Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 28 No. 4 April 2012 He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Alleleuia!

Traditional Easter greeting and response, appropriate at Easter and throughout the 50-day season of Easter

“Triumph of Life” by C. Michael Dudash © Somerset Fine Art — Michael Dudash prints and canvas available at www. SomersetFineArt.com PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 ShepherdOur Speaks Lent calls us to a more profound relationship with Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving Dear Brothers and of Calcutta we have a clear illustration of to a more profound realization of the needs of the fact that time devoted to God in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ: Sisters in Christ, not only does not detract from eff ective and loving service to our neighbor, but is in fact At the same time, fasting is an aid to open am writing you today from Rome where the inexhaustible source of that service. In our eyes to the situation in which so many I am preparing to participate with the her letter for Lent 1996, Blessed Teresa wrote of our brothers and sisters live. In his First IBishops of Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to her lay co-workers: “We need this deep Letter, Saint John admonishes: “If anyone in our ad limina visit to the Holy Father, Pope connection with God in our daily life. How has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in Benedict XVI. Every fi ve years or so, Bishops can we obtain it? By prayer.” (36) need, yet shuts up his bowels of compassion are called to Rome to give a report to the Holy from him — how does the love of God abide See of the state and life of their Diocese, and Th e holy season of Lent also calls us to in him?” (3,17). to receive from the Pope encouragement and fasting. Th e pr a c t ic e of f a s t i n g g o e s ba c k e ven to guidance in their ministry as Bishops. Due to Old Testament times as an act of repentance and Voluntary fasting enables us to grow in the the Papal transition in 2005, it has been eight turning back to the Lord as seen, for example, spirit of the Good Samaritan, who bends low years since the US Bishops have participated in in the people of Nineveh who responded to the and goes to the help of his suff ering brother. an ad limina visit, and this is my fi rst visit as calls to repentance by the prophet Jonah by acts By freely embracing an act of self-denial for a Bishop. I look forward to meeting with the of penance and fasting. In the New Testament, the sake of another, we make a statement that Holy Father and sharing with him the many Jesus himself prayed and fasted in the desert for our brother or sister in need is not a stranger. Bishop Kevin Vann blessings of our Diocese as well as our challenges, 40 days before being tempted by Satan and in It is precisely to keep alive this welcoming especially as one of the fastest growing Dioceses us to truly love God, but also truly love our preparation for his public ministry. Th e practice and attentive attitude towards our brothers in the United States. Th e ad limina visits are a neighbor. In fact, prayer has to be at the very of fasting has always been present in the life of and sisters that I encourage the parishes and reminder that we are not only a part of our local source of our works of charity, for we cannot love the Church, but unfortunately in our modern every other community to intensify in Lent Diocesan Church, but also part of the Universal others as Christ demands us to without being day culture, fasting has lost its meaning in the custom of private and communal fasts, Church under the leadership of the Pope as the constantly in prayer. Without prayer good works many ways. Th us, the practice of fasting needs joined to the reading of the Word of God, successor of Peter the Prince of the Apostles, can be reduced to mere activism, or one may to be rediscovered by many in the Church as prayer and almsgiving. and Christ’s Vicar on Earth. Th is time in Rome be too quickly tempted to become discouraged a powerful means of penance and conversion is a particular blessing not only for me, but for with the immense burden of need. However, both inside and outside the season of Lent. We fi nally turn our attention the Lenten all of us in the Diocese as we continue to work charity and good works united to prayer become We are called to fast particularly during call to almsgiving which is the particular focus together to build up the Body of Christ, the works of God, and are transformed not by mere Lent because by depriving ourselves of the good of the Holy Father’s Lenten Message for 2012. Church, both locally and universally. human love, but by the love of Christ which of food and nourishment for a time, it helps us By the giving of alms or acts of charity, we are Th is time also fi nds us once again in the conquers all: “Th e love of Christ urges us on” to better order our passions and resist bodily called to turn our attention to those who are in holy s e a s on of L ent . Th is special season of prayer, (2 Corinthians 5:14). Pope Benedict XVI in his and spiritual temptations. As Pope Benedict need, not only those who are in material need, fasting, and almsgiving calls us to a deeper and fi rst encyclical Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) XVI teaches: but also to those who are in spiritual need — the more profou nd re l at ion s h ip w it h C h r i s t a nd t he speaks of this importance of prayer in carrying poorest of the poor. Almsgiving above all is the Church. It is a time in particular that we are out the Church’s social teaching: Th e faithful practice of fasting contributes, call to the very heart of the Christian life, the led to participate more deeply in the Paschal moreover, to conferring unity to the whole life of active charity, which is most profoundly mystery of Christ through which we die to our When we consider the immensity of others’ person, body and soul, helping to avoid sin expressed through the Church’s tradition in the old sinful self and rise to new life in Christ. In needs, we can, on the one hand, be driven and grow in intimacy with the Lord. Saint corporal and spiritual works of mercy. particular, Lent calls us out of ourselves, to not towards an ideology that would aim at Augustine, who knew all too well his own However, in our culture today, there seems so much focus on the “I” but to focus on the doing what God’s governance of the world negative impulses, defi ning them as “twisted to be more and more a loss of sensitivity to those other, those who are in need both materially apparently cannot — fully resolving every and tangled knottiness” (Confessions, II, who are in need. In a society that so fosters and spiritually. Th is is the focus in particular problem. Or we can be tempted to give in 10.18), writes: “I will certainly impose individualism and materialism, the plight of the of the Holy Father’s Message for Lent this year to inertia, since it would seem that in any privation, but it is so that he will forgive poor, the weak, and the most vulnerable can be recalling the passage from the Letter to the event nothing can be accomplished. At such me, to be pleasing in his eyes, that I may lost in the loudness of our increasingly secular Hebrews, “Let us be concerned for each other, times, a living relationship with Christ is enjoy his delightfulness” (Sermo 400, 3, 3: culture. Th e Lenten call to almsgiving for us as to stir a response in love and good works” decisive if we are to keep on the right path, PL 40, 708). Denying material food, which Catholics is to live and make known the great (Hebrews 10:24). without falling into an arrogant contempt nourishes our body, nurtures an interior gif t a nd trea sure of Cat holic Socia l Teaching in Using this focus of the Holy Father for for man, something not only unconstructive disposition to listen to Christ and be fed order to, as the Holy Father encourages us, “be this Lenten season, I would like to refl ect but actually destructive, or surrendering by His saving word. Th rough fasting and concerned for each other, to stir a response in upon the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, to a resignation which would prevent us praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Today and almsgiving as not only the means to a from being guided by love in the service of the deepest hunger that we experience in the more than ever, the Church is engaged in a greater holiness and conversion to Christ, but others. Prayer, as a means of drawing ever depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for struggle for the meaning of life and the dignity in particular how each of these call us out of new strength from Christ, is concretely and God. (Message for Lent 2009) of the human person. As Blessed Pope John ourselves to focus on the other and to help us urgently needed. People who pray are not Paul II so often proclaimed, man is the way of to grow in works of charity. wasting their time, even though the situation Th e Holy Father goes on to also say that the Church, for the Church exists to defend First, Lent certainly calls us to deeper appears desperate and seems to call for action fasting, in a particularly unique way through and promote the dignity of each and every prayer, and we cannot have a loving relationship alone. Piety does not undermine the struggle our act of self denial, opens our eyes and hearts person, and to announce to the entire world with God without prayer. Prayer and the against the poverty of our neighbors, however to the needs of others and calls us to a deeper that humanity is loved by God! Th e Church Christian life are inseparable, not only in helping extreme. In the example of Blessed Teresa desire for works of charity and helps us to come witnesses this truth most explicitly through her NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 3 CONTENTS North April 2012 Texas Features Departments catholic Bishop Vann and the Bishops of Region 4-5 Briefly PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann 6-7 X made their ad limina visits to Rome DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina By Cindy Wooden / CNS 11 Catechesis EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez Sacred Heart needed a partner in ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau 15 mission; Fr. Hoa knew of a church... Voices 12-13 WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner By Jenara Kocks Burgess CIRCULATION: Rita Garber Features 14 REGULAR COLUMNISTS: Good Friday and Easter Sunday are Denise Bossert 16-17 integral events ( Jesus is Risen!) Jean Denton Word to Life Kathy Cribari Hamer By Catholic News Service and Jeff Hedglen 26-27 Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley Putting God first and using digital 28-30 Spanish David Mills 24 Mary Regina Morrell connectedness for God – No1B4ME Sharon K. Perkins By Juan Guajardo Lucas Pollice 31 Calendar Father Kyle Walterscheid CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Baker Crystal Brown Jenara Kocks Burgess Resurrection changes everything Jerry Circelli Juan Guajardo hen my dad became a Christian at age 16, it changed my family's blog, and the little Web trip is well worth your time. Kathy Cribari Hamer direction and created a future of hope, 26 years before I was born. For kids tempted to give in to addictions that would pull them away from healthy John Henry Somewhere in each of our lives or in the lives of our forbears, friends and their families, perhaps even stop following God in safety, the Breaking Joan Kurkowski-Gillen someone decided the Resurrection of Jesus changed the way W Free workshop provided encouragement to stay on the path. You can read about Mike McGee they saw the world, and they (or you) became a follower of Jesus, seeking to live that in-reach conference on Page 18 . Wendy Pandolfo out his love in their (or your) daily life. Donna Ryckaert On the other end of the age scale, for those facing their mortality, Jerry Circelli's Kristin Zschiesche Without Jesus rising from the dead, there would be no need for a Church structure story about the Health Transition Workshop put on by Father Tom Kennedy on built on the Rock of Peter and the faith of the Apostles, a faith still celebrated in Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas Page 20 could be helpful in learning about Catholic teaching and end of life unity by the bishops who take ad limina journeys to Rome about every fi ve years 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. issues. Catch the quote at the end of the article. It makes it worth your while to Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort as Bishop Vann and his fellow Bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas did in Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. read the whole article, even if you're not interested in the topic. March. You can read a bit about that journey and its meaning on Pages 6 & 7. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Miss the NTC between issues? Catch us at "North Texas Catholic Newspaper" on the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, If you really want to fi nd out the scoop on that journey of connectedness with the Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Facebook or at fwdioc.org/NTC for fresh news. Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 Universal Church, you'll defi nitely want to go to the Bishop's Blog at www. Jeff Hensley for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort fwdioc.org. Bishop Vann has stories, pictures, videos, and homily texts at the Editor Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC need to know that they are loved, and to is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the works of charity, when each and every member herself continuously grows towards the following month as the date of issue. of the Church truly is concerned for the other full maturity of Christ (cf. Ephesians those who seek the true meaning of human To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. and is urged on by the love of Christ. As the 4:13). Our exhortation to encourage one life that can only be fulfilled in Christ. org/ntc Holy Father exhorts us: another to attain the fullness of love and You and your families remain in my The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must good works is situated in this dynamic prayers during this Lenten season and I look These words of the Letter to the Hebrews exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. prospect of growth… In a world which forward to celebrating with you the joy of (10:24) urge us to reflect on the universal demands of Christians a renewed witness the Easter. call to holiness, the continuing journey of of love and fidelity to the Lord, may all the spiritual life as we aspire to the greater of us feel the urgent need to anticipate spiritual gifts and to an ever more sublime one another in charity, service and good and fruitful charity (cf. 1 Corinthians works (cf. Hebrews 6:10) This appeal is 12:31-13:13). Being concerned for one + Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD particularly pressing in this holy season another should spur us to an increasingly Diocese of Fort Worth of preparation for Easter. (Message for effective love which, “like the light of Lent 2012) dawn, its brightness growing to the fullness of day” (Proverbs 4:18), makes Therefore, may this holy season of Lent, us live each day as an anticipation of through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving open the eternal day awaiting us in God. The our eyes and hearts to our brothers and sisters time granted us in this life is precious for in Christ who are in need, and enable us to discerning and performing good works in become instruments of the Lord’s love and the love of God. In this way the Church mercy to those who need hope, to those who PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012

Report documents anti-Christian prejudice, including laws, in Europe By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service mong cases this OXFORD, England  A church-backed report has documented rising anti- A March, the report Briefly Christian prejudice in Europe, despite calls for fairer legislation and measures said a left-wing German Church, National, to curb discrimination. “Studies suggest 85 percent of hate group, Antifa Freiburg, crimes in Europe are directed against & International Christians  it is high time for the public had called for Christian debate to respond to this reality,” said places of worship to Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York addresses reporters during a news conference on the Gudrun Kugler, director of the Vienna- based Observatory on Intolerance and front steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York March 17. Cardinal Dolan announced plans for the be burned, while a restoration of the exterior and interior of the cathedral and the launch of a fundraising campaign to Discrimination against Christians. finance the project. St. Patrick's Cathedral was dedicated in 1879. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) “A restrictive application of freedom parish church had been of conscience is leading to professions Restoring St. Patrick Cathedral to such as magistrates, doctors, nurses, attacked by arsonists and midwives as well as pharmacists cost $175 million, take five years slowly closing for Christians. Teachers at Herblay, France. A By Beth Griffin archdiocese for 30 years. He and Cardinal and parents get into trouble when they Catholic News Service Dolan were elevated to the College of disagree with state-defined sexual French government NEW YORK  St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cardinals in February. ethics,” Kugler said March 19. “America’s parish church and the soul of In his homily, Cardinal O’Brien chal- Her agency’s 53-page report, report had registered published the same day, said incidents the capital of the world,” will undergo lenged people to make sacrificial offerings acts of desecration at a $175 million, five-year restoration in thanksgiving for the religious freedom in 2011 had included a resolution project that is necessary for its survival, they enjoy. To applause, Cardinal O’Brien by European legislators calling for Pope Benedict XVI looks at a book of drawings done by young people during a visit to the 522 Christian sites, a according to Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said religious freedom was imperiled by a reassessment of legislation with Church of St. John Baptist de la Salle in Rome March 4. (CNS photo/Giancarlo Giuliani, Catholic of New York. not-so-subtle government strangulation. “negative ramifications for Christians,” 96 percent increase over Press Photo) Cardinal Dolan made the announce- He said the history of St. Patrick’s and a ruling by the European Court of ment on the steps of the cathedral March Cathedral, from its inception in 1859 by Human Rights that Christian crosses two years. 17, hours before reviewing the 251st St. Archbishop John Hughes, New York’s first Ken Hackett, former CRS director could remain in Italian schools after a Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue. archbishop, to its dedication by Cardinal constitutional challenge. He said the 133-year-old landmark is a John McCloskey in 1879, was a tribute to to receive 2012 Laetare Medal It said “countless individuals and sources and victim testimonies; it “supernatural home” for Catholics, all Archbishops Hughes’ foresight and the NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) Ken Hackett, Subse- institutions” had warned of increasing briefs international governmental believers and people with no explicit commitment of Irish immigrants both who retired in December after 18 years as quent posi- anti-Christian intolerance and that the organizations such as the 54-country religion “who come here for a hint of the to their faith and to their new country. president of Catholic Relief Services, will tions took observatory had documented acts of OSCE and the European Union’s Agency divine and assurance of help.” Popular lore holds that the cathedral receive the University of Notre Dame’s him to vari- vandalism, desecration, defamation and for Fundamental Rights. The ambitious project is not a cos- was built with the modest contributions 2012 Laetare Medal. ous posts in the exclusion of Christians from public Among cases this March, the report metic facelift, Cardinal Dolan said, but of Irish immigrant domestic servants. Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, uni- Africa and and social life. said a left-wing German group, Antifa a sorely needed response to crumbling Msgr. Ritchie said the campaign to fund versity president, announced the honor Asia, as well “Intolerant and discriminatory Freiburg, had called for Christian places bricks, splitting windows, aged heating, the restoration would “look to John and March 18. Given annually since 1883 to a as in CRS’ behavior results from opposition to of worship to be burned, while a parish a leaky roof and a grit-encrusted facade. Mary Doe” and others who appreciate Catholic “whose genius has ennobled the Baltimore individual traits of the Christian faith church had been attacked by arsonists Ken Hackett Cardinal Dolan said $45 million was the religious, architectural, and cultural arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals headquar- or moral positions that are intrinsically at Herblay, France. A French government raised for the first part of the three-phase significance of the cathedral. He said of the church and enriched the heritage ters. As regional director for Africa, he part of the Christian faith, as well as report had registered acts of desecration project, which will begin before the end of donors will be able to contribute funds of humanity,” it will be presented at managed the agency’s response to the from a negative, categorical bias against at 522 Christian sites, a 96 percent March. The initial work will repair, restore and follow the progress of the renovation Notre Dame’s 167th commencement Ethiopian famine of 1984-85. He also Christians or Christianity as a whole,” the increase over two years. and clean the soot-darkened exterior and on a dedicated website. ceremony May 20. supervised CRS operations in East Africa report said. “This behavior causes various The Vatican’s website was temporarily clean the stained-glass windows “inside Helen Lowe, archdiocesan develop- “Ken Hackett has responded to a during the crisis in Somalia in the 1990s. sectors of society to be used as vehicles taken down by an anti-Catholic group, and out,” he said. ment director, said the first $45 million Gospel imperative with his entire career,” Hackett was appointed president of of intolerance and discrimination against the report added, while the British The cardinal acknowledged the came from early donors and grants Father Jenkins said in a statement. CRS in 1993. During his tenure, he estab- Christians.” government ruled that Christians had no daunting task of raising $175 million from the archdiocese and the trustees “His direction of the Catholic Church’s lished a division focusing on outreach to Church leaders have urged better right to wear a cross at work. in a tight economy. “The dare of the of the cathedral. The campaign to raise outreach to the hungry, thirsty, naked, dioceses, parishes, Catholic organizations protection for Christian rights after Welcoming the report, the campaign could chill us” if not for the the remaining $130 million will include sick and unsheltered of the world has and colleges and universities. complaints of prejudice across Europe. Switzerland-based Council of European pride and passion evident in the New direct-mail solicitation, national and blended administrative acumen with Catholic Relief Services now operates In October 2010, the Council of Bishops’ Conferences said it was “behind York community, he said. international outreach, and solicitation genuine compassion in a unique and in more than 100 countries, with a global European Bishops’ Conferences urged those who do not see their rights As he donned a red hard hat after the of the cathedral’s 5.5 million visitors exemplary way.” staff of nearly 5,000. local bishops to help collect data on respected.” announcement, Cardinal Dolan quipped, annually, she said. Born in West Roxbury, Mass., Hackett The Laetare Medal is named for the anti-Christian acts and “awaken public “Values and fundamental rights “This hat’s gonna cost me a lot more than Lowe said potential donors are hor- joined the Peace Corps shortly after his fourth Sunday of Lent on the church opinion.” proper to Europe, such as freedom of one in Rome did.” rified and intrigued by a box of stones 1968 graduation from Boston College. calendar, known as Laetare Sunday, when In a summer 2011 hate-crime religion and legal recognition of churches, At a festive Mass between the an- displayed in her office. All fell from After completing his Peace Corps as- it is announced each year. report, the Organization for Security are far from being an established reality nouncement and the parade, Cardinal various parts of the cathedral. She likened signment, Hackett joined CRS, the U.S. Among the previous recipients of and Cooperation in Europe said violent in some nations,” Bishop Andras Veres Edwin F. O’Brien encouraged worship- the considerable fundraising challenge to Catholic relief and development agency, the Laetare Medal are Catholic Worker anti-Christian discrimination had been of Szombathely, Hungary, said in a pers to support the renovation. Cardinal medieval times when churches were built in 1972. He started his career in Sierra founder Dorothy Day, novelist Walker monitored in Albania and Kosovo, but also statement on the council’s website. O’Brien, grand master of the Equestrian as a sign of praise for God. Leone, where he managed a nationwide Percy, Chicago Cardinal Joseph L. Ber- in Austria, Belgium, France, and Spain. Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Msgr. Ritchie said the last large-scale leprosy program and a maternal and child nardin, labor activist Msgr. George G. The observatory, founded in October Editor’s Note: The report is posted online is a native New Yorker who served the renovation was completed in the 1940s. health program. Higgins and jazz composer Dave Brubeck. 2010, monitors intolerance from media at www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu.

Mexican immigrants seek favor from Cristo Rey before heading north to seek work in the U.S.

SILAO, Mexico (CNS)  The Hernandez Many of the pilgrims climbing to request favor in their attempts at crossing the economy. “We’re going again, that’s why we’re in the United States more demanding. brothers set out in the predawn hours, the statue, known as Cristo Rey, come the U.S. border to find work. Migration has Equally common is making a pilgrim- here,” said Rogelio Hernandez, a father An underperforming U.S. economy  cycling nearly six hours across Guanajuato to remember the martyrs of the 1920s a long history in the state of Guanajuato. age to Cristo Rey to ask for favor before of two, who has worked construction marked by a slumping construction and summiting the Cerro del Cubilete, site Cristero Rebellion and visit a monument Remittances sent home by migrants such leaving or participating in a pilgrimage jobs in Texas on-and-off for most of his sector that used to depend on labor from of an enormous Christ the King statue dynamited by the forces of an anticlerical as the Hernandez brothers long have to San Juan de los Lagos in neighboring adult life. But going again is difficult, undocumented migrants  only makes that overlooks a General Motors truck government in 1928. The brothers came propped up downtrodden places such Jalisco state or even heading a little especially with the U.S. border becoming things tougher. factory and a park where Pope Benedict from San Felipe, 235 miles northwest of as San Felipe, where the men say jobs farther to visit the shrine of St. Toribio increasingly fortified and laws against “They don’t want us like before,” XVI celebrated Mass March 25. Mexico City, for other reasons, though: to are scarce and agriculture underpins Romo Gonzalez, patron saint of migrants. illegal immigrants making their stays Hernandez said. “They demand papers.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 5 New Holy Cross Catholic School in Catholic Charities Fort Worth awarded Four Frisco enrolling students for 2012-13 Star Rating, Charity Navigator’s highest rating

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is adapted from “Our designation as a Four Star Rating a press release distributed to local media on Charity Navigator is a result of our by Catholic Charities Fort Worth. efforts to have prestigious experts review our organization in detail, noting our Briefly This month, Catholic Charities Fort continued commitment to transparency Worth (CCFW) was awarded the highest and good stewardship,” said Heather rating offered by leading independent Reynolds, CEO and president of Catholic Local & State charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. This Charities Fort Worth. “This recognition Former Anglican priests begin formation four star rating honors the select among has been earned by every single employee America’s largest charities for excellence who has worked hard to support our Photo Courtesy of Level 5 Design Group to be ordained priests in Catholic Church in financial health, transparency, and faith, service, and forward driven An artists’s rendering of the new Holy Cross School in Frisco set to open in August of this year. accountability. organization.” By John Henry particularly between 2000 and 2010 The Charity Navigator’s four star By focusing on being faith-driven, Correspondent when Frisco’s population surged by 247 rating was awarded to 1,432 nonprofits service-driven, and forward-driven, percent, to 116,000. in the United States, and only five CCFW has made it a priority to represent The explosive population growth In Frisco, Catholics represent the in Fort Worth. These organizations the highest standards in non-profit within the Diocese of Fort Worth extends biggest portion of the population. are identified as those that exceed giving. Ninety cents of every dollar to every portion of its boundaries. The school will primarily serve Catholic industry standards and outperform most donated to the agency goes directly And, believe it or not, it includes families in Frisco, Little Elm, and The charities in their classification. Charity to client services and 100 percent of the western portion of Frisco, where Colony. The several hundred families in Navigator’s objective is to help givers the net profit earned by the agency’s the diocese and Holy Cross Church are the area who already have their children give intelligently and support the work business ventures — Translation and reacting to the dramatic demographic in Catholic schools primarily send them to of excellent charities. Interpretation Network and WORN change of the last 10 years. Prince of Peace, St. Mark’s, or All Saints, Since 1910, CCFW has served Tarrant scarves — is reinvested into the agency. Currently, the church is in The all of the Dallas Diocese, Pishko said. Photo by Donna Ryckaert / North Texas Catholic County and the surrounding areas by Efforts like these have prioritized and Former Anglican priests from within the Fort Worth Diocese (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Joshua Whitfield, Colony, but a capital campaign is under The challenge early on, she said, providing help, creating hope, and improved CCFW’s overall financial health, Timothy Perkins, Louis Tobola, and Charles Hough, IV, sing in the choir during the Feb. 12 Mass way to build a new structure some has been getting the word out that the of Institution for the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter in Houston. promoting justice, with the ultimate goal transparency, and accountability for eight miles north and east in Frisco. school is opening. A meet-and-greet of ending poverty in this community. donors, partners, and clients alike. Church leaders’ vision for a new school, for prospective families will take place By Jonah Dycus at St. Mary’s served as hosts during however, will become a reality in August, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 26 and again TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD the opening day of the first formation when Holy Cross Catholic School becomes April 9 at the church cafeteria at 7000 weekend in January. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School students the 20th active school in the diocese. Holy Morning Star Dr. HOUSTON (CNS) — Forty-two former “I think the seminarians at St. Cross is currently accepting students. “The other [challenge] is families that Anglican priests from across the country Mary understand how significant this participate in Read-a-thon for Honduras “I think Catholic education has are already established in their school have officially begun their training to is and they have been incredible,” always been very important,” said Marie communities,” Pishko said. “So, you’re become Catholic priests, including six Msgr. Steenson told the Texas Catholic Pishko, the school’s principal who began looking at the family that wants to stay from within the Diocese of Fort Worth. Herald, newspaper of the Archdiocese her work at Holy Cross in December. “In together. If they have children in third or It was both a long-awaited milestone of Galveston-Houston. “They are so today’s world, it is even more important. fourth grade, and they have a younger and the beginning of a new journey as energized about this — they know it “The parents are always the primary one, that’s a big decision for them in terms they gathered in the Archdiocese of is historical.” educators, and we work together as of, do they split the family.” Galveston-Houston for the first formation He credits the “extraordinary efforts partners to help in that process in building Pishko’s vocation has been Catholic weekend in late January at St. Mary and help” and “time and resources” of those young people,” to become more schools. She has more than 20 years Seminary and Our Lady of Walsingham the archdiocese and Cardinal Daniel N. than simply prayerfully involved in their experience, having taught or been an Church in Houston. DiNardo with bringing about “exactly Catholic faith, but to become “leaders in administrator at every level, beginning as The group included the wives of what Pope Benedict hoped for — the our world and our country,” she said. a teacher in the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas. the Catholic clergy-in-training, so close relationship with the local diocese The goal is to build servant leaders Pishko, who has a master’s there was a total of 76 participants. and the new ordinariate.” through the mantra of “faith, family, and degree in counseling and certification The six seminarians from Fort Worth Topics covered during the first On Friday, Jan. 27, the students of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Keller, were honored with future,” she said. in administrative leadership from include Charles Hough, III, of Granbury; formation weekend included “The a visit by Bishop Kevin Vann. During their fifth annual “Read for Honduras Read-a-Thon,” Holy Cross Catholic School will Newman University in Wichita, has held his son, Charles Hough, IV, of Keller; Life and Work of the Catholic Priest,” the participants succeeded in earning almost $5,000, providing full scholarships for 25 boys initially be located at 303 King Road in administrative positions in the dioceses Timothy Perkins of Arlington; Christopher “Pope Benedict’s Vision of the Anglican and girls in their sister parishes, Nuestro Señor de la Agonía in Manto, and Nuestra Señora de an existing structure that work crews of Mobile, Alabama; Cedar Rapids, Stainbrook of Fort Worth; Louis Tobola of Ordinariate,” and a keynote address and la Candelaria in Salamá, both in the Diocese of Juticalpa, Honduras. The top readers of each homeroom (those who read the most minutes), enjoyed a special afternoon in the school’s are busy remodeling into a school with Iowa; Little Rock, and most recently Keller; and Joshua Whitfield of Mansfield. conversation with Marcus Grodi of the library, listening to Bishop Vann read them JOSEPH AND CHICO, a story about the life of the Holy eight classrooms, office space, and a in Dallas, as principal of All Saints. More than 100 former Anglican “Journey Home” program on the Eternal Father, Pope Benedict XVI, through the eyes of his cat. Bishop Vann is pictured above with the cafetorium, among the many other She said she moved to the Denton County priests have applied to become Catholic Word Television Network. students and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton pastor Monsignor James Hart. elements of a school building. area to be closer to her children and priests for the U.S. Personal Ordinariate More formation training comes The school will start with Pre-K 3, grandchildren. Then, Holy Cross Catholic of the Chair of St. Peter. To date, 42 have in the spring, covering subjects such Pre-K 4, and Pre-K 5 for students who School became a reality. been accepted into the program. as “The Petrine Ministry and Catholic Texas cuts funding to Planned Parenthood; miss the Sept. 1 birthday deadline for “I have a great deal of faith that God The application process for each Ecclesiology,” “Catechesis and the other state legislatures limit abortion kindergarten. Kindergarten and first has his hands in everything, and He’s candidate included a criminal background Stewardship of the Catholic Tradition,” grade, for students who turn 6 by Sept. saying this is the direction I needed to go,” check, psychological evaluation, and and “The Catholic Approach to Scripture.” EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is adapted and cannot direct funds to thousands of 1, round out the classes for the first year. Pishko said. “My family is understanding recommendations from the Catholic There also will be sessions on updated from its original version to providers statewide who offer true, Pishko said school and church that I’m involved in another part of my bishop where he lives and from his marriage; baptism/initiation; anointing focus on legislation affecting Texas and comprehensive women’s health care — officials will consider adding a second life in the school here.” Anglican ecclesiastical authority, if of the sick; and the sacrament of surrounding states. and instead require Medicaid funds go to grade for the first year if there is Bishop Kevin Vann has reaffirmed possible. reconciliation and instruction on the prop up 44 Planned Parenthood clinics sufficient interest. Otherwise, the time and again his support of the ministry Based in Houston, the ordinariate is culture of the Catholic Church — from WASHINGTON (CNS) — Various proposals — the federal government risks removing school will add a grade each year until of Catholic education, which “leads ... similar to a diocese, but national in scope. priestly manners to the ecclesial to regulate or limit abortions or abortion preventive health care from hundreds of it is kindergarten through eighth grade. students to the loving presence of our God It is the first U.S. ordinariate established movements. Formation will conclude funding continued to move through state thousands of women in Texas,” it added. Where all those classrooms for those and directs them toward a commitment by the Vatican earlier this year to facilitate with individual theological assessments. legislatures in early March. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has said he will grades will be is a work in progress. to a lifetime of service to others.” and shepherd communities of former Several of those in formation lead The Texas Catholic Conference find state funds to continue the Women’s The new church at the corner of “Nothing is more supportive of Anglicans wishing to join the Catholic Anglican-use Catholic communities in a March 7 statement expressed Health Program without federal support, Lebanon and Teel will also contain outstanding academic achievement than faith while retaining elements of their throughout the country. support for that state’s decision to drop if necessary. The Department of Health classrooms. So, the school might be in a school which is authentically Catholic,” Anglican heritage and traditions. “I’d been an Episcopal priest for over Planned Parenthood from its Women’s and Human Services cut funding for the two locations at some point for a period the bishop has said in the past. Our Lady of Walsingham serves as 30 years and many of us started together, Health Program, which the Obama program March 15. of time, Pishko said. Technology will also be a part of the the principal church of the ordinariate. ended in the Episcopal Church together, administration said puts at risk the In Oklahoma March 6, by a vote of The school is the culmination of 30 daily school routine, Pishko said. Every St. Mary’s Seminary is housing the nine- and are now starting again together, federal funding of its Medicaid program. 34-8, the state Senate approved a bill years’ worth of dreams. Church leaders’ students will have use of an iPad. month program of formation. moving into the fullness of the church,” There are only 44 Planned Parenthood requiring doctors to tell women they have hopes for a school were dashed at the “With all the things that are On Feb. 12, a Mass of Institution said Charles Hough, III. “It is an incredible participants in the Women’s Health the right to hear the fetal heartbeat before birth of the parish because there was not happening in the world so quickly and officially inaugurated the ordinariate. time for us. We have worked so hard, and Program among more than 2,500 certified an abortion. The Senate also passed the enough Catholic population in the area to dual-income families, you need a real At the same time, Monsignor Jeffrey this is the culmination of a long journey, providers statewide, the conference Personhood Act, which says a person’s support a school at that time. stable force in the children’s life,” Pishko N. Steenson officially became its head. but it is the beginning of a new era for all statement noted. life begins at the moment of conception, That all changed in the last 20 years, said. “The Catholic schools offer that.” Seminarians currently enrolled of us to be in union with the See of Peter.” “By insisting that the state of Texas by the same vote Feb. 15. PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Ad Limina Apostolorum Ad limina visits are occasion to grow in unity, says San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller

By Cindy Wooden Peter’s, Archbishop Garcia-Siller drew lessons Catholic News Service from the Gospel reading in which Jesus tells the crowd, “Every kingdom divided against VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Ad limina” visits itself will be laid waste.” are an occasion for bishops to confirm and The archbishop told his fellow bishops, strengthen their unity with one another and “In the super-charged environment in which with Pope Benedict XVI in order to give a we minister today, my brothers, let us not more effective witness to the Gospel, said the allow others to divide us, to set us against archbishop of San Antonio. one another.” In the mission to evangelize, “our unity “Here in the Eternal City, let us renew is an imperative,” Archbishop Gustavo our bond of charity with one another and Pope Benedict XVI greets Forth Worth Bishop Kevin W. Vann during a March 16 meeting at the Vatican. Bishops from Texas, Garcia-Siller told other bishops from Texas, with the entire college of bishops with and Oklahoma, and Arkansas were making their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses. (CNS Oklahoma, and Arkansas during his homily under the headship of the successor of Peter, photo/L'Osservatore Romano March 15 as the bishops began their ad limina Pope Benedict,” he said. visits by celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The archbishop said that “the dream of The visits to Rome, required on a Jesus” was that his followers would be one so regular basis of the heads of dioceses around that the world would believe, and the prayer Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio gives the homily during Mass concelebrated by bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, the world, are formally called ad limina and pilgrimage aspect of the ad limina visits and Arkansas at the Altar of the Tomb in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) apostolorum, which means “to the threshold would give the bishops an opportunity to of the apostles” Peter and Paul, who were solidify their unity. martyred in Rome. The visits include He prayed that Mary would help meetings with the pope and with Vatican the bishops grow in communion “so that officials to share information and concerns, through us many more will come to believe but they are structured around Mass and Jesus is Lord and that the truth he lived and other moments of prayer. proclaimed is in our midst ad limina in the During his homily at the Mass in St. church.”

All of the Catholic bishops in the world return to the Holy See approximately every five years for an AD LIMINA (literally to the threshold of the Apostles) visit to the pope and various Vatican officials. The United States bishops began their current cycle of visits in November 2011.

Bishop Kevin Vann made his Ad limina visit with the other bishops of Region X, bishops of the dioceses of Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma March 14 to March 20. He and his fellow bishops established once more their own unity with the See of Peter and the universality of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict XVI meets March 16 with bishops from Province of San Antonio, headed by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, on Pope Benedict XVI poses for a photo with Texas bishops from the Province of the Archdiocese of San Antonio during a March their ad limina visits to the Vatican. Seated at right are: Bishop Patrick J. Zurek of Amarillo; Bishop Kevin W. Vann of Forth Worth; 16 meeting. From left are: Auxiliary Bishop Mark J. Seitz of Dallas; Auxiliary Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Dallas; Bishop Kevin J. James A. Tamayo of Laredo; Placido Rodriguez of Lubbock; and Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo. Seated at left are: Auxiliary Bishop Farrell of Dallas; Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu of San Antonio; Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio; Pope Benedict; J. Douglas Deshotel of Dallas; Auxiliary Bishop Mark J. Seitz of Dallas; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of Dallas; Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu Bishops Patrick J. Zurek of Amarillo; Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo; James A. Tamayo of Laredo; Kevin W. Vann of Forth Worth; of San Antonio; and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio.(CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano) and Placido Rodriguez of Lubbock.(CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 7

Forth Worth Bishop Kevin W. Vann, center, concelebrates Mass with bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at the Altar of the Tomb in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 15. The bishops were making their ad limina visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas parade through St. Peter's Basilica on their way to celebrate Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's at the Vatican March 15. The bishops were making their ad limina apostolorum visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses. This Mass would carry them, quite literally to the threshold of the apostles, the literal meaning of ad limina apostolorum. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio concelebrate Mass March 19 at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome with the other bishops from Region X, which includes the diocese of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City celebrates Mass March 19 with bishops from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. Also pictured at the altar are Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Don't miss the blog For extensive photos and personal narratives from Bishop Vann about his ad limina visit to Rome, including photos of Vatican City, video clips of the sights and sounds of Rome, details about visits with our two seminarians at the North American College, the homily Bishop Vann delivered on Laetare Sunday and more, click on the Bishop's blog at www.fwdioc.org. PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Diocesan Day of Communio draws hundreds to explore Vatican II

Bishop Walker Nickless of the Matt Warner gives a Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, talks Father Stephen Jasso, TOR, pastor of All Saints Parish, takes part in a presentation on spreading about the importance of Vatican guided parish discussion on how to integrate the mission and message of the faith through electronic II and the renewal of the Church. the Second Vatican Council into parish life. communications.

century now beginning.” take away from his presentation, identity. To this end, he has put Carstens used this quote as the he said, “Among parish ministers, forth five pastoral directives jumping off point for an animated, I’d want them to read the texts to guide his diocese: renewal passionate recounting of the events of Vatican II. There’s something of devotion to the Eucharist; leading up to the Second Vatican about the actual texts that’s worthy strengthening catechesis especially Christopher Carstens, director of the Office of Worship at the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Council, the Council itself, and of a read.” Still, he feels that the among adults; fostering faithful gives his keynote address on the importance of Vatican II. Hundreds of diocesan and parish staff the implementation of the work of purpose of his lectures go much families; encouraging vocations to workers from throughout the diocese attended the Diocesan Day of Communio on March 1. The the Council since its close in 1965. deeper than that. “When we work the priesthood and religious life; event, held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Fort Worth, focused on Vatican II. Over the course of two keynotes, for the Church, our ultimate goal is and embracing the missionary Carstens explained key theological to foster a more intimate experience characteristics of the faith. By Michele Baker for a day.” ideas in layman’s terms, punctuating of faith in Christ,” he said. “The crisis in our Church is Correspondent This year’s theme, his insights by giving examples of Bishop Walker Nickless, who not a mystery,” he said. “It is a crisis Photos by Juan Guajardo “Rediscovering the Gifts of Vatican the lives of holy men and women spoke at a breakout session entitled of faith; a crisis of saints. But I have II,” found voice in the addresses like Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, “The Church is Always in Need of great faith in parish life because of On March 1 diocesan staff of special guests Bishop Walker and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to Renewal” (after his pastoral letter the new priests who are receiving and staff from parishes throughout Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux connect the issues of the Council of the same name), recognizes that excellent training and guidance the diocese gathered at Our City, Iowa, and Christopher to the lives and faith walks of his the intimacy so fervently sought by to address the issues we face in Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Carstens, director of the Office of audience. Far from being a dry, the faithful must be supported by parishes.” North Fort Worth for the annual Sacred Worship for the Diocese of academic discussion, Carsten’s the clergy. However, while the Day of Diocesan Day of Communio, a day La Crosse, Wisconsin. experience as a lay minister and “One of the reasons I felt the Communio provided numerous of fellowship, breakout sessions, Blessed Pope John Paul II lecturer brought the theme to life. need to write this pastoral letter is opportunities for catechesis, addresses, and shared prayer. said in his apostolic letter, At the “I thought he did an excellent that there’s a certain fatigue among perhaps the spirit of the day was “One of the challenges we face Beginning of the New Millennium, job of presenting the information,” priests and people living the faith. most evident in the laughter, warm as a large diocese is that we don’t “... Now that the Jubilee has ended, said Father Gerald Gordon, TOR, Left unchecked, this erodes the embraces, and welcoming buzz often get to see one another,” said I feel more than ever in duty- of St. Andrew Parish in Southwest faith.” that permeated the parish hall at Bishop Vann in his homily at the bound to point to the Council as Fort Worth. “It was truly engaging Citing examples from his own Our Lady of Guadalupe. For all the opening Mass. “But we can give the great grace bestowed on the and inspiring.” diocese, Bishop Nickless spoke of profound insight in Church history thanks for this day, a source of Church in the twentieth century: That inspiration comes from the importance of renewal at the and teaching, the most common strength for us, because this is a there we find a sure compass by within Carstens himself. Asked parish level and how that renewal quote of the day was, “Oh! How chance for us to be together, at least which to take our bearings in the what he hoped his audience would is rooted in strengthening Catholic wonderful to see you!” Michael Messano brings 30 years of experience as diocese’s new director of Advancement By Michele Baker and put her two sons through teaching positions in New York very teachable and eager to learn. Correspondent Catholic schools, always found were difficult to come by. Messano And for me, since I had only so time to volunteer in their local ended up taking a job with the much time to give outside of work, Staten Island native Michael parish whether with Our Lady’s American Cancer Society, working it was natural to give it to the Messano has joined the staff of the Guild, serving as president of the first in their field office and moving Church. That’s what I’d seen my Diocese of Fort Worth as director Altar Society, or collecting for the into corporate fundraising in mother do.” of Advancement. needy. Manhattan, eventually going on to Now a Fourth Degree Knight, “Basic fundraising tends to “We used to go out to collect work as a fundraising consultant. Messano has been married for focus on specific campaigns and for Catholic Charities when I was “About a third of the 20 years to the love of his life, projects,” Messano explained. a kid,” Messano remembers with a organizations I worked for Erin, and is the father of (by his “Advancement is about creating an smile. “That was my first church were religious and another own admission) three wonderful ongoing fundraising culture. We’re job.” third hospitals, with the last children, Rebecca, Matthew, and looking to grow the Advancement But it wasn’t his last. Serving NTC File Photo third or so being other types of Jessica. Messano sees his position Office, so that we can better serve his parish community was simply Michael Messano organizations.” Messano said. with the Diocese of Fort Worth the diocese.” a way of life for Messano as he Even with a busy traveling as a convergence of his life’s work Warm and gregarious, grew up. He was an altar server, “I always wanted to be a schedule, Messano remained and his faith. Messano brings more than 30 a member of the CYO (Catholic teacher,” Messano said. “From the active in the Church through the “This is the most appropriate years of non-profit fundraising Youth Organization), and even time I was 16 that’s what I wanted Knights of Columbus. And he way for me to finish my career,” to his new position, along with coached the CYO basketball to be.” allowed his love for teaching to he said, his ever present smile a passion for living his faith that team in college. Yet when it At St. John’s University he find expression as a fifth grade widening. “I got such a strong was instilled in him from an early became time for him to choose a was the only male student seeking religious education instructor. foundation from my mom. Her age. His mother, Connie, a single profession, fundraising couldn’t an elementary education degree, “Fifth-graders are wonderful,” faith has left such an impression parent who worked full-time have been further from his plans. but when he graduated in 1979, Messano gushed. “They’re still on my life.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 9 Why Catholic? faith-sharing program based on Catechism in its third year in diocese By Michele Baker Correspondent

Why Catholic?, a four-year diocese-wide small community Catholic Charities Spotlight: catechetical and evangelization program, is in its third year in the Veteran Services Program Diocese of Fort Worth. Offered through RENEW International, Why Catholic? is designed to help the faithful grow in their knowledge of the faith through study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in small faith- sharing groups. Materials provided by RENEW serve as guides for Photo Courtesy of Ed Leal discussion. Father Carmen Mele, OP, director of the John Paul II Institute's School of Lay Ministry, was the “The workbook we use guest speaker for a WHY CATHOLIC? group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller March 11. provides a good basis to get our discussions going,” said Betty the new English translation of the 20th anniversary of the publication Photo by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic Jansen of St. Frances Cabrini Roman Missal. of the Catechism of the Catholic Veteran Kerry Vanadore (left), with the help of caseworkers Alana Banks (center), Rosa Dominguez Parish in Granbury. “It gives us a “English-speaking parishes Church. (right), and CCFW Veteran Services program, was able to get into housing and receive other assistance. topic, describes the life of a saint or had the option of using a program “It will tie in beautifully with famous person and how they dealt for the new missal and most took Why Catholic?,” Fr. Mele said. For 10 years, Kerry Vanadore, T he y h ave a lot of d i g n it y... We w a nt with a particular situation, and it,” explained Father Carmen Mele, “Because the Year of Faith has three 63, carried a backpack at all times, them to know that they deserve help then we talk about how we might OP, Director of Hispanic Adult thrusts: catechetical awareness, ensuring that his most essential because they served our country, and respond today.” Catechesis for the diocese. “So spiritual renewal, and apostolic worldly possessions — including we are grateful for their service.” Each of the four years has a they’re a couple of months behind, witness. That’s exactly what Why his only piece of identification, his Past struggles with drugs and theme. This year’s theme, morality, but we’re still right on target to Catholic? is all about.” birth certificate — could never be alcohol indirectly resulted in his is based on the third section of the complete the program during the Those guiding principles have taken from him. “No one ever saw homeless status, says Vanadore, Catechism, “Life in Christ.” Year of Faith.” ensured an enthusiastic reception of me without that backpack,” says recalling that life on the streets Jansen said that this year’s Beginning in October 2012 the Why Catholic? program, even for Vanadore. “It was almost like a became increasingly difficult as topic has led to some interesting and ending in November 2013, those who feel they have a strong part of me.” These days, however, his eyesight deteriorated and as last conversations in her group. “You the Year of Faith, declared by foundation in the basics. thanks to Catholic Charities Fort year’s brutal summer temperatures know, we all grow up a certain Pope Benedict XVI, is to be a “I’ve learned more in this Worth (CCFW) and the agency’s claimed the lives of several homeless. way with a particular way of seeing year focused on evangelization program than in 12 years of Veteran Services program, the The SOS team finally things that we think is the right and continued conversion. Not learning catechism in Catholic Vietnam veteran’s load is much convinced him to seek housing way. But here you meet other people coincidentally, the year begins school,” Jansen said. “Because this lighter. Homeless since 2001, assistance, he says, and CCFW case who’ve been taught differently. It on the 50th anniversary of the makes the teachings of the Church Vanadore moved into his own manager Alana Banks welcomed gives you a chance to look at things convening of the Second Vatican more relevant to life as we’re living efficiency apartment in December h i m i nto C at hol ic C h a r it ie s’ Ve ter a n from a different perspective.” Council and coincides with the it today.” of last year. He now delights in the Services program in October of last Received enthusiastically nightly comfort of his own bed and year. Banks helped him arrange among people of the diocese in in the quiet security of his new home. medical appointments, procure a general, this year’s fall sessions were Calling himself “a stubborn old cell phone and photo ID, draw up delayed due to the adoption of goat,” Vanadore, a former grounds a budget, and, most importantly, supervisor at the Tarrant County find a safe and affordable apartment. Convention Center, recalls his “Kerry is extremely years of survival under a bridge near independent and motivated to help To Report Misconduct downtown Fort Worth. “I had so himself,” she said. “All we have done If you or someone you much pride,” he says. “People wanted is help him cut through some red know is a victim of sexual to help me, but I wouldn’t let anyone tape. This is a transitional program, misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may do anything for me... I had a small which means that we prepare our • Call Judy Locke, victim part-time job cleaning a convenience clients for a life of self sufficiency. assistance coordinator, store at night, and that was all that Kerry is a true success story.” (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 kept me from starving to death.” Vanadore, in turn, praises his or e-mail her at jlocke@ CCFW staff members Rosa “personal angels.” “Alana, Kim, and fwdioc.org Dominguez and Kim Trickett first Rosa have opened so many doors • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline met Vanadore through the agency’s for me,” he says. “They taught me (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 Street Outreach Service (SOS) in that sometimes it’s okay to ask for • Or call The Catholic 2010. CCFW partners with several help. And when I did ask, Catholic Center at (817) 560- area organizations, including the Charities was there for me.” 2452 ext. 102 and ask Fort Worth Police Department, The goal of Veteran Services is for the moderator of the curia, Father Stephen J. the Recovery Resource Council, to promote housing stability among Berg the Tarrant County Homeless very low-income veterans and their Coalition, and local universities and families. Services are provided to To Report Abuse churches, in their mission to assist eligible participants residing in Call the Texas Department some of the city’s most vulnerable. Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, and Denton of Family Protective Services “We work with many veterans Counties. For more information, call (Child Protective Services) at who are homeless,” explains 1 (877) 414-8345 or visit www. (800) 252-5400 Dominguez. “They are survivors. catholiccharitiesfortworth.org. PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Vocations Father Isaac Orozco to serve as diocese’s new Vocations director By Michele Baker able to finally give all the questions Correspondent and confusion and hurt to God. I got Good Shepherd Sunday April 29-29 involved in the Catholic midshipman’s “I find it worthwhile to seek program, and I started to seriously The Diocese of Fort Worth will celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday April 28-29 God’s presence in the secular world,” consider the priesthood as an option.” to support our seminarians. In the Diocese, we have been truly blessed to have said Father Isaac Orozco in a recent In the background, though, his a total of 27 men currently studying for the priesthood. In addition, 9 more interview. “That’s part of being a family continued to struggle, and the have applied to begin their studies in the Fall. Our seminarians come from 17 secular priest.” promising would-be Naval Academy parishes across our Diocese. To some, “secular priest” may student found his heart divided. They are currently studying in such places as: • simply be the formal term for diocesan “I felt like my family was falling Assumption Seminary, San Antonio • priests, distinguishing them from apart,” he said. “And I felt that I needed Holy Trinity Seminary, Irving • those who belong to religious orders. to be with them.” Pontifical North American College, Vatican City • However, for Fr. Isaac, who assumes In a stunning leap of faith and Residencia de Alumnos de la Universidad Pontificia de Mexico • the position of director of Vocations devotion to his family, Orozco walked Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin Father Isaac Orozco • for the Diocese of Fort Worth this away. Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Mexico • July, the term itself speaks volumes attending church altogether, and in “When I left the Navy, I didn’t St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, Louisiana • about the way his own faith journey the midst of several family crises, really have a plan,” he remembers. St. Mary Seminary, Houston • has unfolded. including his parents’ divorce, Orozco “By then my family had moved Theological College, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. A fifth generation Texan with was left with a lot of questions and to Arlington. I worked for a year, Each year, the Diocese provides approximately $1 million to provide tuition, strong ties to his Mexican heritage, struggles with his faith. In the process attended St. Matthew Parish there, room and board, and health insurance for all of our men in formation. As their Fr. Isaac grew up in Irving with his of pursuing his lifelong ambition to then entered Holy Trinity Seminary numbers continue to grow, the Diocese must be ready to meet this need. During younger brother and sister. His parents, serve in the military — yes, in the at the University of Dallas.” all of the Masses that weekend, a special collection will be taken to help defray though fully initiated Catholics, took secular world — God’s plan for him Following graduate studies at the these costs. You have been most generous in the past, and it is our prayer that the family to a non-denominational began to emerge. Pontifical North American College in you will continue your generosity. church, sending him to Cistercian “I originally accepted a Rome and ordination, Fr. Isaac has Preparatory School for junior high nomination to attend the Naval served as parochial vicar at Immaculate and MacArthur High School. Academy and served nine months Conception Parish in Denton and director with enthusiasm and a crisp, invade our world, countries, and “When my parents were young as a midshipman candidate at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in clear approach to ministry. neighborhoods with the presupposition they were very religious,” Fr. Isaac Naval Academy Preparatory School Keller, with his most recent position “I have a burning desire to see the that Christ belongs in the world. Our said. “They inspired me to love God.” in Newport, Rhode Island,” explained being priest secretary to Bishop Kevin secular priesthood and the lay faithful priesthood is to be lived among the Yet by the time he was in high Fr. Isaac. “During that time I had an Vann. But Fr. Isaac is looking forward collaborate to produce modern-day laity, intermixing and showing the school, the family had stopped opportunity to go to church, and I was to his new appointment as Vocations saints,” he said. “Secular priests light of Christ in our society.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 11 Catechesis What God Has Joined: A Catholic Teaching on Marriage. By Lucas Pollice ll the recent news and discussion of of children. Th ese purposes are equal to one What is Natural Family Planning? Isn’t it once again. NFP has the potential to increase the the HHS mandate has provided the another and must be respected throughout just Catholic birth control? romance in the marriage, because neither spouse AChurch a providential and perfect the marriage. Ever y m a r r ie d c ouple i s c a l le d to b e op en to feels used as a means of sexual gratifi cation. opportunity to clearly and lovingly teach about Sex is, as it were, the incarnation of these the gift of children in their marriage. But that During times of abstinence, the spouses have why contraception is morally wrong and why vows. Every time spouses engage in sex, they doesn’t mean they must have as many children the opportunity to grow in other aspects of it is destructive to marriage. It is one of those implicitly reaffi rm the promises they made to as humanly possible. Included in that call to their relationship, and thus enhance their love “teaching moments” that does not come along God and to each other on their wedding day. openness is the call to responsible parenting of and respect for each other. very often. In light of this, I thought it would be For that reason, too, they should in every sexual the children God gives the couple. Th e husband Along with an increase in feelings of most appropriate to share with you an excerpt act keep both purposes respected. and wife must, while always trusting in the desire, couples also gain a greater appreciation f rom Bi s hop Va n n’s b o ok What God Has Joined: Any direct attempt to remove the possibility providing care of their heavenly Father, carry of the profound nature of the sexual act. First A Catholic Teaching on Marriage. As the chief of the conception of a child is a violation of that out their own responsibilities of providing for of all, sex has the ability to solidify the unity catechist of the diocese, Bishop Vann gives a double purpose of procreation and the good their children. To do so may at times entail that the couple develops over the life of their very clear and beautiful teaching on this most of the spouses. Contraception acts as a barrier abstaining, for serious reasons, from sex, so as relationship. Second, sex has the power to create important issue: not only to life, but to love as well. Rejecting to avoid pregnancy. new life. When a couple engages in the conjugal a certain aspect of one of the spouses’ basic Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an act knowing that they may be co-creating What is the relationship between marriage nature does severe damage to the marital love. umbrella term for Church-approved methods with God, their sense of wonder at the gift of and sexuality? Saint Paul tells us that the love of husband and that can be used either to achieve pregnancy or sexuality is increased. Pope John Paul speaks Each individual, male or female, is created wife is meant to be a sign of Christ’s love for to avoid it. Th ese methods are ways that couples of the “discovery” of this gift: in the image of God. And the purposes of the his Church (see Ephesians 5:22–33). A conjugal can remain open to life while following their gender diff erences are deeply realized in the act in which contraception is used models in call to responsible parenthood. Each of them When…by means of recourse to periods of union of a husband and wife in the sexual no way Christ’s complete giving of himself to is based on observation of various biological infertility, the couple respect the inseparable embrace. When a husband and wife give his bride, the Church. It also does not model signs that show when a woman is in a time of connection between the unitive and themselves to each other in the sexual act, they the life-giving aspect of Christ’s love for the fertility. Being able to identify times of fertility procreative meanings of human sexuality, they are an image of Christ’s love for his Church (see Church, that love which in the Sacrament of and infertility makes it possible for the couple are acting as “ministers” of God’s plan and Ephesians 5:22–33). Baptism is always resulting in a new “child of to decide, on the basis of their intentions, when they “benefi t from” their sexuality according Th at it is natural for marital love to be God.” Th is is not a mere theological concept, to have sex. t o t h e o r ig in a l d y n a m i s m of “ t ot a l ” se l f- g ivin g , total and unconditional is most powerfully or just an ideal; it is the truest meaning of the Th e likely next question is, of course, this: If without manipulation or alteration… evidenced in the conjugal act. Th e Catechism, sexual act in marriage. Pope John Paul stated the intention of the couple is to avoid pregnancy, [Th e diff erence between contraception and NFP] quoting Pope John Paul, states: it powerfully: does it really matter whether they use NFP or is a diff erence which is much wider and deeper some form of contraception? Th e short answer Conjugal love involves a totality, in which When couples, by means of recourse to than is usually thought, one which involves in is YES, it matters greatly! Contraception is all the elements of the person enter — appeal contraception, separate these two meanings the fi nal analysis two irreconcilable concepts of intrinsically immoral and degrades the sexual of the body and instinct, power of feeling that God the Creator has inscribed in the human person and of human sexuality. Th e act. With NFP the sex is not compromised; it and aff ectivity, aspiration of the spirit and the being of man and woman and in the choice of the natural rhythms involves accepting is still a complete union of the spouses. Th ey of will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a dynamism of their sexual communion, they the cycle of the person, that is, the woman, and are not violating nature; they are cooperating unity that, beyond union in one fl esh, leads act as “arbiters” of the divine plan and they thereby accepting dialogue, reciprocal respect, with it, and remaining open to the possibility to forming one heart and soul; it demands “manipulate” and degrade human sexuality shared responsibility and self-control. To accept of life. Contraception cuts off the natural gift indissolubility and faithfulness in defi nitive — and with it themselves and their married the cycle and to enter into dialogue means of fertility so that the couple is no longer open mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. partner — by altering its value of “total” self- to recognize both the spiritual and corporal to life. Whereas NFP allows the spouses to In a word it is a question of the normal giving. Th us the innate language that expresses character of conjugal communion and to live stay intact and respect in totality themselves characteristics of all natural conjugal love, the total reciprocal self-giving of husband and personal love with its requirement of fi delity. and each other, contraception is an active but with a new signifi cance which not only wife is overlaid, through contraception, by an In this context the couple comes to experience rejection or withholding of their reproductive purifi es and strengthens them, but raises them objectively contradictory language, namely, how conjugal communion is enriched with faculties. NFP maintains the natural order of to the extent of making them the expression that of not giving oneself totally to the other. those values of tenderness and aff ection which each spouse’s body and its functions, whereas of specifi cally Christian values. Th is leads not only to a positive refusal to be constitute the inner soul of human sexuality in contraception does not. Finally, a couple using — Catechism of the Catholic Church, open to life but also to a falsifi cation of the its physical dimension also. In this way sexuality NFP is allowing for the possibility of conception 1643; Familiaris Consortio, 13 inner truth of conjugal love, which is called is respected and promoted in its truly and fully at whatever time they are choosing not to upon to give itself in personal totality. human dimension and is never “used” as an abstain, while a couple using contraception is People must not disconnect the human — Familiaris Consortio, 32 “object” that, by breaking the personal unity disrupting the natural process so as to prevent sexual act from marriage or from the sacramental of soul and body, strikes at God’s creation itself conception of a child. grace through which God is supposed to get to Besides the breaking of the marital promises at the level of the deepest interaction of nature be present and working. To do so is to distort that the sexual act is supposed to reaffi rm, Isn’t NFP a source of tension and a killer and person. the sexual act and abuse its nature and purpose. contraception also has many other negative of romance? — Familiaris Consortio, 32 eff ects. Th ese include a general lessening of In a society practically obsessed with sex, NFP allows the couple to go beyond what What is wrong with contraception? respect for sex itself which leads directly to the the idea of a couple choosing to not engage in the world off ers and see what God off ers. Sex At the altar, before the vows of marriage mere using of the spouse as a means for physical the sexual act seems foreign. However, statistics fi nds its proper place in marriage when God is can be exchanged, the couple must make three gratifi cation. Th ere is also a connection between indicate that our society does not grasp the at the center of the relationship. It reaches its solemn assurances: fi rst, that they have come contraception and the decline in viewing true depth of human sexuality. In the United potential when it is in service of the love of the freely, without reservation, to give themselves children as blessings from God, though a child States, the divorce rate among average couples is spouses, not when it is set up as its foundation. totally in marriage; second, that they will be is the greatest fruit bestowed upon a marriage. currently about 50 percent. Among couples who f a it h f u l to e a c h ot her t i l l de at h; a nd , fi nally, that Finally, contraception damages the gift of self use NFP, the divorce rate is less than 2 percent. they will “accept with love the children God that the spouses are called to make; it renders Couples who use NFP to avoid pregnancy To obtain a copy of Bishop Vann’s may send you….” All three assurances must be it less than total. Many of these eff ects were often find that after abstaining for the book, call Basilica Press at 1-888- given because marriage has a twofold purpose: foreseen by Pope Paul VI; he warned about recommended amount of time, they experience 570-5182. the good of the spouses and the procreation them in 1968, in Humanae Vitae. a “honeymoon” eff ect when they engage in sex PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice If we do not love others, The Passover lamb: our devotions won’t save us Jesus ties us to Jewish tradition, faith bout a year ago, I ran across uess what I heard?” the this quote by St. John of e said to love man asked my friend. hrough Christ the Cross. “At the evening Someone, said the man, of life, we will be judged by the unreason- laughing the way you’d our love” (CCC 1022). It was H be laughing if someone ‘T and in Christ Aone of those quotes I just couldn’t shake tried‘G to convince you that the Pirates won off. Sometimes, the words of the saints are able. The unpredict- the World Series last year, said that Jesus was we are the spiritual like that. If they convict, they stick. Jewish. “Jesus is Jewish,” my friend said. The God did not say, “Don’t hate.” If able. Those who make man’s face fell. progeny of Abraham. He had, I would probably come out all And he was some kind of Christian, right. He did not say, “Love me and treat my life harder and too. He was completely clueless, of course, everyone else as you see fit.” If He had, I but a lot of Christians know the story better Spiritually, we are all might be okay in that last great evaluation. than he did but still think the way he does. He did not say that it was okay for me sometimes practically There’s all that Jewish stuff, they think, Semites.” to love only those I understand, only those and then there’s Jesus and Christianity. The who never hurt my feelings, only those impossible. Old Testament tells some great stories and — Pope Pius XII who make my life a bit easier. provides some useful moral lessons, but that’s He said to love the unreasonable. When I love the un- about it. The entire history of the Jewish The unpredictable. Those who make my people recorded in the Old Testament was a life harder and sometimes practically kind of warm-up act for the main attraction, by Taylor Marshall, a young scholar who’s impossible. When I love the unreasonable, reasonable, unpre- and if you wanted, you could certainly come written a fascinating book called The Crucified unpredictable and impossible ones, I come late and skip the warm-up act. Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic closest to loving the way Jesus Christ loves dictable and impos- Which is not the Catholic teaching. As Christianity. When St. John the Baptist sees me. Pope Pius XI famously put it, responding Jesus coming, he tells the people listening to I’m commanded to love them. sible ones, I come to Nazi and Fascist anti-semitism in 1938: him, “Behold the lamb of God, who takes Even on nights when I’m tired. Even in “Mark well that in the Catholic Mass, away the sins of the world.” We repeat these mornings when I’ve spilled coffee on Abraham is our Patriarch and forefather. . . words ourselves when we say the Agnus Dei myself. Even when the dog throws up on closest to loving the . . Through Christ and in Christ we are the (Latin for “lamb of God”) at Mass. the carpet, and the laundry room smells spiritual progeny of Abraham. Spiritually, we Why did John use this image? Some like there’s a gas leak, and the engine light way Jesus Christ are all Semites.” scholars and preachers explain that John was in my car is going off again — and that’s The Church’s bishops said something saying that Jesus was pure, like the sacrificial when they decide to try my patience even loves me. similar at the Second Vatican Council, lambs in the Old Testament, and gentle and further. Even then. in their declaration Nostra Aetate. The meek, like the lambs we see in the field. John Even when old hurts resurface. Even Church, they declared, “cannot forget is saying “Look at Jesus, who is going to die when I did everything right and things In the evening of this life, we will that she received the revelation of the Old for you.” That’s what most of us naturally still turn out really, really rotten. be judged by the One who is Love on Testament” through the Jews, nor “that she think, since our knowledge of lambs comes One day, I’ll be judged by Love on whether or not we have loved each draws sustenance from the root of that well- from television and petting zoos. how much I loved even in these moments. other as He has loved us. Now that’s a cultivated olive tree onto which have been And that’s true, of course, but it’s not I can get my theology right. I sobering thought. grafted the wild shoots, the Gentiles. Indeed, the whole truth. John, Taylor points out, was can learn how to pray the rosary and Even so, it is not a reason to the Church believes that by His cross Christ, speaking to Jews who knew the history of genuflect. I can go to Confession monthly despair. We are fully capable of Our Peace, reconciled Jews and Gentiles. their people and the whole sacrificial system. and attend Mass weekly — or even daily. learning how to love as Christ has making both one in Himself.” They knew John wasn’t comparing Jesus to I can read the Daily Office, pray the loved us. The saints have shown us We — those of us with names like Mills lambs in general but to the Passover lamb in Angelus, and recite the Chaplet of Divine that our faith can change us. We can and Aquilina and Kelley and Vann — are the particular. Mercy. learn this final and most important wild shoots grafted onto the well-cultivated The treatment of the Passover lamb I can show up for an hour of lesson. These things — the Mass, our tree. Their roots are now our roots, which has three parts: killing the lamb, spreading Adoration and read every book my prayers, the Sacraments, Lent, sacrifice, means their history and Scriptures are now his blood, and then eating him, Taylor says. spiritual advisor recommends. pilgrimages, and Sacred Scripture — our history and Scriptures. The history and The third part is crucial. It tells us that in I can even write a column about how these are the things that change our revelation recorded in the Old Testament dying for us, Jesus makes himself part of us. wonderful it is to be Catholic. hearts. isn’t the warm up act for Christianity but the He doesn’t just save us in a legal sense, he But if I don’t have love, I am nothing. They are venues for grace. foundation. changes us. As he does in the Mass. St. Paul describes the loveless Christian as They have turned sinners into It’s the first half of the book. Trying to Whether John knew something about a clanging cymbal. I might garner some saints before. And, by the grace of God, understand Christianity without it is like the Mass or God had him say more than he attention, but it’s pointless — ridiculous they can change even me. trying to understand a long mystery story knew, in calling Jesus “the lamb of God,” he even — if I fail to love as Christ loves me. when you start halfway through. You’ll know proclaimed part of the good news — but if All of these good and holy things that who did it because you’ve got the last half of you’re a wild shoot, you have to know the old I do are a tragic waste if I refuse to let Denise Bossert is a convert to the book, but you won’t know exactly why tree to understand it. them change me. I must respond to grace, Catholicism. She lives near St. Louis he did it, and how he did it, and why the respond to divine love and let that love and is a member of Immaculate Heart other characters did what they did. You’ll David Mills is the executive editor of FIRST flow from me to others. If I don’t get that of Mary Parish in New Melle, Missouri. have the solution to the puzzle without all the THINGS (www.firstthings.com). Taylor lesson mastered, everything that I’ve said, Read more of Denise's writing at www. information that makes the puzzle interesting. Marshall’s blog and information about his book written, or done won’t matter. catholicbygrace.blogspot.com Here’s a simple example, given to me can be found at www.taylormarshall.com. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 13 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Perusing the 'Warm Fuzzy' file Great tragedy and discovering the joy of remembered SSMN jubilees turned into By Kathy Cribari Hamer great triumph verybody should have a Anselma Knabe, Sister Josephine Stewart, By Jeff Hensley and Sister Barbara Wilson. Editor, North Texas Catholic “warm fuzzy” file, or so said There were Sister Gertrude Moore, Sister Catherine Marie Houston. Sister my friend, boss, and editor, one of us likes to fail. It just isn't This afternoon Agnes Endres, Sister Mary Alberta Meyer, in human nature to rejoice and Jeff Hensley, of the North Sister Mary Charles Payne, Sister Alice be happy when a project goes I was glancing Claire Forsyth, Sister Mary Irma Endres, N ETexas Catholic. I always tried to put into south or we suffer any of life's long list of Sister Mary Devota Sweeny, Sister Mary setbacks. practice the things he advocated, so, on that Sisters of St. Mary Patricia Hennessy, Sister Margaret Rose, and through that WF But in life God has a way of taking Sister Mary Frances Serafino. day, a couple of decades ago, I purchased a of Namur what seems to be tragedy and using it as And more. the raw material for incredible triumph. folder and began stashing warm fuzzies in it. Jubilees But whose jubilee invitation was in my file. It was packed When my mom developed congestive hand — unopened? Might it, ironically, Today, in a different millennium, the heart failure a little before she turned have a connection with the book I had just folders (grown to four) contain cards my with aging paper 80, it meant she faced a great number of read? A Little Good? Might it have been children made, clippings and letters from limitations on her health and activity. connected with the sister who herself had friends, former friends, and even strangers. Mom didn't stop doing the laundry. and faded ink, authored that bit of history? Everything in the file is warm; none, She didn't take to bed and feel sorry for So I opened the very small, however is actually fuzzy. herself. She kept doing what she could for inexplicably meaningful SSMN invitation. Let’s face it, on a bad day, putting your but among those as long as she could. It did not disappoint my imagination. hand in a file and finding the contents are But she did require more help and It was a memento I had saved — a Mass not papery but furry, would probably not consideration from my dad than she ever I found some commemorating the 50th jubilee of Sister cheer you up at all. Rather it would jar your had before. Mary Merdian and the 65th jubilee of Sister startled hand out of the worn folder and — We began to notice my dad going out St. John Begnaud. (ooooh what WAS that?!) — your fingers compelling items. of his way to be considerate, to do sweet Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop would scramble to rejoin the rest of your things for my mom. Vann was Monsignor Joseph Schumacher, body, escaping the drawer, the desk, the When we went to the shopping mall who composed the forward of the book Sr. office, the stairway, and the front door. with my folks, he would drop her off at St. John would write during the following I don’t think that sort of hysteria is the door and then go park the car. Little five years. Also concelebrating was the valuable. warm fuzzy file. things. But it turned into a pattern. sisters’ friend, the late Father Robert Wilson. My own warm fuzzy file is not like that. Also on my paper expedition I found In time, he developed nurturing Sr. St. John is one of the most brilliant It is a happy collection: the congratulatory a fascinating note, once tossed on the floor skills he had never had before. He became women I have ever known, her intelligence card Kathleen Thompson sent, after my first after a Sunday Mass. It was a thank-you kinder, more attentive. He developed an coupled with creativity and a sense of column was published; the notes I received someone had written or received during appreciation of the things my mom had humor. I have not known her long or well from Joan Supino, after she and her husband Mass; it had been forgotten and left behind. always done for him and for the rest of like my friends, who received the great Deacon Burt moved out of our diocese to Dusty with shoe prints, the note begged to our family. blessing of an SSMN education. But I have live nearer their children. be trashed, but I had rescued it from the By the time of my mom's death, had the good fortune of long conversations There are special items like my friend floor one morning and brought it home. my dad was a different person, a better, with her, and an early reading of her Beth’s Christmas letters (best ever), and Living in my WF file now, the dirty, kinder person. wonderful book. a note from my college roommate’s aunt, discarded treasure says, “Dear Sir, Thank He lived on another six years, and The three printed pieces I found today who discovered my by-line in their diocesan you for the beautiful flower and the nice died as a new man, quite different from in my warm fuzzy folder were meaningful newspaper. Those are certainly not pet mice, card. Thank you for being my friend.” Who the man who had been my father, growing to our lives, especially during the season of or even fuzzy pom-poms. They are simply was “Sir” and who wrote the note to him? up. Lent, and what it leads us out of: the dregs wonderful mementos. Meaningful stuff. The concept fascinated me because of the Tragedy breeding triumph. of our sometimes shallow hearts. Warm “fuzzies.” printed proof it was, of both caring and It's not the way we like to see good Also, the pieces reminded me of what This afternoon I was glancing through being cared for. things come about, but when they do, we we are being led toward: the warm fuzzy that WF file. It was packed with aging paper I like to think the card was from God. can appreciate them, and the genius of feeling of Heaven, after accomplishing at and faded ink, but among those I found Or perhaps to Him. God in being able to accomplish them. least some of what God sent us here to do. some compelling items. Among my finds today was another It has lately occurred to me that I And what enrichment it is for me, this First, dated 2003, was a printed card folded card, about like the one preceding cannot fathom the depth of sorrow and Lent, this year, this millennium, to have, in with the following quote from St. Thérèse it. Instead of “Thank You” on the front, grief that Jesus' mother and his disciples my little chronicle of things remembered, of Liesieux, the Little Flower: “Holiness is however, it was printed with a formal seal, must have experienced when he was something small and special: a piece of the not a matter of this or that pious practice,” under which was the following type: Sisters crucified. history of the Sisters of St. Mary. she said. “It consists of a disposition of the of St Mary of Namur, Fort Worth, Texas. It was a cruel, cruel, brutal way to heart which makes us small and humble in Below that, it was dated: “Jubilee, die. Mary's heart pierced by a sword; what the arms of God, aware of our weakness, 2007.” Kathy Cribari Hamer and her husband are an apt way to express the pain. yet confident — boldly confident — in the I held it, unopened, and wondered members of St. Andrew Parish near TCU But as painful as the loss was, how goodness of our Father.” whose jubilee it announced. “How many in Southwest Fort Worth. In May 2009 her much greater was the joy to find at Easter Certainly this was not a note sent jubilees have I attended?” I quizzed myself. column received the second place award for that the laws of the universe had changed. directly from St. Thérèse, a patron saint of Dozens: Sister Jane Frances Dunnam, Sister best family life column from the Catholic Press Incredible tragedy, incredible the Carmelite nuns. Instead it was a holy Marion Celeste Cimo, Sister Cecile Faget, Association of the U.S. and Canada for the triumph, incredible joy. Jesus had risen card placed on my computer monitor and Sister Dorothy Ann Flori, Sister Martin second time in two years. In 2005, Kathy’s from the dead, and the world, including read from time to time, when my heart was Joseph Jones, and Sister Mary Elizabeth column received the first place award in the my own family, became better because of drawn to it, until, finally it landed in my Snyder. Sister Jo Anne Becker, Sister same category. unimaginable pain, his life given for ours. PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Features

from Sacred Heart Church in Wichita Falls, having just Explaining returned from a reconciliation service at an Awakening retreat for Midwestern State University students. As we were talking about the evening's events Fr. Hoa Confession to our shared why he thinks confessing our sins is so important. He explained that when we speak our sins out loud we “name” them. When we name them we then “claim” them. Only by Protestant friends doing this can we “tame” them, and through the sacrament (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Natalia Tsarkova celebrates after using a replica of a Gutenberg printing press at the Verbum we can now be “aimed” in a new direction. He went on Domini exhibit of rare biblical texts and artifacts at the Vatican Feb. 29. She was assisted by to say that if we fail to confess our sin, we do not name or Clifford Keister of the Green Collection. The new interfaith exhibit showcases 150 items from By Jeff Hedglen claim our sin, and thus they're not tamed, and our life isn't the third century B.C. to the 17th century. re-aimed. Instead all we are left with is blame. iving in the “Bible belt” is not always easy for us His explanation of this sacrament really struck a chord Catholics. Many other denominations do not with me. There really is power in saying a sin out loud, for Lunderstand why Catholics do what we do. What in naming the sin I'm admitting to myself, another person, makes matters worse is that many non-Catholics are very and God the truth of what I've done. If I keep the truth well versed in Scripture and have well developed arguments locked up inside me I'm trapped. Once the sin is named I against the very things we hold dear. Even worse, all too can claim it as a truth in In naming the sin I'm often we do not know what to say back to them to defend my life, and once it is out our beliefs. A recent late-night conversation with one of admitting to myself, in the open Jesus is free to our priests has given me fodder for one of the most popular tame it through the power questions asked of Catholics another person and of forgiveness. Lastly with Why do Catholics have to go to a priest to have their sins the grace of God, advice God the truth of forgiven? It isn't good enough to say, “That’s what they taught from the priest, and a (CNS photo/courtesy of Boys Town)) me in second grade CCD” or “That's the way we've always done Father Edward Flanagan is surrounded by young men in his office at Boys Town in Omaha, what I've done. penance, my life has a new it” or “Because the Pope said so.” aim. Neb., in this 1942 photo. He is at the desk made for him by some boys at the home in the mid- 1930s. Father Flanagan founded Boys Town in 1917, devoting his life to the care of troubled A good quick answer could be: Only God forgives sin, It's quite miraculous that one minute we enter the and abandoned boys. The Archdiocese of Omaha has begun an investigation into the priest's yet through ordination, priests and bishops are given the confessional plagued by sin that's driving us to hell, and we life opening the first phase in the rigorous process toward sainthood. power to forgive sins. When you sin you offend God and emerge, moments later, on a fast track to heaven. the Body of Christ (the Church). Through the Sacrament of The simple formula of Name, Claim, Tame, and Aim Reconciliation you are reconciled with God and his Body, is a good way to express the power of Confession. In a as well as fulfilling the instruction to confess your sins to conversation with a non-Catholic it might be nice to also be one another. Then quickly reference John 20:22-23 where armed with some of the Scriptures mentioned above, but the Jesus gives the Apostles the power to forgive sins and James overriding reason for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is that 5:16 where we are commanded to confess our sins to one it heals, restores, and reorients our life. another and add 2 Corinthians which speaks of Jesus giving Quite possibly the best response to a non-Catholic us the ministry of reconciliation. If you are really ambitious about why we go to a priest for forgiveness is your own you could memorize paragraphs 1441, 1461, 1444 of the testimony of how this sacrament has helped you to name, Catechism of the Catholic Church, simple enough right? claim, and tame your sin, and how it has helped keep you If you're like me, you realize that that's not only a aiming for heaven. mouthful, it's a lot to commit to memory. I have been Jeff Hedglen is campus minister at UTA and associate (CNS photo/Paul Haring) looking for an easier way to explain the need for and director of Young Adult Ministry. He remains active with Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College celebrate after their only the power of this sacrament. As luck would have it I was Camp Fort Worth. Readers with questions can contact goal during a soccer match against Redemptoris Mater in the Clericus Cup in Rome recently sharing a late night snack with Father Hoa Nguyen Jeff at [email protected]. March 3. The U.S. seminarians won their first game 1-0. Cross-Words

By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down: 1. Companion of St. Paul 4. Preferred Bunk 2. Incompetent 5. Strict 3. Pleasant Valley

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5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 15 When Sacred Heart parishioners raised money to help build a church in their pastor’s mother’s hometown in Vietnam, for pastor Father Hoa Nguyen, it was a Mission for his Homeland Church. “It was a beautiful ceremony. We didn’t understand what all was said, but our Masses are the same, so you could tell what they were doing,” said Peggy Berend, Larry Berend’s wife. The Berends said there were a lot of priests present at the dedication Mass, two bishops including Fr. Hoa Nguyen’s uncle, Archbishop Stephen The Nhu Nguyen of Hue, and lots of nuns, as well as Nhat-Tay parishioners. “It was definitely a big deal for them, and they were proud of what they had done,” Peggy Berend said. “A lot of people didn’t fit, so they had to stand outside, and they watched when the shutters were open.” Morath pointed out that the villagers had invested a lot into their new church. “Here, we put up the money to build a Fr. Hoa Nguyen, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Wichita Falls, Jessica Morath, Gene Douglass, Thao Nguyen (Fr. Hoa’s This church is the second church to be built in Nhat-Tay village church, but they, their hands and everything went father), Larry Berend, Thuy-Tien Le (Fr. Hoa’s mother), and Peggy Berend stand at the entrance of Nhat-Tay Church in in Vietnam, where Fr. Hoa Nguyen's mother grew up. into working for that,” said Morath. “You could Vietnam after its dedication ceremony on Jan. 12. tell they were very proud and gave all that they By Jenara Kocks Burgess / Correspondent had, prett y much, to have that celebration. They put on their best and had a huge feast afterwards, Photos courtesy of Sacred Heart Church and you knew, this is what the village had to offer hen Father Hoa Nguyen attended the dedication you …. Everyone was so happy. It was raining, but it didn’t matter,” she said, laughing. Mass of a newly built church in his mother’s home Peggy Berend said the church dedication village of Nhat-Tay, Vietnam, with his family was the main reason they all went to Vietnam, W but they also did some sightseeing, with Fr. Hoa members and parishioners of Sacred Heart, he knew why the villagers as their guide. Larry Berend and Gene Douglass both said While working around the planting and harvesting seasons, stood tall with big smiles on their faces that day. that this was their second trip to Vietnam because the farmers of Nhat-Tay, Vietnam, build their new church. “They are very proud because the percentage of the Catholics they had both been to Vietnam during the war 41 years ago, and they both had had thoughts is very small,” said Fr. Hoa, “— only two to three percent (in Hue, of visiting Vietnam since the war. where Nhat-Tay is located), but the church was beautiful.” Fr. Hoa is “I could never imagine how that would happen,” said Douglass. “Who would I go with? pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Wichita Falls. Surely I wouldn’t go by myself. But when this came up, it was just perfect.” “Part of the church itself is not just the themselves, and since they are a farming Douglass talked a lot about the sight-seeing building where you go worship, but it truly community, they had to work around planting, they did. From visiting a cave system that was is the face and the witness of the presence of harvest, and all their regular duties, Fr. Hoa said. featured in the National Geographic in 2011, to Christianity. By the church being strong with a On May 17, 2007, they laid the first stone. The the Citadel in Hue, to the sites of two Marian building like that, it indicates to the village that whole process of building a church that seats apparitions in Lavang, Quang-Tri, (1798) and At center, Archbishop Steven The Nhu Nguyen, Fr. Hoa’s the Catholic Church is very strong,” Fr. Hoa said. 300 took four years. in Tra-Kieu, Dang, (1885) and to the Perfume uncle, of Hue presides at the dedication ceremony of Nhat- Several years earlier, Sacred Heart was “The farmers did everything by hand — River in dragon boats to visit the tombs of various Tay Church in Vietnam. Pastor of the church, Fr. Hoa Quang looking for a foreign mission project it could do as even mixing the concrete. No machines were kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, and to the various Le, assists him on the right. a parish, said Larry Berend, longtime parishioner, used,” he said. cemeteries to pay respects to the ancestors of Fr. who was on the finance committee at the time. “I was amazed,” said Berend. “For $185,000, Hoa Nguyen’s family. of Archbishop Stephen The Nhu Nguyen, the At about the same time, Fr. Hoa and his you don’t expect a lot, but it was as big as Sacred To Morath, Douglass, and the Berends, it brother of Thuy-Tien Le, Fr. Nguyen’s mother. family discovered that the church in Nhat-Tay, Heart.” seemed like many of the people they met were Both Larry Berend and Douglass talked was barely useable after all the damage from According to Fr. Hoa, before the missionaries related to Fr. Hoa Nguyen. Fr. Hoa said in about how Fr. Nguyen could trace ancestors the Vietnam War as well as from other wars came to Vietnam, the villagers were all pagans Vietnamese culture, they do not use the word on both his mother’s and father’s side who were and typhoons. Fr. Nguyen said Sacred Heart who worshiped different gods and their ancestors “cousin” — all family members are considered among the 118 Vietnamese martyrs named as parishioners looked at foreign missions in in their place of worship. When the missionaries closer than that and are called uncles, aunts, saints by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Fr. Nguyen Honduras and Mexico, but the Diocese of Fort came, many people in the village became brothers and sisters. He said they are a very even took them to visit the tomb of St. Tran Worth deemed them both too dangerous due to a Christians. When the community center where close-knit family. Van Trong, the ancestor of Thao Nguyen, Fr. revolution and drug cartels in those countries. So they had worshiped collapsed, the first church “Catholics are the minority in Vietnam but Nguyen’s dad. they decided to help with the church in Nhat-Tay. was built. we were w it h Fat her a nd h i s f a m i ly s o my p er s on a l “The trip was really exciting and happy “That was the whole idea. We wanted to That first church was in the village for experience was that we were surrounded pretty for us besides the accomplishment of [Sacred help someone somewhere else,” said Berend. about150 years. During the war, it was badly much by Catholics the whole time,” Morath Heart] to see how we can help the people in Sacred Heart groups sponsored various damaged, so the church they just completed said. “The first two weeks, his cousins fed us the village continue to live their faith,” said Fr. fundraisers (like parish breakfasts), and they is only the second church ever built there, Fr. three meals a day and made sure we were fed Hoa, “but also, part of it was a reconciliation also asked individuals to donate funds for it, Hoa said. and that everything was okay. The hospitality for Larry and Gene to see that the country Fr. Hoa said. Fr. Hoa Nguyen, his parents, Thao Nguyen was amazing as well as the cohesiveness of the is not like it was during the war, and for the The total cost of the new church was and Thuy-Tien Le; his uncle, Thi Nguyen, and culture, of the family,” she said. younger generation like Jessica to experience $200,000, and Sacred Heart Church donated four Sacred Heart parishioners, Gene Douglass, Morath and Douglass said they both the culture — that it is different than what you a total of $185,000 of it. Jessica Morath, and Larry and Peggy Berend attended the week-long celebration starting hear about Vietnam — the war, the ugliness The villagers actually built the church attended the Jan. 12 dedication of Nhat-Tay Jan. 6 of the 50th anniversary of the ordination and all that….” Fr. Hoa said. PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012

predicted of old, still powerful today Lent and Easter are one event

In a 2007 pastoral letter on the meaning of Lent and Easter, Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, examined the relationship between Christ’s death and his resurrection, saying: “Theologically speaking, the resurrection of Christ is not a separate event that follows af- ter his passion and death. ... The resurrection is the full manifestation of what took place in the death of Jesus.” In light of this, Bishop Braxton said, “Good Friday and Easter Sunday (death and resur- rection) must be seen as two aspects of a single and united reality.” He said, “Though we are surrounded by the cold of winter and weighed down by the dis- tressing anxieties of war and conflict in our world, the death and resurrection of Christ renews our hope and pours a balm of Gilead on our suffering. “The Lenten season and Eastertide are like a brilliant golden nugget cast by the Holy Spirit (CNS photo/J.D. Long-Garcia, CATHOLIC SUN, Diocese of Phoenix A crucifix hangs before a mural depicting the Resurrection in the sanctuary at St. Timothy Parish in Mesa, Arizona. into the baptismal waters of the church’s life.”

By Father Dale Launderville, OSB to believers that they have been baptized the Gospel of Mark is read. When Christians hear the saying, “For Catholic News Service into Christ’s death so they might be raised This claim that Jesus is the Son of God you are dust and to dust you shall return,” to new life (Romans 6:3-4). The victory that contradicted the foundational belief of they believe that the death and decomposi- hen a loved one is on his or her fi- Christ has won for us weaves itself into the monotheistic Judaism because it appears tion of the physical body point to a more nal journey home to God, we who ups and downs of life. to make him a rival to the one God. Jesus’ profound transformation of this body into Wkeep vigil recognize that a mo- A family that keeps vigil with a dying admission before the high priest that he is a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, mentous event is happening before us. As father recognizes that he symbolizes their “the son of the Blessed One” (Mark 14:61) 51-57). believers, we live in hope that this journey bonds with one another. A father lays down opens the way for the high priest to charge Believers can take courage from St. will bring the loved one to a better place. his life for his family in numerous ways. him with blasphemy. Paul’s words: “Hope does not disappoint, be- We regard the dying process as the one by This self-sacrificial love imitates the love Jesus elaborates on the high priest’s cause the love of God has been poured out which a believer is born into eternal life. that God showed for us when Jesus died for identification of him by saying: “You will into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that As communication with the loved one us. see the Son of Man seated at the right hand has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). fades, it is as if a veil descends between the Such love does not end in death but of the Power and coming with the clouds of This same Spirit leads us to cry out, dying person and those gathered. This fad- breaks forth into a new, more abundant life. heaven” (Mark 14:62). “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). As children ing of communication marks the transfor- Self-giving love brings new life not only to When Jesus dies and rises, he defeats of God and co-heirs with Christ, the life mation of the loved one’s earthly body into those who receive it but also to the one who the power of death and stands ready to given to us is not confined to our individual a heavenly one. gives it. A family honoring a dying father bring this victory to full expression when he bodies but is part of a cosmic whole. Christians can face death with confi- gives thanks for the love that brought them returns at the end of time. St. Paul explains that the sufferings dence because we believe that Jesus Christ to life. Those invested in the Jewish monothe- Christians must undergo between Jesus’ has conquered death. As Jesus on the cross breathes his last, istic views of their time would be much resurrection and his second coming are mi- After Jesus died on the cross, he was the Roman soldier nearby proclaims: “Truly, slower to accept the identification of Jesus nuscule in comparison to “the glory about buried, only to rise on the third day. The this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). as the Son of God. to be revealed for us” (Romans 8:18). disciples were persuaded that Jesus had The way Jesus approached death seems To do so, they would need to reinter- He goes on to explain that the sufferings gone against all odds and risen from the to have triggered this awareness in the pret their exclusive fidelity to YHWH (“the of all the cosmos are a form of birth pangs dead. They had seen the tomb empty, and soldier. He understands who Jesus is more Lord”; Deuteronomy 6:4) in light of Jesus’ that will result in a new and glorious free- many testified that the resurrected Christ profoundly than the disciples who have dying and rising. dom — a new creation. had appeared to them. been with him for three years. Christians would later identify them- By passing through death and rising to When Jesus rises from the dead, the selves as followers of Christ by proclaiming new life, Jesus overcame death not only truth of the centurion’s proclamation will that “Jesus is Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3), Benedictine Father Dale Launderville is a for his body but also for those who would be evident to others. Now his testimony a statement they could make only by the Scripture scholar at St. John’s University, join themselves to him. St. Paul explains resounds through the generations wherever presence of the Holy Spirit within them. Collegeville, Minnesota. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 17

By Father Gerald O’Collins, SJ 15:3-4). Catholic News Service But this ancient creed does not cite any particular biblical passages. It simply says “For they did not yet understand the Christ’s death and resurrection happened Scripture that he had to rise from the according to that great scheme of things dead.” willed by God to which the inspired Scrip- — John 20:9 tures witness. St. Luke found a hint of Jesus’ resurrec- t is hard to overstate the importance of tion when the psalmist says to God: “You the inherited Scriptures for the earliest will not abandon my soul to the nether- Ifollowers of Jesus. When they recalled world, nor will you suffer your holy one to what Jesus did, said, and went through, see corruption” (Acts 2:27, quoting Psalm they turned to these Scriptures, or to what 16:10). we often refer to now as the Old Testament. Jesus was and is “the holy one of God” Through that biblical lens, they tried to (Mark 1:24). It was unthinkable that his understand and interpret what they had existence would end with his body quietly experienced of Jesus in his life, death, and corrupting in the tomb. resurrection from the dead. Even more significant was the next verse The Crucifixion proved a horrifying that Luke quoted: “You have made known experience for the first disciples. But Jesus to me the paths of life” (Acts 2:28, citing had led them to scriptural passages that Psalm 16:11). threw some light on that hideous and hu- The resurrection had brought Jesus from miliating execution. On the cross he quoted (CNS photo/Paul Haring) the state of death into that of a new, glori- the opening words of Psalm 22: “My God, Torah begun in 13th-century Spain, and Torahs burned during the Holocaust and by communists ous life that would last forever and which he my God, why have you abandoned me?” are seen in the VERBUM DOMINI exhibit of rare biblical texts and artifacts at the Vatican Feb. 29. The wants to share with all the children of God. When they told the story of Jesus’ pas- references to Jesus contained in the books of the Old Testament represented here, emphasize the In a debate over the resurrection of the sion and death, they borrowed language unity of God's revelation in the Holy Books of both faiths. dead, Jesus himself appealed to the Scrip- from that (and other) psalms. tures in support of his vision of God, as “not Likewise, some of the words of Jesus 53 has retained its central importance in teaching on resurrection from the dead. God of the dead but of the living” (Mark at the Last Supper (Mark 14:24; Luke the way Christians understand the death of Where are the Scriptures that could have 12:18-27). 22:15) and earlier (Mark 10:45) might have Jesus on the cross. helped the earliest followers of Jesus when It was a lesson his followers had to learn: prompted the earliest followers of Jesus to But where could the first disciples turn they thought about his resurrection? God has the last word and that last word interpret his death in the light of Isaiah 53. for scriptural insight into Jesus’ resurrection In the letters of St. Paul, the first Chris- is life: glorious, transformed life. It was a This dramatically powerful fourth “ser- from the dead? The Psalms, Job, Isaiah, tian writer, we find a confession of the death lesson that was not confined to specific vant song” also became a key text when Jeremiah, and other books of the Jewish and resurrection of Jesus that goes back biblical passages but one that came through presenting the suffering of Jesus on behalf Scriptures have much to say about suffering to the very beginning of the church. The the Scriptures everywhere. of others and the redemption it brought. and, in particular, the suffering of innocent apostle reminds the Christians in Corinth of The New Testament contains 11 quota- persons. the heart of their faith: “Christ died for our Jesuit Father Gerald O’Collins has taught tions from and at least 32 allusions to this But it is only in books such as Daniel and sins in accordance with the Scriptures ... theology at the Pontifical Gregorian Uni- final servant song. Right down to the pres- Wisdom, written toward the end of the Old and was raised on the third day in accor- versity, Rome. His latest book is BELIEVING IN ent and the liturgy of Good Friday, Isaiah Testament period, that we find a little clear dance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians THE RESURRECTION; Paulist Press.

ByB Jeff J ff Hedglen H dgl heh was nott allowed ll d to t do d anything, thi g then th he h in we found out that he had let the priest North Texas Catholic hemmed and hawed and finally said, “but I know that in the last six months he and cannot see any reason why a family friend Sabine had been considering coming back t is never easy when someone dies, cannot come to the funeral home to say to the Church, and when the funeral and even when we know that the person goodbye to them and say a few prayers for everything was behind him, he would be Ihas been sick for years. When the time the deceased; if the rest of the family hap- calling the priest to start the process. comes that the illness overtakes their body pens to be there at the same time, what can I was simply amazed at the impact the and death comes, it is a hard thing. This is I do about that?” death of my sister-in-law had on this family, exactly the situation my family faced when After some coordination, the whole fam- but then I remembered the power of Good my sister-in-law passed away recently from ily gathered at the funeral home that night. Friday and Easter Sunday never ends. It Muscular Dystrophy, at the age of 54. The priest came in and said some prayers continues to transform families and indi- Sabine seemed just fine at Christmas, then traced the sign of the cross on Sabine’s viduals daily. but by mid-January her condition had (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, CATHOLIC NEW WORLD) forehead with holy water and invited the Death is ever a doorway to resurrection. deteriorated too quickly to even get to the Father Claudio Díaz Jr. lights a fire whole family to do the same. Sorrow leads to joy. Tears turn into dancing. doctor. She died suddenly the day before outside Mission St. Juan Diego in Then he went around the circle and And estranged Catholics are enfolded into the loving arms of the Church. her appointment. Her husband, Benno, my Arlington Heights, Illinois, during the stopped at each person, even my 7-year-old niece, and said a few private words. Jesus’ death and resurrection inspired, wife’s brother, was devastated, as were we Easter Vigil of 2011. Sometimes the fire all. Lastly he had the family hold hands and continue to let the words of St. Paul that is lit, signaling the Resurrection In addition to the typical grief we were around the coffin and pray the Our Father. ring out: “Where, O death, is your victory? of not only the body, but of faith, is lit all suffering, my wife’s mother had an ad- The power of the Spirit in the room that Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthi- ditional burden. not by a match, but the warmth of the night was electric. Tears flowed, hearts were ans 15:55). You see, Benno and Sabine had left the human heart, moving in compassion, warmed, a family bonded even deeper, and Yes, Sabine’s death is a sure loss for Church, and in Germany where they live, as shown in Jeff's story here. healing began. those of us who miss her. But even in her this means no chance for a Catholic funeral. When the impromptu service was over, passing God finds a way to breathe new life. She fretted over whether she should ask one of my wife’s other brothers said, “We Alleluia Jesus is risen and alive in his her son if he would allow the local priest to dissent” side of things. It was this history have a great priest.” The use of the word Church! come say some prayers at the funeral home. that caused my mother-in-law to fret over “we” spoke volumes, especially because he Of my wife’s family only her mother and asking about the prayer. In the end she is one of the siblings who has been away Jeff Hedglen is a long-time columnist and two sisters are still involved in their faith. figured it would not hurt to ask, so she did. from the Church. contributor to the North Texas Catholic. The other siblings are either indifferent or Benno said, “That would be nice.” Benno followed the priest out of the Jeff is campus minister at UTA and as- vocally against the Church. Quickly she called the priest, who was chapel to express his gratitude and had a sociate director of Young Adult Ministry Benno’s history had him in the “vocal a good friend to her. He said that officially conversation with him. When he came back for the Diocese of Fort Worth. PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Biannual Youth for Life-sponsored rally helps teens to Break Free

from habits that keep them from God Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent

atherath Agostino Torres, CFR, knows what it’s like toto break free from a troubled life. As a young Fboybo growing up in South Texas, the Franciscan FriarFriar ooff the Renewal watched drug abuse destroy his family. Despite the trauma and chaos created by his father’s addiction, the gray-robed priest admits that as a teenager, he was tempted to follow in the same self- destructive footsteps. “By the grace of God, I never touched drugs,” Fr. Agostino assured high-schoolers attending the Breaking Free Life Revival youth rally offered by the diocese Feb. 25 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Formation and Ministry Building. “But there were other difficulties.” Fr. Agostino Torres, CFR, prays over the gathering of youth at the Breaking Free Life Revival Youth Rally held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Keller Feb. 25.

Standing before parish youth groups from Talks, prayer, music, and personal narratives Elizabeth youth ministry volunteer. “Eating across the diocese, the speaker admitted a presented during the rally are intended to give disorders take over and control your life. They youthful propensity toward violence and anger. young people the tools to “break free” from affect the way you think and spend your time.” There was also an attraction to sex, alcohol, and the chains of body image, alcoholism, sex, A survivor of anorexia nervosa, an eating the need for popularity and peer acceptance. drugs, and other problems keeping them from disorder characterized by self-starvation and “The Lord pulled me out (of the situation) becoming the person God wants them to be. excessive weight loss, Graham shared her and said, ‘No. You’re called to follow me.’” “Satan operates in darkness,” explained personal battle with the disease and how she Fr. Agostino said, describing his conversion Gabe Gutiérrez, one of the event organizers used faith to break free from the destructive experience. “And because I know what the and presenters. “That’s where addictions patterns and thoughts that tormented her for Fr. Agostino tells the teens gathered at the Breaking Free Lord did for me, I have to share that with flourish. We try to counter that with the 11 years. She believes many young people use Rally that true love is the love of Christ that is sacrificial. other people. The message is too important.” light of Jesus Christ.” standards set by advertisers and the media to What wisdom did the 35-year-old priest The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton high school determine their value and worth. impart to his impressionable audience? youth minister used a familiar analogy to help “I tell teenagers they should receive “You are loved! Believe it,” he said, his young listeners understand the surreptitious their value from God who loves them delivering the simple yet powerful message nature of evil. Cockroaches will congregate on unconditionally,” she said. “He accepts in a booming voice. “God loves you and He the countertop of a darkened kitchen. When a us regardless of how we look or our does not care about your appearance.” light is turned on, they scurry away. performance.” Young people today confuse love with the “Evil works the same way,” he told the During her recovery, the Franciscan way someone looks or “feelings” they may have crowd. “When we close ourselves off from University graduate replaced negative for another. Their expectations are based on God and allow darkness in, the devil can thoughts about her self worth with positive lies perpetuated by an image-driven society. work on us.” truths from the Bible. “It’s no wonder some people feel so He encouraged the teens to go to “Faith was a critical part of my healing, Gabe Gutiérrez, St. Elizabeth high school youth minister, isolated they have to find ways to feel confession for healing. but God also sent me a good doctor and leads the youth in worship during the Feb. 25 rally. connected,” the friar said, referring to the “They call it the sacrament of conversion counselor,” Graham said. pressure to use drugs or alcohol to ‘fit in.’ “We for a reason,” Gutiérrez added. “In the Hearing the personal testimony of have to reclaim what love means,” he said. Eucharist we let God’s love and light reign in speakers impressed Brooke Allen. The Like Christ dying on the cross for our hearts. That’s how you overcome darkness 18-year-old college student from Weatherford us, true love is sacrificial. It generates joy, and addiction.” has heard Fr. Agostino speak at other rallies. kindness, peace, patience, self-control, and A growing problem affecting today’s “I like the stories he tells and the way he understanding. youth is body image. The desire to achieve talks about his own experiences,” said the St. “The Lord is right here,” Fr. Agostino said, society’s standard of beauty can lead to Stephen parishioner. pointing to a crucifix projected over the stage. obsessive behavior in both young women Each presentation addressed different “And He wants to show you what love is.” and men, according to Maria Graham, a issues affecting young people in today’s The Breaking Free Youth Rally, Houston behavioral therapist. society. sponsored every other year by the Diocese Women are diagnosed with eating “So many kids struggle with being of Fort Worth Youth for Life ministry, gives disorders more often, but men also deal with wanted and accepted,” she said. “I think if teenagers an opportunity to explore personal self-esteem and body issues. people were loved the way they should be St. Elizabeth parishioners Johanne Conover (left), and Lexi behaviors and addictions that can isolate “They’ll abuse exercise or steroids to build loved or loved themselves, they would make Walton lean on each other during a participatory song. them from friends, family, and the Church. the perfect physique,” explains the former St. better choices.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 19 PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012

Respect for Life At all stages Health Transition Workshop provides valuable guidance and resources for end-of-life decisions By Jerry Circelli Correspondent

hen is the best time to begin making decisions Wand documenting how you would like to be treated during your final days on earth? Ask Father Tom Kennedy, pastor of Holy Angels Church in Clifton, and he will tell you the time is now. Fr. Kennedy showed people just how they could get started, during a Feb. 25 “Health Transition Workshop” at the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council 6269 Hall, in Arlington. It was the fifth year Fr. Kennedy has teamed up with Knight Jerry Hauck and his council to share his insight and Catholic teachings on end-of-life decisions. Before he discussed the end, Proxy and Advance Medical however, Fr. Kennedy started the Directive forms, produced by workshop from the beginning, with the National Catholic Bioethics readings from the Book of Genesis, Center (NCBC). which tells of God’s creation of all Fr. Kennedy’s discussion living creatures, and then of human touched on 30 critical questions Photo by Jerry Circelli / North Texas Catholic beings — both male and female. discussed by Archbishop Gomez in God told them to be fruitful, his book. These ranged from “What Jerry Hauk (left) and his Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council 6269 have sponsored materials and hosted multiply, and have dominion over is life?” and “What is Death?” to the Health Transition Workshop for five years. Father Tom Kennedy (right), pastor of Holy Angels Church in all plants, animals, and all living “What does a dignified death mean Clifton, presents Catholic teachings, offers personal insight, and answers questions at the workshop. things on the earth. When God for a Catholic?” and “What attitudes looked at everything he had made, should a Catholic have when cited by NCBC. he was pleased. confronted with death?” In between “Extraordinary” means, which “When we as Catholics talk those questions and answers in the are not obligatory, involve medical about the sanctity of human life, booklet are challenging discussions procedures that have little hope of this is where it comes from,” said about health conditions that develop benefit for the individual. Fr. Kennedy. “God created us at the end of many of our lives and In order to make sound moral specifically out of love, to love.” how the Church teaches us to deal decisions, NCBC stresses that End-of-life decisions center with them. patients must receive all relevant on teachings about the sanctity Several key points are also information about their condition. of human life and the freedom discussed in the NCBC A Catholic This includes details about any to make choices guided by our Guide to End-of-Life. In that proposed treatment and its benefits, Catholic faith. Informed choices, document of Church teachings, possible risks, side effects, and costs. however, begin with education on “obligatory” and “optional” moral According to NCBC, “There the Catholic Church’s teachings means of dealing with end-of-life should be a presumption in favor about how we should be treated at issues are discussed. Catholics of providing food and water to all the end of life and how we should are bound to perform morally patients, even those in a comatose treat others. obligatory treatments but may omit, state …” When the body can no Two workshop reference at their discretion, those that are longer assimilate food and water, materials, recommended by Fr. morally optional. “Ordinary” and however, they may be withdrawn, Kennedy and supplied by the “extraordinary” are terms used to since they provide no benefit. Knights of Columbus St. Jude make the distinction, according to There are many difficult Council 6269, included: the NCBC. decisions both patients and • A Will To Live: Clear Answers Ordinary means of sustaining their loved ones make on what on End of Life Issues, a booklet life do not involve “any grave may be considered ordinary or authored by Archbishop José burden for oneself or another,” extraordinary means, according H. Gomez of Los Angeles. according to a quote from Pope to Fr. Kennedy. The decisions are • A Catholic Guide to End- Pius XII’s “The Prolongation of especially complicated when advice of-Life Decisions, a pamphlet Life” address to the International that includes Health Care Congress of Anesthesiologists, as CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 21

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE made to moral directives published decisions for loved ones or for in specific Catholic published Helpful Resources themselves. of medical personnel or popular materials, including some by Pope “It was nice to know that we opinion runs contrary to Catholic John Paul II. A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions have these resources and that we can teachings. Some examples of Catholic National Catholic Bioethics Center always call on a priest for advice.” In dealing with those tough teachings are spelled out in the Website: ncbcenter.org Fr. Kennedy said he hopes that challenges, however, Fr. Kennedy directive. For example, one of the Select “Publications,” then “End-of-Life Guide” at each of his workshop discussions said Catholics should not feel alone. paragraphs states: all in attendance begin to think “You have a wonderful resource, “I want those making A Will To Live: Clear Answers on End of Life Issues about and plan for the end of their no matter where you are. You always decisions on my behalf to avoid Written by the Most Reverend José H. Gomez lives with Catholic teachings in have a priest you can go to.” doing anything that intends or Published by Basilica Press mind. Fr. Kennedy stressed that directly causes my death by deed or Website: www.basilicapress.com, Phone: (888) 570-5182 “The purpose is to help people during critical times, people should omission. Medical treatments may 111 Ferguson Court, Suite 102, Irving, TX 75062 understand health care and end- seek second opinions. He said most be forgone or withdrawn if they do of-life decisions from the Catholic hospitals have ethical panels and not offer a reasonable hope of benefit perspective,” Fr. Kennedy said. “It’s patient advocates who can offer to me or if they entail excessive possible. Like many others, Groff did something that’s a mystery for many advice, reiterating that priests can burdens or impose excessive expense Fr. Kennedy said when people not know the materials existed. people.” provide the valuable insight on on my family or the community. In take the time to complete an The workshop, she said, helped One thing that should always Church teaching as it relates to each principle, I should receive nutrition Advance Medical Directive, they her to understand Catholic views on be understood, he stressed to the situation. and hydration so long as they are of not only can take comfort that their the subject and made her feel better group attending his most recent When a patient is not benefit to me and alleviate suffering. wishes will be carried out, but they that documents are available to workshop, involves a fundamental physically able to direct his health In accord with the teachings of save their loved ones the difficult provide specific Catholic directives teaching of the Catholic Church. care provider to make decisions my Church, I have no moral task of trying to guess what their for care. “For us, the end of life is the based on Catholic teachings, the objection to the use of medication or intentions might have been. “It is helping us make our beginning of eternity. It’s what we NCBC Advance Medical Directive procedures necessary for my comfort The NCBC document provides decisions,” Groff said. “And we just live for.” is a powerful document. “This is even if they may indirectly and instruction for filling out the form, felt after attending the workshop (For a complete discussion of intended to give you a voice in those unintentionally shorten my life.” designating a Health Care Proxy that a load had been taken off our end of life issues from a Catholic moments when you can’t speak,” In addition to the directives to make decisions on the person’s shoulders.” perspective, go to the National said Fr. Kennedy. outlined in the document, behalf, and obtaining necessary She said it also provided great Bioethics Center Web site While it is impossible to plan individuals may add their own signatures to complete it. comfort that people are not alone at http://www.ncbcenter.org/page. for every unforeseen circumstance, requests. For example, they may Mary Ann Groff, a parishioner critical times of making important aspx?pid=347). the document specifically directs wish to donate tissue and organs of St. Maria Goretti Church in that those caring for an individual after their death, in keeping with Arlington, attended the workshop not do anything that is contrary to the teachings of the Church. Or and said she and her husband are the moral teachings of the Catholic they may want to make a specific in the process of completing their Church. Specific references are request to die at home or in a Advance Medical Directive and hospice with a home-like setting, if Health Care Proxy forms. PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Caregivers workshop provides support for relatives of homebound By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen a member of the parish’s Stephen imprisoned in body, soul, mind, and Correspondent Ministry who works with the spirit just by your loving presence,” homebound, organized the event. Sr. Mar y Fran continued. “You bring Caring for a sick, elderly parent She’s witnessed firsthand the mental, the spirit of God and his light as you is an act of love that can generate emotional, and physical strain of open those doors.” overwhelming stress. No one caring for a loved one while balancing To combat the stress and understands that better than Vonne other responsibilities. monotony of continuous caregiving, Velez, a Holy Family parishioner “It’s the caregivers who get all the former teacher told workshop whose mother was diagnosed with used up. They give and they give,” attendees to take walks, meditate, read, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS Craig explained. “So many times or pursue a hobby. There are limitless disease in August, 2009. caregivers are so stressed, they die ways to tap into God’s energy. Shortly before her mother before the person who is sick.” “Take care of yourself. We can became ill, Velez’ home burned to The workshop not only provided only be as compassionate to others as the ground. The single parent and her practical tips and camaraderie, but we are to ourselves,” Sr. Mary Fran son move into her mother’s house — was also designed to offer spiritual Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic advised. “I’m compassionate enough a decision that proved providential. resources. Corey Beardon (standing) presents “Six Steps to Healthy Caregiving: Caring for Persons with Dementia,” during a to myself to let God love me, and I “In the past year, her conditions Burnout, spiritual renewal, and caregivers workshop held at Holy Family Church in Fort Worth March 3. Beardon is a dementia care specialist at the invite you to do the same thing.” North Central Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He educates, supports, and counsels family caregivers became worse,” explained the caregiver self-care were some of the issues During small group sessions, through the REACH program which offers in-home support services to family caregivers in Tarrant County. who took a leave of absence from work addressed by guest speaker Sister participants had the opportunity to tend to her mom’s growing needs. Mary Fran Serafino, SSMN, during gives us the grace to respond to that a nd we don’t w a nt to m i s s t h at w i s dom to learn about hospice, a prayer “My mother is the most incredible the workshop’s opening presentation. moment,” she said. “You are called while they are here to share it with shawl ministry, caring for persons person in my life and there’s no The long-time pastoral minister and to rewrite the gospels with your life. us,” Sr. Mary Fran pointed out. with dementia, self support for the question about my ta k ing care of her.” retreat facilitator said that caregivers You’re the ‘good news’ that helps [the She asked audience members caregiver, unattended grief, and Juggling the roles of employee, are gifted people who know how to sick and elderly] feel their richness, to remind elderly patients of their planning a Catholic funeral. parent, and dutiful daughter became love and lift the spirits of others. lovableness, and value.” generative responsibility to families St. Elizabeth Ann Seton a pressure cooker. The petty problems “But the worst way caregivers With the senior citizen and the community. parishioners Martina and Alfonzo she handled as manager of a human fail, is they don’t know how to population increasing, ministering “It’s their responsibility to teach Martinez found the workshops helpful. resource department didn’t compare receive,” she pointed out. “Caregiving to older people is a growing need that the younger people in our society how The couple, who work with elderly to her mother’s loss of speech. is a gift and a call. It’s about two sides is easily overlooked, the presenter to l ive w it h love a nd hop e ,” t he sp e a k er Hispanics said information learned “Something had to give,” she of a door. You have to be able to move continued. The pragmatism of the added. “Tell them they’re needed.” during the sessions will improve their confessed. “It couldn’t be my son or from one side of the door to the other.” Western world reinforces the belief And when moments of limitation ministry to the homebound. mother so I left the job I loved.” Joy, tears, smiles, and laughter that if you’re not productive, you’re and frustration make a caregiver feel “We know there’s a need. We Velez found solace and support are important components of the not valued. Caregivers can help he or she has nothing left to give, just spent 12 years taking care of our during “A Day of Renewal for ministry. So is prayer. the elderly realize they still have walking into a room can be enough to own parents,” Martina explained. Caregivers” hosted by Holy Family “When we walk into an assisted something to offer society. make a patient’s day, she encouraged. “We have that experience but this Church on March 3. Cheryl Craig, living center or nursing home, God “They are in their wisdom years “You free the people who are prepared us even more.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 23 Catholics, ‘all people of faith’ urged to pray for religious liberty WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. freedom — religious liberty — which of the U.S.; Our Lady of Guadalupe, scheduled to take place in more than Though not sponsored by the bishops are urging Catholics and “all is not only protected in the laws and patroness of the Americas and the 120 cities at noon, March 23. Diocese of Fort Worth, participation people of faith” across the nation to customs of our great nation, but unborn; and St. Thomas More, the An announcement said the in the local rally was encouraged by join them in prayer and fasting for rooted in the teachings of our great patron saint of the legal profession rally was to take place outside federal the diocesan Respect Life Office. religious freedom and conscience tradition.” who was martyred for standing up buildings, congressional offices, and Coverage of the Fort Worth Rally protection. Prayer and other resources have for his religious beliefs. historic sites. Religious leaders and in front of the Fritz Lanham Federal Among current threats to reli- been posted on the USCCB website, “Prayer is the ultimate source other public figures were scheduled to Building in Downtown Fort Worth gious liberty, they said, is the U.S. www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/ of our strength — for without God, be among the speakers at the various will be posted on the North Texas Department of Health and Human religious-liberty/conscience-pro- we can do nothing; but with God, sites. The website http://standupfor- Catholic website (fwdioc.org/ntc) as Services mandate that forces em- tection/resources-on-conscience- all things are possible,” the bishops religiousfreedom.com included gen- soon as it becomes available. ployers, including religious ones, to protection.cfm. said in a March 14 statement titled eral information about the rally and provide coverage of contraception/ “Prayer for Religious Liberty” “United for Religious Freedom.” locations across the country. Editor’s Note: Bulk packages of sterilization in their health plans. cards are available on the site as a Meanwhile, the Pro-Life Action The event, described as “a peace- “Prayer for Religious Liberty” prayer The bishops have asked Catho- downloadable PDF file. The cards are League, based in Chicago, and Citi- ful, family-friendly, nonpartisan, ecu- cards will soon be available from the lic s a nd ot hers to join t hem in “prayer in English and Spanish and feature zens for a Pro-Life Society, based in menical event,” has its theme “Stand USCCB. They can be ordered at and penance for our leaders and for three different images: Mary as the Michigan, organized a Nationwide Up for Religious Freedom — Stop the www.usccbpublishing.org and will the complete protection of our first Immaculate Conception, patroness Rally for Religious Freedom that was HHS Mandate!” be ready for shipping in April. Myths abound about HHS contraceptive mandate; here are the facts By Nancy Frazier O’Brien with 200 or more employees) were of the tax code. A n on l i ne su r ve y by Ne w Jer s e y-ba s e d use increased in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Catholic News Service even more likely to be covered by a Twelve states do not require that the Reimbursement Intelligence of 15 Republic, Bulgaria, Turkey, Tunisia self-insured plan. Eighty-two percent organization’s purpose be the incul- pharmacy directors representing and Switzerland, the study found. WASHINGTON — Exaggerations of workers at large firms — and 96 cation of religious values, 12 do not more than 100 million employees or and outright misrepresentations percent of those who work for a mention a requirement to hire people their dependents found that nearly 50 MYTH:Ninety-eight percent of about the Department of Health and c omp a ny w it h 5,0 0 0 or more work er s who share the organization’s religious percent thought the mandate would Catholic women have used contra- Human Services’ contraceptive man- — were in a self-insured health plan. tenets and 13 states have no require- increase costs, 20 percent thought ceptives. date have been appearing in White There is no precise count of how many ment that the exempt organization it would be cost-neutral and none FACT: The figure comes from an April House “fact sheets” and mainstream of the employees working for Catholic serve only those who share its religious predicted that it would save money. 2011 Guttmacher Institute report media. Here are some of the more organizations or institutions are in self- tenets. Sixteen states do not mandate More t h a n 3 0 p erc ent s a id t he y d id n’t based on the 2006-2008 National frequently cited claims and the facts insured plans. that the exempt organization meet know what the effect would be. Survey of Family Growth. Twenty- to counter them: the tax code criteria. Several respondents also raised the five percent of the respondents to the MYTH: Twenty-eight states already Eight states exempt virtually any reli- question of whether the mandate to survey self-identified as Catholics, but MYTH: Self-insurance is a seldom- require employers to cover contracep- gious employer with moral objections provide contraceptives free of charge 40 percent of those said they never at- used method of providing health in- tives for their employees, so the situ- to providing coverage of contracep- would require them to give away tended Mass or attended less frequently surance to employers, used mainly by ation in those states will not change. tives to its employees. Illinois and brand-name medications, even when than once a month. church organizations to avoid having FACT: Self-insured plans are exclud- Missouri extend that exemption to generics are available. The survey looked at women between to pay for abortions or birth control. ed from state contraceptive mandates, nonreligious employers who object. In addition, the assumption that the ages of 15 and 44 and asked FACT: A majority of Americans who but not from federal requirements. Other states have passed laws that do greater contraceptive use results in about contraceptive use only among have private health insurance are In addition, all but three states — not define what constitutes a religious fewer pregnancies and fewer abortions those who had had sex in the three in self-insured plans, according to California, New York and Oregon organization or have declined to has not been proved. A 2003 study in months prior to the survey and were separate reports by the Congressional — include a broader religious exemp- enforce existing laws. the journal International Family Plan- not pregnant, postpartum or trying Research Service and the Kaiser Fam- tion than the HHS one, which sets ning Perspectives purported to show to get pregnant. Ninety percent of ily Foundation and Health Research four criteria for an exemption: that MYTH: Adding contraceptive cover- such a link, but found that levels of those women — and 98 percent of & Educational Trust. The percentage an employer’s purpose is to inculcate age to health plans will be net cost- abortion and contraceptive use rose the Catholic respondents — said they was 44 percent in 1999, 55 percent religious values, that it primarily hires neutral, because those covered by the simultaneously in Cuba, Denmark, had used some form of contraception in 2008 and had increased to 60 and serves people who share its reli- mandate will have fewer unintended Netherlands, the United States, at least once in their lives. The survey percent by 2011. gious tenets, and that it is a nonprofit pregnancies. Singapore, and South Korea. Abor- did not ask the women about their Employees in large companies (those organization under certain sections FACT: Pharmacy directors disagree. tions went down as contraceptive current contraceptive usage. Cardinal Wuerl mulls saints who might serve as patrons for religious freedom

By Mark Zimmermann Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl was the “He’s one choice (as the patron saint tions, abortion-inducing drugs and Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest Catholic News Service principal celebrant of the Mass and for religious freedom) because of his contraceptives. e xe c ute d by f i r i n g s qu a d i n 1927 a f ter Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort courage to speak the truth, his fidelity The cardinal mentioned several opposing the Mexican government’s BETHESDA, Maryland — Today’s Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, was to the Gospel, to the church and to the other saints throughout history who policy of religious persecution; and Catholics can look to the saints as role the homilist. pope,” in the face of what today would could be regarded as patron saints St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish models as they stand up for religious At the luncheon, Cardinal be described as an indication in the for religious freedom, all of whom Franciscan priest executed at the f re e dom, a nd a s t he y c a re for t he p o or Wuerl asked attendees who they polls that he would not be successful. remained faithful to the Gospel and Auschwitz death camp. and sick in the healing professions, would choose to be the patron saint Cardinal Wuerl alluded to the U.S. to church teaching, remaining true to T ho s e holy men, C a rd i n a l Wuerl participants at the Archdiocese of of religious freedom. After men- Department of Health and Human their consciences even to the point of said, stood for religious freedom Washington’s March 18 Rose Mass tioning several possible candidates Services’ mandate and its narrow being martyred for their faith. when it was not popular, and held were told. throughout history, the cardinal exemption that would redefine what Among those he mentioned were fast to their beliefs even in the face The annual Mass — held to asked consideration of St. Patrick, the it means to be a religious organization St. Thomas Becket, archbishop of of death. Their example, he said, seek God’s blessings on those in fifth-century bishop and apostle of and what constitutes ministry. While Canterbury executed in 1170 after should inspire today’s Catholics to the health professions — and the Ireland whose feast day was celebrated most houses of worship would qualify opposing, as a matter of faith, the stand up for religious freedom, even luncheon that followed were spon- the day before the Rose Mass. for the exemption, Catholic hospitals, policies of King Henry II; St. Thomas as government policies compromise sored by the John Carroll Society, “The faith proclaimed by Patrick universities and social services could More, lord chancellor of England, that freedom and even as they are and held at the Church of the Little is the faith that comes to us from be forced to provide employee health executed in 1535 after opposing mocked by late night TV hosts and Flower in Bethesda. Washington the apostles,” said Cardinal Wuerl. plans that would pay for steriliza- King Henry XVIII’s illicit marriage; others for their beliefs. PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012

Tony Vasinda talks with the middle school youth during the rally. Morgan Eldridge, of Sacred Heart Parish in Muenster, hangs a notecard showing The youth at the rally thought up one thing they could do to grow closer to God one thing she planned to do to grow closer to God. and wrote it down on a notecard. Early adolescent youth learn to Place God first at diocese’s first Middle School Rally

Story and Photos by so reverent and so respectful in the church,” Juan Guajardo / Correspondent Prevou said. “We think that next year we’re going to be able to grow this thing, because uring the homily of the closing the evaluations from the kids and from the Mass at the Diocese of Fort Worth’s adults were that this was a very special event.” Dfirst Catholic Middle School As one of the final activities of the day, Rally, Father Jeff Poirot stood up the youth were able to participate in an and told the 520 middle school youth and interactive presentation by Tony Vasinda youth ministers in attendance that to “make and Scott Dougherty of Perpetual Motion things easy,” he would post his homily to his Ministry in Dallas, a ministry that focuses Facebook page and to the Holy Family Parish primarily on serving youth and young adults. Twitter feed, so they could check it out there Vasinda discussed with the kids how they instead. He then sat back down, as the entire could share God’s love even by just sending congregation remained silent, eyes fixed on a text message to somebody they know. him. After several seconds, Fr. Poirot stood Asking them what they would text their up and asked, “Now how many of you are peers, Vasinda received answers like “God thinking this priest has lost his mind?” is awesome,” “God loves you,” “Have faith,” Known for his vibrant homilies, the “Love life,” “Jesus is there for you,” and “God pastor of Holy Family in Fort Worth then created you in his image.” discussed how social media and technology, Youth from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington pray and think up one thing they can do to get closer to God, after the After a moment of prayer and reflection, very much a large influence in the lives of rally. Hundreds of youth attended the diocese’s first Catholic Middle School Rally on Feb. 18, at Most Blessed Sacrament Vasinda and Dougherty encouraged the youth and teens, can be a good thing but also Parish in Arlington. The rally featured keynote talks, breakout sessions, music, and Mass. children to write their personal message they detrimental. wanted to share on a note card and tie it to a That was one of the primary messages we use things around us to do extraordinary and if you can’t get to Him from the doorway, series of long strings radiating out from a huge that the middle school rally team led by things. Do we allow technology to be rip the roof off!” Tooke, who is also the broadcast tower built by Perpetual Ministry, coordinators Larry and Cheryl West, both something that helps us to reach out and do youth ministry coordinator for the Diocese of giving the impression that the kids could of Good Shepherd Parish in Colleyville, and extraordinary things like staying in contact Helena, Montana, continued, as the audience broadcast their message of faith to the world diocesan Youth Ministry Director Kevin with our friends, learning more about our of students listened attentively. and their peers and serving as a living prayer Prevou wanted to get across to the middle faith, sharing our faith with other people? The rally, which took approximately 18 and commitment to live out God’s message and junior high students attending the Fr. Poirot told the students they have the months to plan, was designed specifically for them in the world. diocesan-sponsored rally at Most Blessed opportunity to do extraordinary things as for middle-school age kids, Prevou said. Another youth minister, Genni Sayers, Sacrament Parish Feb. 18. With the theme, people of faith who can share that faith with Coordinated by the Wests, and planned by of Holy Family Parish, agreed. She said that it “No one before me,” inspired by Exodus 20:3, others, “by doing that, you can reach out to the diocesan youth council, which is headed also got the youth thinking more about how presenters and Fr. Poirot offered the gathering the people who, much like the paralytic, want by youth ministers and includes 125 junior to live out their faith. their thoughts on how to place God first and to come close to Jesus, but for one reason or high and high school youth, the idea for the “[For] most of the kids that I brought, play a role in positively influencing their peers, another are having a difficult time doing so.” rally sprang out of an interest to do more to this was their first time attending a youth and how electronics and social media can be The theme of putting God first was reach out to early adolescents. event at the diocesan level and so they were used as means to do that and to grow in faith. present throughout the day, including the The rally differs from retreats for high- very nervous coming in,” Sayers said. “Within Fr. Poirot explained that while gadgets keynote presentations by Doug Tooke, and school youth in that it offers participants a few minutes of being here and the interactive such as cell phones, computers, or iPads can experienced musician David Casey, both from a variety of activities that keep them games and the inflatable’s they were [saying] be wonderul, “at the same time, there’s also a Monarch Catholic Ministries. bustling throughout the day, so the kids’ ‘This is like the best thing ever!’” way in which technology can be something Tooke, using a lively and humorous style, bountiful energy is given an outlet. With no Megan Brett and Chloe Levins, both of that distances us from others. It can be also drew from the Mark 2 Gospel reading presentation lasting longer than 30 minutes St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington found something that we use to sort of form our own and encouraged the kids to ask themselves and with a variety of breakout sessions given the rally spiritually refreshing for them and little world, that we use to insulate ourselves who they were in the Gospel story: the by local youth ministers on everything their peers. from other people….” paralyzed man, the Pharisees or scribes, the from saints, to a crash course in Scripture, “It really went through my head how to Tying technology in with the Gospel bystanders, or the friends who tore open the to hands-on sessions where kids learned to act and how to be more like a good Catholic, a reading (Mark 2:1-12) where Jesus heals a roof to get the paralytic to Jesus. make rosaries and how to pray the Rosary, the good Christian, and I just want to be the best paralytic who is lowered through the roof by “Really what Mark chapter 2 has to teach middle-schoolers remained engaged, Prevou person I can be,” Megan, 12, said. his friends, Fr. Poirot continued, “In so very us today is, ‘Get off your butt!’ Move to those added. Chloe, 12, added, “I think I’ll be closer to many ways, today’s Gospel is challenging us to in need, lift them up with your strength and “We saw kids engaged all day long, even Christ and God in a way that I’ve never been look at our own lives and to see how it is that a hope-filled heart and walk them to Christ, going to the closing liturgy where they were before and I think I’ll just pray a lot more.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 25

Photo Courtesy of SSMN Western Province Archives The St. Ignatius Annex, which later became the first Holy Name School, was on the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Hattie Street. It is now an abandoned lot.

Photo Courtesy of SSMN Western Province Archives Photo Courtesy of SSMN Western Province Archives A Little Good… Mother Emilie Kemen led the first group of Sisters of St. Thomas Bloomer was the first pupil at Sacred Heart Mary of Namur from Belgium to the U.S. in 1863. Academy in Waco in 1873. FROM PAGE 32 baritone.” because that was their faith; and Galveston to establish a boarding much a frontier town. “When I was in Lockport, they welcomed children, because school in his diocese. But why A week after their arrival, the I saw the church where they had that was what they had come to these sisters? And why that sisters announced the opening their first school,” said Sister do.” diocese?” of a new school. “There was no Louise Smith, SSMN, archivist The sisters stayed in Lockport The answer is pictured on building,” says the book, “but for the Western Province of the 10 years before heading to Texas, the cover of the book: Sister there were no students either.” sisters, who consulted on the where divine guidance was again Mary Angela, (Jennie Healy), one One man though, Tom book. “It was still in existence. at work. That chapter of SSMN of the intertwined strands, was Bloomer, a 50-year resident of And they established their school history was, as Sr . St. John writes, one of two nuns who made the Sherman, insisted later that he was down in the basement — the hard where “two strands of history second voyage to the States. Her there the first day, and “the sisters dirt floor, you know.” intertwined.” older sister, Margaret Mary, had let him go home early.” The sisters cleaned the “On the surface the story is travelled to the USA with their All those many years, Sr. basement, vigorously, Sr. St. John simple,” the tale goes on. “The father, after their mother had died. St. John says the SSMN spirit writes, “because that was their sisters in Lockport received an Margaret Mary had married the resonated in a recurring theme. tradition; they prayed vigorously invitation from the Bishop of mayor of Corpus Christi. She writes: “Sr. Mary Angela, and her “There is an unmet need. sister stayed in correspondence…” Resources to confront the Photo Courtesy of SSMN Western Province Archives Sr. St. John explains, so the mayor need are inadequate. Sr. St. John Begnaud, SSMN, in a photo taken and his wife knew the Sisters of St. Someone nevertheless makes of her in the mid-1950s when she began Mary had a school in Lockport, an audacious attempt to meet the teaching at the University of Dallas. New York. They traveled to need. Lockport to take their daughter to Once begun, the effort draws kind of the way it went. the boarding school. others into the work.” “That’s what I’ve really “The reunion of Sr. Margaret “What I found as I wrote the discovered — that is our history. Mary and Jennie must have been book,” she says, “is that there are If you look at the schools — if special,” the book reads, “since impossible situations in which you look at the chart in the back there is no record that the two had most of us just throw up our of the book, you see we had a lot seen each other since they were hands — ‘Nothing we can do to do with most of the Catholic separated as children.” about that.’ schools in Fort Worth. As soon Margaret Mary and her “But somebody says, ‘Well, as someone else could do it, we husband begged the Bishop of we can do something…. We moved on. Galveston to invite the Sisters to can’t do much, but we can do “And our community has establish a school in Texas so they something.’ And then that works, always emphasized the education wouldn’t have to make the long and the something starts to of the sisters. You know, they [the trip to take their daughters to succeed.” order] were having trouble paying Lockport! Sr. St. John speaks of the first the mortgages, and yet they were “The bishop of Namur agreed community, the Pious Ladies of sending us to places like Catholic to talk to the superior general, St. Loup, who, in 1819, started out University and Notre Dame and Mother Delphine, who was not by giving sewing lessons. “And the the University of St. Louis. nearly so interested in founding parents would say, ‘I know you “This was what their priorities in America as Mother Claire teach them sewing and you teach were, because if we were going had been. Neverthless, when the them catechism, but can you teach to be teachers, then we needed bishop said this would be a good them to read and write? to know what we were teaching. thing to do, they did.” “And so now,” she says, “you Most of those schools are still So the sisters came to Texas, can still visit that school — which operating,” the author says, “even ultimately opening schools in is a flourishing school of a couple if we are not there — because Corsicana, Ennis, Denison, of thousand students….We have that’s what you do. Sherman, Fort Worth, Wichita one sister who serves on the board, “You prepare somebody else Falls, and Dallas — but the first but we turned it over to other to do it and then you see what else was in Waco when it was still very people, as they could do it. That’s has to be done.” PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Jesus cried out in a “Who will roll back the stone for loud voice, .... us from the entrance to the tomb?” ‘My God, — Mark 16:3 my God, why have you forsaken me?’” April 8, Easter Sunday of — Mark 15:34 the Resurrection of the Lord. Cycle B. Readings: 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-4 April 1, Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Cycle B. Readings: 2) Colossians 3:1-4 Procession with Palms: Mark 11:1-10 Gospel) John 20:1-9 1) Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 2) Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel) Mark 14:1-15:47 By Jean Denton

ammy is 13, so one should take his grousing Sabout his restrictions at home with a grain of By Jeff Hensley salt. There are a lot of rules at Sammy’s place, partly because his home is a room he shares with his mother ho can approach these readings without a sense of both awe and and four siblings at a Christian-based family shelter. Wsadness? I confess, I only read the Passion Scriptures at this time of Sammy listed the punitive consequences of having food in one’s year, to avoid the depth of feelings they engender. room, leaving the building after hours or skipping evening chapel. Then, But even with their extremes of exultation and suffering, we may feel striking a satirically incredulous pose, he said, “And they call themselves that we can identify, at least in part, with some of the sufferings that Jesus Christian!” experienced. It was a humorous complaint: The restrictions he told me about were Certainly the cycle of riding high in the estimation of others not unreasonable, given the circumstances. represented by Palm Sunday and then the crashing fury of the arrest, trial, But his point, however flawed in the specific instance, reminded me scourging, Way of the Cross, and Crucifixion must all seem somehow of how we Christians sometimes seem content to simply languish in the familiar in the ways our society first elevates, then castigates public figures. consequences of sin rather than believing in the hope of change and new But the differences are great. Even Pilate is forced to ask, after the life. crowd has chosen the release of the rebel Barabbas over the release of Jesus, It’s like staying in the tomb. “Why? What evil has he done?” We help build schools and clinics in impoverished communities Jesus went about preaching the good news, healing the sick, and doing but “complete the task” without assisting the local people to develop a good. What harm was there in him? sustainable funding stream to pay teachers or medical staff, leaving them The ecclesial Focolare movement, as one of the defining elements of in the tomb of poverty — likely meaning we’ll need to help again. its spirituality, asks its members to seek to identify in prayer with Jesus as We force the shutdown of a clinic that performs abortions because he spoke these words from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you we’ve made it unprofitable for the physician to work there, not because he’s forsaken me?” had a change of heart. While we exult in gaining hope for unborn babies, As with his sinlessness, we cannot see in any other figure a similar sense we abandon the doctor in a tomb of cultural darkness. of isolation and abandonment. Out of obedience to his Father, having This is Easter Sunday. The Scriptures direct us out of the tomb to truly become the lamb of God, on whose shoulders all the sins of humankind believe in conversion to new life. “If then you were raised with Christ, are laid, Jesus then experiences the isolation — beyond understanding — seek what is above … not of what is on earth,” Paul says to the Colossians. of being one with God and yet totally separated from God. For our sake. We must not believe in the power of earthly obstacles, his words tell Is it any wonder that these moments in the liturgies of both Passion us, whether it is accepting that poor communities will always need us or Sunday and Good Friday call for kneeling and a silent pause? taking pleasure in the demise of a sinful man or woman. Life doesn’t stop How else can we appreciate the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice but in a at the stone covering the tomb. Jesus really is powerful enough to move it moment of awed, appreciative silence? away. Mark’s Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil tells us how Christians are called to belief and life with Christ beyond the sinful human condition that holds us in the tomb: “He has been raised; he is not here.”

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: When my own troubles — or those of people I love — seem to be What are some examples of people or situations that you don’t overwhelming, how can I find solace in the sacrifice made by Jesus believe can change? What must you do to change your attitude and on the cross? actions to live by a belief in resurrected life with Jesus? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 27

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you “The way we may be sure come to believe because you have that we know him is to keep his seen me? Blessed are those who commandments.” have not seen and have believed.’” — 1 John 2:3 — John 20:29

April 22, Third Sunday of Easter. April 15, Second Cycle B. Readings: Sunday of Easter. 1) Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 Cycle B. Readings: Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-9 1) Acts 4:32-35 2) 1 John 2:1-5a Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Gospel) Luke 24:35-48 2) 1 John 5:1-6 Gospel) John 20:19-31

By Jeff Hedglen By Sharon K. Perkins

hen I was 19 and still living with my parents, my favorite cousin n the late 1950s, a trio called the Teddy Bears recorded a song that has Wcame to live with us. He was a couple of years older than me and, as Ibeen rerecorded by artists in every decade since. The refrain goes, “To a child, he was somewhat of an idol to me. He always seemed so cool and know, know, know him … is to love, love, love him.” Beneath that catchy on top of things and generally the kind of guy I wanted to be. tune and the simplicity of the lyric is a rather profound statement that has A few years earlier my family had moved from Michigan to Texas, and a lot to do with this week’s readings. I had lost touch with this favorite cousin, so I was ecstatic at the idea of The apostle Peter is speaking in the temple portico to the religious sharing a room with him. Pretty quickly, I figured out that in our years descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, making the point that they apart we had each changed and really did not have that many things in killed the Author of Life because of their ignorance. In other words, they common. He was interested in going out to clubs and chasing women; I thought they knew the Holy and Righteous One but did not recognize was interested in going to church and young adult Bible study. We had a him among them. Thus their lack of knowledge led to lack of love for lot of conflicts about this, but I became determined to change his heart. the One they had crucified — and a subsequent need for conversion and One night we were in our bunk beds, and I was trying my best to repentance. explain to him why I loved God and why he, too, should love God. He got The two disciples of today’s Gospel passage recounted to their a bit frustrated and said, “The only way I will believe in God is if he comes companions that they — who had certainly had the opportunity to get down here and shakes my hand.” I can remember praying very hard that to know Jesus during his ministry — did not recognize him on the road night that God would do just that. to Emmaus until he broke bread with them. Their companions, later My cousin’s doubts about God were not that different from St. Thomas’ confronted with Jesus’ appearance, did not know him either until he in this Sunday’s Gospel. Thomas wanted tangible proof that Jesus really showed them his hands and feet and ate a meal before them. had risen from the dead. That desire for a physical experience of Jesus as All this is to say that even well-meaning, religious people who think a requirement for belief is very common. As the saying goes, “Seeing is they know Jesus don’t always recognize him when he appears. We may believing.” know “about” him, but it is incomplete knowledge at best. Few of us have ever had God come down and shake our hand, or have The key to truly knowing Jesus, according to John’s epistle, is we? Each time we receive the Eucharist, we touch God, and each time we encounter another human being, we encounter his image. Still, for these following his commandments — and that new commandment, moments to be encounters with the living God takes some faith. This which Jesus fulfilled in his own suffering and death, is the difficult is why Jesus says, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? commandment of sacrificial love for one another. Loving one another as Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus loves us leads to a fuller, more genuine knowledge of Jesus himself. We may never have a “doubting Thomas” kind of moment, but in some When we come to know Jesus in this way — and not simply in an idea or ways not seeing and still believing has a deeper impact. a likeness of him — we can’t help but come to love him.

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: What are some encounters you have had with Jesus that have affected How has your knowledge of Jesus been incomplete? In meditating your belief? Have you ever doubted the existence of God? What was on Jesus’ sacrificial love for you, can you think of a person in your that experience like? life whom Jesus is commanding you to love in the same way? PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Nuestro Pastor Habla La Cuaresma nos llama a profundizar nuestra relación con Cristo en la oración, el ayuno, y la limosna

Hermanos y Hermanas no sólo deja de ser un obstáculo para un deseo más profundo por las obras de caridad, en Cristo, la eficacia y la dedicación al amor al ayudándonos a llegar a una comprensión más prójimo, sino que es en realidad una profunda de las necesidades de nuestros herma- Le escribo hoy desde Roma, donde me estoy fuente inagotable para ello. En su carta nos y hermanas en Cristo: preparando para participar con los obispos de para la Cuaresma de 1996, la beata Texas, Arkansas y Oklahoma, en nuestra visita escribía a sus colaboradores laicos: « Al mismo tiempo, el ayuno nos ayuda a ad limina al Santo Padre, Papa Benedicto XVI. Nosotros necesitamos esta unión íntima tomar conciencia de la situación en la Cada cinco años, aproximadamente, los obispos con Dios en nuestra vida cotidiana. Y que viven muchos de nuestros hermanos. son llamados a Roma para dar un informe a la ¿cómo podemos conseguirla? A través de En su primera carta, San Juan nos Santa Sede del estado y la vida de su diócesis, la oración ». (36) pone en guardia: “Si alguno que posee y para recibir el estímulo del Papa y la orien- bienes del mundo, ve a su hermano que tación de su ministerio episcopal. Debido a la La santa época de Cuaresma también nos está necesitado y le cierra sus entrañas, transición papal en 2005, han pasado ocho años llama a ayunar. La práctica del ayuno se remonta ¿cómo puede permanecer en él el amor desde que los obispos de los Estados Unidos han a los tiempos del Antiguo Testamento como un de Dios?” (3,17). Ayunar por voluntad participado en una visita ad limina, y esta es mi acto de arrepentimiento y vuelta al Señor como propia nos ayuda a cultivar el estilo primera visita como Obispo. Espero con interés se ve, por ejemplo, en el pueblo de Nínive, que del Buen Samaritano, que se inclina la reunión con el Santo Padre, y compartir con él respondió a los llamados del profeta Jonás al arre- y socorre al hermano que sufre (cfr. las muchas bendiciones de nuestra Diócesis, así pentimiento con actos de penitencia y ayuno. En Enc. DEUS CARITAS EST, 15). Al escoger como los desafíos, sobre todo como una de las Monseñor Kevin Vann el Nuevo Testamento, Jesús mismo oró y ayunó libremente privarnos de algo para ayudar diócesis de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados en el desierto durante 40 días antes de ser tentado que estar en el origen mismo de nuestras obras a los demás, demostramos concretamente Unidos. Las visitas ad limina son un recordatorio por Satanás y en preparación para su ministerio de caridad, ya que no podemos amar a otros que el prójimo que pasa dificultades que no somos sólo una parte de nuestra Iglesia público. La práctica del ayuno ha estado siempre como Cristo nos exige sin estar constantemente no nos es extraño. Precisamente para diocesana local, sino también parte de la Iglesia presente en la vida de la Ig lesia, pero por desgracia en oración. Sin la oración, las buenas obras se mantener viva esta actitud de acogida Universal, bajo el liderazgo del Papa como el en nuestra cultura, hoy en día, el ayuno de muchas pueden reducir a mero activismo, o se puede ser y atención hacia los hermanos, animo sucesor de Pedro, el príncipe de los apóstoles, y maneras ha perdido su significado. Por lo tanto, tentado rápidamente por el desánimo, debido a a las parroquias y demás comunidades el vicario de Cristo en la Tierra. Esta vez estar la práctica del ayuno necesita ser re-descubierta la inmensa carga de las necesidades de otros. Sin a intensificar durante la Cuaresma en Roma es una bendición particular, no sólo por muchos en la Iglesia como poderoso medio embargo, la caridad y las buenas obras, unidas la práctica del ayuno personal y para mí, sino para todos nosotros en la Diócesis, de penitencia y conversión dentro y fuera de la a la oración, se convierten en obras de Dios y comunitario, cuidando asimismo la a medida que continuamos trabajando juntos temporada de Cuaresma. se transforman, no por simple amor humano, escucha de la palabra de Dios, la oración para construir el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia, Estamos llamados a ayunar completamente sino por el amor de Cristo que vence todo: “Nos y la limosna. tanto a nivel local como universal. durante la Cuaresma porque, al privarnos de apremia el amor de Cristo” (2 Corintios 5:14). Ahora también nos encontramos en la buena comida y alimento durante un tiempo, El Papa Benedicto XVI, en su primera encíclica Finalmente, dirigimos nuestra atención a la época de Cuaresma, una temporada especial ordenamos mejor nuestras pasiones y resistimos Deus Caritas Est (Dios es amor), nos habla de llamada cuaresmal a la limosna, que es el enfoque de oración, ayuno y limosna que nos llama a las tentaciones corporales y espirituales. Como la importancia de la oración en la prédica de la particular del mensaje de Cuaresma del Santo una relación más profunda y más intima con nos enseña el Papa Benedicto XVI: enseñanza social de la Iglesia: Padre para el año 2012. Por la limosna o actos Cristo y la Iglesia. Es un momento que nos lleva de caridad, estamos llamados a dirigir nuestra a participar más profundamente del misterio La práctica fiel del ayuno contribuye, La experiencia de una inmensa necesidad atención a aquellos que están en necesidad, no pascual de Cristo por el cual morimos a nuestro además, a dar unidad a la persona, puede, por un lado, inclinarnos hacia la sólo los que están en necesidad material, sino viejo “yo” pecaminoso y resucitamos a una nueva cuerpo y alma, ayudándola a evitar ideología que pretende obtener ahora lo también a aquellos que están en necesidad vida en Cristo. En particular, la Cuaresma nos el pecado y a acrecentar la intimidad que, al parecer, no consigue el gobierno espiritual - los más pobres de los pobres. La llama a salir de nosotros mismos, no centrarse con el Señor. San Agustín, que conocía de Dios sobre el mundo: la solución limosna, sobre todo, es la llamada al corazón de t a nto en el “yo” si no en el ot ro, en los nec e sit ados bien sus propias inclinaciones negativas universal de todos los problemas; por otro la vida cristiana, la vida de caridad activa, que tanto material como espiritualmente. Este es el y las definía como “retorcidísima y lado, puede convertirse en una tentación se manifiesta más profundamente a través de la enfoque, en particular, del mensaje del Santo enredadísima complicación de nudos” a la inercia, ante la impresión de que, tradición de la Iglesia en las obras corporales y Padre para la Cuaresma de este año, recordando (CONFESIONES, II, 10.18), en su tratado en cualquier caso, no se puede hacer espirituales de misericordia. el pasaje de la carta a los Hebreos: «Fijémonos LA UTILIDAD DEL AYUNO, escribía: “Yo nada. En esta situación, el contacto vivo Sin embargo, en nuestra cultura actual, los unos en los otros para estímulo de la caridad sufro, es verdad, para que Él me perdone; con Cristo es la ayuda decisiva para parece haber cada vez más una pérdida de y las buenas obras» (Hebreos 10, 24). yo me castigo para que Él me socorra, continuar en el camino recto: ni caer en sensibilidad a los que están en necesidad. En Usando este enfoque del Santo Padre para que yo sea agradable a sus ojos, para una soberbia que desprecia al hombre una sociedad que promueve el individualismo para la temporada de Cuaresma, me gustaría gustar a su dulzura” (SERMÓN 400, 3, y en realidad nada construye, sino más y el materialismo, la situación de los pobres, los reflexionar sobre las prácticas cuaresmales de 3: PL 40, 708). Privarse del alimento bien destruye, ni ceder a la resignación, débiles, y los más vulnerables se puede perder en oración, ayuno y limosna, no sólo como medio material que nutre el cuerpo facilita la cual impediría dejarse guiar por el la intensidad de una cultura cada vez más secular. para una mayor santidad y conversión a Cristo, una disposición interior a escuchar a amor y así servir al hombre. La oración La llamada cuaresmal a la limosna para nosotros sino sobre cómo cada una de ellas en particular Cristo y a nutrirse de su palabra de se convierte en estos momentos en una como católicos es vivir y dar a conocer el gran nos llama a salir de nuestro egoísmo personal salvación. Con el ayuno y la oración le exigencia muy concreta, como medio regalo y tesoro de la enseñanza social católica, para centrarnos en el otro, ayudándonos a crecer permitimos que venga a saciar el hambre para recibir constantemente fuerzas de según nos anima el Santo Padre: «Fijémonos los en obras de caridad. más profunda que experimentamos en lo Cristo. Quien reza no desperdicia su unos en los otros para estímulo de la caridad y En primer lugar, sin duda la Cuaresma íntimo de nuestro corazón: el hambre y tiempo, aunque todo haga pensar en las buenas obras» (Hebreos 10:24). Hoy, más nos invita a una oración más profunda, ya que la sed de Dios. una situación de emergencia y parezca que nunca, la Iglesia está comprometida en una no podemos tener una relación amorosa con —Mensaje para la Cuaresma 2009 impulsar sólo a la acción. La piedad no lucha por el significado de la vida y la dignidad Dios sin la oración. La oración y la vida cris- escatima la lucha contra la pobreza o El Santo Padre nos dice también que el de la persona humana. Como el Beato Papa Juan tiana son inseparables: esta no sólo nos ayuda la miseria del prójimo. La beata Teresa ayuno, en una forma única a través de nuestro Pablo II tantas veces proclamaba, el hombre es a amar verdaderamente a Dios, sino también de Calcuta es un ejemplo evidente que acto de abnegación, abre nuestros ojos y corazo- a nuestro prójimo. De hecho, la oración tiene el tiempo dedicado a Dios en la oración nes a las necesidades de los demás y nos llama a CONTINUADA A LA DERECHA NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 29 Ad Limina El Obispo Kevin Vann y otros obispos de la región X expresan su unidad con Roma Visitas al Vaticano llamadas Ad limina dan ocasión de crecimiento en la unidad, dice arzobispo de San Antonio, Gustavo Garcia-Siller

Por Cindy Wooden apostolorum — expresión latina traducida como Catholic News Service “peregrinación a los sepulcros de San Pedro y San Pablo en Roma” — quienes fueron martirizados CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Las allí. En la visita se incluye una reunión con visitas al Vaticano llamadas Ad limina son el Papa y con dignatarios del Vaticano para ocasión para los obispos de confirmar y aumentar compartir información y preocupaciones; no la unión mutua y recíproca entre ellos y con el obstante, todas las actividades giran alrededor Papa Benedicto XVI, a fin de dar testimonio de la Misa y momentos de oración. más eficaz del Evangelio, dijo el arzobispo de Durante la homilía de la Misa en San Pedro, San Antonio. el arzobispo García-Siller extrajo lecciones de En la misión de evangelización, “nuestra la lectura del Evangelio en el pasaje en el que unión es imperativa”, les dijo el arzobispo Jesús le dice a la multitud: “Todo reino dividido Gustavo García-Siller a los obispos de Texas contra sí mismo será asolado”. (incluyendo el obispo de Fort Worth, Kevin El arzobispo les dijo a sus compañeros Vann), Oklahoma y Arkansas durante su homilía obispos: “En el ambiente sobrecargado en el que del 15 de marzo, cuando los obispos empezaban ejercemos nuestro ministerio hoy en día, hermanos su visita ad limina con la celebración de una míos, no permitamos que otros nos dividan, ni Misa en la Basílica de San Pedro. que nos pongan a unos en contra de otros”. Este tipo de visita a Roma, requerida “Aquí, en la Ciudad Eterna, renovemos en lapsos regulares de tiempo, que hacen los nuestro voto de caridad unos con otros y con El Papa Benedicto XVI saluda al Obispo Kevin Vann de Fort Worth, durante una reunión en el Vaticano el 16 de marzo. Obispos de jefes de cada diócesis del mundo,, se conocen el colegio completo de obispos bajo la dirección Texas, Oklahoma y Arkansas estaban haciendo sus visitas de ad lamina al Vaticano, para reportar sobre el estatus de sus diócesis. formalmente con el nombre de ad limina del sucesor de Pedro, el Papa Benedicto”, dijo. (Foto CNS/L’Osservatore Romano)

En el Vaticano, el Papa Benedicto XVI saluda a los obispos de Texas el 16 de marzo durante sus visitas de ad lamina. Sentados a la derecha están: el Obispo Patrick J. Zurek de Amarillo; Kevin W. Vann de Forth Worth; James A. Tamayo de Laredo; Placido Rodríguez de Lubbock; y Michael D. Pfeifer de San Angelo. Sentados a la izquierda están: el obispo auxiliar J. Douglas Deshotel de El arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller de San Antonio da el sermón durante la Misa concelebrada el 15 de marzo por obispos de Texas, Dallas; el obispo auxiliar Mark J. Seitz de Dallas; el obispo Kevin J. Farrell de Dallas; el obispo auxiliar Oscar Cantú de San Antonio; y Oklahoma y Arkansas, en el altar de la tumba en la cripta de la Basílica de San Pedro, en el Vaticano, como parte de las visitas de el Arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller de San Antonio. (Foto CNS /L’Osservatore Romano) ad limina de los obispos al Vaticano, para reportar el estatus de sus diócesis. (Foto CNS/Paul Haring)

el ca mino de la Iglesia, la Iglesia ex iste a los carismas superiores y a una dinámica de crecimiento se sitúa Por lo tanto, que esta época poder celebrar con ustedes la alegría para defender y promover la dignidad caridad cada vez más alta y nuestra exhortación a animarnos santa de la Cuaresma, a través de la de la Pascua. de c a d a p er s on a , y p a r a a nu nc i a r a to do fecunda (CF. 1 CO 12,31-13,13). recíprocamente para alcanzar la oración, el ayuno y la limosna, abra el mundo que la humanidad es amada La atención recíproca tiene como plenitud del amor y de las buenas nuestros ojos y corazones a nuestros por Dios! La Iglesia da testimonio de la finalidad animarse mutuamente a obras…. Ante un mundo que exige hermanos y hermanas en Cristo que + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD verdad , y ésta es más explícita a través un amor efectivo cada vez mayor, de los cristianos un testimonio están en necesidad, y nos permita Diocesis de Fort Worth de sus obras de caridad, cuando cada «como la luz del alba, que va en renovado de amor y fidelidad convertirnos en instrumentos del miembro de la Iglesia verdaderamente aumento hasta llegar a pleno día» al Señor, todos han de sentir la amor del Señor y de la misericordia se pre oc upa por el ot ro y e st á a n i m ado (Pr 4,18), en espera de vivir el urgencia de ponerse a competir en a los que necesitan esperanza, a por el amor de Cristo. Como el Santo día sin ocaso en Dios. El tiempo la caridad, en el servicio y en las aquellos que necesitan saber que Padre nos exhorta: que se nos ha dado en nuestra buenas obras (CF. HB 6,10). Esta son amados, y aquellos que buscan vida es precioso para descubrir y llamada es especialmente intensa el verdadero significado de la vida Esta expresión de la CARTA A LOS realizar buenas obras en el amor en el tiempo santo de preparación humana, que sólo puede ser cum- HEBREOS (10, 24) nos lleva a de Dios. Así la Iglesia misma crece para la Pascua. plido en Cristo. considerar la llamada universal a y se desarrolla para llegar a la —Mensaje para la Cuaresma Usted y sus familias permane- la santidad, el camino constante madurez de la plenitud de Cristo 2012 cen en mis oraciones durante esta en la vida espiritual, a aspirar (CF. EF 4,13). En esta perspectiva época santa de Cuaresma y espero PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 Obispos ‘unificados, enfocados’ se comprometen a continuar defensa de la libertad religiosa Por Nancy Frazier O’Brien se han parado firmes con nosotros demócrata, conservador ni liberal; es casas de culto y nuestros excelentes mi- resumen de la gama actual de amena- Catholic News Service en nuestra vigorosa oposición a este un asunto estadounidense”, añaden nisterios de servicio a nuestros vecinos, zas contra este principio fundamental WASHINGTON (CNS) — Decla- injusto mandato legal”, refiriéndose los obispos. es decir, a los pobres, los desamparados, y declara claramente la determinación rándose “fuertemente unificados e al mandato del Departamento de sa- Tampoco se trata el asunto de los enfermos, los estudiantes en nuestras de los obispos para actuar fuertemente, intensamente enfocados”, los más lud y servicios humanos (HHS) a casi a c c e s o a a nt ic onc ep c ión n i de “ lo s obi s - escuelas y universidades y otros en en concierto con nuestros compañeros altos obispos católicos de la nación todos los patronos, obligándolos a pos ‘prohibiendo la anticoncepción’ de necesidad, de cualquier comunidad ciudadanos, en su defensa”. prometieron continuar su defensa proveer a sus empleados cobertura alguna manera, cuando el Tribunal de fe o de ninguna”. Los obispos cierran su decla- multipuntal de la libertad religiosa de anticonceptivos y esterilización a Supremo removió ese asunto de la Tal definición crea “una segunda ración haciendo un llamado a todos en los tribunales, en el Congreso y través de los planes de seguro médico. mesa hace dos generaciones”, dicen. clase de ciudadanía dentro de nuestra los católicos y a otra gente de fe a en la Casa Blanca. “Esto no se trata de la iglesia Lo que preocupa especialmente comunidad religiosa” que podría “unírsenos en oración y penitencia La declaración de cinco páginas queriendo obligar a nadie a hacer a los obispos del mandato de anti- “propagarse por toda la ley federal de- por nuestros líderes y por la completa titulada United for Religious Free- nada; se trata en vez del gobierno conceptivos y de la estrecha exención bilitando su sana tradición de respeto protección de nuestra primera liber- dom (Unidos por la libertad religiosa) federal obligando a la iglesia, con- religiosa a éste es la “nueva definición generoso por la libertad y diversidad tad, la libertad religiosa, la cual no fue aprobada el 14 de marzo por el sistiendo de sus fieles y todas menos de quiénes somos como pueblo de fe de religión”, añaden. solamente está protegida en las leyes Comité administrativo de la conferen- unas cuantas de sus instituciones a y qué constituye nuestro ministerio”, Los obispos dicen que su Comité y costumbres de nuestra gran nación, cia estadounidense de obispos católicos actuar en contra de las enseñanzas dice la declaración. ad hoc para la libertad religiosa planea sino que también está enraizada en las (USCCB), compuesto por oficiales eclesiásticas”, dijeron. “Esta no es una “El gobierno no tiene derecho publicar una declaración sobre la liber- enseñanzas de nuestra gran tradición”. y directores de comités y un obispo lucha que queremos ni pedimos, sino a definir la religión ni el ministerio tad religiosa, la cual “tratará la amplia “La oración es la más alta fuente electo por cada una de las regiones una impuesta sobre nosotros por el religioso”, dicen los obispos. De ese g a m a de a su nto s de l a l ib er t a d re l i g io s a”. de nuestra fortaleza, ya que sin Dios geográficas de las USCCB. gobierno a su propio tiempo”. modo el HHS crea y aplica una nueva El documento venidero “reflexiona no podemos hacer nada; pero con Los obispos abren su declara- El debate acerca del mandato distinción, ajena a nuestra tradición sobre la historia de la libertad religiosa Dios todas las cosas son posibles”, ción agradeciendo a “todos los que de anticonceptivos “no es un asunto católica y a la ley federal, entre nuestras en nuestra gran nación, haciendo un añadieron.

apartarse del patrimonio sagrado de ¡La Iglesia camina hacia el Año de la Fe! la verdad recibida de los Padres.... Es decir, el CONSEJO ECUMÉNICO XXI desea transmitir la doctrina Acción de Gracias por dádivas del Espíritu Santo pura e íntegra, sin atenuaciones ni deformaciones… Pero al mismo El 1⁰ de marzo, en el Día de podemos llamar a Dios con el nombre en la solemnidad de Jesucristo, Rey del Concilio Vaticano II. Junto con este tiempo que jamás debe mirar al Communio, reunión de líderes de de Padre, y se concluye con el paso de del Universo, el 24 de noviembre de aniversario también celebraremos el presente, a las nuevas condiciones y toda la Diócesis de Fort Worth, la muerte a la vida eterna, fruto de la 2013. En la fecha del 11 de octubre de vigésimo aniversario de la publicación nuevas formas de vida introducidas pudimos escuchar las presentaciones resurrección del Señor Jesús que, con 2012, se celebrarán también los veinte del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica. en el mundo moderno.... La esencia del teólogo Chris Carstens sobre el don del Espíritu Santo, ha querido años de la publicación del Catecismo Como si esto fuera poco, durante de la antigua doctrina de depósito de una conmemoración anunciada por unir en su misma gloria a cuantos de la Iglesia Católica, promulgado por la celebración de este Año de la fe se la fe es una cosa, y la forma en que se el Papa, que comenzará en octubre. creen en él (cf. Jn 17, 22). Profesar mi Predecesor, el beato Papa Juan estará efectuando en el Vaticano un presenta es otra. Y es el último que debe He aqu í u n se g mento de l a C a r t a la fe en la Trinidad –Padre, Hijo y Pablo II, con la intención de ilustrar Sínodo de Obispos. Un sínodo es una ser tenido en gran consideración”. Espíritu Santo – equivale a creer en a todos los fieles la fuerza y belleza de reunión de obispos y especialistas para Apostólica Porta Fidei (Puerta de la Fe), El énfasis de nuestro presentador un solo Dios que es amor (cf. 1 Jn 4, la fe... Y precisamente he convocado estudiar y discutir sobre algún tema del Papa Benedicto XVI, donde nos fue el modo adecuado de interpretar 8): el Padre, que en la plenitud de los la Asamblea General del Sínodo de específico. El tema seleccionado por el habla de esta celebración tan especial… las enseñanzas del concilio, siempre tiempos envió a su Hijo para nuestra los Obispos, en el mes de octubre Papa es, la Nueva evangelización para la «La puerta de la fe» (cf. Hch 14, a la luz de los veinte siglos anteriores salvación; Jesucristo, que en el misterio de 2012, sobre el tema de la Nueva transmisión de la fe cristiana. 27), que nos introduce en la vida al concilio. Los errores más comunes de su muerte y resurrección redimió evangelización para la transmisión de A partir del 11 de octubre de de comunión con Dios y permite la de interpretar sus documentos al mundo; el Espíritu Santo, que guía la fe cristiana. Será una buena ocasión este año 2012, a menos de siete meses entrada en su Iglesia, está siempre son cuando algunos, de manera a la Iglesia a través de los siglos en la p a r a i nt ro duc i r a to do e l c uer p o e c le si a l de la publicación de este articulo, el abierta para nosotros. Se cruza ese equivocada, quisieran interpretar espera del retorno glorioso del Señor… en un tiempo de especial reflexión y Santo Padre nos esta pidiendo que umbral cuando la Palabra de Dios se sus documentos solo a la luz de lo A la luz de todo esto, he decidido redescubrimiento de la fe. lo acompañemos en reflexionar, anuncia y el corazón se deja plasmar por que se vive actualmente en nuestra convocar un Año de la fe. Comenzará Resumiendo, tenemos tres eventos estudiar y dar gracias por estos hechos la gracia que transforma. Atravesar esa situación contemporánea. el 11 de octubre de 2012, en el que el Santo Padre nos invita a celebrar. históricos y reconocer como es que en puerta supone emprender un camino Este es el verdadero proceso cincuenta aniversario de la apertura Comenzaremos, e vamos a enfatizar, cada uno de ellos el Espíritu Santo que dura toda la vida. Éste empieza con de discernimiento de Espíritu. El del Concilio Vaticano II, y terminará el cincuenta aniversario de la apertura ha estado guiando a la Iglesia en su el bautismo (cf. Rm 6, 4), con el que Espíritu Santo no se contradice y, por caminar por la puerta de la fe. lo tanto, su adecuada interpretación En lo referente al Concilio Vaticano exige saber lo que ha dicho en el Segundo, el Papa Juan XXIII, en su pasado, y ver sus enseñanzas como discurso de apertura del 11 de octubre un desarrollo y continuidad con el de 1962, nos señaló algunas ideas claves pasado. Preparémonos para un Año sobre su visión del Concilio: de fe donde le demos gracias a Dios La mayor preocupación del CONCILIO por los hermosos dones del Concilio, el ECUMÉNICO es la siguiente: Que Catecismo y el Sínodo sobre la Nueva el sagrado depósito de la doctrina evangelización, todos ellos signos vivos cristiana sea custodiado y enseñado de la acción amorosa del Espíritu más eficazmente”…. es necesario Santo en la Iglesia Católica que nos en primer lugar que la Iglesia no debe esta llevando por la puerta de la fe.

Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima sexual: (817) 560-2452, de conducta sexual inapropiada por parte Ext. 900 de cualquier persona que trabaje para la ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: iglesia, sea voluntario, empleado, o miembro (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por el del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes canciller/moderador de la curia, el padre maneras: Stephen Berg. ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de Mecanismo para reportar abuso asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) 560- Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Ser- 2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico vicios de protección (Servicios de protección a [email protected] de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400. ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 31 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region April Dates 6 21 11-13 GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 1 OF 4) RACHEL’S VINEYARD WEEKEND RETREAT 10 a.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For infor- 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- A weekend retreat for healing following an abortion. For information, con- mation, contact the Offi ce of Worship at (817) 560-2452, ext. 302. mation, call (214) 331-6224. tact Betsy Kopor at (817) 923-4757. All information is kept confi dential. 27TH ANNUAL GOOD FRIDAY ROSARY VIGIL FOR LIFE 28 12 1 to 2:30 p.m. - Planned Parenthood, 301 South Henderson, Fort Worth. For COME AND SEE VOCATION RETREAT WITH SISTERS OF THE HOLY RESPECT LIFE PARISH COORDINATORS’ QUARTERLY MEETING information, contact Chuck Pelletier at (817) 738-1086 or mubcare@gmail. FAMILY OF NAZARETH 10 to 11:30 a.m. - The Catholic Center, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort com, or Chanacee Ruth-Killgore at (817) 560-2452 ext. 257 or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent of the Sisters of the Worth. For information, contact Chanacee Ruth-Killgore at (817) 560-2452 [email protected]. Holy Family of Nazareth, 1815 Egyptian Way, Grand Prairie. For information ext. 257. 12 and to register, contact Sister Mary Paul Haase at (972) 642-5191. 17 DIVORCE AND BEYOND DCCW QUARTERLY LUNCHEON MEETING 7 to 9 p.m. - St. Andrew Parish, 3312 Dryden Rd., Fort Worth. For informa- 9:30 am. - St. Jude Parish, 500 E. Dallas, Mansfi eld. For information, contact tion and to register for this eight-week program, contact Alice Curran at May Dates Kathy Thome at (817) 236-8518. (817) 927-5383 or e-mail [email protected]. 19 13-15 4-5 MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BREAKFAST ST. MARK’S ‘FUND’ FESTIVAL YOUTH 2000 RETREAT 9 a.m. to noon - Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121, Lewisville. For Friday, 6:30 to 10 p.m. adults only dinner; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. family 6 p.m. Friday to 12:30 p.m. Sunday - Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 information, contact Nanci Ferri at (817)498-7980. Bridge St., Fort Worth. For information, visit the diocesan website at www. festival - St. Mark Church, 2800 Pennsylvania, Denton. For information, fwdioc.org and click on Youth Ministry, or contact Josie Castillo at (817) e-mail [email protected] or visit the parish website at www. 560-2452 ext. 255 or by e-mail at [email protected]. stmarkdenton.org, or contact the parish offi ce at (940) 387-6223. 23 WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 2 OF 4) 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- 14 5 mation, call (214) 331-6224. GROWING IN LOVE: A MARRIAGE RETREAT CALIX SUPPORT GROUP 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 2016 Willis Ln., Keller. For 10 a.m. - A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and information, contact Carol Smith at [email protected]. those struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, 26 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon Joe WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 2 OF 4) Milligan at (817) 431-5369.. 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- 15-18 mation, call (214) 331-6224. DIVINE MERCY MISSION WITH FATHER JOHN HAMPSCH, CMF Sunday through Wednesday, 7 p.m. each night - St. Paul the Apostle 6 Church, 5508 Black Oak Ln., River Oaks. For information, call (817) 738-9925. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PRO-LIFE CHARITY DISC GOLF PICNIC 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Turner Park, 699 SE 8th St. (N. Beltline), Grand Prairie. For information, visit the diocesan website calendar page at www.fwdioc. org, or contact Dan Norman at (817) 419-8227. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL’S WOMEN’S GUILD 2012 LADIES TEA Would Jose Armando Romero 1 p.m. - St. Vincent de Paul Church, 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Arlington. For information, contact Pearl Armstrong at (817) 991-7180 or pearlarm@ 8 please contact Meg Hogan at sbcglobal.net or Jane Hurley at (817) 689-9812 or [email protected]. AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS MEMBERSHIP (817) 560-3300 ext. 200? LUNCHEON 18 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Rolling Hills Country Club, 401 E. Lamar, Arlington. For WORKSHOP - ‘LUMEN GENTIUM’ (PART 1 OF 4) information and reservations, contact Sandy Fallon at (817) 893-0083. 10 a.m. to noon - Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas. For infor- mation, call (214) 331-6224. Divine Mercy Sunday — April 15 Classifieds St. Peter Church, 424 W. Main St., Lindsay Th is service does not include Mass. Confessions will be heard from 2 to Parish Secretary 2:45 p.m. A special Blessed Image of Jesus Th e Lord of Divine Mercy and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Wichita Falls, a First Class relic (piece St. Faustina’s bone), will be present for veneration. parish of over 1,200 families, is looking for a full-time Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Benediction will also occur. youth minister to develop, coordinate and implement Novenas may be obtained at St. Peter with instructions on the Chaplet of a holistic youth ministry. Degree in religious Divine Mercy. For more information or ways to obtain novenas call Linda, education or certifi cate in youth ministry with at (940) 759-2870. some experience preferred. Candidate must exercise personal initiative, the ability to work in collaboration St. Mark Church, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., Denton with other staff and youth ministry team, and A celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy, will be held in the main worship possess excellent organizational skills. Candidate space. A family teaching hour will precede a Eucharistic Holy Hour. Th e must be a prayerful, practicing Catholic, who works Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will serve as Honor Guard for the image well with parents, has a genuine love for teens, and of Divine Mercy. For more information, call (940) 387-6223. possesses excellent relational and communication skills. Application deadline is May 31. Send résumé St. Maria Goretti, 1200 S. Davis Dr., Arlington to Fr. Sojan George, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Th ere will be a Novena of Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday, April 4040 York St., Wichita Falls, Texas 76309, or to 6, following the noon Stations of the Cross, followed by the second day at [email protected]. 8 a.m. Holy Saturday. Th ere will be no public Novena on Easter Sunday. General Construction Services From April 9-14, the Novena will follow the 8 a.m. Mass. On Divine Mercy General construction work/repairs inside and out includ- Sunday, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration after the 1 p.m. ing topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, Mass until 3 p.m., followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. For concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. Custom mowing more information, call (817) 274-0643. lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2012 PAGE 32 Good Newsmaker In new book, Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN, describes A Little Good accomplished by the Sisters of St. Mary since their arrival in Texas

By Kathy Cribari Hamer / Correspondent hose who have followed, admired, or been instructed by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur recognize and appreciate their ingenuity,T strength, and determination. A new book, A Little Good, by Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN, brings to life the story of the Sisters of St. Mary, giving the narrative tone, depth, and dimension. The book is based on archival records as well as the sisters’ journals, so it has all the history, but is highlighted by the sisters’ thoughts and words at each stage of their development. ABOVE: Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN, poses “I like to tell stories,” says the author, who was an for a picture during her 65th Jubilee at St. Andrew Church in Fort Worth in 2007. Sr. St. English major (Catholic University of America) with John recently wrote a book about the history a master’s degree in theology (University of Notre of the sisters’ work in Texas. (PHOTO BY KATHY CRIBARI HAMER / NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC) Dame), “and so I was telling some of the sisters the LEFT: The cover of the book, A LITTLE GOOD, by Sr. story of Sister Augusta who had come from France, St. John. On the cover is a photo of Sister Mary and then Sister Agnes. I had been so impressed with Angela, who brought the sisters to Texas at the request of the Bishop of Galveston, who was them, and I thought: they are typical of the people we acquainted with her sister and brother-in-law, the mayor of Corpus Christi. (PHOTO COURTESY OF were born of.” Both sisters are profiled in the book. SSMN WESTERN PROVINCE ARCHIVES)

The SSMN community was the middle of the Civil War. founded by Father Nicholas Joseph Divine guidance was clear, Sr. Book Signing Minsart in Namur, Belgium, in St. John writes. 2-4 p.m. March 31 1819 during a time when Belgium When the first four SSMN was a part of France (as a result sisters set off for America, they Our Lady of Victory Convent of the Napoleonic wars), when were motivated by the power of 909 W. Shaw St., Fort Worth religious communities were their faith. Mother Claire, their sisters to come and work in that noise, like a sinister herald, seemed forbidden. Later, in what Sr. St. first superior general, had spoken area; however, the Civil War made to announce that the ship was Sr. St. John Begnaud, SSMN, John describes as their “defiance with Belgium-born Father Pierre that impossible. Earlier Mother being dashed against the rocks.” author of newly released A LITTLE of impossibility,” four of the sisters DeSmet, a Jesuit missionary with a Claire had written: “Several of During the storm, Father GOOD: THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY IN traveled to New York in 1863 in mission in St. Louis. He requested our sisters would be very happy to Cornelius Smarius, a Capuchin TEXAS (WIPF and STOCK, 2011) will be sent to this far-off mission… friar who accompanied the sisters comment on her research into It seems to them they could work on the voyage, bade them pray the early years of the Sisters of Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. more profitably for the Glory of the Memorare and Rosary, later St. Mary in Texas. From humble God and the good of souls in an warning them, “Sisters, prepare for beginnings in 1873, in less than American city rather than in a death.” 40 years, they grew schools in Belgian one.” They did not die, however. Waco, Corsicana, Ennis, Denison, Leading the first three sisters Instead a ferry and a train brought Sherman, Wichita Falls, Fort was Mother Emilie Kemen, who, them to their Lockport, New Worth, and Dallas. with the others sailed, through York destination, where they “indescribable terror.” found both home and school Also featured at the Book Signing “No one expected another were to be located in four small will be SSMN Associate Dr. Sherrie storm, but it came…” a journal rooms, shared with the pastor. He Reynolds, whose book, The ARMS OF read, “tossing monstrous, frequently ran up and down the GOD: THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF NAMUR, billowing waves mountain high, stairs, chanting psalms “in a fine WESTERN PROVINCE (WIPF and STOCK, seemingly ready to engulf the ship. 2011) was released last spring. A terrifying, grinding deafening SEE A LITTLE GOOD, P. 25