand,” Smith family planning; $25 billion for grants to COVID relief package actually goes toward people in communities across this country said. He and other members allowed to restaurants and bars; $7 billion to allow combating the pandemic,” she said. as we continue to deal with the challenges address the full House were given only more loans under the Paycheck Protection “Pro-abortion Democrats are using this created by the pandemic and economic one minute each to speak. Smith’s longer Program (PPP); $6 billion to increase bill to push through billions of dollars in downturn,” said a joint statement from the written statement on the issue was entered nutrition assistance; and $350 billion for subsidies for abortions, not only here in the National Council of Nonprofits. into the Congressional Record, along with states and localities. U.S. but also abroad.” After the vote, House Speaker Nancy his delivered remarks. The bill also provides for checks of These lawmakers “are attempting to Pelosi, D-California, said the measure “Unborn babies need the president $1,400 to go to individuals who earn up use the budget reconciliation process to would be “transformative” in mitigating of the United States and members to $75,000 a year, heads of households accomplish this because they would not poverty amid the pandemic. “We are of Congress to be their friend and earning $112,500 or married couples otherwise have the votes needed to do putting money in workers’ pockets,” she advocate—not another powerful earning $150,000. Eligible dependents, away with popular pro-life riders that said in a statement. “As President [Joe] adversary,” he said. including adult dependents, also would protect Americans from funding the Biden has said, help is on the way.” Smith, a Catholic, who is co-chair each get $1,400. life-ending procedure,” she added. However, on the House floor ahead of of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, The House measure also mandates Like Smith, Mancini pointed to the vote—which came at 2 in the morning quoted a letter that Biden, who also is phasing in a hike in the minimum wage to “consistent polling” that shows “most (EST)—Rep. Chris Catholic, “once wrote to his constituents $15 an hour by 2025. Americans oppose their tax dollars Smith, N.J., criticized explaining his support for laws against The Senate is working on its version of funding abortion both here and abroad. So Pelosi and the House funding for abortion by saying it would the measure, but news reports said many much for unity.” Rules Committee ‘protect both the woman and her unborn in the chamber are divided over the size Carol Tobias, president of National for refusing to child. ... Those of us who are opposed to and scope of the bill. The minimum wage Right to Life, said some estimate that allow a vote on an abortion should not be compelled to pay provision will not be included. The Senate more than $414 billion in taxpayer dollars amendment to add for them.’ parliamentarian said under budget rules it in the American Rescue Plan “potentially language to the “Most Americans agree—58% according cannot be considered. could be used to pay for elective abortions bill “to ensure that to the most recent Marist poll,” added In praising the House measure, the or insurance plans that cover elective taxpayers aren’t Smith, who was among the 212 House National Council of Nonprofits also said abortions.” Rep. Chris Smith forced to subsidize members who voted against the measure. it falls short in some areas, including the “Democrat leaders in the House are not abortion,” as provided All of the Republicans and two Democrats expansion of who is eligible to apply for interested in the wishes of the majority of by the long-standing Hyde Amendment. rejected the bill. It passed with 219 votes. PPP loans by including some nonprofits Americans who oppose taxpayer funding of The Hyde Amendment, re-enacted Allocations in the American Rescue with more than 500 employees, but said the abortions,” Tobias said. “Democrat leaders every year for 45 years, outlaws federal Plan include $17 billion for vaccine- deadline for applying for these loans should are more concerned with fulfilling election- tax dollars from directly funding abortion related activities and programs and be extended beyond March 31, so newly year promises made to pro-abortion groups. except in cases of rape, incest or when the $110 billion for other efforts to contain eligible nonprofits have time to apply. Those groups are interested in abortion at life of the woman would be endangered. the pandemic; $130 billion for public “We call on senators to include anytime, anywhere, for any reason and paid The McMorris Rodgers-Foxx-Walorski schools; $246 billion for extending the additional relief that more than for by taxpayers.” †

INSPIRED BY YOUR RETURN TO BATTLE. AND CONQUERING ORTHO PAIN. Franciscan Health orthopedic specialists are here to help you hit the reset button on nerve, muscle and joint pain. Need a hand getting back to doing what you love? Visit FranciscanHealth.org/OrthoCare. The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 11

A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2021 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Fasting can draw people out of themselves, closer to God, others

By Mike Nelson

In the beginning, fasting was no big deal—or at least it shouldn’t have been. God gave Adam and Eve all they wanted, with one stipulation: Don’t eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. And what happened? Father Daniel Merz, former associate director of the Office of Divine Worship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), suggests that when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit, he put his faith not in God but in food. “The tragedy is not so much that Adam ate food, but that he ate the food for its own sake, ‘apart’ from God and to be independent of him,” said Father Merz in a Lenten reflection for the USCCB. By contrast, when Jesus was tempted by Satan with food, wealth and power in the desert after 40 days of fasting, he rejected Satan completely. Jesus knew that “one does not live on bread alone” (Mt 4:4). “For the Christian,” said Father Merz, “fasting is ultimately about fasting from sin.” “Fasting from sin” is a challenge all of us face daily, although it becomes more prominent, behaviorally speaking, for most of us during Lent. It’s the season in which fasting is the second “pillar,” preceded by prayer and followed by almsgiving. Lent and its symbolism depicted in Scripture remind us that fasting from sin South Korean Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, center, and Father Francis Kim, left, pour soup into a container at a soup kitchen in Myongdong Cathedral helps us connect to God and, in particular, in Seoul on Jan. 22. Authentic fasting can draw people out of themselves to care for others and grow closer to God. (CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Seoul) to the covenant that God established with humanity in its earliest days. the covenant I have made between me and Confinement. Isolation. Deprivation. And it’s understandable that with Lent The first reading for the First Sunday you and all living beings” (Gn 9:14-15). Sound familiar? 2021 at hand, many of us might feel of Lent recounted the aftermath of the But a covenant, of course, is a two-way Throughout the past year, because of that we’ve already done just fine in the great flood of 40 days and 40 nights that street. In this case, humanity’s end of the the coronavirus pandemic, we have been sacrifice department, no ark required. covered the Earth and wiped out all but bargain was that it should refrain—or, in fasting from our normal routines, including For many of us, along with the those safely aboard Noah’s ark. Noah the Lenten vernacular, “fast”—from its work, school, errands and social gatherings. sacrifice has come a certain amount of and his family had been spared because sinful behavior that led to the first flood. Most of us have foregone (sacrificed) suffering—loss of income, employment, they had not engaged in the lawlessness God was hoping, we can assume, that his customary holiday, birthday and anniversary good health and, most tragically, loss of and corruption that had gripped humanity covenant would bring a change of heart celebrations and much more. loved ones. since the original sin of Adam and Eve. and a renewed appreciation for what he But in the interest of serving the So, why continue to fast in a year When the floodwaters subsided, God had provided. greater good—the health and welfare already filled with such difficulty and told Noah he had established a covenant As history has shown, humanity has often of all fellow citizens of our world adversity? Put another way, how can we with humanity, symbolized by the failed to live up to the terms of the covenant. community—many of us have developed look forward to fasting rather than dread rainbow, and would never again permit It may be helpful, then, to consider and new patterns of living. As often as not, it? such destruction. reflect on what Noah and his brood—human, this new behavior entails refraining from Perhaps nowhere in Scripture, apart “When I bring clouds over the Earth, and four-footed, winged and otherwise—endured overindulgence, which is about as Lenten from Jesus’ own fast in the desert, is there the bow appears in the clouds, I will recall during their time aboard the ark. as you can get. a more compelling argument for fasting than in the Book of Isaiah, in which the prophet decries those who would fast for their own sake: “Do not fast as you do today to make your voice heard on high” (Is 58:4). Authentic fasting, Isaiah suggests, is much more: setting free the oppressed, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, sheltering the homeless. “Then,” he declares, “your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed. Your vindication shall go before you” (Is 58:6-8). Our minds and hearts, Isaiah suggests, cannot be fixed solely on ourselves. Our fasting can lead us to something more than a desire to replenish our own bodies. It can lead us to a renewed appreciation and desire for God in our lives, to build a stronger relationship with Jesus, whose fast in the desert anticipated his sacrifice on the cross that gave us our greatest gift: eternal salvation. A gift worth fasting from sin for, indeed. Yes, the rain still comes—but so does the rainbow. God has not reneged on his promise. A woman wearing a protective mask prays during Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 6, 2020. Although the coronavirus pandemic has deprived people of many things, fasting in Lent in 2021 can still lead Catholics to better relationships with other people and with God. (Catholic journalist Mike Nelson writes (CNS photo/Muhammad Hamed, Reuters) from southern California.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Perspectives Amid the Fray/Greg Erlandson For the Journey/Effie Caldarola In marriage and life, them’s fighting words! Forced labor When Father Angelo Bianchi, a boys fighting on a playground. The past it almost always comes back to haunt you. wonderful Pontifical Institute for Foreign four years we saw a lot of this, but it And if the couple is fortunate enough and what Missions missionary, married my wife certainly didn’t start or end there. to be parents, always remember who and me, he gave us Maybe a few lessons that happily is watching when you argue. On the we buy some bad advice. married couples have learned over the one hand, it’s not good if you act as if Oh, it sounded good years might help. a marriage never has conflict and you One morning, I discovered that a sheet at the time. “Don’t Like avoid the kitchen sink arguments. suppress your differences. on my bed had ripped during the night. ever go to bed angry,” That’s when you bring up all the things What you want to do is model for your I thought they were good quality sheets. he told us in front of that really tick you off. You start out children how arguments and disagreements How could they shred? many witnesses. arguing about the housework, and you can be had without going nuclear, and how Then I did the What my wife and I end up arguing about the vacation and the to make up after the disagreement is vented. math. I bought them learned through many car and the kids and the dog. Don’t try to When they are in their own relationships 10 years ago and they years of marriage was settle every score, or you won’t settle any. someday, they will thank you for it. were my favorites. I just the opposite: When And while you’re at it, don’t re-litigate Maybe this advice won’t be that useful slipped them into the you are angry, go to bed. The odds are, things all the old fights from days gone by. Keep in society as a whole these days. A lot rotation far more than will look different after a good night’s sleep. focused on the matter at hand that needs of what passes for debate and argument the other sets. Stuff And if there is still an argument to be had, it addressing. in our public life is really just sound wears out. will likely be at a lower volume. Pay attention to what your spouse is and fury anyway, signifying very little But in this time Maybe this advice won’t work for saying rather than just thinking of the of substance. It’s talk radio. It’s social of globalization, my everybody. Maybe I’m the only husband quick putdown in response. When nothing media. It’s the fury of the self-righteous. sheet set took my thoughts a world away. who gets cranky when he’s tired, but I else works, try listening. On the other hand, there have got to In China, an ethnic Muslim minority doubt it. Always avoid generalizations that be adults somewhere who know how to called Uighurs (pronounced “WEE-gurs”) I’ve been thinking about anger and begin with “you always” or “you never.” have a civil disagreement, even over very is suffering incredible persecution, facing fights lately. We don’t seem to do it very They’re probably not true and certainly important issues, without bringing the ethnic and cultural cleansing. Separated from well in our Church. We don’t seem to do not helpful if you really are hoping to win house down on top of them. their families, subjected to “re-education,” it very well in our society. Clergy and your partner over. Of course, my wife had an alternative torture and rape, they’ve been herded into laity throwing shade. Politicians calling It is particularly helpful to keep the solution to handling our marital disputes. work camps and forced labor. Qurans have each other names. Our arguments rarely gloves on, which most certainly doesn’t “Just admit I’m right,” she said. been seized and worship suppressed. It’s seem truly constructive. seem to be a rule for politics these days. Yes, dear. reminiscent of the gulags of Josef Stalin. The snark and the bile, the public Savvy spouses know when to shut up and So what does this have to do with my smack downs and the passive aggressive when not to stab at a sore spot with a little (Greg Erlandson is director and editor-in- desire for a new set of cotton sheets? digs remind me more of middle school dig. It might feel good in the moment, but chief of Catholic News Service.) † Bloomberg reports that many very prominent American companies are suspected of relying on forced labor in It’s All Good/Patti Lamb China’s Xinjiang region, where the Uighurs are detained. Many of these companies deny This Lent, give grace—and receive it—when necessary that they use textiles produced in the area. They insist that they do not use forced labor Recently, we encountered a milestone at the Lamb household. others with a spirit of transparency, and we could read the in their supply chains. However, it’s a tricky, After multiple increments of online training, six hours of driving “signs” they carry? complicated subject. with a certified instructor, 50 hours of deliberately recorded What would those look like? The Guardian reports that China is the practice driving (Thanks, Dad/David) and passing a “road- “I’m mourning and it feels like this sense of grief will break biggest supplier of cotton products in the ready” test, our son got his driver’s license. me.” world. And 84% of the country’s cotton We celebrated with Chick-fil-A. (“This calls “I can’t believe what’s happening in my life right now. I feel output comes from Xinjiang region. So for Chick-fil-A,” has become one of my like an exposed nerve—completely raw.” even if a company does not have a factory go-to celebratory statements.) “I didn’t get the job/make the team/get selected for the in Xinjiang or purchase cotton and other But the months leading up to receiving scholarship.” textiles directly from the region, what his license weren’t all rosy for Henry. When The acknowledgment that we all carry crosses and wear invisible about the suppliers who do, and who he received his permit, I bought three giant signs led me to consider a new Lenten resolution this year. eventually produce for your favorite magnets to affix to each side of the car. They Simply stated: Give grace—and receive it, when necessary. brand? How carefully does a big company were reflective, fluorescent yellow with a Later that week, a peculiar thing happened. I had an follow this chain? Or does the bottom line cautionary message in bold red and black: agreement with two friends about how we would enroll often turn a blind eye to abuse? “PLEASE BE PATIENT. STUDENT DRIVER.” I wanted other our children in an extracurricular activity and share the In my closet, I note a favorite sweater, drivers out there to understand that Henry is learning, and to be associated, time-consuming and expensive responsibilities. produced by a well-known American extra careful and allow him grace on the road. Uncharacteristically, one friend decided to partner with a brand, with the familiar “made in China” What Henry doesn’t know until he reads this column is different group of moms, and never responded to our outreach tag. I put the sweater down, wondering that the magnets I originally had in my cart said, “CAUTION: about our agreed-upon division of labor and carpooling. if it could be related to the horrors of STUDENT DRIVER … AND SCREAMING PARENT.” Baffled, my friend and I decided to share the responsibility Xinjiang province. The next sweater I After Henry became a bit more comfortable with driving, between the two of us, agreeing that we’d give grace to the friend pick up is “made in Vietnam.” Is that he pleaded with me to remove the signs from the car when who behaved out of character. This was much easier to bear when better, or was the cotton sourced from he was in the driver’s seat. I explained that my motive was each of us admitted that we both need grace ourselves. Xinjiang province, and how careful is to protect him by using signage to signal to others that he’s A quote, attributed to author Lysa TerKeurst, comes to mind: that American label in making sure their a newbie, so they would be more understanding if he made a “It’s easier to give grace when I remember how much I need grace.” sources of labor are not enslaved people? mistake or drove at exactly the speed limit. He conveyed his We all need that undeserved favor at times. God grants it to Bloomberg reports that the U.S. House of embarrassment and asked me to dial down the attention factor. us and we, in turn, are called to extend it to others. Representatives almost unanimously passed He made a strong case, and I acquiesced to his request. I Lent is an especially meaningful time to practice this the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act allowed him to finish his practice driving without the magnets. I approach. Consider what signs and crosses others carry—the that seeks to cut imports from the region. ran across them in the garage the other day when I was looking baggage that’s invisible to our eyes. The Senate has yet to vote on the bill. for a snow shovel. I’m saving the cautionary magnets for the Give grace. Receive grace. Repeat. By Googling Uighur camps and time when Margaret receives her driving permit. (Shocking.) American retail, you can read much about When I looked at the car magnets that afternoon in the (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna Parish in Plainfield, is a this subject and find lists of American garage, a thought flashed in my mind. What if we looked at regular columnist for The Criterion.) † companies who may be implicated. It occurs to me that a good Lenten practice would be to write to some of these Guest Column/Richard Etienne companies and let them know we care about this issue. I have also written to my senators urging them to support the House bill. Creation reminds us that ‘God is good’—all the time On a related subject, The Atlantic Are you familiar with aroma therapy? I full of your glory.” Said another way: the your great glory!” had a recent article called, ominously, like to apply it when I am walking in the Earth is full of God’s glory! In the book of the prophet Jeremiah we “Ultra-fast Fashion is Eating the World.” forest. How often do you regularly carve out read, “You, O Lord, know me, you see me, In 1984, the majority of clothes bought Do you recognize time to reflect on this reality? When was you have found that at heart I am with you” in the U.S. were produced domestically. the scent of a freshly the last time you took the time to truly (Jer 12:3). In the early chapters of Genesis Today, overseas cheap labor dresses us. picked pine needle? observe a sunrise, sunset or the majesty of in the story of creation, we read about the The result of this cheap supply: Can you detect the the night sky? Are you a cloud watcher? world that God created. Several passages Americans buy a piece of clothing every smell of honey suckle It is my fear that too often, focused end with “and God saw that it was good.” five days on average. Cheaply made in the surrounding on the task at hand, we pass by many Think about that: in God’s creation products are viewed as disposable. bush? Do you know wonderful experiences. story, everything was found to be good. Mounds of discarded garments overwhelm the aroma of sassafras In the popular hymn “How Great Thou Make a mental note to become more landfills and pollute the environment. sap? Do you stop to Art,” we hear: “Consider all the worlds aware of God’s creation all around you. Or So here’s another Lenten practice: really savor these thy hands have made. I see the stars, better yet, plan a venture into the “wild” to Don’t buy new clothes this season. experiences? I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power seek out a quiet place in nature to engage “Shop” in your own crowded closet. Visit Do you pause to listen when you are throughout the universe displayed,” as your senses in the wonder all around you. secondhand stores. walking in the woods—to the wind in the well as, “When I look down from lofty And don’t forget—God is good—all Learn about the Uighurs and pray trees, to the flowing water of a nearby mountain grandeur and hear the brook, the time. for them. Take action for a world where brook, to the rustling of small animals in and feel the gentle breeze.” justice trumps profit. the leaves? God’s creation is everywhere! And during the Gloria at every Sunday (Richard Etienne is a member of St. John During eucharistic liturgies, we sing or liturgy—except during Lent and Advent— the Baptist Parish in Newburgh, Ind., in (Effie Caldarola writes for Catholic News recite the words, “Heaven and Earth are we say or sing, “We give you thanks for the Evansville Diocese.) † Service.) † The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 13

Third Sunday of Lent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, March 8 Friday, March 12 St. John of God, religious Hosea 14:2-10 Sunday, March 7, 2021 2 Kings 5:1-15b Psalm 81:6c-11b, 14, 17 • Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4 Mark 12:28-34 • 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 Luke 4:24-30 Saturday, March 13 • John 2:13-25 Tuesday, March 9 Hosea 6:1-6 St. Frances of Rome, religious Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21b The Book of Exodus is the source of For its Gospel reading, the Church Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Luke 18:9-14 the first reading at Mass this weekend. this weekend furnishes us with a passage Psalm 25:4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9 This book is about the Hebrew people, from St. John’s Gospel. Matthew 18:21-35 Sunday, March 14 enslaved and This weekend’s reading recalls the Fourth Sunday of Lent dreadfully mistreated time when Jesus, shortly before Passover, Wednesday, March 10 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 in Egypt. Eventually entered the temple precincts and found Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Psalm 137:1-6 they escaped from a brisk traffic underway in the things Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Ephesians 2:4-10 Egypt and found their needed for ritual sacrifice. Matthew 5:17-19 John 3:14-21 new homeland. Furious, as described by this Gospel, None of this good the Lord drove the merchants away. Thursday, March 11 fortune happened as a He then predicted that the temple Jeremiah 7:23-28 result of coincidence, would fall, in itself a virtual blasphemy, Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 luck or human and then made the astonishing Luke 11:14-23 strategy. Rather, God’s announcement that he would rebuild the power led the Hebrews to a successful colossal structure in three days. (It had escape from Egypt. Moses, their leader in taken many people many years to build this endeavor, was God’s representative, the temple in the first place.) Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle chosen by God for the task. Scholars and leaders later used this As the flight was underway, and as occasion to argue that Jesus was a the people wandered across the bleak blasphemer and a troublemaker. Rogation Days are a way the Church Sinai peninsula in search of the land The reading establishes Jesus as God’s God had promised them, Moses received voice and agent. As bystanders watched prays for good weather for farmers from God what has long been called the this happening unfold, they were reminded Years ago, our parish in a In 1969, when the Church’s Ten Commandments. He then gave them of God’s word in the Scriptures. The Qnorthern Wisconsin farming liturgical calendar was revised, the to the people. Lord’s actions reminded them of God. community celebrated Rogation Days. celebration of Rogation Days became By observing these commandments, the They do not fully comprehend the If I remember optional, at the discretion of national people fulfilled their obligations under the Lord’s words and actions because they are correctly, these were conferences of bishops—primarily due covenant and also found the path to peace humans, nothing less, but nothing more. the three days before to the fact that the Western world had and justice in life given by God, a path that Ascension Thursday, become increasingly industrialized, they themselves could not have devised. Reflection which often came with the primary focus no longer on St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Lent reminds us of our humanity. At the during or right after agriculture and the changing of the Corinthians supplies the second reading. same time, it is always hard for humans planting time. seasons. For people living in the first century, the to admit their limitations. Admitting them At Mass, we In some rural communities, though, proclamation that a convicted felon was frightens us and puts us in our place. would pray for the celebration continues to be divine was hard to accept. To compensate, we celebrate our good weather and observed, particularly in certain parts The Jews, suffering under Roman human accomplishments. We congratulate a bountiful harvest. of Europe. A recent posting by the oppression and enduring so much, were ourselves, for example, on the brilliant The priest would even visit the farms bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, not so apt to revere Roman law or to insights into the workings of the human and bless the fields. I’m no longer in Pa., suggested that this might be an see profound wisdom and justice in the body. Then COVID-19 bluntly shows us that farming, but I was wondering if the opportune time to revive the Rogation system established to enforce Roman law. we are not as smart as we might wish to be. Church still observes Rogation Days? Days, given the plight of so many Corinth’s Christians, however, many of Despite our knowledge, we are at the (Wisconsin) farmers who are struggling to make a whom had been pagans, regarded Roman mercy of storms, earthquakes and evil living. jurisprudence to be supremely wise. Yet, decisions. The marking of Rogation Days, a Roman court convicted Jesus of high In less critical moments, we are A set aside to bless the fields, has a My wife gave birth to a beautiful treason. The consequence of treason for shortsighted and foolish. long history in the Church. Rooted in Q healthy baby boy about five months non-Roman citizens, again as set forth in But God loves us, nonetheless. the Latin verb meaning “to ask” and ago. He has not been baptized yet, due to Roman law, was death by crucifixion. Amid our inadequacies, he forgives and traditionally tied to the spring planting, concerns around COVID-19. Our current Paul asserts that Jesus, the convicted redeems us. He gives us Jesus, his Son, the days were first instituted in the fifth plan is to wait until grandparents, felon, is the key to salvation. He admits as our Savior. How do we attain this century by a bishop in France whose godparents, immediate family members that this reality is a “stumbling block blessing? In the Ten Commandments, diocese had suffered greatly from and spouses, as well as ourselves have for the Jews, and an absurdity for the God gave us the pattern of our lives. pestilence and other natural disorders. had the opportunity to be vaccinated— Gentiles” (1 Cor 1:23). It was glorifying a Obey the Commandments with the help By the ninth century, the observance had which may still not happen until the condemned convict! that God always provides. † been extended to the universal Church. summer or later. Has the Church made a statement on how to handle situations like this or My Journey to God have an opinion? Does our approach make sense, or should we consider changing it? (Kentucky)

I congratulate you on the birth of When God Doesn’t Heal Now A your new baby boy. This is surely By Thomas J. Rillo an exciting time for you and your wife—and for all of your family. I can well understand your desire to have We hear a sorrowful voice speaking with lament everyone together to celebrate the good Is this the world condition for which Jesus was sent? news. But I suggest that you have the Is this the same world that Jesus is fervently grieving? child baptized soon and not wait for Throughout the world voices are raised lamenting. months until everyone has the chance to be vaccinated. Is it within this world Jesus strives to save human souls? Here’s the Church’s teaching on Behold his love for everyone whom he faithfully holds this: The Code of Canon Law says, He continues from his Sacred Heart a plea for world change “Parents are obliged to take care that To press on to heaven and so break earthly chains. infants are baptized in the first few weeks” (#867). Why doesn’t God with His power heal the world now? Several months is just too long to Healing first begins within us, if our pride will allow wait for the child to be missing the It is within our hearts that all the healing should begin graces and blessings that come with God will help us if we first address the healing from within. the sacrament. You should contact your parish’s Healing will come when it begins within the human heart pastor to discuss the possibility of God allows bad things to happen so that healing may start having your child baptized with Bad things will continue to happen with each generation measures taken to ensure the safety of But God gives the gifts and grace needed for our own resurrection. all involved. Going forward with the baptism can be a source of hope for you and your family in this difficult (Thomas J. Rillo is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in time. Bloomington and is a Benedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad. Photo: Msgr. William F. Stumpf offers prays over a (Questions may be sent to Father woman after a healing Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ Indianapolis on Sept. 15, 2020.) (File photo by Natalie Hoefer) gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021

of Diane Brown, Suzanne HARNETT, Jane T., 84., KONRAD, Nancy D., 81, Fore, Daniel, James, Michael St. Charles Borromeo, Christ the King, Indianapolis, and Robert Decraene. Bloomington, Jan. 25. Jan. 27. Wife of Jerry Konrad. Grandmother of 14. Great- Mother of Kathleen Barker, Mother of Kara Gin, Mike and Rest in grandmother of four. Cary, Christopher and Kevin Tim Konrad. Grandmother of DIETZ, Ralph B., 89, Holy Harnett. Grandmother of four. four. Sunset in France Name of Jesus, Beech Grove, Great-grandmother of two. LUX, Patricia A., 84, Holy peace Jan. 29. Father of Maureen HOLLAND, C. Warren, 93, Spirit, Indianapolis, Jan. 30. Klekar, Janice Self and Kathy St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, Mother of Christy Ayers, Westerfield. Brother of Thomas Nov. 23, 2020. Husband of Bobby and Ronny Lux. Sister Please submit in writing Dietz. Grandfather of four. Hellen Holland. Father of of Bill Stamm. Grandmother to our office by 10 a.m. Great-grandfather of nine. Gretchen Etling, Cecil Hanley, of four. Great-grandmother of Thursday before the week of Dan and Mike Holland. four. publication; be sure to state GESWEIN, Joseph H., 97, Grandfather of 14. Great- date of death. Obituaries of St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, MCADAMS, Doris E., 77, grandfather of four. archdiocesan priests serving Jan. 22. Father of Fred St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, our archdiocese are listed Geswein. Brother of Marie HOLTKAMP, Adam J., 34, Jan. 22. Mother of Traci elsewhere in The Criterion. Huth and Francis Geswein. St. Mary, Greenburg, Jan. 27. Corns, Teri Sherman and Troy Order priests and religious Grandfather of two. Great- Husband of Jamie Holtkamp. McAdams. Sister of Linda sisters and brothers are grandfather of one. Father of Lennon Holtkamp. Bradley, Tina Lewis, Rogeann included here, unless they are GIUFFRE, Lucille, 87, Son of Dennis and Joyce Lewis-Sanchez and Cathy natives of the archdiocese or Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Holtkamp. Brother of Lisa Stowe. Grandmother of five. have other connec­tions to it; Jeffersonville, Jan. 22. Mother Kreuzman. Grandson of Ella Great-grandmother of two. those are separate obituaries of Melanie Collins, Dawn Mae Holtkamp. MORRIS, Betty Ray on this page. Smith, Laurianne, Corey, HOPP, James J., 88, St. Luke (Delaisse), 83, St. Paul, Keith and Kyle Giuffre. Sister the Evangelist, Indianapolis, Tell City, Jan. 25. Mother of Marie Giuffre and Louie Jan. 22. Husband of Bernice of Gayla Goetz, Ginger and BAKER, Joan, 92, St. Jude, Castagliola. Grandmother of Hopp. Father of Theresa Stark, Dean Morris. Sister of Janice Indianapolis, Jan. 26. Aunt and six. Great-grandmother of two. Jeffrey and Michael Hopp. Davis and Lynda Gordon. great-aunt of several. GORE, Patricia A., 73, Brother of Barbara Curtis and Grandmother of two. Great- CONNOLLY, Claire A., 88, St. Vincent de Paul, Bedford, John Hopp. Grandfather of grandmother of four. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Dec. 19, 2020. Mother of two. MULL, Connie E., 50, Jan. 28. Mother of Mary Rebecca Godsey, James, John HOTTOIS, Regina L. St. Francis Xavier, Henryville, Baumer, Patti Connolly- and Thomas Gore. Stepmother (Pflanz), 47, Holy Family, Jan. 26. Wife of Craig Mull. Bedwell, Kathleen Hagemeier of Jeff Gore. Sister of Julia New Albany, Jan. 22. Wife Mother of Cassidy and and Susan Wolf. Sister of Dawkins. Grandmother of of Ryan Hottois. Mother of Carson Mull. Daughter of Evelyn Griffin and Robert eight. Great-grandmother of Sophia and Gavin Hottois. Gary and Mary Liz Cooper. Hopkins. Grandmother of 11. one. Sister of Allison Kelly and Stepdaughter of Betty Hayes. A power-generating windmill turbine is pictured during sunset Great-grandmother of three. GOYERT, Marian A., 97, Rick Pflanz. Stepsister of Tony Lewis. in Bourlon, France, on Feb. 23. (CNS photo/Pascal Rossignol, Reuters) COPELAND, Betty F., 95, St. Louis, Batesville, Jan. 24. KENNETT, Alexander, 14, Granddaughter of Gladys Prince of Peace, Madison, Sister of Gerri Wintz. Aunt, Prince of Peace, Madison, Cooper. Jan. 27. Wife of F. Wood great-aunt and great-great-aunt Jan. 30. Son of Bobby and MURPHY, Mary Anne, Beaven, Joan Renn, Esther Richardson. Grandfather of Copeland. Mother of Jane of several. Mary Kennett. Brother of 81, St. Mark the Evangelist, Wheatley, Kenneth, Maurice, two. Blair, Carter, Mark and Robert Lillian, Montana, Daniel, Indianapolis, Jan. 25. Wife Merlin and William Popp. STAPP, Charles, 72, Holy Copeland. Grandmother of HALL, Benjamin, 32, Grandfather of 11. Great- St. Bartholomew, Columbus, Gabe, Hunter, Tyler and of Don Murphy. Mother of Family, New Albany, Jan. 24. nine. Great-grandmother of Walker Kennett. Grandson of Theresa Page, Mark and Mike grandfather of 16. Husband of Dr. Emily Stapp. seven. Jan. 25. Husband of Dimple Hall. Father of Oliver Hall. Pete Gross. Murphy. Grandmother of 10. RICHARDSON, Martin Father of Jennifer Stapp DECRAENE, Geraldine A., Son of Gordon and Teresa KNIGHT, Christine, 94, Great-grandmother of 13. E., 80, Most Precious Blood, Sparks, Alex, Dr. David and 87, St. Luke the Evangelist, Hall. Brother of Alex and St. Malachy. Brownsburg, POPP, James C., 89, St. John Middletown, Jan. 30. Husband Terry Stapp. Grandfather of Indianapolis, Jan. 23. Wife Jared Hall. Grandson of Luella Jan. 27. Mother of Mary Paul II, Sellersburg, Jan. 25. of Elizabeth Richardson. 10. of Robert Decraene. Mother Bogenschutz. Hornbuckle, Margaret Leap, Husband of Juanita Popp. Father of Lisa and Marc STENGER, Earl J., 93, All Jean Raney, John and Paul Father of Mary Lou Adams, Richardson. Brother of Saints, Dearborn County, Knight. Grandmother of 10. Laura Frey, Diane Graf and Leland, Ronald and Russell Jan. 28. Father of Susan Dietz, Great-grandmother of 18. Alan Popp. Brother of Barbara Christy Eckstein, Andrea Fr. Vincent P. Lampert, MDiv Hartman, Sandy Whitehead, Earl, Jr., Jeff, John and Mike Exorcism: The Battle Against Satan Stenger. Brother of Joan Providence Sister Ruth Ellen Doane Oesterling and Jake Stenger. and His Demons Grandfather of 22. Great- served in Catholic schools for 36 years grandfather of 21. Providence Sister Ruth Ellen Doane, a ministered as a music teacher for 36 years in STEVENS, Phyllis, 90, St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint schools in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts Mary-of-the-Woods in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, and at the American International School in Jan. 25. Mother of Sheri Jeffers, Vicki, James II and died on Feb. 5 at Gibson Family Center for Dusseldorf, Germany. In 1993, she began Thomas Stevens. Grandmother Hospice Care in Terre Haute. She was 84. serving in parishes, first in Ferdinand, Ind., and of five. Great-grandmother of Because of the coronavirus pandemic, a then in Iowa. From 2007-16, she volunteered six. virtual funeral service was held on March 1. in Indianapolis in several ministries of her STEWART, Mark W., 51, Burial followed at the sisters’ cemetery. religious community. In 2016, Sister Ruth Ellen Prince of Peace, Madison, Sister Ruth Ellen was born on April 19, returned to the motherhouse where she assisted Jan. 23. Father of Abigail 1936, in Jasper, Ind. She entered the Sisters of at the Providence Spirituality and Conference and Zachary Stewart. Son of Providence on Jan. 4, 1954, and professed final Center. Beginning in 2020, she dedicated Michael L. Stewart. Brother of vows on Aug. 15, 1961. herself entirely to prayer. Mike Stewart.

Sister Ruth Ellen earned a bachelor’s degree In the archdiocese, Sister Ruth Ellen served STILLER, Kenneth R., 88, in mathematics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods at the former St. Patrick School in Indianapolis St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Floyd Available for purchase at: College, a master’s degree in mathematics at from 1961-68 and at Our Lady of Providence County, Jan. 28. Husband Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and a master’s High School in Clarksville from 1970-77. of Marilyn Wheatley Stiller. stpaulcenter.com and amazon.com degree in theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary Memorial gifts may be sent to the Sisters of Father of Terri Canning, Published by Emmaus Road Publishing and School of Theology in St. Meinrad. Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence Road, Saint Jodi Meier and Tony Stiller. During her 67 years as a member of the Mary-of-the-Woods, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN Brother of Vonda Morgan. Sisters of Providence, Sister Ruth Ellen 47876. † Grandfather of six. TEKULVE, William F., 63, St. Louis, Batesville, Jan. 25. Online Lay Ministry Formation Husband of Helen Tekulve. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the Providence Sister Suzanne Smith served as Father of Miranda, Darrin and University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University Dustin Tekulve. Brother of (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: an educator, in business office of her order Bev Wehr, Steve Spencer and • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry Jon Tekulve. Grandfather of • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program Providence Sister Suzanne Smith, a member in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, three. • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the- New Hampshire and Washington, D.C. In 1977, • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners Woods in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, died on Feb. 3 she began serving in the general business office THOMAS, Waverly, 93, St. Roch, Indianapolis, Jan. 27. at Mother Theodore Hall on the campus of her at the motherhouse. After retiring from that For more information, please log on to Mother of Michael Thomas. religious community’s motherhouse. She was 86. office, Sister Suzanne volunteered in several www.archindy.org/layministry Because of the coronavirus pandemic, a offices at the motherhouse and at Saint Mary- VARBLE, Stephen M., 84, virtual funeral service was held on Feb. 22. of-the-Woods College. St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Jan. 29. Father of Stephanie, Burial followed at the sisters’ cemetery. In the archdiocese, Sister Suzanne served at Christopher, Patrick and Travis Sister Suzanne was born on Feb. 26, 1934, the former Ladywood School in Indianapolis Varble. Grandfather of one. REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW in Washington, D.C. She entered the Sisters from 1959-65; at the motherhouse as a of Providence on Jan. 30, 1954, and professed business office assistant from 1977-79, as WATSON, Bernard, 85, If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on St. Barnabas, Jan. 28. Father final vows on Aug. 15, 1961. comptroller from 1982-93, director of finance behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of Carol and Thomas Watson. of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance Sister Suzanne earned a bachelor’s degree in from 1993-99 and the coordinator of the Our coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: chemistry at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Lady of Providence Shrine from 2006-14; and WHITTEN, Mary Ann, 64, Ethics Point a master’s degree in mathematics at the at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as an St. Jude, Indianapolis, Jan. 28. 1 Confidential, Online Reporting Wife of Phillip Whitten. University of Notre Dame in northern Indiana administrative assistant and adjunct instructor www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 Mother of Amy Whitten. Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator and a master’s degree in business administration from 2001-03. Daughter of Alice Springman. 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Sisters of Sister of Chuck and Mike 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 During her 67 years as a member of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence Road, Springman. Grandmother of [email protected] the Sisters of Providence, Sister Suzanne Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, St. Mary-of-the- one. † ministered as a teacher for 20 years in schools Woods, IN 47876. † The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 Page 15 Retire? At age 102, California deacon says he’s not ready SAN DIEGO (CNS)—Deacon Albert and his Catholic secondary education International, a nonprofit that has Graff, who turned 102 on Jan. 23, was made possible through a unique constructed more than 1,000 homes for explains the secret to his longevity in two arrangement: His pastor said the parish poor families in Tijuana. words: “Never retire.” would pay his tuition if he cleaned the “While other charitable groups were An engineer by profession, he had church every week. building ‘homes’ from discarded garage scarcely retired after 25 years at General Deacon Graff went on to earn a doors that were really little more than Atomics when he began his more than degree in mechanical engineering from glorified shacks,” recalled Msgr. Richard 30 years of ministry as a permanent deacon. University of California, Berkeley. Duncanson, pastor of St. James-St. Leo “I retired from General Atomics in In 1947, he married his wife, Marion, from 2001 to 2006, “Deacon Al developed April of 1983 and was ordained a deacon who died in 2000. The couple settled in a system by which the families built their in May of 1983,” said Deacon Graff, San Diego in 1958, becoming members of own homes using interlocking concrete who ministered to the St. James-St. Leo St. James Parish. blocks, which they made and assembled Catholic Community in Solana Beach, In the late 1970s, at a time when there on-site.” 22 miles north of San Diego. were already two deacons serving the In 1988, Deacon Graff co-founded He continued in active ministry well St. James-St. Leo Community, he remembers Community HousingWorks, which into his 90s, retiring for good only after asking his pastor, “Can you use a third?” provides affordable apartments for the suffering a stroke five years ago. He still Emboldened by the priest’s response—“I working poor in San Diego. attends Mass at the parish, including can use a dozen”—he entered the San Diego Three years later, he co-founded the Friday school Masses. Diocese’s deacon formation program. St. Leo Medical-Dental Clinic in Solana Born in North Dakota, Deacon Graff Among his duties as a deacon, he had Beach, which treats patients who cannot grew up in Los Angeles, where he a particular love for preaching and was afford health insurance. attended Catholic schools through high committed to serving the poor of nearby “Deacon Al has always had a heart for school. Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego. the poor,” Deacon Peter Hodsdon, who Deacon Albert Graff is seen after Mass at His family was far from affluent, In 1985, he co-founded Esperanza has served the St. James-St. Leo Catholic St. James Church in Solana Beach, Calif., on Community since 2006, told The Southern Jan. 29. He turned 102 on Jan. 23. (CNS photo/ Cross, San Diego’s diocesan newspaper. Denis Grasska, The Souther Cross) Age: Our Future. The elderly after the “In the days when it was unclear what a GUEST pandemic,” highlights the role played deacon was supposed to do, Al had a ready continued from page 4 by the elderly in the preservation and answer—to serve the folks on the margins.” Lang, who praised the centenarian’s transmission of the faith to young people. Deacon Graff also has been a devotion to God and service to others, time to recognize ourselves as the body I believe that our role as young benefactor of St. James Academy, the said: “If we all shared a fraction of the of Christ, to support one another and believers and scientists is to make the parochial school where four of his five compassion, mercy, faith and love Deacon to reflect God’s concern for all people, most of our faith and gifts, “for we are children were students. The Deacon Al has provided to others, the world especially for the most vulnerable. This his handiwork, created in Jesus Christ for Al Graff Scholarship Fund was started would be a better place.” direction will move society toward a the good works that God has prepared in in January 2019 to help make Catholic For his own part, Deacon Graff’s better future. advance” (Eph 2:10). education accessible to parishioners with message to fellow Catholics is a simple One of the major challenges of my Young people can serve as a voice limited financial means. one: “Stay involved with your Church. ... generation is the loss of faith. After seeing of peace and reassurance and have the St. James Academy Principal Christine You need to practice your faith.” † so much suffering, especially in the energy and passion to repair what has current pandemic, many millennials have been damaged, both to the planet and to questions. Their spiritual leaders don’t the fabric of human solidarity. have answers to these questions. The Scripture says, “God anointed Jesus of future looks alarming to this generation. Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Special Care If we are willing to repair our common He went about doing good and healing Classified Directory home, we will need young minds who all those oppressed by the devil, for God are animated by their faith in God and was with him” (Acts 10:38). This is how Construction care for creation. We care for creation young people, infused with faith, should Trusted and Compassionate Care not only because we live in it, but also seek the transformation Pope Francis Serving people with Autism & because it reveals who God is. Millennials dreams of for our world. Developmental Disabilities are in great need for spiritual leadership ∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) and discipleship in order to see creation (Sandra Azab is a pharmacist, ∙ Residential, Community, Respite the way God sees it! The Church cannot international health specialist and a and PAC Services ∙ Staff screened and trained neglect this responsibility. researcher at St. Joseph Institute for A recent document published by Family and Life in Egypt. She is a member Kathy and Terry Huser (317) 255-5700 the Pontifical Academy for Life, “Old of the Pontifical Academy for Life.) † Call 317-236-1585 www.HuserSpecialCare.com TO ADVERTISE IN The Criterion Career Opportunities Available Employment

Employment Human Resources Specialist, DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Employee Relations and Staffing St. Theodore Guerin High School, located in Noblesville, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis is seeking a full-time Human Indiana, is accepting applications for a full-time Resources Specialist to provide proactive, on-site guidance and assistance to our parishes, schools, and agencies. The Human Resources Specialist will ensure Director of Enrollment Management. compliance with legal requirements and Archdiocesan policies, assist with The Director of Enrollment Management is a full-time posting and interviewing for job openings, and offer a high level of service in exempt salaried position reporting to the President collaboration with other Human Resources team members. Duties include job description preparation and review, human resources policy administration, and is an integral part of the school’s leadership performance management consultation, parish human resources assessments, team. The Director of Enrollment Management is employee recruitment and selection, misconduct investigations, and serving as responsible for planning and implementing a strategic program to a back-up for other human resources team members. This position will report to market St. Theodore Guerin High School to prospective students and the Associate Director of Human Resources. their families; and, ultimately, for enrolling new students in numbers sufficient to meet annual goals. The Director will provide a creative The position involves proactively scheduling consultative visits to parishes, vision and energetic oversight for all admissions and recruitment schools, and agencies and travel to those locations up to two to three days operations and retention efforts. The successful candidate will per week and office hours at the Catholic Center for the remainder of the have demonstrated ability to coordinate an enrollment management workweek. There is a high degree of collaboration with other Human Resources program that will effectively attract, enroll, and retain students team members as well as with other Archdiocesan agencies. Excellent who desire to be a part of a dynamic faith based high school. communications skills, organizational ability, and knowledge of employment law are essential. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, The qualifications for the position: business administration, or a related field. Designation as a Professional in • Human Resources (PHR) or Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM- A Bachelor’s Degree is required, and a master’s degree preferred. • CP) is preferred. The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus. At least 5 Experience in educational enrollment management preferred. years of human resources experience is required, preferably involving coaching • Have a collaborative leadership philosophy that works well in a leaders in effective human resources practices. team atmosphere. • Be a practicing Catholic in good standing and personal witness to Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and list of references, in confidence, to: the Catholic faith by living in accordance with the doctrines and morals of the Roman Catholic Church. Andrea Wunnenberg Associate Director, Human Resources For a detailed job description, please visit GuerinCatholic.org. Qualified Archdiocese of Indianapolis candidates should email a current résumé and cover letter to apply@ 1400 N. Meridian St. guerincatholic.org. Please include at least three references as part of the Indianapolis, IN 46202 résumé. E-mail: [email protected] St. Theodore Guerin High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer Guerin Catholic High School 15300 Gray Road l Noblesville, IN 46062 l (317) 582-0120 l GuerinCatholic.org Page 16 The Criterion Friday, March 5, 2021 JOIN US VIRTUALLY Legacy Friday, April 16, 2021 | 6:30 pm GalaKeeping in Step EVENT LINK: with the Spirit www.archindy.org/LegacyGala2021 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SEMINARIAN EDUCATION THIS IS AN EVENT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS! Here’s What You Can Expect... Fun | Music by The Doo | Amazing Auction Items | Honoring Mickey Lentz The Best Emcee - Rafael Sanchez (WRTV6) | Hear from Archbishop Thompson Watch Impactful Ministry Stories | And Much, Much More! YOU CAN EVEN HOST A WATCH PARTY AND SHARE IN THIS FUN EVENING WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! VISIT WWW.ARCHINDY.ORG/GALAWATCHPARTY FOR MORE INFO. It’s FREE to join! Simply visit this link on April 16 at 6:30 pm: www.archindy.org/LegacyGala2021. We also have some FANTASTIC CHAIRPERSONS you might recognize!

Honorary Chairpersons Honorary Chairpersons Event Chairpersons Jack and Casie Doyle Jerry and Rosie Semler John and Melissa Duffy Indianapolis Colts - TE So, what is this event all about? In an effort to be good stewards of its people, resources and our donors’ time, OUR 2021 LEGACY GALA HONOREE IS... the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has made the decision to combine the Celebrating Catholic School Values and Spirit of Service events. In doing so, we are Annette “Mickey” Lentz establishing the inaugural Legacy Gala as a way to garner support among the Celebrate with us as we honor Mickey Lentz for her Catholic community for three vital archdiocesan ministries: 60 years of service to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools and Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY! WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING WITH YOU! A very special THANK YOU to our sponsors for making this virtual event possible!