Sacred Jazz Lifting Spirits Through Song

Sacred Jazz lifting spirits through song

laborers for the Lord serving soup, salad, and smiles a lesson in kindness

Is it time to refocus? make a date to enrich your marriage a commitment to healing caring for the uninsured

from the bishop

n 1961, Pope John XXIII wrote the encyclical letter “Mater et Magistra” (“Mother and Teacher”) on the theme of the Church and social progress. One critic responded with the quip: “Mater, si; magistra, no,” thus accepting the Church’s traditional identity as a nurturing mother (as in ‘‘ Ithe expression “holy mother Church”), but rejecting her role as teacher of the truth (at least of the truth proclaimed in that particular encyclical). Along with the articles in each Jesus Christ came to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God and identi- issue that illustrate fied himself as the way, the truth and the life. Christ is a teacher … and so also is the the good works of Church that continues his teaching mission throughout history. Maine’s Catholic All the baptized are called to learn and live the truth taught by Christ and the people, parishes Church. The magisterium is the Church’s living teaching office, whose task it is to give and institutions, authentic interpretation of God’s word revealed in Sacred Scripture and tradition. The Harvest provides magisterium ensures the Church’s fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of an opportunity to faith and morals. continue the theo- A bishop is the chief teacher in his diocese, a role, like that of sanctifier and shep- logical education herd, in which his priests share. The Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops says of the faithful. the following about the bishop’s responsibility as teacher of the faith: ‘‘ Foremost among the different ministries of the bishop is that of proclaiming the Word of God, as did the Apostles, announcing it with courage and defending the Christian people against errors that threaten them. The bishop … is an authoritative teacher, invested with Christ’s own authority, both when he teaches individually and when he teaches in union with the other bishops.

It is because of my responsibility for teaching the faith that I supervise carefully the way Catholic doctrine is taught in our parishes and schools. “Telling Anew the Story of Jesus” is a pastoral letter that articulates Church teaching about her mission of evangelization. When we are preparing for an election, or when there is a bill with moral or religious significance in Congress or the state legislature, I remind the faithful of the diocese of relevant principles of Catholic teaching that bear upon matters under discussion. Harvest magazine is another teaching tool of the bishop. Along with the articles in each issue that illustrate the good works of Maine’s Catholic people, parishes and institutions, Harvest provides an opportunity to continue the theological education of the faithful. In this issue, for example, you will find an essay on the morality of embryonic stem cell research written by Father Joseph Daniels, a priest of our diocese who holds an advanced degree in moral theology. There will be many more articles in the issues to come. I also intend to use our enhanced diocesan Web site (www.portlanddiocese.net) The Church: as a way to present Catholic teaching on matters of significance to Catholics. teacher of the faith Thank you for your many expressions of appreciation for Harvest magazine. While I understand that some of you miss Church World, I believe that Harvest is the best means at this time in our history to bring the good news of Christ and the Church to as many of our people as we can reach. We are always open to your suggestions to make Harvest an even better instrument of evangelization.

– Most Reverend Richard Joseph Malone, Th.D., is the 11th bishop of Portland.

Liturgical Calendar: Octave of Christmas: The Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God Jan. 1 (not a holy day of obligation this year) | Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church Jan. 2 | The Most Holy Name of Jesus Jan. 3 | St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious Jan. 4 | St. John Neumann, Bishop Jan. 5 | Blessed Andre Bessette, Religious Jan. 6 inside this issue

cover story Inspiring generations inside 11 x 3 = 33 and that’s how long Estelle Beauchesne has been what you’ll get teaching the times tables, social in this issue studies, religion and more to third-graders. Learn what’s kept laborers for the Lord her going through the years and 4 Sixth-graders learn a lesson why so many of her former stu- that can’t be taught in any dents say she’s the best teacher classroom. they ever had. – Lois Czerniak in the know with Fr. Joe 6 Dear Fr. Joe: Purgatory is not in the Bible. Where did we get that concept? – Fr. Joseph Krupp

theology 101 8 Was Jesus really human or did He just appear that way? A conversation in Christology with seminary professors. – Elizabeth Solsburg

insight 17 Keeping watch on stem-cell research, a life and death debate – Reverend Joseph E. Daniels, S.T.L

your marriage matters 20 She says: The romance has fizzled. He says: He may be right. What do they do? – Debrah McCormack Front row (L to R): Hannah Lariviere, Hilary spiritual fitness Lariviere, Kim 22 Why is this happening to Perrigo. Back me? Is God punishing me? row (L to R): How do we deal with trag- Julie Lariviere, edy and pain in our lives? Karen Cormier, Mark Simoneau, – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh Dan Villemaire. p r o f i l e culture r e c i p e A Model for 24 Getting jazzed to help Medicine others Making 14 Whoopies Dedicated doctors and nurses A parish pie provide an oasis for the uninsured. education production line – Lois Czerniak 25 John Paul II’s legacy – exploring the human f e a t u r e relation to nature “A Chance to Celebrate Us” last word 18 31 Islam and the pope Making good marriages even – Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Henchal 28 better. – Lois Czerniak

The Magazine of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland Sandy says, “And a friend of Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, Th. D. PUBLISHER mine, whom I was telling this to, said, ‘That’s a really great thing, but Lois Czerniak EDITOR if it’s a good idea, why are you only January/February 2007 • Vol. 2 : Issue 1 doing it once?’ So, I went back to Donna and said, ‘If it’s a good idea Sue Bernard COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR why are we only doing it once?’” Janet Beckwith The program has continued on Carol Jordan Joe Pickering Wednesdays ever since. ADVERTISING representatives The sixth-grade class is divided Michelle Twomey into three sections. One group vol- Contributing Writer Joe McKenney Monica Wilcox CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS FAITH Publishing Service Learning Rev. Dwight Ezop Editor and chairman Patrick M. O’Brien President and chief executive officer to Serve Elizabeth Martin Solsburg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR/WEB MASTER Enomhen Odigie Abby Wieber GRAPHIC DESIGNER Derek Melot PROOFREADING Rev. William Ashbaugh Elizabeth Johnson John Peter Michaud serves salad to clients of the soup kitchen. Rev. Joseph Krupp Elizabeth Martin Solsburg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS acaroni and cheese, baked frank- Tom Gennara CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER furters, tossed salad and six pairs InnerWorkings of helping hands. They’re all on PRINT MANAGEMENT the menu at the soup kitchen held

Harvest™ (USPS 187676) is a membership publication weekdays at Sacred Heart Church in Waterville. of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, 510 Ocean M Ave., Portland, ME 04103. Published bi-monthly. Emily Hofgren and Joan Subscription rates are $12 per year. Individual issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and Phillips-Sandy. Inset: Jed address changes to 510 Ocean Ave., Portland, ME Each Wednesday, sixth-graders from Mount Merici School 04103; 207.773.6471; fax 207.773.0182 or e-mail Amurao serves desserts. [email protected]. POSTMASTER: volunteer at the soup kitchen, helping to serve meals to any- Send address changes to: Harvest™, 510 Ocean Ave., Portland, ME 04103. © FAITH Publishing Service. where from 140 to 220 people, depending on the day. They unteers at the soup kitchen, Harvest is a trademark of FAITH Publishing Service. hand out paper plates, dish out salad, offer rolls, pour coffee, the second group at the Muskie display dessert selections and clean up afterwards. Center for the elderly, and the third Share the Shelter director Dick Willette can’t say enough about them. does work around the school. They “They’re nice, well-behaved children and we love rotate each Wednesday. Harvest them,” he says. “We can’t get around without them on “I think it teaches Students say it’s one Wednesday. Hey, we look forward to that.” us appreciation of their favorite parts of If you would like to pur- The students volunteer as part of the school’s for what we have. the week. “It feels good chase a $12 gift subscrip- service program, which was started 20 years ago You feel lucky for to be helping people,” tion or support this ministry by sixth-grade teacher Donna Russo and Joan Phil- what we have.” says Madeline Minot. by making a tax-deductible lips-Sandy, who was teaching a sixth grade reading – Melanie Bureau “It’s fun being here, contribution, send checks to: class. Mrs. Sandy assigned the students a biogra- and it’s fun helping out phy of Dorothy Day, who was an advocate for social justice other people.” Harvest Magazine and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. To help the “I think it teaches us apprecia- P.O. Box 11559 students better comprehend Day’s message, the teachers took tion for what we have,” says sixth- Portland, ME 04104-7559 them to a soup kitchen. grader Melanie Bureau. “You feel

Harvest January/February 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Jan. 7 | The Baptism of the Lord Jan. 8 | St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Jan. 13 | St. Anthony, Abbot Jan. 17 | St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr Jan. 20 | St. Sebastian, Martyr Jan. 20 | St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr Jan. 22 | St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Jan. 24 saint of the month

lucky for what we have.” Russo says the students de- Executed for Russo says it also exempli- velop a special relationship with fies the school’s motto, which the people they serve, for in- his faith – twice is Serviam, to serve. “So, it stance the elderly at the Muskie Saint Sebastian really puts it into action. Be- Center. “The Muskie Center sides talking about it, which is clientele are challenged in dif- important, and giving ideas as ferent ways. Some have mental Birthplace: to how we can help, it makes disorders and Alzheimer’s, and Narbonne, Gaul it real for them.” physical challenges, and the Feast Day: Jan. 20 And Russo says it plants a kids really develop a bond and Patron of athletes, seed that stays an understanding soldiers, police with them long af- “I think a lot of and compassion for and physicians ter they graduate people, including people.” from sixth grade. adults, would be So much so Claim to “I think a lot of maybe hesitant to that the residents Fame: Accord- people, including go to a soup kitchen are invited to the ing to tradition, adults, may be and work, or go to school’s special Sebastian was hesitant to go to a the Muskie center events such as the born in the third soup kitchen and and do anything, Christmas program century. He at- work, or go to the and if they can do and graduation tended school Muskie Center that when they’re ceremonies, and in Milan, Italy as and do anything, 11 or 12!” even bring flowers a boy. When he but if they can do that when for the students. was a young man, they’re 11 or 12! A lot of our The clients sharing a meal Sebastian became kids continue to be involved at the soup kitchen say they concerned about in junior high and high school also like having the children the persecution and college because they’ve around. Rose says, “They’re of Christians. done it already.” friendly. They do a good job.” Hoping to find opportunities to encourage them, Russo says it also helps Leroy adds, “Friendly, and Sebastian joined the Roman army in 283. While keeping his build self-esteem. “I think it’s sociable and courteous.” own Christianity a secret from army leaders, he discreetly con- one of the big reasons a sixth- And the students clearly like verted many Romans. Sebastian also covertly urged wavering grader will really develop being with the clients. “There Christians to remain true to their faith as the threat of persecu- during the course of their time are a lot of people here who tion escalated. in sixth grade, to feel like they are so friendly, and they’ll say contribute in society, not only hi, and it kind of makes you Best quote: Although we have no record of Sebastian’s in their school.” walk out of here with a smile,” words, it is said that he appeared in a vision to a Christian “They get to work, too, with says 12-year-old Devika Agra- woman named Lucina. When she learned of Sebastian’s people out in the community, val. “I think everyone should martyrdom, she recovered his body and had it properly buried which is really good. That’s an- volunteer because it’s a good in the catacombs, an underground Christian cemetery beneath other piece to it,” adds Sandy. thing to do.” the city of Rome. "UILD3ELF %STEEM How he died: When Sebastian’s faith was eventually discovered, he was sentenced to death by Emperor Diocletian. ,PN@N@I@MBTDIOC@ Tied to a stake, Sebastian was shot with arrows. His execution- 2)'(4 ers left him for dead, but he survived. A Christian widow named $)2%#4)/. Irene, who had come to bury Sebastian, nursed him back to health instead. Undeterred by his previous suffering, Sebastian &/52.)%23 confronted Diocletian and denounced his atrocities against ,%!$%23()0+!2!4%#%.4%23 Christianity. The emperor was surprised to see Sebastian alive, but the ruler did not repent. Instead, he ordered Sebastian to be beaten to death with clubs, and his body thrown into a sewer.

WWW0ORTLANDS"EST+ARATECOM Prayer: Dear Saint Sebastian, you chose to be a soldier £äxÎÊÀiÃÌÊÛi°]Ê*ÀÌ>`ÊÇÇäää .OWIN of Christ and dared to spread the faith – for which you were ,OCATIONS ÇnÊ >Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê-°Ê*ÀÌ>`ÊÇÇ{Î{Çn condemned to die. May we have the same strength of faith. ÇÈxÊ,ÃiÛiÌÊ/À>Ê,ÌÊÎäÓÊ °Ê7` >Ê*>â>®Ê °Ê7` >ÊnÎ£ä£ä Amen. – Jan Rynearson

Dear Fr. Joe: Purgatory is not in the Bible. Where did we get that concept?

on’t let the first part of my answer discourage you, because this is a good question. But there is a concept of purgatory mentioned in the Bible. D Now, before we jump in, it’s important to remember that we Catholics don’t base our faith solely on the Bible. If we did, we would have no theology for the Trinity, for example. Our faith comes from two sources: sacred tradition and Scripture. Sacred tradition is what gave us the sacred Scripture, and it’s important to keep that in our hearts and minds. Either way, the concept of purgatory is mentioned in Scripture. Let’s look God is pure, at the following verses and perfect, consum- what they teach us: ing love. When “It is a wholesome thought we die and stand to pray for the dead that their before him, think sins may be of it like entering forgiven” (2 Mac- a room. You are at the door and cabees 12:46) A down and Here we see out musician was Jesus is at the far that even before end of the room. playing his guitar in Jesus, the Jews were the middle of a busy You can imagine growing in the knowl- purgatory being shopping mall. Striding edge of how God/heaven over, a policeman asked, “May the process of works. walking toward I please see your permit?” “I don’t Now, let’s look at some have one,” confessed the musician. that perfect, con- words from Jesus: suming fire. “In that case, you’ll have to “Therefore, I say to you, accompany me.” every sin and blasphemy will “Splendid!” exclaimed the musician. be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the “What shall we sing?” Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:31, 32) Here, Jesus informs us that Dear Fr. Joe there are some sins that He will forgive in the afterlife. Now, if where did we get the concept of purgatory? you look at Matthew 5:26 and Matthew 18:34,35, Jesus gives examples of people suffering and not being forgiven until “the debt was paid”; He get there. Look at it this way: Comedy, he describes the places informs us that there is a place where we will be God’s presence is a fire. The farthest from God as being until we are purified for heaven. angels who surround God are frozen and cold. I know that we So, we do have some scriptural evidence for called the “fiery ones.” In Dante’s are used to the opposite idea, purgatory; but not only that, we can use logic to wonderful poem, The Divine but that comes from a misun-

The ConversionHarvest of Paul, ApostleJanuary/February Jan. 25 | 2007Sts. Timothy and Titus, Bishops Jan. 26 | St. Angela Merici, Virgin Jan. 27 | St. John Bosco, Priest Jan. 31 | The Presentation of the Lord Feb. 2 | St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr Feb. 3 | St. Ansgar, Bishop Feb. 3 | St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Feb. 5 | St. Paul Miki, Religious and his Companions, Martyrs Feb. 6 | St. Jerome Emiliani, Priest Feb. 8 this month in history It’s like a health club ...

Imagine having Member of your own personal “Give me your St. Pius X trainer. And an Parish indoor pool, tired, your poor...” whirlpool and fitness center with workout What year did Ellis Island open? machines and weights ... Ellis Island opened its doors to immigrants, igniting the melt- at no additional charge! Mary Giggey ing pot of America and eventually processing more than 20 million works out on a people from foreign countries, on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day of regular basis now WHAT YEAR? that she lives at The Atrium. As an advocate of peace, Pope Benedict XV once said on the She enjoys delicious, healthy meal choices in our fine subject of war, “I should regret if any of my clergy should take sides dining room and attends exercise classes with friends. in this conflict. It is desirable that we pray for the cessation of the war For a generation that prioritizes wellness, living a healthy without dictating to Almighty God in what way it should end.” After an lifestyle is another reason The Atrium is so much better. eight-year reign, Pope Benedict XV Call today to see for yourself! died on Jan. 22, WHAT YEAR?

Fr. John Feeney pledged, “We will rise from the ashes a better people for all that we have suffered,” after St. Mary’s Church in Bangor was destroyed by fire onFeb. 3 of What Year? 640 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103 Bishop Joseph Gerry was installed telephone 207-775-4111 toll free 1-800-563-9271 as the 10th Bishop of Portland on

Feb. 21 of what year? www.thecedarsportland.org Answers: 1892, 1922, 1978, 1980 1978, 1922, 1892, Answers:

Harvest_Nov06.indd 1 11/7/2006 10:04:13 AM derstanding of Scripture we can of God’s love. We end up like cover later. gold in the furnace; it’s a refin- Either way, God is pure, per- ing fire that heals our wounded fect, consuming love. When we souls. It’s gonna hurt, but it’s die and stand before gonna be that good Him, think of it like When we stand kind of hurt. entering a room. You at the threshold I have heard purga- are at the door and of heaven, all tory explained to me Jesus is at the far end those impurities as God’s severe mercy of the room. You can burn up as we – God desires heaven imagine purgatory approach the for us more than we being the process of fire of God’s could ever desire it walking toward that love. for ourselves. God perfect, consuming cannot undo the con- fire. sequences of our choices; that During our life on earth, we would be violating our free will. accumulate all types of sin and In his loving mercy, God makes that sin alters us; it wounds heaven possible through the gift our soul and scars us. When of purgatory. we stand at the threshold of Enjoy another day in God’s heaven, all those impurities presence! burn up as we approach the fire – Father Joseph Krupp

Send your questions to: “In the Know With Fr. Joe”, Harvest Magazine, P.O. Box 11559, Portland, ME 04104, Or: [email protected]

theologian of the month

Irenaeus (c. 130-202) Irenaeus was the bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul (Lyons, France). He is believed to be Greek and was a disciple of Polycarp. Irenaeus’ did Jesus just theology was centrally concerned with the unity of God, as opposed to the Gnostic divi- sions of God’s Could He really nature. Irenaeus have sinned? taught that God created the world, has a plan for it and that humanity must mature into his year, Harvest is exploring Christol- Harvest: Was Jesus really its fullness as ogy – the study of Jesus Christ. We human or did He just appear images of God. that way? asked several eminent seminary profes- He articu- lated Jesus sors some questions about Jesus. Their Father Muller: Jesus was fully as the Logos, Tanswers are enlightening and thought-provoking. human. One of the most impor- or Word, and Q believed that tant things in the early Church salvation history was the testimony of the bodily reached its high- resurrection of Christ. That is est point with crucial in terms of grounding Christ. Irenaeus Meet the Christ’s humanity, which was not is credited with professors something illusory – it could not being the first to list the Gospels be taken up and put aside. Rather, Father Acklin Father Muller Father Stevens of Matthew, it was a permanent part of Christ’s Mark, Luke and Father Thomas Acklin is on the faculty of St. Vincent Abbey in reality. John as divinely Latrobe, Penn. He is a graduate of Duqesne University, St. Vincent inspired, and he Seminary, The Catholic University of Louvain and Pittsburgh Psycho- Father Stevens: It is basic to is known for his analytic Institute. work, Against our faith that Jesus didn’t simply Heresies. Father Earl Muller is on the faculty at Sacred Heart Seminary in appear to be human. Time and Detroit. He formerly taught at Marquette University in Wisconsin. again, there were affirmations of Father Gladstone Stevens is on the faculty of St. Mary Semi- His genuine humanity. Even the nary in Baltimore. Gospel of John, which is so often

HarvestFAITH Magazine January/February January/February 2007 2007 What is heresy? heŕ ə sē: The willful and persistent rejection of any article of faith by a baptized Catholic. W h o i s C h r i s t ? a y e a r - l o n g conversation w i t h theologians

Heresy! longer be possible because we will Docetism – Jesus only appeared human be faced with the full glory of God and won’t want anything else. We Did Jesus really have a body? Or was He pure spirit who only appeared in human will be free, but will freely choose to form? An early heresy of the Church, Docetism, proposed the latter. The name comes from the love God. That is the intrinsic neces- Greek, dokeo, “to seem” and the heresy comes from a worldview of matter as being inherently sity on which Christ’s sinlessness evil. If physicality is evil, then God, being all good, could not associate with it. Therefore, Jesus only appeared to be human, but was not. is based. As the eternal Son, He is Of course, this would mean that Jesus did not really inhabit our world, suffer crucifixion utterly happy and His human soul, and rise from the dead. And as Paul said, “If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is in vain.” in union with that utter happiness, Docetism was condemned as a heresy by the Council of Chalcedon in 451, after would not want to sin. vigorous arguments and discussions over the previous four centuries. Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus and Hippolatus all wrote treatises against it. Father Stevens: Could Jesus have sinned? If He concerned with Jesus’ divinity, Harvest: : Could Jesus really lacked the capacity to sin, points out that Jesus is fully hu- have sinned? then He wasn’t really man. For example, Jesus weeps. human. And yet, He Even after the resurrection, He Father Acklin: Jesus could be was not capable of eats. The only way to save us was tempted, in every way that we are sinning. Author to assume our humanity fully Qtempted. However, Jesus was not Gerald O’Collins – that which is not assumed can- only perfect in his divine nature, He discusses this in not be saved. So, if part of the hu- was perfect in His human nature. What does that his book, Chris- man experience falls outside the He was human in a way that was symbol mean? tology: A Biblical, life of Jesus’ experience, it would not corrupted by sin. Adam and Historical, and not be saved. Eve fell, but Jesus and Mary did not. Chi Rho Systematic Study of The third Council of Constantinople Jesus Christ. Sin is not Father Acklin: Was Jesus really held that Jesus had human free will The Chi actually part of our human or did He just appear as as well as divine will – so He could Rho is an early natural humanity; a human? It’s one of the oldest have fallen, but didn’t. His human Christian sym- it is what diminishes heresies. If He only appeared as a bol – formed free will was so perfectly aligned by combining our humanity. We human, then He only appeared to with His divine will that it would the first two were not created to redeem us. As St. Irenaeus said, have been impossible for Him to sin. Greek letters of sin – that does not everything He assumed of our the word Christ. contribute to the humanity is redeemed. There is Father Muller: Could He have Its first famous fullness of who sometimes a tendency to exempt use was on the physically performed actions that labarum, or we are as human Jesus from having to suffer or die; were “sinful actions.” Yes, He was imperial stan- beings. Jesus, or from having a human body or capable of that, but the question dard, adopted free of sin, is sexuality. If that is the case, then you have to ask is: Was His grace by Emperor perfectly hu- our bodies are not redeemed. So, such that sin was possible? And a Constantine after man. his vision. the full humanity of Jesus has related question is about us – when been taught from the earliest mo- we are in heaven, will we be able to – Elizabeth ment of Church history. sin? The answer is that sin will no Solsburg

Trinity Catholic School Community Development Director Trinity Catholic School, located in Lewiston, is seeking a qualified individual to fill the newly created role of Community Development Director. This position will be responsible for promoting the growth of Trinity Catholic through community outreach, marketing and philanthropic support necessary to advance and enhance the school’s mission and services. The Community Development Director shall oversee the achievement of the following objectives for Trinity Catholic School: a positive public image, fundraising activity and attraction of excellent leadership volunteers through sound public relations, direct solicitation, along with effective marketing and communications.

For more information: www.sunjournal.com, help wanted section

hen Estelle Beauchesne asks students about the Lord’s Prayer, hands shoot up in the air, anxious for a chance to answer. It’s a familiar sight in her third-grade classroom, and it’s been that way for 33 years. W“It’s like I was born to teach. I always knew from and former, could not agree more. the very beginning,” she says. “I was one of those “She’s nice. She explains it really good,” says kids who played school with dolls or with the Kylee Austin. neighborhood kids.” “She’s patient with us,” says Madeleine La- Ms. Beauchesne, as her students call her, teaches brecque, also one of Ms. Beauchesne’s current at St. James School in Biddeford. She’s been there students. “She lets us write on the board and helps since 1992 and, before they con- us after.” solidated, she worked at St. Andre’s. Elizabeth Ferreira, who is in fourth For all those years, except one, she grade now, says, “She teaches very clear has taught third grade. She believes and slowly, and she lets the kids go up it is the perfect age. and do it on the board. She was really “They’re not too young, and yet nice to us.” they’re not so old,” she says. “They still And it’s always been that way. need you. They still need that nurtur- Marcy Fournier, now a fellow third- ing, but they can be independent in many ways.” grade teacher at St. James, was a student of Ms. And Ms. Beauchesne knows a thing or two about Beauchesne’s 18 years ago. “She is why I became nurturing. Principal Patricia Berthiaume says students a teacher in the first place; I was inspired by her. gravitate toward her. “She is faith-filled; she’s inspiring; She was always really patient, and she always she’s creative; and she brings what a true educa- cared about each child in the classroom. That’s tion really means to the classroom. She’s what I remember the most. You could tell she just so loving.” cared about everyone. She could always pick out Her students, both current everything that was special about each person.”

By Lois Czerniak | Photography by Joe McKenney cover story

s. Beauchesne says it comes tion world and the faith world I think it said on the box, and I down to one thing – her together, so that a child grows said, ‘Jeepers you were probably love of children. “Every up to be a whole, nurtured and just a baby,’ and she said, ‘I hate year I will say, ‘Oh, I’ll nev- inspired individual.” to tell you, but I wasn’t even Ms. Beauchesne says born yet.’ And, I said, Mer have a class as good as this,’ and then a “She is faith-filled; the curriculum hasn’t ‘Thanks a lot!’” new year comes, and I fall in love with those changed much through she’s inspiring; She says the chil- kids all over again,” she says. “These kids, the years. She says she she’s creative; and dren haven’t changed they become yours. You become possessive is always willing to she brings what a through the years, a little bit. They’re my kids, but I love that.” incorporate new ideas, true education re- but says society has but says, in the end, it ally means to the and says there is more Ms. Beauchesne says, at the very beginning of each comes down to basics. classroom.” – Principal pressure on today’s school year, she lets students know the room isn’t For instance, she says, Patricia Berthiaume children. “They’re hers, it belongs to all of them, and she asks for their although they’ve been much busier. Their help. She assigns special jobs which rotate among updated, she is still using SRA schedules are so hectic, some of the students. One leads the class in morning prayer, cards similar to the ones she used them, it’s unbelievable. And of another is the drill sergeant who flips through flash while still a student. The colorful course, there’s technology thrown cards allowing fellow students to practice their times cards contain individual stories and in. It’s a fast pace. It’s a much tables or learn homonyms. accompanying questions that help faster pace now.” Third-grade teachers cover a little bit of every- students develop grammar, pho- So much faster that she took thing, from math to reading to social studies, but Ms. netics and comprehension skills. a course last summer on how to Beauchesne says her favorite subject is religion. “I find “I was showing one of my teach stress management skills they need that foundation. You need a solid founda- teaching partners one year. I to students. tion to continue that faith, and I know they get it said, ‘Look at this Molly.’ 1975, She says, in the old days, she here.” She says it is why she prefers teaching in a Catholic school. She says she, and other teachers at St. James, strongly believe in teaching Catholic values. “I think the number one thing is that you can bring religion and God into any subject you’re teaching and not have to worry about it. “The other day, I had a little girl, and this was in reading class,” she continues. “They read a story on tree houses and one of their essay questions on the test was – if you had a tree house who would you share it with and why. And this little girl wrote, if I had a tree house I would share it with everybody because that’s what Jesus would do. Those moments are like, wow, somebody’s getting the message for sure.” Principal Berthiaume says that’s a credit to Ms. Beauchesne’s teaching. “She brings the educa-

Harvest 12 January/February 2007 didn’t have a break during putting a smile the entire school day, taught on her face. For music and physical education instance, she along with academics, and recalls the time still managed to get everything The Good when a young done. Now, she gets a 45 minute News in lady insisted on break each day and still has Education knowing her St. James staff members who have dedicated 25 years trouble fitting everything in. or more of service. (Standing L to R): Dolores Gagne, shoe size. “I “Sometimes I say, what is Catholic Claudette Lewis, Maggie Butters, Maddie Coombs, was standing Schools Week it? I think we have a lot more Charlottte Jacques (Seated L to R): Estelle Beauchesne, in front of the will be observed Terry Barrieau, Karen Parenteau, and Patricia Berthiaume. paperwork; a lot more forms Jan. 28 – Feb. and things to fill out, a lot more 3. The theme of Visit www.portlanddiocese.net and click on Catholic schools this year’s cel- to find out more about the Catholic schools in your area. ebration is The Good News in Education. It is things you have to look into now. classroom and I’m teaching, and all a reminder that You have the Maine teaching of a sudden she gets up, she snuck Catholic schools results you have to make sure up with her ruler, and she was not only teach you’re following.” measuring my foot. Come to find academics, Although she out, they were getting together and but also provide stu- jokes about they were getting me slippers and dents with needing her things like that for Christmas.” a Christ- Geritol to keep She remembers one boy who Marcy Fournier says Estelle centered, Beauchesne was her inspiration for going, there’s no loved to give out hugs and kisses. becoming a teacher. religious sign that Ms. “I went by his desk, and I hap- foundation. The week Beauchesne is pened to put my hand on his is a chance slowing down. In desk, and he took his ruler and to thank and addition to teaching, she is also kissed his ruler and then put his honor all those the choir director. ruler on my hand.” who contribute “I love music. I learned how And she remembers the special to the schools’ success includ- to play the guitar only because, treat she received while collect- ing volunteers, when I started teaching, you were ing hot lunch money last year. “I teachers, and the music teacher,” she says. “So, always stand in front of the class students. Days I took guitar lessons because I and say, is there anything else are also set said that was probably the easiest you need to give me, and last aside to recognize the impor- instrument.” “She is why I year I said, anything tant relationship She also directs became a teacher else you need to give between our a school play every me, and one of the parishes and our in the first place; second year, some- I was inspired students got out of schools, the role thing she started her desk and came up of the school by her. She was in the com- doing when she was always really to me and gave me munity, and the still at St. Andre’s. patient, and she a hug. It was one of contribution of As with everything, those ahhh moments. Catholic schools always cared her goal is to make about each child That’s what’s worth it!” to our nation. sure all students feel She says it’s those During the in the classroom.” included. “Every child moments and know- week, there – Marcy Fournier are special who wants to be in ing you’re making a Masses, friendly the play is in the play. So, we’ll difference that keep her teaching, competitions, have 26 ducks or whatever we year after year. open houses, need. So, this year we’re going “I just like everything about it,” and charitable events. to perform “Annie”, and we can she says. “I love being with the have 20 orphans if we want.” kids in the classroom.” Through the years, there have And they love having her there been many good days and a few – just ask 11-year-old Elizabeth. bad, but Ms. Beauchesne says she “She’s the best teacher that ever can always count on her students taught me.” p r o f i l e

Caring for the uninsured a model for

t’s only through Oasis that I’ve learned that things People kept calling and asking if can be changed and should be changed.” “When I they couldn’t come, because they came out of didn’t have any place to go for Wendell Arsenault doesn’t know where he would health care,” says Dr. Peter Magu- be without the Oasis Health Center. A year and a the hospital, I was very ire, Oasis’ medical director. ‘‘Ihalf ago, he was hospitalized, the result of an avalanche of distraught The program grew so rapidly medical problems – alcoholism, depression, diabetes. He and through that it separated from the shelter was unemployed and uninsured. Oasis my whole life has Now Wendell’s medical issues 1980s as a way to address the changed.” are being managed. He is not medical needs of the residents – Wendell Arsenault only employed, but is an active of the Tedford Oasis Homeless volunteer. He credits the quality Shelter, but it was soon evident care and tough love he received the need was much greater. at Oasis. “The demand just kept growing. “I didn’t realize the extent of my diabetes. I didn’t realize the extent of my depression and anxiety and so forth, but through Oasis all those needs have been addressed.” The Oasis Health Center, located in Brunswick, is a free clinic serving the uninsured in the Mid-coast region. The clinic was formed in the Dr. Peter Maguire and Denise Mungen-Kerina consult with patient Wendell Arsenault.

By Lois Czerniak | Photography by Joe McKenney Harvest 14 January/February 2007 “The demand just kept growing. People kept calling and asking if they couldn’t come, because they didn’t have any place to go for health care.” – Dr. Peter Maguire

r e s o u r c e and became an independent tal and Parkview Adventist Medi- corporation. Oasis Health cal Center donate X-ray and lab “You can see the need that’s Center services and Mid Coast provides out there. Everywhere you turn The Oasis Oasis free office space. there’s a need; people are los- Health Center “The volunteerism of the ing jobs; people can’t afford serves primarily practitioners, both doctors and their health insurance. There are people between nurses, has been wonderful,” says people out there who are work- the ages of 21 Dr. Maguire who is among those and 64. It’s ing really, really hard, but they’re active patient who donates his time. He makes finding it difficult to make ends list has grown to his living conducting training meet,” says Denise Mungen-Ke- 700 and once sessions for hospitals around rina, the office manager. again appoint- the country and is paid a salary Originally Oasis offered an acute ments are being as the Oasis Center’s medical booked six care clinic on Tuesday evenings, director, but also volunteers as a weeks out. Denise Mungen-Kerina and Jodie but, as the years went by, it was de- The center is Dwyer say no matter how busy they physician. termined that also was not enough. always looking get, they’re always ready to help “What has been really good “We noticed that we were for physicians patients who call or drop in. about it is that you have patients booked up for six to eight weeks. who can volun- like Wendell, you know, who teer some time There were no new appointment and is particu- Charities Maine Jesse Albert you just feel good about help- slots open, and so we started to larly in need of Memorial Dental Center, which ing,” he says. look at, well who are these people primary care wasn’t being used at night. Dr. Maguire is a parishioner who are taking up these slots all physicians. You might think such exten- at St. Charles Borromeo, Bruns- the time and having to be seen over Although sive services would be prohibi- wick and Denise at St. John the much of its work and over again,” says Dr. Maguire. is done by vol- tively expensive, but they’re not, Baptist, Brunswick. Denise says The people, it was determined, unteers, it also for one simple reason: most of she believes she is living out her were those suffering from chronic relies on dona- the doctors, nurses, dentists, faith through her work at the illnesses – diabetes, depression, tions to help social workers and clinic. “I think the high blood pressure – conditions pay for office staff are volunteers. “Everywhere you Catholic faith helps and physicians’ turn there’s a that require maintenance, not a supplies, some The clinic logs about me do what I do. I single visit. So, the center began medications, 1,500 volunteer need; people are feel filled when I’m offering specialty clinics for those and the salaries hours each quarter. losing jobs; peo- able to do it, and I conditions and later added urol- of paid staff That is approximately ple can’t afford know it has a lot to do ogy, neurology, women’s health, members. 115 hours each week. their health insur- with the teachings of and complex care for patients These are doctors ance. There are the Church,” she says. with multiple issues. There is also and nurses who work people out there “We have parishioners a dental clinic held at Catholic If you in the hospitals or who are working who are patients here, would like to in their own private really, really hard, and I love that I can help, contact the practices during the but they’re finding do things for them.” Oasis Health it difficult to make Center: day, but who also And their efforts are give their time at the ends meet.” not lost on patients. 66 Baribeau clinics during the – Denise Mungen-Kerina “For those of us on Drive, Suite 2 evening. the other side of the Brunswick, ME “If you add the specialists who table who are receiving that care, 04011 give an hour or two for nothing it’s very, very obvious to us that Phone: to take care of our patients in the people who are providing the 721.9277 their own office, the receptionist care actually are very genuine, who comes in, nurses who come very caring people,” says Wendell. in to support the nurse practitio- He says Denise, Dr. Maguire and ners and physicians, the social Jodie Dwyer, who is the adminis- work volunteers who come in, trative assistant, all make the pa- you have them here one Tuesday tients feel like part of the family. night times five hours, that’s a Denise says that’s not hard be- lot of volunteer hours” says Dr. cause it is what they believe. She Maguire. recalls recent efforts to convince Dr. Peter Maguire and Denise Mungen-Kerina consult with patient Wendell Arsenault. In addition, Mid Coast Hospi- a patient to come back for care. Story continues on next page.

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“I think the White Catholic Mass faith helps me do what The spiritual I do. I feel side of healing filled when I’m able to All health-care professionals Juliana L’Heureux do it, and and caregivers are invited to attend the annual White I know it Mass on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., at the Basilica has a lot to of Ss. Peter & Paul, Lewiston. Bishop Richard Malone do with the will be the celebrant. teachings of Juliana L’Heureux, a registered nurse and executive the Church. director of CHANS Home Healthcare in Brunswick, – Denise Mungen-Kerina says the Mass is an opportunity for physicians, nurses and others to reflect on the true meaning of their work. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to refocus in a spiritual way on what brought us into the profession in the first The Oasis Health Center has a pharmacy on site and also operates the Community Prescription Assistance Program to place. I think it is really helpful and rejuvenating for us,” make sure patients get the medications they need. she says. “Dedication is really what drives you, and sometimes you can just lose sight of that as you’re in “The patient had a lot of issues, worker call patients to try to this treadmill of trying to keep up with all the changes, and we made several calls to try prevent problems such as intimate and the cost, and the efficiencies and the insurance to reach him, and he finally called partner violence; and it also oper- companies; it’s incredible. So, this is a great oppor- and said he was going to come ates the Community Prescription tunity to refocus.” back, and I watched Jodie cry Assistance Program which helps L’Heureux was part of a group of nurses who because she was so happy.” people obtain medications for free helped start the tradition of a White Mass in Maine Dr. Maguire says most patients or at a discount. eight years ago. She says the nurses believed make a sincere commitment to fol- “All of the drug companies have strongly in the connection between faith and nursing, low the physicians’ advice because programs for indigent people, for a belief held by Florence Nightingale, considered the they know Oasis is their only op- people who can’t afford their medi- founder of the nursing profession. tion. “I think that’s one thing that cines, don’t have health insurance “She really believed strongly in the spiritual dimen- keeps the volunteers, once they or medication cards, but it’s a very sion of the work that nurses do, because it’s a total come in the door or once they call labor intensive process actually get- package. It’s body, mind and spirit that create a heal- us, is that we get a lot of satisfac- ting those medicines in the hands ing environment for the whole person.” tion from the Wendell Arsenaults of the patients,” says Dr. Maguire. The first White Mass was held at St. Charles of the world, in that they have While Denise stresses the Borromeo, Brunswick during May, which is Na- good attendance at the clinics, and necessity of medications such as tional Nurses month, but was moved to the basilica they really work hard at trying to insulin, she says the clinic is not because of Lewiston’s two hospitals and because get healthier.” just about having patients take a of its more centralized location. The Mass was Dr. Maguire says, in many ways, few pills; it’s about teaching them also shifted from May to February to coincide with Oasis is a model for health care how to take control of their health. World Day of the Sick. because it is not restricted by what Wendell says he’s learned to L’Heureux says she believes the Mass is a won- insurance will cover. For instance, do that and more. “When I came derful experience for not only doctors and nurses, patients participate in group ses- out of the hospital, I was very but also adult day care workers, social workers and sions such as the depression clinic. distraught and through Oasis those who care for a loved one at home. “All the patients will come to the my whole life has changed. I was “It’s not just the physical healing, it’s all about group first and get an opportunity unemployed, had no focus in my where people are with their faith and their spiritual to talk about their problems, get own life in terms of what I wanted development when they’re faced with either a difficult education, get some therapy in a and where I wanted to go. So, challenge in treating someone, a difficult challenge group setting.” when I got involved with Dr. Ma- in caring for one or multiple people, or even if you The center also has a nurse care guire and Denise and Jodie and the yourself are dealing with a chronic or terminal illness. manager who follows up with rest of the gang up there, they gave It’s really about bringing that spiritual dimension forth patients between visits; it just me a sense of value, knowing that to offer support and praise for all the wonderful work recently began having a social somebody cares. that’s done to help people when they’re ill.”

Harvest 16 January/February 2007 i n s i g h t

against their dignity the embryonic stem cells them- Keeping watch as human beings who selves become hosts of infection? on stem-cell research have a right to the These questions must receive our same respect owed to serious consideration before we a child once born, just are lured by promises far from he medical advances as to every person” being realized. foreseen by the ex- (Evangelium Vitae No. 63). We need to focus on the prov- pansion of stem-cell research The Catechism also en research that has been done states: “It is immoral to produce on the harvesting of adult stem have given some hope to those human embryos intended for cells from umbilical cord blood, Twho suffer from chronic diseases and their exploitation as disposable biologi- placenta and bone marrow. families. Aided by many famous personali- cal material” (No. 2275). Even the Already, the medical community ties, some who hope for a cure or benefit use of stored embryos obtained can point to success in the appli- themselves, the cause is gaining increas- through in vitro fertilization is im- cation of adult stem cells toward ing public and political attention. Stem- moral by the principal of coopera- 140 different medical treatments tion. What is not morally obtained addressing 56 diseases. Stem cell research also contributes cannot morally be used. cells from umbilical cord blood to an emerging high-tech The popular debate on embry- have cured children with severe economy. All of these and onic stem-cell research contains combined immunodeficiency not least, the consideration of much inflated rhetoric. The bish- and have shown some positive the ethical status of human ops of Missouri recently stated: results in brain reconstruction of biological life in its various children deprived of oxygen at “When pressed for honest an- birth. Similarly, stem cells from stages of development, make swers, many scientists now admit bone marrow can make bone and this a moral issue. that the hope for cures from cartilage as well as help revive human cloning is very remote and damaged tissue. After the male sperm that the means to get there are Adult stem cells can be cell and female egg come highly impractical. The plain fact obtained without any harm to the together to form an embryo, is that, despite years of concen- donor and without any violation there comes into being hu- trated effort, embryonic stem-cell of the moral law. Because stem man cells that scientists tell research has never yet helped a cells from adult tissues have the us are undifferentiated (not single human patient …” potential to yield specialized cell yet developing into an ad- types of the tissue from which vanced cellular structure The obstacles to be overcome it originated, there is a greater that is the basis of blood, before research on embryonic degree of safety – the medical bodily tissue or nerve stem cells results in the suc- risks are more accurately known systems). Many believe cessful medical application on a and able to be controlled than that these embryonic human patient are many. While with embryonic stem cells. stem cells have the po- initial progress has been made The progress we have real- tential to become many in developing human embryonic ized thus far with research and different cell types and stem cells into blood-making cells, medical therapy with adult stem could contribute to numer- scientists have not yet reached the cells gives us greater cause for ous medical therapies. first stage of growing an embry- hope in the treatment of spinal All human life begins as onic stem cell into the human tis- cord damage, cerebral palsy, mul- an embryo. Christ’s teaching is sue or neural system component tiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s and remains that every human desired. Then, how will this new disease than embryonic stem-cell life at every stage of develop- cellular structure be grafted onto research and its advocates cur- ment deserves our ultimate the existing body tissue or organs rently have reason to claim. respect and protection. The of a person? Will the person’s Church’s position on embryonic body accept such a grafting? Can – Reverend Joseph E. Daniels, S.T.L stem-cell research and therapy is we control the natural growth and received his license in moral theology from clear: “The use of human embryos healing processes once the graft is the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cam- or fetuses as an object of experi- made so that a tumor with cancer- bridge, Mass., and is pastor of Saint Joseph, mentation constitutes a crime ous risks does not result? Could Bridgton.

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everly and Deacon Dennis Popadak have been happily Bmarried for 37 years. They met when she was a junior in high school and he was a freshman in college. They clearly still enjoy being with one another “A chance to and say they still make each other laugh. They celebrate us” have two daughters and a grandson whose picture they proudly display.

So, you might wonder, what could they possibly get out of a marriage enrichment program? The answer – plenty. Deacon Dennis says, “It reminds you that marriage is something you don’t take for granted; Make a date to that you are always working to build that relationship.” Deacon Dennis and Beverly recently took part in the REFOC- CUS program which, as its name REFOCCUS indicates, helps couples take a r e s o u r c e little time to refocus on their on your marriage marriages. It’s aimed at making If you’re good marriages even better by interested in about that. It’s a chance to cel- The other sessions are com- giving couples a chance to think, attending a ebrate us,” says Bill Wood of the munication, compatibility, talk and spend some quality REFOCCUS Family Life Institute. intimacy, and commitment. time together. session or are REFOCCUS is divided into five Couples can choose to take part Annette Rioux of Catholic interested in sessions, beginning with mar- in just one or all five. Charities Maine Family Life sponsoring one riage as a process. After some prepara- for your parish, Institute says, “It affords them Bill says, “In your “It was very tion, couples are given call Catholic relaxed, I thought, the opportunity to talk with each Charities Maine lifetime, you prob- a series of statements other about some things that they ably have up to 20 and it was actually to review, such as “My Family Life enjoyable” probably haven’t made time to Institute at: different marriages. spouse and I agree that – Beverly Popadak talk about before, because they’ve 207.879.1130, Marriages are in a the roles each of us been so busy with their lives.” Ext. 771 or cycle. It’s an obvious point that, takes in the marriage are of equal “Here are two people who got 1.800.CARE- the people you were 10 years value” and “I feel my spouse together and got married, and 002 (toll free in ago, 20 years ago when you got shows affection adequately.” then all of these things came Maine). married, you’re obviously at a dif- They each mark down whether into their lives. So, let’s go back E-mail: family- ferent point now. So, it’s looking they agree or disagree with each to – are you still there and am lifeinstitute@ at the different stages of where statement, then compare their ccmaine.org I still here, and how do we feel you are as a couple.” answers and discuss the results.

By Lois Czerniak | Photography by Joe McKenney Harvest 18 January/February 2007 “It was the idea of a perfect opportunity to spend time together, quality time together.” – Deacon Dennis Popodek

Annette says, REFOCCUS we’re going to say in response are similar issues.” is the follow-up “There are no right to the FOC- to somebody rather than just Beverly and Deacon Dennis or wrong answers CUS program listening to that person, giving also say it’s an experience they to any of this. It’s which stands them the opportunity to talk and enjoyed. “We didn’t really know ‘this is how I feel for Facilitating say whatever it is that they need what it was going to be, but it or think right Open Couple to say, and usually that leads to a was a very comfortable setting,” Communication, now. I want you Understanding deeper level of communication.” says Beverly. “It was very relaxed, to understand and Study. To assist in that I thought, and it was more about what communication, “It reminds you actually enjoyable. It I think and feel, couples receive a that marriage is was humorous. We and I want the Is it time to talking stick. It’s a something you cracked up a couple REFOCCUS? same thing with reminder that the one don’t take for times about some of granted; that you you. I want to understand how Here are holding the stick is the the things we were you think and feel.’” some sample one speaking and that are always work- doing. It was enrich- Beverly and Deacon Dennis say questions to the spouse should be ing to build that ing I think because it’s the questions really did help them think about. All listening. relationship.” so easy, when you’ve are statements – Deacon Dennis Popodek to refocus. Beverly says, “I can’t to which couples Bill Wood says he been married 37 years, say I learned anything new, but answer: “Agree”, believes REFOCCUS you talk in shorthand it made me, I hate to keep using “Disagree”, or works because it gets couples and sometimes, for the important the word refocus, but that really “Unsure”. actively involved. “So often, mar- things, you need to talk in long- is what it does. It brings you back riage enrichment programs might hand, and that’s what REFOCCUS Marriage as to – these are things you need to a Process: be going to watch a video or hear did for me.” do to communicate. You can’t just “I like the way a speaker, so you’re just sitting “And for me,” says Deacon Den- assume people know what you’re my spouse has there passively, and the speaker nis, “it was the idea of a perfect thinking and feeling because you changed over think, after 37 years, he should the years.” know. But, that’s not true.” Intimacy: “I think the one thing I was “My spouse and reminded of was don’t take I have discussed things for granted. So many and agree on times, we have a tendency to which events have most bring up the negative aspects of challenged our things that are bothering us, but closeness as a REFOCCUS it’s also important to reinforce couple.” and affirm the good things,” adds on your marriage Deacon Dennis. “Most of us had Compatibility: “I have told my more things that we agreed about spouse the than we differed from or thought strengths that I might say try this at VIisit the Catholic Charities Maine Family Life Institute differently about, and so I think value in his/her home, but what are the online at: www.ccmaine.org/family-life.html that’s what I learned the most, personality.” chances of that really don’t take things for granted and happening? This really encourages opportunity to spend time togeth- Communi- be more affirming.” cation: “My on the spot communication.” er, quality time together which a And Beverly and Deacon Den- spouse tells What couples talk about is lot of times, even though we may nis say, as a result of REFOCCUS, me directly and private. It’s just one-on-one, be in the same house, we’re going they make a concerted effort to clearly what although afterwards there is a in different directions, and this really stop and listen. Beverly says, he/she needs group session where couples can kind of focused us and forced us and wants.” “I think more, before I finish his share thoughts if they wish. to commit time to each other.” sentences for him. We’re so afraid Commitment: Bill says, “The major compo- “That’s why we kind of call it we’re going to forget what we’re “I am fearful that nent of this is that they have time a date night with your spouse. thinking when they’re talking, that we have drifted together alone to talk, but it’s You’re making time to spend you start talking before they’re from each other also important to come back as a together,” says Annette. because we are finished, and that’s just rude.” caught up in group and share because that can And for those couples who Deacon Dennis continues, “So day-to-day life.” be very empowering for couples, might be unsure about whether much of what we’re usually doing because what they find is, they’re to give it a try, Deacon Dennis has all the time is thinking about what not alone, that a lot of their issues this advice, “Make a date!” your marriage matters

usan and Dan romance have been He said married for 25 years. Their Sromantic relationship She said Dance the what do they do? night away has been suffering One evening (or more) per week, after other, taking each the kids are in other for granted. bed, turn on your favorite What can we do to music and dance make the relation- together. Hold- the romance he may ship special again? ing your beloved First and and talking to has fizzled be right foremost, we him or her is wonderfully must prioritize intimate. Dan says: Susan and I have been Susan says: Dan’s right. I the marital married for a long time – I don’t don’t think either one of us relationship. money know, maybe too long. We used feels the “glow” anymore. After That means to do a lot of fun things on the 25 years, we may just be bored. spend- weekends, and Susan would show Sometimes, after we’ve completing time me how much she found me at- ed all the essential conversa- together with- tractive in little ways – notes in tion of the day – what the kids out children or Save, save, my lunch, seeing action movies need, what bills need to be paid others. Having save that I know she doesn’t really – there is no time or energy left. time to talk It’s hard to like. Now, it’s just routine all the I’d really rather just watch TV about your re- do when the bills time – all we ever talk about is and unwind, or maybe read. lationship and are looming. Either pay the the kids. I don’t feel as if we have Perhaps we have been married time to talk savings account anything in common anymore. too long. some more is first (5-10 very impor- percent of your tant. If you income) or have Dan and Susan are not the first couple who have have lost this it automatically deposited to a been married this long. Twenty-five years is a long contact with savings account time. Marriages that have lasted that long often need each other, from your pay- special care along the way. Both the man and the woman in long- try to spend roll. If you don’t term relationships get used to caring for others. Usually, it’s the chil- several ‘dates’ see it, you won’t dren and sometimes other family members. Often they neglect each or alone- spend it!

Harvest 20 January/February 2007 communication time doing just that. Spend time reminiscing about why you came together in the first place. Remem- ber that having a mutually supportive and empathetic relationship is the desired goal. That means each person takes turns talking with honesty and You have listening with empathy. Talk about your feelings the floor and thoughts. This allows each partner to listen to If you the other person and confirm the other’s feelings, don’t feel while allowing a connection to their own feelings. you can get This creates a mutually supportive relationship a word in edgewise, try that is positive for both partners. This ‘connection’ using a small builds trust and mutual respect, the foundation of floor tile or loving relationships. Again, this talking and listen- other object ing may take several different private times. Try as a modern not to rush this process. Become friends again. version of the “speaking If this empathetic listening and talking works stick.” If you in creating mutual trust and respect, love may “have the floor,” bloom again. Having a good friend in your marital you get to speak partner is a great start to getting the ‘glow’ back. – uninterrupted. The next step is pretty easy. Start to date again. When you pass the floor tile, the Spend time relaxing and holding each other. next speaker Alone time is, again, really important. Depending echoes what on each partner’s style, this may also take some you’ve said so time to redevelop the glow. Sometimes, by acting that you know as romantic as you were at the beginning of your you were heard – and then relationship, the reality will follow. it’s his or her These techniques work well for partners who turn to speak need to connect again. If the issues are deeper, a – without you series of counseling sessions may be necessary. interrupting. MAINE RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE This helps get the little-used techniques of communication back in shape, just like a personal trainer helps us get back in good physical shape. I would encourage all partners to try counseling before they take any next step. Dan and Susan Stand up for Life! talk about maybe being married “too long.” Please don’t draw that conclusion too early without Mark your Calendars for January 13, 2007 trying professional help. Most relationships can be to participate in our Annual HANDS AROUND helped with outside assistance. Twenty-five years THE CAPITOL Rally and March—where we pub- are worth saving. licly recognize and mourn the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade while providing an intense – Deborah McCormack impact on those who witness our solemn march.

It’s important to make x 10:00AM - Mass at St. Mary's Church on time to enrich your Western Avenue in Augusta, ME marriage too! x 11:00AM - Rally with Prominent Pro-Life Speakers x 12:15PM - The March begins x 12:30PM - Assemble around the Capitol—The A REFOCCUS Marriage Enrichment program will be Capitol Bell will ring 34 times representing the held in Gorham and Augusta, ME during Lent. number of years since Roe v. Wade was enacted.

FMI Call 782-0101 Call us for more information at 879.1130 or 1.800.CARE-002, ext. 772. www.MaineRightToLife.com spiritual fitness

If you are going through a hard time, the first few chapters will be comfortable terrain for you. In a quick series of events, Job loses all that he loves. His family and wealth are gone in a single day, and shortly thereafter, his health is taken. The book puts the blame on the devil. Satan tested Job and taunted God, saying that Job only loved God because Job was so blessed. Take away his blessings, and “surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” (Job 1:11) That can happen. When tragedy strikes, various temptations present themselves. One is to blame God, and blame leads to anger or even blasphemy. Another temptation is to lose faith in God, or to interpret the tragedy as Job’s friends did – they blamed Job’s predicament on the sins he committed. Most of us can think of sins we have committed and “gotten away” with. But as people of faith, we know that is never true. Sin always has its own punishment, and so when tragedy strikes, we often think that our punishment has just caught up to us. Often, we indeed can see a direct connection between

ver have a day where Is God Murphy’s Law seemed Eto reign? Murphy’s punishing me? Law says, “What- How do we deal with tragedy and pain in our lives? ever can go wrong, will!” It is like the the suffering we are going through pessimist’s dream come true. There are plenty of real-life stories and a bad choice – a sin we com- around that tend to back up this view. Imagine coming home mitted. But what about when that is one day and finding that your house was bulldozed by acci- not apparent? At the end of Chapter 2, Job is dent. It actually happened to an elderly woman in New York. sitting in ashes, covered head to foot Even worse tragedies afflict people daily. What can we make of in boils. His own wife, who ironi- it all in terms of our faith in God? Does God care? Is God faith- cally was not taken from him (probably some Jewish humor there), ful to us? Is God punishing us for our sins? Similar questions yells at him, “Are you still holding were asked a few thousand years ago. Just read the Book of Job. to your innocence? Curse God and

Harvest 22 January/February 2007 When tragedy strikes, various temptations present themselves. One is to blame God, and blame leads to anger or even blasphemy.

die.” (Job 2:9) Wow. His soul-mate Spiritual Exercises and life partner turns against him. It does not get much worse than that. his month, we are going to focus Amazingly, Job does not lose on the faithfulness of God and our faith. He also does not accept the response to that faithfulness. words of his friends who are trying There are so many trials to make him responsible for his Twe must face: accident, injury, serious misery. Job really has tried to live a illness, loss of loved ones, loss of job righteous life so he does not accept and many others. Consider your own trials their explanation that he is to blame and then read some of the trials of St. Paul as for his woes and wants to hear expressed in 2 Cor 11:16-12:10. Ask yourself directly from God. the question: “With all these trials, how could Well, God answers. Job experi- Paul believe God was faithful to him? Think ences God and is humbled, and about it. Then read Philippians 3:7-21 to see how God has helped Paul understand his suf- surrenders in trust to God. The ferings with respect to the cross. book ends with God raising Job back to life. He is given back all his possessions, children and Pray this prayer while you meditate on God’s faithfulness: health in more abundance than Eternal Father, ever faithful, ever true. May I be before. God is faithful to Job. faithful to you. The book never fully answers the You have promised never to leave me. May I never reason for Job’s suffering. In his case, leave you. it is apparent that it was not a result You sent your only beloved Son to save me. Draw me close to Him. of anything he did. If anything, Job’s You have forgiven my sins by the offering of Jesus,13248-Harvest ad-MolinAhn 11/8/06 9:31 AM Page 1 suffering was due to the envy of the unblemished lamb. Open my heart to your Satan. However, the book encour- mercy. ages us to trust fully in God, no You have given your love to me in Christ. matter why or what we are suffering Inflame my heart with love for you. You have shown me the way I must walk. or what happens to us in life. Keep me true to your commandments. Two scary words: This is the path Jesus walked You have given me new birth by water and all the way to Calvary. He was the Holy Spirit. May I rejoice in being your “breast cancer” perfectly innocent; yet we see child. how much He suffered. You have fed me with heavenly bread. Mercy’s two dedicated breast surgeons, Dr. Molin and Dr.Ahn, Increase my hunger for you. perform more than 300 breast cancer surgeries a year – The same holds for us as well. You have given me to drink of the cup of life. Tragedy and suffering are under a volume of work associated with improved outcomes Inebriate my soul. for breast cancer patients.* God’s loving providence. I call You have poured your Spirit out on me. them “God’s strange rope of grace!” Make me a sacrifice of praise. Thanks to their success, and collaboration with Strange, because they are not the You have raised me from death to life. May I Mercy’s comprehensive team of experts, more and more live for you alone. Mercy patients diagnosed with breast cancer are normal means of grace we experi- You have stretched forth your hand and ence in the sacraments. Nonetheless, saved me. Hide me in your wounds. able to experience a brighter future. they are charged with God’s help. You have set my feet on the rock. May my Which is something we can all feel hopeful about. Many times I have heard someone life’s foundation be Jesus, your saving word. say, “Father, I do not completely You have destroyed the power of sin. Strengthen my resolve to flee from sin. understand this, but I think my You have swallowed death in victory. May I Two reasons to be hopeful: suffering is a blessing!” They go on not be afraid. Mary Ahn, MD,FACS and and tell me why – “It has brought You have broken the powers of hell. Deliver Melinda Molin, MD,FACS me closer to God, and my family,” or me from all evil. “It has helped me see what is really You have opened the gates of paradise. Flood my soul with hope. important in life.” In their suffering, You have invited me to the marriage banquet. they meet Jesus Christ on the cross. Join my whole self to yours. God remains faithful to them and You have held nothing back from me. May I * Based on recent findings does not abandon them. hold nothing back from you. regarding the relationship between You have … (Add a phrase specific to surgeon’s volume of breast cases God is faithful and never aban- and outcome, presented by your life.) Memorial Sloan Kettering’s dons any of us, especially in our Chief Breast Surgeon, mercyhospital.org O God, you are faithful and true. May I be Dr. Patrick I. Borgen, times of suffering and trial. The cross at the 2006 Breast 207-879-3088 faithful to you in what I say and in what I do. Cancer Conference always leads to the resurrection! Amen. – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh in Miami. c u l t u r e

2006). I figure I’ve been given a lot and it’s fun to do this.” When he’s not playing the trumpet or singing, Bradford is known as the Honorable Carl O. Bradford, superior court justice, active retired. In fact, most of the musicians have or are retired from I successful careers. Singing alongside Bradford and playing the trombone was Eric Anderson, a retired auto mechanic; playing alto-sax and clarinet was Bob Pillsbury, who operated a plumbing business; drummer Don Whitney is a fire consultant who has written four books on fire prevention; Henry Barry, an accomplished pianist, is also a lawyer by day, he and Bradford attended law school together; rounding out the group was Dave Sutton on guitar and guest musician Gerhard Graml on bass. Although you would never know it by the quality of the performance, Bradford said, because of their busy schedules, only some members of the group were able to get together and practice the Sacred Jazz concert. He said it was Sacred not an obstacle because all the members are pros and because so many of the tunes are familiar ones. Bob Pillsbury is on alto-sax, Carl Bradford on trumpet and Eric Anderson on trombone. The group showed that finely tuned skill when lead- t was the type of concert that left you singing ing concertgoers through the aisles of the cathedral with a and humming … not just in the car, during rousing rendition of “When the ride home, but the next day when you got up in the the Saints Go Marching In” and morning, and maybe even the day after that. with the contrasting moods of the I “It’s a way closing number, “Just a Closer Sacred Jazz, performed by Port Thou Art.” of giving Walk with Thee.” The hymn, as- City Jazz at the Cathedral of the Carl Bradford, the leader of Port something sociated with funeral processions Immaculate Conception in Port- City Jazz, says he got the idea for back. I in New Orleans, begins solemnly, land, featured a collection of spiri- Sacred Jazz from the Jim Cullun figure I’ve but then becomes upbeat, signi- tual and Christian music that had Jazz Band, based in San Antonio, been very fying that the sorrow of losing a audience members nodding their which released a CD entitled “Deep fortunate for loved one has been replaced by heads, clapping their hands and River: The Spirit of Gospel Music in someone the joy of knowing that person is tapping their feet. The concert fea- Jazz” in 1998. Bradford says he was who’s going at peace with the Lord. tured songs with lyrics that jumped first approached about performing to be 75 The concert raised $1,700 for into your head even though you a spiritual concert seven years ago, next month. the Saint Vincent de Paul Society may not have heard or sung them by the Very Reverend Stephen W. I figure I’ve soup kitchen, which has pro- since childhood – favorites such as Foote, who was then the Dean of St. been given vided meals to the hungry, five the traditional folk song, “Down Luke’s Episcopal Cathedral. a lot and it’s days week, for nearly 30 years by the Riverside,” Duke Ellington’s Then, three years ago, Robert fun to do now. Admission was a suggested “Come Sunday,” written in the Robinson, of the St. Vincent de this.” donation of $10, making it a deal 1940s; “He’s Got the Whole World Paul Soup Kitchen, asked if the tough to pass up – a full night in His Hands,” first published in group would also perform a ben- of entertainment, the knowledge 1951, and “Put Your Hand in the efit concert at the cathedral and that you’re helping others, and, Hand,” a pop hit in 1971. Bradford agreed. afterwards, a song or two that The band also added a jazz “It’s a way of giving something you just can’t seem to get out twist to such traditional hymns back,” he says. “I figure I’ve been of your head… “Oh, when the as “Amazing Grace,” the concert’s very fortunate for someone who’s saints go marching in...Oh, when opening number, and “How Great going to be 75 next month (October the saints go marching in ....”

Harvest 24 January/February 2007 Visit www.portlanddiocese.net e d u c a t i o n

un, stars, water, air, plants, and animals A Pope’s are gifts with which God has made comfortable and beautiful the home prepared for man. (Pope John Paul II -1984) SPope John Paul II was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hike and climb. He cherished what he called the “majestic beauty of creation,” which he saw as a reflection of God’s own beauty. He called upon Christians and people of all reli- gions to join together to become the stewards of the earth which God intended them to be. The pontiff wrote, “An education in eco- logical responsibility is urgent: The John Paul II Center for Theology responsibility for oneself, for oth- and Environmental Studies ers, and for the earth.” The new John Paul II Center Saint Joseph’s College Xavier Hall for Theology and Environmental course. It’s something that I strive Studies at Saint Joseph College for, but equally important to me, in Standish is committed to pro- as a Catholic theologian, is that, in viding that education. examining the question of nature, “The center isn’t just named the beauty of nature, the mystery after John Paul in the sense that you would attach a and then of nature, students are put in pope’s name to a center just to give it some gravitas. teach it touch with profound questions of This center really is intended to serve his legacy,” says in an ex- meaning beyond just what to do Professor Connie Lasher. the director of the center periential about pollution,” she says. and the driving force behind it. context, a Professor Connie Lasher “A center like this, which focus- Professor Lasher is an associate professor of theol- field-based context, taking them es on the question of the human ogy at Saint Joseph College. In addition to a master’s hiking, taking them out to the relation to nature, is asking, what degree and Ph.D. in theology, she also earned a B.S. islands, doing field studies in the is, from the Catholic perspective, and M.S. in experiential education and environmen- environmental part and using a fundamentally religious question tal studies. She says the center represents her own the beauty of the natural world about the ultimate meaning of interdisciplinary research and work as a Catholic as the context to discuss the life; and, obviously, the Catholic theologian and says she was pleased the idea was theology part.” Church has its response to that enthusiastically welcomed by the college. The center also examines the – that the meaning of existence “What we’re trying to do at the center and what we environmental movement in con- is the love of God, made known are doing at the center is offering courses and course temporary culture – why environ- through Jesus Christ, that the work in this area of specialization that really aren’t be- mentalism is sometimes viewed meaning of existence, the meaning ing offered at other Catholic colleges and universities.” with distrust and why Christians of reality is love.” The center provides a blend of study and field are sometimes hesitant to embrace Currently the center only offers work. While committed to doing theological research it. “Environmentalism, he called courses to Saint Joseph College stu- and developing the pope’s teachings on the human it, is a great cultural movement dents, but that will change in 2008. relationship to nature, it also wants students to experi- and Catholics need to realize that The center also recently held ence nature, which Pope John Paul II saw as having a people who are concerned with its first lecture in the annual Karol crucial role in the development of the human person. the question of the environment Wojtyla Distinguished Lecture Se- “He loved to work with children and young are, by and large, people of good ries. Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete, people, especially young people. He took them into will and people of integrity,” says friend of John Paul II and a lead- the mountains hiking and kayaking and skiing, and Professor Lasher. ing Catholic theologian, spoke he used the out of doors as a medium for learning, While she hopes that students about the pope’s environmental and that’s part of what we’re about, developing that taking courses through the center legacy, telling those gathered that aspect of his legacy.” come away with an increased sen- without a sensitivity to the envi- One of the center’s first offerings, for instance, sitivity to nature and environmen- ronment and without an “attitude combines a course on theology and the environment tal issues, its mission goes beyond of marvel and wonder, the mys- with the college’s basic requirement in ecology. Pro- that. “Obviously that’s something tery of Christ is not grasped and fessor Lasher says, “We combine those two courses I consider to be a product of the neither is the human mystery.” Below: St. Thomas Principal Norm Provost leads students in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. v o c a t i o n s

Deacon ordained

Nathan March, a seminarian at Theological College, Cath- olic University Vocations, of America in Washington, DC, is being ordained a transitional deacon on Vocations, December 23 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. March, who is 31, says religion did not play a strong role in his life when he was growing up, but says that changed after hearing a high school Vocationshat do you want to be if we looked hard enough, we teacher speak about the importance could see Jesus. I learned that this of his faith. March says he was when you grow up? It’s is the way it is in life, you have further influenced by the autobiog- a question often posed to look to see Jesus,” recalled raphy of Thomas Merton, a Trappist to children and one that another sixth-grade student. monk who was an author and a Wcan produce a variety of answers – any- And they learned that priests poet. He says his faith continued to thing from a shrug of the shoulders to the and sisters aren’t all that different strengthen and, in 2002, he began President of the United States or the first from the rest of us. his studies at Catholic University. “I learned that sisters don’t sit March is a parishioner at the person to land on Mars. around all day and pray.” cathedral. He will be among five “I learned that sisters have fun deacons who will be ordained With all the possible paths before young people, the just like everybody else. They can priests this summer. Tri-Parish Vocations Team of Sanford-Springvale works go to the beach to ensure that, as they look toward their future careers, and wear bathing youngsters also consider ways to be of service to others, suits and watch including the possibility of choosing religious vocations. football games Working in conjunction with St. Thomas School together.” in Sanford, the vocations team gives students an op- The students portunity to meet with priests and religious sisters and at St. Thomas brothers during vocations week in January. Last year, School pray for students heard from Sister Theresa Labrecque, SCIM, vocations on a who lived and worked among the poor in South Africa regular basis. for 30 years; from Sister Priscille Roy, SCIM who was They write letters a missionary for many years in Brazil and who still to seminarians travels there; and from Sister Elaine Lachance, SCIM and novices, Sister Regina tells sixth-grade students about her vocation. whose ministry is in Maine. The religious shared sto- work on a monthly saints project, perhaps because the stories of a ries of their faith, their work, and their lives. and participate in an annual voca- missionary sister who once visited The students learned of hardships in other parts of tions poster contest. The parish their school inspired them to the world. “Sister Theresa talked about how they had pastor, Rev. Timothy Nadeau, also want to work with the poor. to cross a river and get their clothes wet and sleep on regularly visits the students and staff You never know when or how the ground and travel for days, just to be able to go and celebrates children’s Masses. the flame will be lit, but maybe to Mass. We don’t understand how lucky we are to There are many reasons why one of those visits or letters will be have Mass so close to us,” said one sixth-grader. someone may choose a religious the spark, so that one day, when a The students learned about the presence of Jesus vocation: a strong sense of follow- youngster is asked what he or she in their own lives. ing God’s will; a chance to make a wants to be when he or she grows “Sister Elaine had a piece of paper with dots on it. She difference in the lives of many by up, the answer will be a sister, a had us look at the paper and then at the ceiling. She said, proclaiming the word of God; or priest or even the pope.

Harvest 26 January/February 2007 l o c a l n e w s

like this and to be surrounded by just a blessing to spend your friends who are excited about the weekend with Jesus.” faith,” says 17-year-old Therese, Many of the young adults, who attends the Parish of the who are now in college, say it’s Holy Spirit, Waterville. She says also a chance for them to re-con- she is especially moved by the nect with their faith. Eucharistic procession, during Thomas Gulino, a Saint Jo- which the monstrance hold- seph’s student who attended for ing the the first time, says “Lately, I’ve Eucharist really felt that I’ve needed some The Journey Retreat is centered around the Eucharist. is carried sort of spiritual kind of energizer, through if you will. With school’s busy Journey Retreat the crowd. schedule and all that, eventually “It affects you just need to take some time If you could spend a weekend with pretty much out for God.” Jesus, would you? Youth and young adults everyone Nathan Faucher, who attends say that’s what draws them to the Journey fairly pro- the University of Southern Maine, Retreat year after year. foundly because it is so immedi- agrees, “It’s a really great way for “I came here to get a closer relationship to ate. It’s just a very real way of me, once the school year started, to God,” says Robin, age 17. bringing home to everyone that come back and just refresh my soul Journey is a three-day retreat for teens and young Jesus is really in the Eucharist.” and try to get back closer to Jesus.” adults focused on Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Danielle Sabine says the 375 youth and young adults Sacrament. The retreat helps young people grow procession is also one of the attended the retreat, which tied the closer to Christ through daily Mass, perpetual adora- reasons she keeps coming back. all-time high set in 2005. The re- tion, reconciliation, the rosary, workshops and music. “I love how it is totally centered treat was held at Saint Dominic’s “It sort of re-energizes you to come to a retreat on the Blessed Sacrament. It’s Regional High School, Auburn. community events

ingredients Harvest Harvest’s Bounty: Whoopie pies Cake: • 1 cup sugar happenings 40 eggs, 80 cups of flour, 30 cups of milk and 40 teaspoons of vanilla. • 1/3 cup When volunteers get together to make whoopie pies for the St. Andre, Bid- shortening Cluster 27 - Our Lady of the Angels, deford parish fair, it’s no small undertaking. The group makes hundreds of the • 1 egg Berwicks; St. Christopher, York; Maine treats to sell, so many that they don’t double or triple the recipe, they • ¾ cup milk and St. Raphael, Kittery - will host decuple it and then quadruple that. • 1 tsp vanilla the Annual Men’s Retreat at St. The whoopie pie tradition at St. Andre’s goes back about five years. Mark • 1/3 cup cocoa Christopher on Monday, January Simoneau says, at the beginning, it was just two people doing all the mixing, powder 8 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. with a scooping, and baking. Now there is a pie production line and the project still • ½ tsp. baking special presentation by Most Rev. takes hours. soda Joseph Gerry, O.S.B., Ph.D. Bishop While one group mixes the wet ingredients, another is working on the dry. • ½ tsp. baking Emeritus. All are welcome. For more While someone mans the industrial-sized mixer, another pair is responsible for powder information: 384.4241, 363.2111 scooping the finished product onto baking trays. Dan Villemaire provides the • 2 cups flour or 439.0442. muscle because, as you might imagine, this is no lightweight batter. Once the pies are ready, they’re all lined up and the volunteers match up similar-sized tops and Filling: The 34th Annual March for Life bottoms, the filling is added, and the tops sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. • 1 stick marga- will be held in Washington, D.C., Jan. Mark Simoneau, the co-chair of the parish fair, says he likes to do it rine 21-23. It is the largest pro-life rally because he enjoys cooking and because it’s different from his office job. “It’s • ½ cup short- in the country, drawing participants nice to do something with your hands, and it’s nice to see something done.” ening from all 50 states. In Maine, the event Kim Perrigo, another volunteer, says “When you’re doing something like • 1 cup sugar is sponsored by the Maine Right to this, it’s kind of camaraderie.” • 3 Tbsp. Life Committee in cooperation with And 13-year-old Hilary adds, “You make the best friends.” flour the Diocese of Portland. The registra- Mark says they’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to get it just right. He says • 2 tsp. vanilla tion deadline is Dec. 29. For more the secret is the filling; it needs to be creamy and rich, not too sweet, but sweet • ½ cup milk information: 207.782.0101 or e-mail: enough. • Pinch of salt [email protected] Doris Meehan, GIFT coordinator, For more information on the conven- Hands Around the Capital 207.892.4126 or 207.831.3490 tion, please contact Anne Connolly Join hands around the State House on Saturday, January or e-mail: [email protected] at the Office of Youth Ministry at 13 to show your opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 773.6471, ext. 118. Roe v. Wade decision. The day’s events will begin with Cluster 27 will present “Spiritual a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s on Western Avenue in Practices for Everyday Life,” Saint Anne, Gorham will conduct a Augusta. There will be rally in St. Mary’s gymnasium at a popular workshop with Nicky pilgrimage to Ireland and Rome 11:15 a.m. and then, at 12:15, participants will march Verplogen, on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Our as part of its 40th Anniversary to the State House where they will assemble hand-in- Lady of the Angels Parish (exact celebration in 2007. The pilgrimage hand. The capital bell will ring 34 times representing the location to be determined); Sunday, will take place from Sunday, June number of years since Roe v. Wade was enacted. March 11 at St. Christopher, York; 17 through Saturday, June 30. and Sunday, May 20 at St. Raphael, Those participating will leave Boston Lenten Haddock Suppers will be held every Friday, Kittery. The workshops are from 2 to on Sunday, arriving in Galway on Feb. 23 to March 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Our Lady 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Monday with Mass at the Galway of Victory Hall, Camp Ellis. The menu includes baked Cathedral. Tuesday they will visit haddock, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, coleslaw, green Catholic Youth Ministry of the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. beans, beverages & dessert. All you can eat! All proceeds Maine’s Pre-Convention will be The trip includes stops at Dingle benefit Notre Dame School, Saco. held on March 17 - 18. This is an Bay, Killarney and Dublin, with Mass all day regional event. For more at the Sisters of Mercy Catherine The GIFT Experience is a weekend experience in information, please contact Anne McAuley House. On the following discovery for anyone in high school. It is designed to Connolly at the Office of Youth Min- Monday, the pilgrims will fly to Rome facilitate the growth of the individual in relationship to istry at 773.6471, ext. 118. with Mass at St. Paul outside Rome. God, self and others. GIFT weekends are being held They will have a papal audience on January 19-21 and March 23-25. They begin Friday Catholic Youth Ministry of Wednesday, will visit Assisi, and will evening at 7:30 p.m. and conclude Sunday afternoon by Maine’s 21st annual Convention participate in a Mass celebrated by 3 p.m. The cost is $70 per person. Financial assistance will be held April 27-29 at the Holi- Pope Benedict XVI on June 29. is available in many parishes. For more information, day Inn by the Bay in Portland. The Anyone interested, please contact contact the Youth Ministry Office at 207.773.6471 or cost for the weekend event is $145. Father Conley at 207.839.4857.

Harvest 28 January/February 2007 Visit www.portlanddiocese.net l o c a l n e w s

Cake: Heat oven to 350 Degrees. Legacy of Love award Working together Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/3 cup short- winners to evangelize ening in a bowl and mix well. Add 1 egg, ¾ cup milk, 1 tsp. vanilla and mix well. Reverend Monsignor Vin- We are about to take Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder, ½ tsp. baking cent Tatarczuk and Peter Vigue, the next steps toward soda, ½ tsp baking powder, and 2 cups president and CEO of Cianbro completing parish cluster- flour and mix well. Drop by tablespoon Corporation, were honored ing, and with that the real full onto greased baking sheet. Bake for with Legacy of Love awards at work of the Church, which 12 minutes. Let cool before filling. Catholic Charities Maine’s 40th is evangelization, will be anniversary celebration held in reinvigorated. That was Filling: In a bowl add 1 stick of November. the message at an Octo- margarine, ½ cup shortening, 1 cup Msgr. Tatarczuk was chosen for ber workshop in Bangor sugar, 3 Tbsp. of flour, 2 tsp. vanilla, dedicated service to the Diocese that brought lay leaders and clergy from around the ½ cup milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat of Portland. Over the past 47 state together for the first time to discuss the issue. vigorously with an electric mixer for 5 years, he has served in many ca- Keynote speaker Fr. Robert Hater, Ph.D. moved minutes or until smooth. You cannot pacities, including parochial vicar, beyond the difficulties of the necessary changes in overbeat. The sugar needs to fully dis- chancellor, vicar general, consultor structuring and staffing of parishes (clustering) and solve. Cool in the refrigerator for 30 and as a member of the Council focused on the challenge before all Catholics to minutes before filling cakes. of Priests. In presenting Msgr. be the messengers of hope. Fr. Hater is a national Tartarczuk the award, Catholic leader in the field of catechetics, a former profes- Chef’s Tip: A Charities Maine said, “Whatever sor at the University of Dayton, a priest of the Arch- sprinkle of confection- has been asked of him, monsi- diocese of Cincinnati and has authored several er’s sugar on top will gnor has done with great love for books. He told those gathered that the eyes of prevent them from God’s people and the Church.” many dioceses are watching Maine because the sticking if you are wrap- Peter Vigue was honored for Portland Diocese’s approach to clustering has ping them individually. his commitment to his employ- been very innovative. Specifically, he mentioned ees and to the com- the collaboration and input from the local level. munity. Vigue was the The 300 workshop participants had the oppor- driving force behind tunity to reflect on their calling as Catholic Chris- Cianbro’s safety and tians; to discuss what can be learned from other wellness program. churches about reaching out to people’s needs; He has also served and how Catholic communities can encourage on- on numerous boards, going conversion within our families, the workplace including Eastern Maine and those we encounter. Health Care System, Meanwhile, the reorganization of parishes is continu- Pine Tree Council of ing. As of January, St. John Vianney Parish encom- Boy Scouts of America, passes the churches in Fort Kent, St. Francis, St. John the Maine Aspirations Plantation, Wallagrass, Eagle Lake and Allagash. Also Foundation, and the the churches in Sanford, Holy Family and St. Ignatius, Maine Coalition for Ex- and Notre Dame in Springvale have merged into one Peter Vigue with Bishop Malone. cellence in Education. parish called St. Therese of Lisieux. /),#(!.'%

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3ERVICE#ENTER ÓäÊ*>ÀÊÛi°]Ê-ÕÌ Ê*ÀÌ>` /),#(!.'% ÇÇÎ£{ÊUÊÜÜÜ°`ÕÛ>Ã°V ÌÊ£Ê«iÀÊVÕÃÌiÀ°Ê ÌÊ ÌÊLiÊVLi`ÊÜÌ ÊÌ iÀÊ `ÃVÕÌÃ°Ê Ý«°ÊÎÉÎ£ÉäÇ Calvary Cemetery adds Armed take shape;” and up to the growing influence today of Forces section Neocatechumenal or Small Christian Communities. By providing perspective on the past, Msgr. Mur- Calvary Cemetery in South Portland has phy hopes to shed light on the steps he believes a new section dedicated to those who served the seminary must take in the future in order to in the Armed Forces. The area is being mod- train priests more effectively. eled after Arlington National Cemetery. He advocates, for example, a return to the The centerpiece of the new section is a priestly discipline called for by the Council of Trent black granite monument engraved with an and says it is essential that dioceses and bishops eagle and featuring bronze plaques with the assume greater roles in priestly formation, which shields of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma- was the council’s intent. rines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. Msgr. Murphy says he believes the book is a good The area surrounding the monument is paved with 8-inch square memo- source for anyone concerned about the future of rial markers. An American flag will also permanently fly there. the priesthood. “Everyone has concerns about the priesthood and how it’s going to be strengthened To learn more about the Armed Forces section, visit after the crisis we’ve been experiencing,” he says. “I www.portlanddiocese.net and click on cemeteries. hope it will generate discussion about new and better ways of training priests.” Bishop signs healthy Msgr. Murphy was a member of the papal visita- marriage document tion teams which visited seminaries in the mid-80s. He also served as rector of the North American Bishop Richard Malone joined College in Rome. clergy from other denominations in This is Msgr. Murphy’s fourth book. It is available signing a pledge to provide a com- at Borders and other bookstores. mon level of support for marriage. By signing the “Community Mar- riage Policy,” the clergy agreed to support several steps to strengthen marriages. They include: encourag- ing courtships of at least year; preparing couples for a life-long marriage by using a pre-marital inventory and Scripture and through the help of a mentoring couple; enriching the relationship of married couples through an annual retreat; and restoring troubled marriages using trained mentoring couples who have reconciled and restored their own relationships. The Common Marriage Policy has been signed by interdenomina- tional groups in more than 200 communities across the country.

Msgr. Murphy authors book on the seminary

What needs to be done to strengthen the priesthood? What is the seminary supposed to be and what is it supposed to do? Msgr. Charles Murphy examines these questions in a new book, Models of Priestly Formation, Past, Present, and Future. In the book, Msgr. Murphy traces the development of the seminary, beginning with its formation by the Council of Trent in the 16th century. He takes the reader through those early days when priests were called upon to be “soldiers of Christ,” waging a battle against evil; through the influences of “the French School” where priests were viewed as a spiritual elite; through the guidelines set forth by the Second Vatican Council, which he says are “a vision that still needs to

Harvest 30 January/February 2007 l a s t w o r d

Islam responds to the Holy Father

Theology of the Body emember the frenzy that surrounded the Holy Father’s speech at the University in Regensburg last September? The media were Women and men, sex and our Church. What do filled with news of the Holy Father’s call for dialogue with Islamic they all have in common? They all are included in Pope leaders on the relationship between faith and reason and the rejec- John Paul II’s teachings on Theology of the Body. Rtion of all violence in religion. Surprisingly, I never saw anything in the media These topics highlighted a fall conference on “The about the formal response from Islamic leaders to the Holy Father’s address. New Evangelization: The Theology of the Body and In case you missed it too, we owe it to our Muslim friends to hear their reply. its Role in Promoting the Domestic Church.” More A month after the Holy Father’s address, 38 of the most influential and than 150 people, many of them youth and young important Muslim scholars and leaders from all over the world wrote an adults, attended the conference at Saint Joseph’s open letter to the Holy Father. The signatories included the grand muftis College in Standish, which focused on the late of Egypt, Russia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Istanbul, Oman, and pope’s teachings on life, love and human sexuality. Uzbekistan, university scholars and heads of Muslim institutes in Syria, The conference featured some of the nation’s Morocco, Gambia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Yemen, as well as an ayatollah leading experts on the subject, including Christopher from Iran. One commentator pointed out that all eight schools of Islamic West, a faculty member of the Theology of the Body thought and jurisprudence are represented here. Institute, and Fr. Thomas Loya, STB, MA, a Byzantine The letter was polite and respectful. The signatories priest and the Eastern Catholic spiritual adviser for accepted unconditionally the clarifications and apology of the Theology of the Body International Alliance. the Holy Father. They rejected all acts of violence against The conference was divided into workshops, many of Christian persons and property in response to the Holy them specific to age or life experience. Fr. Loya spoke Father’s speech, including the murder of a nun in with teenagers about the importance of being honest with Somalia. They pointed out that Christians and your words, as well as your body language. Christopher Muslims make up approximately 55 percent of West talked with adults about being true to your body. He the world’s population and so “the relationship said people, at times, are so starved for love that they are between these two communities (is) the most willing to eat out of the dumpster, but said that will never important factor in contributing to meaningful satisfy their needs because that is not real love. peace around the world.” They acknowledged Other workshops included, “A new way to be that the Holy Father “is arguably the single single,” “Preparing for marriage,” “Dating and most influential voice in continuing to move Discernment,” and the meaning of femininity/mas- this relationship forward in the direction of culinity. The latter was a teen-centered workshop mutual understanding.” And they share the that emphasized the importance of embracing your commitment to “sincere and frank dialogue.” sexuality, not trying to change what is hardwired in At the same time, they thought the Holy you, but, instead, working with it to your advantage. Father had relied too heavily on “experts” on The conference drew rave reviews from many of the Islam who would not be recognized or accepted as participants. Allison Twomey, a teenager from St. Mat- such by leading Muslims today and, as a result, had thew, Limerick, said, “It was so awesome! I misunderstood certain nuances about their faith. didn’t expect to learn so much here.” Importantly, they firmly rejected all use of force to compel belief. “We emphatically agree that forcing New St. Dom’s principal named others to believe – if such a thing were possible at all – is not pleasing to God and that God is not pleased Donald Fournier is the new principal by blood.” Referring to certain modern Muslim extrem- of St. Dominic Regional High School, ists, they state, “If some have disregarded a long Auburn. Fournier was on the faculty of St. Dom’s before and well-established tradition in favor of utopian being named principal and, prior to that, he served as dreams where the end justifies the means, they have principal of St. Athanasius and St. John School, Rumford. done so of their own accord and without the sanc- Fournier has also been a member of the Diocesan School tion of God, His Prophet, or the learned tradition.” Board and a member of the Bishop’s Task Force for May the new year bring a new level of mutual Catholic Schools and Clusters since 2005. He succeeds understanding between our two great faiths. G. Michael Welch who passed away in September. – Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Henchal NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 135 MIDLAND, MI 48640

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