Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 28 No. 9 November / December 2012 Bishop Vann leaves solid accomplishments as he prepares to head Diocese of Orange

Bishop Vann strides through the assembly after the closing of the 40th Anniversary Mass for the Diocese of Fort Worth, August 9, 2009. Bishop Vann shepherded the Diocese of Fort Worth through seven years of explosive growth, espousing a pastoral philosophy of Communio. He will be installed the fourth Bishop of Orange, December 10.

15 26 35 Cardinal Dolan says Catholic Charities Director SQPN's Fr. Roderick three things are Heather Reynolds reflects Von Högen says attractive to new on the support Bishop Vann Catholics must have Catholics: penance has given as the agency has fun, positive, personal the pope, and Mary. responded to more needs. voice online. Pope Benedict XVI leads a meeting of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization at the Vatican Oct. 9. 14 CNS photo / Paul Haring 14 The New Evangelization In This Issue... The New Evangelization is very much integrated with the Year of Faith. Both invite us to deepen our relationship Bishop Vann expresses 4 with Christ and his Church as the first his appreciation step to being able to share our faith. Bishop Vann explains how his transi- tion to being installed Bishop of the Diocese of Orange, California will work, 23 Bishop Vann's legacy expresses his love of the Diocese of Bishop here for seven years, Bishop Fort Worth and its people. Vann has made an impact on the Church of Fort Worth in many areas. Advent and Christmas 22 An overview article takes a broad view, already? 23 and on the next four pages, our writers We offer one Advent piece, but for the focus on a few specific areas. rest of the inspirational series of sea- sonal articles, you’ll have to go the NTC 28 40 Days for Life-Fort Worth website, northtexascatholic.org, over Now international, 40 Days for Life be- the next couple of months. 28 gan in College Station. Juan Guajardo has captured images and stories of a Bishop Vann to ordain 32 few who stood and prayed at Planned two Franciscan priests Parenthood during this year's pro-life Brother Jonathan and Brother Ron will campaign. be ordained Third Order Franciscan priests at the Province of the Most Holy Sacrament in Loretto Pennsylvania, 30 Michael Barks Honored Nov. 30. They’ve been interning OMM Catholic School President at Good Shepherd and St. Andrew Michael Barks has been honored for parishes respectively. Read their his outstanding service to Our Mother personal stories. of Mercy School (among others), but he 30 wants to share the credit all around. Catholic New Media 35 Convenes in Arlington Bloggers and others who use the web to share the Gospel, met in Arlington 38 Life of an Athlete recently at the first Catholic New Media Brothers Steve and Joe Prud’homme Conference to be hosted inland, away have coached Nolan Catholic to many from the East Coast. They shared in- victories and state championships, but formation and enthusiasm about their for them, the ultimate game is helping electronic outreach, an outreach em- their athletes make good decisions and braced and encouraged by the Vatican. 38 develop Christian character.

Page 2 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Advent and Christmas, New Evangelization, and Bishop Vann is leaving...

ctually, this is just a short list of the major, major items of great importance crowding (or attempting to crowd) Publisher: Editorial Office: 800 West A Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, their way into this issue. Bishop Kevin W. Vann Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; And to make it more interesting, our associate editor, Tony Director of FAX (817) 244-8839. Circulation Office: Rita Gutiérrez, had major surgery just one week ago today. The great Communications: Garber, 800 West Loop 820 news on that is, he's already home and on the mend. In a phone Pat Svacina S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. call just an hour ago, he said the medical personnel were sur- Editor: Jeff Hensley NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC prised at how quickly he is mending. Praise God! Prayer —and Associate Editor: Newsmagazine (USPS good medical care) work wonders. 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) Tony Gutiérrez is published six times a year The elections approach, and all people of good will are chal- (bi-monthly) by the Most Rev. Administrative Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of the lenged to make the best decisions they can, given the informa- Assistant: Judy Russeau Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 W. tion they have available. For Catholics, there is the urgent need Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas Web Designer: 76108. For those who are to inform our consciences before voting. That's why the U.S. Chris Kastner not registered parishioners Bishops created their guide to the electoral process "Forming in the Diocese of Fort Worth, Circulation: Rita Garber subscription rates are $18 for Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." one year, $35 for two years, No one can coerce conscience, and no political party or $50 for three years. Periodical CONTRIBUTORS: postage paid at Fort Worth, candidate embraces all the principles of great importance to Texas. POSTMASTER: Send ad- Catholics. Michele Baker dress changes to North Texas Crystal Brown Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., But in "Faithful Citizenship" the bishops make the point Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Jenara Kocks Burgess that not all issues are equal: There is a prioritizing of the issues Deadline for information for Jaqueline Burkepile the North Texas Catholic is that make some political choices unacceptable because they Jerry Circelli noon of the Wednesday two require material cooperation with evil. weeks before the paper is Juan Guajardo published. The NTC is pub- If you haven't read "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citi- Kathy Cribari Hamer lished bi-monthly, the third zenship," simply search on "Faithful Citizenship." The first thing Friday of the month, with John Henry the following two months as to pop up in your browser should be the USCCB's page for the Joan Kurkowski-Gillen the date of each issue. document. You can read the document there online or down- Mike McGee To access current news and information, find us at www. load the .pdf file of it. Wendy Pandolfo northtexascatholic.org There is a lot of good, encouraging reading in this issue Donna Ryckaert The appearance of advertis- of the North Texas Catholic, and it comes to you with the Kristin Zschiesche ing in these pages does not imply endorsement of busi- desire of our small staff and larger team of freelancers that you, nesses, services, or products. personally, will experience more and more of the love of God in Regular Columnists: Readers must exercise prudence in responding to your life as we enter this Year of Faith, and that your love will Denise Bossert advertising in all media. Jean Denton overflow in a way that allows you to become a bearer of the Kathy Cribari Hamer Good News. Jeff Hedglen Don't forget to catch us online at northtexascatholic.org. Jeff Hensley David Mills Mary Regina Morrell Father Isaac Orozco Jeff Hensley Sharon K. Perkins Editor

Page 3 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 OUR SHEPHERD SPEAKS

With all my heart I thank you for your commitment of faith, goodness, and support

These words were very prophetic for me, Many people have been asking what hap- as the above book was given to me by a good pens now in Fort Worth. After my Installa- priest friend of mine when I was sent here tion, Fort Worth will become an empty see or as Bishop Delaney’s co-adjutor in 2005, and sede vacante. The new Diocesan Administra- succeeded him at his untimely death. I did, in- tor will be elected by a group of senior priests deed, have to rise and be on my way, to follow from within the diocese known as the College Dear Brothers and the Lord where He called me to journey with of Consultors. The priest who is elected will Sisters in Christ, you as the Shepherd here in our wonderful then maintain the day-to-day activities of the diocese. These last seven years have been years diocese, but without the authority of a bishop. of great blessing for me personally as together, The diocese will then wait for a new bishop to ne of my favorite books, which is an many things have been able to be accom- be assigned from Pope Benedict XVI. Please easy read as well, is entitled Rise, Let plished as a response of faith to the Lord who begin praying, as will I, for the new Bishop of Us Be on Our Way by Pope John Paul calls us to be his people. I thank you for your Fort Worth. OII. This work follows an earlier work entitled generosity, faith, and love in so many ways. With all of my heart, I thank you for your Gift and Mystery. Both narrate, in his own On Sept. 7, the above words of the Lord commitment of faith, and your goodness and words, the life of Blessed John Paul II. Gift became a reality for me again when the Holy support to me in moments of blessing and mo- and Mystery is about his early years up to his Father’s representative to our country, Arch- ments of challenge. Your stewardship of time, priesthood ordination. Rise, Let Us Be on Our bishop Vigano, called me to let me know that talent, and treasure are helping to take the Way is the narration of his life from the time Pope Benedict XVI has named me as the Diocese of Fort Worth into a future full of he was nominated as Auxiliary Bishop of Kra- fourth Bishop of Orange in California. As hope, as we build on a legacy of faith and lead- kow until his election as the Bishop of Rome. I said to the staff at the Marywood Pastoral ership since the diocese was founded in 1969. In the last chapter of Rise, Let Us Be on Our Center in Orange two weeks ago, I love the My installation as the Bishop of Orange Way, he ends with the following words: people of North Texas very much, and you in- will take place on December 9 and 10, with deed have become my family. This will be now Evening Prayer on December 9 at 7:30 p.m. …On another occasion, to the same three a year of great transition, with the death of my at the future Christ Cathedral Arboretum disciples, Jesus said “Rise, and do not be mother, leaving here, and moving to Orange. and the Installation Mass on December 10 at afraid!” (Matt. 17:7). God’s love does not But I trust in the same Lord who led me here 2 p.m. at the University of California Irvine impose burdens upon us that we cannot among you, and now asks me to follow Him to Bren Events Center. carry, nor make demands of us that we the Diocese of Orange. Please pray for me in these times of transi- cannot fulfill. For whatever He asks of Even though geographically very different tion, as I do for you. I continue to live, with us, He provides the help that is needed. I in square miles than Fort Worth (one county the help of God, the motto which came to me say this from the place to which the love of of 700 square miles, as opposed to 28 counties when I was appointed bishop: “Do everything Christ Our Savior has led me, asking of of 24,000 square miles), the Catholic popula- in faith and love in Christ Jesus.” me that I should leave my native land so tion is about 1,300,000 or 40 percent of the God bless you always. as to bring forth fruit elsewhere through population. The Diocese of Orange has many his grace — fruit that will last (cf. John of the same cultural groups that we have here, 15:16). Echoing the words of our Lord only more. There is the practice of a vibrant and Master, I too say to each of you, dear faith, where the challenge is building and brothers in the episcopate, “Rise, let us expansion. And there is the recent purchase + Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD be on our way!” Let us go forth full of of the Crystal Cathedral (the future Christ Apostolic Administrator trust in Christ. He will accompany us as Cathedral), which truly is a “gift from God” as Diocese of Fort Worth we journey toward the goal that He alone Bishop Brown has noted, and it’s being shaped knows. into a Catholic Cathedral.

Page 4 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Diocese the present and the past. You can actually see the continuity of the Church in the architecture.” Fr. Jonathan Wallis appointed director of Catechesis After a brief stint as priest sec- retary to Bishop Kevin Vann, the Father Jonathan Wallis has been ap- former music teacher and recent pointed director of Catechesis for the We must always remem- theology student is excited about Diocese of Fort Worth. The son of his new appointment as director of an Episcopal priest, Wallis grew up ber that our connection is Catechesis for the diocese. in the small Missouri town of West “There are a great deal of simi- Plains and came to Fort Worth in to a living person — Jesus larities between teaching music and 1992 as an undergraduate to study Christ. The role of catechesis teaching the Catholic faith,” he said at Texas Christian University. Five in a recent e-mail. “In both cases, years and a Bachelor of Music Educa- is to deepen our faith and there is an absolute need of both tion degree later, he became Catholic. the individual and the group. One “The clear teaching on the Eu- strengthen the bonds of relies upon the other.” charist really cinched it for me: the charity between God and While he admits that oversee- historical continuity of it.” Wallis ing a catechetical program for an said in a recent interview. “And I our neighbor.” entire diocese can be daunting, he’s loved Pope John Paul II.” confident that with the excellent Fr. Jonathan Wallis By 2000 he’d entered Assump- Bishop Vann chose to send Wallis to resources available and the hard tion Seminary in San Antonio, and here in Fort Worth, I could see the Pontifical Gregorian University work of so many individuals in the in 2007 he was ordained a diocesan that God had called me to serve in Rome. Wallis studied dogmatic diocese, he has the tools to build a priest for the Diocese of Fort Worth. here,” he said. In 2010, after three theology there, earning his License first rate program. Yet Fr. Wallis “Even though I wasn’t born years at St. Matthew’s in Arlington, in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) in July has a clear view of the big picture. of this year. “We must always remember that “Part of the beauty of being in our connection is to a living person Rome is being where so many im- — Jesus Christ,” he said. “The role portant events in the Church have of catechesis is to deepen our faith taken place,” Fr. Wallis said. “The and strengthen the bonds of charity Romans live very comfortably in between God and our neighbor.”

Page 5 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Church, National & International newsBriefs ’ Pope names Msgr. Joseph Strickland Pope's book on Jesus infancy to be presented new bishop of Diocese of Tyler at Frankfurt book fair TYLER — Pope Benedict XVI has VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jesus named 53-year-old Monsignor Joseph was not born “once upon a time” as in E. Strickland, vicar general of the a fable, but in a historically verifiable Diocese of Tyler, as bishop of Tyler. place and moment that were detailed The appointment was announced accurately in the Gospel of Luke, in Washington Sept. 29 by Arch- Pope Benedict XVI writes in the third bishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic volume of his work, Jesus of Nazareth. nuncio to the United States. Bishop- Two short excerpts from the pope’s designate Strickland succeeds Bishop book, which is scheduled to be re- Alvaro Corrada del Rio, who was leased before Christmas, were dis- used for the first two volumes: The first, named bishop of Mayaguez, Puerto tributed by the Italian publisher Riz- published in 2007, covered the period Rico, in 2011 after heading the Ty- zoli Oct. 9, along with an announce- from Jesus’ baptism to his Transfigu- ment that Rizzoli would present the ration; while the second, regarding his ler Diocese for more than a decade. Bishop Designate Joseph Strickland Msgr. Strickland has served as apos- book at the Frankfurt Book Fair. passion and death, came out in 2011. tolic delegate to the diocese since then. 1989; pastor of St. Michael Church Rizzoli said the book fair would The pope’s latest literary ef- At a Sept. 29 news conference in in Mount Pleasant from 1989 until be an opportunity to finalize deals fort uses the Gospels to explore the Tyler, Bishop-designate Strickland August 1992, when he was assigned for translations of the pope’s book in infancy and childhood of Jesus. called his appointment a “joyful mes- to Canon Law studies at the Catho- 20 languages, including English. The In a second excerpt released from the sage” and said he was “grateful to lic University of America by Bishop Vatican publishing house announced new book, Pope Benedict invokes the God” for the opportunity given him. Edmond Carmody. He received his in September that it had made an image of the infant Christ wrapped in “It’s a joyful message we share to- licentiate in Canon Law in 1994 and agreement with Rizzoli to handle the swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. day,” he said to fellow priests, deacons, was assigned as rector of the Cathedral sale of international rights to the book. He elaborates on an observation by St. consecrated religious, lay faithful, of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler The book fair, one of the world’s Augustine that the manger, where ani- and local press. “My greatest joy has that same year. In 1995, he was named most important, runs Oct. 10 - 14. mals find their nourishment, becomes a always been to gather around the altar judicial vicar for the Diocese of Tyler and Rizzoli also released a facsimile of “reminder of the table of God where man of Christ with you. I know this is a named a prelate of honor with the title the book’s cover, which is similar to that is invited to receive the bread of God.” tremendous challenge,” the bishop-des- monsignor. In 2010, he was appointed ignate said. “But I’m here with family.” vicar general of the Tyler Diocese. Ukrainian leader: Global crisis Joseph E. Strickland was born He will be ordained a bishop and Oct. 31, 1958, in Fredericksburg, installed as the fourth bishop of the Dio- in economy has spiritual root Texas. He attended the University of cese of Tyler Nov. 28 at a special Mass to SAINTE-ADELE, Quebec Archbishop Shevchuk said the Dallas and Holy Trinity Seminary, be celebrated in Caldwell Auditorium in (CNS) — Western secular- Church must find “new cour- Dallas, 1977-1985, and was awarded Tyler. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, arch- ism underlies the worldwide age” to proclaim the truth of a Bachelor of Arts degree from the bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston- economic crisis and challenges the Gospel to contemporary University of Dallas in 1981 and Houston and Archbishop Michael J. the future of Ukraine, the head society to provide “an anchor a Master of Divinity degree from Sheehan, archbishop of Santa Fe, New of the Ukrainian Catholic and compass,” he said. Holy Trinity Seminary, in 1985. Mexico will act as co-consecrators. Church told Canada’s bishops. “Secularism would like us He was ordained a priest for the Bishop-designate Strickland said he “The current economic crisis is to be closed in a little box of Diocese of Dallas in 1985. The Dio- will dedicate his ministry as bishop to merely the symptom of a much Sunday worship.” The former cese of Tyler was created in 1986. In the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Im- deeper spiritual and cultural Soviet Union used that ap- 1994, Bishop-designate Strickland was maculate Heart of Mary, and said his crisis,” Archbishop Sviatoslav proach to religion, he said. awarded a licentiate in canon law from episcopal motto will be, “To dwell in the Shevchuk told the annual plena- “Separation of church and The Catholic University of America. house of the Lord.” He also announced ry of the Canadian Conference state has become separation of His pastoral assignments included that he will lead a prayer vigil on the of Catholic Bishops Sept. 25. faith values from society, yet serving as parochial vicar, Immacu- Tyler courthouse square Nov. 4 and “As Western society re- our mission is to preach the late Conception Church, Tyler, from invited people of all faiths to join him. jects old moral structures and word of God to all and to be a 1985-89; diocesan vocations director The Diocese of Tyler includes values, it finds that its moral constant sign of God’s loving from 1987-89; parochial vicar of Sa- 1,396,736 persons, with 54,746, GPS has no fixed and sta- presence through social minis- cred Heart Church June to October or four percent of them Catholic. tionary points of reference.” try,” he said. Page 6 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Diocesan, local & state newsBriefs

(Photo provided) Catholic Charities dental clinic named for Bishop Vann Teachers for the new Holy Cross School in Frisco carry the crucifixes that will Bishop Kevin Vann is joined at the Sept. 25 dedication of the Catholic Chari- be placed prominently in their classrooms as part of the dedication liturgy ties Fort Worth dental clinic named in his honor by CCFW Executive Director celebrated in the school's assembly space. (Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) Heather Reynolds, (right) and CCFW board member Donna Springer, who coordinated the construction of the clinic. The Bishop Kevin W. Vann Dental Bishop Vann dedicates Holy Cross School in Frisco, Clinic, a full-service dental clinic, opened Oct. 1, and will provide access to Sept. 15; diocese's 1st new school in 15 years affordable and quality dental care for individuals and families residing within the 28 counties of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth with a household By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen book catalog,” lbrarian Chris Davis added. income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The clinic Correspondent School Superintendent Don Miller is located at the CCFW main campus, 249 West Thornhill Drive in Fort Worth. Blessing of Holy Cross School, the first called the opening of the 17th elementa- For more information, contact CCFW at (817) 534-0814 or visit www.catholic- school to open in the diocese in 15 years ry school in the diocese, “a tribute to the charitiesfortworth.org. came the day after the September 14 feast pastoral leadership of Father (Michael) of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Holmberg and the commitment of his “From now on the feast of the parish to make this happen.” Holy Cross will not just be a day on The diocese conducted a feasibility the Church’s liturgical calendar but a study three years ago and the findings real day of faith and celebration for all indicated interest for a school in the of you,” said Bishop Vann during the area, he told the North Texas Catholic. dedication liturgy, Sept. 15. “Last November the bishop and Housed in a renovated, two-story Fr. Holmberg asked me to start this building near the growing communities project and make it happen,” Miller of Frisco, The Colony, and Little Elm, added. “Due to the commitment of Holy Cross Catholic School currently a lot of people, we were able to do accepts Pre-K 3 through second grade this in a fairly short period of time.” (Photo provided) students. Administrators plan to add Eventually, Holy Cross School will an additional class level each year. The move to its permanent location on a North Deanery Knights councils raise funds for 3D/4D school’s eight classrooms can accom- 34-acre plot of land in Frisco purchased ultrasound machine for ABBA Women's Center modate 150 pupils, according to Ann for a new church. The Knights of Columbus of Cooke, Montague, and Clay Counties presented Beckel, director of curriculum. During the dedication ceremony, a $25,000 check to Sandee Feyereisen, executive director of All Babies Born “Technology is one of our drawing Bishop Vann blessed crucifixes which Alive (ABBA) Women’s Center in Gainesville recently. The $25,000 raised by points,” says the veteran educator who were carried by teachers to their class- the local Knights of Columbus grant program will be matched by the Knights retired from her job as a Lewisville ISD rooms. He then sprinkled each room of Columbus Supreme Council to purchase a new 3D-4D Color Ultrasound principal last year.Every Holy Cross stu- with holy water. Machine for ABBA. ABBA is a North Texas and Southern Oklahoma pregnancy dent receives an iPad to use in school and After the sacred rituals, Principal resource center which currently has the third highest call volume among classrooms are equipped with Promethe- Marie Pishko thanked the bishop and pregnancy centers in Texas. Representing the Knights at the presentation an interactive whiteboards which allow Catholic Schools Office for their sup- were Texas District 16 Deputy John Shiffer, and Grand Knights Danny Wolf of a teacher to share information, graphs, port during the building process, as well Gainesville Council 1167, Jerry Metzler of Lindsay Council 11905, Craig Stoffels and charts directly from a computer. as the parents who had enough faith in of Muenster Council 1459, and Mike Becan of Moncla (Montague/Clay) Council Each student's iPad is downloaded the value of Catholic schools to enroll 14339 serving Henrietta, Bowie, Montague, and Nocona. with applications requested by the teacher. their children even before they had a The money was raised at a Knights-sponsored barbecue dinner benefit held “There’s even an app for browsing our building, textbooks, or teachers. Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Centennial Hall in Lindsay.

Page 7 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Diocesan, local & state newsBriefs

Bishop James Conley, presenter and con- The bishop modeled a TCU Catholic Com- celebrant of this year's Red Mass poses at munity T-shirt. (Photo by Steve Moffett) the reception following. (Photo Provided) Bishop Vann dons purple Bishops Conley & Vann after TCU Community Mass concelebrate Red Mass At the Sept. 27 evening event, “Elevating Cassata,”celebrating the conclu- As North Texas figuratively – and liter- sion of the school’s successful capital campaign. Cassata students present- “Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest” filled St. ally – swathed itself in TCU Purple for the ed an original mural, created by the students with the help of local artist Patrick Cathedral, as Bishop Kevin Vann, opening of the football season and the Bishop James Conley, Monsignor Michael Manuel Pulido, designed to convey the spirit of Cassata High School. “The newly-refurbished Amon Carter Stadium, Olson, and Father Michael Moloney pro- mural depicts our community, the importance of family, and the two doves Bishop Kevin Vann urged members of the cessed down the main aisle for the Seventh é TCU Catholic Community to be as easily represent our founding mothers of this school,” noted student J sus Here- Annual Diocesan Red Mass, celebrated identifiable in their own way. dia, referring to the late Sister Mary Bonaventure Mangan, SHSp, and Sister Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. “What a great weekend for TCU,” Bishop Mary Venard Fulbright, SSMN, who founded the alternative high school, Incense perfumed the air as Bishop Vann told the scores of members of the sponsored by the Diocese of Fort Worth, in 1975. Vann and Bishop Conley each in turn re- Catholic community assembled in early minded the attendant judges, attorneys, September at the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass in canon lawyers, and civil officials that the the Brown-Lupton University Union. "I was guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in Decatur this weekend ... and the folks should be essential for them as they carry in Wise County were wearing their purple, out their sworn duties. In his homily, too. It’s not yet Advent, so I can’t wear my Bishop Conley, newly appointed Bishop purple vestments." He told the crowd of of Lincoln, Nebraska, spoke of the lay vo- students, faculty, and community members cation to be in the world, but not of the that when they wear TCU purple, there’s world. With the examples of Jesus and St. no explanation needed. “It’s something Vincent de Paul (on whose feast the Red to celebrate and be joyful for.” Mass was celebrated), those present were But, he said, that identification should challenged to be strong in their Catholic be just as clear if someone is a member of faith and to bear witness to the Gospels TCU Catholic Community. in their daily lives. “If people see us as attentive to one an- Following the Mass, Bishop Conley other or if they see us change our schedule addressed the gathering at a reception or rearrange our lives to help someone in Cassata High School marked the installation of a new elevator at the Sept. in the St. Patrick Pastoral Center. In his need, then they will identify us as Catholic or 27 event, “Elevating Cassata” to celebrate the conclusion of the school’s keynote address, Bishop Conley stressed as a member of TCU Catholic Community.” successful $1.5 million capital campaign. The event showcased the many the importance of being true to Church He praised Father Charles Calabrese for improvements made possible by the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth; indi- teachings, especially in regard to the sanc- his leadership of TCU Catholic Community vidual donors; local corporations; and foundations, including the Morris, tity of life and the protection of marriage. and thanked everyone for “allowing” him Amon G. Carter, Ryan, Scanlan foundations, Crystelle Waggoner Charitable All were reminded that their Catholic faith to come to the university and be a part Trust, Adeline and George McQueen, and William E. Scott foundations. must guide them as they prepare to vote of their lives. on Election Day. The new elevator was part of a three-year renovation project at the school, The Bishop lingered after Mass, don- Afterwards, the two bishops were which included the installation of new plumbing, restrooms, air condition- ning a TCU Catholic Community t-shirt, and toasted: Bishop Vann was congratulated focusing on conversation with the people ing, windows, and lighting in the 91-year-old building. Pictured at the rib- on his appointment as Bishop of Orange, who surrounded him. bon-cutting of the new elevator are (l. to r.) Karla Espinoza (student), Susan California, and Bishop Conley on his ap- “I feel very blessed to be here,” he Flood (school president), Gary Fragosso (assistant director of property man- pointment to Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska. said, recalling his association with the agement, for the diocese), Mark Presswood (Cassata board chairman),Sal Planned annually by the Red Mass university went back to his installation as Espino (Fort Worth City Council), Don Miller (superintendent, Diocese of Committee, the Fort Worth Red Mass Fort Worth Bishop in 2005 at TCU's Daniel- Fort Worth), Danny Scarth (Fort Worth City Council), Nancy Martin (Cas- continues a long Church tradition estab- Meyer Coliseum. sata principal), and Joe Busch (former board chairman for the school). lished in Paris in 1245.

Page 8 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Diocesan, local & state newsBriefs Bishop's Catholic Nolan Catholic High School Pro-Life Banquet inducts three new members Youth for Life volunteers'work in draws 550 defense of life were a centerpiece into its Hall of Fame of this year's 8th Bishop's Pro-Life By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Banquet, Sept. 29. (NTC Photo / Joan Correspondent Nolan Catholic High School and, with a tireless support, a Kurkowski-Gillen) has announced the induction willingness to work with oth- Research studies indicate to- of three Nolan alumni into its ers to accomplish whatever day’s teens are more thoughtful, families at prayer vigils outside Nolan Catholic High School was for the good of her faith socially aware, and informed a local abortion clinic. Hall of Fame. This year’s family and the community of about morality issues than their “Burnie and Carol are cham- inductees are David Handler Fort Worth. predecessors. pions for the unborn and are class of 1978, Debbie Reyn- "Sr. Paul taught at Nolan That awareness was show- more than worthy recipients of olds-Hazen class of 1971, and and was a key figure to many cased during The Bishop’s this award,” Bishop Kevin Vann Sister Paul O’Reilly, SSMN. who went 8th Annual Catholic Pro-Life said, before presenting the couple According to press in- through the Banquet Sept. 29 at the Hyatt with the Service to Life Award, formation from Nolan, The school’s junior Regency DFW. Members of a crystal cross. hall of fame, sponsored by high program. the diocesan Youth for Life Keynote speaker for the eve- the Nolan Catholic Alumni She was not organization served as hosts at ning, Dr. Thomas Hilgers, told Association, is "intended to only a teacher the dinner and were featured in the audience that reading Pope specially recognize members who imparted a video that showed the group Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vi- of the Nolan community for head knowl- Sr. Paul O'Reilly, SSMN praying at local abortion clinics tae in 1968 changed his personal their outstanding life achieve- edge, but also and participating in summer and professional life. Today, the ments in exemplifying the a vowed woman religious and “pro-life boot camp” activities. obstetrician/gynecologist special- school motto, Esto Dux: “Be a minister who desired to Providing educational fo- izes in reproductive medicine and A Leader,” and its highest touch the spirit, to move the rums for young people is just helps develop his ongoing medi- Marianist traditions." heart, and to shape the souls one of the ministries the Bishop’s cal research and application of the The release states that, of the hundreds of children Pro-Life Banquet supports, min- Creighton Model Fertility Care "David Han- who passed through the istries that protect, nurture, and System introduced NaProTech- dler is a suc- doors of her heart. sustain human life from con- nology — a new women’s health cessful leader The three took their ception to natural death. The science that monitors and main- in business places in the ring of honor at Gabriel Project, which assists tains a woman’s reproductive and and in his this year’s homecoming half- women in crisis pregnancies, gynecological health using treat- personal life time ceremonies on Friday, and Rachel Ministries, which ments that work cooperatively with a passion Oct. 19. provides a healing outreach to with the body and nature. and commit- David Handler Ralph McCloud, class of post-abortion victims, are just The founder and director of ’ ment to both. 73 was the first alumnus to two other programs supported the Pope Paul VI Institute for the He is co-founder of Nolan’s be honored as a member of by the banquet. Study of Human Reproduction annual Paul Knippel Memori- the Hall of Fame in 2008. At the event the diocesan went on to say despite popular al Golf Tournament and is an McCloud is currently direc- Catholics Respect Life office rec- opinion, the availability and active member of the Alumni tor of the Catholic Campaign ognizes outstanding service and popularity of oral contracep- Association. for Human Development at dedication. Burnie and Carol tives has not enhanced but di- "Debbie the United States Confer- Vaughn were the recipients of minished women’s reproductive was selected ence of Catholic Bishops in this year’s Service to Life Award health care. for her Washington, D.C. For more for their public commitment to “Everything that is pushed strong faith information on the NCHS pro-life work and charity toward on them is unhealthy for them in God, her Hall of Fame, visit www. women and families in crisis. and very unhealthy for their great love nolancatholichs.org/Alumni/ Each year, the St. Elizabeth Ann babies,” he cautioned, referring for fellow hall-of-fame or contact Pa- Seton parishioners charter a bus to the growing use of abortion, church and tricia Gilmore Pierret ’78, for participants going to Austin’s sterilization, and in vitro fertil- community Debbie director of alumni relations, Walk for Life, and frequently ization. “It’s a problem that the members Reynolds-Hazen at 817-395-0249. join other Knights of Columbus culture has accepted.”

Page 9 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 In Memory Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN, remembered for wisdom and compassion

By Kathy Cribari Hamer was “a moment of blessing and days in North Texas. Correspondent privilege to celebrate the Mass of “Through all of you present the Resurrection for Sr. St John.” today,” the bishop said, “and Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN, He said she had an impact on through Sr. St. John herself, I was was the person families flocked his own life, and “Over the years gifted with a perspective of his- to for ministry when loved ones she has become a friend, teacher, tory and faith” in North Texas. died. But on August 30 and 31, and a sounding board for me. Bishop Vann said he be- she herself was the loved one, and “I wrote these words last eve- lieved Sr. St. John had taught she was surrounded by those she ning,” he said. “As I wrote them each of those assembled, to had ministered to and comforted. I was looking out my Cathedral examine their own personal Her Sisters of St. Mary of Sr. St. John sang with gusto at the office at the St Ignatius Academy vocational call. He said, “Sr. St. Namur were with her at the mo- April 21, joint celebration of the building. To me at night it seems John has reminded us why we ment of death Aug. 26, holding 70th anniversary of her final vows to have a sense of the eternal and are where we are. And she has her hands and praying as she as a Sister of St. Mary of Namur. She unchanging about it. journeyed with each of us in that faded away; hundreds of former was honored along with three other “It was to this venerable mission. Surely she did that with students and friends attended her sisters who were celebrating their edifice, a witness of history, that me, and for that I thank her and funeral Mass of Resurrection 60th anniversaries. (NTC Photo / Joan I first came seven years ago… all of you.” Aug. 31, and the vigil service Kurkowski-Gillen) through this building I first “May this Mass of the Resur- the evening before. met your community…through rection and the faith it proclaims “The sisters prepared her the Institute of Religious and the memories contained in these in the risen Lord, the promise of vigil with so much care,” said Pastoral Studies at UD; at the walls and the pictures it once held eternal life in the communion Dr. Christina Alves, St. Andrew Rome Campus of UD (1989- of the early pioneer religious and of saints, urge us along in that Parish director of liturgy and 1990); at Holy Trinity Seminary their students in those pioneer very same mission in life.” music. And it was just beautiful. (1996-2001); in parishes; and in “In our parish deacon formation lay ministry programs of the program, Sr. St. John helped with Diocese of Fort Worth.” presiding styles. I once asked Dan Luby, assistant profes- her to come to a class and do a sor of theology at the Univer- funeral vigil because she used to sity of Dallas, said Sr. St John do them all the time. influenced everything he did. “She told the class, ‘the most “In my first ministry job, important thing to remember is at St. John the Apostle, I per- you may do many vigil services suaded Sr. St. John, Father Roch in your life, but for this family, Kereszty, from Cistercian, and in this moment, this the first Father Dick Weaver from Dallas time they’ve lost this loved one. to speak for an Advent event. All So the care and attention needed of them were outstanding teach- for the family is very important.’” ers, all of them were thoughtful, “There are not a lot of text- prayerful people. But almost books on the subject of presid- 40 years later, the only words ing,” Alves said. “But she was I remember from those three the textbook.” nights were hers. Sr. St. John’s education ex- “She said John the Baptist perience ranged from early to was waiting eagerly for the higher education, her obituary Messiah to come with cleansing read, eventually combining her fire,” Luby recalled, “But when love for Scripture and literature Jesus arrived, John recognized into a unique gift of imparting a that instead of the Lion of Ju- life-changing love of the Word to dah, He presented Himself as students.” She taught at the Uni- the Lamb of God.” versity of Dallas (1969-1970); in Bishop Kevin Vann said it

Page 10 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Catholic Charities Schools Office announces which requirements for free/reduced-price lunch & milk programs

The diocesan Office of reduced-price lunch program Catholic Schools has an- must list the Social Security nounced its policy for free numbers of all adults living in and reduced-price meals for the household. Incomes must (L. to R.) United Way's Ted McKinney; Fort Worth T's Dick Ruddell; children who are unable to be listed by source. Catholic Charities' Heather Reynolds; Red Cross's T.D. Smyers; and, pay for meals served under Applications must be Tom Stallings, Chief of Staff for County Judge Glen Whitley, with one the National School Break- completed each school year. of the Wheels program's 36 vehicles.(NTC photo / Juan Guajardo) fast, Free Milk, or Commod- A child must be registered in ity School programs. school before application ac- CCFW keeps 'Wheels' rolling The following Catholic ceptance. Qualified partici- It’s well known that Catho- medical appointments, schools, schools will participate in the pants will be notified within lic Charities Fort Worth CEO churches, and jobs. National School Lunch Pro- one week after application. and President Heather Reynolds “Catholic Charities did a gram: All Saints, St. George, In the operation of loves to say “Yes" to continu- careful analysis to see if we could Our Mother of Mercy, Our child-feeding programs, no ally improving and expanding take over the program, to expand Lady of Victory, St. Peter, St. child will be discriminated CCFW programs and services, our existing transportation ser- Rita, Notre Dame, and St. against because of race, color, and to the steady growth of vice that was already in place for Mary’s. sex, national origin, age, or creative partnerships with other our clients,” explained Michelle Applicants for free and handicap. agencies, funding sources, and Bloomer, CCFW’s director of community leaders. “Yes” to transportation. “So now, with a those who ask the agency to take fleet of 36 vehicles of varying sizes on administration of existing in our fleet, we went from serving services to the elderly, disabled, around 10 clients a day to serving and economically disadvan- approximately 200 clients a day.” taged that might otherwise Tempe Mays, director of be eliminated in a struggling employment services at Easter economy. Seals North Texas, noted that To the gratitude of more the program allows a 60-year-old than 800 Tarrant County resi- client, blind since birth, to get dents who depend upon trans- to his part-time job at a North portation assistance, Reynolds Richland Hills restaurant near recently said “yes” yet again, his home. “He, and many others this time to local Red Cross like him, would not be working officials, when they asked if Catholic Charities did not Catholic Charities to take over provide that ride, at a reasonable their Wheels Transportation cost,” said Mays. Program. “Wheels” provides Heather Reynolds is, she shared ride services to and said, thankful that CCFW from locations outside the Fort could say “yes” to meeting yet Worth Transportation Author- another critical need within ity’s (“The T”) service area or Tarrant County. “Our job is to outside The T’s hours of op- help families in need, to help end eration. The Red Cross’s focus poverty, and to help provide all upon disaster relief meant that the resources that families need the 30 year-old program needed in order to get to a point of self- a new home. The transition took sufficiency,” she said. place Sept. 1. In its first month For more information, call of operation, CCFW provided CCFW at (817) 336-8714, or over 5,700 rides to clients in visit www.catholiccharitiesfort- need of help in getting to their worth.org/wheels.

Page 11 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 t is with great joy that I join with grace which supports Christian Pope Benedict XVI in welcom- witness. By the same criterion, Iing the opening of the Year of the teaching of the Catechism Faith. The year begins with the on the moral life acquires its full celebration of the 50th anniversary meaning if placed in relationship of the Second Vatican Council and with faith, liturgy and prayer the 20th Anniversary of the release (PortaFidei 11). of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, approved and propagated You can learn how to search for by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Let the full text of the Catechism below. us join in prayer that this year may Finally, I ask that you take be truly blessed and a time for us to your obligation seriously to attend deepen our love and faith in Jesus Mass every Sunday and Holy Day Christ and the Church. of Obligation. We do not live our The Pope’s vision for this year fore, when we bring Christ to the be surprised how far you will go life of faith in isolation. The cel- is clearly outlined in his Apostolic world as members of the Church, in a year, and how you will come ebration of Mass is the source and Letter Porta Fidei or Door of Faith. we do so not with a systematic solu- to know Christ and the Church summit of our Christian life. It is The title of the document is an image tion to the world’s problems, but as through the Bible. the fount from which we draw our which comes from Acts 14:27. There an encounter with the living God, Next, the Catechism of the strength and the end to which we we read: “Now when they had come Jesus Christ, who came to free us Catholic Church offers a beautiful offer our lives. Let us never forget and gathered the church together, they from our sins and lead us to Him. synthesis of the Faith. In its pages that at the Mass we join with reported all that God had done with One of the meanings of the we encounter Sacred Scripture, the Catholics of all ages in offering them, and that He had opened the word “belief” is “to hold dear.” In testimony of the saints, the wisdom our very selves to Christ. door of faith to the Gentiles.” this year, let us re-examine our faith of Councils and true answers for I pray that God may bless you The Pope explains: “The ‘door and see if it is something we truly the problems of life. I quote Pope abundantly in this Year of Faith. I of faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open hold precious. Like a plant, our Benedict at length: will begin this year in Fort Worth, for us, ushering us into the life of faith must be nurtured. Let us use but will end it in Orange, California. communion with God and offer- this year to hand on that which we [In the Catechism] we see the Wherever we may be, we are part of ing entry into his Church (PF 1).” have received. wealth of teaching that the Church the one faith, joined in one baptism, Faith is both a gift and something While there will be many ac- has received, safeguarded and pro- made into one body in Christ. Please which we exercise in our lives. Faith tivities in our parishes, our Diocese, posed in her two thousand years of be assured of my prayers and may is something which comes from and throughout the Church during history. From Sacred Scripture to we carry Christ into the world with God and reveals Him as the object this year, I have three pillars for our the Fathers of the Church, from great faith, hope, and love. of our faith. celebration in the Diocese of Fort theological masters to the saints The Year of Faith is an oppor- This year offers us the oppor- Worth that I would like to share across the centuries, the Catechism tunity for every Catholic — you and tunity to reflect upon our faith and with you: provides a permanent record of the I — to experience a conversion, to deepen our commitment to Christ, many ways in which the Church turn back to Jesus and enter into a both as individuals and as mem- 1. Read the Sacred Scriptures, has meditated on the faith and deeper relationship with Him. bers of the Church. We do this so 2. Read the Catechism of the made progress in doctrine so as to Sincerely yours in Christ, that we might be a better witness Catholic Church, offer certitude to believers in their to Christ in the world. Those of 3. And, attend Mass every Sun- lives of faith. us who are committed Christians day and Holy Day of Obligation. In its very structure, the Cat- Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD know the peace and joy that a life echism of the Catholic Church Diocesan Administrator dedicated to Christ can bring. Life First, St. Jerome is often quoted follows the development of the Diocese of Fort Worth is never without its challenges and as saying that ignorance of Scripture faith right up to the great themes sufferings, but with faith in Christ is ignorance of Christ. Sacred Scrip- of daily life. On page after page, To access any of these documents, and the support of the Church, all ture is the living Word of Christ. we find that what is presented go online and search on: things are possible. Indeed, the Second Vatican Council here is no theory, but an encounter The Year of Faith gives us the teaches in the document Dei Verbum with a Person who lives within Door of Faith, Porta Fidei opportunity to bring this peace that “the books of Scripture, firmly, the Church. The profession of to read Pope Benedict XVI’s letter and joy to the world, which stands faithfully and without error, teach faith is followed by an account of on the Year of Faith increasingly in need of Jesus Christ that truth which God, for the sake sacramental life, in which Christ Vatican, Sacred Scripture and the Church. The Church is not of our salvation, wished to see con- is present, operative and continues to read the New American Bible simply an organizational structure, fided to the sacred Scriptures (DV to build his Church. Without the but truly the Body of Christ and 11).” Beginning with the Gospel of liturgy and the sacraments, the Vatican, Catechism a living communion of Christ the Matthew, make the commitment to profession of faith would lack ef- To read the Catechism of the Catho- Head and we his members. There- read one chapter per day. You will ficacy, because it would lack the lic Church Page 12 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Diocesan Year of Faith observance to begin with Vespers Nov. 7

Bishop Kevin Vann has an- Jonathan Wallis, director of publication of the Catechism of the a God through natural reason, nounced that the first diocese- Catechesis for the diocese. He Catholic Church, promulgated by as shown in the five theses of wide event in observance of the said the diocese is also hoping for Blessed John Paul II. St. Thomas Aquinas, it is only Year of Faith will be held at parishes and the various deaneries In an interview with the through the Holy Spirit that we 5:30 p.m., Nov. 7, at St. Patrick to offer liturgies, opportunities for NTC, Fr. Wallis said, “The Holy can recognize Jesus Christ and his Cathedral with a Holy Hour communal prayer, instructional Father has said repeatedly, when Church. and Vespers liturgy, concluding activities, and speakers. referring to the goals of this spe- “That’s really at the heart of with Benediction of the Blessed Pope Benedict XVI declared cial observance, that you can’t what Pope Benedict XVI is trying Sacrament. the Year of Faith, which began overemphasize that all the sug- to accomplish, to open the ‘door The homily will outline Oct. 11, 2012 and ends Nov. 24, gested activities and devotional of faith’ and allow Jesus Christ in broad terms the plans of the 2013 in his Apostolic Letter Porta practices that surround this year into our lives,” he said, using the diocese for the observance of the Fidei, or “Door of Faith,” which he do not add up to a program, but title of the pope’s apostolic letter Year of Faith. “We’ll be relying issued on Oct. 11, 2011. The open- an invitation to an encounter to emphasize the simplicity of the very heavily on parish events and ing date was chosen to observe the with Jesus Christ. message. priests and pastors of parishes,” 50th anniversary of the opening “Because faith is a gift “It’s an invitation to fall back to offer opportunities for people of the Second Vatican Council, as of God,” he continued, “even in love with the faith and the to deepen their faith, said Father well as the 20th anniversary of the though we can know there is Church,” he concluded.

Page 13 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishops walk in procession before Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 11 to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The Mass also opened the Year of Faith. (CNS photo/Stefano Rel- landini, Reuters)

U.S. Bishops offer lively look at New Evangelization

WASHINGTON—To honor the 2. It begins with personal personal encounter with Christ why Pope Benedict encourages fiftieth anniversary of the Second conversion. The New Evan- for all people, wherever they Catholics to study the lives Vatican Council and the twentieth gelization begins internally are in their lives. Whether of the saints during the Year anniversary of the Catechism of the and spreads outward. We are that means finding faith for of Faith and learn from their Catholic Church, Pope Benedict called to deepen our own faith the first time or spreading the example. XVI has announced a Year of in order to better share it with Good News, the most authen- Faith, which started October 11 others. Then-Cardinal Joseph tic and effective efforts are the 7. It’s a priority for the and will end November 24, 2013, Ratzinger described this in the ones closest to Christ. Church. Blessed Pope John to strengthen the faith of Catho- Jubilee Year 2000 as daring to Paul II made it a major prior- lics and draw the world to faith by have faith with the humility 5. It’s not an isolated mo- ity of his 26-year pontificate. their example. The Year of Faith is of the mustard seed that leaves ment, but an ongoing prac- Continuing this, Pope Bene- meant to reflect one of the themes up to God how and when the tice. Personal conversion and dict launched the Pontifical of Pope Benedict’s pontificate, the tree will grow. Conversion to the encounter with Christ is an Council for Promoting New New Evangelization. Christ is the first step. ongoing experience that lasts a Evangelization in 2010 and Peter Murphy, D.Min., execu- lifetime. Catholics are blessed made it the theme of the 2012 tive director of the Secretariat of 3. It’s for believers and non- to encounter their Lord and Synod of Bishops. The U.S. Evangelization and Catechesis of believers alike. Philadelphia Savior, Jesus Christ in the Sac- bishops issued a document the U.S. Conference of Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput, raments. Catholics are called in April, “Disciples Called to Bishops (USCCB), shares “Seven OFM Cap., recently observed to live in a way that reflects Witness: The New Evangeliza- Things Catholics Should Know that the most difficult people the love of Christ. God’s love tion,” focused on welcoming About the New Evangelization.” to evangelize are the ones who is shared with our neighbors inactive Catholics back to the Murphy, who was in Rome as an think they’ve already been through caring for the poor faith. The New Evangeliza- auditor of the October 7-28 Synod converted. So whether it’s and welcoming those who feel tion has an urgency about it, of Bishops on the New Evangeliza- someone at Mass every Sun- distant from God. an urgency for all Catholics tion, offered these insights: day, an inactive Catholic or to embrace the grace of their someone for whom religion is 6. It’s meant to counter baptismal call and share the 1. It’s not new in content, not part of life, the New Evan- secular culture. G.K. Ches- Good News of Jesus Christ but new in energy and ap- gelization invites all people to terton wrote that “each genera- with their family, friends, and proach. The New Evangeliza- discover faith anew. tion is converted by the saint neighbors. tion re-proposes the faith to a who contradicts it most.” The world longing for answers to 4. It’s about a personal en- New Evangelization responds To obtain more informa- life’s most profound ques- counter with Jesus Christ. to Western society’s ongoing tion on the New Evange- tions. It’s a call to share Christ Before a person can share move away from religion by lization enter "USCCB" and bring the Gospel, with Christ with others, they must urging Catholics to enthusi- in your search engine and renewed energy and through first experience Christ in their astically share Christ in word then search for "New Evan- ever-changing methods, to new own life. The New Evange- and through the credible gelization" on the website. and different audiences. lization is about promoting a witness of their lives. This is

Page 14 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York is accompanied by Msgr. Franco Mammoli as he arrives to celebrate Mass at his titular church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome Oct. 14. Cardinal Dolan formally took posses- sion of the church during the Mass. Msgr. Mammoli is pastor of the par- ish. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) .

What is the new evangelization? Cardinal Dolan: The staff of the Catholic Register, • As an evangelizer, the converts’ top three Catholic things Canada’s superb national Catholic Church begins by evangelizing newspaper, sought to summarize herself. are penance, pope, Mary the meaning of the New Evangeli- • Evangelization is facing new VATICAN CITY (CNS) the sacrament as the coun- zation, in an article published Oct. challenges which are putting — Adult converts to Ca- cil wanted, he said, “we just 13, two days into the Year of Faith. accepted practices in question tholicism regularly cite three gave up and we said, ‘Well, Their brief article traced the term’s and are weakening customary, things about Catholicism that ain’t going over,’ so we first use to an address by Pope John well-established ways of doing that they find attractive: the stopped trying.” Paul II to Latin American bishops things. sacrament of confession, the The interesting thing, in the late ’70s. “Catholic thinkers, pope, and devotion to Mary, Cardinal Dolan said, is that writers, theologians, and pastors • The Church does not give up said New York Cardinal the sacrament of reconcili- have debated what the new evange- or retreat into herself; instead, Timothy M. Dolan. ation actually is something lization really means,” they say, but she undertakes a project to “Those three things, attractive to many people, then go on to pull 10 major points revitalize herself. guess what, were kind of especially the young. from the lineamenta sent to more • The new evangelization is a de-emphasized” after the “They will often say that than 200 bishops to prepare for the frame of mind, a courageous Second Vatican Council, the the Church seems impersonal Synod on the New Evangelization. manner of acting. cardinal said Oct. 15 during to them, a little faceless name- Secretary General of the Synod of a brief meeting with Eng- less,” he said. “Well, boy, you Bishops Archbishop Nikola Eterovic • A new evangelization means, lish-speaking reporters at the can’t find a more personal they said, offered several definitions then, to work in our local world Synod of Bishops on sacrament than penance. I of New Evangelization. And here churches to devise a plan... to the new evangelization. mean this is one-on-one.” is their listing of a selection of his transmit the Gospel of hope In his formal talk to the Cardinal Dolan said he definitions: in a practical way.... becoming synod, Cardinal Dolan had never understood the desire more and more the artisan of • The new evangelization is said that a renewed appre- to expand use of so-called the civilization of love. primarily addressed to those ciation for the Sacrament general absolution, which who have drifted from the • A new evangelization also of Reconciliation is essen- the Vatican has severely Church in traditionally Chris- means to have the boldness to tial for the Church’s new restricted, because it was like tian countries. raise the question of God in evangelization. “a drive-in car wash” and

the context of these problems. He told reporters that “it highly impersonal. • There should also be a seemed to be a truism after “There is nothing more dialogue with those to whom • In the end, the expression the Second Vatican Council personal” than going to con- religion is something foreign. new evangelization requires that the council did away fession one-on-one, “actually finding new approaches • The new evangelization is with the Sacrament of Pen- articulating sins and hearing to evangelization so as to primarily a spiritual activity ance, which, of course, is not an unworthy ambassador of be Church in today’s ever- to recapture the courage and true.” Jesus say you are forgiven,” changing social and cultural forcefullness of the first Chris- Instead of renewing the cardinal said. situations. tians and first missionaries.

Page 15 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Lighter & Brighter

Students walk together dur- Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York laughs alongside U.S. ing recess at Miguel Hidalgo President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee elementary school in Tijuana, Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, at the Alfred E. Smith Memo- Mexico, Sept. 13. (CNS photo/ Pope Paul VI presides over a meeting of the Second Vatican rial Foundation Dinner in New York Oct. 18. The dinner honors David Maung) Council in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in 1963. Pope Bene- the memory of the former governor of New York, who was the dict XVI marked the 50th anniversary of the Oct. 11, 1962 open- first Catholic nominated by a major political party to run for ing of the council and start of the Year of Faith with an Oct. 11 president of the United States. (CNS photo/Jason Reed, Reuters) Mass in St. Peter's Square. (CNS photo/Catholic Press Photo)

Pope Bene- dict XVI carries his pastoral staff as he leaves after cel- ebrating the opening Mass of the Synod Katherine Kateri Howat, of Bishops dressed as a Mohawk prin- on the new cess and her father, Cory evangeliza- Howat, at their home in Me- tion in St. Pe- tairie, La. a few days before Kellen Garegon and Jordan Ruter go head-to-head in a tie ter's Square the 4-year-old and her father breaker during a game called "Bessey the Heffer" at a Year at the Vatican were to travel to Rome for of Faith youth rally at St. Patrick's Church in Casper, Wyo., Oct. 7. (CNS the Oct. 21 canonization of Oct. 13. The special year, declared by Pope Benedict XVI, is photo/Paul Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. a worldwide program of worship, catechesis and evangeliza- Haring) (CNS photo/Frank J Methe, tion. It opened Oct. 11 and runs to Nov. 24, 2013. (CNS photo/ Clarion Herald) Tim Kupsick) Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down:

1. Arbitrator 4. Complaint 2. Consumers 5. Organic Compound 3. Subtraction

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Page 16 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Go r wing as a Christian Getting to 'Thank you'

On a Youth Night at my parish we did an experi- To take this idea further James, ment. As the youth walked in we held out a basket of candy in his epistle, says it this way, to each person and offered each person a piece. We took “All good giving and every note of what they said as they took some candy. What we perfect gift is from above, discovered is that many said Jeff Hedglen is the Campus Minis- nothing, some said, “OK” or ter at UTA and associate director “Cool,” others simply smiled, coming down from the Father of Young Adult Ministry for the and only about 25 percent diocese. He is also the primary con- said, “Thank you.” of lights” (James 1:17). Thus, vener of Camp Fort Worth's many We spent the rest of the editions. evening discussing the need to be grateful for the blessings every good thing in our life are merely on the sidelines of in our lives and not just being life while God does all the grateful, but also expressing comes from God. Not simply work, and we are just in- our feelings of gratitude. animate vessels of his action. The truth is, all of the from our hard work, or our hard Rather, it is an acknowledg- youth present were grateful ment that we do not accom- for the candy, they just were plish what we achieve on our not used to, or comfortable, earned money. own, nor without God’s loving expressing this emotion. I have grace and mercy. Not to men- a feeling many of us are in the tion all the people in our lives This painting by Jean Prachinetti, titled "Seminarian," appears in the book, The same boat; I know I am. From who have supported, encour- Catholic Priest - Image of Christ through 15 Centuries of Art. In gratitude to God for his time to time someone will aged, and stood by us along conversion to Catholicism, author Steen Heidemann traveled the world to collect compliment me about an item the way. images for the book. (CNS photo/courtesy of Edizioni Cantagalli, publisher) of clothing, or a talk I have To help me remember that given, or some other aspect of thanking. I have no solid data, Thus, every good thing in I am more than me and that my life, and I, for the life of but I speculate that part of the our life comes from God. Not the great things in my life are me, find it almost impossible issue has to do with the egocen- simply from our hard work, or there for reasons beyond me, I to just say “Thank you.” tric, "me first" society we find our hard-earned money. Sure do the following exercise from Instead of expressing my ourselves in. To accept a gift or those things play a part, but time to time. I walk through gratitude, I feel the need to compliment graciously in some our hard work is a product of my house and whatever my explain the situation. If some- way means we have to allow for God. Where else do the gifts eyes fall on, I say thank you to one compliments my clothing, the idea that we need others in and talents we employed in God for that thing. Addition- I share where I got the item our lives. We do not exist in a this hard work come from? ally, I think of all the people and what a great deal I got. If vacuum, and there is no way Even our hard earned money and blessings in my life and it is a talk I gave, I deflect the we can truly make it on our is connected to God. Who thank God for all of them. compliment and say some- own. Additionally, we have to else do we have to thank for Expressing gratitude is not thing about how much fun it admit that not everything that our great job? If we say from always easy, but it is an impor- was or “glad you enjoyed it.” we have originates with us. our gifts and talents, the same tant part of our Christian life. Afterward, I often kick myself To take this idea further principle applies. If rather St. Paul often begins his let- for not just looking the person James, in his epistle, says it we say, our education, then I ters with long lists of thanks. in the eye and simply saying this way, “All good giving would counter with, where did Maybe this year we can follow “Thank you.” and every perfect gift is from the intellect come from that this example and give and I often wonder what is above, coming down from the we used while being educated? receive thanks with a humble at the root of all this lack of Father of lights” (James 1:17). This is not to say that we heart full of gratitude.

Page 17 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 voice The greatest gift - hope May our kids and grandkids receive it

By Kathy Cribari Hamer Aunt Lena’s house was always left out her bottle of my favorite perfect, in a pop-culturish sort of way. colored nail polish “Revlon Frosted Butter She had a tri-level before most bi- But Aunt Lena was Pecan.” She knew I would find it, and even levels had developed envy of the neigh- though I was too young to wear it, my aunt bors’ extra stairways. wise, and had a second would say, “Go on. Just try it!” She loved Her bathroom fixtures were all pink, me. Her love was jolly, sincere, and obvious. on floors of light green hexagonal tiles, tree—a live balsam fir These days I don’t think of Aunt Lena’s and her kitchen had aqua appliances— house, as much as what it represented. At even the sink—that rested on a black and — in ... the downstairs Thanksgiving I’m grateful for those young white linoleum floor. years I got to spend there, where my moth- Aunt Lena’s house was the essence recreation room.... er, Big Kate, and her sister Lena, taught me of what we now dub “retro.” In fact, they faith, joy, love, and respect. probably fashioned retro out of photo- The balsam was the During Advent I remain hopeful. The graphs of her home. things we wished for in our youth were I loved Aunt Lena’s living room, her treasure, decorated miniscule as nail polish, I know now. But plush sectional sofa sprawled behind a those wishes hopefully colored our ability kidney-shaped coffee table. On that table with family ornaments to understand and lead our own children, were the latest issues of Life and National helping them live virtuous lives while hap- Geographic Magazines, so when teachers and lights that looked pily growing up in our homes. We may not asked for examples of recent history, or have chic tri-levels, but we can fill them stories about other countries, I went to her like little candles. That with generosity and thoughtfulness, like house with scissors. Aunt Lena filled her Christmas tree with The living room was on the house’s was the tree I loved. tinsel. middle level, just inside the entry door, in And I’m joyful, because Jesus came to front of a picture window. Beautiful. In us then, as he would come to us in all the December, when the Christmas tree was centuries that were to follow: in a manger. up, the outdoor view was stunning. squint my eyes and be carried away by its As adults we can also see his presence in Aunt Lena was ahead of the times, ethereal loveliness. our children. And now, their children. and in the ’60s, when aluminum trees But at Aunt Lena’s house, that outward I believe the happiness in my own became the rage, hers was first to show up beauty simply housed the beauty of what lay heart came from those early years of prepa- in the window, showing glittery gold balls within. ration, anticipation, and then realization. and all blue lights. In the classic kitchen, she prepared After we put up the trees and admired the But Aunt Lena was wise, and had a enormous Italian meals every Sunday morn- tinsel, we were gifted with the grace that second tree—a live balsam fir—in a cor- ing, knowing for sure that all corners of the came through the Lord Jesus’ birth. ner window of the downstairs recreation family would venture over after Mass. There I wait for you in thanksgiving and room. Even though the upstairs one was were no plans. She just knew they would hope, Lord God. more stylish, the balsam was the treasure, come. She believed it, and it always hap- And I praise you with love, Jesus. decorated with family ornaments and pened. She had faith. Sweet baby Jesus. lights that looked like little candles. That In the living room, on the coffee table, was the tree I loved. Aunt Lena placed her hope. She wanted her Kathy Cribari Hamer and My aunt would stand on a ladder beloved granddaughter to attend the col- her husband are members for hours, placing tinsel on that tree. lege she herself attended, so she spread the of St. Andrew Parish. Her She hung the strands one by one, side by school’s brochures, where all could browse. family life column has been side, one branch at a time, and when she Aunt Lena was never subtle, but constantly recognized repeatedly by the finished, the branches were laden with hopeful. Catholic Press Association of “icicles,” so thick and precise, I could And in the pink bathroom, Aunt Lena the United States and Canada.

Page 18 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 voice The ‘hidden picture’ Looking for Jesus? Take a closer look

By Denise Bossert

In the early 1990s, my sister lived in New Zealand and worked for a travel- ing science roadshow. We talked on the God tells us to look closer. No, not at the surface. phone rarely. It was too expensive, and the voice delay on overseas phone calls was really frustrating. My sister began sending Don’t fixate on the outward patterns. You’ll never see postcards to keep us current on her excit- ing adventure. One postcard stands out in what lies beneath that way. Jesus is there, and you can my memory from that era. On the front of the postcard, there was a stereogram, a hidden 3-D picture wrapped in a blue- see him if you let yourself get past the surface image. green 2-D design. The instructions on the postcard said to hold the image right up He’s there, in the eyes of your neighbor. He’s there, to your nose and slowly pull the picture away from your face. The reader was told to stare through the picture rather than in the eyes of the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the try to focus on the 2-D pattern. “Let your eyes go beyond the obvious image, and immigrant. He's there in the ordained one. you will begin to see the hidden image,” the footnote read. I raised the card to my nose and tried it about 10 times. My children figured it phins. Three 3-D dolphins in a row. It was what we see. God tells us to look a little out almost immediately. SO cool. deeper. Give it another try. True identity “I give up. I can’t see a thing!” I There are times when the indelible is sometimes hidden. Cloaked in external tossed the card on the table and my son mark of God on the lives of those around trappings. picked it up, imploring me to give it an- us can seem as elusive as the 3-D picture And if we can begin to see Jesus other try. hidden in a stereogram. We don’t see Christ Christ hidden in the faces around us, “You have to let it happen, Mom. in our neighbor. We don’t see Christ in the maybe we can begin to see Our Lord hid- Don’t look at it. Kind of let your eyes go poor. We don’t see Christ in the priest. den under the appearance of bread and out of focus. And fight it when your eyes We just see a rude neighbor. A guy on wine. want to look at the design. You’ll never the side of the road with a sign. A man with Fight it when your eyes want to look see it that way. The picture is deeper. foibles like everyone else who sometimes at the design. You’ll never see Him that Not here.” He rubbed the palm of his wears a stole. way. Christ is deeper. He’s there. hand across the postcard. “It’s there.” He God tells us to look closer. No, not at No longer bread. took his right index finger and pointed the surface. Don’t fixate on the outward pat- No longer wine. down to the postcard in his left hand. terns. You’ll never see what lies beneath that Jesus. When his finger touched the picture, he way. Jesus is there, and you can see him if As we enter the Year of Faith, it’s slid it around the side of the picture, and you let yourself get past the surface image. time to put on the eyes of faith and see kept on pointing to an imaginary place He’s there, in the eyes of your neighbor. Jesus Christ. beyond. He’s there, in the eyes of the poor, the He handed the card to me, and I sick, the imprisoned, the immigrant. Denise Bossert has four children and is a took it reluctantly. I wasn’t sure what I He’s there in the ordained one. A member of Immaculate Heart of Mary in was doing, but I thought about what my priest forever. Marked with God’s indelible New Melle, Missouri. Her column Catholic son had said and gave it one last serious imprint. by Grace has run in 46 diocesan newspa- effort. Sometimes, the pattern on the surface pers. Check out her blog at catholicbygrace. And suddenly, I saw it. Three dol- throws us off. We become frustrated by blogspot.com.

Page 19 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 voice The papyrus fragment As significant as dissent from orthodoxy or a letter from a crackpot?

By David Mills So what, I always think, is the point? Someone finds a scrap of writing from the ancient world that says For all we know, this fragment (if it’s real) might have something unusual, and suddenly the newspapers and websites light up with breathless stories about this new challenge been written by some very odd man no one paid at- to traditional Christianity, till the story dies out as that kind of story always does. tention to, or it might have been written by a funny I’m thinking, as you will have guessed, of the scrap of almost unreadable group of people who’d separated themselves from the papyrus that includes the phrase “Jesus said to them, my wife.” As I write, most scholars who know something about the Church to pursue their own eccentric beliefs. subject are saying that it is, or is probably, a fake, so this story may die even faster than usual. But it may not. town in Missouri. No one has seen it before and whose author we know nothing To be fair, the scholar who presented because no one else wants to go through the about. the scrap to the world, Harvard’s Karen thousands and thousands of old newspapers So what is the point? It’s easy enough King, carefully said that it didn’t give us stored in the library. to guess: Christianity as we think of it any evidence that Jesus was married. The On the page is a letter from a Morton today, and particularly Christianity as more serious newspapers stressed this in Q. Throckmorton IV claiming that both taught by the Church, might be wrong, their stories. But the popular newspapers presidential candidates are really aliens. The or inadequate, or just part of the story. and websites ran the usual “New discov- scholar in the future decides that this letter King says that Christians must “be ery rocks Christianity” stories. proves that many Americans thought that able to understand ... that questions about To which the knowledgeable Chris- Romney and Obama came from outer space. sexuality and marriage were being asked tian’s response is something like, “Oh, When in fact the editor picked the letter be- in the early Church and they are still be- yeah, sure, whatever. So how do you cause it was obviously bats and would amuse ing asked today.” That “still being asked explain the Pittsburgh Pirates’ collapse readers, and because five minutes before his today” includes the idea that today we this year?” Even if the fragment is real, deadline, he found he had four inches of may answer the questions differently, and it means nothing significant for either space to fill. come up with answers more acceptable to ancient or modern Christianity. For all we know, this fragment (if it’s professors at Harvard Divinity School. King tries to make a case for its real) might have been written by some very These stories always hit the front importance. She treats it as evidence that odd man no one paid attention to, or it page because they destabilize people’s some early Christians believed Jesus was might have been written by a funny group trust in the Christian tradition and the married and that this question was being of people who’d separated themselves from Church’s teaching, by claiming that at discussed at the time. She leaves out the the Church to pursue their own eccentric the beginning things were different and crucial questions of how many Christians beliefs. We certainly see both of those today. that Christianity could have developed and how much discussion. It could even, as several people have another way. It’s not a bad argument, If it’s real, it was written about 150 pointed out, come from a writer who had though it forgets about the Holy Spirit, to 300 years after Jesus’ earthly life. Imag- taken the description of the Church as the who (we believe for good reason) makes ine a scholar working in a dusty library Bride of Christ and put it another way. sure the Church knows the truth, and 150 or 300 years from now who didn’t Maybe the writer was a perfectly orthodox tells it. know anything about 2012. (This way Catholic who just didn’t write very well. We of looking at such things isn’t original certainly see those today too. David Mills is the executive editor of First with me, by the way.) He finds the letters We just don’t know. All we have is a Things (www.firstthings.com). He can be page of an old newspaper from a small single phrase whose meaning we can’t know reached at [email protected].

Page 20 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 voice Not a Democrat or a Republican How a mother discovered she's a Catholic voter

By Rebecca Frech I can remember with near perfect clarity the moment I be- I was so excited in 2007 when the U.S. Conference came a Republican. I was 8 years old and sat listening to my family loudly debating of Catholic Bishops released their voter guide politics in their be-careful-or-someone- might-lose-a-limb, down and dirty style. “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” As loudly as the words and ideas were being flung across the table, I was able to silence them all when I asked, “What’s As a political wonk, I eagerly devoured my the difference between a Democrat and a Republican?” “party’s platform.” There it was — broken down My mother turned to me and quietly explained, “Democrats believe it is the and simplified for everyone to understand.... job of the government to take care of the people. Republicans believe it is the job of Readers can download a .pdf copy of "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" from usccb.org the people to take care of themselves.” “Oh,” I answered, “then I’m a Repub- I was so excited in 2007 when the U.S. of the Catholic voter? It is because these lican.” My mother smiled smugly at our Conference of Catholic Bishops released five strip us of our God-given dignity. relatives as the debate to change my mind their voter guide “Forming Consciences for They reduce humanity, which was created began in earnest. Faithful Citizenship.” As a political wonk, in the image of God, to little more than I held firm to my childish belief in I eagerly devoured my “party’s platform.” our salable parts, our sexual drives, or the Republican Party until after I voted There it was — broken down and simplified our usefulness. Four of them degrade us, in my first election. It was in college, for everyone to understand, Catholic social making us mere commodities, to be used where I majored in political science, that teaching and how it related to American by others. When we cease to be conve- I was indoctrinated into the liberal point politics. nient or desirable, when we are no longer of view. My college professors ridiculed, The bishops were clear in their clarion useful, then we must surrender any right mocked, and encouraged me to question call to all Catholics to fight, lobby, and to exist. The fifth undermines society’s every belief, from self-sufficiency to my demand that our politicians work toward very foundation, and distorts the image Catholic faith. By the time I left college, protecting the dignity of all human persons. of Christ’s relationship to our Church. It I was a politically confused agnostic who The bishops plainly stated that there exist in seeks to rewrite the order of Creation. believed little of anything. America five issues so intrinsically evil that By redefining marriage and even It took my own journey through no Catholic can support them. Ever. No humanity itself, these five issues tear at Lutheranism and my reversion to the excuses. They are so contrary to Catholic the order God created unlike any others, Catholic Church before I realized that to teaching that to be in favor of them puts our which is why we cannot waver on them. be a Catholic transcended being either very souls at risk. They are: abortion, eutha- On all other issues, we are called to stand Democrat or Republican. I was something nasia, embryonic stem cell research, human firm in defense of the dignity of our else entirely. I was a Catholic voter. cloning, and same-sex marriage. Where fellow man. On these five, we are com- Being a Catholic voter means tran- faithful Catholics are allowed a certain manded to stand firm in defense of the scending our traditional understanding amount of latitude on other social teachings, majesty and wisdom of God. of American politics. The extremes of on these five there could be no compromise. both parties seem to be influenced by Ayn Why these five and not one of the other Rebecca Frech is a Catholic wife and the Rand on the right and Karl Marx on the of a myriad of issues confronting our nation? mother of seven, who homeschools, writes, left. The Catholic world view must be Why not immigration reform, the widening blogs, and does speaking engagements. She shaped by the teachings of Jesus Christ, income gap between the wealthy and the and her family live in Wiley. You can read and formed by the 2,000 year history of poor, or the plight of the homeless? Why do more of her thoughts on her blog, at shoved- the Holy Catholic Church. these issues allow no concession on the part [email protected].

Page 21 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Advent and Christmas Anticipating the soon coming King and celebrating the birth of the Christ Child

Editor's Note: and each member of your family, each of your acquaintanc- Chances are you're reading this about a month before es, each person you meet. the first Sunday of Advent, but nonetheless, the seasons Consider it an invitation to enter into a closer personal of Advent and Christmas are coming, and they're just relationship with Jesus Christ — or to renew the closeness around the corner. of that relationship. Even with that rationale, we didn't want to come at This is, after all, the Year of Faith, and all the Church you with a full-blown Advent and Christmas package is being called to grow stronger in faith, strengthen their that came into your hands before many of the stores had ties to the sacraments, read more Scripture, be prepared even put their leftover Halloween candy on sale. So what to offer a word of hope and encouragement to others who we will do is present a series of Advent and Christmas need to know the love of God. columns over the next several weeks on the NTC website Because our faith is an incarnational faith, we are en- — www.northtexascatholic.org. Kathy Hamer, Jeff Hedg- couraged to remember afresh that God came down to be len, and Sharon Perkins, will be among the contributors. among us, taking the form of a helpless little child And we Consider this a reminder to be thinking about how in turn are called to seek out and serve the least among us you can set aside time for "watchful waiting" once Advent who need help with the basic needs of life for peace, food, is really here. Think about how you can embrace the shelter, clothing, and the knowledge that they are loved — tremendous breadth and depth of the love of God for you first of all by God.

Our lives must be about running into the arms of God

By Mary Morrell door a tiny voice echoes loudly through- love will no doubt come to mind on the out the house, “Daddeeee!” and little feet First Sunday of Advent when, during Father! - to God himself we cannot run full speed toward the father he loves Mass, we hear the prayer: “Grant your give a holier name. without reservation. What follows next faithful, we pray, almighty God, the re- William Wordsworth is a recounting of the day’s work – pic- solve to run forth to meet your Christ tures drawn, puzzles put together, walks with righteous deeds at his coming, so itting in a small coffee shop at the taken – and a dad’s proud, “Wow! That’s that, gathered at his right hand, they may beach in Wildwood, I noticed a awesome!” be worthy to possess the heavenly King- young child running at break neck I have distant memories of doing dom.” speedS to embrace his dad with a tight the same thing when my dad came home This rapidly approaching season of bear hug around the knees, yelling in full from work. He arrived at the same time preparing for the coming of our Lord, is voice, “This is the best place ever!” every evening to me anxiously waiting a good time to reflect on the journey of The passion, joy, and emotion ex- behind the screen door, barely allow- life, which for Christians is always a run- uded by this little boy made it easy to ing him to get a foot over the threshold ning to leap into the arms of our God, understand why Jesus said the kingdom before trying to propel myself into his and to bring God the work of our hearts belongs to such as these. How much bet- arms, usually holding some piece of art I and hands as a sign of our love. ter, and richer, would our lives be if we, as had drawn just for him. This may require that we pray to adults, could live so easily in the moment, In retrospect, I have often wished regain the heart of a child, spilling over expressing our pervading love of God that my ability as a child for exuber- freely with love, and unashamed to let through joy in the simple experience of a ant demonstrations of love hadn’t fallen the world know that God is our Father. place and time. victim to “growing up.” Adults, it seems, The love this child so freely ex- often experience their greatest disap- Mary Morrell is an award-winning col- pressed for his dad called to mind my pointments through a failure to let others umnist and writer who serves as managing two-year-old grandson whenever I know how much they truly love them. editor for The Monitor, Diocese of Tren- babysit. When his dad walks through the These images of a child’s expressive ton, New Jersey. Page 22 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishop Vann's Legacy Bishop Vann named bishop of Orange, California He leaves a solid legacy of accomplishment y now everyone knows the ba- many people upon the death of my of one of the fastest growing Catho- enhancing of five Center City Bsic news: Pope Benedict XVI mother. She, too, loved the Diocese lic dioceses in the United States. Catholic schools named Bishop Kevin W. Vann as the and its people. Please continue to The diocese’s Catholic population ■ Creation of the Bishop’s new bishop of the Roman Catholic pray for me as I do for you each day.” was an estimated 400,000. Today, Scholars Fund to assist families who Diocese of Orange, California in an The list of his accomplish- the estimated Catholic population demonstrate a need for assistance announcement made Friday, Sept. ments, his legacy, is lengthy, but is 710,000. Under Bishop Vann’s by awarding millions in tuition as- 21, in Washington, D.C. by the Holy perhaps he would most like to be leadership, the diocese’s growth sistance since 2006 See’s apostolic nuncio to the U.S., remembered for being a bishop who came about primarily by expansion ■ Restoration of the historic St. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano. sought to bring a spirit of Commu- of existing parishes and creation of Patrick Cathedral Rectory and the Bishop Vann’s seven-year ser- nio, of sacred communion between one new parish, Blessed John Paul II construction of the first St. Patrick vice as the shepherd of the Diocese God and humanity into our midst. Parish, serving the Denton univer- Pastoral Center of Fort Worth will end Dec. 10 when In his 2007 pastoral letter "No One sity communities of the University ■ Reconstitution of the Dioc- he is installed as the fourth bishop Is a Stranger in Christ", he wrote, of North Texas and Texas Woman’s esan Pastoral Council as a consulta- of the Diocese of Orange. University. An estimated $135 mil- tive body to the Bishop We long, not for something, but Bishop Vann became the third lion in capital improvements have Assisted in the formation for Someone. St. Augustine, writ- ■ bishop of the Catholic Diocese of occurred at diocesan parishes and of the Personal Ordinariate of the ing in the early 400s, expressed Fort Worth on July 13, 2005 after ministries during the last seven years. Chair of St. Peter and ordained six this insight in his famous prayer: the unexpected death of Bishop Jo- Other Diocese of Fort Worth former Episcopalian priests into the “You have made us for yourself, seph P. Delaney. His ordination as milestones during Bishop Vann’s Catholic priesthood and our heart is restless until it a bishop and his installation as the tenure include: Financing and opening of a rests in you.” ■ Bishop of Fort Worth took place Construction of one of the new Catholic Charities facility to Ultimately, this deep restlessness ■ before a crowd of more than 5,000 largest Vietnamese churches in the accommodate its growing ministry cannot be satisfied apart from enthusiastic Catholics and members United States, Vietnamese Martyrs Continued success of the communion with God, in Jesus of ■ of the local community in TCU’s Church, in Arlington 30-year-old Sharing in Ministry Nazareth. In Him, the possibility Daniel Meyer Coliseum on a scorch- Establishment of a new Cath- program, an appeal which raises of deep and lasting intimacy with ■ ing hot July evening. olic school, Holy Cross Catholic about $3 million annually to assist God is opened to us all. Bishop Vann has won the hearts School in Frisco, in August Center City and rural Catholic com- Jesus is present in the world, in a of North Texas Catholics and non- Growing the number of semi- munities and ministries. unique and preeminent way, in ■ Catholics alike. He is known for narians to 30, the largest number in Bishop Vann will be the apos- the community of his disciples, the his outgoing personality, compas- the diocese’s history tolic administrator of the Diocese Church. And so our inborn long- sion, and love for others. His travels Ordination of 21 priests for of Fort Worth until he is installed ing to be connected to God is lived ■ throughout the 28 counties and 96 the diocese during the last seven as Bishop of the Diocese of Orange out concretely in our connection parishes of the diocese have caused years on Dec. 10. to and in the context of Church. him to be well known and loved by ■ Increase in the number of A native of Springfield, Illinois the Catholic people of North Texas. He went on to define the unity priests and sisters from various where he was a pastor, Vicar for On his pastoral visits, he frequently that should be the mark of the religious orders and other dioceses Priests, and a Canon lawyer, Pope would offer an impromptu demon- Church as mirroring the unity in to serve the growing diversity of Benedict named Bishop Vann the stration of his skills as a pianist on diversity of the Trinity – distinctly Catholics here coadjutor bishop of the Fort Worth whatever keyboard was available, different persons, but sharing an in- ■ Creation of the Blessed John Diocese in the spring of 2005. Bish- endearing him even further. separable unity. He wrote that that Paul II Institute to better foster the op Delaney died on July 12, the day Part of Bishop Vann's letter to quality is sometimes lacking when New Evangelization envisioned by before Bishop Vann was installed as the people of the diocese on his ap- we don’t see the presence of Christ Pope Benedict XVI the third bishop of the Fort Worth pointment to Orange, expresses how in the person who looks different ■ The successful All Things Diocese on July 13, 2005. much he appreciated the diocese in from ourselves or holds a different Possible capital campaign to address Bishop Vann’s complete letter is return: "My life has been changed for set of opinions. And, though he said the many needs of the diocese and available in English and Spanish at the better, in the Providence of God, the problem was not severe in the its parishes by exceeding its $40 www.fwdioc.org. by all of us praying and working diocese, he set about to bring the million goal by 21 percent together to further the Kingdom of diversity of cultures and ethnicities; ■ Restructuring of the diocesan The following four pages God in North Texas. Your welcome, views and ways of life present here, Catholic schools to a cost-based tu- touch on four areas of impact kindness and faith have shaped my into the unity of Christ. ition system to ensure the financial of Bishop Vann's ministry in life. I have recently experienced this When he was installed in viability of schools the Diocese of Fort Worth. so powerfully in the response of so 2005, Bishop Vann took the helm ■ Successful stabilizing and

Page 23 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishop Vann's Legacy

Respect for Life

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen and Unborn Baby Care to celebrate Correspondent a 6:20 a.m. Mass. After the early morning liturgy, the sidewalk coun- eff and Sandra Williams didn’t selors stand vigil outside a nearby Jknow Bishop Kevin Vann was abortion clinic as women arrive for scheduled to celebrate the Mass in their appointments. Memory of Children who died be- “And he’s continued to say Mass fore Baptism, but when he walked for us every single Friday he’s in town Bishop Vann listens at right as David Bereit adresses the opening rally of Fort up the aisle of St. Mary of the As- and healthy,” explained Chuck Pel- Worth's 40 Days for Life campaign Oct. 6. Bereit, who started the 40 Days for sumption Church on Fort Worth’s letier, director of the crisis pregnancy Life prayer and fasting campaign to end abortion in 2004 in College Station, near Southside Oct. 6, they were center. “There’s no other bishop in is a Texas A&M graduate. Prayer for an end to abortion is offered 24 hours a not surprised. the country that does something day, seven days a week for 40 days. (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) “Bishop Vann has been a vi- like that consistently.” brant presence in the pro-life move- On many of those Fridays, Bish- Two of the ap- ment here,” said Jeff Williams, op Vann joins pro-life volunteers in proximately 35 a leader in the 40 Days for Life prayer outside the clinics. He’s also high school stu- campaign. “He’s been active in not a fixture at the annual Good Friday dents from Fort just supporting our ministries, but Rosary Vigil. The event, sponsored Worth and Dallas praying with volunteers outside the by Catholics United for Life and dioceses who took abortion clinics when he’s in town.” Mother and Unborn Baby Care, part in Pro-Life Many people have a natural brings out hundreds of people to pray Boot Camp at UD hesitancy to show public support for the unborn on the most solemn in 2011 (NTC Photo for pro-life issues, but the bishop’s day on the Christian calendar. / Juan Guajardo) example and guidance encourage “We’ve been doing the Good them to get involved. Friday event for 28 years, but when “Seeing the bishop front and Bishop Vann started coming out and the diocese — Youth for Life, office available to people who don’t center at rallies helps them feel com- claimed it as his, the crowd grew the Gabriel Project, and Rachel have other transportation.” fortable about participating in those exponentially,” Pelletier continued. Ministries — were placed under The proximity of neighbor- activities,” Williams continued. “He At the last Rosary Vigil, 700 the umbrella of the newly created ing Cassata High School allowed has shown that standing up for life people weathered summer-like tem- department in 2008. students to earn service hours by is important to him, the diocese, peratures to stand with the bishop “He made sure Respect Life organizing baby items donated to and the Church.” outside Planned Parenthood. His had a place within the workings of the Gabriel Project. After his ordination to the departure from Fort Worth to be- the diocese,” explained former co- “It provided us with the op- priesthood in 1981, pro-life positions come Bishop of Orange, California ordinator Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore. portunity to talk to them about became deeply rooted in his ministry will leave a void in the pro-life com- “Bishop Vann understood the what we do and why it’s important,” while serving parishes in the Diocese munity, Pelletier said importance and value of human she added. of Springfield in Illinois. As pastor “He’s been such a champion for life and the need to educate people Sue Laux, director of Youth for of Blessed Sacrament Church, he life. I can’t imagine anyone else be- about the issues.” Life, said the younger generation was encouraged members to volunteer at ing as active or effective,” he added. To make the diocese’s pro-life heavily influenced by the bishop’s crisis pregnancy centers, and every “Bishop Vann is one of a kind when ministries more accessible to the visibility at pro-life events. In Fort January he accompanied the parish it comes to pro-life.” public, Catholics Respect Life was Worth, he continued his tradition youth group to the National March During his tenure as leader of given its own satellite office in the of attending the March for Life in for Life in Washington, D.C. Once North Texas Catholics, Bishop Vann vacant Catholic Charities building the nation’s capital with church a month, he traveled almost an hour is credited with raising the profile on Hemphill St. The new location youth groups. to the closest abortion clinic to pray of pro-life work in the diocese by gave volunteers the privacy and space “He’s one of the few bishops with others. establishing a diocesan Catholics needed to work with families. in the country who marches with That strong pro-life advocacy Respect Life Office. The depart- “Rachel Ministries counselors his people,” added Laux who chap- continued after he was ordained ment serves families and parishes can speak confidentially to women erones the annual trip. “It shows bishop of Fort Worth. Just weeks through education, pastoral care, coming in for help,” Ruth-Kilgore our young people how important after arriving in Texas, Bishop prayer, and worship. said, pointing out the benefits. “And defending life is to him. He practices Vann visited volunteers at Mother Apostolates operating within the location on a bus line makes the what he preaches.”

Page 24 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishop Vann's Legacy Bishop Vann and Anthony Flores com- pare crosses at Razzoo's. Bishop Vann had gone out with about 30 young adults after he had presented at a Young Adult Ministry Theology on Tap session earlier.

By Juan Guajardo Since becoming bishop in 2005, Correspondent Bishop Vann has continued to bring Bishop Vann dropped in on the Grupo support to young adult ministry, Búsqueda meeting at the Catholic ate one night in April 2008, after ushering in two full-time campus Center late one Friday evening, and Lgiving a presentation at Theol- minister positions and finding a they took a group portrait. ogy on Tap, Bishop Kevin Vann way to keep the diocesan young went out with a group of 30 young adult ministry office intact — even adults to Razzoo’s. He chatted and during difficult financial times and joked around with the young men downsizing at the diocesan level. and women, and then approached He’s added an associate director of a young man who was wearing a young adult ministry to the diocesan rather large silver cross around his staff this year in Hedglen, and most neck. The bishop, without skipping recently, he’s promoted the joint a beat, compared his cross with the campus ministry at the University young man’s, chatted with him, and of North Texas and Texas Woman’s then took off his clerical collar and University to a full-fledged parish. let the young man wear it as they Blessed Pope John Paul II Parish, is posed for a picture together. Then led by pastor Father Kyle Walters- Jeff Hedglen, associate he continued going around the tables cheid, and has an incoming staff of director of Young Adult talking to other young adults. four Fellowship of Catholic Univer- Ministry presents at a “He liked my cross and got a sity Students (FOCUS) missionaries Theology on Tap session. kick out of it,” said Anthony Flores and a business manager, in addition Hedglen's position, created of his experience with the bishop. “It to current full-time campus ministry fairly recently, demon- was a very neat experience. director Luisa Martini. strates the bishop's com- “It was late but he made the “That’s huge, to put a pastor mittment to young adults. time to just talk with us a little in there and to develop their plan (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) bit and share his knowledge with for the future,” Prevou said. “That’s us,” said the St. Bartholomew’s Bishop Vann’s vision right there.” at Theology on Tap (a catecheti- a real care for the Jóvenes group, parishioner, now 30. “You don’t Hedglen agrees that the move, cal and fellowship event for young making sure they got included, that get a lot of chances at hanging out which will also bring a $50,000 ex- adults between ages 18-30) at least they got resources.” with the bishop. It was an awesome pansion and renovation to the Catho- once each year, often asking ques- Late one Friday night, the experience.” lic Campus Center, is indicative of tions and engaging people, much bishop unexpectedly showed up at That interaction is typical of the the bishop’s care for young adults. to the surprise and delight of the a meeting for Grupo Búsqueda, a bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, “That’s making a very strong young adults attending those diocesan-level Spanish-speaking known as much for his ability to commitment to those two universi- occasions. group of young adults that engages connect and relate with others (he ties up there,” Hedglen said. “I didn’t think they’d have the in faith activities and evangeliza- once related scenes from the Spider- Indeed, Bishop Vann has sup- bishop come out to Theology on tion, Sr. Díaz said. He spoke with Man 2 movie to the Sunday readings ported young adults all over the Tap, but it was really good,” said the group of 40, taking time to greet during a homily) as for his support diocese. He celebrated a Mass at Andrew Pustka, a young adult and each of them and had his picture of young adult ministry during his the first diocesan Emerging Confer- parishioner at St. Bartholomew’s, made with the group. seven years in Fort Worth, said ence, an event designed for young of his first time experiencing a “Y hablándoles en español,” Sr. Jeff Hedglen, associate director of adults between the ages of 18-25 — TOT event hosted by the bishop. Díaz said. “Con mucho gusto nos young adult ministry and campus at 10 p.m. no less — last year. He’s Both Prevou and Sister Ines apoya en lo que pueda. No nos ignoro minister for the University of Texas encouraged the Vocations Office Díaz, delegate for diocesan His- nunca. Era un gran apoyo, muy gen- at Arlington’s University Catholic to team up with the Young Adult panic Ministry, said Bishop Vann til, muy buena persona, buen pastor.” Community. Ministry Office for events “because has also shown his support to “And speaking to them in Span- “I think the place where he ex- he really sees young adults as a group Spanish-speaking young adults. ish,” Sr. Díaz said. “With pleasure, he cels is helping young adults feel like that are at an age of discerning” and “I know he’s been very sup- supports us in any way he can. He’s they’re important to him,” added may just need a gentle invitation to portive of Jóvenes and has relation- never ignored us. He was a great sup- Kevin Prevou, diocesan director of consider a call, Prevou said. ships with some of the individual port, very gentle, a very good person youth and young adult ministry. He’s also shown up to present Jóvenes,” Prevou said. “He did have and a good shepherd.”

Page 25 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishop Vann's Legacy Bishop Vann and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief (not pictured) took to separate Catholic Charities earth movers to break ground for the new By North Texas Catholic clearer understanding of the needs Catholic Charities Staff throughout the diocese. Since then, Fischer Family Campus we have created a parish relations that began serving cli- ith a “heavy, heavy heart,” department at CCFW, which was ents in 2009. (Photo by WHeather Reynolds, president really the bishop’s vision. This has Kathy Cribari Hamer) and CEO of Catholic Charities Fort led to a tremendous increase in ser- Worth (CCFW), received the news vices within the parishes, as well as Among its array of by telephone one day in September: a much stronger level of support for services, Catholic Bishop Kevin Vann, a treasured us within those faith communities.” Charities teaches friend and dedicated supporter of Parish-based services, which English as a Second the non-profit agency, would soon include counseling, financial as- Language to immi- be leaving Texas. sistance programs, health services, grants and refugees, Her personal feeling of loss, parenting resources, and education both at its Thornhill says Reynolds, is somewhat allevi- about immigration issues, “have also Road campus and at ated by the realization that Bishop expanded into the rural areas of the cooperating apart- Vann, in his new role as bishop for diocese,” adds Reynolds. ment complexes. (NTC the Catholic Diocese of Orange, Donna Springer, a longtime Photo / Kathy Cribari California, will continue to spread member and past president of the Hamer) the Gospel message of social justice CCFW board, marvels as she looks in an even larger arena — within back on the past seven years of the Catholic Charities a diocese approximately twice the agency’s growth, since Reynolds Street Outreach Ser- size of the Diocese of Fort Worth. was appointed executive director vices Team is a vital “We know he will do for them in June of 2005 and Bishop Vann part of public/private what he has done for us,” Reynolds was ordained and installed within efforts to bring the explains. “He has been there for the Diocese of Fort Worth one homeless into perma- us, to challenge, to support, and to month later. nent housing and out partner with us. His vision and his “What has been accomplished of the elements. (NTC enthusiasm have been tremendous, is amazing. Incredible, really,” photo / Juan Guajardo) right from the beginning of his time muses Springer. “At that time, we here.” ran about 20 programs on a nine- The bishop’s example, she says, million dollar budget, and thanks has led to a deeper understanding to the bishop’s encouragement and ployed, the homeless, and those in a great legacy.” throughout the diocese of Catho- support, we have now more than need of medical and dental care. Donna Springer admits that she, lic Charities as the social justice doubled the number of programs More than 100,000 families are like Reynolds, becomes emotional arm of the Catholic Church. The offered, and our budget for the next served annually. when she reflects upon all that the agency’s commitment to outreach, fiscal year will be approximately 22 “The bishop asked that the bishop’s support has made possible. regardless of clients’ religious af- million dollars.” diocese provide the land, adjacent “At the recent dedication of the filiation, has not changed, says According to Peter Flynn, di- to Immaculate Heart of Mary Par- Bishop Kevin Vann Dental Clinic Reynolds. What has been made ocesan vice chancellor for admin- ish, for Catholic Charities to build at Catholic Charities, I asked him, much clearer, however, she notes, istrative services, one of the most their facility,” says Flynn. “And, as in front of everyone, ‘Bishop, do you is the organization’s very Catholic profound proofs of the bishop’s en- a further sign of the diocese’s sup- know how much we love you? Do identity and focus. during legacy can be found in South port into the future, he asked that you know how much we are going to “When the bishop first came, Fort Worth, at the strategically Catholic Charities receive a one miss you? You mean so much to us. he worked to facilitate a day when located Catholic Charities Fischer million dollar endowment for the We wanted to honor you by naming the priests of the diocese were invited Family Campus. The facilities, en- building, as part of the ‘All Things this dental clinic for you. Thank you to come together at our offices to compassing 83,000-plus square feet Possible’ diocesan capital campaign. for being such a tremendous advo- learn more about us and our mis- and completed in 2010, provide the I think of that area — encompassing cate for those who are in need; who sion,” recalls Reynolds. “That day space for a wide variety of services, the Catholic Charities building, the suffer; who come to us for help. We was also an opportunity for us to including emergency foster care, a Texas Catholic Credit Union, and will always, always remember you learn more about the priests, the transportation program, assistance Immaculate Heart of Mary — as and what you have done for Catholic parishes and schools, and to gain a for veterans, refugees, the unem- being an enclave of hope. And that’s Charities.”

Page 26 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Bishop Vann's Legacy Fr. David Bristow, pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption lays hands on Timo- thy Stainbrook, as he enters the Cath- The Anglican Ordinariate olic Church with his congregation. Six former Anglican priests pose with Bishop Vann after he ordained By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen wide counsel in the formulation of them as Catholic priests for the Or- Correspondent the policies and norms for the Or- dinariate at St. Elizabeth Ann See- dinariate have been an incredible ton June 30. (NTC Photos / Donna ong before we ever became help in this first year.” Ryckaert) “LCatholic, he was our bishop.” Fr. Whitfield remembered the That’s how Father Joshua first time Fort Worth Anglicans Whitfield described the warm, wel- had the opportunity to meet Bishop coming relationship Bishop Kevin Vann. Shortly after his ordination Vann forged with North Texas in July 2005, a group of Anglican Anglicans interested in joining the priests, known as the Catholic Cleri- Catholic faith. cal Union, invited the new bishop “He’s a genuinely apostolic to address their group. man who was our shepherd and “It was an ecumenical gesture,” we felt that care,” he continued. “I he said, recalling the gathering of 60 think he sees his role as not just a to 70 clergy in the Pastoral Center bishop for Catholics, but a bishop of the Episcopal Diocese. “We were of every soul.” all impressed by his personal engage- Fr. Whitfield is one of six for- ment with us. That began relation- mer Anglican priests ordained to ships that are still bearing fruit.” the Roman Catholic priesthood by Bishop Vann’s encourage- Bishop Vann in June. The historic ment and episcopal will fueled the event was the culmination of years Ordinariate in Fort Worth. When of discernment for Whitfield, Mark two groups of Anglican clergy ap- Cannaday, Charles Hough III, proached him about their interest Charles Hough IV, Timothy Per- in joining the Church, Bishop met with Anglican communities to communion with the Catholic faith kins, and Christopher Stainbrook Vann respectfully listened to their offer updates. and continue their priestly ministry who serve as priests in the Personal concerns and aspirations. “He’s been a wonderful friend to in the Church as Catholic priests Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. “He could have just said, ‘I’ll me and my family,” Fr. Perkins said, who are not a part of the Ordinariate. Established by Pope Benedict keep you in my prayers’ but he did noting the bishop’s willingness to “He set a great example,” Fr. Per- XVI in January 2012, an ordinariate more than that,” Fr. Whitfield added. help during the discernment process. kins stated. “I think relationships will operates like a diocese but is national “He asked us to write letters to the The Anglican, now Catholic, continue to be fostered among us and in scope and is led by an ordinary CDF (Congregation for the Doctrine priest would call the bishop for ad- across denominational lines. I pray (bishop) who answers directly to of the Faith) and talked to people. He vice. In turn, the bishop would ask the people in Orange, California ex- Rome. Parishes in the ordinariate was more than warm and welcoming. Fr. Perkins for his impressions on perience the same blessings we have.” are Catholic but retain certain ele- He set the wheels in motion. I think the unity effort and how people were As for the six former Anglicans ments of their Anglican liturgical the story of the whole Ordinariate responding to the pope’s initiative. who were ordained to the Catholic heritage and traditions. is different without Bishop Vann.” “He was concerned for their priesthood by Bishop Vann on When Bishop Vann received The bishop’s efforts eventu- well being,” explained the pastor, June 30 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton his appointment to become Bishop ally helped establish the ordinariate whose growing flock now meets at Church, “I don’t think any one of of Orange, California, Msgr. Jeffrey Catholic communities of St. Timo- the UTA Campus Ministry Center. us can put into words the gratitude Steenson, ordinary for the Chair of thy in Fort Worth, St. John Vianney With his move to California, we have for him,” Fr. Whitfield said St. Peter, praised the bishop’s work in Granbury, and St. Peter the Rock Bishop Vann leaves behind a legacy emotionally. with the U.S. ordinariate in a con- in Arlington. A fourth group in of ecumenical spirit “for all who are Very actively involved in the gratulatory letter. Keller is in the discernment process. faithful to Jesus and seek the truth,” life of St. Mary the Virgin Church “Bishop Vann has been instru- Father Timothy Perkins, pas- according to Fr. Perkins. But the in Arlington, Fr. Whitfield called mental in the implementation of the tor of St. Peter the Rock, considers bishop’s work with the Ordinariate the bishop’s impact on his personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Bishop Vann a spiritual father not isn’t over. Appointed the Ecclesiasti- faith journey “providential.” always providing us with consistent only to the clergy who came into cal Delegate of the Holy See for the “The really beautiful thing is, and steady assistance,” Msgr. Steen- the Church, but also the congrega- Pastoral Provision in the U.S., he you can talk to tons of people who son wrote. “His pastoral solicitude tions that followed them. As the will continue assisting Episcopalian will tell you the same story as mine. to candidates for ordination and his Ordinariate developed, the bishop priests who want to enter into full The details are just different. That’s

Page 27 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 (L-R) Catherine Saldana, Teri Peets, Maria McDon- 40 Days for Life ald, Patty Hinojosa, Jorge Melendez and his wife, Sylvia Melendez, pray a Rosary outside Planned Fort Worth Parenthood on October 9. People of various faiths, backgrounds, and from near and far par- ticipated in the 40 Days for Life campaign held in brings the light of Christ front of Planned Parenthood at the intersection of Daggett Avenue and Henderson Street in Fort to aid the unborn Worth. The peaceful prayer campaign was to run from Sept. 26 to Nov. 4.

and their mothers Right: Annette Padilla, of St. John the Apostle Parish in North Richland Hills, prays in front of Planned Parenthood Oct. 4. Right: Bobby Warren (right), vigil coordinator of Story and Photos 40 Days for Life, and Vincent Booth (left), both of St. Patrick Cathedral, pray a Rosary Oct. 17. By Juan Guajardo BELOW Right: Steve Rook, of Fort Worth Presby- Correspondent terian Church, prays outside Planned Parenthood on October 9. BELOW: (L-R) Salvador Pasillas, Lola Pasillas, and Monica Pasillas, all from St. John the Apostle in Alejandra Correa, from Holy Name of Jesus Parish North Richland Hills, pray with Nancy Northey, in Fort Worth, prays a Rosary across the street Lilly Northey and Wes Northey of St. Elizabeth Ann from the Planned Parenthood facility October 9. Seton on October 14.

Page 28 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Conversations with those who pray at 40 Days

I’t s 11:45a.m. on a Friday This is where we may be able to ing on that desolate sidewalk with volunteers and thank them for and cars zoom by Planned Par- intercede for those who need it.” his friend. He recalls how once being there, telling them their enthood at the corner of West Saldana, the Respect Life co- a woman, driving by, stopped in presence provided that impetus Daggett Ave. and South Hender- ordinator at St. Mary’s, has come front of him and rudely asked why that convinced them to not get an son St. Some drivers peer out their out to 40 Days for Life since 2006 he was praying with his family abortion. windows and stare at the two and was glad the Ladies Auxiliary on a Saturday in front of Planned “Physical prayer and presence women praying on the sidewalk was able to bring out a handful of Parenthood when it was closed. being out here has power and facing the abortion clinic. The people to support the movement. “You’re ignorant, you’re pray- meaning,” Warren said. “That’s noise of the cars zipping down “The need is tremendous,” ing for nothing,” he recalled the how God’s grace works. It works I-30 floats down to the women Saldana said, referring to the woman saying. through individuals and through too. need for prayer. “The power of That’s not how Warren, in prayer, regardless of whether the Despite all the distractions, prayer cannot be underestimated. his second-year as the Fort Worth people are present there or not.” Annette Padilla, of St. John the God has allowed me to witness a vigil coordinator for 40 Days, That grace works every day Apostle Parish in North Richland few saves,” she said, referring to sees it. After all, he’s seen people of the year, not just during 40 Hills, and a second woman who instances in which a mother has seeking abortions pull into the Days for Life, Warren is quick to wished to remain anonymous, chosen not to have an abortion parking lot of Planned Parent- point out. continue praying silently — par- as a result of the silent witness of hood only to turn around, pull “We have to carry this into ticipants in the Fort Worth 40 prayer. up alongside 40 Days prayer the 41st day and beyond.” Days for Life campaign. The second woman, who had previously had an abortion I’t s 7:34 p.m. and the sun and was initially nervous about has just set on a Tuesday. Even as joining the 40 Days campaign, the light vanishes, Steve Rook, a now is so supportive of the cam- member of Fort Worth Presby- paign that she comes every week terian Church in Southwest Fort to pray for an hour. Today, she Worth, continues to read from is saying pro-life prayers based his prayer sheets. He says he’s one on Luke 18:1, the parable of the of about 20 parishioners from his persistent widow and the unjust church who have been coming out judge. to pray at 40 Days. He’s glad to “I really like that it’s a peace- see other people praying just a few ful movement,” she said. “ I’m out feet to his left and right — he’s here in humility and love — all of confident something good will us, not just me.” come from it. She comes to pray for the “The thing that is so won- mothers facing the same deci- derful is this is what God does sion, and through her side- when his people pray,” Rook said. walk vigil, finds a process of “When God’s people call on Him, sanctification. He answers.”

At 7:02 p.m. on a Tuesday, a A t 10:22 p.m. on a Wednes- group of women from the Ladies day, Bobby Warren and his friend Auxiliary from St. Mary of the Vincent Booth, parishioners at St. Assumption (and one Knight Patrick Cathedral, hop out of their of Columbus, a husband of one pick-up truck and walk down the of the ladies) arrives and begins sidewalk. A chilly breeze picks up praying a Rosary as the sun starts every now and then. As they face setting. Planned Parenthood, empty now Asked why they came, one for several hours, they begin pray- of the ladies, Catherine Saldana, ing a Rosary. responds, “[God] needs people out Even though the building sits here, He needs prayers out here. empty, Warren sees value in pray-

Page 29 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 First president of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School keeps busy agenda Michael D. Barks receives high honors for tireless work serving Catholic community

By Jerry Circelli individual recognition that Correspondent comes his way, the 30-year Army veteran said the honor should In establishing its new Ser- truly be shared among all those vant of Christ Award this around him with whom he is only year, the National Black a team player. Catholic Congress (NBCC) “I was very surprised” Barks was searching for black Catho- said. “I really didn’t think I lic leaders across the country should have been the one to get who best personified Christian such an award. There are a lot servant-leadership qualities in of people in this church family, African-American communi- in this parish, whose work and ties. The selection process was dedication I admire.” arduous, but the criterion for Barks, however, has found a finding such leaders was simple, way that fits his humble personal- and actually defined by Mat- ity to use the recognition to for a thew, who wrote in the Gospel greater good. He talks about his that Christ “did not come to be Photo by Jerry Circelli work at Our Mother of Mercy served, but to serve.” A gift from his wife, Marie, a powerful painting and meaningful Gospel quote – “Be Catholic School, which serves chil- The Diocese of Fort Worth Strong in the Lord,” Ephesians 6:10 — hangs prominently in Barks’ office at Our dren from pre-kindergarten through Mother of Mercy Catholic School. “It means that I get my strength from the Lord. It was honored to have one of its own, grade eight. Barks uses the opportu- means I cannot succeed here without Him,” Barks said. Michael D. Barks, a retired U.S. nity to promote the institution that Army colonel, receive the Servant has been the focus of his work since of Christ Award recently in India- appreciative of the NBCC award, parish’s Knights of Peter Claver he started on its advisory council in napolis. The honor was given dur- he will never take full credit for the Council #89, served as coordina- 2004 and continues through his new ing NBCC Congress XI, only the honor. Instead, he thanks the Lord tor of the planning committee for role as first president of the school. 11th such gathering of the national for his gifts and accomplishments Friends of Our Mother of Mercy Having been a part of tran- Catholic organization since it was and, name by name, talks about all School Alumni Association, has sitioning a school once in need formed in 1889. the individuals who help him along been a member of the usher board, of repair to one now with a new Barks is in good company with the way. The list seems endless, but co-chair of the Our Mother of Mercy building, Barks hopes to achieve bishops, priests, religious, and lay Barks singles them all out, from his Golf Tournament and Networking three ambitious goals by 2015 for men and women from around the parish priest, to the Our Mother Event, and co-organizer of the Our the educational institution that country recognized for their service of Mercy administrators, teachers, Mother of Mercy Male Choir — to has been a part of our Mother of to the Church. volunteers, parents, and a long list name only some of his activities. Mercy Catholic Church since it was When asked about the award, of others who help him serve the At the diocesan level, Barks established as a parish 82 years ago. Barks is quick to point to a powerful Catholic community. Visit Barks has been instrumental in the over- One of the most important painting of a horse running, mane and he will take you around to meet all advancement of Our Mother of goals, he said, is for Our Mother of flying in the wind, that hangs above each and every one. Mercy Catholic School, including Mercy Catholic School to become his desk at Our Mother of Mercy “I couldn’t do any of this with- construction of a new school build- a National Blue Ribbon School, Catholic School in Fort Worth. It out them,” insisted Barks. ing in 2008. His activities in the recognized for academic improve- was a gift from his wife, Marie, Before becoming the first presi- Diocese of Fort Worth, including ments and high performance. He and inspires him daily. Inscribed dent of our Mother of Mercy Catho- working with youth and serving also plans to work with the Diocese on the artwork are the words from lic School in June 2012, Barks served as a role model, earned him the of Fort Worth and Our Mother of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians: on the school’s advisory council for Benemerenti Medal late last year. Pre- Mercy Parish on building a new “Be strong in the Lord.” eight years, including seven years as sented by Bishop Kevin Vann at St. multipurpose center that can be “It means that I get my strength chairman. The NBCC award not Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, the used by both the church and school. from the Lord,” said Barks. “It means only recognized Barks’ work for Benemerenti Medal was one of And last but not least, as a result of I cannot succeed here without Him. the school, but also for his tireless 16 papal honors bestowed in the improvements, his goal is to double There is no way I can do this work efforts at serving Our Mother of Diocese of Fort Worth by Pope enrollment to 160 students. alone. It is a community effort.” Mercy Church. Benedict XVI. “The first thing we’re doing is While Barks is honored and He has been active with the In his typical response to any making sure we’re strong inside in

Page 30 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 terms of our curriculum, our teach- administrators from our Mother of ers and our administration,” Barks Mercy carried on in the classroom said. “With positives in those areas, building at nearby St. Mary’s Catho- we know that we are going to suc- lic Church. ceed. We know that people will come “Now when I go around and because of the quality education.” talk about Our Mother of Mercy Father Jerome LeDoux, pastor Catholic School, I run into people of Our Mother of Mercy Church, who say, ‘I didn’t know you were is confident Barks will help the still there,’ ” Barks said. “So that’s school become successful for sev- my job, to get out in the community eral reasons, not the least of which and get the word out and let people is the president’s eagerness to work know that, ‘Yes, we’re still here.’” Photo Courtesy Marie Barks with the community to implement The new president-principal The Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School Capt. Claude Platte Cadet Corps was recently new ideas to boost enrollment. That model at Our Mother of Mercy formed by the school’s president, Michael Barks. Barks, a 30-year U.S. Army veteran, named the Corps after one of his heroes ­— Tuskegee Airman Claude Platte, a lifelong will be critical to the school’s future Catholic School allows the principal, member of our Mother of Mercy Church. Pictured with the Corps, wearing red Tuskegee success, Fr. LeDoux said. “And Erin Vader, to focus on curriculum Airmen blazers, are Claude and his wife, Erma. Michael Barks is primed to serve,” and teachers so students get a quality said the pastor. education, explained Barks. It al- November is National “Together with his positive lows him, in turn, “to go out and get Black Catholic History Month attitude, he has ability that is the resources to make that happen.” November is National Black distributed by the NBCC as strengthened by his faith, his military That involves seeking funding, find- Catholic History Month. Mem- the African American Catholic background, his knowledge, and his ing sponsors, managing facilities, ber organizations representing Tribune newsletter. Rudd also education. And his love for the chil- serving in public and community African-American Roman Cath- called together the first National dren is obvious,” Fr. LeDoux said. relations roles, and taking on many olics are working in collaboration Black Catholic Congress in 1889 Fr. LeDoux said Barks’ task is other duties that keep Barks busy with national Roman Catholic in Washington, D.C. a big one and the school needs the promoting the school for which he organizations to further the work It was an historic time, talents he brings to continue the has so much passion. of the National Black Catholic as people of African descent institution’s strong track record As Barks continues to seek Congress (NBCC). The group throughout the United States of turning out good students and needed resources for the school, is committed to the evangeliza- came together to be a part of community leaders. he knows he has his work cut out tion of African-Americans as the congress. According to While Our Mother of Mercy for him. But the 30-year military well as improving the spiritual, the NBCC, President Grover Catholic School has a long and dis- veteran — who served in Germany, mental, and physical conditions Cleveland invited attendees to tinguished history, dating back to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, of African-Americans. the White House for a special 1930, the economic challenges it has and throughout the United States The NBCC was founded by meeting. Also, the Rev. Augustus faced and subsequent reconstruction — welcomes the challenge. “Being Daniel Rudd, who was born in Tolton, the first recognized Black in 2008 led to an enrollment decline. an Army guy, we’re always going to 1854 to parents who were slaves. priest ordained for the United Many people, Barks said, make it work,” he said. If his recent Rudd eventually started the States, participated in the con- thought the school had closed papal honors and National Black American Catholic Tribune, the gress and celebrated High Mass. down. In fact, for a year, while Catholic Congress awards are any only Catholic journal owned and For more information, visit the new school building was being indication, Barks has the resolve published by African-Americans. the National Black Catholic Con- constructed, teachers, students, and to get the job done for projects in That publication is currently gress website at nbccongress.org. which he believes. Barks reiterated that he is not alone in his work. He knows Our Mass for Africa planned at St. Joseph Catholic Church Mother of Mercy Catholic School St. Joseph Parish will host a Community African Choir will is uniquely rich and blessed. Mass for Africa Saturday, Nov. 30 provide music for this special “The difference between us and at 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catho- liturgy. Father Philip Boateng public school is the cross,” Barks lic Church, located at 1927 SW will be the celebrant. said. “We’re always going to have Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. Refreshments will be served the cross. We’ll never take it down. All are invited to pray for in the Community Center fol- So when you come here, you have those who have lost their lives or lowing Mass. the cross. You have Jesus Christ. are suffering from war, disease, For more information, con- “And our mission is clear. Our Photo courtesy Wilbert Fulford and famine in Africa. Prayers of tact, the parish office at (817) 472- Mother of Mercy Catholic School Michael D. Barks and Marie, his wife of 33 thanksgiving will be offered for 5181. After hours calls, questions, exists to educate the mind and soul years, at NBCC Congress in Indianapolis, those who have been spared this or to volunteer, call Michelle at for college and heaven." Ind., where Barks received the Servant of suffering. St. Joseph Catholic (817) 542-6425. Christ Award.

Page 31 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Two members of Franciscans Third Order Regular heard the Lord's call Brothers Ron Hurl, TOR and Jonathan McElhone, TOR will be ordained November 30

Story and Photos but not in that visceral way – By Kathy Cribari Hamer ‘Talk to Him. If this is really Correspondent Jesus don’t act like it’s not. Tell Him we love Him.’ hen Ron Hurl was “When I heard them do- Wgrowing up in a “run- ing that, I said, ‘Okay, Lord, of-the-mill steel town in I’ll try it. They’re telling Pennsylvania,” he wasn’t think- you they love you, and they ing he would ever have a voca- believe it.’ tion. In fact, he said, “I thought “I started to praise the being a priest would be the most Lord spontaneously: ‘Jesus I boring thing in the world.” praise you, Jesus I love you.’ It A grown-up Ron Hurl will was uncomfortable because it be ordained Nov. 30 at the Prov- felt emotional, and ‘Catholics ince of the Most Holy Sacrament don’t pray this way.’ But I in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Bishop praised Him, and He poured Kevin Vann will celebrate the out his Spirit on me in a ma- liturgy. ‘Delight in the Lord and He jor way.” “I never felt any call,” said Having encountered the Br. Ron, TOR, “and from age will give you the desires of love and joy of the friars, Br. 14, I really struggled with my Ron wanted to share it, to faith.” Studying philosophy in your heart.’ serve the Lord though Eucha- college, he became serious about rist. “But I recognized that the existence of God, until his if I wanted to be the Lord’s parents “gave their lives to the Brother Ron Hurl, TOR lifts his arms in song during Mass at St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth. priest, I could not take it on Lord, and it changed them forever.” covered something. “They had peace and joy my own.” “Having Jesus in your life changes you, in their hearts, and I wanted that.” They took So he prayed for a vocation. He started and I liked who I was. But I didn’t have joy.” him to Eucharistic Adoration with praise and praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every That changed during graduate school worship. day at 3 p.m. “I said to the Lord, ‘There are at Catholic University in Washington, when “People were playing guitar and singing, many men out there who have vocations to the Br. Ron moved in with the Franciscans at the ‘Holy and Anointed One’ and ‘Jesus.’ What priesthood, and they are not following their invitation of Father Peter Lyons, who served got me was that this was spontaneous praise. vocation. I want one of their calls.’” in Fort Worth for many years and is head of They were saying, ‘Jesus, I love you, Jesus, I He read Scripture and prayed, “Your formation at Catholic University. He gave the worship you,’ talking to the Lord like He was Scripture says, 'Delight in the lord and he will young graduate student room and board in really on the altar.” give you the desires of your heart.' So I delight exchange for construction work. Br. Ron brought that worship music to in you, trusting you will give me the desire of Living with the Franciscans, Br. Ron dis- St. Andrew Parish where he is completing my heart, a call to the priesthood.” his deacon internship in preparation for his He prayed from Lent 1999 to January 1, ordination. He and his guitar are a standard 2000. After New Year’s Mass, he encountered sight for parishioners and school children, with an Ursuline nun he had met only once. “She whom he shares “sing-alongs,” at church, lead- prayed for me and she had a word from the ing the music, extending his arms in praise. Lord: ‘I have called you to be my priest – I put Until adoration with the Franciscans, “I’d that desire in your heart.’” never met anyone who thought that bread was “I never prayed for a vocation again, and really Jesus. They were talking to Him like He it was the certainty I had a vocation to the was there. I’d believed in an intellectual way, priesthood that helped me get through the dif- ficulties of seminary.” Left: Br. Ron blesses a child during Communion. Br. Ron I never, ever thought of a vocation,” Br. will be ordained Nov. 30 at the Province of the Most Ron said. Holy Sacrament in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Bishop Kevin Next month he will be ordained. It was the Vann will celebrate the liturgy. desire of his heart.

Page 32 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 e is a gymnast, cyclist, guitar- invited by Father Nicholas Polichnowski, Hplayer who knows agriculture, provincial, to celebrate, Br. Jonathan said, robotics, and automation. And, “I’m “since there is the intention that both new pretty good at computers,” said Brother priests, Brothers Ron Hurl and Jonathan Jonathan McElhone, TOR, who will McElhone will serve in this diocese.” be ordained next month as a Franciscan “I have no agenda right or wrong for priest. my life or where I am going,” Br. Jona- Yet, this man of multiple talents went than said. I left my country and I left my on his knees repeatedly for 15 years, ask- family. I intend on applying for citizen- ing God what to do with his life. ship when I am eligible. If I am asked to Br. Jonathan, a Canadian brought up become a missionary to another area, I on an Ontario farm, is finishing his pas- will embrace it – whatever the needs of toral year at Colleyville’s Good Shepherd the Church are and however I can fulfill Parish. Bishop Kevin Vann will celebrate them. his ordination Nov. 30 at the Province “Because of my background in of the Most Holy Sacrament in Loretto, agriculture and farming, in robotics and Pennsylvania. automation, some brothers laugh and say, The middle of three children, Br. 'You should be a missionary in a third Jonathan’s path to priesthood began dur- world country because you can build a ing high school at a youth conference house, you can repair vehicles, there is when he was 15. After that, “I started nothing you can’t do!' praying regularly, reading Scripture, and “I think to some extent that’s true, singing praise and worship – that became from a material standpoint,” Brother part of my spirituality.” Jonathan said. “But also when God is Br. Jonathan studied three years in leading you, there’s nothing you can’t get robotics at a college in Peterburough, through.” Ontario, then joined to NET (National Left: Br. Jonathan McElhone, TOR, Evangelization Teams) ministries for two kneels in prayer. years — a period he called “fundamental to his formation.” After NET he worked as an industrial electrician while volunteering in parishes with youth ministry and music. ‘It is a greater act of love for you to choose On Sunday nights he sat quietly in church with God. “In 2001, as I was praying, I heard the out of love for me, than to just be obedient...’ Lord say clearly, ‘Jonathan you are in a good place, I’m proud of you. A year from now you thrived in community. So I spent four days at a Below: Br. Jonathan assists Fr. Richard Eldredge, TOR are going to be somewhere different.’ Franciscan ‘Come and See.’” during Mass at Good Shepherd Parish in Colleyville. Br. “Hearing those words from the Lord I “What do you want me to do,” he prayed. Ron will be ordained Nov. 30 at the Province of the Most reevaluated my life and prayed, ‘Lord reveal “And I heard clearly, as if we were talking, ‘It Holy Sacrament in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Bishop Kevin to me the desires of my heart. What do you is a greater act of love for you to choose out of Vann will celebrate the liturgy. want me to do – married, priesthood, single?’ I love for me, than to just be obedient to what I heard clearly: ‘Whatever you are going to do I tell you to do. Let me bless am going to bless.’” you.’” Encouraged by friends, Br. Jonathan ap- “I ended up choos- plied to Franciscan University in Steubenville. ing the Franciscans without They accepted him for their three-year Priestly knowing what I was doing. I Discernment Program. “I still didn’t know knew a little about St. Fran- where I was going,” he said, until meeting a cis, but each day I feel like I Franciscan TOR with similar spirituality, who continue to grow in my love “intrigued him” to look at the Franciscans. for him, love for Christ, in “I continued to pray in that final year, and imitation of St. Francis, and heard God revealing to me, ‘Hey! You could trying to be formed into the have a Franciscan heart.' image of Christ." “I already knew I was called to the priest- Br. Jonathan’s family hood, and I recognized through my experience will be present at his ordina- at NET ministries and in Steubenville, that I tion, and Bishop Vann was

Page 33 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Apologetics ‘Why Be Catholic’ seminar helps Catholics know their faith By Michele Baker parents instilled a deep sense Correspondent of identification with the faith Madrid assured them that the truth of the Catholic Church within him from an early age. On September 7th and 8th, St. “My parents taught me that Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in will stand up despite the deficiencies of those presenting it: we’re Catholic first and ev- Keller hosted noted Catholic radio erything else second,” he said. personality, writer, and publisher that the truth has its own attraction. “A lion does not need to “Catholic in everything we do: Patrick Madrid for a seminar from the way we do business to entitled “Why Be Catholic?” be defended. You let the lion out of the cage and he defends the way we conduct ourselves in presented by Fullness of Truth public. We were taught that our Catholic Evangelization Ministries. himself,” Madrid said. “Such is the Church.” faith was precious and should be The two day event drew about protected.” 150 participants and featured local Madrid’s keynote, entitled speaker Chris Aubert and Catholic anointed and appointed to give Aubert was Bar Mitzvah-ed at “Why Be Catholic When You lay evangelist Hector Molina. witness” and “The Great Com- 13 but never had any significant Can Be Anything Else?, focused “Pope Paul VI reminds us in mission is in danger of becoming formation in either faith. When he on giving the lay faithful informa- his encyclical, Evangelii Nunti- the great omission,” he engages his entered law school, it was for the tion and a sense of confidence in andi, Article 14, that the Church audience with hooks that are easy express purpose of making lots of sharing their Catholic faith. exists to evangelize,” Molina said to remember. Yet his sound bite money. He quipped, “I had a goal “We are living in a time in his keynote Friday night. “It’s friendly approach is backed with of owning the biggest Mercedes when the Church is not just under in our Catholic DNA. Yet to put solid Church teaching, and Mo- that Mercedes makes.” attack ideologically. It’s under at- the words ‘catholic’ and ‘evange- lina switches from the vernacular Aubert is as ordinary as tack literally,” he explained. “The list’ together seems oxymoronic. to scholarly austerity seamlessly. Molina is polished. Likable, self- Catholic who doesn’t know what When we hear the term ‘evange- As if in response to Molina’s effacing, and quick witted, he he believes and why he believes it list’ we seldom think of ourselves; opening address, lawyer Chris Au- presents as an “everyman”. He will not be able to stand.” of our faith.” bert took the podium to share his described his journey to Christ in Madrid encouraged the people Molina is out to change conversion story. The son of a Jew- a matter-of-fact tone that belied a by to continue to learn and grow that. Peppering his speech with ish father who survived Auschwitz series of events that led him from in their faith but to not be afraid phrases like “You and I have been and a cradle Catholic mother, a life in pursuit of material wealth to share what they know when and pleasure to one of a devout, encountering people who are non- passionately pro-life Catholic. Catholic, lapsed Catholics, or have “One of the gifts God gave left the faith. He assured them that me is skepticism,” Aubert ex- the truth of the Catholic Church plained. “And I ended up arguing will stand up despite the deficien- myself into the Catholic Church.” cies of those presenting it: that the The gift of argument that truth has its own attraction. accompanies his skepticism has “A lion does not need to be served Aubert well in his life as a defended. You let the lion out of lay evangelist. Though he claims the cage and he defends him- to never start an argument with self,” Madrid said. “Such is the non-believers, he never shies away Church.” from the opportunity to share his Truth. Molina, Aubert, and faith. Madrid echoed the term over and “Once they open the door, over again. Whether describing I won’t leave them alone until the scriptural basis of the Com- they’re Catholic or they tell me to munion of Saints, giving advice leave!” Aubert said. about evangelizing in everyday Author and radio personal- life, or answering questions dur- ity Patrick Madrid bridged the ing a “Stump the Apologist” gap between Molina’s accessible session, all three men came back austerity and Aubert’s “average to the truth of the Catholic faith. Joe.” The oldest of eight children, Chris Aubert summed things up Madrid is a cradle Catholic whose most succinctly.

Page 34 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 New Media and the New Evangelization Catholic New Media Conference draws bloggers, podcasters, and other digital missionaries called to spread the Gospel to all corners of the worldwide web

By Juan Guajardo / Correspondent

Ashton Mouton, evangelization minister for St. Pius X Par- n a setting that’s like a retreat merged with a techno expo, a priest stands ish in Lafayette, Louisi- in front of a projected photo of the DeLorean from the Back to the I ana, takes a picture with Future movies, talking about changes in the online world with an audience of his iPhone. Mouton podcasters, bloggers, web designers, laptop-savvy priests, smartphone-toting recently started a laypeople and even an iPad-wielding nun. Some attendees Tweet while others blog called “Barnabas take notes on various digital devices. In one corner of the room, a sponsor pro- Speaks” as a result of motes E-Bibles. Next door, there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. the conference. It’s typical of the fifth annual Catholic New Media Conference held this year at the Arlington Convention Center Aug. 29-31. What’s more, that scene may be a glimpse of how the future of evangelization for the Church will look: Bishops, priests, religious, lay people, young and old using new media like pod- casts, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to give a soul to the Internet as Pope Benedict XVI said in 2010. Hosted by Star Quest Production Network, a non-profit apostolate dedicated to evangelization through new media, the conference attracted more than 200 people from 23 states and from as far as Europe and the Philippines and featured talks by prominent Catholic bloggers, podcasters (and even a blogging bishop — Bishop Christopher Coyne, apostolic ad- Sister Anne Flanagan of the Congregation of the ministrator of the Indianapolis Archdiocese) on everything from how to start a blog and create apps Daughters of St. Paul, a community that emphasizes and web videos, to how to grow an online audience and share the Good News effectively. media evangelization, takes notes on her iPad. Sr. Anne, who started “Like any sort of evangelization you have to go to where the people are,” said Steve Nelson, ex- her blog, “Nun ecutive director of SQPN and coordinator of the conference. “And hundreds of years ago you went Blog” in 2004, to other countries, you went to other cities, you traveled. But now, to find the people you go online said blogs because they’re there. They’re on Facebook, they’re in chatrooms and that’s where evangelization is. and other One of the places where evangelization takes place is in that online world. So I don’t see it stopping new media anytime soon. It’s only getting bigger and bigger.” are ways to be To meet that reality, the conference aims to provide networking opportunities, training and present to the world. advice to anyone aspiring to join the evangelization movement taking new media by storm. On the conference’s second day, Father Roderick Vonhögen, a pioneer in the world of Catholic podcasting, co-founder of SQPN, and host of The Break and Catholic Insider, talked about some of the efforts Catholics have made using new media in the last seven years. He said efforts have been intensive and successful with media like YouTube, Face- book, Twitter, and podcasts — all platforms that have given the Church and Catholics a voice and a fun, positive and personal online presence. But Fr. Vonhögen said progress must continue in those areas and with other aspects of new media like mobile apps and mobile-compatible websites, gaming, E-books, and memes. By utilizing those tools well, Catholics can engage others and create “places of truth” where they can counteract the misinformation

CONTINUED ON pAGE 36

Page 35 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 New Media and the New Evangelization Texas bloggers,

Left: Father Roderick Arlington resident Matt Warner is on a mis- Vonhögen, a sion to help Catholics start thinking digitally pioneer in the world of Catholic podcasting, and Communicating online is nothing foreign for Flocknote founder and co-founder of blogger Matthew Warner. Warner attended and spoke at the Catholic New SQPN, discussed Media Conference where he caught up with the North Texas Catholic to talk some of the efforts about his blogging mission. Warner, an Arlington resident and St. Maria Goretti Catholics have parishioner, said his message depends on the blog he writes for. made using new “When I’m blogging about technology and the Church, my mission there media in the last seven years. is to help the Church — to help us utilize it more effectively,” said Warner. “Hopefully to teach, if I have something that’s worth sharing, and to motivate a lot of groups in the Church, or the Church leadership itself, to embrace new CONTINUED from pAGE 35 She said the world is desper- media in new ways.” ate for truth and that even secular Warner writes his personal blog, a blog for Flocknote (a company he started that abounds online and the rise of society seems more ready to embrace to help communities communicate with their members easier), and blogs for popular atheism. the truth provided by Christ. But the National Catholic Register. He said blogging impacts him in a personal way. “How can we help? I think she encouraged the audience to that’s one of the most essential present that truth in an inviting way Blogging played a major role in former questions we need to ask ourselves by striving for excellence with every as Catholics,” Fr. Vonhögen said. post. atheist Jennifer Fulwiler’s conversion “It’s not how can we make sure that “The world needs us to get the our message gets heard. I think the fullness of truth out there and we Some think blogging can change best example on how to reach out is Catholics don’t have the luxury of the world, especially Catholic what Jesus did himself by wash- not putting our best foot forward, of blogger Jennifer Fulwiler. She ing the feet of his disciples. It’s his not doing everything we can do to believes blogging is a great source for commandment — do this to one have the best blogs that we can have evangelization within new media. The another, like I did for you. And in terms of design and also in terms Austin native was a keynote speaker at our attitude in social media and of writing,” Fulwiler added. “It only the CNMC. Her topic of discussion new media should be an attitude of takes a few of us blogging for the targeted the influence blogging can service. People can reject ideas, they glory of God to change the world.” have on conversions. The former athe- can disagree, they can hate us for Sister Anne Flanagan, of the ist blogged before she became Catholic Austin native Jennifer Fulwiler discussed our ethics or moral points of view, Congregation of the Daughters of and credits Catholic bloggers for her the influence blogging can have on con- but who will refuse a helping hand?” St. Paul, and an attendee at the con- conversion to the Church in 2007. versions at the CNMC held Aug. 29-31. The conference also featured ference, has aimed to do just that “Interactions that I had on my Jennifer Fulwiler, a prominent blog- since she started her Nun Blog (ro- blog and on other blogs were really children, Fulwiler said her mission as ger for National Catholic Register mans8v29.blogspot.com) in 2004. key to my conversion because it was a a blogger is to tell her story. and author of conversiondiary.com. She is on Twitter and Facebook, place where I could learn and answer “I think the biggest thing I feel Fulwiler recounted how her journey creates daily religious haikus and questions,” said Fulwiler. called to do is simply to share the story from militant atheist to Catholic meditations on the day’s readings Fulwiler now uses new media to of how God is working in my life on a was helped primarily by her discus- for her online audience, and has a promote the Catholic faith. She blogs day-to-day basis,” said Fulwiler. sions with Catholic and Christian blog dedicated solely to the Angelus for the National Catholic Register, as Fulwiler’s two blogs get an esti- bloggers and their dialogue with prayer. well as on her personal blog. Her writ- mated 500,000 page views per month atheist bloggers, like the Raving Sr. Flanagan, holding her iPad ing for the Register focuses on issues with a total of approximately 10,000 Atheist. — a gift from her mother — ex- such as contraception and abortion. subscribers. She attracts followers by “I became Catholic, my hus- plained that blogs and other new “For the Register, I write more writing as well as she can. band became Catholic… and the media are a form of providing a real about wider society rather than only “I really believe that the world is Raving Atheist became Catholic,” presence and making oneself avail- telling stories from my personal life,” always hungry for good content and Fulwiler said. “So don’t tell me that able 24/7. said Fulwiler. “I sort of tackle the big good stories. That’s the main thing,” bloggers can’t change the world “You never know who you can issues of our day.” said Fulwiler. “I don’t really do a lot because I have seen it. We absolutely reach,” she added, before going off As a wife and mother of five to try to promote my site. I just figure can.” to her mid-day prayers.

Page 36 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Stories by Jacqueline Burkepile Correspondent online evangelists Photos by Juan Guajardo

“I think a lot of it is to kind of blogs because they are honest and he expresses himself on topics that society force myself to articulate what I believe doesn’t always want to hear. and put it out so that I can throw it “I like that it’s really relatable,” said Rawley. “He talks about some of the around and kick it around and let stuff that he’s experienced in his life, and that I can relate to.” other people kick it around and see Warner said he enjoys his work because he helps the Church. what it looks like when we get done,” “It gives a different kind of purpose to everything whenever it has to do said Warner. “That changes and that with serving the mission and purpose of the One who created everything,” helps my belief and helps me grow in said Warner. “So it gives such meaning and depth to it in a way that’s not just my faith.” temporal — it’s eternal.” Warner said his personal blog, In this NTC file photo taken at the Diocesan He advised that parishioners become active in their communities to help fallibleblogma.com, focuses on his Day of Communio held March 1 of this year, bring fallen away Catholics back to the Church through this means. He en- personal interests. He blogs about top- Matt Warner discusses spreading the faith couraged those with talent to help parishes and dioceses start blogging, so they ics such as family, struggles, or faith. through electronic communications can build relationships and proclaim God’s message. Warner said his Flocknote blog focuses “They need help,” said Warner. “A lot of times, it just takes offering. I on technology and communication, while his blog for the National Catholic would encourage readers to step up and offer. Just ask how you can help. If Register targets issues specific to Catholics. you have a talent, offer it. Try to just do it. Take the initiative and together we Kaitlin Rawley, happiness engineer for Flocknote, said she enjoys Warner’s can do a lot of really cool things.” that if I put out good stuff, the readers Blogging sisters Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones “We want our audience to find will come.” us,” said Jones. “We write because of Brianna Heldt, a Catholic blogger tie faith into everyday life experiences what we feel on our heart or what we from Denver, said she’s read Fulwiler’s are experiencing. If it reaches people, blogs for the past few years. Evangelization wasn’t first on their that’s really great.” “She is incredibly successful and minds when these sisters started Kelly advised new bloggers to has developed quite a following, and blogging online. Houston natives write according to God’s call. She said I love that she has done so by sharing Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones began their writing about faith may not be easy, but her perspective in a gracious but hon- blogging journey in February 2009. the positive outweighs the negative. est way,” said Heldt. “While I don’t They wrote about politics, family, and “You have to be reassured of what feel that she avoids difficult subjects, life, but did not have an evangelization you are meant to do and what God she approaches things with clarity focus. The sisters shared their story with is calling you to do,” said Kelly. “It’s and kindness, which is incredibly the NTC at the CNMC. okay, there’s lots more people who appealing.” “It came out in what we were Sisters Shelly Kelly (left), and Lisa Jones agree with you or feel affirmed by what Fulwiler also stated that she be- writing, but it wasn’t our purposeful (right), shared how they use their blog you’re writing than who are going to lieves that blogging and new media focus until we went to the CNMC,” about everyday life to evangelize others. tell you negative things.” affect the culture. said Kelly. “When we came back from Kelly said the message they hope “I think it’s huge because it per- that, we were inspired. influence of our faith in it.” readers take with them is that God sonalizes the face of the Church,” she The sisters decided to evangelize Jones and Kelly said they had directs everyone on an individual path. said. “It helps people who are not part through new media after attending the individual blogs before they started “We’re not alone. You can see of the faith get to know those of us who conference in 2009. They said their writing together. They now take turns people up ahead, you can see people do have faith in ways that they would primary goal is to target Catholics and or collaborate when writing, and said back behind you, and you can see not be able to without the new media.” non-Catholic Christian families. Jones working together brought them closer. people next to you. We’re not here to Fulwiler gave advice to those in- said many readers didn’t grow up very “Working together on this blog judge. We’re just observing. God is in terested in blogging for the purpose of connected to faith and wanted to learn has brought us together instead of charge, ” she said. evangelization. She encourages them more since they now have children. letting us compete separately,” said “We’re all on a faith journey to- to do it and have fun. “We write about whatever hap- Kelly. “We encourage one another, gether, whether or not we’re Catholics “I think that’s really the most pens in our day that we think about. we support one another, and we want or [Protestants],” added Jones. “We important thing — to relax, have It could be a current event, something each other to succeed.” also try to support each other and shed fun, and stay humble,” said Fulwiler. that happened with one of our chil- The sisters said they try not to a little light — a little depth of faith “I strongly encourage people who feel dren, and then we write about things look at the number of readers because onto how you can live out your faith that call to do it. I think we really can’t in the Church,” said Jones. “Almost they don’t want the blog to be about as a Catholic Christian — to put that have enough voices out there.” everything that we write about has an trying to gain an audience. on display for others and to do it well.”

Page 37 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Nolan ‘Life of an Athlete’ program involves playing by God’s rules

By Jerry Circelli there, and we want to give them a Correspondent very compelling reason to say, ‘No,’ with some education behind it. A ore than a half century has drinking binge sets a world-class Mpassed since Vince Lom- athlete back 15 training days, and bardi and Tom Landry made their that’s significant,” Joe explained. NFL coaching debuts with the Steve added, “And the really New York Giants. The gridiron scary thing is your reaction times legends would go on to lead their are impacted. A fastball comes at own teams, achieve outstanding your head and you have to get out success, and win enduring re- of the way in a split second, a guy spect from countless players and blitzes and you don’t stop him and fans alike. he hits your quarterback.” “The secret to winning is “And that’s the physiology of constant, consistent management,” it,” said Joe. “We also emphasize Landry once said. Lombardi took Joe and Steve Prud’homme work hard to make Nolan’s Life of an Athlete program that’s wrong, it’s against the law, it a step farther: “Winning isn’t go far beyond wins and losses. It involves helping athletes grow spiritually, learn to it’s immoral.” everything, it’s the only thing.” serve their community, and develop upstanding leadership qualities. Photo by Jerry From there, the program grew Two millennia before these Circelli to include valuable information men would share their wisdom, to helping students grow in faith as points on the scoreboard. on nutrition, hydration, and other Paul the Apostle addressed the they strive to become winners on the Athletic Director Steve important ways to help an athlete topic of winning. The meaning athletic field. Prud’homme expects a lot from ath- achieve maximum potential. of his words transcended sports Unlike sports programs at most letes at Nolan. Before any games are Making commitments and and would be remembered not as schools, athletics at Nolan are rooted even played, Prud’homme requires developing trust are also critical coaching advice, but as Gospel. in the strong Catholic traditions all coaches, athletes, and parents to parts of the program. Students In his First Letter to the Cor- established by Marianist Brothers attend a special presentation that make agreements with one another inthians, Paul wrote: who joined with the Sisters of St. is a part of his “Life of an Athlete” to do the right thing. A student Do you not know that the run- Mary Namur to found the school in program. What begins at the start realizes that if he drinks alcohol or ners in the stadium all run in the 1961. The formation of the school, of the year as a presentation and uses drugs and gets kicked off the race, but only one wins the prize? Run then known as Our Lady of Victory, series of motivational talks, con- team, he also breaks his promise so as to win. Every athlete exercises would combine two Catholic edu- tinues throughout the school year to his teammates and lets them all discipline in every way. They do it cational institutions — one for girls as part of a committed contract to down. Both Steve and Joe said the to win a perishable crown, but we and one for boys. Now, the school help coaches, athletes, and parents agreements students make with one an imperishable one. is an institution of the Catholic live up to high Christian standards. another are often stronger than those Paul had a gift for putting Diocese of Fort Worth under the Steve works closely with his they make with coaches, parents, or spirituality in perspective. The administration of the Society of brother, Joe, Nolan’s successful head other adults. Isthmian Games in Corinth and Mary – Marianists. football coach, to organize and rein- “And that’s only part of it,” said the ancient Olympic Games in Nolan’s mission statement vigorate the program each year. He Joe. “We support everything the Athens were popular among the promises to educate for formation said the program grew out of a desire school stands for.” That includes Greeks of Paul’s time. The apostle in faith and to educate for service, to help athletes make wise choices. the Catholic faith and Marianist wanted those around him not only justice and peace, among other “That’s how we started,” said principles, he said. to possess the winning determina- commitments. Steve. “We wanted a program that “An athlete at Nolan Catholic tion of top athletes but also to have Athletes at Nolan, for example, would motivate kids to act healthy.” is held to a higher standard than the much higher goals in mind. Those not only learn to pray together, but The athletic director said, for ex- average student,” said Joe. “If you’re goals involved running races to be they venture forth to serve their com- ample, that athletes learn specifically going to wear our colors, if you’re victorious over sin, live virtuous munities in true Marianist tradition. how alcohol use can harm perfor- going to wear Nolan on your chest, lives and achieve eternal salvation. From helping stock food pantries mance on the athletic field. then you have a great responsibility.” At Nolan Catholic High to volunteering at local hospitals, Joe agreed. “We really wanted Principal Cathy Buckingham School in Fort Worth, sports pro- athletes learn that being part of a them to have a reason to say, ‘No.’ agreed. “And it’s not just about their grams have remained committed team involves more than putting up They go to a party, peer pressure is behavior during the school day, but

Page 38 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 24-7,” she said. “It doesn’t matter “And as for team building,” said whether they’re at the shopping Buckingham, “what better way to do mall, at a restaurant, with a group that than in a Catholic way, through of friends, or whatever they’re do- service projects.” ing. Our athletes are held to a higher The athletic director summed standard. And they’re expected to be up Nolan’s sports program objective role models. The Life of an Athlete in a way that would make Nolan’s Program supports that.” founders proud. “We want to build The principal, whose sons have people of honor and character,” all been part of the program, added, Steve said. “Life of an Athlete is a “From a parent’s perspective, I ap- springboard for that. preciate that the students are given “We hope our athletes will look factual information about what the back at their formation here and that consequences are for bad behavior it helps when it comes to making or wrong decisions. important decisions in life. “There’s just so much team “If that happens, we were suc- Athletes at Nolan Catholic High School building, community service, care, cessful. Winning a state champi- work hard to be winners, but closely and respect for one another that is onship is great. It’s fun. But if that follow the Life of an Athlete program, part of Nolan’s athletic program person makes the right decisions in which guides them spirituality. Photos through Life of An Athlete,” Buck- life because of what they learned courtesy Dick Kirby Photos/Nolan Catholic ingham continued. “It’s more than here, we won. We want this legacy High School. what the individual sport is. It’s to live on through our athletes and not about how well I can kick the their families. Above: Nolan Catholic High School's soccer ball or how far I can throw “Winning is a product of all football team celebrates winning the the football. … It’s taking personal this. If we do it well, the wins will 2011 State Football Championship. responsibility of caring for the body come. The most important thing God has created and responsibility is that in the long run, it can make Top Left Football head coach Joe for helping your teammates to make this a better world.” Prud’homme walks off the field with the good decisions. 2011 State Football Champion Trophy fol- lowing the winning game.

Bottom Left: Steve Prud’homme is Athletic Director at Nolan Catholic High School as well as the head coach of the Nolan boys' basketball team and is pic- tured with the team as they play Liberty Christian High School in January 2012.

Below: Coach Prud'homme gives the Nolan boys' basketball team a pep talk during the game against John Paul II Catholic High School.

Page 39 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Why Catholic? emphasis on prayer and spirituality offers Year of Faith opportunity Fort Worth Catholics will have especially popular among Spanish- an early opportunity to take part speaking Catholics in the diocese. in diocesan Year of Faith activi- Providentially the diocesan Why ties. Why Catholic? speakers Dr. Catholic? program culminates with Laura Kolmar and Father Alejandro the Year of Faith. During Lent of Lopez-Cardinale are coming to the 2013 participants will begin their diocese in late November and early treatment of the fourth and final December for a series of retreats. cycle which concludes in November Both will speak on “Live the Year — almost exactly the same time as the of Faith,” Laura Kolmar in English closing of the Year of Faith. The topic and Fr. Lopez-Cardinale in Spanish. of the final year also seems planned The retreats are scheduled in by God. Parishioners will examine every sector of the diocese. (Please Christian prayer and spirituality. see the diocesan website (fwdioc. In a recent interview, Kolmar org) for dates, times, and locations). welcomed newcomers to Why Catho- They are open to everyone, whether lic? Although some groups have they have been participating in the been meeting for more than three Why Catholic? program, or not. years (indeed, some groups have met As Bishop Vann’s pet program continually since the early 1990s of adult catechesis and evangeliza- when the diocese implemented the To Report Misconduct tion, Why Catholic? has been up RENEW program), others have If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who and running since the fall of 2009. formed more recently, and all should serves the church, you may About 5,000 people are coming be open to accepting new members. ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or together in small groups or com- Most parishes have designated Why e-mail her at [email protected] munities 12 times a year to renew Catholic? coordinators who facili- ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2462 ext. 102 and ask for the their faith, so that they might share it tate the placement of parishioners moderator of the curia, Msgr. Stephen Berg with others. The program has been in groups. To Report Abuse Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400

Page 40 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Page 41 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 November 4, Thirty-first “Therefore, you shall love the Lord, be sitting down on the outside, but of all to listen to God’s instruc- Sunday in Ordinary Time. your God, with all your heart, and I’m standing up on the inside!” tions and then to obey them. It seems rather odd in today’s In the Gospel, Jesus extends Cycle B. Readings: with all your soul, and with all readings that God commands his the central law of love to include 1) Deuteronomy 6:2-6 your strength.” people to love Him unreservedly. one’s neighbor. If the same prin- Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51 - Deuteronomy 6:5 It’s difficult to make people do ciple holds true, then loving one’s 2) Hebrews 7:23-28 something they don’t want to do, fellow human being implies obe- Gospel) Mark 12:28b-34 and harder still to mandate that dience to God’s commandment, they feel something they don’t even - or especially - when the By Sharon K. Perkins necessarily feel. love isn’t felt. For sinful people here’s a story about a mother Nevertheless, Moses dutifully like you and me, practicing that Tdriving in the car with her relays God’s instruction to the kind of love consistently is not 4-year-old daughter in the back children of Israel prior to their only difficult - it’s impossible. seat. A few miles from home, the entering the Promised Land. Thankfully, God doesn’t use child decides she wants to take What follows is the mandate coercion to produce the love He off her seat belt and stand up. to love the Lord God completely. desires from us. God has already Alarmed at her daughter’s risky God wants his people to prosper demonstrated it through the behavior, the mother immedi- in the land for generations to self-sacrifice of our high priest ately begins to cajole and then to come, but he is already quite Jesus, whose loving and obedient threaten her to sit down and fas- can see out the front.” familiar with their willful tenden- action continues to empower and ten her seat belt: “Please sit down, “If you don’t sit down right cies. To love God wholeheartedly encourage us to persevere in love Amy, and put your seat belt on.” now, I’m going to stop this car and doesn’t mean to conjure up tender - both on the outside and on the “I don’t want to.” you won’t like what happens next.” feelings of affection. It means first inside - when we fail. “I asked you nicely - now I’m The girl finally sits down. Af- telling you. Sit down.” ter a long silence, a mutinous voice QUESTIONS: “But I want to stand up, so I pipes up from the back seat: “I may Who is God asking you, with his help, to love unselfishly?

November 11, Thirty- “The Lord protects strangers. daughters, and yet bought a her scarce resources. But she second Sunday The fatherless and the widow marble altar for her church, responded to the needs none- made contributions to the theless. And so God provided in Ordinary Time. he sustains.” seminary education of a priest for her and her family. Cycle B. Readings: — Psalm 146:9ab who’s served in our diocese for The Hebrews passage 1) Kings 17:10-16 40 years, and during the holi- speaks of how Jesus’ sacrifice, Psalm: 146:7-10 days managed to make a place giving of his own blood rather 2) Hebrews 9:24-28 at her table for any who found than the blood of animals, Gospel) Mark 12:38-44 themselves without family. surpasses that of the annual Even this fails to mention sacrifice of the high priest. By Jeff Hensley the family members whose The author of Hebrews y wife’s maternal grand- difficulties forced them under says, not in these exact words, Mmother was Polish and her roof for extended periods. that Jesus’ sacrifice is an eter- lived out most of her adult I can imagine that some- nal, ongoing act, not having to years on the North Side of times, as when Elijah made be suffered repeatedly. what must have seemed an I like to think that the sacri- Fort Worth. Twice widowed, small sum put into the temple unreasonable request for water fices of those redeemed by that she eked out a living for herself treasury, a mite, is more than and a bit of bread to the poor blood echo across the decades and her three girls after the that put in by all the other widow, Mrs. Dolan must have and centuries in like fashion, death of her first husband and contributors. They had given cried out to God when one eternal in their own imitation was elderly by the time she from their abundance, he said, more demand was made on of that first eternal sacrifice. was 50. “but she, from her poverty, has Just this week, my wife and contributed all she had.” I were comparing her to the That was Mrs. Dolan. She QUESTIONS: widow Jesus describes in this did others’ washing, took in Have you known those who seem to give beyond their means, but still week’s Gospel. Jesus says her a boarder, provided for her find their own needs met? What lessons do they teach us?

Page 42 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Word to life

November 18, Thirty-third “When you see these things hap- I remember telling myself that earthly forces fail, and be badly Sunday in Ordinary Time. pening, know that he is near.” my concern that he’d never get shaken before we see salvation here was irrational and a medical arrive. Cycle B. Readings: - Mark 13:29 impossibility. Nature would insist This week’s Scripture reminds 1) Daniel 12:1-3 that he be born. us we must hold to our belief in a Psalm 16:5, 8-11 Labor began and the meta- light at the end of the tunnel. We 2) Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 phor continued: unsurpassed can endure the hard, dark times of Gospel) Mark 13:24-32 distress until I felt for sure all this life because they are the nec- the powers of heaven were about essary precursor to God’s prom- to break loose. But that’s when I ised joy with Him in eternity. By Jean Denton knew he was at the gates. I expect the moment when we The reading for this Sunday from Having previously experi- see “the Son of Man coming in the Book of Daniel describes the enced the birth of a baby, I knew the clouds” will be much like the moments just before God’s reign there would be pain, but that this indescribable rush a new mother finally will be accomplished: “It was pain I could readily endure gets when her baby is first placed shall be a time unsurpassed in because it signaled the coming of in her arms. I imagine looking distress.” one of God’s greatest gifts: a new into God’s face, just as I did with It reminds me of childbirth. life. my newborn child, and seeing So does Mark’s Gospel descrip- So of course that’s how God’s someone I’ve known forever. I be- tion: “The stars will be falling What a woman commonly reign will come. That’s God’s way. lieve my heart will say to God the from the sky, and the powers in experiences in childbirth, indeed, We will struggle against doubt, same thing it spoke to that baby: the heavens will be shaken.” Then is not unlike the coming of the endure pain, watch dependable “I knew you were coming.” the denouement: “When you see kingdom or any smaller versions these things happening, know that of the moment of salvation. QUESTIONS: he is near, at the gates.” The final days before the ar- When have you experienced a moment of God’s grace after suffering Oh yes, he - or she - is at the rival of our third child seemed to or difficulty? How did your trust in God help you make it through the so-called gates! drag. He was two weeks late, and hard times?

November 25, The Solem- “For this I was born and for this joined in the familiar chorus, the what he was put on this earth to nity of Christ the King. I came into the world, to testify to song was transformed from a fun do. He revealed the truth in every campfire singalong to a commis- breath he took, and in his last Cycle B. Readings: the truth.” sioning of young disciples. breath this testimony shook the 1) Daniel 7:13-14 - John 18:37 People of all ages, especially universe. Psalm 93:1-2, 5 youth and young adults, are To be sure, our purpose may 2) Revelation 1:5-8 searching for purpose. In 1991, not have as lasting an impact as Gospel) John 18:33b-37 Michael W. Smith sang a song Jesus’ purpose, but it is no less that expresses this plight perfectly: true that we each are here for a By Jeff Hedglen “Lookin’ for a reason/Roamin’ reason. We are all called to let hen I was 16 years old I through the night to find/My our “little light” shine in our own Wwent to a youth conference place in this world/Not a lot to way, in our own circumstances, where Sister Thea Bowman was lean on/I need your light to help and in our own circles of friends the presenter. Close to 1,000 teens me find/My place in this world.” and family. Each flickering flame were packed into a room and this Knowing our purpose, our of lived faith is unique, and it dis- slight woman held everyone’s at- place in this world is a powerful pels darkness in important ways. tention as she extended her index thing. In this week’s Gospel, Jesus So let us all raise our index finger and began to sing in a way reveals his purpose when he says, finger and to ourselves softly sing, I had never before experienced, “For this I was born and for this “This little light of mine, I’m “This little light of mine….” I came into the world, to testify gonna let it shine, let it shine, let She sang slow and sweet, calm to the truth.” Jesus solidly knew it shine, let it shine!” and powerful, inviting and engag- ing, soothing and challenging, all QUESTIONS: at the same time. It was a moment Who is a person who has inspired you to let your light shine? What do I have never forgotten. As we all you think is your life’s purpose, your place in this world?

Page 43 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Word to life

December 2, “There will be signs in the the end of the world. ens would be akin to all our First Sunday of Advent. sun, the moon, and the stars” Advent is the season in clocks stopping at once. The which we as the Church reflect idea that the God of eternity Cycle C. Readings: - Luke 21:25 on Christ’s coming to us in will forever wait patiently while 1) Jeremiah 33:14-16 human history, but we don’t we continue to indulge our- Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 simply consider the past event selves in “carousing and drunk- 2) I Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 of his birth, nor do we focus enness and the anxieties of daily Gospel) Luke 21:25-28, solely on his victorious appear- life” is simply unbiblical and 34-36 ance at the end of time. foolish. Time isn’t “mine” to We are also advised to be own; the world of my existence By Sharon K. Perkins aware of his “presence in the will come to an unexpected end t’s not often I get a clear present,” to be “vigilant at all that I do not choose. Iview of the night sky, but times,” not simply because the The clouds that I watched on a recent evening I was out world as we know it is passing that autumn evening will one in the Texas Hill Country away, but because it is our hu- day, according to the Scrip- under a full moon so low I felt man folly to imagine time as a tures, bear the Son of Man as I could almost touch it. Its commodity to be consumed, he returns in “power and great beauty was made even more day’s Gospel have quite the op- controlled, hoarded, or squan- glory.” In the meantime, let us spectacular by occasional posite effect. The heavens Jesus dered at our inclination. be mindful, as St. Paul says, of banks of clouds, veiling and describes are in such disarray For our ancestors - who God’s present gift of time - an then unveiling its luminous that “people will die of fright” measured time by the move- opportunity to “increase and face. As I watched them pass, in anticipation of the tribula- ments of the sun, moon, and abound in love for one another time seemed to stop as I sensed tion to come. For centuries, stars - the shaking of the heav- and for all.” God’s presence and was moved Christians have interpreted to praise Him for such a de- the revelation of apocalyptic QUESTIONS: lightful gift. writings in a variety of ways Has a moment of wonder or worship ever caused time to stand still for The moon and stars in to- - often as terrifying omens of you? Do you ever fool yourself, thinking your time belongs only to you?

December 9, Second Sun- “I am confident of this, that the turmoil of those times to mind. base, we are asked to turn to new day of Advent. one who began a good work in you It opens with a list of political means of evangelization, includ- figures who sought to repress ing social media but not neglect- Cycle C. Readings: will continue to complete it until religion, to force it to be expressed ing face-to-face conversations 1) Baruch 5:1-9 the day of Christ Jesus.” only in ways acceptable to the with those we know need the love Psalm: 126:1-6 - Philippians 1:6 state. of Jesus and the fellowship and 2) Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 It was into this context that structured support of the Church. Gospel) Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist arose, proclaim- The Church asks this of us in ing a baptism of repentance, tell- the same spirit of encouragement By Jeff Hensley ing everyone, “Prepare the way of we find in today’s passage from returned to faith and devel- the Lord, make straight his paths.” Philippians, where Paul says his Ioped my relationship with God That is what the Year of Faith prayer for that community is “that through Jesus in the ’70s when is telling us to do in our own lives your love may increase ever more I both came into the Catholic today. Pope Benedict XVI and the and more in knowledge and every Church and became involved in Church are calling us gently but kind of perception, to discern the Catholic Charismatic Renew- definitively to renew our faith, to what is of value, so that you may al. I was in my early twenties. deepen our personal relationships be pure and blameless for the day The Vietnam War was loom- with Jesus and our prayer lives, as of Christ.” ing, and there was talk of revolu- were. well as our understanding of and We’ve been entrusted with tion. Some feared government It was also a time of great participation in the sacraments. a great gift; we live in difficult reprisal as a result of their politics. evangelism, both in Protestant Then, from that more solid times; God’s grace will abound. The rest feared that those who Evangelical circles, and, through threatened to (and did, in some renewal movements, in the Catho- QUESTIONS: cases) blow up buildings were lic Church. Will you take part in the New Evangelization? What can you do to help much larger in numbers than they This week’s Gospel brings the renew your own relationship with God and his church?

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December 16, Third “His winnowing fan is in his hand her on a fast track to move up in into her life and work his will. Sunday of Advent. to clear his threshing floor and to the business. After also giving away all her But after only a couple of material possessions, Michele spent Cycle C. Readings: gather the wheat into his barn.” years, she felt a deep calling to more than a year in a convent dis- 1) Zephaniah 3:14-18a - Luke 3:17 serve God and thought it might cerning her vocation. It turned out Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-6 be a vocation to religious life. not to be as a religious sister. 2) Philippians 4:4-7 To the amazement of her Now, years later, she is a wife Gospel) Luke 3:10-18 young professional friends and and mother of three children in a doting supervisors, she began young family filled with the love By Jean Denton preparing herself to be more open of Jesus. Effortlessly, it seems, she his week’s Gospel of Luke to Christ’s presence in her life. She shines Christ’s light in her com- Tcontinues John the Baptist’s had a lot of “chaff” to dispose of: munity: her children’s school, her Advent message. Those who have She loved dating and socializing, church, and, yes, in the corporate heard his admonition to prepare shopping for clothes, and then world where she works. the way of the Lord ask the prophet there was the whole competitive, The rich fulfillment of Mi- to specify, “What should we do?” profit-pushing attitude of the chele’s call to Christ began with He offers instruction that basi- business world she occupied. her first following the call to clear cally tells them to clean up their Although it was hard to ex- his way into her life. lives by personally aiding those in plain to the people around her, The Advent Gospel calls us to need and getting rid of habits and Michele knew she had to clear look at what surrounds us and de- practices that are selfish or hurtful those things out in order for termine to clear away the obstacles to other people. He reiterates the Freshly graduated from col- Christ to enter, unencumbered, to Christ’s presence. need to sweep out these negative lege, my friend Michele landed an influences when he suggests that enviable first job in the market- QUESTIONS: Christ will come with a “winnow- ing section of a large national What possessions, attitudes, habits, or activities get in the way of your ing fan” to clear away the chaff, corporation. Her abilities quickly relationship and dialogue with Christ? Which ones will you try to clear meaning the obstacles to his reign. impressed her bosses, so they put away this Advent season?

December 23, Fourth Sun- “And how my life forever. I imagine something similar day of Advent. does this He asked, “Who are the two happened to Elizabeth in this most important people in your week’s Gospel story when Mary, Cycle C. Readings: happen to life?” I thought for a few moments pregnant with the savior of the 1) Micah 5:1-4a me, that and decided that my mom was world, walked into her home. Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 the mother one. That was all I could come up Elizabeth said, “And how does 2) Hebrews 10:5-10 with. I certainly could not pick this happen to me, that the of my Lord Gospel) Luke 1:39-45 my dad. After all, I was 16 and mother of my Lord should come should come he was my dad -if he had said to me?” By Jeff Hedglen to me?” the grass was green, I would have Though I did not say it at the was a lonely and depressed kid - Luke argued it was blue just to disagree time, on that retreat I easily could Iwhen I started my junior year with him. have said, “And how does this of high school. My family had just 1:43 After a few moments, the facili- happen to me, that the savior of moved across the country, and I tator said, “Was one of those people the world is a person in my life?” had only made a few friends in my God?” In a white hot flash, every- In this fourth Sunday of Ad- new community. The only thing thing in my life came into focus. vent, with the celebration of Jesus’ that kept me going was the youth For the first time ever, I realized coming just around the corner, group at my church. to talk with me and help me tran- God could be a person in my life, let us praise God for his coming Sue, a Volunteers for Edu- sition to my new life in Texas. not just some cosmic force watch- in time and for his coming in cational and Social Services vol- That December, Sue invited ing me from a distance. Nothing our lives and letting us longingly unteer, was the youth minister. I me to a day retreat at the local would ever be the same again. await his return! would often pop into her office Catholic high school. During when I had no place else to be and the session, the facilitator asked a QUESTIONS: just needed to feel like I belonged seemingly simple question, but it When was a time when you experienced Jesus coming into your life? somewhere. She always took time was a question that would change Who are the people in your life who have helped you grow in faith?

Page 45 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Nuestro Pastor Habla Me debo levantar y seguir el camino

aron aquí como coadjutor del obispo Delaney Mucha gente ha estado preguntando qué en el 2005, y fui su sucesor en su inesperada va a pasar ahora en Fort Worth. Después de muerte. En efecto, ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos!, fue mi instalación, Fort Worth se convertirá en lo que tuve que hacer para seguir al Señor una sede vacante, o sea que la silla del obispo a donde Él me había llamado para viajar se quedará vacía. El nuevo administrador con ustedes como el Pastor aquí en nuestra diocesano será elegido por un grupo de sac- maravillosa Diócesis. Los últimos siete años erdotes de alto rango dentro de la diócesis, Queridos Hermanos y han sido años de gran bendición para mí en conocido como el Colegio de consultores. El Hermanas y Amigos, todos en lo personal y también en conjunto; muchas sacerdote que sea elegido entonces mantendrá cosas se han llevado a cabo como respuesta las actividades diarias de la diócesis, pero nuestra Diócesis de Fort Worth, de fe al Señor que nos llama a ser su pueblo. sin la autoridad de un obispo. La diócesis Le doy las gracias por su generosidad, la fe entonces esperará a un nuevo obispo para no de mis libros favoritos, que tam- y el amor manifestado de tantas maneras. ser asignado por el Papa Benedicto XVI. Por bién es una lectura fácil, lleva por El 7 de septiembre, las palabras del Señor favor, comiencen a orar, al igual que yo, por titulo ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos!, por el U mencionadas anteriormente se convirtieron el nuevo obispo de Fort Worth. Papa Juan Pablo II. Este trabajo sigue a una en realidad para mí otra vez cuando el re- Con todo mi corazón, le doy las gracias obra anterior titulada Don y misterio. Ambos presentante del Santo Padre a nuestro país, por su compromiso de fe y su bondad y apoyo narran, en sus propias palabras, la vida del el Arzobispo Vigano, me llamó para decirme en los momentos de bendición y momentos de Beato Juan Pablo II. Don y misterio trata de que el Papa Benedicto XVI me había nom- desafío. Su buena administración de tiempo, sus primeros años hasta su ordenación sac- brado como el cuarto obispo de Orange, talento y tesoro está ayudando a llevar a la erdotal. ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos! es la narración en California. Como le dije al personal del Diócesis de Fort Worth hacia un futuro lleno de su vida desde el momento en que fue Centro de Pastoral Marywood en Orange de esperanza, a medida que construimos nombrado obispo auxiliar de Cracovia hasta hace dos semanas, amo mucho al pueblo del sobre una herencia de fe y liderazgo que ha su elección como Obispo de Roma. El último Norte de Texas, y de hecho se han convertido existido desde que la diócesis fue fundada capítulo de ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos!, termina con en mi familia. Este será ahora para mi un en l969. las siguientes palabras: año de gran transición, con la muerte de mi Mi instalación como obispo de Orange …En otra ocasión, a los mismos tres discípulos madre, irme de aquí, y mudarme a Orange. se llevará a cabo el 9 y el 10 de diciembre, con Jesús les formuló así su invitación: Levantaos, no Sin embargo, yo confío en el Señor que es el rezo de vísperas — la oración de la tarde temáis (Mt 17, 7). El amor de Dios no impone el mismo que me trajo hasta aquí entre ust- — siendo el 9 de diciembre a las 7:30 pm en cargas que no podamos soportar, ni nos plantea edes, y que ahora me pide que lo siga a la el futuro arboreto de la Catedral de Cristo y exigencias a las que no podamos enfrentarnos. Diócesis de Orange. la Misa de instalación el 10 de diciembre a A la vez que pide, Él ofrece la ayuda necesaria. A pesar de que geográficamente es muy las 2:00 pm en el UCI Bren Events Center. Hablo de esto desde un lugar al que el amor de diferente en millas cuadradas a Fort Worth Por favor, oren por mí en estos tiempos de Cristo Salvador me ha llevado, pidiéndome salir (un condado de 700 millas cuadradas, contra transición, como lo hago por ustedes. Sigo de mi tierra para dar fruto en otro sitio con su los 28 condados de 24.000 millas cuadradas), viviendo, con la ayuda de Dios, el lema que gracia, un fruto destinado a permanecer (Jn 15, la población católica es de aproximadamente me vino cuando fui nombrado obispo: “Haga 16). Por eso, haciéndome eco de las palabras de 1,300,000 o el 40 por ciento de la población. todo con fe y amor en Cristo Jesús”. nuestro Maestro y Señor, repito también yo a La Diócesis de Orange tiene muchos de los Dios los bendiga siempre. cada uno de vosotros, queridísimos hermanos en mismos grupos culturales que tenemos aquí, el episcopado: ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos! Vamos con- sólo que más. Existe ahí la práctica de una fe fiados en Cristo. Él será quien nos acompañe vibrante, donde el desafío es la construcción en el camino hasta la meta que solo Él conoce. y expansión. Y ahí está la compra reciente de la Catedral de cristal (futura Catedral de

Estas palabras fueron muy proféticas Cristo), que realmente es un “regalo de Dios”, + Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD para mí, ya que el libro anterior me fue dado como el obispo Brown ha señalado, y que se Administrador Apostólico por un sacerdote amigo mío cuando me envi- está rehabilitando en una catedral católica. de Fort Worth Page 46 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Page 47 North Texas Catholic SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2012 s con gran alegría que me uno la gracia que sostiene el testimonio al Papa Benedicto XVI cele- de los cristianos. Del mismo modo, Ebrando la llegada del Año de la enseñanza del Catecismo sobre la la fe. El año comienza con la celebra- vida moral adquiere su pleno sentido ción del 50° aniversario del Concilio cuando se pone en relación con la fe, Vaticano II y el 20° aniversario de la la liturgia y la oración (PF11). publicación del Catecismo de la Iglesia Por último, pido que tomen en Católica, aprobado y difundido por el serio su obligación de asistir a misa beato Papa Juan Pablo II. Unámonos todos los domingos y días de obliga- en oración para que este año pueda ser ción. No vivimos nuestra vida de fe de una verdadera bendición y un tiempo manera aislada. La celebración de la para profundizar en el amor y la fe Misa es la fuente y cumbre de nuestra de Jesucristo y la Iglesia. vida cristiana. Es la fuente de donde La visión del Papa para este año sacamos nuestra fuerza y ​el punto se esboza claramente en su carta apos- solución sistemática a los problemas cómo van a llegar a conocer a Cristo final al cual ofrecemos nuestras vidas. tólica Porta Fidei o Puerta de la fe. El del mundo, sino como un encuentro y a la Iglesia a través de la Biblia. No olvidemos nunca que en la Misa título del documento es una imagen con el Dios vivo, Jesucristo, quien A continuación, el Catecismo de nos unimos a los católicos de todas que viene de Hechos 14:27. Allí lee- vino a liberarnos de nuestros pecados la Iglesia Católica ofrece una hermosa las edades en ofrecernos a Cristo. mos: “Y habiendo llegado y reunido y a conducirnos hacia Él. síntesis de la fe. En sus páginas nos Oro para que Dios los bendiga todos en la iglesia, informaron lo que Uno de los significados de la encontramos con la Sagrada Escri- abundantemente en este Año de la fe. Dios había hecho con ellos, y que Él palabra “creencia” es “lo que se valora tura, el testimonio de los santos, la Voy a comenzar el año en Fort Worth, había abierto la puerta de la fe a los profundamente”. En este año, vamos sabiduría de los consejos y respuestas pero terminaré en Orange, Califor- gentiles”. a volver a examinar nuestra fe para reales a los problemas de la vida. Cito nia. Dondequiera que estemos, somos El Papa explica: “‘La puerta de ver si realmente la mantenemos como al Papa Benedicto XVI en detalle: parte de la única fe, unidos en un solo la fe’ (cf. Hch 14, 27), que introduce algo precioso. Como una planta, [En el Catecismo] Precisamente bautismo, realizado en un solo cuerpo en la vida de comunión con Dios y nuestra fe debe ser alimentada. Va- en este horizonte, el Año de la fe deberá en Cristo. Tengan la seguridad de permite la entrada en su Iglesia, está mos a utilizar este año para difundir expresar un compromiso unánime mis oraciones, y que podamos llevar siempre abierta para nosotros” (PF 1). lo que hemos recibido. para redescubrir y estudiar los conte- a Cristo al mundo con una gran fe, La fe es un don y algo que ejercemos Si bien habrá muchas activida- nidos fundamentales de la fe, sinteti- esperanza y amor. en nuestras vidas. Es algo que viene des en nuestras parroquias, nuestra zados sistemática y orgánicamente en El Año de la fe es una oportuni- de Dios y nos lo revela como el objeto diócesis y en toda la Iglesia durante el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica. En dad para que todos los católicos —tú de nuestra fe. este año, tengo tres refuerzos para efecto, en él se pone de manifiesto la y yo — experimentemos una conver- Este año nos ofrece la oportu- nuestra celebración en la Diócesis de riqueza de la enseñanza que la Iglesia sión, convirtiéndonos nuevamente a nidad de reflexionar sobre nuestra fe Fort Worth que me gustaría compartir ha recibido, custodiado y ofrecido en Jesús para entrar en una relación más y profundizar nuestro compromiso con ustedes: sus dos mil años de historia. Desde profunda con Él. con Cristo, como individuos y como la Sagrada Escritura a los Padres de miembros de la Iglesia. Hacemos esto 1. Lean las Sagradas Escrituras, la Iglesia, de los Maestros de teolo- Sinceramente suyo en Cristo, para que podamos ser mejores testi- 2. Lean el Catecismo de la Iglesia gía a los Santos de todos los siglos, gos de Cristo en el mundo. Aquellos Católica, y el Catecismo ofrece una memoria de nosotros que somos cristianos 3. Asistan a Misa todos los do- permanente de los diferentes modos comprometidos conocemos la paz mingos y días de precepto. en que la Iglesia ha meditado sobre + Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD y la alegría que una vida dedicada a la fe y ha progresado en la doctrina, Administrador Apostólico de Fort Worth Cristo nos puede dar. La vida no está En primer lugar, San Jerónimo es para dar certeza a los creyentes en exenta de problemas y sufrimientos, citado a menudo diciendo que la igno- su vida de fe. pero con la fe en Cristo y el apoyo de rancia de las Escrituras es ignorancia En su misma estructura, el Ca- Buscar en: la Iglesia, todas las cosas son posibles. tecismo de la Iglesia Católica presenta de Cristo. La Sagrada Escritura es la puerta de la fe, porta fidei El Año de la fe nos da la opor- el desarrollo de la fe hasta abordar los Palabra viva de Cristo. En efecto, el para leer La carta del Papa tunidad de traer esta paz y alegría grandes temas de la vida cotidiana. A Concilio Vaticano II en el documento Benedicto XVI sobre el Año al mundo, donde se siente cada vez través de sus páginas se descubre que Dei Verbum enseña que “los libros de la fe en línea más la necesidad de Jesucristo y de la de la Escritura — firmemente, con todo lo que se presenta no es una teo- Iglesia. La Iglesia no es simplemente fidelidad y sin error— nos enseñan ría, sino el encuentro con una Persona el libro del pueblo de dios-la una estructura organizativa, sino en la verdad que Dios, por el bien de que vive en la Iglesia. A la profesión de santa sede verdad es el Cuerpo de Cristo—una nuestra salvación, quiso ver confiada fe, de hecho, sigue la explicación de la para leer el el Libro del pueblo comunión viva de Cristo como la a las Sagradas Escrituras” (DV 11 ). vida sacramental, en la que Cristo está de dios en línea Cabeza y nosotros como sus miem- presente y actúa, y continúa la cons- Comenzando con el Evangelio de el catecismo, la santa sede bros. Por lo tanto, cuando traemos a trucción de su Iglesia. Sin la liturgia Mateo, hagan el compromiso de leer Para leer el Catecismo de la Cristo al mundo como miembros de y los sacramentos, la profesión de fe un capítulo por día. Se sorprenderán Iglesia Católica en línea la Iglesia, no lo hacemos como una de cuánto aprenderán en un año, y no tendría eficacia, pues carecería de

Page 48 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Cardenal mexicano exhorta a sacerdotes a que promuevan vocaciones entre los hispanos de EE.UU.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky por una nueva evangelización. (CNS) — El cardenal mexicano También el padre John Guthrie, Juan Sandoval Íñiguez dijo que director asociado del Secretari- ve “muchas posibilidades aquí en ado de clérigos, vida consagrada los Estados Unidos para encon- y vocaciones de la Conferencia trar vocaciones entre el grupo de de obispos católicos de los Estados personas que hablan español”, y Unidos o USCCB por sus siglas exhortó a los sacerdotes y a otros en inglés, habló acerca de las dirigentes de la iglesia a que tra- vocaciones entre los hispanos o bajen para encontrar vocaciones latinos católicos. entre los hispanos (o latinos) El padre Francisco Quezada, católicos. sacerdote de la diócesis de Colo- “Acérquense a los niños, rado Springs, Colorado, quien háblenles a los niños” a fin de es presidente de la Asociación cultivar nuevas vocaciones, dijo nacional de sacerdotes hispanos, en una entrevista con el periódico dijo que el grupo “promueve y de la arquidiócesis de Louisville, anima la fraternidad sacerdotal Unos sacerdotes hispanos que visitaban Louisville, Kentucky, para The Record. del sacerdocio hispano o latino en una conferencia organizada por la “Asociación nacional de sacerdotes El cardenal también llevó la Iglesia de los Estados Unidos”. hispanos”, posan para esta fotografía tomada antes de celebrar la Misa, un mensaje para los hispanos o “Hoy más que nunca el 8 de octubre. En la fila de adelante, el padre Eliseo Avendaño de latinos católicos de los Estados necesitamos estar en solidaridad la Diócesis de Santa Rosa, California, y el padre Roberto Barreto de la Unidos. “No pierdan su fe en unos con otros pues la misión es Diócesis de Las Cruces, Nueva México; en la fila de atrás, el padre Juan Cristo. Manténganse dentro de más difícil”, dijo, haciendo notar Pablo Robles, Carlos Loaíza y Leonardo Medina de la Diócesis de Tulsa, la Iglesia”, dijo. que la sociedad actual se inclina Oklahoma. (Foto CNS/Marnie McAllister, The Record) El cardenal Sandoval, que más y más hacia un “secularismo, también es arzobispo jubilado individualismo y relativismo”. de Guadalajara, México, fue uno El cardenal Sandoval ofreció sacerdotes que “no solamente “no solamente permanecieran de los oradores principales en la estímulo e instrucción durante su prediquen cuando sea conveni- en nuestras sentaderas o trase- conferencia anual de la Asociación homilía en una de las reuniones ente, sino también cuando sea ros”, haciéndose cargo de cosas nacional de sacerdotes hispanos con celebración de la Misa. inconveniente, fuera de ocasión”. administrativas como contar llevada a cabo en Louisville, del El cardenal les hizo un lla- El cardenal también usó un dinero de la colecta. 8 al 11 de octubre. mado a los sacerdotes para que poco de humor, que causó algu- En lugar de eso, dijo el Entre los oradores se destacó “exhorten, inspiren y proclamen nas tandas de carcajados. cardenal, los sacerdotes “deben el obispo Ricardo Ramírez de Las el mensaje de Jesucristo, a fin El cardenal Sandoval tam- predicar incesantemente por Cruces, Nueva México, quien de llevar las buenas nuevas a los bien causó risas cuando les medio de la palabra y por medio habló de los esfuerzos de la Iglesia pobres”. También les dijo a los advirtió a los sacerdotes que de sus obras”.

Los 3 tópicos más populares para la conversión al catolicismo: la Penitencia, el Papa, la Virgen María CIUDAD DEL VATICANO el sínodo, el cardenal Dolan y dijimos: ‘Bueno, eso no va’, así (CNS) — Los adultos conversos había dicho que la renovada que dejamos de intentarlo”. al catolicismo regularmente ci- o interesante, dijo el apreciación del sacramento de Lo interesante, dijo el carde- tan tres cosas sobre el catolicismo Lcardenal Dolan, es que el Reconciliación es esencial para nal Dolan, es que el sacramento que encuentran atractivas: el sacramento de Reconciliación es la nueva evangelización de la de Reconciliación es en realidad sacramento de la Confesión, el iglesia. algo atractivo para muchas per- Papa y la devoción a María, dijo en realidad algo atractivo para Le dijo a los periodistas que sonas, especialmente para los el cardenal Timothy M. Dolan muchas personas, especial- “parece ser una verdad común jóvenes. de Nueva York. mente para los jóvenes. tras el Segundo concilio vaticano “A menudo ellos dicen que “Esas tres cosas, adivinen que el concilio eliminó el sacra- la iglesia les parece impersonal, qué, fueron un tanto desen- mento de la penitencia, lo cual, un poco sin rostro y sin nombre”, fatizadas” después del Segundo eros angloparlantes durante el por supuesto, no es cierto”. dijo. “Bueno, muchacho, uno no concilio vaticano, dijo el carde- Sínodo de obispos sobre la nueva En vez de renovar el sacra- puede encontrar un sacramento nal el 15 de octubre durante evangelización. mento como el concilio quería, más personal que la penitencia. una breve reunión con report- En su charla formal ante dijo, “simplemente nos rendimos Quiero decir, esto es personal”.

Page 49 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 El Papa ofrece razones para esperanza de ‘nueva primavera para cristianismo’ CIUDAD DEL VATICANO de la verdad eterna del Evangelio. varias ideologías y del consumismo”. creto (subsiguientemente anulado) (CNS) — El Papa Benedicto XVI “Las ideologías tienen sus días Contestando una pregunta so- por el Tribunal europeo de derechos dijo que el perdurable deseo de contados”, dijo el Papa. “Estas pare- bre las posibilidades del cristianismo humanos de que los crucifijos de- Dios, la verdad del Evangelio y de cen ser poderosas e irresistibles, pero en Europa, el Papa Benedicto dijo bían ser retirados de las aulas en las la “inquietud” de los jóvenes de hoy después de cierto período se des- que el continente está pasando por escuelas públicas italianas. día son razones para tener esperanza gastan y pierden su energía porque una crisis de identidad, dividido “Podríamos llamar el otro alma de una “nueva primavera para el carecen de una verdad profunda”. entre “dos almas”. de Europa la cristiana”, dijo el Papa cristianismo” en Europa y más allá. “El Evangelio, por otro lado, Una de estas almas es “el razon- Benedicto, describiéndola como un El Papa le hizo estos comen- es verdadero y por lo tanto nunca amiento abstracto antihistórico” que “alma que, por si misma creó la au- tarios a un entrevistador en un se puede desgastar”, dijo. busca “liberarse de todas las tradicio- dacia del razonamiento y la libertad nuevo documental, Bells of Europe, Finalmente, el Papa Benedicto nes y todos los valores culturales en del razonamiento crítico, pero que que se presentó en el Vaticano el 15 citó la insatisfacción de los jóvenes favor de un razonamiento abstracto”, se mantiene anclada en las raíces de de octubre después de la sesión de de hoy día con las “propuestas de las dijo citando como ejemplo un de- las cuales nació esta Europa”. ese día del Sínodo de obispos. El sínodo es dedicado a la nueva evangelización, proyecto orientado a revivir la fe cristiana en las sociedades secularizadas, especialmente en Europa y en otras tierras occidentales. El Papa Benedicto XVI le dijo a su entrevistador que tiene tres razones principales para la esperanza de un renacimiento cristiano, comenzando por el “hecho que el deseo de Dios, la búsqueda de Dios, está profunda- mente grabado en cada alma humana y no puede desaparecer”. Dijo que también recibe confort

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

Page 50 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Following Catholic tradition to help the poor and sick CONTINUED from pAGE 52 the poor and addressing healthcare dispari- ties,” Mihalic added. “His mission has always mother, a physician assistant with a doctorate in centered on emulating Christ’s example of love, psychology, and seven brothers and sisters who charity, and service, and inspiring others to all have strong faith and a desire to serve others, follow suit. Tommy has always chosen the road including two doctors and two nuns. less traveled, and I believe he will make all the Heyne will continue to put his God-given difference to patients across the globe.” talents to good use, as he pursues his goal to Heyne works hard to keep the accolades become a medical missionary abroad — either and awards in perspective. His goal is not to ac- Above: Heyne assists a child on the Cavour, an Italian starting his own hospital or assisting as a physi- cumulate wealth or gain recognition, but simply aircraft carrier off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, cian at a clinic. to move along the path that God set for him. following the devastating earthquake in 2010. The Heyne’s desire to follow that course comes There are times when Heyne feels assured ship provided an operating room and a computed from extensive experience gained in serving he is headed in the right direction, such as when tomography (CT) scanner for earthquake victims. those in need in different parts of the world. He he was in Calcutta earlier this year, performing Heyne helped transport patients and served as an has volunteered with pediatric cardiologists to basic tasks at a Missionaries of Charity home for interpreter between Italian and U.S. physicians. • help indigent children in Honduras, assisted in the destitute and dying. Heyne washed clothes, Below: In Calcutta, India, Heyne worked at homes for the sick and dying run by the Missionaries of Charity. earthquake relief efforts at a Catholic hospital in mopped floors, and spoon-fed the hungry. He He is shown here with Mother Teresa’s successor, Sister Haiti, and worked in remote mountain settle- recalled a special moment when he was feeding Mary Prema.” (Photos Courtesy Tommy Heyne) ments of Peru to provide religious education for an elderly man, too feeble and sick to speak. villagers and health care for the poor. “I was feeding him spoon after spoon of Heyne has also served at the Lazarus Home rice and vegetables. He was eating it very slowly. for Girls, an orphanage in Al-Eizariya, on the Just chewing it. Then he grabbed both my Palestinian West Bank. He has made five trips hands and looked up at me. And he had such a to Ciudad de los Niños, in Monterrey, Mexico, look of peace and love on his face. where he worked at a school and clinic for the “I am no mystic, but that was God,” said poor. Heyne has worked with Mother Teresa’s Heyne. “There was no doubt to me that Jesus Missionaries of Charity in a soup kitchen in was in this man, and in the blind and the sick Italy and at homes for the destitute and dying in there. That sort of thing is just a beautiful mo- Calcutta, India. In addition, he has made mis- ment. And they don’t come that often — those sion trips to Uganda, Ethiopia, and China. moments of touching Christ, or, rather, Christ When not volunteering his time abroad, touching you.” Heyne has worked hard at home assisting at There are other moments when Heyne health fairs and medical clinics, helping the feels inspired to carry out his mission, such as homeless, and volunteering as an assistant chap- when he visited a terminally ill patient at a local lain at Parkland Memorial Hospital, to name a hospital. Heyne asked the man if he would like few local service activities. to join him in prayer. The man only shrugged, “A force of nature,” is what Dr. Angela indifferent to the question. Heyne proceeded to Peterman Mihalic called Heyne. As Associate pray, asking God to look with compassion and Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for loving care on this man and that He give him heart, because Heyne still hears the words of Student Affairs at UT-Southwestern, Mihalic has his peace, show him mercy, and shower him his parish priest in Grapevine, who said, “Just had the opportunity to witness Heyne’s success. with love. At the end of the prayer, the man — smile. Smile for God.” “Well before starting medical school, he who died later that night — responded, “Amen.” The young doctor will be guided by the ac- had already established a new student organiza- “God is the one who does the healing,” tions of Mother Teresa and St. Francis, who car- tion on campus, the Catholic Society of St. Ba- Heyne reasoned. “We can give the medicines, ried out their work to serve the sick and dying sil the Great, and it did not stop there,” Mihalic but ultimately the body is what heals. Simi- with smiles on their faces, and he will follow his said. “He has been instrumental in the creation larly with the spirit, God is the one who gives goal to help the poor around the world with his and invigoration of many student initiatives as forgiveness and gives healing of spirit, but we special talents and compassion for their plight. well as the establishment of a formal Global can provide suggestions, encouragement, and “Any act of mercy toward a person’s body Health office on campus. His leadership, tenac- prayers along the way.” is to the entire person, therefore to Christ living ity, commitment, and determination to leave no As Heyne works at his challenging medical in that person,” said Heyne, adding that he feels stone unturned in pursuit of his passions and residency, filled with long days and nights in blessed to face the challenges involved in being goals are unparalleled. Boston, he will continue to ask God to make a physician. “The most remarkable part is that his pas- him an instrument of his plan. And he will do “It’s a beautiful gift, an enormous responsi- sions and goals are always centered on serving it with a smile on his face and humility in his bility, and a huge honor.”

Page 51 North Texas Catholic novemBER / decemBER 2012 Good Newsmaker Following Catholic tradition to help the poor and sick Southlake native on a mission to serve God’s people around the world

By Jerry Circelli / Correspondent

On a recent morning, just a few days before embarking on yet another challenging journey to serve God, Tommy Heyne traveled to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grape- vine to pray. Heyne grew up in nearby Southlake and some of his earliest memories of his Catholic formation are rooted at St. Francis. in his class. Heyne then completed On this day, the graduate of the a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship University of Texas Southwestern in religious history in Granada, Medical School in Dallas prays Spain. In 2008, he started medi- that God will continue to guide cal training at UT Southwestern him along a path to become a Medical School. And this past medical missionary to serve the May, Doctor Thomas F. Heyne poor. And equally important, he graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. prays that he can carry out his call- From all these schools, Heyne ing with humility and a smile. excelled not only in academics, but It was in this church that in leadership roles, earning special Photo courtesy of Tommy Heyne the beloved pastor of St. Francis, During a mission trip to South America, Heyne offered health care and religious honors. The long list includes the Father Baltasar Szarka — known education to villagers living in the remote mountains outside Cusco, Peru. University of Dallas Cardinal affectionately as “Father B” — gave Spellman Award, recognizing a young Heyne some simple, yet your eyes, in your smile, in the residency in pediatrics and internal senior who is a model of the high- valuable advice. warmth of your greeting. Always medicine at Massachusetts General est ideals of the University, and the “I was really young, but I re- have a cheerful smile. Don’t only Hospital in Boston. Ho Din Award, the highest honor member,” said Heyne. “It was just give your care, but give your heart The young doctor’s accep- given to a medical student at UT after confession and I was leaving as well.” tance at the hospital, ranked as Southwestern. the confessional. Father B called Heyne would take that advice one of the top five in the nation by Heyne would rather not dwell me back and just said, ‘And one to heart, combining it with the U.S. News & World Report, is well on the awards or the accomplish- more thing: Just smile. Smile for cheerful example set by Saint deserved. ments and tries to put distance God.’” Francis of Assisi, who said, “It is A 2006 graduate of the Uni- between any talk that would come Fr. Baltasar passed into the not fitting, when one is in God’s versity of Dallas in Irving, Heyne even close to being prideful. arms of God in 2000, but his service, to have a gloomy face or a finished tops in his class with a 4.0 “It comes from God,” said words continue to resonate with chilling look.” GPA, earning a Bachelor of Science Heyne. “It’s no special thing of Heyne, especially as he studies the “I just pray that I can be that degree in Biology and Bachelor mine. All these things obviously life of one of his most admired way,” said Heyne. “But I catch my- of Arts degree in History, with a are gifts freely given, and as gifts, servants of God — Blessed Mother self sometimes looking too serious. concentration on Medieval/Re- they don’t belong to us.” Teresa. I want to be a cheerful physician.” naissance Studies. He then earned God bestowed gifts on the She gave this advice about Heyne’s next greatest chal- a Master of Studies in Theol- entire Heyne family of 10, includ- helping those in need: lenge in doing just that will unfold ogy: Early Church History at the ing his father, a medical doctor, his “Speak tenderly to them. Let during the coming four years as University of Oxford, in England, there be kindness in your face, in the North Texan embarks on a where he also achieved top marks CONTINUED ON pAGE 51

Page 52 North Texas Catholic SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2012