SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 1 Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 34, Number 12 * June 10, 2007 Emily’s List New Parish Ministry Democrats Question Abortion Alliance By Ray Dyer Sooner Catholic

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma pro-life Democrats are questioning why the state Democratic Party partnered with an organization considered one of the most radical pro-abortion groups in the nation to host a training seminar for female political candidates. On its Web site, Emily’s List bills itself as “the nation’s largest grassroots political network … dedicated to building a progressive America by electing pro-choice Democratic women to federal, state and local office.” A letter posted on the Web site of the Oklahoma Democratic Party invited pro-choice “Democratic Archbishop Beltran cuts the ribbon officially opening Saint Katharine Drexel Retirement Center in El Reno. The retirement center is women in Oklahoma” to participate a ministry of Sacred Heart Parish, El Reno, and is sponsored by the archdiocese. Assisting the archbishop are parishioners Judy in the June 8-9 training with repre- Flaherty and David Eaton and Sacred Heart pastor, Father Francis Nguyen. Stories and photos Pages 10-11. Sooner Catholic sentatives from Emily’s List. The Photo/Ray Dyer training seminar was to be held at the Omniplex in Oklahoma City. Rep. Richard Morrissette, D- Oklahoma City, and a Catholic, said Foster Parents Encourage Other he does not agree with his party’s decision to host this training seminar. Catholics to Experience the Joy “The Democratic Party is in By Connie Blaney After hearing his sales pitch, I jokingly It began with a devout love for each flux,” Morrissette said. “I’m a pro- Catholic Charities life Catholic. I totally disagree with told him I would buy the little Volks- other and an open mind about their their stand (Emily’s List) and I will She always planned to have a big wagen if he would take me to dinner. future and their family. be nowhere near it (the seminar).” family. Little did Ray Merchant know To my surprise, he took me up on it!” It Standing next to a wall full of Morrissette added, “I do, however, that years ago, young and divorced didn’t take them long to realize they family photos in their living room, respect their right to gather.” with two children, that it would ever were meant for each other. The couple Ray shares stories about her 11 Unabashed pro-life supporter become a reality. She recalls the day was married in December 1974. children (eight who are adopted), Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D- that her life changed forever. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Merchant’s 10 grandchildren and 160 foster Oklahoma City, and also a Catholic, “Needing a car, I met my future journey through life has been the road children. continued on page 3 husband, Walter, at the car dealership. less traveled by most married couples. continued on page 4 Inside Catholics Help Heritage Room Bring Word of Makes Nice God to Young Summer Offenders Trip 5 20 SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 2

2 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007

Profiting From Death Sooner Catholic Planned Parenthood Exploits Minors Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran The grisly, appalling and as well as laws which release Archbishop of Oklahoma City yet everyday activities of anonymous records of underage Publisher Planned Parenthood, the abortions. nation’s largest supplier of So, what’s really going on Ray Dyer abortion and birth control, here? When you cut through all Editor are well known. Not only did the doublespeak of their mission this “nonprofit” receive $272 to “help women,” the actions of Sean Dyer million of American taxpayer Planned Parenthood speak for Manager money in 2005, a figure that themselves. The organization doesn’t even include state and seems willing to make a profit Cara Koenig local funding of Planned at any cost, even from the Parenthood affiliates, but desperation and emotional Layout/Design/ uses their clinics to kill turmoil of minors facing crisis Photographer innocent children in the pregnancies. womb, inflicting lasting It is far past time to Mauro Yanez emotional and sometimes heighten awareness of the nasty Hispanic Editor physical harm on countless truth about Planned Parenthood, women. However, the to increase attention to their Eileen Dugan organization is also earning a deplorable “business” practices, Staff Writer reputation for the shameless and to promote investigations practice of covering up cases into these clinics. California and Geraldine Hardin of statutory rape and child other states are leading the way Office sexual abuse. in taking a fresh look at how Just last month, several statutory rape and child abuse new cases came to light. laws might be improved and 7501 Northwest Expressway Undercover UCLA journalism more readily enforced. In many Oklahoma City, OK 73132 student Lila Rose posed as a states, statutory rape is not even (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 pregnant minor and entered a defined as “child abuse,” and e-mail: [email protected] Planned Parenthood clinic in Santa Life Issues Forum therefore, failure to report such cases Mailing Address Monica, Calif., with her “23-year-old carries lighter penalties. P.O. Box 32180 boyfriend.” She recorded the entire By Mary E. Jaminet Let us work and pray for Oklahoma City, OK 73123 exchange with a clinic staffer who increased efforts to bring more of said she could lie about her birth sexual abuse if they had reported her those who prey on and sexually Visit us online through the year to avoid reporting a case of father’s actions to police. abuse children to justice, and that Archdiocesan Web Page at statutory rape. Failure to report possible cases of abortion profiteers would face heftier www.catharchdioceseokc.org. In Ohio, attorney Brian Hurley is statutory rape allows Planned consequences for protecting representing two teens in separate Parenthood clinics to make more predators. Our nation should not be The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is lawsuits against a Planned money through sales of abortions and willing to tolerate the high cost of published biweekly except for once in July Parenthood clinic in suburban birth control, and to circumvent inflicting such pain and harm to and twice in December by the Archdiocese Cincinnati. One teen was taken in parental notification and consent children, both born and unborn. of Oklahoma City. for an abortion by her soccer coach, laws, even at the cost of the the alleged abuser; the other teen innocence and safety of children at Mary Jaminet is Special Project The newspaper is not responsible for says she was a victim of incest, and the mercy of sexual predators. It is Coordinator at the Secretariat for unsolicited material. that Planned Parenthood could no wonder that Planned Parenthood Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of have prevented another 18 months of opposes parental involvement laws, Catholic Bishops. Copyright © 2006 Sooner Catholic

Subscription rate: $20 per year for all who are not members of the Clarification on Pro-Life Vote Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The statement in the May 27 issue after the normal deadline), Catholic This unusual procedure was necessary Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma of the Sooner Catholic that Rep. Democrat Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del in order to overcome the governor’s City, OK 73125. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, City, voted for the pro-life motion. veto of the original pro-life bill, SB POSTMASTER: Send address changes “was the only Catholic Democrat in Rep. Inman also voted for the second 714. to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box the House of Representatives to pro-life suspension of the rules motion Catholic Democrat Rep. Jeannie 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. support SB 139” requires clarification. (to allow the insertion of the pro-life McDaniel opposed pro-life SB 139 While that statement is correct with language into SB 139). Both of these throughout the process; also opposing regard to the question of who support- motions prevailed by the bare the pro-life bill were Catholic ed the pro-life bill brought to the minimum 68 votes that were required. Democrat Sens. Joe Sweeden and House floor for consideration in the Rep. Inman then voted pro-life on final Andrew Rice. All Catholic Republicans first place, it is not correct with regard passage. supported the pro-life bill and to votes that actually occurred on Catholic Democrat Reps. Richard supported all of the related motions the floor once the bill was, in fact, Morrissette and John Carey voted for — Rep. Rob Johnson and Rep. David brought up for action. final passage of SB 139, but neither Dank, and Sen. Mike Johnson. Tony Lauinger, state chairman of supported the absolutely essential Sooner Catholic editor Ray Dyer, The Sooner Catholic is Oklahomans For Life, said when the pro-life motions to suspend the rules wishes to apologize for any confusion supported through the motion was made to suspend the rules to allow consideration of the pro-life the earlier article may have caused. Archdiocesan Development Fund (to allow consideration of the bill bill in the first place, Lauinger said. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 3

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 3

‘We Need to Fight Against This Law’ Anti-Immigration Bill Raises Ire at Gathering By Ray Dyer The Sooner Catholic

OKLAHOMA CITY — Stan McKay sat before about 125 people inside the Saint Charles Borromeo gymnasium and summed up his feelings about HB 1804. The legislation was signed into law on May 8 by Gov. Brad Henry. It is hailed by some as the most sweeping immigration reform measure in the nation. To McKay and the others inside the gym, it’s anything but reform. “We don’t have the time or the luxury to point fingers or to blame people about this law,” McKay said. “But we need to fight against this law.” Hosted by the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the May 29 gathering at Saint Charles was designed to educate the public about HB 1804. The mostly Hispanic audience peppered the panel with questions. The panel included McKay, an immigration attorney, as well as Shirley Sister Maria and Sister Carmen attended the gather- Cox, an attorney, and Giovanne Perry, also an ing on immigration. Sooner Catholic Photo immigration attorney. All three are former workers with Catholic Charities. Others on the panel were Cox said. “Make them go and get a search warrant.” Juanita Sykes, Ed Romo, Arthur Valdez and Ray McKay credited Cox with working to help make Madrid. a “harsh law a little less harsh.” Questions were answered in English and One aspect of the law deals with the transporta- Spanish. Many of the questions dealt with what role tion of undocumented persons, or illegal aliens. Jesus Vasquez and his son, Jesus Vasquez, smile for the law enforcement will play in the immigration reform McKay, Cox and Perry agreed the law is not in- camera before the gathering at Saint Charles. law. tended to target churches or charitable organiza- One audience member, speaking in Spanish, Shirley Cox, an attorney, told the audience they tions. They said the law is aimed at those who asked “What is a sweat shop?” should never open the door to their home to immi- transport people for money, such as the “coyotes” McKay said the new law is broken only if a gration officials. She said a search warrant is who smuggle people into the United States for large person “knowingly and willingly” transports un- necessary to enter a home, unless the residents sums of cash. Others targeted by the law are those documented persons. To that Cox said, “It’s a willingly open the door.“Never open your front door,” who operate “sweat shops.” situation of don’t ask, don’t tell.” List

continued from page 1 Boren believes the Democratic Party must offer a “bigger tent” and should was outraged by her party’s alliance “I have been a Democrat all my life. I love my not align itself with groups that have a with Emily’s List. A few weeks earlier, party. But I can only say plainly that if the “narrow view” such as that promoted Hamilton and Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, by Emily’s List. Boren’s main concern D-Durant, came within 50 votes of Democratic Party does not want to be known as is that Emily’s List recruits only being censured by their party for their the party of abortion, it needs to stop attacking female candidates. pro-life efforts in the Legislature. The Tony Lauinger, state chairman of vote to censure occurred at a state its own members for being pro-life and stop Oklahomans for Life Inc., predicts the Democratic convention. promoting pro-choice candidate recruitment alliance with Emily’s List will cause “Pro-life Democrats have been great harm to the Democratic Party in subjected to constant attacks and activities as part of its official party structure.” the state. character assassination from other “It’s ironic that no less an Democrats for the past two years,” authority than Democratic National Hamilton said. “Even though I was needs to stop attacking its own beliefs. The message in all this seems Chairman Howard Dean urged the the primary target of these attacks, I members for being pro-life and stop pretty clear-cut to me.” delegates to the Oklahoma have consistently defended the party. I promoting pro-choice candidate re- U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma’s Democratic Party Convention on May have insisted at every turn that these cruitment activities as part of its only Democratic member of Congress, 19 to ‘reach out to evangelical attacks were the work of a few, official party structure. is well aware of Emily’s List. The Christians’ — and the response of the extreme pro-abortion activists within “To top it off, the state party put organization pumped a reported Oklahoma Democratic Party is to the party and did not represent the this pro-choice organization with a $500,000 into his primary opponent’s sponsor a candidate training seminar Democratic Party of Oklahoma. clear-cut statement that they want to unsuccessful run against him. by a radical pro-abortion group,” “I have been a Democrat all my elect more pro-choice people to office Cole Perryman, press secretary for Lauinger said. “The state party leader- life,” Hamilton said. “I love my party. on their official Web site. They did this Boren, said the congressman does ship appears intent on driving pro- But I can only say plainly that if the at the same time that the party was not believe bringing Emily’s List to life Democrats out of the party and Democratic Party does not want to be voting to reprimand Senator Gumm Oklahoma is healthy for the state making the Democratic Party the known as the party of abortion, it and me for acting on our pro-life Democratic Party. Perryman said minority party in Oklahoma.” SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 4

4 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 The Children of Oklahoma Oklahoma’s Foster State Has 12,000 Children in Foster Care, DHS Seeks Loving, Care Program to Caring Adults to Provide Home Life for Youngsters in Need See Changes By Eileen Dugan By Eileen Dugan they take care of foster children just like regular parents The Sooner Catholic The Sooner Catholic would.” OKLAHOMA CITY — The OKLAHOMA CITY — In Oklahoma more than 12,000 Foster parents feed their foster children, help them with their homework, play ball with them and take them to Oklahoma foster care system is children are in foster care at any one time. Another 100 currently in flux, in the process of children are housed in shelters, waiting for foster parents. church just like ordinary parents. “The only difference is that foster parents are not allowed to discipline their foster changing into a new model to be known All these children have been removed from their homes as “Bridge Foster Parents.” In the past, because their families are in crisis and are unable to provide children with physical force. Most children in foster care have been removed from their homes because of physical the Department of Human Services for their well-being. The Oklahoma Department of Human (DHS) wanted foster parents to have Services is seeking qualified and caring foster parents to abuse, and we don’t want to traumatize them any more than they already are,” Carpenter said. little or no contact with the biological give these unplaced children a good home. parents. The Bridge Program changes Mark Carpenter and Rita Williams are foster care The Department of Human Services agrees that all children need discipline; it just asks that the punishments that. In the future, foster parents specialists who work in the Foster Care Division of DHS. and the biological parents will be They asked the Sooner Catholic to help publicize the need meted out to foster children be non-violent. Instead of slapping or beating these children, DHS suggests that foster encouraged to have a relationship with for good foster parents in Oklahoma. one another. “People should become foster parents because they can parents correct foster children by taking away privileges, redirecting the child’s attention or giving them a time out, “It is hoped that foster parents and make a difference in the life of a child,” Williams said. “Foster biological parents will get to know each parents are ordinary people like us. They come from all Williams explained. Taking care of any child can be an expensive proposition, other and that the biological parents walks of life. Some work; others are retired. Some have will benefit from this relationship and children of their own; others do not. But whoever they are, so the Department of Human Services makes sure that continued on page 19 become more responsible citizens in continued on page 18 Foster Parents continued from page 1 groups on being foster parents and “The Lord rewards us every day. adoption. We are a multi-cultural family. Our In her talks about adoption or children have grown up knowing how foster parenting, she is honest in to nurture, support and love each other sharing that the application process and the many foster children who have and paperwork takes time and been a part of our family over the years. patience. “You have to be willing to lay It is still a joy to be foster parents and it all out on the table about your have these children in our homes, even finances, family and life situation. if it is for just a little while,” Ray said. However, the joys are so worth any The Merchants began foster care at inconvenience you may experience. Catholic Charities in 1977. There is a sense of peace and warmth Lindsey, 22, one of the twins, said, in holding a baby in your arms and “Our parents are wonderful. They love knowing you are helping this child get us and take good care of us. It’s a home a good start in life,” Ray said. full of love.” Lindsey and her twin Catholic Charities is a licensed sister, Leigh, who are Vietnamese, child-placing agency for the Arch- were first foster children before being diocese of Oklahoma City, serving adopted by the Merchants. The central and western Oklahoma. In Merchants’ other children, ranging in addition to the Oklahoma City office, ages 43 to 7, are African American, bi- adoption services are offered at racial, Hispanic and Caucasian. Catholic Charities regional offices in The Merchants, who are members Lawton, Enid and Clinton. Sabra Ruminer, left, Catholic Charities Adoption Services coordinator, stands with of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic For information about adoption, Ray Merchant and her grandson, Miles Campbell, in front of a gallery of photos of Church, adopted several of their foster children who have been placed over the years in the Merchants home. contact Sabra Ruminer at Catholic children through Catholic Charities. Charities Adoption Services, (405) 523- Sabra Ruminer, coordinator of parents thinking about being foster phone late at night) with any problem 3012 or 1-800-375-8514. Bilingual staff Adoption Services at Catholic Charities parents,” Ray stated. “Sabra and other they may be facing. Ray also speaks to is available upon request. of Oklahoma City, commended the staff make every attempt to do what is Merchant family for their tremendous best for everyone — the baby, the birth support of the adoption program and mother and the adoptive parents. They foster parents program. “We wish we are also supportive of all their foster Volunteer Foster Parents Needed had more parents like Ray and Walter parents and help them as needed,” Ray who are willing to adopt children or be said. To Care for Infants foster parents, especially children of Ray Merchant, in addition to her Catholic Charities adoption program is seeking volunteer foster different ethnic backgrounds,” Ruminer responsibilities as mother, grand- parents to assist with newborn babies. “Fostering a newborn can be such said. Catholic Charities continues to mother, foster parent and friend of a wonderful rewarding experience,” said Sabra Ruminer, coordinator of need foster parents of babies before Catholic Charities, has been director of Adoption Services. Foster parents may be asked to take care of an infant they are placed for adoption. Foster Birth Choice on N.W. 50th Street and for only the first few weeks of the baby’s life, or up to several months. parents may care for a baby in their Rockwell Avenue for the past 26 years. The time period depends on the adoption process. “We need more foster home for a minimum of a week up to She is an advocate of pro-life and parents. We hope anyone interested in knowing more about our foster care several months. speaks to high school students and program for infants will please call us. I would love to talk more about “Catholic Charities is one of the young women on chastity and absti- foster parenting and adoption,” Ruminer said. For more information, call best agencies in its support of young nence. She also counsels pregnant Catholic Charities Adoption Services at (405) 523-3012. mothers interested in adoption, and women (sometimes answering the SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 5

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Prisons and Prayers Kairos Torch Ministry Helps Bring Incarcerated Young People Understanding Of the Merciful God Who Loves Them By Ray Dyer retreat about marriage, but wound The Sooner Catholic up helping with music at Mass for NORMAN — Imagine you are a prisoners in the county jail and one young man or woman. You’ve grown up thing led to another. Originally started in a rough neighborhood and maybe an in Florida 25 years ago, Kairos has been even rougher home. You’ve made mis- in Oklahoma since 1994. Pat Urell said takes. You find yourself in a state-run it was Archbishop Beltran who helped juvenile prison. Where do you turn? To initiate the ministry here. Kairos, Saint Thomas More parishioners, left, Bill and Pat Urell, Claire Maehs, Phil Perkins God? Why, where has He been so far in Greek for “God’s Special Time,” is a and Thomas Koszoru say they find great fulfillment in Kairos Torch ministry. Sooner Catholic Photo/Ray Dyer your young life? You’ve made it this far Christian ministry. While a number of on your own. What’s God going to do for Catholics are involved, there are many dedicated volunteers from Protestant pray. These juvenile offenders weren’t “God will continue to be in our lives.” you? taught or allowed to pray in a public For more information, contact Bill This attitude sounds fairly typical churches as well. The ministry, accord- ing to Pat Urell, doesn’t promote one school, they had to make their way to a and Pat Urell at (405) 447-1505. To to the volunteers who work in the state prison to find this freedom. contribute to Kairos Torch, the address ministry known as Kairos Torch. It’s a denomination over another. “There are no debates about theology,” said Phil “We can’t handle everything on our is Torch, 3112 Oakbrook Drive, Del City, Christian-based ministry that reaches own,” said one Kairos Torch participant. Okla. 73115. out to young people who are in- Perkins, another parishioner from carcerated and to their families. These Saint Thomas More. He said the volunteers deal with some young people ministry focuses on “what we have in who have wrapped their hearts in a common, rather than what separates What a Weekend Retreat Entails pretty tough shell. Considering what us.” By Pat Urell retreat and the reunions, to tell many have been through, who could Some could possibly frown on this, As part of the follow-up to the what they liked and did not like. blame them. But through the power of but as Bill Urell said, the idea is “to Torch Retreat for youthful offenders, One boy said, “What’s not to like?” prayer and the Grace of an all merciful bring God’s love into the institution.” a number of team members go out to They agreed that they liked the food, and loving God, often that shell can be Muslims, Jews and atheists are in- Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center skits, music and sharing with their peeled away and a new life is born. cluded in the retreats and Urell said he in Tecumseh on the fourth Saturday table families. “Before Torch, I didn’t care, now I has seen miracles occur. “We had a of the month. It is a time to re- The next step is for the adult like helping people,” said one in- white supremacist and a black Muslim connect with teen-agers who have team to find a mentor for each carcerated teen. “I was shy, but now I hug after a retreat,” he said. attended a Kairos Torch retreat and juvenile who has attended Torch. know that people care, they may not Claire Maehs has been involved in to provide continuing ministry. Mentors are people, who commit to know us but they care. I pray every two Torch retreats. She helps direct the The teens look forward to being stay in contact with their individual night since Torch. I will not come back prayer room, where young people come there and seeing the adults who teen, for six months or until they here.” to pray for other “candidates” entering have come to visit them, who show leave the institution. Currently, There are dozens of comments just Torch. They pray for special intentions God’s love to them without wanting mentors are meeting their teens like that one. Young people who have and they also receive a prayer note anything in return. On May 26, during visitation on Saturday and never been introduced to the love of from the volunteer team. about 15 girls came to their reunion. Sunday afternoons, from 1 to 4 p.m. God. They’ve never been told they are Another powerful part of each This is all who were left at COJC, They spend about an hour visiting, created in the image and likeness of weekend retreat is the forgiveness list. who had attended the girls retreat talking about the lesson in the God. They’ve buried feelings and This list is created by each participant last November. About 36 boys came Mentoring Manual, eating and play- emotions under layers of anger. That’s and on it are the names of people they to the reunion, those who had ing games, etc. Mentors do not have why the volunteers who work in Kairos need to forgive and also the names of attended the three boys Torch to see their teen every week, but Torch and the other prison ministries people they need to ask forgiveness retreats, held in April 2006, July may call and talk on the phone, associated with it, do what they do. from. The lists are collected and placed 2006 and April 2007. or send cards and letters. Some “It’s a real miracle to see people in the God box. It is then taken outside After being welcomed, the teens juveniles have a lot of visits and change,” said Thomas Koszoru. He’s one the institution and burned. No one ever were seated at small tables in the support from their families and of several Catholics who take part in sees the forgiveness lists, other than staff canteen and given a brief others have none. The mentor is a the Kairos Torch ministry. A member of God. lesson on choices. The leader, Hank, person to be a friend, a role model, Saint Thomas More Parish in Norman, Participants also make masks and spoke about King David’s man, someone who cares, but who does Koszoru said the first night of the Torch decorate them with colors and symbols Shammah, in 2nd Samuel 23:11-12. not replace the parent. They are retreat is especially powerful. That’s reflecting the false images they He did not run when faced with God’s representative and may be a when an audio-visual presentation present. “The mask the guy wears on overwhelming odds against the tremendous help to the teen in his or explains how human beings are created the yard is a lot different than who he Philistines at Lehi. He chose to her spiritual walk. Mentor training in the image and likeness of God. A really is,” said Koszoru. “They don’t stand in a field of lentils and slew a is provided locally, but the most photo of each Torch participant is want to be where they are, but they also great many of the enemy.Why didn’t important aspect is the desire to flashed on the screen during the don’t want the others to know they are he run like the other soldiers? He reach out and pass on God’s love. presentation and for many it’s the first weak.” knew that God wanted him there Please pray for the juveniles, time they can make a connection Several Catholic deacons are and would protect him. Often, we that they may be able to work their between their own lives and God. involved in the Kairos Torch ministry, are given choices to stand for what programs, learn about God and “It’s powerful stuff,” Koszoru said. Pat Urell said. In particular, she we believe is important or to themselves and be able to move on Bill and Pat Urell, also of Saint mentioned Deacon David Schrupp and run away. Knowing that God is and grow up to be strong and Thomas More, have been involved in Deacon Roy Forsythe. real and loving us can make a huge healthy men and women. Maybe Kairos for some 20 years. They got Not lost on the Kairos Torch difference. someday, they will be able to turn involved while living in Connecticut. volunteers is the fact many of the par- After snacks, the teens were and reach out a hand to other young Bill said he thought he was going to a ticipants they come in contact with asked to give feedback about the people who are lost and hurting. have never been taught about God or to SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 6

6 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 Priests Will Return to India With Oklahoma Catholic Family Great Love in Hearts for Oklahoma Conference Features Mark Shea OKLAHOMA CITY — Father people, Father Maria J. Kumar and Father J. Balasamy said. He OKLAHOMA CITY — The families that Balasamy Nagineni will be saying and Father Kumar Oklahoma Catholic Family are devoted to goodbye to the Archdiocese of will minister in Conference is bringing in Mark Shea, bringing in Oklahoma City on June 19. The two “traditional a popular Catholic Answers speaker quality priests from India will be retuning to Catholic villages.” Father Nagineni and writer to Bishop McGuinness speakers that their native country. Both arrived in The priests said High School on June 23. Registration teach sound the United States in 2003 and said they will take with will begin at 9:30 with Shea giving Catholic they have enjoyed every minute of them many wonder- three talks during the day. Catholic Doctrine, their ministry in Oklahoma. ful memories of vendors from across the state will also geared for the “We are very happy God gave their time spent in be on hand for your shopping needs. entire family. us this opportunity,” said Father Oklahoma. They Mark Shea is a double jump The theme for Balasamy. “We are very thankful to said the Catholic convert. Raised more or less as an this group is Archbishop Beltran and to our fellow people of Elgin and agnostic pagan, he became a non- “Catholic Mark Shea Oklahoma priests and to the wonderful Fredrick have a denominational Evangelical in 1979 Families people of this archdiocese. They have very strong faith, and entered the Catholic Church in Sowing Seeds for the Church.” made us feel very welcome.” They “they care deeply for Father Kumar 1987. He is the author of “Making The Mark Shea presentation is were especially grateful to Father their church and are Senses Out of Scripture: Reading the the kickoff event for the group. This Tony Taylor, who serves as vicar of very wonderful to priests,” Father Bible as the First Christians Did,” event will serve as a launching pad ministries for the srchdiocese. Balasamy said. The priests were also (Basilica), “By What Authority?: An for next year’s event, which will be a After arriving here in August of moved by the generosity of the Evangelical Discovers Catholic two-day conference held at the Cox 2003, Father Balasamy spent one year American people. Father Balasamy Tradition” (Our Sunday Visitor) and Center in downtown Oklahoma City at Christ the King Parish in Oklahoma said America is truly the world’s top “This Is My Body: An Evangelical on June 21 and 22, 2008. There will be City before being named co- superpower, but not only in military or Discovers the Real Presence” several nationally known speakers, administrator at Saint Helen Parish in economic might. “The Americans are (Christendom Press). An awarding- including Johnnette Benkovic from Fredrick. Father Kumar served a year always the first to come when there is winning columnist, he has EWTN’s “Abundant Life” program at at Saint Mary Parish in Ponca City a disaster. They are very generous contributed many articles to This this conference. before moving to Saint Ann Church in people,” he said. “America is the best Rock as well as other Catholic “I can not tell you how much Elgin where he served as pastor. country in the world,” Father Balasamy magazines. He is senior content editor of a difference attending Catholic When they return to India, the said. “People here are not exploited like for www.CatholicExchange.com and Conferences has made to my family,” priests will serve in the state of Andhra so many in other countries in the co-authors (with Scott Hahn and Jeff said Jeff Finnell of Saint Monica. Jeff Pradesh, a Christian area of India and world. Both Father Kumar and I are Cavins) the Catholic Scripture Study and his wife, Kathy were involved home to about 70 million people. India very grateful that God allowed us this available at that site. He lives in in the Wichita Catholic Family has a population of about 1.5 billion privilege.” Washington state with his wife, Conference for several years when Janet, and their four sons. they lived in Kansas. The cost for the day is $20 per “When we moved to Oklahoma, person if registered before the Friday, we wanted to bring the fantastic June 15 deadline. Cost at the door experience we had in Wichita to the The Catholic Foundation will be $25. Lunch is included in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City,” he registration fee. Anyone interested in said. “Immersing your family into a CORNERSTONE registering should contact Jeff Finnell completely Catholic weekend filled at (405) 255-4343 or e-mail at OK- with good solid Catholic teaching, [email protected]. This event exposure to Catholic clergy and IRA Rollover Gifting is sponsored by the Office of Family religious, and establishing contacts The Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 Life of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma with other Catholic families from City and Saint Monica Catholic provides an opportunity for individuals age across the state is so invaluable. The Church in Edmond. Catholic Conferences that we attend 70 1/2 and older to make a Charitable Distribution The Oklahoma Catholic Family are always the highlight of our year. directly from their IRA account without incurring Conference is a group of Catholic We wouldn’t miss them.” added income taxes on the withdrawl. This option is limited to a maximum gift of $100,000 and is only available in the 2006 and 2007 tax years. While these gifts count toward the required IRA distribution, they are not considered as income if Catholic Radio distributed directly to a public charity. If you are taking mandatory IRA distributions but do not “Catholic Answers Live” need the income, consider a gift to your favorite Catholic institution directly from your IRA account. Where: KTLR 890 AM When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday For more information on Planned Giving contact: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. P.O. Box 32180 Support Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK 73123 Catholic Broadcasting, Inc. (405)721-4115 „ www.cfook.org [email protected] www.okcatholicbroadcasting.com

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June 10, 2007 Sooner Catholic 7

Excerpts from USCCB Statements The Supreme Court and ABORTION AND SACRAMENTAL LIFE Partial-Birth Abortion: Q & A Since the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade, when the U.S. Supreme A brief remark by Pope Benedict during demand. Given the wide range of circum- Court legalized abortion nationwide, the court has not allowed a his recent Latin American trip prompted a stances involved in arriving at a prudential legislature to prohibit any method of abortion. Many of the core variety of public comments about abortion, judgment on a matter of this seriousness, we principles of Roe were upheld in Planned Parenthood v. Casey reception of the Eucharist and excommunica- recognize that such decisions rest with (1992). Then these were interpreted to invalidate even Nebraska’s tion. Some of these commentaries mis- the individual bishop in accord with the ban on the grisly partial-birth abortion method, and similar bans in interpreted or confused certain aspects of established canonical and pastoral principles. about 30 other states, in Stenberg v. Carhart (“Carhart I,” 2000). Catholic teaching and Church law. These Bishops can legitimately make different judg- Finally, in April 2007, the court upheld a differently worded federal excerpts from documents of the U.S. bishops ments on the most prudent course of pastoral ban on this procedure in Gonzales v. Carhart (“Carhart II”). may be helpful in clarifying the issues. action. Nevertheless, we all share an un- What is the significance of Carhart? Does it signal a new Worthiness to Receive Holy equivocal commitment to protect human life direction for the court? This background provides some answers. Communion and dignity and to preach the Gospel in 1. What is partial-birth abortion? difficult times. (Catholics in Political Life, The Church teaches that we must be Partial-birth abortion (PBA) is the name Congress has used to 2004) properly disposed to receive the Eucharist describe a procedure that crosses the line from abortion to infanti- worthily, making use of the Sacrament of The Holy Father in his recent remarks cide. The doctor delivers a substantial portion of the living child out- Reconciliation prior to the reception of the did not specifically address the denial of Holy side his mother’s body — the entire head in a head-first delivery or Eucharist if we have committed a serious sin Communion. the trunk past the navel in a feet-first delivery — then kills the child (I Cor. 11: 27-29). The Catholic Bishops of the Cooperation in Evil by crushing his skull or removing his brain by suction. United States said: The bishops are also clear about the 2. Why would anyone use this procedure? [A]ll must examine their consciences as implications of Church teaching for those who Some abortion doctors use PBA in the middle and last months to their worthiness to receive the Body and cooperate in evil: of pregnancy, when dismembering a child becomes more difficult Blood of our Lord. This examination includes It is the teaching of the Catholic Church due to the child’s stronger bones and ligaments. After the mother fidelity to the moral teaching of the Church in from the very beginning, founded on her undergoes two to three days of cervical dilation (increasing her risk personal and public life. (Catholics in Political understanding of her Lord’s own witness to of infection and subsequent preterm births), the doctor in minutes Life, 2004). the sacredness of human life, that the killing can partially deliver the child “intact” before killing him or her and As the U.S. bishops further said in 2006: of an unborn child is always intrinsically evil completing delivery. In the more commonly used dismemberment Some Catholics may not fully understand and can never be justified. If those who method, the mother’s cervix is dilated manually only enough to the Church’s doctrinal and moral teaching perform an abortion and those who cooperate remove the child’s severed body parts; dismemberment and removal on certain issues. They may have certain willingly in the action are fully aware of the takes the doctor longer to complete. questions and even uncertainties. In these objective evil of what they do, they are guilty 3. Does Roe v. Wade protect an abortion method as situations of honest doubt and confusion, they of grave sin and thereby separate themselves extreme as PBA? are welcome to partake of Holy Communion, from God’s grace … It is with pastoral solici- In Carhart I, the Supreme Court treated PBA as just another as long as they are prayerfully and honestly tude for everyone involved in the political method of abortion, largely ignoring the fact that the child is almost striving to understand the truth of what the process that we will also counsel Catholic completely delivered when he or she is killed. Yet even when the Church professes and are taking appropriate public officials that their acting consistently court struck down Texas’ abortion statute in Roe, it had left stand- steps to resolve their confusion and to support abortion on demand risks making ing a provision of Texas law that prohibited killing a child in the doubt. Individuals who experience serious them cooperators in evil in a public manner. process of being delivered. difficulties or doubts about Church teaching We will persist in this duty to counsel, in the 4. Why was a ban on this procedure needed? Don’t most should carefully study those Church teach- hope that the scandal of their cooperating in states already have laws against late-term abortions? ings from authentic sources and seek advice evil can be resolved by the proper formation Such laws exist in most states but they generally have two from a confessor or pastor. of their consciences. (Catholics in Political deficiencies. First, they apply only after “viability” — when the child If a Catholic in his or her personal or pro- Life, 2004) if delivered could survive indefinitely outside the womb — and PBA fessional life were knowingly and obstinately Excommunication is used to kill mostly-delivered children before this stage. Second, as to reject the defined doctrines of the Church, The question of readiness to receive the required by Roe and Casey, even laws restricting abortion after or knowingly and obstinately to repudiate her Eucharist is distinct from the question viability allow abortion when it is deemed necessary to preserve the definitive teaching on moral issues, however, regarding excommunication, a most serious mother’s “health” — and “health” was defined in Roe’s companion he or she would seriously diminish his or her canonical penalty whose consequences extend case Doe v. Bolton to include “all factors” — emotional, familial, age, communion with the Church. Reception of beyond the denial of the Eucharist. A and so on — related to “well-being.” This “health” loophole allows Holy Communion in such a situation would Catholic who is excommunicated “is barred abortions to be performed on request during all nine months of not accord with the nature of the Eucharistic from celebrating or receiving the Sacra- pregnancy, for virtually any reason. celebration, so that he or she should refrain. ments,” though it is important to remember 5. What reasons did the court give in Carhart I for (Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His that even this penalty “is imposed as a finding Nebraska’s ban on PBA unconstitutional? Supper: On Preparing to Receive Christ remedy for serious sin, not as a punishment” First, Nebraska defined partial-birth abortion as a procedure in Worthily in the Eucharist, 2006) (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, which the doctor delivers a “substantial portion of the fetus” into the In his remarks the Holy Father reaf- 2006, p. 512). Penalty of excommunication is vagina before committing an act which kills the fetus. The court firmed the Church’s longstanding conviction incurred automatically (latae sententiae) by ruled that this description was vague and could also refer to dis- that respect for the right to life of the unborn those who willfully and deliberately act to memberment abortions, so the law may ban almost all abortions child is one of these fundamental moral ensure that a particular abortion takes place. after 18 to 20 weeks. teachings. For very serious reasons it may also be Second, presented with conflicting medical evidence on the Denial of Holy Communion imposed by a bishop, after prior warning, in marginal health benefit PBA was said to provide over the dis- The pastoral teaching referred to above, cases of certain serious and obstinate public memberment method, the trial judge gave greater weight to the addressed to all who approach the Eucharist, sins or attacks on the Church that are testimony of a PBA practitioner (Dr. Carhart) than to the testimony is distinct from the question as to when a causing grave scandal. The goal is to restore of experts in maternal-fetal medicine. On this basis the judge found bishop should feel obliged to deny the justice where it is harmed, prevent others the law unconstitutional because it lacked a “health” exception, and Eucharist to someone who approaches from being led into sin, and call sinners to the Supreme Court agreed. to receive it. In 2004, the U.S. bishops repentance and full communion with God 6. What did Congress do to ban partial-birth abortion? commented: and the Church. For this reason, there are Congress twice passed bills banning PBA, but they were vetoed The question has been raised as to procedures in Church law to lift the penalty of by President Bill Clinton. Before the third such bill was passed by whether the denial of Holy Communion to excommunication. All of us fall short of God’s Congress, the Supreme Court issued its Carhart I decision. some Catholics in political life is necessary goodness, and all are in need of that mercy He Congress then redrafted its bill to address the court’s specific because of their public support for abortion on is so ready to bestow. continued on page 8 SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:16 PM Page 8

8 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 Partial Birth continued from page 7 descriptions of the unborn child and Bishops Conference Responds to objections to the Nebraska law. The abortion. Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 (a) Facial vs. as-applied challenges: 18 Democrats Critical of Pope was signed into law by President George In an “as-applied” challenge, opponents WASHINGTON — The 18 one who freely and knowingly W. Bush. seek to show that a law is unconstitu- Democrats who recently criticized commits a serious wrong, that is, a 7. How does the federal law tional because it has caused or will cause Pope Benedict XVI when he mortal sin, should not approach the differ from Nebraska’s ban? great harm only “as applied” to their answered questions about Mexico’s Eucharist until going to confession. Congress wrote a very clear specific circumstances. If the court legalizing abortion both mis- “The Catholic Church proclaims description of the banned procedure, to agrees with them, it may create a represented the pope’s remarks that human life is sacred and that cover only the intentional delivery of a narrow exception to block the law from and defied freedom of speech and the dignity of the human person is living fetus outside the mother beyond being applied to them and others who freedom of religion. the foundation of a moral vision of certain anatomical points, followed by are similarly situated, while allowing The position was noted by Sister society.” (United States Catechism the deliberate killing of the child (see the law to remain valid in every other Mary Ann Walsh, United States for Adults, p. 442) Consequently, answer 1 above). Second, based on years respect. In the abortion context, how- Conference of Catholic Bishops every Catholic is obliged to respect of hearings and documentary evidence, ever, the court has typically allowed Director of Media Relations in a May human life, from conception until Congress concluded that a health excep- abortion doctors to bring “facial 18 statement, which follows. natural death. tion allowing PBA is never medically challenges,” arguing that abortion To suggest that the Church necessary. The federal ban recited these clients presenting certain specific Response to 18 Democrats should not clearly voice its teaching findings concerning the lack of health circumstances — however rare and Sister Mary Ann Walsh, RSM and apply it in a pluralistic society benefits and even additional health risks unlikely — will be harmed by the law, on Director of Media Relations; USCCB is to attack freedom of speech and from PBA, compared to other methods. this basis the court has invalidated In an unfortunate May 10 state- freedom of religion. The Catholic 8. What happened to the federal entire statutes. ment, 18 of the 88 Catholic Demo- Church always will and must speak ban on PBA in federal court? (b) The standard of review: Courts crats in the U.S. House of Represen- out against the destruction of The day it was signed into law, Dr. apply a deferential standard of review tatives criticized Pope Benedict innocent unborn children. The right Carhart, the Planned Parenthood (usually “rational basis” review) in most XVI’s remarks concerning Mexican to do so is guaranteed by the Federation of America and the National areas of law and a very tough standard lawmakers legalizing abortion. The Constitution that all legislators are Abortion Federation filed suits against (“strict scrutiny”) where a law restricts a representatives’ statement mis- elected to uphold. Speaking and the federal law in three federal district fundamental freedom (e.g., free speech) represents the Holy Father’s acting against abortion is not a courts. Each trial judge enjoined the law or treats people differently based on remarks and implies that the matter of partisan politics. It is a from being enforced. Then, citing the some suspect classification such as race. Church does not have a right to voice matter of life and death. court’s ruling on the Nebraska law in Before Casey, abortion cases were its teaching in the public square. The bishops urge all Catholics, Carhart I, the trial judges and all but examined under strict or “heightened” The Holy See has made clear especially those who hold positions one appellate court judge found the scrutiny. Casey called for the use of a that neither the Mexican bishops of public responsibility, to educate federal ban unconstitutional. However, more lenient, intermediate standard of nor the Holy Father have ex- themselves about the teaching of the the Supreme Court reviewed two of review, making it easier for abortion communicated any legislator. Church, and to seek pastoral advice these rulings and overturned them on regulations to be upheld. Carhart I Rather, the Holy See reiterated long- so they can make informed decisions April 18, 2007, finding the federal ban applies this intermediate standard to standing Church teaching that any- with consistency and integrity. constitutionally valid. The majority uphold the PBA ban. opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy (c) How tbe court determines the safety, and on what constitutes informed children are brutally killed in the later was signed by five of the nine justices. meaning of statutory language: consent. By contrast, opposing testimony stages of pregnancy, they resorted to The federal ban on PBA will now be Normally, a court determines law- by board-certified medical specialists in Latinate words like calvarium for skull enforceable nationwide for the first time. makers’ intent by giving words their obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine and disarticulation for tearing limb from 9. Why did the court arrive at a common meaning. Courts generally give have often been given less weight. limb. The Carhart II opinion does not different decision in Carhart I and lawmakers the benefit of the doubt: Justice Kennedy had objected to this mince words. The humanity of the Carhart II? “Every reasonable construction must be bias in his dissent in Carhart I: “The “unborn child,” the fact that abortion First, the statutes were written resorted to, in order to save a statute standard of medical practice cannot means “killing” that child, and the differently, with the federal ban describ- from unconstitutionality.” In Carhart II, depend on the individual views of Dr. prospect that a mother may feel regret, ing the banned procedure with greater the court admitted that this maxim had Carhart and his supporters ... A ban sorrow, emotional distress and anguish clarity and specificity. Second, the court “fallen by the wayside when the court which depends on the ‘appropriate over this decision are openly discussed. was convinced that in a facial challenge, confronted a statute regulating medical judgment’ of Dr. Carhart is no 11. What does Carhart II say a lack of complete consensus in medical abortion.” Instead, courts seemed to go ban at all.” In judging whether PBA opinion should not foreclose Congress’ out of their way to find an unconstitu- provides a “health” benefit, Carhart II about the state’s interests in ability to legislate in this area. More tional meaning to invalidate an gave fairer treatment to the testimony of regulating and restricting generally, the court in Carhart II applied abortion law. Carhart II repeats Casey’s medical specialists on whom Congress abortion? the standards of Casey and resolved to promise to follow the customary rule of relied, who contradicted Dr. Carhart. Carhart lI recognizes legitimate eliminate what has come to be known as construction (which many say the Court Noting that disagreements remained, interests of the state which may provide “abortion distortion” — the court’s ignored in Carhart I). the court said: “Medical uncertainty does a valid basis for future legislation: (a) tendency in past abortion cases to (d) Treating abortion doctors as a not foreclose the exercise of legislative Unborn Life: Promoting “respect for the deviate from the ordinary rules it uses to privileged class: The court signals that power in the abortion context any more dignity of human life” by “preserving and decide other kinds of cases. the bias in favor of abortion doctors, than it does in other contexts.” promoting fetal life” from “the inception 10. What are some examples of shown in many earlier cases, should end. (e) The pretense that abortion is of pregnancy”; (b) Professional Ethics: “abortion distortion?” “The law need not give abortion doctors something other than the killing of a “Protecting the integrity and ethics of Some of the special rules that have unfettered choice in the course of their human being: Beginning with Roe, the the medical profession” and “regulating made it very difficult to have pro-life medical practice, nor should it elevate Supreme Court has often spoken less the medical profession in order to laws upheld relate to: (a) the type of their status above other physicians in than candidly about what an abortion promote respect for life, including the life challenge allowed, “facial” versus “as- the medical community.” The court re- does. The court has often referred to the of the unborn”; (c) Women’s Interests: applied”; (b) the standard of review; (c) jected a “zero tolerance policy,” in which unborn human as only a “potential life,” Providing a “reasonable framework for a how the meaning of statutory language legislatures were forbidden to regulate and spoken vaguely about the choice to woman to make a decision that has such is determined; and (d) the treatment abortion if an abortion doctor objected. terminate a pregnancy instead of about profound and lasting meaning,” so she of abortion doctors as a privileged In the area of evidence, too, courts the choice to end a human life. When, as will not suffer “grief more anguished and class. A final distortion is evident have sometimes treated abortion doctors in Carhart I, the court was forced to sorrow more profound” upon learning too in (e) euphemisms and inaccurate as the ultimate authorities on health or describe the procedures by which late what her abortion entailed. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 9

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 9 Mount Presents Inaugural Cornerstone Awards OKLAHOMA CITY — Mount St. Justin Byrne, current board of Mary High School and its community trustees chairman and 1993 graduate, of family, friends and alumni gathered presented the third award. He spoke May 19 at The Connor Center of Our of his experiences as a student and his Lady’s Cathedral to present the in- relationship with his mentor, Pete augural Cornerstones of The Mount Córdova. Pete served The Mount as award. This is the highest award of a teacher, Key Club sponsor and recognition presented to those who administrator for nearly four decades, have been vital to the history and touching the lives of countless legacy in the 103-year history of students. During his tenure, Pete’s Mount St. Mary High School. charisma and passion for mentoring The first award was presented by and serving his students at The Mount Bob Streets, current MSM board of earned him an unwavering love and trustees member and a 1970 graduate respect by all those who walked the of MSM who extolled on the halls of The Mount. Pete accepted his contributions made by the archdiocese award and told stories which enter- and its predecessors to the continu- tained and touched the hearts of those ance of Catholic education at The who were present. Mount. Accepting the award for the Closing the ceremony was archdiocese was Archbishop Eusebius Pete Cordova, Sister Jane Mary Hotstream and Archbishop Beltran with their Principal Talita Córdova DeNegri, Beltran. The archbishop said Catholic Cornerstones of the Mount Awards. class of 1980, who thanked all of the education is the most important Cornerstone recipients for their legacy service that the church can provide its of Mercy for their 103-year commit- Sister Jane shared that what makes to the rich history and vibrant future youth. The award is in recognition of ment of steadfast service instilling the The Mount a special place is that of Mount St. Mary High School. all priests who have so selflessly careisms and values of Mercy to the Sisters’ love and careism placed a With their commitment to Catholic served The Mount and for the arch- students throughout The Mount’s spirit in the hallways that is hard to education and their mission to serve diocese’s unwavering support of history. Sister Jane Mary Hotstream, define but hard to ignore. “You hear it others, these “Cornerstones of The Catholic education throughout the president of SOM Regional Leader- in the echo of the halls, and you feel it Mount” have ensured that generations years. ship Team and former MSM principal, in your heart, and that is the love of of young people will carry on the Pete Córdova honored the Sisters accepted the award on their behalf. the Sisters of Mercy.” spirit of The Mount. Oklahoman Enjoys Serving U.S. as Vatican Ambassador By Andy Rieger Holy See are so aligned,” he said. The Vatican encompasses just over English and Norman Transcript Rooney deals with those values 100 acres of land and has been its Spanish. Managing Editor on a daily basis. He was appointed own nation since an agreement with He is ambassador in October 2005 by Italian President Mussolini in 1929. encouraged that ROME, Italy — After the G8 President George W. Bush. The two The embassy serves as a kind the U.S. Congress Summit, President George Bush will met when Rooney’s company, of think tank. It is not encumbered appears to be pay a formal visit to Pope Benedict Manhattan Construction Co., built by the day-to-day demands on moving toward XVI. The preparation and anticipa- the Arlington, Texas, baseball embassies such as visas, agricultural reforming the tion makes for an exciting time for stadium used by the Texas Rangers. questions or defense issues. “All we nation’s immigra- Oklahoman Francis Rooney, the U.S. Bush was managing partner of the are focused on are the big picture tion policy. The ambassador to the Holy See. baseball team. ideals,” he said. church believes Rooney will relax afterward in individuals have Francis Rooney wicked hot Oklahoma August, “I’m thankful to be part of President Bush’s team but I a right to the when Italians take their month-long wouldn’t want to do it for a lifetime. Don’t get me fruits of their labor and families holiday. He prefers the hot and dry should not be separated. season in his home state. wrong. I love Italy but I miss Oklahoma and the U.S.” “President Bush has been very “It’s a pretty exciting time,” clear. We need to protect our borders Rooney said in an interview inside and deal rationally with the workers the embassy. His office view over- “He’s been a real source of in- He has high regard for Pope who are already here, working and looks the Circo Massimo and is just spiration for me for some time,” Benedict. He finds him to be a very supporting our growing economy.” a boulder’s roll from the Colloseo. Rooney said. He was a strong kind and profound man. An immigration reform that “The fact that the president is supporter and financial contributor With the Holy See, the embassy doesn’t address that reality won’t coming to meet the Holy Father says to Bush’s campaigns. has been a pioneer in addressing work, Rooney said. “We’d be really something. It shows how important He said the president doesn’t get human trafficking. It has worked disadvantaged if we didn’t have the Holy See is to the United States. enough credit in the press for the tax with religious orders in helping them working here,” he said. There’s a lot of work that comes into cuts passed early in his administra- train priests and nuns in recognizing Rooney said he is honored to the visit.” tion. The economy has boomed for signs of trafficking. serve President Bush and his Rooney says the Catholic Church seven straight years, he said. Rooney often receives visitors country but he knows he will return and the United States have similar Rooney serves as the adminis- from Oklahoma and other states. to his Oklahoma roots some day. core values. Though they may tration’s point man for the Vatican. University of Oklahoma President “I’m thankful to be part of differ in some areas, the premise of He works with Vatican officials on David Boren and Molly Shi Boren President Bush’s team but I human dignity, religious freedom leveraging U.S. strengths and under- visited with a group of OU students and individual opportunity tran- standing church positions and their this past summer. He hosts wouldn’t want to do it for a lifetime,” scends the two entities. potential alignment with the U.S. numerous visitors and attends many he said. “Don’t get me wrong. I love “We have so many areas where government’s positions. He has 14 official receptions. He speaks some Italy but I miss Oklahoma and the our values and the values of the staff members, small for an embassy. Italian but conducts business in U.S.” SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 10

10 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 Fruits of Labor After Decade of Work and Planning, Saint Katharine Drexel Retirement Center Opened by El Reno Parish By Ray Dyer suggested a retirement center be The Sooner Catholic built near Sacred Heart when he EL RENO — Archbishop Beltran visited the El Reno parish in the joked with the 200 or so people mid-1990s. Father Philip Donohoe, gathered for the blessing and then pastor at Sacred Heart, and dedication of Saint Katharine Drexel several parishioners agreed with the Retirement Center that he wasn’t idea and began searching for ways to exactly sure when the effort to build make it happen. Over the years, a the center began. “But I know it was number of properties across the sometime in the last century,” he said street from Sacred Heart church and to laughter and applause. school were purchased and either The blessing and dedication on moved or demolished. Father Francis May 27 came after about 10 years of Nguyen was named pastor in 2005 work on the part of Sacred Heart when Father Donohoe retired. He Church and the archdiocese. Saint helped keep the project on track and Katharine Drexel is a ministry of said he was overjoyed at the finished Sacred Heart Parish and is product. sponsored by the archdiocese. It “This is the miracle of Sacred is the first collaboration on an Heart Parish,” Father Nguyen said independent/assisted living center in at the dedication ceremony. the archdiocese. Saint Ann Retire- The city of El Reno worked with ment Center in Oklahoma City the parish and agreed to close a was the first Catholic independent/- portion of Evans Street, allowing Archbishop Beltran blesses the dining area of the new retirement center with Sean assisted living center built in the Saint Katharine to be built over the Dyer assisting. archdiocese. Saint Ann, however, is road. The building takes up close to created a cozy and home-like atmos- not affiliated with a particular phere. Framed art created by young parish. students at Sacred Heart School Archbishop Beltran said he was decorates one area of the retirement extremely pleased with the design center. and quality of Saint Katharine Plans call for the students Drexel. The 49-unit center was a and residents of Saint Katharine design/build project undertaken by Drexel to interact often and daily The Benham Companies, LLC. Mass will be celebrated in the Saint Scheduled to open to residents on Katharine Drexel Chapel, bringing June 2, the retirement center is more in parishioners of Sacred Heart. than 50 percent pre-leased. Joyce Clark, president of Achieves Senior At the blessing, Archbishop Living, the firm hired to develop and Beltran said Catholics are well market Saint Katharine Drexel, said aware of the importance of Catholic residents will find an eager staff education. He praised the parish for ready to greet them. Jonna Mc- reopening Sacred Heart School after Elfresh, formerly the director of an it had closed for more than 25 years. assisted living center in Edmond, He said Catholics are also well aware has been hired to oversee Saint of the vital contributions made by Katharine Drexel. Catholic health care and said care Archbishop Beltran had first for the elderly is another great Father Francis Nguyen, pastor at Sacred and growing ministry the Church is Heart El Reno, addresses the audience at accepting. the blessing and dedication ceremony. At left, parishioners unite their voices in “I am so very pleased and over- song. joyed with this wonderful retirement center,” Archbishop Beltran said. 40,000 square feet and covers almost Describing the sacrifices made by two blocks. The playground for Saint Katharine Drexel, the wealthy Sacred Heart School sits just to the Philadelphia socialite who gave away west of Saint Katharine Drexel, a fortune to help the less fortunate, creating an intergenerational atmos- the archbishop said God will surely phere for both the school and retire- bless all those “who worked so hard ment center. to help make this a reality” and “He Laura Tribble, an Edmond will bless your parish for accepting designer, was hired to help decorate this beautiful ministry.” Saint Katharine Drexel. Visitors at the blessing and dedication Saint Katharine Drexel Retire- ceremony were pleased with the ment Center is located at 301 W. beautiful furnishings and art that Wade, El Reno 73036, (405) 262- 2920, www.elrenosacredheart.com SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 11

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Parishioner Creates Beautiful Works for New Chapel at Saint Katharine Drexel EL RENO — David Koos has turned raw wood into beautiful furniture for many years. His work can be found in homes and businesses all around central Oklahoma. Clients expect quality and providing that quality means there is a certain amount of pressure. Koos accepts the pressure, he knows it goes with the territory. But even after more than two decades of creating beautiful furniture and cabinetry, even Koos wasn’t ready for the kind of pressure he felt while building the altar, crucifix, tabernacle and furniture that will adorn the chapel at the new Saint Katharine Drexel Retirement Center. “You know,” Koos said after delivering the beautiful red oak pieces to the chapel, “I’ve done this for 28 years now, ever since I got out of high school, but I have to admit, this one made me nervous.” Standing nearby, Jeff Koos, his brother, nodded in agreement. “I’ve never seen him get so nervous about a job.” Father Francis Nguyen’s face beamed as the Koos brothers, with help from Harold Lembke, their brother-in-law, set up the altar, crucifix and the other pieces inside the chapel. “I told him don’t disappoint me and he didn’t,” Father Francis said. “It’s very beautiful. I’m very happy.” Koos built every piece from red oak. He hand-chiseled the crucifix, the corpus is from Italy. His wife, Jeanne, said her husband really got nervous the night severe thunderstorms roared through the area. El Reno was hit by a tornado about two weeks before Koos was to deliver his creations to the retire- ment center. “He ran out to his shop in the middle of the storm,” Jeanne said. “He had to make sure everything was all right.”

Father Francis Nguyen, David Koss and Jeff Koos with the crucifix created by David Koos. At left, David Koos and brother-in-law, Harold Lembke, move the altar inside the new chapel.

Father Francis Nguyen stands at the altar where he and Father Philip Donohoe will celebrate daily Mass in the chapel at Saint Katharine Drexel Retirement Center. At left, David and Jeff Koos set up the altar. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 12

12 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 Conference Will Bring Those Grieving Loss of Child Together

OKLAHOMA CITY — All John Edwards; Bill Hancock, parents, siblings and grandparents of bereaved parent and administrator of children who have died are invited to the NCAA Bowl Championship attend the 30th National Conference Series; Simon Stephens, founder of of The Compassionate Friends (TCF). The Compassionate Friends; Bud You do not need to be a member of Welch, whose daughter was killed in the organization to participate. The the Oklahoma City Murrah Federal conference will be held July 20-22 at Building bombing; and Doug the Cox Center. Manning, author and popular The Compassionate Friends is bereavement speaker. an organization that helps family Participants may choose from members deal with the death of a more than 100 bereavement work- child. It helps families remember shops, including age-appropriate their children and learn about the sibling programs for those 9 years old many facets of grief. TCF is the and older. Workshops will deal with a world’s largest self-help bereavement variety of topics related to the death Anyone who wishes to have a in providing support for bereaved support group with nearly 600 of a child and the journey that follows. child remembered during the “Walk to families after the death of a child. chapters throughout the U.S. Conference reservations if made Remember” may submit the child’s Continuing Education Units will be “The loss of a child is a devastat- before June 15 are $75 for adults and name online at www.tcfwalkto- available for many professions. The ing experience which happens to $30 for siblings (9-17) and college remember.org. Volunteers will carry public is invited to register. thousands of families every year,” said students. Reservations made after these names on special memorial Registration for Professional TCF executive director Patricia Loder. June 15 are $90 for adults, $45 for walk pages. The “Walk to Remember” Outreach Day (POD) is $100 before Loder is a twice-bereaved parent and siblings and college students. is also a fundraiser that supports June 15, $115 thereafter. POD regis- a bereaved sibling. The eighth annual “Walk to TCF’s many national outreach tration entitles attendees to admis- “Our upcoming conference is Remember” will also come to programs. sion to the full three-day conference designed to provide a way for Oklahoma City. On Sunday, July 22, as well as to Outreach Day. bereaved family members to connect conference-goers and others who wish In conjunction with this with others who are walking a similar to join them will walk along a conference, a Professional Outreach For more information or to path. This will be a nurturing atmos- two-mile course that will circle the Day seminar will be held July 19 for register for the TCF conference, the phere of acceptance, validation, memorial at the former Murrah nurses, physicians, social workers, “Walk to Remember” or Professional understanding and hope,” she said. Federal Building and begin and end counselors, emergency personnel, Outreach Day, visit TCF’s Web site at Keynote speakers will include at the Cox Center. Walkers will carry funeral directors, law enforcement www.compassionatefriends.org or call Elizabeth Edwards, bereaved parent the names of children, who, although officers, clergy, educators and all who TCF’s national office toll-free at 1- and wife of presidential candidate, they have died, are not forgotten. care for individuals or are interested 877-969-0010. Bishop McGuinness Teacher Retires After 26 Years KLAHOMA CITY — Bishop In 2004, she received the American McGuinness Catholic High School Red Cross Heroes Community REACH teacher and director, Beverly Educator Award. Nominees were Rogalsky, is retiring after 26 years of chosen from various fields in Oklahoma teaching. Rogalsky was instrumental to represent those fields. It depicts in developing the REACH (Realizing ordinary people doing extraordinary Excellence an Alternative Curriculum things. for High School) program at In 2007, she was a finalist in the McGuinness. The program recognizes Archdiocesan Catholic Educator of the students with learning differences. It Year Award. She was also a member of tailors the program to each student’s the Oklahoma State Department of individual needs in helping them Education Idea B Advisory Panel over- establish a college preparatory McGuinness students gather around retiring teacher Beverly Rogalsky during a seeing the special education programs curriculum. It is one of the best special reception in her honor. in the state. education programs in the state. Most During the recent capital campaign students who enter the program Refusing to accept that idea, become successful gave me a parent project at Bishop McGuinness, a grate- successfully graduate from both high Rogalsky went back to school and perspective firsthand,” said Rogalsky. ful parent donated funds to obtain the school and college. obtained a master’s degree as a reading She has received numerous acco- naming rights to the REACH class- Rogalsky always knew she wanted specialist. She worked endlessly with lades over the years. Early in her career, room. It will forever be known as the to work with children as she earned a her daughter, helping her to overcome she served as president for the state Beverly Rogalsky REACH room in BS in special education learning dis- her disabilities. “The person that has support group for visually impaired honor of Rogalsky. abilities. most influenced the way I teach has students in Oklahoma. She was also Rogalsky and her husband, “I really believe I was chosen to been Theresa. Her tenacity, persistence recognized in the Putnam City School Richard, are members of Saint James do this,” Rogalsky said. “Doors kept and desire gave me insight.” Not only System as the LDA Special Educator of Parish. After retiring, they plan to opening leading me in this direction.” did Theresa graduate from college, she the Year. Within the last 10 years, travel and spend time with their four One of those doors was her daughter, is now working on her master’s degree. Rogalsky was a member and served daughters, sons-in-law and five grand- Theresa Bleecker. As a child, Theresa She is currently a special education as president, vice president and children. In addition, Rogalsky will act was diagnosed with vision impairment teacher in the Moore school system and treasurer of the Delta Kappa Gamma as a consultant in special education, and dyslexia. The school system said works with visually impaired students. Society, an international women’s continuing to promote the ideas that Theresa was not college material and it “The experience of raising my own educators group whose mission is to she strongly believes in educating was best to accept the situation. impaired child and watching her promote quality education. youth. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 13

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 13 Letters A Touching Photo anticipation of a future brighter than any we can emptied of all the clutter that life had poured into it I was especially touched by the picture and imagine? If only for a moment… so that God could begin to fill it with the abundant accompanying article “The Touch: God Reaches I pray there are those who will choose to leave life of Christ that is the way, the truth and the life. Through Us” by Cher Casso. While so much is their comfort zones long enough to reach out to This spiritual path of emptying and filling has written about the sanctity of a baby’s life, and rightly another by sending a card, or stopping by for a smile, allowed me to discover that the concept of “true self so, it is refreshing to see something that gives a touch, a loving embrace, a kind encouraging word, a can indeed be encountered in the quiet silence of testimony to the sanctity of the lives of the elderly. prayer, or simply to sit with another, hold their hand listening to my Creator. The great I AM has shown Isolation is a common experience in caring for the and offer the gift of listening. In my experience, such me in my prayer and contemplations who and what I elderly. People say they just aren’t comfortable and gifts are rare treasures, yet they have the power and AM to be as a member of the Body of Christ. My cup can’t come around. Yet, if a person can step out of grace to transform the moment, the day, the lives of of life is filling, and inherent in that blessing, I am their comfort zone for just a moment, they just might the elderly to whom the gift is offered, their care- called to fill the world around me with the light of see more than the deterioration of the body.They may givers, and just as often (surprisingly perhaps) to the Christ and bear his passionate love into all I do at well be surprised to find humor and joy and be one providing the gift. home, in the Catholic Church and in my community. blessed to feel the loving presence of another, to Helen Waddle If you are searching for a method to improve your witness the inner strength of the faithful, to share in Oklahoma City prayer life, or trying to discern your place in God’s the joy of a person’s most precious memories, and the divine plan, or simply searching for a way to come to hope for a most exciting future. As Christians we Fill Your Cup know God in a more intimate way, then God is calling are, after all, Resurrection people. How can we not I entered the Retreat in Daily Life program with you to the Retreat in Daily Life. Come to the quiet of accompany our brothers and sisters as they unite the notion that I needed to fill my proverbial “cup of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius and listen to their suffering to His and struggle to give birth to life.” The graces offered in the Spiritual Exercises of what God has in store for you! their new eternal life in Christ? How can we not Saint Ignatius helped me to realize that the paradox Jaimee Zorio want to share in their hope, their vision, their joyful of my cup of life was that it first needed to be fully Oklahoma City Across Oklahoma A Sinner With A Devotion Little Flower Festival Coming need of furniture donations for OKLAHOMA CITY — Little several families. Items needed to the Sacred Heart include bed frames and mattresses, Flower Church, 1125 S. Walker, will I have many holy images in my dining room tables and chairs and host its annual festival June 23-24. home. There’s a portrait of the Holy dressers. Contact the Refugee This will mark the 73rd anniversary Family, Rembrandt’s Prodigal Son From Department at (405) 523-3002 to of the festival. We will have many and my favorite, a portrait bearing Where I Sit arrange for pickup of your donations. game booths, refreshments, home- the image of the Sacred Heart of made Mexican food, live music and a By Bill Zalot Jesus. grand raffle. No admission is charged Volunteers Needed June is a month the Church and everyone is invited. Catholic Charities is in need of volunteers to help pick up and deliver dedicates to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart Summer Course Offered donated items in our agency vehicle. he tells the truth — that you also may If you have a few hours every week to and the Feast of the Most Sacred OKLAHOMA CITY — The believe. For these things took place spare, call Debi Wagner at 523-3009 Heart of Jesus is celebrated on June Pastoral Ministry Program is offering that the Scripture might be fulfilled, or e-mail dwagner@catholiccharities- 15. I recently ran across a quote from a special one-week course this “Not a bone of him shall be broken.” ok.org. Pope Pius the XI in which he stated: summer for anyone in catechetical “We were created by God, And again another Scripture ministry. Formation and Methodology the Creator of the universe, says, “They shall look on him for Catechists will be of interest and in order that we might whom they have pierced.” help to anyone in catechesis, whether know Him and serve That pieced heart of with children, youth or adults. The Him; our Author Jesus is the source of course will provide both personal therefore has a God’s mercy and and spiritual development for those perfect right to compassion. It is what in catechetical ministry as well as led our Savior to practical ideas and teaching methods our service.” (MORTALIUM reach out to Thomas, for a variety of age levels. The course to free him from his will be offered June 18-23 at the ANIMOS. ENCYCLICAL OF doubt after the Catholic Pastoral Center, taught by Resurrection, “that POPE PIUS XI ON Peggy Dooley. We need a minimum of he may believe.” RELIGIOUS UNITY 10 students, as of May 24, there were I try to go to four enrolled. Lodging and meals are Jan. 6, 1928) Confession and attend available by arrangement with the What better way to Mass on the first Friday Pastoral Center. Cost is $150 plus love God’s Son, Jesus, Bishop Florentino Galang Lavarias, in honor of the Sacred textbooks for three hours credit; $90 and to know Him than bishop of Iba, Zambales, Philippines, Heart. I need all the help I plus textbooks for audit; $75 plus through a devotion to His celebrated Mass recently at the VA can get in getting to heaven. I textbooks for continuing education. Center in Lawton for 22 Catholic Sacred Heart, a devotion which To register or for more information, am a sinner, who depends on God’s veterans, many of whom had served in one could say began at the foot of the call or e-mail Cecilia Grimes Mercy. the Philippines during World War II. Cross with His beloved disciple, John. at [email protected], EDITOR’S NOTE: Bill Zalot is a The Mass was in thanksgiving for Recall the scene as recorded in John (405) 721-4208 or (800) 721-5651 Ext. freelance writer who lives in Levittown, those American veterans who gave their 19:34-37. 131. Pa. Although afflicted with spastic lives to free the bishop’s island country But one of the soldiers pierced his cerebral palsy, he writes extensively for from Japanese domination. Bishop side with a spear, and at once there Catholic publications. His columns will Contributions needed Lavarias’ own father was rescued from came out blood and water. He who appear in The Sooner Catholic from The Refugee Resettlement De- a Japanese death march when General saw it has borne witness — his time to time. Zalot can be reached at partment at Catholic Charities is in MacArthur liberated the Philippines. testimony is true, and he knows that [email protected] SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 14

14 Sooner Catholic ● June 10, 2007 Pope’s Answer Deeper Than Reporter’s Question Flying to Brazil on May 9, Pope answer (which might have been a bit of by “circumstances,” I do not mean Benedict XVI was asked whether he rhetorical throat-clearing, much like The “balancing” serious (and, some would supported the excommunication of someone saying “Well...) had been Catholic argue, canonically required) sanctions Mexican legislators who had voted to deleted, as had the references to against wayward politicians with other legalize abortion. The pope replied, Mexican bishops. Not altogether reas- Difference prudential considerations, but the “Yes, this excommunication was not suringly, Father Lombardi went on to By George specific circumstances of Legislator X. something arbitrary, but is foreseen by note that this was standard procedure, Weigel All of which is to say that Pope the Code [of Canon Law]. It is simply as the Vatican Secretariat of State Benedict seems unlikely to issue a part of Church law that the killing of “reviews and cleans up” the pope’s universal edict on the subject. body of Christ” is not in doubt. And if an innocent baby is incompatible with remarks “every time the pope speaks This may well be good ecclesiology one’s communion with the body of being in communion with the body of off the cuff.” and prudent pastoral practice, but it is Christ that is the Church is radically Christ.” That seemed clear enough, All of which tended to create, very difficult to communicate without ruptured, then one must not present until Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., unnecessarily, an image of confusion, appearing to vacillate. Thus, it would oneself for Holy Communion — for that the papal press spokesman, went vacillation, and, as Vic Simpson put it, be helpful if the Holy See would, on is to add a lie to the original offense though the press section of the papal a “roll back” of a tough papal stance. In some future occasion (and not six against justice, the taking of an plane and told reporters that the pope fact, however, there is considerable months from now) underscore that, innocent human life. “was not announcing a new policy on clarity beneath the surface confusion, a) deliberate legislative facilitation of Catholic politicians,” and that in any and it’s worth noting precisely what’s Second, Benedict’s answer abortion is a grave evil that puts one case, as the Mexican bishops had not clear. indicates that he will support the outside the communion of the Church pronounced a formal excommunication First, it is the settled conviction of actions of those bishops who deem it a and thus renders the reception of Holy of the legislators, the pope wasn’t doing the Catholic Church that a legislator’s pastoral necessity to order that Communion a dishonest act, and b) so. facilitating abortion through a vote to politicians in this position of estrange- that, when local bishops choose to The next day, a transcript of the legalize or fund the procedure puts ment from the Church not be given forbid obstinate politicians from pope’s impromptu press conference that legislator outside the communion Holy Communion. Anyone who expects receiving Holy Communion for this was posted on the Vatican Web site, in of the Church. The pope seems content Pope Benedict to distance himself from reason, they will receive the full Italian. Alert observers like my friends to leave it to moral theologians to the American bishops who have taken support of the Holy See. John Thavis of CNS, Philip Pullela of determine precisely how this form of this stand is likely to be disappointed. George Weigel is a senior fellow of Reuters and Victor Simpson of the AP cooperation with grave evil touches on And third, the pope’s answer the Ethics and Public Policy Center in (who seems to have been covering legislators (as distinguished, say, from suggests that he is prepared to leave Washington, D.C. Weigel’s column is popes since Linus, Cletus and Clement) abortionists). But that a public official’s the pastoral judgment on these cases to distributed by the Denver Catholic reported that the transcript had act in facilitating the “killing of an the discretion of the local bishops, who Register, the official newspaper of altered what the pope had actually innocent human baby” is “incompatible are presumably better informed about the Archdiocese of Denver. Phone: said. The “yes” at the beginning of his with being in communion with the the circumstances than he is, and (303) 715-3215. Marriage More About Ability to Commit Than Age Dear Father Tharp, the celebration of marriage. Canon participating in Holy Communion. My daughter and son-in-law are Apologize 1083 states: “A man before he has However, the good news is that the both Catholic. At 18 years old, they completed his sixteenth year of age and situation can be corrected very easily. wanted to marry, but the priest would and Don’t a woman before she has completed her Assuming that they have nothing not marry them in their parish. They Be Sorry fourteenth year of age cannot enter into preventing them from entering into got married in a Methodist church. a valid marriage.” Before this age, the marriage, such as being married By Father Other priests told them to go and join in Church presumes that the parties are previously to someone else, their Shane Tharp “union” through the courthouse. They not capable of making the commit- marriage can be convalidated. The act both practice the Catholic faith and then, concerns two issues: what is the ments necessary for a valid marriage. of convalidating a marriage permits attend a Catholic parish. They both proper age for marriage and what can This age may seem rather young; we any question about the validity to be want to make things right since they be done about the situation now? must remember, though, that the Code answered by insuring that the both believe God forgives. They want to For a marriage to be valid in the is the law for the Church throughout Church’s law is fulfilled. The ceremony know what they would need to do to Catholic Church, the couple must be the world and therefore must take into is not very involved and generally can fully practice the Catholic faith. Right able to fulfill some basic obligations. consideration differences in cultural come off very simply. now they aren’t sure if they are allowed The Code of Canon Law addresses it in attitudes and practices. Because of this, I know how confusing all of these to take Holy Communion. The Catholic this way: “The matrimonial covenant, the canon continues: “The conference of issues concerning the Church’s law can Church indicated they won’t marry by which a man and a woman establish bishops is free to establish a higher age be. A book I recommend for those them until they reach the age of 21. between themselves a partnership of for the licit celebration of marriage.” It interested in learning more about Please help us understand this. the whole of life and which is ordered is my understanding that the United this aspect of the Church is called Thank you by its nature to the good of the spouses States Bishops Conference leaves those “Surprised by Canon Law.” It is written Name and Hometown Withheld and the procreation and education of matters to the particular bishop in his by Pete Vere and Michael Trueman and offspring, has been raised by Christ the own diocese. As you didn’t give your is published by Servant Publishing. I You describe a common situation. Lord to the dignity of a sacrament hometown, you would have to ask the think it would be helpful in fleshing out Our society generally doesn’t view between the baptized.” (CIC, c. 1055). local priest what that policy is. It could many of the issues that there isn’t time marriage in the way that best honors Marriage assumes that those coming be the case that in your area the local in this article to address. its nature as a loving bond and a sacra- together in this covenant can satisfy bishop has established 21 years of age Have questions about the Catholic ment of God’s grace. I say this at the the following: enter into a lifelong as the minimum age for marriage. faith you would like answered? Send outset because it sounds as though commitment, act for the benefit of their Moving on to the second issue, I them to Father Tharp c/o Sooner your daughter and son-in-law entered partner, and are open to the gift think it is great that your daughter and Catholic, P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma into their married life with the best of of children. Not surprisingly, this son-in-law want to get back into the full City, Okla. 73132 or via e-mail at intentions. Further, it pains me to read commitment cannot be undertaken by practice of the Catholic faith. Because [email protected]. that priests recommended that the those who are too immature, emotion- a Catholic is obliged to follow the Questions may be edited to fit space. couple go to the courthouse rather than ally or intellectually. This is why the Church’s law concerning marriage, Please mention if you do not want your upholding marriage. Your question, Church defines the minimum age for they are currently impeded from name and hometown used. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:17 PM Page 15

June 10, 2007 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Social Sciences and the Vindication of Catholic Moral Teaching

Question: Dissenters From revolution that Andrew Greeley and Thus, more of the traditional tragic consequences of the contracep- Humane Vitae Assured Us That Richard McBrien and others would women ended up having sex and tive revolution were sexual license, Many Benefits Would Come From like the Church to approve. having children out of wedlock, while family dissolution, crime and the Acceptance of Contraception. more of the permissive women ended poisoned relations between the George Akerlof is a Nobel Prize- What do the Social Sciences Tell up having sex and contracepting or sexes, and that the poor have paid winning economist, and not a con- Us After 35 Years of Widespread aborting so as to avoid childbearing. the heaviest price for this revolution. servative. In two articles in leading Contraception? D.M. This explains why the contraceptive The research suggests that the economic journals, he provides data revolution was associated with both Church’s firm commitment to the Dear D.M., and advances arguments that an increase in abortion and illegiti- moral law in the face of widespread vindicate Paul VI’s prophetic warn- W. Bradford Wilcox wrote an macy. and dramatic dissent from within ing about the social consequences of article titled “Social Science and and without is being vindicated in contraception for morality and men. In a second article, Akerlof the Vindications of Catholic precincts that are not normally seen He asks why the U.S. witnessed such argues that another result of the Moral Teaching.” He notes that as sympathetic to Holy Mother a dramatic increase of illegitimacy contraceptive revolution was the some Catholic intellectuals, with Church. This research also suggests from 1965 to 1990 — from 24 percent disappearance of marriage. Contra- substantial public platforms, have that the dissenting agenda by people to 64 percent among African- ception and abortion allowed men to pronounced the most compassionate like Father Andrew Greeley amounts Americans, and from 3 percent to put off marriage. Thus, the fraction of route for the Church is to accommo- to a false compassion. A sober look at 18 percent among whites. What young men who were married in the date her moral teachings to the our experience with contraception happened? U.S. dropped precipitously. In the 25 experience and practice of the reveals that it is in fact contracep- years between 1968 and 1993, the people. Law must give way to grace, With the arrival of contracep- tion — not the magisterium — that is percentage of men 25 to 34 who were rules must give way to experience, tives, traditional women could no not in men, women and children’s married with children fell from 66 and the pope must give way to the longer hold the threat of pregnancy best interest. percent to 40 percent. These young people. over their male partners, either men did not benefit from the The entire article can be found But there are real problems with to avoid sex or to elicit a promise domesticating influence of wives in “The Church, Marriage and the this appeal for accommodation. The of marriage in the event that and children. Instead, they could Family,” edited by Kenneth White- first problem is that this approach pregnancy resulted from intercourse. continue to hang out with their head, St. Augustine Press, 2007, pp. is based on bad social science. The And “modern” women no longer young male friends, and were more 330-40, or go to www.touchstone- shifts in sexual and familial be- worried about getting pregnant. The vulnerable to the drinking, partying, mag.com, click on ARCHIVES. Look havior have been revealed in study sexual revolution left traditional tomcatting and worse that is associ- on the left side bar and find MOST after study as social catastrophes. women who wanted to avoid pre- ated with unsupervised groups of POPULAR ARTICLES. At the top of The data has largely vindicated marital sex or contraception at a dis- young men. Substance abuse and the list you will find this article, “The Catholic moral teaching on sex and advantage because they could not incarceration more than doubled Facts of Life and Marriage.” marriage. The second problem is that compete with women who had no ob- from 1968 to 1998. Cordially yours, moral laxity is most disastrous for jection to premarital sex or abortion. the most vulnerable members of our They could no longer elicit a promise The bottom line is this: The Father Matthew Habiger, society: the poor. The poor have paid of marriage from boyfriends in the research of Nobel Prize-winning OSB the largest price for the cultural event they got pregnant. George Akerlof suggest that the [email protected] Dance of Life Created by God, So Hit the Floor There’s something about warm * The slow dancer. These people Being a young adult feels like weather that prompts people to wed. Twenty pop up when the music slows down. standing on the edge of the dance floor. You’ll probably hear wedding bells They had seconds on cake. They’re Everyone else seems to know the steps ringing nearby — a relative, a friend, a Something still feeling it. But they’ll waltz to and have momentum. It’s awkward neighbor — which means you’re warm- By Christina “Wonderful Life.” easing in. ing up your iron and your dance legs. Capecchi * The interpreter. These people But you can’t really dance if you’re And if you tuned into ABC’s love charades. So if there’s a lyric that watching your feet. And you’ll never “Dancing with the Stars,” you might be can be gestured, they’ll do it. This can have fun if you don’t shake your self- feeling a bit unprepared, keenly aware sharp head turns, the pelvic thrusts. get pretty advanced. For Tommy consciousness. So dive in with a sense that you lack expert instruction, fake * The cradle robber. This subgroup Tutone’s “867-5309,” they punch the of humor and a smile. Feel the beat. Do eyelashes, dazzling dresses, spray-on typically involves grey-haired men numbers in the air. your thing. And don’t look back. tanner and killer legs. whose self-perception is skewed by * The MTV star.These are the ones That’s St. Paul’s advice in It’s a daunting endeavor, to hear dancing. To them, every young woman who memorize and recreate Beyonce’s Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, in music and move your limbs in a way is available and (inexplicably) attain- hip-hop routine. But without the word or deed, do wholeheartedly.” that somehow corresponds. People able. special effects and talent, it can look It’s Jesus’ first miracle at the Cana approach the challenge in a variety of * The jumper. This group’s working like hopscotch gone mad. wedding, embracing and extending on their vertical. Every beat is cause to ways. As a young adult on an active * The lyric lover. They know every fellowship. wedding circuit, I’ve been tracking the bounce. word to every song played the entire It’s Marty Haugen’s hope in his different dancing styles. Perhaps you * The clapper. Every beat is cause night. Makes you wonder if they listen hymn Gather Us In. “Give us the identify with one: to clap, too. Clappers tend to sway side to the radio in their sleep. Also makes courage to enter the song.” * The dancer. These are the annoy- to side: clap to the left, clap to the you feel seriously uncool for never And it’s my prayer for the next ing people who are blessed with that right, repeat. Soon they’re carried having heard half the songs before. dance and the next day: that we find innate gift of rhythm. They embody away and they can’t be stopped. * The chicken dancer. These folks courage to enter the song. That, when music in a way that makes sense and * The sweater. These people look love to flap their elbows. And when handed hokey pokey, we shake it all looks good. like Steve Nash in the fourth quarter the tempo picks up, they scrunch * The seductress. These people of a playoff game: flushed cheeks, their faces in concentration. They’re about. hit the dance floor and suddenly feel matted hair, shirt drenched in sweat. determined to keep up. They’re work- Christina Capecchi is a graduate incredibly attractive. Every motion is But they’re having the time of their ing out old wounds from being picked student at Northwestern University. E- dramatic — the squinted eyes, the lives. last for seventh-grade flag football. mail her at [email protected]. SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:18 PM Page 16 SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:18 PM Page 17 SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:18 PM Page 18

Administrative Assistant Full-Time Maintenance Elementary Teacher Openings teacher. Oklahoma elementary Catholic Charities seeks a Holy Trinity Church and Holy Trinity Catholic School in certification. Strong math skills bilingual administrative assistant for a School in Okarche has a full-time Okarche is accepting applications for desired. Submit applications to Sacred new position in the Family Support opening for a custodian/maintenance elementary and early childhood Heart Catholic School, 210 S. Evans, El Services Office. Must possess computer person. Pay and benefits competitive. teachers for the 2007-08 school year. Reno, Okla. 73036, fax (405) 262-2284, proficiency, including word processing, Call Holy Trinity School at (405) Submit resume and copy of teaching Attention Shannon Statton. database management and Excel, 263-4422 or Deacon Schwarz at (405) certificate to Mary Jane Wittrock, P.O. organizational skills and ability to 263-4760. Box 485, Okarche 73762, fax (405) 263- Pre-Kindergarten Teacher multi-task, excellent typing skills, 9753 or e-mail mjwittrock@holytrinity- All Saints Catholic School in positive communication skills and the Part-Time Teachers ok.org. Norman is seeking a full-time pre- ability to professionally interact with St. John Nepomuk Catholic kindergarten teacher for the 2007-08 staff, volunteers and the public. Send School in Yukon is accepting Elementary Teacher Openings school year. Applicants must hold cover letter, resume and salary history applications for a part-time vocal Saint Mary’s School, Ponca City, Oklahoma certification in early child- to Human Resources, 1501 N. Classen music teacher and a part-time middle is accepting applications for hood education. Mail resumes Blvd., OKC 73106 or nlargent@- school math teacher (qualified to teach employment for the 2007-2008 school attention to Leslie Schmitt, Principal, catholiccharitiesok.org. EOE pre-algebra and algebra) for the 2007- year. Openings include early childhood at 4001 36th Avenue, N.W., Norman, 2008 school year. Must be certified by teacher, part-time pre-algebra/algebra Okla. 73072, or fax to (405) 447-7227. Coordinator, Case Management the state of Oklahoma. Send a resume teacher and part-time vocal music Catholic Charities seeks a and copy of teaching certificate to teacher. Early childhood certification or licensed social worker with a clinical Diane Floyd at 600 Garth Brooks subject endorsements required. If High School Coaches/Teachers specialty to supervise the case Blvd., Yukon, Okla. 73099, or call (405) interested, send resume and copy of management staff in our Family 354-2509 for more information. Mount St. Mary Catholic HS teaching certificate to Shirley Zink at (Oklahoma City) is accepting HOPE and Transitional Housing 415 S. Seventh, Ponca City 74601 programs. Supervises direct services to Part-time Reading Specialist applications for the following positions or call (580) 765-4387 for more for the 2007-2008 school year: clients. Works with all programs to Sacred Heart OKC has an information. develop respectful relationships with opening for a part-time reading assistant football coach, French persons served while helping clients specialist for the 2007-2008 school teacher and social studies teacher (U.S. gain skills and confidence. Catholic year. Oklahoma teacher certification is history/government/economics/world Charies is an equal opportunity required. Certification or endorsement First-Grade Teacher history). Experience in Pre-AP and AP employer offering competitive benefits in reading or special education is Villa Teresa Catholic School is preferred but not required. Send and a supportive work environment preferred. Send resume to Joana accepting applications for a first-grade resume, letter of interest, copy of with opportunities to grow and develop Camacho, Sacred Heart, 2700 S. teacher. Candidate must be certified by teaching certificate and references to professionally and personally. Send Shartel, OKC 73109. the state of Oklahoma and possess a Talita DeNegri, Mount St. Mary HS, cover letter, resume and salary history degree in early childhood or 2801 S. Shartel, OKC 73109, fax (405) to Human Resources, 1501 N. Classen Elementary Teacher Openings elementary education. Also available is 631-9209. For more information, call Blvd, OKC 73106 or nlargent@catholic- St. Mary’s Catholic School, an opening for a teacher for 3-year- 405-631-8865 or e-mail tdenegri@- charities-ok.org. Guthrie, is accepting applications for olds. An associate degree or CDA is mountstmary.org. employment for the 2007-2008 school required. Send resumes to Sister DRE/Youth Director year. Candidates must be certified by Veronica Higgins, 1216 Classen Drive, Cafeteria Manager St. Gregory the Great Parish in the state of Oklahoma and possess a OKC 73103, or call for an interview, Mount St. Mary High School is Enid is seeking an energetic director of degree in early childhood or 232-4286. seeking a full-time cafeteria manager Religious Education/youth director for elementary education. If interested, for the 2007-2008 school year. Must be approximately 25 hours a week. send resume and copy of teaching Teacher Sought familiar with the DHS Commodities Enthusiasm for children a must. Send certificate to Sheila Whalen-Guthrie, Sacred Heart Catholic School Distribution and U.S. Federal Food resume to St. Gregory Parish, 1924 502 E. Warner, Guthrie 73044 or call in El Reno is accepting applications for Program. For more information, W. Willow, Enid 73703. (405) 282-2071 for more information. a combined fifth- and sixth-grade contact Talita DeNegri at 631-8865. Oklahoma’s Foster Care continued from page 4 “If you have never been taught to foster children? “For the 80 to 100 who of 18, he or she is said to have “aged- the process,” Mark Carpenter, a DHS be a parent, you do not know that it is are looking for foster care, we have the out” of foster care. In most states, this foster care specialist, said. important to meet with your son, Billy’s County Children’s Shelter. The police means that DHS is no longer responsi- “It would be like a mentorship. teacher. You [the biological mother] go make the decision that the situation ble for the child and that they must The foster family would mentor the with the foster parent to meet the in a home is bad enough to take the leave foster care. This often means that biological family,” Rita Williams, teacher. You have also never been children away from their parents or former foster children are out on the another DHS foster care specialist said. taught what kinds of questions to ask guardians. When a child is picked up, street: alone, penniless and homeless. Under this new system, foster the teacher about your child. You listen we go to the home with an Oklahoma “Oklahoma is one of the few states children would have more contact with to how the foster parent questions the City police officer. The children are that helps foster children who are their biological families because the teacher about Billy, and you learn. removed from the home and taken to a forced to leave their foster homes. In foster parents and the biological “Or perhaps you are a teenage shelter,” Williams said. Oklahoma, there is an Independent families would “mingle together” and mother who has had your baby The County Children’s Shelter is Living Program. When the foster child help each other out, Williams removed from the home because you child-friendly and has a well-equipped reaches 16 to 17 years of age, they are explained. lack parenting and home skills. The playground. They celebrate the assigned an ‘Independent Living Carpenter gave the following foster mother could teach these skills to children’s birthdays there and holidays. Worker,’ who works with them to help example of how this new system might you, such as how to bathe your baby. For some of these children, it is the first them transition into a successful work: “Educational neglect is a big The foster parents and the biological time they have ever had a birthday adult,” Williams said. “If former foster problem often seen in the homes from parents would work together as a team party. But, as good as the shelter is, it is children do not feel that they can which foster children are taken. Some to help the child, with reunification of not a family environment. Thus, DHS’ function on their own yet, they can parents do not send their children to the family as the goal,” Carpenter said. continuing search for foster parents. assign themselves back into DHS school. Since the goal of foster care is to Williams said if a conflict arises, “The hardest group to place is custody,” she continued. “This means get the child back with his or her DHS will step in immediately. “If there teenagers, and we need Hispanic foster that the foster children have ‘aged-out’ biological parents, by making sure the are difficulties with the biological parents very badly,” Carpenter said. but have recognized that they still need child goes to school, the foster parents parents, we would never put the foster “The Hispanic population in Oklahoma someone to help them. DHS helps them could model good parenting to the parents in danger,” Williams said. has doubled in the last 10 years.” find a job or go to vo-tech or get grants biological parents. And what about the shelters for When a foster child reaches the age to go to college. The child has a choice.” SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:18 PM Page 19

resulting inner peace. No weaving host its annual festival. We will have 28 Bingo at St. James Catholic JUNE experience needed. Fee: $45, all many game booths, refreshments, Church, 4201 S. McKinley. Food and materials are provided. Mail in check homemade Mexican food (tamales, beverages, reasonably priced, will be to reserve your place. Bring a sack gorditas, fajitas, etc.), live music and a served at 6 p.m. Bingo begins at 6:30 11 The Catholic Foundation Golf lunch. Call 373-4739 to register. grand raffle. No admission is charged p.m. All games including two black- Classic at Twin Hills Golf and Come to the red art barn at Red and everyone is invited. outs $10. Door prizes and special Country Club in Oklahoma City. To Plains Monastery. Limit 15. recognition for all players born in learn more about the Catholic Schools 23 Pre-Cana, a day for couples June. All bingo players get an entry Endowment or participate in the golf 17 Taize Prayer, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. preparing for the sacrament of for a 27-inch flat screen TV to be classic, contact Tom Casso at the Red Plains Monastery, 728 Richland marriage. To register, contact the given away at the October bingo. So Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma Road SW, Piedmont. For more details, Office of Family Life at (405) come on down and make it a party. Inc. at (405) 721-4115 or tcasso call 373-4565. Optional video on Taize 721-8944. @catharchdioceseokc.org. prayer at 6 p.m. 30 The Knights of Columbus will host the Catholic Family Golf 15-17 Healing the Child Within, 17 The Community of the Secular 24 Pilgrimage Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Tournament at the Bruehl Memorial Friday, 7 p.m. to Sunday, 1 p.m. Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary Anointing of the Sick, 11 a.m. Mass, Golf Course in Purcell. $75 entry fee Jeanette Bollman and Marie of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of noon lunch, 1 p.m. Benediction of the includes golf, one-half cart, range Ballmann, OSB. Here is a chance to Jesus - Oklahoma Community and Blessed Sacrament, Prayer of the balls, lunch and beverages. First-, come away to a safe place to begin Province of St. Therese meets at St. Chaplet of the Infant Jesus and the second- and third-place merchandise healing the wounds of your childhood. Joseph Carmelite Monastery in Litany of the Infant Jesus. Nat’l prizes and closest to the hole on all Feel the healing touch of Jesus on this Piedmont from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague par 3’s prizes. So bring the family and sacred journey with your inner child. more information, call Janet Mildfelt is located at St. Wenceslaus Church, come on down. This four-person Red Plains Monastery. Fee: $125 at (405) 848-6275 or Deacon Jim SH-99 7 miles N. I-40 or 20 miles S. scramble starting at 8 am is for residential, $75 commuter. Full cost Breazile at (405) 377-9478. I-44 at Stroud exit, Prague, (405) everyone. must be paid by June 10. Call 373- 567-3080. 4739 to register. 17-25 Monthly Novena to the 30 Living With Imperfections: Infant Jesus, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Ours and Others, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 16 Basket “Weaving” Nat’l Shrine of the Infant Jesus, 25-29 Saint James the Greater Who demands perfection? Is it God? Relationships, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saint Wenceslaus Church, SH-99 7 Parish, OKC., is having vacation Or is it you? Learn how to live Barbara Duer, a basket weaver of 12 miles N. I-40 or 20 miles S. I-44 at Bible School from 10 a.m. until 12:30 lovingly with who you are. Presenter: years, will lead this workshop utiliz- Stroud exit, Prague, (405) 567-3080. p.m. To register any child ages 4-10 Sister Melissa Anna Letts, OSB, at ing basket weaving as a method to years old, please call Christina Red Plains Monastery. Call 373-4739 develop nurturing and healing 23 Little Flower Festival, Little Mendoza at 636-6840. Registration to register. Bring a sack lunch. Fee: relationships and experience the Flower Church, 1125 S. Walker, will is $15 per child (includes T-shirt). Mail in $35 to reserve your place. Children of Oklahoma continued from page 4 Foster parents can choose the households to be foster parents, but specialist will let you know what is foster parents are reimbursed for age and gender of the child they if you are single, they need single required, Williams said. the expenses they incur in caring for would be willing to take into their foster parents as well. “Single people “If you pass the home visit, you children in the state’s care. Foster home. The average age of a child in can become foster parents. They will then go through 27 hours of parents are reimbursed for their foster care is 8.1 years. need to be at least 21 years old, have training to prepare you to take care foster child’s daily living needs: for To help foster parents decide a sufficient income, have a clean of a child who has been taken from a clothes, food, shampoo, conditioner, which waiting child they should house and have sufficient bedrooms home where he or she has been toothpaste, etc. choose, they receive a checklist of and beds for additional children,” neglected, subjected to a drug en- The average reimbursement is what they would or would not be Williams said. vironment or physically or sexually $300 to $450 a month, depending on willing to accept in a child. The “If you call, you will be assigned abused,” Carpenter said. the age of the child, the younger the checklist asks questions like “Will a foster care recruiter,” Williams “This is 21 hours of specialized child, the less the amount. The $300 you accept a child who has temper said. “The recruiter will call you training in how to care for trauma- to $450 figure can change based on tantrums?” “Will you accept a child back and answer all your questions. tized children. DHS also has people the cost of living, Carpenter said. who steals?” “A child with diabetes?” Then, after this initial call, you will on staff to help foster parents if the The average length of stay for “A child with special needs?” “Will have to fill out a lengthy question- children in their care are having children in foster care is 20.7 you accept siblings?” The foster naire, the DHS application. If, after particular problems. Foster parents months, but the length of time a parent’s answers to these questions that, you are still interested in are never on their own. They each foster parent agrees to care for a help DHS select the unplaced foster becoming a foster parent, we will have a foster care manager assigned foster child varies. “It depends on child who will be best suited to that schedule a one-on-one with you and to them. This person helps them the foster parents and their foster parent’s home. your family. We will go to your with any problems,” Williams said. situation. We would agree to what- The DHS workers said the home.” “Also, each foster child has a ever the foster parents want, what- shelter where the unplaced foster You will also need to provide professional counselor or the child ever they feel comfortable with,” children find themselves is safe certain documents to DHS, such has home-based counseling, depend- Williams said. “We also have and clean and run by caring and things as reference checks, medical ing on the needs of the child,” arrangements if there is an responsible adults, but it is not a exam reports, etc. Your foster care Carpenter said. emergency in the family. If the foster family environment, and a family family has an emergency, they can environment is what DHS is seeking ask for ‘respite foster parents’ to for each of these children. They want Thinking of Becoming a Foster Parent? take over for them for a short time.” foster children to have as normal a To become a foster parent is a lengthy process. The time it takes gives “Respite foster parents are setting as possible in which to grow prospective foster parents the opportunity to get their questions answered couples who take foster children for and heal, and placement with a and to decide what they want to do. two to three days in an emergency healthy, wholesome foster family is To find out more about becoming a foster parent and a hero to a child, situation. We always need respite what will help these young people call Oklahoma Statewide Foster Care Recruitment at 1-800-376-9729 or foster parents as well as regular the most. Rita Williams at (405) 767-2657 or Mark Carpenter at (405) 767-2994. foster parents,” Carpenter said. DHS is looking for two-parent SC for June 10_FINAL.qxd 6/22/2007 2:18 PM Page 20

Celebration Heritage Room Would Make Good Summer Outing Oklahoma’s Colorful Catholic History on Display at Catholic Pastoral Center OKLAHOMA CITY — If Oklahoma Catholics are looking for an interesting day trip over the lazy days of summer, they might consider a visit to the Heritage Room at the Catholic Pastoral Center. The Heritage Room is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Special group tours after hours can be arranged by calling the Pastoral Center at (405) 721-5651. Jim Weinmann, Heritage Room director, said exhibits are changed every so often so even if someone has visited once they may want to return. “The focus this past year has been on Bishop McGuinness,” Weinmann said. Other exhibits currently on display include the Sisters of Mercy, the late Father John Walch as well as the parishes of Saint Mary in Guthrie and Saint John in Edmond. Residents from Saint Ann Retirement Center recently visited the Heritage Room at the Weinmann said the Heritage Room is interested in acquiring more photos Catholic Pastoral Center. The group consisted of, left to right, Margo Cowden, Gertrude and memorabilia from individual Catholics and parishes throughout the arch- Alcock, Faye Erickson, Connie Cronin, Richard Amend, spiritual director at Saint Ann, diocese. He encouraged those with copies of original photos related to parishes Sara Starnes, Cynthia Fuller and Rose Mary Wisk. and the Catholic faith to get in touch with him. “We’re interested in the Catholic heritage of Oklahoma,” Weinmann said. He said that interest includes parishes and schools that have closed. “We want to gather and preserve as much history as possible so it can be available for future generations.”

Some of the exhibits in the Heritage Room include, above, items from the Peruvian parish that is sister parish to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond. Above right, a photo of the Sisters of Mercy outside Mount Saint Mary High School and at right, vestments and altar pieces from Saint Mary Church in Guthrie.