magazineChrist the King Catholic Church Oklahoma City | www.ckokc.org | LENT 2018 CK

BlessedPage 5 Stanley Rother Institute Staff Dear Parishioners... PARISH OFFICE It’s hard to believe that we are racing through Lent on our way to Easter. Lent is that time when we Pastor step back from our regular pattern of life and enter Rev. Richard Stansberry into prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a deeper way than we normally do. The Church gives us more Associate Pastor opportunities for prayer with Stations of the Cross, Rev. Aaron Foshee penance services, extra Masses and other spiritual Business Manager opportunities. As we have done in the past, this Lent Patrick Cullen we gave out the Lenten wristbands, which always go [email protected] very quickly, and asked our parishioner to focus on one of the four points of our vision statement: Know Communications & Webmaster Christ, Become Disciples, Embrace the Mission, and Kelly Fanning Build the Kingdom. The hardest one in my opinion, [email protected] and the one I did not want to get, is Embrace the Membership & Scheduling Mission, but sure enough that’s the one I drew out of the basket. Embrace the Mission Jayne Clarke means that we have to be open to what God is calling us to do in our lives in ways [email protected] that we are sometimes uncomfortable with and that stretch us. Lent gives us the opportunity to really reflect on our relationship with Jesus and build it up so that we Music Ministry too can experience the joy of His Resurrection at Easter. Edwin Day, Director/Organist Holy Week is the most beautiful and meaningful week of the Liturgical year. It [email protected] begins with Palm Sunday and the blessing of palms, the reading of the Passion of our Bob Shull, Assistant Director Lord, and ends with the great celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. [email protected] The last three days of Holy Week are called the Sacred Triduum, or three days, Nursery and begin with Holy Thursday. During the Holy Thursday Mass, we commemorate the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood and Becky Cornelius, Coordinator when he washed the feet of the disciples, telling them to do as he has done. The call [email protected] to serve is one that applies not only to the ministerial priesthood but to the priesthood Discipleship & Evangelization of all believers. We are all called to serve our brothers and sisters. Jenni Butch, Director Also at the Holy Thursday Mass, the Eucharist is processed through the Church [email protected] and the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration until Midnight. This year, once Margaret Tunell, Assistant again, we will make available the Put on a Disciple adoration program, where we are [email protected] assigned a disciple to reflect on, so that we can enter into what they might have felt Cindy Rice, Assistant that night. [email protected] Good Friday is the day our Lord died on the cross, and we again read the Passion and come forward to venerate the Cross. The Easter Vigil on Saturday is the greatest Parish Life Mass of the year, where we bless the new fire, the paschal candle, and the baptismal Pam Cullen, Director water, and we baptize and confirm new members into the Church. This year 38 people [email protected] will be joining the Catholic Church at Christ the King. What a blessing! Kathy Arambula, Assistant The three days of the Sacred Triduum are one liturgy in three acts. To get the most [email protected] out of Easter we should attend Holy Thursday and Good Friday services, as well as Easter Mass. Only then are we able to fully experience the beauty of the Resurrection. Youth Ministry I hope to see all of you. Antonio Guzman, Director Several people have asked where the crown of thorns by the statue of the Blessed [email protected] Mother came from. A very kind parishioner donated this piece of art, and Lent is a Cindy Rice, Assistant great time to display it so that we can remember what Jesus really went through for us [email protected] in his final days. The donor prefers to remain anonymous, but we are grateful for the SCHOOL OFFICE gift and the spiritual rewards that meditating on the Crown of Thorns can bring to us. Finally, many people ask where the money from the poor box goes. If you have Amy Feighny, Principal never noticed them, the poor boxes are long tubes attached to the floor near the [email protected] church exits. Of course you also may donate to the poor box fund through FaithDirect. Robert Crump, Jr. High Administrator Monies collected go to many ministries, such as Birth Choice, Little Flower Clinic, [email protected] Blessed Stanley Rother’s parish in Guatemala, Jesus House, Britvil Food Pantry, City Helen McBennett, Secretary Rescue Mission, and our own St. Lawrence Ministry. Christ the King tries to support [email protected] other charities, and the poor box enables us to help those most in need. Thanks to Vanessa Pierce, Financial Secretary all who have been so generous, but we need more help, as over the years we have [email protected] lost many of our largest benefactors to the poor box. May God bless us all in this holy Mary Schrantz, Advancement Director season. [email protected]

CK Magazine is a publication of Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is edited by Kelly Fanning, printed locally and provided free of charge to all parishioners. No commercial advertising is accepted. Christ the King Catholic Church is part of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and is located at 8005 Dorset Dr. in Nichols Hills.

2 RSVP to ckokc.org/fish-fry Inside This Issue 2 Dear Parishioners... 3 Lenten Fish Fry 4 Was the last “witch” of Boston actually a Catholic martyr? 5 Intimidated by Confession? Rother Institute Established 6 Mitch Pacwa to host weekly Bible study show on EWTN Flying on Sunday? Many airport chapels offer Mass 7 Intentional silence during Mass 8 Overcoming prison, addiction through the Rosary 9 The importance of our ‘Yes’ 10 What matters is our love 11 Sign of peace at Mass 12 Counter violence with religious freedom 13 Religious freedom key to Europe’s future 14 Sunday Book Study 15 CK Women speaker Toni Brattin Domestic Church 16 A Catholic moment in US politics 17 Planned Parenthood funding 18 Documentary on dating @ pm 20 ACTS retreats for men, women MARCH 9 6:45 21 What have you given up for Everyone is invited to a special Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, Mar. 9, 2018. Stations Lent? of the Cross that evening will take place at 6pm, and the Fish Fry will begin 22 CK School Annual Fund immediately after, around 6:45pm. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. 22 Bishop Buswell Society We ask that you pay at the door, but please RSVP at ckokc.org/fish-fry or (405) 242- 24 The royal engagement 4595. Proceeds will benefit the Knights of Columbus Council 12669 Scholarship 25 NFP is good for marriage! Fund and the 2018 CK Youth Mission Trip to the Carmelite orphanage in Colonia 26 Devotion to Mary is a must Remance near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact 27 Missing nuns in Nigeria Antonio Guzman at [email protected]. 28 Facebook bias crippling Catholic ads 29 Prayer warriors needed ■ Fried Cat Fish 30 Youth to be Vatican’s focus 31 Vatican Bank oversight board ■ Potato Wedges resignation 32 Christians and New Years Coleslaw resolutions ■ 34 Small religious colleges struggle ■ Dinner Rolls for survival ■ Mac & Cheese 97.3 ■ Iced Tea FM ■ Lemonade Visit www.soonercatholic.org ■ Beer (must be 21 and older) 3 Calef, who knew Ann when she was alive, said she “was a despised, crazy, poor old woman, an Irish Catholic who was tried for afflicting the Goodwin children. Her behavior at her trial was like that of one distracted. They did her cruel. The proof against her was wholly deficient. The jury brought her guilty. She was hung. She died a Catholic.” Mather convicted Ann of being an “idolatrous Roman Catholick” and a witch, and she hung on Boston Common on November 16, 1688. Today, just a 15 minute walk away, the parish of Our Lady of Victories holds a plaque commemorating her martyrdom, which reads: “Not far from here on 16 November 1688, Goodwife Ann Glover an elderly Irish widow, was hanged as a witch because she had refused to Was the last ‘witch’ of Boston actually a renounce her Catholic faith. Having By Mary Rezac been deported from her native Ireland Catholic martyr? to the Barbados with her husband, Boston, Mass. (CNA/EWTN News) - point and the kids for whom she was who died there because of his own The last person hanged for witchcraft in primarily responsible caught whatever loyalty to the Catholic faith, she came Boston could be considered a Catholic it was,” Fr. O’Grady told CNA. to Boston where she was living for at martyr. A doctor allegedly concluded least six years before she was unjustly In the 1650s, Ann Glover and her that “nothing but a hellish Witchcraft condemned to death. This memorial family, along with some 50,000 other could be the origin of these maladies,” is erected to commemorate “Goody” native Irish people, were enslaved by and one of the daughters confirmed Glover as the first Catholic martyr in Englishman Oliver Cromwell during the claim, saying she fell ill after an Massachusetts.” the occupation of Ireland and shipped argument with Ann. The plaque was placed at the to the island of Barbados, where they The infamous Reverend Cotton Church on the tercentennial anniversary were sold as indentured servants. Mather, a Harvard graduate and one of her death in 1988 by the Order of What is known of her history is of the main perpetrators of witch trial Alhambra, a Catholic fraternity whose sporadic at best, though she was hysteria at the time, insisted Ann Glover mission includes commemorating definitely Irish and definitely Catholic. was a witch and brought her to what Catholic historical persons, places According to an article in the Boston would be the last witch trial in Boston in and events. The Boston City Council Globe, even Ann’s real name remains 1688. also declared November 16 as “Goody a mystery, as indentured servants were In the courtroom, Ann refused to Glover Day,” in order to condemn the often forced to take the names of their speak English and instead answered injustice brought against her. masters. questions in her native Irish Gaelic. Ann Glover has not yet been While in Barbados, Ann’s husband In order to prove she was not a witch, officially declared a martyr by a pope, was reportedly killed for refusing to Mather asked Ann to recite the Our nor has her cause for canonization renounce his Catholic faith. By 1680, Father, which she did, in a mix of Irish been opened to date, partly because Ann and her daughter had moved Gaelic and Latin because of her lack of her story has faded into obscurity over to Boston where Ann worked as a education. time, Fr. O’Grady said. “goodwife” (a housekeeper and nanny) “Cotton Mather would have “Part of the dilemma here (too) is for the John Goodwin family. recognized some of it, because of that when she was hanged, Catholics Father Robert O’Grady, director of course that would have been part of were a tiny, minuscule, minority in the Boston Catholic Directory for the your studies in those days, you studied Boston, so picking up her ‘cause’ was Archdiocese of Boston, said that after classical languages when you were not easy or ‘on top of the list’,” he said. working for the Goodwins for a few preparing to be a minister, especially Ann Glover’s trial also set the tone years, Ann Glover became sick, and Latin and Greek,” Father O’Grady said. for the infamous Salem Witch Trials in the illness spread to four of the five “But because it was kind of mixed in 1692, during which 19 men and women Goodwin children. with Irish Gaelic, it was then considered were hanged for witchcraft, and in “She was, unsurprisingly, not well- proof that she was possessed because which Reverend Cotton Mather and his educated, and in working with the she was mangling the Latin.” anti-Catholic prejudices played a major family, apparently she got sick at some Allegedly, Boston merchant Robert role.  4 Blessed Stanley Rother Institute Established

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 Archbishop Coakley announced that a new Blessed Stanley Rother Institute will be established in order to “raise up leaders at every level for effective ministry, teaching, and formation...at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels for evangelization and catechesis.” The institute developed out of the pastoral ministry program and will be led by the Archdiocesan Director of Christian Leadership Development, Jason Fugikawa, formerly of St. Gregory’s University.

Vision Are you intimidated by The Blessed Stanley Rother Institute educates and forms missionary disciples for confession? Don’t be, Pope the New Evangelization. Francis says Mission Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - not threatening, but should welcome The Blessed Stanley Rother Institute exists to During the penitential season of Lent, sinners to conversion. It is a sacrament educate and form missionary disciples for the Pope Francis pointed to confession that leads to “forgiveness, and a Church in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. as the means to true conversion, change of heart,” he said. Through catechetical workshops, certificate saying the faithful should approach the “He [Jesus] does not threaten” and certification courses, and theology degree sacrament with trust and confidence. but instead prompts his children with programs, the faithful at all levels of service “The Lord says, ‘Come now, let us “kindness, gentleness, giving us to Christ’s Church will find formation and reason together, let’s talk for awhile.’ confidence,” Francis said. opportunities for growth in carrying out the He doesn’t frighten us,” said Pope The act of going to confession commission of the Gospel, “go make disciples.” Francis during Mass on Feb. 27 at the is like God inviting you to coffee, he Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. continued. Core Virtues “Let us thank the Lord for His “This is how the Lord calls us: goodness. He does not want to beat ‘Come on, let’s have a coffee together. Wisdom: The Rother Institute listens and us and condemn us. He gave His life Let’s talk this over, let’s discuss it. Don’t bears witness to the Truth, who is Jesus Christ for us and this is His goodness,” the be afraid.’” Meekness: A Christian’s conscious Holy Father continued, saying God is The Pope encouraged priests, dependence upon God is the foundation “always looking for a way to get to the who act in the person of Christ in of effective evangelization and Christian heart.” the confessional, to reflect God the leadership. Pope Francis referenced the first Father’s mercy during confessions. reading during Mass from the book of “When we priests, in the place of Magnanimity: The Rother Institute seeks to Isaiah, which says, “Wash yourselves the Lord, have to hear confessions, raise up generations who will perform great clean… cease doing evil; learn to do we too should have this attitude of deeds with God’s gifts. good…though your sins be like scarlet, goodness,” he said. they may become white as snow; In hearing confessions, Core Aspiration though they be crimson red, they may priests should be welcoming and become white as wool.” approachable, so as to “open the heart” Joy: The Rother Institute exists to share the joy While some people are intimidated and make the individual feel “at peace,” of the Gospel, the joy of a personal, intimate by the sacrament of confession, Pope he said.  relationship with Jesus Christ. Francis said that the confessional is 5 “For over three decades, Father significant part of the show, and can Mitch Pacwa has been a favorite of be submitted at www.facebook.com/ EWTN audiences around the globe,” groups/ewtnbiblestudy. said EWTN Chairman and Chief Father Pacwa is a Jesuit priest who Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw in holds a Ph.D in Old Testament studies a press release. from Vanderbilt University, as well “I am confident our viewers will as a Master of Divinity and an S.T.B. be excited about this newest program in Theology from Loyola University which plays to Father Mitch’s strength Chicago. as a Scripture scholar.” He previously taught Scripture at EWTN President Doug Keck, who Loyola University and the University of aided in the show’s creation, said it “will Dallas. He currently hosts “EWTN Live” talk about Scripture in light of Catholic and serves as a senior fellow at the St. Fr. Mitch Pacwa to Tradition – spotlighting early Church Paul Institute for Biblical Studies. documents that illuminate the way we EWTN Global Catholic Network was host weekly Bible understand the Bible.” launched in 1981 by Mother Angelica of study show on EWTN Fr. Pacwa has authored numerous the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. Bible studies with thematic focuses. He The largest religious media network Birmingham, Ala., Feb 27, 2018 / will kick off the new show with his book, in the world, it reaches more than 275 02:59 pm (CNA/EWTN News) - Next ‘Winning the Battle Against Sin,’ which million television households in more month, EWTN Global Catholic Network discusses Scriptural teachings on sin than 145 countries and territories. will premiere the television series and forgiveness. In addition to 11 television channels “Scripture and Tradition,” a new weekly “After that, I’d like to counterbalance in multiple languages, EWTN platforms Bible study hosted by Scripture scholar that with my Bible study called ‘Saved,’ include radio services through Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ. which tackles the theme of salvation,” shortwave and satellite radio, SIRIUS/ The series will replace one of Fr. he said in a press release. “I’ve also XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 AM Pacwa’s previous shows, “Threshold of done Bible studies on the life of Christ.” & FM affiliates. EWTN publishes the Hope.” Saying that he will take the new National Catholic Register, operates a Created in response to viewer ministry “step by step,” Fr. Pacwa religious goods catalogue, and in 2015 demand, the new show will launch added that he also hopes to study formed EWTN Publishing in a joint Tuesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. ET, with individual books of the Bible, beginning venture with Sophia Institute Press. encores on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET with Isaiah and Jeremiah. Catholic News Agency is also part of and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. ET. Viewer questions will make up a the EWTN family. 

Flying on Sunday? Many airport chapels offer Mass Washington D.C., (CNA/EWTN News) airports offer Catholic Mass. Among Flying on Sunday and need a place the airports absent from the list was for Mass? A recent study revealed that Los Angeles International, the second 40 percent of major US airports have largest airport in the nation.The study chapels offering Sunday Mass times for only considered data from large hubs, from various different religions became travelers and airport employees. Taking those that handle at least one percent of popular in 1990s. Dallas/Fort Worth data from the 30 busiest airports in annual passenger boarding in the U.S. International has an interfaith chapel the U.S., the Pew Research Center These airports range from Hartsfield- for each of its five terminals. Some identified airports offering Mass and Jackson Atlanta International, where airports, including smaller hubs in other forms of Christian worship as 45 million people travel annually, to Florida and New York, have religiously well as Jewish and Muslim prayer Portland International, where more neutral “mediation rooms,” which services. The 2015 Pew study found than 7 million travel. The first airport offer no services but only a space for that more than half of the largest hub chapel was instituted at Boston’s Logan prayer or reflection. Other airports airports in the U.S. contain chapels. International Airport a little over 60 years have places of worship associated with Eighteen out of the 30 busiest hubs ago, according to the Pluralism Project distinct religions. For example, John in the nation have chapels orientated by Harvard University. Titled “Our F. Kennedy International includes a towards some faith, and 14 of those Lady of the Airways,” it was a Catholic Catholic Church, Protestant chapel, have regular services. Four airports chapel, like many to follow. Airports synagogue, and mosque and has have irregular prayer services and offer saw a rise in chapels from the ‘60s services multiple times throughout the rooms for mediation. Additionally, 12 until the ‘80s. Chapels with services day. 

6 Be intentional about silence during Mass, Pope Francis says

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope the Mass is being said, begins with Roman Missal, the Pope pointed out. Francis said Wednesday that moments the priest saying to the people, “Let us There it says that in the Penitential of silence in the Mass should be pray,” followed by a brief silence. Act and again after the invitation to intentional times of prayer, recollection “I strongly recommend priests pray, everyone is supposed to spend a and communion with God, rather than observe this moment of silence, which moment in recollection. being viewed as times to just be quiet without wanting to, we risk neglecting,” And in the silences following or not speak. Francis noted. a reading or the homily, everyone is “Silence is not reduced to In this moment the congregation called to meditate briefly on what they the absence of words, but (is) the is exhorted to come together in silence, have heard. After Communion they availability to listen to other voices: that to become aware of the presence of should praise and pray to God in their of our heart and, above all, the voice of God, and to bring out, “each one in his hearts. the Holy Spirit,” the Pope said Jan. 10. own heart, the personal intentions with The Gloria, another kind of In silence, then, we discover “the which he participates in Mass.” prayer, is either recited or sung before importance of listening to our soul and “Perhaps we come from days the collect on Sundays - except during then opening it to the Lord.” of toil, of joy, of sorrow, and we want Lent and Advent - and on feasts and Continuing his general audience to tell the Lord, to invoke his help, to solemnities. catechesis on the topic of the Mass, ask that he be near us; we have family Here, “the feelings of praise that Pope Francis reflected on the nature of members and friends who are ill or who run through the hymn are intertwined the different moments of silence found are going through difficult trials; we with the confident pleading of divine within the celebration, especially in the wish to entrust to God the fate of the benevolence, to end with the Trinitarian recitation of the collect. Church and the world.” doxology, which characterizes the The collect, which is prayed after “For this we need the brief silence whole liturgical celebration,” he said. the Gloria, or if the Gloria is omitted, beforehand, that the priest, gathering The recitation or singing of following the Penitential Act, is a short the intentions of each one, expresses in the Gloria, the Pope emphasized, prayer which goes from praise to a loud voice to God, in the name of all, “constitutes an opening of the earth to supplication, and is generally inspired the common prayer that concludes the heaven.” from the day’s Scripture passages, the rites of introduction, making, indeed, a By meditating on the prayers of Pope said. ‘collection’ of individual intentions.” the Mass, the liturgy can become for This prayer, which varies These silences are written right us, the Pope concluded, a “true school according to the day and time in which into the General Instruction of the of prayer.” 

7 He overcame prison and drug addiction - thanks to the rosary By Giselle Vargas Santiago, Chile, (ACI Prensa) - A life they commit their crimes or that she will During his time in prison, Briones of crime and drug addiction landed get them released from prison. did not learn to pray the rosary or Khristian Briones, 39, in prison for ten Like others, Briones prayed to understand its value. But when he got years. During that time, he paid his Our Lady of Montserrat for protection out of prison, he went to the Paternitas debt to society, and he set out on a during his life of crime. Many nights in Foundation and worked as a cleaning path of faith and conversion that began prison he asked God and Our Lady to assistant, began to give motivational with praying the rosary. spare him from death. Nevertheless, he talks, study social work, and eventually Briones was raised by his made enemies in prison, and he ended he became an instructor at the Rosary grandparents in Chile. They lived in his sentence with 20 stab wounds, two Workshop. poverty. Alcoholism, domestic violence gunshot wounds and one third of his It was at this time, he said, that he and drug addiction were a regular part body burned. began to love Our Lady and understand of his home life. Lacking opportunities, While serving his sentence, the mystery of faith. He began to sell and hungry all the time, he began to Briones spent five years in the rosaries on buses; he shared “his job” admire criminals who robbed food Rosary Workshop program run by with eight other convicts who also were trucks and distributed the food to the the Paternitas Foundation, which is getting out of prison, as a way to start people of his neighborhood. dedicated to the rehabilitation, job supporting themselves. Briones spent his childhood and training and transition back into society Eventually, Briones spiraled into adolescence in juvenile detention for convicts. His prison workshop depression and fell back into drug centers, where he became “acculturated constructed made 3500 wood rosaries addiction. He turned away from God in crime.” He stole, gambled, and tried per month, earning some money the and quit praying. But one day he gave drugs. “I became more and more prisoners sent back to their families. someone a cigarette, and the recipient addicted and violent,” Briones told ACI Briones told ACI Prensa that “the offered simple words of thanks. The Prensa. rosary is a light in the darkness of the words “God bless you” set Briones Despite their life of crime, many prison,” since it helps “the guys to get back on the path of faith. criminals in Chile have a superstitious closer to God. Most of them believe in “I cried, I prayed and I clung to devotion to Our Lady of Montserrat, God, in Our Lady of Montserrat, but the rosary, I started practicing my whom they consider their patroness. their faith is misguided. That’s where I faith again,” he said. “Prayer is very They believe she will protect them as was; I was Catholic in my own way.” powerful.”

8 In this reencounter with Jesus, Briones began promoting a prayer campaign, “A Million Rosaries for the The importance of our ‘Yes’ Pope, the Faith, Life and the Family” in By Sally Riesenberg Chile “to get the people in ‘pope mode’ so we can give him a good reception I often find myself thanking the Lord and so his message reaches the hearts for allowing me the opportunity to be of Chileans” during his January 15-18 involved in his work here on earth. I see visit this year. glimpses of what heaven must look and “Thanks to working on this feel like and experience the awe that campaign I’m understanding my no words can explain in the places and Church more. I’ve gotten to know people he sends me. I know it simply parishes and priests. I’m preparing to doesn’t get any better in this world. I receive Confirmation, and I want to am thankful. get married and have children. I never I have learned to take one of these thought about that before.” blessings when it happens and go back “I have faith that God does exist through the “yes” of not only my life but and Our Lady is with us, and she can others’, to relish in the great planning change you. Our Lady kept me from and detail it took for the experience to Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman dying, she’s helped me move forward, happen. All Christians know nothing to prepare myself as a person and happens by chance. As little or big aren’t quite so seasoned! as a professional, to bear witness. things happen around me, I know it will A couple of months ago I drove a God is working on me to become a be a part of something in the future - 13-year-old son on his birthday to sit better Christian, he’s working on me, a puzzle piece of God’s great plan with his incarcerated father. It took a transforming a clay vessel into a new for someone. So each of these little teacher’s acting on her call from above vessel,” he reflected. encounters makes every day for me to help pull this together. She reached Briones wants to share a message priceless in participating in our Lord’s out to me, as 13 is a difficult age. It is a of hope with people who are in prison work. time of deciding who and what we are and to do it through “a rosary workshop I learned in the mission work of going to follow. It’s a really tough time about four times a week with catechesis Peru to see such detail. I learned to for a kid with no dad at home to guide and Mass included.” connect the dots of happenings. Jail and help prioritize values. I have come He also wants to begin a prisoners’ ministry simply took it to the next level. to learn from working with the male rehabilitation and reintegration In the past couple of months I have incarcerated that it is a time when their foundation. Briones is certain that “with had the honor and blessing of watching mom has less impact as they move prayer the goal can be reached.” our amazing Lord reconnect souls in a toward manhood. But even for the girls, For now, he is continuing his new way. While a few months ago I took if they don’t have a dad figure they can motivational talks in schools so an inmate’s three children to visit him in look to for approval, they seek it in the students can “become aware and prison, these past couple of months the world from other males. Not good! make a difference in society. And if they Lord opened doors for a 13-year-old This child had been crossing the happen to fall, they can get back up on son to spend the day with his dad and lines at school, and the teacher knew their feet,” he said. a granny with her grandson. Actually, he needed one-on-one time with his Also during this time, Briones is all three of these stories were full of dad. From our friendship she knew that taking advantage of spreading the not only my yes to Jesus but depended his dad, who had once been a feared “Million Rosaries” campaign. He says on others’ having the courage to follow gang member, was now a man of God he knows that Pope Francis’ visit was what they heard the Holy Spirit calling living it each day in the prison system. good for the country and especially for them to do. With the teacher helping get the the female inmates at the Women’s Some say I have a great ear to hear necessary details to the son’s home for Penitentiary Center in Santiago, the where the Lord calls me, but as I watch the visit, and with the help of his aunt in prison the pontiff visited. what the Lord can do with my yes, I do Texas, I drove into the ‘hood at 6am to “It was a blessing for the prison to not want to miss a single calling, so I begin the day with this young man. receive this visit of hope, love and joy listen very, very carefully. I know the What a day it was! We often hear it that the pope himself represents; he’s importance of each person’s hearing would be fun to be a fly on the wall and very charismatic, close to us, always and courage to do their part. watch something up close. Well I got to smiling. That does a lot of good. It will Okay, I am aware that sometimes be that fly on the wall. As I pretended to do all of us good because he invites us the Lord uses me to do a little pushing read from a Bible on the table and play to go out, to be close to others. With on someone else’s call when they solitaire for six hours, I watched and his Franciscan spirit he calls us to go aren’t willing or ready to hear. Some heard the bonding of father and son. out and evangelize, and to be a Church people attribute that to bossiness, but I I observed the power of watching this that goes out” to the peripheries, he know what I hear, as I have learned to big tattooed father lose a bet on a card  said. listen. I just need to “help” others who Continued on p. 10

9 Pope Francis: What matters in the end is how well we loved By Hannah Brockhaus

This is because: “I was hungry and “May our hearts welcome him into Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - On you gave me food, I was thirsty and our life today, for we are welcomed by Sunday Pope Francis said that when you gave me drink, I was a stranger him into the eternity of his Kingdom of the Final Judgment comes, what will and you welcomed me, naked and you Light and Peace.” matter most is how much we loved God dressed me, sick and you visited me, After the Angelus Pope Francis and others, especially through daily, I was in prison and you came to see expressed his sorrow for the attack on concrete acts of charity toward those me.” a mosque in Sinai, Egypt on Nov. 24 most in need. Francis noted how when Jesus which killed more than 230 people and “At the end of our life we will be speaks about the Final Judgment to his wounded hundreds more. judged on love, that is, on our concrete disciples, the men are surprised by his “I continue to pray for the many commitment to love and serve Jesus words, because they don’t remember victims, for the wounded and for the in the least of our brothers and the meeting Jesus, let alone helping him whole community, so severely affected. needy,” the Pope said Nov. 26. in this way. So Jesus explains what he God frees us from these tragedies “Jesus will come at the end of time meant: “All you did to one of these the and sustains the efforts of all those to judge all the nations, but he (also) least of my brothers, you did to me.” who work for peace, concord, and comes to us every day, in so many “This word never ceases to hit us,” coexistence,” he said. ways, and asks us to welcome him.” Pope Francis said, “because it reveals Just as those people were praying Pope Francis spoke to around to what extent God’s love comes to us: at the time of the attack, he then asked 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s to the point of being identified with us, for a moment of silent prayer for those Square before leading the Angelus but not when we are well, when we are affected by the attack. prayer. Celebrating the Solemnity healthy and happy, no, but when we The Pope also recalled the of Christ the King, the Pope offered are in need.” beatification of Bl. Catalina de María a reflection on the Last Judgment In this way Jesus reveals “the Rodríguez, founder of the Congregation and Jesus’ “criteria” for entering the decisive criterion of his judgment,” the of Hermanas Esclavas of Corazón de Kingdom of Heaven. Pope said, which is “concrete love for Jesús, in Argentina on Saturday. He explained how at the second the neighbor in distress.” She lived in the 19th century and coming, when Jesus appears “in divine We should ask the Virgin Mary was first married. But when she became glory,” he will summon all of humanity to to help us to not only meet Jesus in widowed she decided to consecrate him, separating the righteous from the his Word and in the Eucharist, he herself to God and dedicate herself “to unrighteous. And to the righteous he continued, but “at the same time in the spiritual and material care of the will say: “Come, blessed of my Father, the brothers and sisters suffering poorest and most vulnerable women.” receive as inheritance the kingdom from hunger, illness, oppression, and “We praise the Lord for this prepared for you since the creation of injustice.” ‘passionate woman of the Heart of the world.” Jesus and of humanity,’” he said.  Sally Riesenberg’s ‘Yes’... Continued from p. 9 opportunity to give others the courage what conversion in a soul can do. We game and hit the floor to do push-ups to come forward and follow him on his all sat back watching what it meant for in the center of the visitation room. journey toward heaven. someone washed clean in baptism to I knew what I was observing was For me, it was an amazing thing be a new man in Christ. If Jesus’ death about much more than losing a bet. to watch, as four years ago at the on the Cross brought forgiveness and Zachary had a great reputation in the county jail I observed firsthand what new life to Zach, then it had to be true ‘hood of having no fear. He learned power this young man had among not for them also. It is one thing to read through the years that leadership skills only the Crips but among any and such things and another to watch with are leadership skills. At one time those all gang members. Because of his a front row seat! gifts from above, of others wanting to past, that respect earned in all of the All that to say when Zach got on be his friend and do what he did, meant wrong ways was now being used for that floor before guards, inmates and he led them to hell. He now watches God’s good. Not only gang members families, doing push ups and said out those same skills giving him the but staff and officers watched with me Continued on p. 14 10 Sign of peace at Mass needs to maintain a public character By Msgr. M. Francis Mannion / Viewpoint

The Catholic liturgical tradition publicness. Indeed, our culture sets to stay, and pastors would be foolish to regards the Sign of Peace at Mass such store on privacy and intimacy lose much sleep over it. as a disciplined and restrained public that the small group is regarded today Yet, it should be kept in mind that gesture, and not an affectionate gesture as the only humanly authentic social when we gather for the Eucharist we of intimacy and friendship. In fact, the grouping. This explains why many come together as sons and daughters peace sign is designed for people who, parishes have over the years been busy of God who are all equally related by for the most part, do not even know attempting to turn liturgical assemblies baptism. For the moment, the stranger each other’s names. into intimate gatherings of family and and the marginal person are as close to This derives from the fact that the friends, and why they think anything us as spouse and children. liturgical assembly is not (and is not less is intolerable and inauthentic. Certainly, the Eucharist does meant to be) a gathering of friends and By contrast, I believe that the not abrogate spousal and familial intimates. In my view, it is a mistake Church needs to redeem publicness relationships, but it does set before us to view those gathered in worship as and challenge assumptions about an order of things beyond all human friends and “friends who haven’t yet intimacy that have their origin more in degrees of relationship. met.” modern group therapy theory than in This is why the Sign of Peace is While the liturgical assembly the Gospel. not meaningless when shared between includes spouses, family members Accordingly, I would hold that the strangers and only meaningful when and friends, for the most part it does Sign of Peace should not be regarded exchanged between intimates. Indeed, not. It is generally a mixed gathering of primarily as an intimate gesture, but the peace sign is never more meaningful neighbors, fellow citizens, and persons as a public sign expressing fellow then when shared between strangers, who are (and will remain) strangers to citizenship in Christ. It should retain or those separated by human barriers each other. its traditional role as a sign shared of various kinds. The Sign of Peace Indeed, the Eucharistic gathering between people of goodwill, whether declares: “We may be strangers at the is more like a town meeting than a they know each other or not. The human level, but not in God’s scheme community of intimates. It is a public peace sign is not designed to turn of things.” rather than an intimate grouping. people into friends, but to express the The Sign of Peace before Saying this goes against the strong graciousness of all kinds and degrees Communion is an eschatological sign, emphasis on small group intimacy and of relationships in the public world. by which I mean a sign of the way interpersonal relationships popular What about the practice of spouses, things will be in the Kingdom of God, in liturgical spirituality today? Many relatives, and friends – people who in which the present world of division, pastors and people appear to have know each other well – kissing and racism, hostility, and suspicion will absorbed from the culture at large hugging each other during the Sign of have passed away.  a bias toward intimacy and against Peace? The practice is probably here 11 How can Saudi Arabia counter violent extremism? Religious freedom, expert says By Kevin Jones

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct 26, 2017 / extremist thoughts, we will destroy and a law classifying blasphemy and 05:00 pm (CNA/EWTN News) - Saudi them now and immediately.” the promotion of atheism as terrorism Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin “After the Iranian revolution in 1979, has been used to target human rights Salman has suggested a turn towards people wanted to copy this model in defenders, among others,” the report moderate Islam, especially among different countries, one of them is Saudi said. The government also privileges younger Saudis who want to “destroy” Arabia,” Prince Mohammed continued. its interpretation of Sunni Islam over extremist thoughts, but one expert “We didn’t know how to deal with it. And other interpretations and bans non- suggests religious freedom is the best the problem spread all over the world. Muslim public places of worship. path for Saudi Arabia. Now is the time to get rid of it.” The commission’s report also “As a general matter, no Farr welcomed the encouragement cited the Saudi government’s Vision government can ‘destroy extremist of more moderate interpretations of 2030 program, focused on economic thoughts,’ including the government of Islam, but cautioned: “their success and cultural transformation, as a Saudi Arabia,” Georgetown University in that endeavor will have less to do reason for improved religious freedom professor Thomas F. Farr told CNA. with the use of force than it will the conditions. There was a “significant “Even when U.S. forces ‘destroy’ ISIS government’s willingness to move decrease” in the power of the country’s militarily, the problem of extremist toward true religious freedom, defined Commission for the Promotion of Virtue interpretations of Islam will remain.” in this context as the freedom of all and Prevention of Vice, a continued Farr, who directs the Religious religions in the kingdom openly to government commitment to reform Freedom Research Project at challenge Saudi Wahhabism, the textbooks and curricula, and increased Georgetown’s Berkley Center for ideological source of much violent efforts to counter domestic and Religion, Peace & World Affairs, Islamist extremism.” international extremism. advocated religious freedom as the “In short, what governments can Prince Mohammed’s remarks best approach in Saudi Arabia. do to undermine violent extremism is to expanded on comments he had His remarks follow comments protect religious freedom,” he said. made at an investment conference from Prince Mohammed, the new heir Saudi Arabia’s religious freedom announcing a $500 billion planned apparent to the Kingdom of Saudi record has come under criticism. independent economic zone across Arabia, who recently spoke to the U.K. In its 2017 report, the U.S. Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, The newspaper The Guardian. Commission on International Religious Guardian reports. “We are simply reverting to what Freedom recommended that Saudi “Changing Saudi Arabia for the we [once] followed – a moderate Islam Arabia be designated a tier one better means helping the region and open to the world and all religions. “Country of Particular Concern.” changing the world,” the prince said. Seventy percent of the Saudis are “Saudi courts continue to “So this is what we are trying to do younger than 30, honestly we won’t prosecute and imprison individuals here. And we hope we get support from waste 30 years of our life combating for dissent, apostasy, and blasphemy, everyone.”  12 Religious freedom, not secularism, key to Europe’s future, Vatican official says By Elise Harris

Rome, Italy (CNA/EWTN News) - In that political leaders are beginning reflection on the challenges facing 2003, British Prime Minister Tony Blair to recognize that “the world is a very Europe. was asked about his faith during a religious place.” Some 350 participants from 28 magazine interview. As Blair began to Increase in religious affiliation delegations representing all E.U. offer an answer, he was interrupted, worldwide continues to grow around the countries attended, including high- cut off by Alastair Campbell, the prime world, he said, explaining that this fact level E.U. politicians and Catholic minister’s director of strategy and “brings with it a very big responsibility hierarchy, academics, ambassadors, communications. for believers.” representatives of different Catholic “We don’t do God,” Campbell said. “I think we have to take that organizations and movements, as well “I’m sorry.” responsibility very seriously, and make as other Christian delegations. Campbell seemed to know, in the sure that religion is making a positive Responding to a question posed not-so-distant past of European politics, contribution, and that religion, and by CNA on the role religion plays in that any public mention of religion was if you want to say even the Catholic Europe given its Christian roots, Pope a serious taboo. religion, is a part of the solution and not Francis’ continuous call to go back to This week, as top ecclesial and the problem.” those roots, and the growth of Islam, political leaders gather in Rome Archbishop Gallagher spoke Gallagher said he believes there is a to discuss the future and identity alongside German Cardinal Reinhard growing awareness and recognition in of Europe, Vatican Secretary for Marx at an Oct. 27 press conference on the world of “the positive things religion Relations with the States Archbishop a major conference titled “(Re)Thinking does.” Paul Gallagher said that religion is no Europe: A Christian Contribution to the Though Europe grapples with a longer a forbidden subject in European Future of the European Project,” taking high influx of migrants, Gallagher said,“I politics. place in Rome that week, drawing think we have to stick to principles. If we “The days when you could say ‘we hundreds of high-level European believe in religious freedom, then it is don’t do religion’ are over,” Gallagher Church and political leaders. valid for a Hindu, a Muslim or anybody, said. Running Oct. 27-29, the conference as it’s valid for a Christian.” “Many diplomatic services was organized by the Commission The archbishop also said that, in throughout Europe and elsewhere of the Bishops’ Conferences of the his view, there is “often a great degree are now running courses, literally European Community (COMECE) in of misinformation and ‘scaremongering’ accelerated courses to make up partnership with the Holy See, and on the sizes of the Islamic communities time on religion,” he said, explaining will consisted of a joint, constructive continued on page 20 13 On the way home I took back roads, as I realized how much this child loved seeing the countryside. We stopped by cotton fields and got out to pull some cotton for him to take home to show his sisters. Having grown up on a farm myself, I was able to answer his questions about the cows and horses and the crops. Seeing it all through his innocent eyes brought me a great appreciation for the simplicity of my parents and how they raised me. Yesterday, I had the blessing of driving a granny to visit her incarcerated grandson she had not seen or touched for seven years. Watching across the room as I visited another inmate at the facility, I again was able to be that fly on the wall. This reunion of these two began in the Lord’s planning over five years ago for me. It began with the grandson’s kindness to a nerdy little white boy, as this gang member tried to teach survival at the jail and prepare him for a long sentence in prison. I clearly heard a call for me to visit and Sunday Book Study thank this young man for his kindness. Leader Jill Moore and the Sunday Reformation from the perspective of Through the past five years, Sean Book Study group went to Tulsa on both sides and multiple countries. has been the one who taught me to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2017, to see “Martin The play, by Chris Cragin-Day and minister to gang members. While Luther on Trial” as a follow-up to their Max McLean, depicts “a trial for the soul officers tried to convince me he wasn’t study of Diarmaid McCulloch’s, “The of Martin Luther, and the prosecutor… worth my time, I knew what the Lord Reformation.” is the Devil.... Luther’s beloved wife was telling me to do. So I pushed This year was the half-century Katarina defends him as witnesses, forward each week he was at the county anniversary of Martin Luther’s including Adolf Hitler, Sigmund Freud, jail and then maintained the friendship “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy Rabbi Josel, St. Paul, Martin Luther with letters and calls. Sean has told me of Indulgences,” also know as the 95 King, Jr. and Pope Francis, take the over and over through these years to Theses, a list of propositions and stand.” The production has been never give up on anyone, as he lives questions for debate which ultimately described as unusually wry and well- out the reason for that statement. gave rise to what would become the acted by the New Yorker. The Lord actually veiled his many Protestant Reformation. The Sunday If you are interested in joining the tattoos from me in the beginning. I Book Study group spent 12 weeks Sunday Book Study, stop by the Board learned God wanted me to see this reading and discussing McCullough’s Room after the 10am Mass or contact young 21-year-old for himself, so  book, which won the National Book Jill Moore at (405) 470-4255. that first day I only saw this beautiful Critics Circle Award and presents the face. It wasn’t until then that the Lord revealed the outside. That was miracle number one, as I learned the Lord would do whatever he needed to get Sally Riesenberg’s ‘Yes’... me to the places and people he needed Continued from p. 10 verses his teachings came from. I me to go to. This young man and I have loud to his son and for others to hear, would hear that deep, gentle voice of had numerous miracles through this “Son, a man’s word is a man’s word,” Zach as his son struggled through the time, and both of us laugh that the Lord the teachings of humility and honesty readings say, “I have never heard you would use a racist gang member and were brought to life. read before son, what a good reader an ‘older’ white Catholic lady to join as At one point during the visit I heard you are,” and little Zach’s voice then a team. Zach ask his son, “So what do you know grew stronger and louder. I observed Sean calls me Aunt Sally, and I about Jesus,” as he said, “come sit by other inmates and families around us can clearly say it is the connection of me,” and pulled the Bible before them. taking in Zach’s sharing his faith with our souls that has not only changed As his arm encircled his son, he shared his son. Yes, it was a great day to be a each of us but allowed the two of us, teachings and ask his son to read the fly on the wall! to change the lives of others. Again, if 14 not for Sean’s yes, although it doesn’t always come easily, other inmates I have asked him to mentor and protect as they enter into the prison system might not have become the faith warriors the Lord needed. Truly our yes is not always about us alone but can open a chain reaction for the saving of other souls we may never meet. Actually, the person I sat in the visitation room with yesterday as we sneaked peeks at this reunion was a young man Sean had guided into the system at my request. Jeffrey wasn’t a gang member, but he was serving three life sentences. As only the Lord can do, th Jeffrey’s first stop in the system landed him not only in the prison and pod in April 6 Speaker which Sean was residing but directly across the hall from him, meaning the Toni Brattin two could sign language to each other through their door windows and were put out for recreation together. All women of the parish are invited to products at Walmart, Walgreens and Sean’s strength and gang affiliation the Spring CK Women’s Luncheon other major retailers nationwide. She protected Jeffrey until he was able to on Friday, Apr. 6, 2018, beginning at loves to inspire other women to chase gain his own footing in prison. In that 11:30am. Our speaker is CK parishioner their dreams, telling them, “Always stay cell across from Sean Jeffrey found Toni Brattin. in faith with God, even through the the courage to reject gang invitations, Toni Brattin is an infomercial icon rough and scary times. Stay in faith and telling them he was “riding with Jesus.” on the Home Shopping Network. A do what’s right…eventually the cream Sean’s shadow across the hall told spokesperson for self-tanning, beauty will rise to the top!” Toni, a member of others to respect Jeffrey’s decision. products, and “Hair Fabulous,” a line Christ the King Church, will speak at A few months ago, the two came of women’s faux hair wigs, fashion the CK Women’s Spring Luncheon on together again, as Sean entered hair pieces and extensions, Toni’s Friday, April 6th. Tickets are $25 and the door to a Praise and Worship story is one of faith and courage. Toni can be purchased online at ckokc.org/ celebration at his new facility to be began her career as a single working ck-women or by contacting the Director welcomed by Jeffrey who had been mother and, thanks to hard work and of Parish Life, Pam Cullen, by calling asked to give his testimony that night. her God-given talents, has become (405) 842-1483 or emailing pam@ Sean didn’t miss for a second that his an international success on QVC with ckokc.org.  yes to me, going outside his normal safety zone of hanging with his own gang, had allowed Jeffrey to become one of the spiritual leaders at Lawton Correctional. Domestic Church How did I meet Sean’s granny? It Domestic Church is the family branch wasn’t because Sean introduced her to of the Light-Life Movement, founded me. How did she become the spiritual in Poland by Servant of God, Fr. grandmother I need and crave at this Franciszeck Blachnicki, with the point in my life? The yes of other people guidance, support, and influence of brought us into each other’s lives. his bishop, Karol Wojtyla, St. John As Jeffrey and I sat across the Paul the Great. Domestic Church is an room from this reunion yesterday, we apostolate for married couples to truly talked of how God loves every single come to grow in their knowledge and one of us. Despite our past mistakes, experience of Christ and his Church. God truly forgives and simply wants In December 2011 the materials us to find the joy in loving and serving for Domestic Church were translated City, please contact the Office of him. That would be why neither of us into English, and a team came to the Marriage and Family Life at (405) 721- is going to miss a “yes” to the Lord, U.S. to start the first English-speaking 5651, ext. 155 or ASchimpf@ArchOKC. regardless of the danger and craziness Domestic Church community. org. Learn more about the history and of that request. The Lord is simply out To learn more about Domestic mission of Domestic Church by visiting  saving souls, and we get to help! Church in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma www.domesticchurchfamilies.com.  15 system in so many countries certainly removes an obstacle to facing these problems in an appropriate and realistic way, but it is not enough to bring about their solution. Indeed, there is a risk that a radical capitalistic ideology could spread which refuses even to consider these problems, in the a priori belief that any attempt to solve them is doomed to failure, and which blindly entrusts their solution to the free development of market forces.” The words of John Paul II have been echoed by his successors. Both Benedict XVI and Francis have had Commentary: A Catholic sharp criticisms for Marxism and for an “unbridled capitalism” that relies moment in US politics? entirely upon the machinations of the free market, without recognizing the By Michelle La Rosa need for values that can only be upheld through intentional human action. Washington D.C. (CNA) - It’s been a Catholics should take an active role in So what does the Church propose? little over a year since the 2016 election the political process; discouraging blind John Paul II clarifies: “The Church has that polarized the nation and left deep partisanship, and encouraging that, no models to present; models that political divides among family and “our participation should help transform are real and truly effective can only friends. the party to which we belong.” arise within the framework of different Another election may be the last In order to do this, we first have to historical situations, through the efforts thing many Americans want to think understand what the Church teaches of all those who responsibly confront about, but with midterm races less than about politics. What exactly is the concrete problems in all their social, 10 months away, the already tense nature and purpose of the state? economic, political and cultural aspects, political rhetoric is about to become Catholics on both sides of the aisle as these interact with one another.” even more heated. often claim that their party’s view of In other words, it’s up to Catholics This election season comes at government embodies the vision of to work for the best solution we can in a time of broad dissatisfaction with Christ. But is that true? our current circumstances. America’s major political parties. In 1991, as the Soviet Union What does it mean to put the Harvard’s Institute of Politics recently collapsed and the Cold War drew to Church’s social teaching into practice found that only 29% of young Americans a close, Pope John Paul II penned a in 21st century America? It’s a complex age 18-29 had a strong party affiliation. momentous encyclical, Centesimus question, but before we can even start An NBC / University of Chicago annus. In it, he reflected on another proposing answers, we need to know survey found that just 26% of encyclical, Rerum novarum, the work what the Church’s social teaching is. American adults said the Republican by Pope Leo XIII that had laid out the What does it mean to say that the and Democratic parties are doing foundations of Catholic social thought dignity of the human person “is the an adequate job representing the one hundred years earlier. foundation of all the other principles American people, while 71% said a Through the lens of Rerum and content of the Church’s social third party is needed. novarum, and looking at the events doctrine,” or to say that “society and What would a viable third party taking place in his own time, John Paul the state exist for the family”? What look like? Is a third party even possible, II wrote: are the principles of the common good, or is it more likely that we will see major “The Marxist solution has failed, solidarity, and subsidiarity? What is the party leaders scramble to recover but the realities of marginalization universal destination of goods and how eroding loyalties by redefining party and exploitation remain in the world, does it relate to private property? What values and principles? especially the Third World, as does the is the preferential option for the poor? It’s always tough to predict what will reality of human alienation, especially Again and again, the bishops have happen in politics. But since Catholics in the more advanced countries. clarified that it is not the Church’s make up roughly 1 in 4 U.S. voters, they Against these phenomena the Church role to tell people whom to vote for have a chance to shape the trajectory strongly raises her voice.” at the ballot box. Rather, the Church of existing and new political parties However, the Pope didn’t stop talks about issues and principles. To over the next few years. there. He continued: understand what the Church teaches And in fact, Catholics have a duty “Vast multitudes are still living in about the issues - from abortion to shape the political landscape. The conditions of great material and moral to migration - and to exercise the US bishops have repeatedly taught that poverty. The collapse of the Communist continued on page 20

16 Report: Government funds largest source of Planned Parenthood revenue By Christine Rousselle

Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) - Planned Parenthood reported that it received more than $500 million in government funding last year, while performing more than 300,000 abortions across the United States. The country’s largest abortion provider released its 2016-2017 annual report this weekend, reporting that while the organization is seeing fewer patients than in previous years, revenue from government sources remains mostly stable. The report also showed increased excess revenues for the organization. In the 2016-2017 fiscal year, Planned Parenthood saw 2.4 million patients at its 600 health centers, and performed 321,384 abortions. Though The majority of Planned offer comprehensive primary and the number of abortions decreased Parenthood’s expenses, 60 percent, preventative care for women and slightly from the prior year, Planned were for “medical services.” families. Congress must follow through Parenthood’s abortion numbers The report showed that the number on the promise to redirect tax dollars have increased 10 percent over the of patients receiving contraceptive away from Planned Parenthood without past decade, despite seeing about services from Planned Parenthood further delay.” 600,000 fewer patients. In 2006, declined last year, as it has since Planned Parenthood reported that 2009. That year, Planned Parenthood In looking at Planned they performed 289,750 abortions, and provided 4,009,549 contraceptives Parenthood’s latest annual served 3.1 million patients. to patients, a number that was nearly report, more than 82 abortions Planned Parenthood’s excess halved by 2016. Most of Planned were performed for every 1 revenue increased from the prior fiscal Parenthood’s birth control services are adoption referral. You have to ask year, from $77.5 million to $98.5 million, oral contraceptives, the report said, - how much choice is Planned an increase of 27 percent. although there was an increase in the Parenthood advocating for their Despite seeing fewer patients, number of IUDs implanted in 2016 vulnerable patients? – Catherine Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer compared to 2015. Szeltner (@CatSzeltner) January funding has increased by 61 percent in Cancer screenings and prenatal 2, 2018 the past decade, from $336.7 million in care also declined over the past year. 2006 to $543.7 million in 2016. While adoption referrals increased, As I’ve stated before (and setting CEO Cecile Richards bemoaned a Planned Parenthood performed about aside the fungible aspect of $), “historic threat” to Planned Parenthood 82 abortions for every child that was I don’t care if the dollars that in the report, stemming from legislative referred for adoption. Planned Parenthood receives from efforts at the state and federal In light of the report showing a the government go to purchase level to regulate or defund Planned significant, growing, profit, pro-life fish tanks for waiting rooms. Their Parenthood. advocates are continuing to calling for organization takes lives, and that Despite defunding efforts, the Planned Parenthood to be defunded by is unacceptable. – Kimberly Ross organization received only two percent state and federal legislatures. (@SouthernKeeks) January 3, fewer tax dollars in 2016 than in “Enough is enough,” said Marjorie 2018 2015. “Government Health Services Dannenfelser, president of the pro- Reimbursements & Grants” constituted life Susan B. Anthony List, in a Jan. Left unmentioned in the report was the largest source of funding for Planned 3 statement. “Community health that 32 Planned Parenthood facilities Parenthood in 2016-2017, providing 37 centers vastly outnumber Planned have closed during the last year.  percent of the organization’s revenue. Parenthood facilities nationwide and 17 Why did we forget how to date? dinner, two were married and the rest were single, and a lot of us just didn’t New documentary aims to find out know when the last time we went on a By Mary Rezac date was,” Harrington told CNA. “And It was about 10 or so years ago when gave to her senior capstone class the we were kind of saying, what is going Kerry Cronin, a professor at Boston following year. on?” College, noticed something was up While her students all thought it After hearing about Cronin, with the way her young students were was a good idea, none of them had Harrington and her team decided to dating – or, rather, not dating. asked someone on a date by the end feature the dating assignment in their It was the end of the year and of the semester. new film “The Dating Project” – part she was talking to a group of bright, “And I realized they had no idea dating how-to, part dating documentary. charismatic students who were full of what I was talking about,” Cronin said. Besides Cronin’s dating plans for their future. Cronin asked So she tweaked the assignment to assignment, the film follows five her students if graduation meant include a set of rules that students had single people of varying ages and some difficult conversations with their to follow – ask a legitimate romantic backgrounds who are looking for boyfriends or girlfriends – and she got interest out on a date. In person. Keep love – two college students, Matt and blank stares. the date 60-90 minutes. Go out to ice Shanzi; Cecilia, a 20-something living “(They) were just really stellar cream or coffee – something without in Chicago; Rasheeda, a 30-something people, beautiful inside and out, and drugs or alcohol. You ask, you pay – living in New York; and Chris, a had all kinds of charisma and everything but a first date should only cost about 40-something from Los Angeles. and almost none of them had dated at $10 anyway. The only physical contact “Dating, at least here at (Boston all in high school or college,” Cronin should be an A-frame hug. College) has kind of a broad, uncertain, told CNA. “And I thought wait, what? The idea caught on, and pretty ambiguous definition,” Matt says in the What’s going on?” soon these “Cronin dates” were the film. “Definitely hooking up is more Further conversations with talk of Boston College. Today Cronin common on a college campus,” Shanzi students proved to her that this group travels the country, speaking to college adds. of seniors was not an anomaly, but the students about how to date, and The uncertainty and ambiguity is norm. continues to give the dating assignment a constant thread in every storyline. “I started talking to them about in her classes. Cecilia wishes her Tinder date would hookup culture and how that had Her renown as the ‘Date Doctor’ tell her what he wants, Rasheeda can’t impacted dating, and what I realized reached the ears of Megan Harrington remember the last time she was on a was that the dating social script was and her colleagues, who were looking real date, or what that even means. sort of gone,” she said. to create a documentary about dating Chris is so overwhelmed by online And so, like any good professor, in today’s world. dating he’s not sure where to begin. Cronin turned the problem into an “We had put together a pitch at The moniker “hooking up” is a term (extra credit) assignment that she dinner, and there were 14 women at young people have embraced, Cronin 18 noted in the film, because it could be brave.” have a plan, and that plan should be in mean anything from making out to Two of the three production line with your values and should result having sex, and everyone gains some companies involved in “The Dating in your getting to meet someone face social status from being able to say Project” are Christian companies – to face and having a conversation,” she they “hooked up.” Paulist Productions and Family Theater said. Cronin tries to help her students Productions. Most of the single people Cronin said the most heartening see that it’s braver – and ultimately featured in the film end up talking about thing about her dating assignment has better – to get to know a person before their faith and values at some point, been that it gets students talking to becoming physically intimate with some more explicitly than others. each other about what they really want them, something the hook-up culture Rasheeda is the most outspoken dating and relationships to look like. gets backwards. about her Christian faith in the film. At “It’s one thing to give out an “They don’t build great habits for one point, she expresses dismay that assignment to 25 students and that’s marriage and family. It’s easy to let she can’t seem to find a man who shares great, but what I was really heartened someone see your body. It’s hard to let her values and wants something out of by is that most of those students go someone see you,” she said. dating besides a sexual encounter. home to their resident halls and talk to Harrington said she was “shocked” Harrington, herself a Catholic, their roommates and their friends about at the amount of pressure on college told CNA that faith wasn’t necessarily it,” she said. kids to be very physical in relationships, meant to be a central theme of the film, “Within maybe two or three “and I think that carries over when you but faith and values are a topic that semesters of giving this assignment get out of college, this pressure to fit inevitably come up during the dating way back when, people were talking in.” “I knew it was there and it’s not a process, and each person in the film about it so actively and that was really new thing, and technology has just talked about it to the extent they felt wonderful, it ended up being one of made it easier,” she added. natural. the best things about the assignment, Cronin said that while the hook-up because people knew about it, and it culture is prevalent, she’s found that Harrington said she was just gave people permission to go on most students are unhappy with that casual, non-intense...dates,” she said. status quo and are looking for a way “shocked” at the amount She added that she hopes that this out. of pressure on college documentary will accomplish the same “They want the way out but kids to be very physical in thing. nobody’s offering it to them,” she said. “My hope for this movie is that it That’s why the rules for her dating relationships.... will just get people to talk about our assignment are so important, she crazy fears and our crazy anxieties and noted. It’s not that she wants to return why we hide so much and what it is we to the 1950s or some other bygone era, What the film does show, really want,” she said. she added, but there are good things to Harrington said, is that Christians are Harrington added that she hoped be gleaned from these “dating scripts” not really any better at dating in the the film would encourage people to of yesteryear. modern world than anyone else is. examine and re-evaluate their own “The rules are to help you so that “It’s very apparent that even in relationships and dating behaviors. you know what you’re doing,” Cronin the Christian world, in this area of life “I think that the change has to said. “You’re not asking someone on an – dating and relationships – we’re just come individually, we have to change uber romantic date, this isn’t a candlelit as lost as anyone else, we’re really not ways in which we’re seeing people dinner with violins and flowers, this is leading the way,” she said. “I think it’s as experiences instead of as human just a cup of coffee, just to see.” just as difficult for Christians as it is for beings,” she said. “You have to make She put together the “rules” from anyone else.” a decision of changing a behavior what she remembered of her own days Both Cronin and Harrington said that isn’t bringing out the dignity of the of dating, as well as advice from friends that dating sites and apps are not bad human person.” and feedback from students who have in and of themselves, but they should “And if you’re of a faith, it has done the assignment, Cronin said. be viewed as a tool. to be your relationship with God The students, she added, welcome “Use it as a tool to meet someone strengthening that and saying okay, the dating guidance. in person, because meeting in person I’m made in the image and likeness of “I am amazed at how much this is how you get to know someone,” God, and so is the other person,” she generation of young adults wants Harrington said. said. “So in order to change the dating coaching in all areas of their life,” she “The danger with apps is that culture, we have to change our own said. “They are hungry for coaching, people can become objects and we behaviors and look at the ways that and they responded so well to these become consumers, and you’re swiping we’re engaging with people.” rules I was amazed. In some ways I left and swiping right. Part of what is “The Dating Project” will show on have no idea why they would do this, bad is that some people use them for April 17 in select theaters throughout the but then they do and they’re happy just a hookup or sexual experience,” country. More information can be found and they want people to help them she added. at: https://www.thedatingprojectmovie. navigate situations where they need to “The thing I think with any app is – com/  19 Politics... continued from page 16 prudential judgment necessary to turn those ideas into policies, we must first understand the foundational principles. John Paul II describes the Church’s social teaching as “an indispensable and ideal orientation,” a viewpoint, and a framework on which to build. As we enter into what is certain to Adoration + Community + Theology + Service be a heated election year, why not make it a (belated) New Years Resolution to learn more about Catholic social Women’s Retreat: Apr. 19-22, 2018 teaching? Centesimus Annus is a great place to start. So is the Compendium Men’s Retreat: May 3-6, 2018 of the Social Doctrine of the Church. To catechists, teachers, and members The ACTS Retreat experience is rooted in the Pascal Mystery in that retreatants of the clergy: Why not resolve to teach are invited to reflect on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus the Church’s social doctrines more Christ. Christ the King has joined 569 parishes from around the world in providing frequently, to help equip Catholics as the ACTS experience for our members. Your faith will be revitalized and your they prepare to vote? relationship with Christ deepened as you build purpose into your prayer life, Educating ourselves on these cultivate friendships, and come to understand more keenly how your faith applies issues can help us be better citizens, to your daily life. The women’s retreat on Apr. 19-22 (registration deadline is Mar. and better Catholics. In the words 30) will take place at Camp OLOG, located at 24208 Pottawatomie Rd, Wellston, of Pope Francis: “A good Catholic OK 74881. The men’s retreat on May 3-6 (registration deadline is Apr. 13) will take meddles in politics, offering the best of place at the Heartland Retreat Center, located at 4910 S Anderson Rd, Oklahoma himself, so that those who govern can City, OK 73150. Visit ckokc.org/acts or contact Jenni Butch in the Office of govern.”  Discipleship and Evangelization at [email protected] or (405) 843-4766. 

Religious Freedom key to Europe’s future... continued from p. 13 Cardinal Marx, Archbishop of Munich, “We are not only for us, and around Europe.” The Pew Research President of the COMECE and the Pope is underlining this,” Marx Center estimates that Muslims Coordinator of the Vatican’s Council for said. “We are not narcissistic, inside constituted 6% of Europe’s population the Economy, noted that 20 years ago ourselves, we are part of a solution for in 2010. many people thought “religion would all human beings.” While Europe works to carve out disappear” from society. “I do not see that the Church is a path forward, Gallagher said he “That was the common conviction ‘less interesting’ in the public world,” he believes religions will play “a positive of many sociologists and politicians, said, and stressed the need to continue role.” This, he said, is first of all that society will progress, and religion pursuing a dialogue with Islam, which because “we do recognize that some of will disappear; secularism.” However, he noted isn’t new to Europe. the liberal, secularist thought that was “that’s not the case.” “So for the future, I think the part of much of our societies is not in “Religions will be very important for Catholic Church has to play a very good health either.” the 21st century,” he said, explaining important role to find ways of dialogue, He said we have to “combat a lot of that a key question conference ways of relating to this religion, which is political correctness that exists within participants will have to ask themselves very important for the 21st century and Europe,” as well as the tendency “to on the role of religions is: “will they be Europe,” he said. kick religion into the private sphere an instrument of peace and dialogue, The cardinal said his greatest fear and not allow it to be part of the public or of confrontation?” moving forward is not so much that debate.” For Christians in particular, the religion will be ignored or eradicated, “This is something which we Second Vatican Council said the People but that “it will be instrumentalized for obviously have to work on, and it is a of God, the Church, is “a sacrament of other reasons, for political reasons. work in progress,” he said. unity for all human beings,” and not just That will be perhaps the great fear for Also weighing in on the issue, those inside the Church. the 21st century.”  20 What have you given up for Lent? If you have made it this far into Lent without discerning what you are called to sacrifice in order to loosen the ties that keep you from drawing closer to the Lord, take a look at these suggestions from piercedhands.org and see if you find something that resonates. We have an idea what might stand out for CK School Resource Office Johnny Singley, who looked a little guilty around the holiday snack table not too long ago. There are also great suggestions for how to incorporate prayer and almsgiving more deeply into your daily life during Lent and beyond.

Fast from bad things: ■drunkenness ■arguing ■gossip ■anger ■complaining ■immodest clothing ■calling names ■laziness ■negativity ■lying ■being picky ■cursing ■judging people ■pornography ■being snarky or short or cold or whatever it is you do that makes talking to you an act of charity

Fast from good things: ■snacking ■television ■lunch ■Facebook ■makeup ■soda ■chocolate ■shopping Praying: Almsgiving: ■secular music ■sweets ■daily Mass ■daily Bible reading ■call your mother ■visit a nursing home ■hitting snooze ■secular reading ■daily meditation ■join a Bible study ■tell someone about Jesus ■eating meat ■naps ■weekly adoration ■pray while driving ■perform an act of charity each day ■ ■ junk food fast food ■Catholic blogs ■Liturgy of the Hours ■take someone to lunch every week ■ ■ coffee social media ■wear a crucifix ■weekly confession ■invite a priest/religious to dinner ■cream/sugar ■sarcasm ■journal ■blog about faith ■write letters to your grandparents ■scratching ■your pillow ■rise early to pray ■daily gratitude list ■save your change for CRS Rice Bowl ■hot showers ■hot food ■fast ‘til Eucharist ■Lectio Divina ■give someone a compliment every day ■salting your food ■staying up late ■pay attention at Mass ■step up your tithing from 10%-15% ■YouTube ■the internet ■ ■ ■alcohol ■kissing pick a saint to study/emulate donate money you would have spent on whatever it is you are fasting from ■chewing gum ■idle curiosity ■listen to Catholic CDs or Christian ■ ■driving when you could walk music while driving volunteer once a week–soup kitchen, yard work, parish nursery...whatever! ■checking your smart phone when you ■spend 10 minutes each night talking to are with people the Lord about your day–thanking him ■spend the time you would have spent ■wearing your favorite color for the good and the bad, apologizing watching television with your family for how you fell short, asking for the ■anything that’s about popularity– ■smile at people grace to be better the next day checking blog stats, making clever ■donate extravagantly to the poor box rather than edifying social media posts ■pray a decade of the Rosary daily 21 Christ the King Catholic School Annual Fund Donors

Your donations have enabled us to increase our school endowment fund, which helps to ensure the stability of our school, offset costs and provide scholarships for students who cannot otherwise afford a Catholic education. Your donations also allowed us to assist with new landscaping around the school and playground and to help fund the One-to-One junior high technology program. Questions? Contact Mary Schrantz, Advancement Director at [email protected]. The Pastor’s Roundtable William & Anne Collins Catholic Charities Charles & Diane Sexauer in Honor of Cameron Collins ‘07 in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of the Greco Family Legacy Level : $20,000 and up and Carly Collins ‘10 and Cathy Christensen Bashar & Courtney Shihabuddin Christ the King School P.T.O. in Memory of Paul Brou Sid Clarke Maxine Stancampiano Jubilee Level : $10,000 - $19,999 Larry & Sonja Cornelius Morgan & Hannah Connelly ‘02 Jess & Carrie Webber Dr. Calvin Johnson Edwin Day Dan & Nancy Cooper Jean Whitmarsh Excalibur Level : $5,000 - $9,999 Susan Dell’Osso Joe & Sandy Cory Nicholas & Jillian Woods Anonymous Robert & Susan Dolan Randall Currie Leon Zeringue Heaven House Craig & Julie Dreiling in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Paul Brou Butch & Marge Meibergen Jessie Emerson Chuck Davis ‘83 Friends Level : $1 - $99 Richard Tuohy ‘65 John Esch Eric & Bronwyn Dedeke Anonymous Vogt Family in Memory of Paul Brou Evan & Julie Ruffin ‘99 DeWalt David & Susan Abeln Sword and Shield : $1,000 - $4,999 David & Glenda Fudge ‘67 Ivan & Sharon Dowell Purchasers through Amazon Smile Anonymous (3) David & Jeannie Hedges in Honor of Carson McMurtrey Zonia Armstrong Barbara Brou Paul & Michelin DeLier ‘57 Hobbs Thalia Eddleman Eddie & Brittany Bowman in Memory of Paul Brou Blair & Joanie Holmboe in Memory of Morgan W. Eddleman Danny Bruner William & Kristie Buergler Sonja Jackson Ellis Edwards in Memory of Helen Hoch Jerry & Carleen Burger in Memory of Paul Brou Larry & Elizabeth Semtner ‘64 Edwards Jayne Clarke Cathey Cooper Fred & Kathleen Kempf Jim & Alyssa Farrell Ted & Lyn Elam Chuck & Anne Covington Bryan King Judy Ferguson in Memory of Paul Brou Jeremy & Cody Dunnington in Memory of David Rice John & Irene Gaffney Stanley & Lindsey Evans Mary Fong Matthew & Lindsey Love in Memory of Paul Brou in Honor of Elizabeth and Stan Evans in Memory of George W. Fong Bob & Jodie Lukeman Daniel & Eloise Gamino Jim & Amy Feighny Hal Fudge ‘73 Mary McManus in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Harold E. Fudge Jim & Susan Nicholson Fred & Sharon Gauthier Mary Fong David & Shannon Hill in Memory of Paul Brou, Helen Hoch David & Samantha Hardy in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt Dean & Mari Maidt ‘65 Imel and Mary Jane Maidt Chris & Kim Best ‘77 Harrell Rick & Marlene Gremillion in Honor of Their Grandchildren Michael & Anne Nicholson ‘88 O’Shea Joseph & Mary Ann Harroz in Honor of Lydia Gremillion Denny & Chris Levra Colin & Brianna Osborne in Memory of Paul Brou Jerome & Louise Haag John Markland Mrs. Thielke’s Pre-K Class Richard & Page Hauser Bob & Anita Harward Chad & Amy McDougall in Memory of Paul Brou in Honor of Ricky and Jesse Hauser in Memory of Paul Brou Leo & Kay Morrison Marcelo & Whitney Puiggari Mike & Sue Krenger Paul & Beverly Kanaly Rick & Lisa Mullins in Memory of Paul Brou Leon Leonhardt in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt Pat O’Connor Stephen & Sue Reel in Memory of Paul Brou Mrs. Folks Kindergarten Class in Memory of John O’Connor Anthony & Veronique Sebastian Lisa Townsend Level ‘79 in Honor of Fr. Rick Stansberry Anthony & Lindsay Palazzolo Meg ‘08, Kate ‘11 and Beth ‘13 Sine in Honor of Mary E. Townsend Jane Lepak William & Paige Ross Greg & Molly Slavonic George & Penny Lewis in Memory of Louis V. Lepak Bill & Jean Smith Christopher & Marci Stellman in Honor of Patrick, Ryan and Paul & LeAnn Lienhard in Memory of Charles “Bob” Sears Brad & Sarah Thomas Hannah Scout Flinn in Memory of Paul Brou Rev. Richard Stansberry David & Tracy Underwood J. Thomas Macy Brett & Jennifer Marchbanks William Tunell Chuck & Kelly Walworth in Memory of Paul Brou John & Connie Mitchener in Memory of Barbara Tunell Johnny & Betty Woody Joan Sampson Maguire ‘53 in Memory of Paul Brou Kenneth & Deborah Walker School Spirit Level $100 - $249 in Memory of Paul Brou Emily Monti The Knight’s Circle Anonymous (3) Mark & Mary Jane Mangino Jay & Susie Nelson Maroon and Gold Society : $500 - $999 Anonymous in Honor of the David & Samantha in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt Anonymous in Memory of Fr. James Kastner Hardy Family Thomas Nix Nick & Nicole Dell’Osso Jimmy & Elaine Abadie Louise McCoy in Memory of Paul Brou Nick & Sheila Dell’Osso, Sr. in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Helen Hoch Kay & Gates Oliver Zachary & Jennifer Gray Erin Allino-Berndsen Mark & Renee Miller in Memory of Paul Brou Peter Hart in Memory of Helen Hoch Shirley Miller Phillip Truss Insurance Agency in Memory of Paul Brou Michael & Lori Alspaugh in Memory of Bill Miller in Memory of Paul Brou John & Jacqueline Hobbs Jon & Janie Axton Juanita Yap Millsap Marcia Powell Carrie & Ryan Leonard in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt in Honor of B.J. and Vincent Millsap in Honor of Carson and Caroline Powell Floyd & Linda Lipps Owen & Marcia Barnhill Thomas & Carly Moratto Bill & Mary Price K. T. & Marilyn Meade in Memory of Paul Brou Frank & Carmela Peragine in Memory of Paul Brou John & Jenny Meyer Marilyn Barton in Memory of Our Parents Tim & Jennifer Sanders in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Helen Hoch Christy Pham Adam & Lauren Schappaugh Dorman & Sheryl Morsman Justin & Kerri Beasley Jennifer Pham Carol Soule Joe & Heather Mossauer Lee & Sherry Beasley Bryan & Keri Pierce in Memory of Mary Jane Maidt Joseph & Kathleen Murphy in Memory of Paul Brou Carl Putnam Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Memory of Paul Brou Jim & Diane Lukeman ‘69 Behring ‘66 in Memory of Robert Koktavy in Honor of Johnny Singley Kevin & Carrie Nichols Martin & Florene Berend Jerry & Carol Rakosky Rodney Turner Richie & Jill Splitt in Memory of James Berend ‘74 Christina Ramsey in Memory of Fr. James Kastner Sean & Katrina Stewart Ronald Bradley Nelda Ramsy Martha Wheeler Carl & Paula Stover Bruce & Dorothy Brown Timothy & Sheryl Rhodes in Honor of Elizabeth and in Honor of Caden and Ethan Wells Dolores Brown in Memory of Paul Brou Alexandra Wheeler Associates Level : $250 - $499 in Memory of Dr. Irwin Brown Derek & Jenny Airington ‘89 Richard Robert & Eileen Williams Timothy & Nicole Andrews Robert & Judith Butler Pavel & Ingrid Riha in Memory of Paul Brou Paul Benien in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Nel Williams Frank & Lesley Wilson in Memory of John Benien Blake & Alexandria Williams ‘01 Caldwell Ralph Rouse in Memory of Helen Hoch Ron & Elise Buckelew Dale & Flo Campbell in Memory of Paul Brou Michael Wright Carol Cashman Luther & Dorothy Campbell Kurt & Mary Schrantz in Memory of Helen Hoch in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Paul Brou in Memory of Paul Brou Marietta Zinn David & Beverly Carter in Memory of Helen Hoch

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Bishop Buswell Society honors legacy of Catholic education In this season of Lent when we are be no tuition cost for attendance at we continue to be able to offer the called to a greater focus on prayer, Christ the King School. It is true that best Catholic education to all of our fasting, and almsgiving, it is fitting to our parishioners are generous, and this students and that we are able to extend recognize those couples and individuals is evidenced by the fact that we have this education to those who otherwise who have chosen to give of themselves been able to keep increases in tuition would not be able to afford it through even after death in order to ensure the at CK School to a minimum. It is also our scholarship fund. If you have greater well-being of young people true, though, that our worldly expenses included Christ the King Church or CK who may not otherwise have access seem to continue growing, and the School in your will, please notify Mary to the high quality Catholic education demands on our income rarely abate. Schrantz in the school’s advancement available at Christ the King School. Donating to CK School through office or Patrick Cullen in the parish The reality is that if we all tithed a legacy gift from your estate is a business office, so that we may include as Scripture tells us, then there would wonderful way to help ensure that you in our Bishop Buswell Society. 

PRAY FOR OUR BISHOP BUSWELL SOCIETY MEMBERS (a cross before the name indicates the donor is deceased) Rev. Richard Stansberry +Mrs. Lucille Hoenig +Mrs. Marie Wedman +Mrs. Vera Fox +Mr. John O’Neil +Mr. Dick Coyle +Mrs. Margaret Frier +Mr. & +Mrs. Justin Vogt +Odilia & +David Dank Jacqueline & +John Hobbs 23 The royal engagement: What Catholics should know By Mary Rezac

London, England (CNA/EWTN News) in her family, and is possibly a baptized exceptional circumstances in which - In 1936, when British King Edward Catholic herself. a divorced person may be married in VIII declared that he intended to marry Obstacles which just a few years church during the lifetime of a former Wallis Simpson, he abdicated the ago might have disqualified the couple spouse.” throne. from ascending to the crown - divorce, The Anglican Church does not Opposition to the union was strong Catholic ties - no longer require the define exactly what qualifies as - Simpson was doubly-divorced, and Prince to abdicate his place in the line exceptional circumstances; this is many thought she was only after of succession to the British throne. primarily left up to the presiding minister Edward for his money. What has changed? to determine whether a second church Besides general disapproval from Father James Bradley, a Catholic wedding can be allowed. the elite, a more definite obstacle stood priest in the U.K. and a former Anglican, One instance in which the Anglican in the couple’s way - as King, Edward told CNA that because of the previous Church forbids a second church VIII was the head of the Church of rules of the Anglican Church, Edward wedding for divorced persons is if England, which at the time did not allow was essentially obligated to abdicate the new relationship contributed to divorced persons to remarry if their because “he would have been in a the breakdown of the first marriage, first spouse was still alive. In order to relationship which the Church of which Ed Condon, a Catholic canon lawyer marry Simpson in a civil ceremony, he he was Supreme Governor did not in the U.K., told CNA. This was what abdicated the throne in December, and approve,” he said. prevented a church wedding for Prince was succeeded by his brother, George In 2002, a synod of Anglican Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in VI. bishops officially changed Anglican 2005. Earlier this week, another royal doctrine regarding divorce, declaring “If there’s been no openly engagement was announced. that while “marriage should always be scandalous reasons or contributing On Monday, Kensington Palace undertaken as a ‘solemn, public and factors, that would allow the Anglican announced that Prince Harry, who is lifelong covenant between a man and authorities to say well, you can have a fifth in line for the throne, is engaged a woman’...some marriages regrettably church wedding,” Condon said. Harry to Meghan Markle. Like Simpson, do fail and that the Church’s care for and Markle are expected to be married Markle is an American and divorced. couples in that situation should be at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Furthermore, Markle has Catholic ties of paramount importance...there are Castle.

24 But accepting attitudes about He binds together these two people don’t know personally: be happy for divorced monarchs is indicative of a who are asking to be bound together, them.” broader breakdown of marriage that it’s a respecting of the free will of the Bradley added that the fact that can be seen, particularly in the West, individuals,” he added. royal engagements are always met Bradley noted. The Catechism of the Catholic with a resounding reaction of “joy and “The opposition to Edward VIII Church, in paragraph 1614, states that: happiness,” which “shows that even was, first of all, that society didn’t “In his preaching Jesus unequivocally when, in some sense, the marriage recognize divorce as something that taught the original meaning of the union isn’t everything we would want it to was good at the time, and now it does, of man and woman as the Creator be, society as a whole has a natural unfortunately,” he said. willed it from the beginning. Permission inclination toward the good and toward Currently, “(the) new head of the given by Moses to divorce one’s wife what marriage represents.” [British] Supreme Court is pushing was a concession to the hardness of “So people see the goodness for no-fault divorce. We’ve gone from hearts. The matrimonial union of man of marriage, even people who are a situation where divorce was such a and woman is indissoluble: God himself opposed to the institution of marriage social issue that you couldn’t remain has determined it. “What therefore God will cheer when a couple like this get monarch and be married to a divorced has joined together, let no man put married, or get engaged, because it person, and now we’re in a situation asunder.” takes a very hardened heart not to be where the Supreme Court is pushing The Catholic Church recognizes happy that two people are seeking this for no-fault divorce,” he said. “So it’s as sacramental the marriages between good.”  the complete collapse of marriage as two baptized persons of any Christian we see in America and the rest of the community, Bradley noted. West.” “If there are two baptized Anglicans NFP is Good Royals marrying Catholics marrying, the Catholic Church would While Markle attended an all-girls recognize that as a sacramental Catholic school in L.A., it is unclear marriage,” he said, because the for Marriage! whether she was baptized as a Catholic, Catholic Church recognizes all • Supports reproductive health and she told Vanity Fair earlier this year Christian baptisms as valid. • that she was not raised as one. “If both parties are baptized it’s Has no harmful side effects Numerous British sources report a sacramental marriage, and non- • Is environmentally friendly that Markle has identified as a Catholics are not bound by canonical Protestant for some time before the form, so they’re quite at liberty to be • Is inexpensive engagement, and plans to be baptized married in the Church of England, and and confirmed in the Church of England we recognize that they’re being married • Cooperates with a couple’s before marrying Harry. according to the rights of their ecclesial combined fertility However, if she were a Catholic, communities.” • this too would have been an obstacle to However, if Markle’s first-marriage Is useful to either achieve or avoid her marrying into the royal family until were valid, she would not be free to pregnancy very recently. Opposition to Catholics validly marry Harry. An annulment, • Can be used throughout the ascending to the throne dates back to or declaration of nullity, of her first reproductive life cycle King Henry VIII, who broke from the marriage, would establish that her Catholic Church in the 1500s in order to previous marriage was invalid, Bradley • Requires shared responsibility and divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, said. cooperation by husband and wife and marry another, because he blamed Condon noted that the Catholic Catherine for failing to produce a son Church also presumes the indissolubility • Fosters mutual communication who could succeed to the throne. of all marriages, whether those be between husband and wife The Succession to the Crown Act marriages of Catholics, Christians, • 2013 allowed heirs to the throne to believers, or nonbelievers. Encourages respect for and marry Catholics, among other changes. “The life-long partnership of one acceptance of the total person However, the law still stipulates that the man and one woman is part of the • Promotes marital chastity acting British sovereign mustn’t be a natural law and God’s plan for all Catholic. humanity. The Church’s presumption • Values the child Catholics and the indissolubility of of validity pertains to all marriages, marriage including Ms. Markle’s,” he said. • Honors God’s design for married The Catholic Church teaches “that “That having been said, we don’t couples marriage is indissoluble, it is literally know any of the details of that union, black and white,” Bradley noted. or if a canonical process is underway Learn more about NFP and the “It’s a bond that cannot be broken, regarding it. Catholics should, I Church’s teaching on artificial birth because God respects the promises would suggest, understand the royal control by contacting the Office of that the husband and wife make to engagement the same way they would Marriage and Family Life Ministry each other, and he does what’s asked. the marriage of any two people they at (405) 721-8944. 25 Pope on New Year’s Day: Devotion to Mary is a must By Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - At the from being corroded by consumerism, Jesus, keeping God in our hearts and start of the new year, Pope Francis said “the blare of commercials, the stream our neighbor in our lives.” that having a devotion to the Blessed of empty words and the overpowering “Today’s feast tells us that if we Virgin Mary isn’t just something that is waves of empty chatter and loud want to go forward, we need to turn nice or good to do, but is an obligation shouting.” back: to begin anew from the crib, from in the life of a Christian. “We need to remain silent as we the Mother who holds God in her arms,” “Devotion to Mary is not spiritual gaze upon the crib. Pondering the crib, he stated. etiquette; it is a requirement of the we discover anew that we are loved; Following the Mass, Pope Francis Christian life,” the Pope said Jan. 1. we savor the real meaning of life,” he led the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. “The gift of the Mother, the gift of every continued. In his message before the prayer, mother and every woman, is most “As we look on in silence, we he explained how Mary performs a precious for the Church, for she too is let Jesus speak to our heart. His very special function, as intercessor mother and woman.” lowliness lays low our pride; his poverty between her Son Jesus and anyone “If our faith is not to be reduced challenges our outward display; his who is suffering. merely to an idea or a doctrine, all of tender love touches our hardened “She intercedes, aware that as a us need a mother’s heart, one which hearts.” mother she can, indeed, must, make knows how to keep the tender love of This is Mary’s “secret,” he said, present to the Son the needs of men, God and to feel the heartbeat of all and we should seek to imitate her in especially the weakest and most around us.” this way. Not closing our hearts out of disadvantaged.” Pope Francis celebrated Mass in fear or distress, but handing everything Today we also celebrate the World St. Peter’s Basilica for the Solemnity over to God, dwelling on it with Him. Day of Peace, the Pope said, explaining of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother Francis noted that as we start a that this year’s theme of “Migrants and of God, reflecting on the line in Luke’s new year, it is a good time for Christians refugees: Men and women seeking Gospel that says, “And Mary kept all to also start anew, leaving behind past peace,” refers precisely to the weakest these things, reflecting on them in her burdens and baggage and starting over and most disadvantaged among us. heart.” from what really matters. And “today,” “We do not extinguish hope in He pointed out that in the Gospel the Pope said, “we have before us the their hearts; we do not stifle their account of Christmas, Mary does not point of departure: the Mother of God.” expectations of peace!” he said, and speak a single word, simply keeping “For Mary is exactly what God “may the Lord grant us to work in this everything in her heart, pondering it. wants us to be, what he wants his new year with generosity to create a What we learn from her silence, he Church to be: A Mother who is tender more supportive and welcoming world.” said, is that in quiet is how we “keep” and lowly, poor in material goods and  ourselves, how we “keep” our soul free rich in love, free of sin and united to 26 Archbishop: Is the Nigerian government looking for missing nuns?

Lagos, Nigeria (CNA/EWTN News) Although the motives of the - A Nigerian archbishop has urged kidnappers remain unknown, violence PRAY WITH US authorities to intensify their investigation against Christians has become On Jan. 4, 2018, Rev. Sr. Mariette of six nuns who remain missing after commonplace in some parts of Nigeria. of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus being kidnapped in November. In 2014, jihadist group Boko Haram Congregation in Nigeria (from which “It is disheartening that the security kidnapped 276 schoolgirls, and the the three nuns and three aspirants agencies have not been able to get group has displaced or killed thousands were kidnapped) contacted Christ the sisters out,” said Archbishop Alfred of Nigerians. the King parish through our online Martin of Lagos at a news conference In December, Nigeria’s episcopal prayer line, asking for our prayers on January 2, according to the Nigerian conference decried the nuns’ that the women and girls who were Premium Times. kidnapping, calling it a product of the kidnapped would not be violated and “We still do hope that the security “agents of darkness.” The bishops would be released safely. Please agencies would do much more than appealed to the kidnappers to release join us in praying the Memorare is being done now to ensure that the the six nuns. daily for Sr. Mariette’s request. sisters are released,” Martin said. “We are saddened and pained Three professed nuns, Sister by the continued detention of our Roseline Isiocha, Sister Aloysius Ajayi daughters, the Sisters of the Eucharistic MEMORARE and Sister Frances Udi, and three Heart of Jesus,” read a December Remember, O most gracious young aspirants in the process of 15 statement from the bishops. “We Virgin Mary, formation were kidnapped by unknown appeal to those holding them to please that never was it known that gunmen on Nov. 13. heed our appeal and immediately anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, According to Vatican News, the release them.” or sought your intercession women were taken from the Eucharistic On the following Sunday, Pope was left unaided. Heart of Jesus Convent in Igouriakhi in Francis united himself to the cause Inspired by this confidence, the Southern Nigerian state of Edo. of the bishops, emphasizing his I fly unto you, “Today is the 48th day that the commitment to prayer for their safe O Virgin of virgins, my mother. sisters have been in the hands of the return and his shared grief over the To you I come, before you I stand, kidnappers. It has been a big source of nuns’ absence. sinful and sorrowful. worry and concern knowing that they “I pray with insistence for them, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, are women,” Martin said. Kidnapped and for all the other people who find despise not my petitions, but in your mercy women in Nigeria have frequently been themselves in this painful situation,” hear and answer me. reported to be the victims of sexual said Pope Francis after the Angelus on Amen. assault. Dec. 17. 

27 Facebook bias crippling Catholic ads, critic says By Kevin Jones

Denver, Colo., Jan 3, 2018 / 03:22 pm race or religion from receipt of the ads.” “Ad sets that use targeting terms (CNA) - A Facebook-based Catholic Meeks said the ad campaign related to social, religious or political fundraising campaign suffered “critical” intentionally targeted Catholic issues may require additional review delays in the key donation period Facebook users, since they were most before your ads start running,” Rob between Thanksgiving and Christmas, likely to support such the fund. The Goldman, Facebook vice-president of and Facebook’s new scrutiny of ads campaign ads promoted a video telling ads, said Oct. 27. “If your ad set contains aimed at religious audiences is to the vocation story of a religious sister targeting terms related to these topics, blame, one social media expert has who has received aid from the Fund for your campaign may take longer to start charged. Vocations. running, or you can adjust your detailed Matthew Meeks served as an “Once the ads went live, the targeting elections.” advisor to a fundraising initiative of the Fund for Vocations received word On Oct. 2, Facebook vice-president Virginia-based Mater Ecclesiae Fund from numerous people that they of global public policy Joel Kaplan said for Vocations. The fund, founded in were unable to share the video in the the company was taking “aggressive 2004, aims to help aspiring Catholic advertisement, citing that the ‘feature steps” to strengthen both automated priests, nuns and monks who face was unavailable,’” Meeks said. “Finally, and manual review of “improper ads.” heavy student loan burdens. the ads received 2,555 direct clicks, In a Nov. 27 statement, Goldman Meeks told CNA that new Facebook 105,408 in impressions, 50,000 in reach said “we don’t want advertising to policies for ad approval created delays and not a single penny in donations.” be used for hate or discrimination, that “caused us to miss the bulk of CNA sought comment from and our policies reflect that.” He said Giving Tuesday, a day where the Fund Facebook, which initially requested Facebook reviews ads based on for Vocations had planned to kick off additional information about the content, targeting, landing page, and a campaign through the Christmas campaign, but subsequently stopped the identity of the advertiser. season.” responding to inquiries. “We may not always get it right, The Mater Ecclesiae Fund Facebook has faced increased but our goal is to prevent and remove “experienced significant issues with public scrutiny amid claims that ad content that violates our policies without Facebook from the beginning of the campaigns backed by the Russian censoring public discourse,” Goldman campaign,” Meeks told CNA. “For one, government used Facebook and other added. the ad platform took more than 24 hours social media to increase religious and Meeks told CNA that Facebook for the ads to be approved. The fund political tensions in the U.S. ahead of “needs to equally treat religious received a message that the content of the 2016 elections. organizations as it would any other the ads potentially violated Facebook’s In late October, Facebook advertiser on the platform.” discrimination rules regarding the announced that it was testing changes “Religious ads on the platform exclusion of race, religion, sexuality, to its ad targeting system that could are part of a larger issue and should etc. for housing ads. This was neither cause delays in some advertising not be unfairly scrutinized and a housing ad nor were they excluding a campaigns. delayed,” he said. Doing so gives an 28 “unfair advantage” to non-religious campaigns, and hinders religious use of an important tool for advertising and 2018 Prayer Warriors communication. “Given that Facebook and Google Needed! now account for 65 percent or more of The Archdiocesan Strategic Planning all digital ad spending, being blocked Vision Team and the Archdiocesan from the platform or experiencing School Advisory Council join with Debbie Jones delays on the platform due to increased Archbishop Paul Coakley and the entire Carrie Leonard scrutiny of religious organizations on staff at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Anna Maloy the platform is a critical loss,” Meeks asking for our prayers. An intercessory Jay Mauldin said. prayer team has been established to Todd Regier Another recent change to the pray for a fruitful strategic planning John Rieger Facebook algorithm limits the organic process and capital campaign for our Paul Streets reach of Facebook pages, forcing archdiocese. As we begin this prayer Kathy Wilson brands to buy ads for greater exposure. endeavor in 2018, the goal is to have Fr. Tim Luschen Such action, he charged, is “effectively 2018 individuals praying daily as a Fr. Mark Mason squeezing religion off the platform.” twelve-year vision for our Archdiocese It is an honor that our parish is so The vocations fund is reassessing is launched. well-represented on these teams, and its strategy, “as they no longer trust Those who join the intercessory we hope that many of you will join the Facebook platform to deliver going prayer team commit to recruiting their efforts through daily intercessory forward,” Meeks added. others to join the prayer team, reciting prayer.  In September 2017, the Daily Beast the daily prayer every day, attending reported that an imposter account at least one daily Mass each week, traced back to the Russian government offering it specifically for the intentions 2018 Intercessory impersonated a Muslim group and of the 2018 intercessory prayer team, promoted political rallies aimed at and going to Eucharistic adoration or Prayer Team Muslim audiences. The account making a holy hour once a month. appeared to be impersonating the Join the prayer team by United Muslims of America, a 30-year- texting Prayer2018 to 84576 or by Daily Prayer old California-based group in the midst visiting https://app.flocknote.com/ Almighty God, of a reorganization. archokc/2018Intercessory. source of all The fake Facebook page posted Please pray for the following that is good and holy, apolitical content, promoted positive members of the Archdiocesan Strategic portrayals of Muslims and debunked we give you thanks Planning Vision Team: for your abundant blessings. some anti-Muslim claims. However, at Deacon John Harned As many disciples, strategic moments, it also promoted James Riter disinformation. Russian-backed groups Deacon Norm Meijstrk we are one Church, simultaneously used other accounts to Julie Mayfield called to proclaim foment anti-Muslim sentiment. Deacon Armando Cruz the Good News to all people. Facebook has shared ads ASAC Member Paul Streets Watch over the Archdiocese appearing to come from the Russia- Janis Mollman in our Capital Campaign based Internet Research Agency with Deacon George Butterfield and Strategic Planning Process: Congress. Kaplan said the company Ray Haefle inspire us to be generous, had found more than 3,000 ads Sue Ryan apparently from the agency that ran assist us in this effort, Fr. Don Wolf guide us in our planning, between 2015 and 2017, many of Carrie Harkey and, like Blessed Stanley Rother, which appeared “to amplify racial and Please pray as well for the following social divisions.” members of the Archdiocesan School give us joy in serving you In July 2017, more than 25 Catholic Advisory Council: now and forever. Facebook pages in English, Portuguese Whit Bass We ask this and Spanish were blocked without Anita Cornelius through Christ our Lord. explanation, then restored within hours. Nicole Dell’Osso Amen. A Facebook spokesperson apologized Tony Gianino and blamed “a malfunction of the spam detection mechanism in our platform.” In 2016 the social media network disfavor others, especially politically several conservative leaders and the faced allegations that its news curators conservative stories. company later moved to an automated were manipulating its trending news Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg system.  section to favor certain stories and denied the allegations, but met with 29 Youth to be Vatican’s focus in 2018, Cardinal Parolin says By Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican City (ACI Prensa) - In an About the Synod on Youth, Parolin in Dublin, which Parolin said he interview published Thursday, Cardinal noted the Church’s strong desire to believes will be an important stage Pietro Parolin said that for the Vatican, enter into a dialogue with young people “of reflection… of deepening” in the new year will be marked by its that goes both ways. the discussions surrounding the attention to the lives of young people He referred to the famous line by controversial encyclical. ahead of the 2018 Synod of Bishops. John F. Kennedy that says, “Ask not The document arose, according to “This year – the year 2018 – what your country can do for you – Parolin, from a “new paradigm,” one will be characterized by a special ask what you can do for your country,” that Pope Francis is carrying out with concentration of the Church’s attention explaining that they want to not only “wisdom, with prudence and also with at all levels on the young, then on their help youth, but invite them to contribute patience,” and which calls for a new expectations, their aspirations, the to the Church and to the evangelization attitude, spirit and approach. challenges they face and also on the of the Gospel. Amoris laetitia is the Church’s hopes that they bring with them, as on “I believe that at this invitation “embrace” of the family and its problems, their weaknesses and fears.” young people will be able to respond especially those encountered in the This approach searches “for a new with their generosity and also with their world today. It is also “a request to help relationship between the Church and enthusiasm,” he said. families to collaborate and contribute to young people, based on a paradigm About the Pope’s trip to Chile and the growth of the Church,” he said. of responsibility exempt from any Peru, which began Jan. 15, Parolin said The cardinal also spoke about the paternalism,” said Secretary of State that, as usual, Francis went as a pastor Pope’s reform of the Roman Curia, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in a new to meet the local church, which in the which he emphasized is less about the interview with Vatican News (formerly two countries is particularly vibrant. structural reform through new laws, called Vatican Radio). On the other hand, Chile and Peru regulations, etc., but conversion. Published Jan. 11, the interview also face many challenges, one of “So, to ensure that the Curia – ever covered the topic of the upcoming which is the difficulties experienced by more and always better, taking away Synod of Bishops on Youth, Vocation the indigenous people of the Amazon, even those shadows that can hinder and Discernment, which will take place one of the reasons Francis has called this commitment and this mission – in October 2018, as well as the World for a Synod on the Pan-Amazon area can really become an aid to the Pope Meeting of Families in August, Amoris to take place in 2019. to proclaim the Gospel, to witness the laetitia, reform of the Curia, and the Another event happening this Gospel, to evangelize the world of Pope’s trip to Chile and Peru. year is the World Meeting of Families today,” he said. 

30 Mary Ann Glendon resigns from Vatican Bank oversight board

Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - 2014. She then served as a member There have been various debates Prominent American professor Mary of the IOR’s Board of Superintendence about jurisdiction, oversight, and Ann Glendon has resigned from the beginning July 9, 2014. auditing; establishment of new laws Board of Superintendence which The Institute for Religious Works and guidelines; and changes in key oversees the Institute of Religious was founded in 1942 under Ven. Pius personnel and leadership. Works, the so-called Vatican Bank. XII but has origins dating back to 1887. St. John Paul II named Glendon to “Professor Glendon has expressed It aims to hold and administer finances the newly created Pontifical Academy a desire to devote more time to other designated for “religious works or of Social Sciences in 1994. She led a Catholic causes, and the IOR wishes charity,” its website says. It accepts 22-member delegation of the Holy See her all of the best for the future, both deposits from legal entities or persons to the Fourth U.N. Women’s Conference personally and professionally,” the of the Holy See and of the Vatican City in Beijing in 1995, and served on the institute said Feb. 16. State. The main function of the bank is Holy See’s Central Committee for the The statement thanked the 79-year- to manage bank accounts for religious Great Jubilee 2000. old Glendon for her contributions, orders and Catholic associations. In 2004 she was named head of especially in the process of defining its According to 2016 figures, the the Pontifical Academy of the Sciences, legal framework. bank has about $7 billion in assets from where she served through 2014. The Massachusetts-born Glendon almost 15,000 customers. It has about She chairs the Holy See’s Select served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy 100 employees and turned a profit of Committee on Legal Matters in the See under President George W. Bush about $44 million. United States and is a past president from 2008-2009. She is a professor The Board of Superintendence of the International Association of Legal at Harvard Law School with an governs the bank under a six-member Science.  expertise in international human rights, Commission of Cardinals. The comparative law, and constitutional commission is supervised by Cardinal Pray Daily for Our law. Santos Abril y Castelló. Under Pope Francis, Glendon was Since his election as Bishop of Pope a member of a papal commission set up Rome in 2013, Pope Francis has Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and to ensure transparency at the Vatican sought to reform the Vatican’s bank a Glory Be each day for the intentions Bank and make recommendations and other financial aspects of the Holy of Pope Francis and his physical and for its future from June 2013 to May See. The process has not been easy. spiritual well-being.  31 Behold I make all things new. Christians and New Years’ resolutions By Deacon Keith Fournier

New Year’s Eve celebrations are It is that we should have a new Every New Year I read numerous staggered around the globe due to soul and a new nose; new feet, articles about the questionable efficacy the different time zones, but we all a new backbone, new ears, and of these New Year’s Resolutions. have this in common, no matter where new eyes. Unless a particular man However, the fact remains, we all make we live geographically – we welcome made New Year resolutions, he them. The experience is universal. the end of one calendar year and the would make no resolutions. The question is – why do we do it? I beginning of a new one. The manner Unless a man starts afresh about suggest that they reveal something of of celebrating may differ, but we also things, he will certainly do nothing our deepest longing. They present us share a common hope, that we can effective. Unless a man starts on with an invitation to exercise our human begin again. That hope can find its the strange assumption that he freedom and to choose a better way of ultimate fulfillment by turning the one has never existed before, it is quite life. But, we cannot do it on our own. who can make all things new, Jesus certain that he will never exist We need God. Christ. afterwards. Unless a man be born In Little Gidding, the last of the Nations use different calendars, again, he shall by no means enter four quartets written by T.S. Elliot, we but the passing of one year to the next into the Kingdom of Heaven. find these often quoted words: “Both is universally marked by a deliberate bad and good. Last season’s fruit is period of reflection concerning the Taking Inventory and Making eaten. And the full fed beast shall kick year that passed and a pledge to begin Resolutions the empty pail. For last year’s words anew, to change, in the year to come. As we end one year and look to a belong to last year’s language. And This is because we all hunger to be new one, we pause to take inventory. next year’s words await another voice. made new and, intuitively, we all know In a rare moment of reflection and What we call the beginning is often the that means we must change within if honest self-assessment, we admit our end. And to make and end is to make a we want to experience change around failures. We pledge to learn from them beginning.” us. GK Chesterton once wrote: and move toward a better future. We all Over the years, I have come to want to be better, to live our lives more realize that every end truly can become The object of a New Year is not fully and to love one another more a new beginning for the man or woman that we should have a new year. selflessly. So, we make resolutions. who has living faith in a living God who 32 invites us to begin again, again and to the wound. I pray that in the Year of Our Lord, again. He alone makes it possible, On the first day of the New Year 2018, we may all find the fullness of by sharing his life with us. This gift is Catholic Christians celebrate the Feast grace and the new beginning which called grace - and through receiving of the Solemnity of the Mother of God. comes through entering into a living this grace we become what the Apostle They do so for a reason. This is no relationship with the one who makes Peter called “Partakers of the Divine liturgical accident. She who beheld the all things new, Jesus the Christ (Rev. Nature” (2 Peter 1:4). face of the Savior invites us to hear 21:5). There is a universal longing in As we repent for the failures of the the words of her Son and Savior Jesus every human heart to be made new, past year, reflect on the gifts it brought Christ, “Behold I make all things new!” to begin again, because the Holy Spirit with gratitude to God, and resolve to (Rev. 21:5). prompts it. It leads us back to the one do better in the coming year, we are Jesus alone can fulfill the desire who created us - and who can re-create also facing the reality of our human which is really at the heart of the New us - through Jesus Christ. condition and our fractured freedom. Year’s celebrations, and help us, by his In and through Jesus Christ, We face the reality of sin. We know that saving grace, to make them become there is a path to being made new. He our resolutions to change often end in reality. Mary is sometimes referred to walked that path up the mountain of failure. We are prone to making wrong in Catholic circles as the Mother of the Golgotha, and through the tomb to the choices in daily life. Classical western New Creation because the one whom Resurrection. That promise of being theology speaks of this inclination as she held in her womb is the only one made new, being born again, is at the concupiscence. who makes all things new! heart of the Gospel, the good news! The Apostle Paul wrote about this Mary was the first disciple, the St. Paul reminded the Christians in the experience to the early Christians in prototype, the symbol of the whole City of Corinth - and reminds every one Rome in the seventh chapter of his Church. We who are members of the of us - “whoever is in Christ is a new letter: “For I do not do the good I want, Church, the body of her son, are invited creation: the old things have passed but I do the evil I do not want. Now if to emulate her “yes” to the invitation away; behold, new things have come” (I) do what I do not want, it is no longer of God and make it our own. We are (2 Cor. 5:17). I who do it, but sin that dwells in me... called to make a place for him within New Year’s Day is a global Miserable one that I am! Who will us and become bearers of Christ to the existential moment, ripe with deliver me from this mortal body?” world. For he alone can make us new. anticipation and expectations. It invites Fortunately, he answered the Millions utter sincere words on a spiritually cathartic time of reflection, question a few lines later in the letter, New Year’s Eve and Day, promising to offers us hope for change and invites “Thanks be to God through Jesus do better this year. Lists are compiled us to make new choices. Resolutions Christ!” – and promises made – to oneself, to can become reality, when we turn to others and to God. Sadly, many will the one who makes it possible, the one Freedom and the Image of God not be kept. These words attributed to who truly makes all things new, Jesus Our human freedom reflects the Mark Twain too often ring true: “New Christ the Lord. Image of God. We are not determined. Year’s Day – now is the accepted time Our choices make us become the Our choices truly matter. However, our to make your regular annual good persons we become. In our choosing ability to always choose what is true and resolutions. Next week you can begin we not only have the potential to good and beautiful was fractured by the paving hell with them as usual.” But, change the world around us, we change effects of the first sin. In the words of this year can be different, if we turn to ourselves. In 2018, may we choose Saint John Paul II (The Splendor of Jesus. to live our lives in, with and for Jesus Truth) “freedom itself needs to be set When I was a young man, I would Christ. That is the way to turn those free.” write my New Year’s goal list first – resolutions into reality and experience The good news is that freedom and then, in a fit of self-generated a real New Year. can be set free, through the saving life, enthusiasm, I would ask the Lord St Josemaria Escriva once wrote: death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. to bless it! I know better now. I need “For a son of God each day should be By his grace we are made capable of the light of the Holy Spirit to even an opportunity for renewal, knowing beginning to live our lives differently – comprehend what is needed if I ever for sure that with the help of grace he and of choosing differently. Freedom really hope to change. Then, all my will reach the end of the road, which is is set free by the one who brings true well-intended efforts are not enough! I Love. That is why if you begin and begin freedom, Jesus Christ. In the words of need the grace of God. again, you are doing well. If you have the savior – “if the Son makes you free, So now, I pray first. Then, my list a will to win, if you struggle, then with you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). becomes simple. Mary’s Fiat (Latin God’s help you will conquer. There will Jesus can make all things new word for let it be done) has become my be no difficulty you cannot overcome.” within us – and then continues his prayer. I seek to make the meaning of (The Forge, 344). work of making all things new through it become the pattern of my life. The us. Even though our human freedom full phrase opens the door to beginning I Make All Things New was fractured by sin, the splint of the again and again and again, “let it be it In the third chapter of John’s wood of the Cross is the lasting and life done unto me - according to your word” Gospel we read about an encounter changing remedy which brings healing (Luke 1:38). continued on page 14 33 Closing doors: Small religious colleges struggle for survival By Bobby Ross Jr.

SHAWNEE, Okla. (RNS) — Duncan difficult for many colleges,” Scaperlanda continued from page 33 Tiemeyer chose St. Gregory’s said. “In the pre-Wal-Mart world, University because he wanted a faith- mom-and-pop shops could survive between Nicodemus and Jesus. Jesus based education that would teach him and thrive. In the Wal-Mart world, you tells this devout Jewish leader, “Truly, more than how to succeed in a career. need to have a niche market and very truly, I say to you, unless one is born The 550-student Catholic liberal sophisticated business practices, and anew, he cannot see the kingdom of arts college in Oklahoma traced its roots I think that has been difficult for many God.” The phrase born anew can also to French monks who moved to Indian small Christian universities, including be translated born again or born from Territory in 1875, intent on developing St. Gregory’s.” above, in the original Greek. the bodies, minds and souls of Native Roughly one-third of the small Understandably, the leader, a American and settler children. private colleges rated by Moody’s devout man, was somewhat confused “Here, we are taught not only to Investors Service generated operating by these words. The encounter focus on our five-year plan but also our deficits in 2016, an increase from 20 continues, “Nicodemus said to him, 100-year plan and our 500-year plan,” percent in 2013, MarketWatch reported ‘How can a man be born when he is said Tiemeyer, 22, a senior business in June. old? Can he enter a second time into and theology major from Houston. A major reason, according to the his mother’s womb and be born?’” “What are we preparing for? Are we financial information website: a record (John 3:5). living our lives in a way that is getting level of tuition discounts, “a practice The same John who wrote the us to the next life? Are we going to be that’s financially riskier for small Gospel, also wrote the last book of the able to go to heaven?” colleges that have fewer sources of Bible, the Book of Revelation, while However, the brand of education revenue to rely on.” he was imprisoned on the island of offered by St. Gregory’s — where More than 60 percent of Catholic Patmos. He was given a vision of the Benedictine monks still pray multiple universities in the U.S. have fewer than ultimate fulfillment of the desire which times daily in a chapel beside a 2,500 students, and most have “very surfaces during every commemoration cemetery filled with the remains of their little in the way of financial endowment,” of every New Year, that wonderful day predecessors — came to an abrupt halt said Paula Moore, vice president of when the Lord will return and make at the fall semester’s end. external relations for the Washington, all things new. With those words I “It’s just a tragic and sad loss, and D.C.-based Association of Catholic conclude: I’m grieving for our students and faculty Colleges and Universities. Then I saw a new heaven and a and staff who are working through “Particularly since the beginning new earth; for the first heaven and this loss,” said St. Gregory’s former of the Great Recession of 2007, the first earth had passed away, President, Michael A. Scaperlanda. many ACCU-member colleges and and the sea was no more. And I The financially strapped Roman universities have made ongoing saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, Catholic institution, 40 miles east commitments to ensure the accessibility coming down out of heaven from of Oklahoma City, is just the latest of high-quality Catholic education by God, prepared as a bride adorned small religious college to close in holding tuition increases at an absolute for her husband; and I heard a an increasingly competitive higher minimum and by increasing the amount great voice from the throne saying, education marketplace. of financial aid for students,” Moore “Behold, the dwelling of God is with ••Grace University, a Christian said in an email. men. He will dwell with them, and college in Omaha, Neb., will In 1956, 300 Catholic colleges and they shall be his people, and God end operations in May, doomed universities served roughly 400,000 himself will be with them; he will by financial and enrollment students across the nation, according wipe away every tear from their challenges. to Moore. Today, that total is closer to eyes, and death shall be no more, ••Marygrove College, a Catholic 200 institutions, but with double the neither shall there be mourning nor liberal arts institution in Detroit, shut overall enrollment, she reported. crying nor pain any more, for the down its undergraduate programs “What that tells us broadly is former things have passed away. in December. that there has been a certain level And he who sat upon the throne ••Catholic-affiliated Saint Joseph’s of contraction among our colleges,” said, Behold, I make all things new. College in Rensselaer, Ind., did not Moore added, “but that they continue to (Rev 21: 1-5) reopen this fall. innovate and find ways to serve even Happy New Year! May the Lord “The transition from a mom-and-pop greater numbers of students.” bless you and your family in Lent and shop to a niche boutique has been Here in Oklahoma, St. Gregory’s throughout 2018.  34 had hoped a $12.5 million rural development loan from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation — made possible thanks to federal money dispersed to the tribe — would keep it alive. To qualify for the loan, the Sooner State’s only Catholic university even de-annexed from Shawnee, a city of 31,000, to meet the requirement of being located in a rural area. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture denied the loan, saying St. Gregory’s wasn’t in a rural area at the time of the last U.S. Census. “Once the loan was denied, we were basically out of cash, and we needed to let our students find new homes quickly. We couldn’t delay. There was really no time to appeal the decision of the USDA,” Scaperlanda A banner touting Benedictine hospitality greets visitors to St. Gregory’s University, a Catholic liberal arts said. university near Shawnee, Okla. The century-old Benedictine Hall, seen in the background, is a landmark at As religious colleges die, it’s St. Gregory’s, which will close in December. RNS photo by Bobby Ross Jr. society that loses out, he added. “Students that go to a Catholic or a Protestant or even a Jewish or Baptist University just down the street to own future. Islamic university — any of those Franciscan University of Steubenville, Tiemeyer has enough credits to faith-foundation universities — have a Ohio, a Catholic institution 1,100 miles graduate with his business degree. But framework for life and can see their role away. he’s four courses short of completing as an accountant or a nurse within the Both those universities — and his theology major. While considering context of a deeper meaning,” he said. a number of others, both public whether to become a priest, he has St. Gregory’s monks will keep and private — sent recruiters to St. applied to go to seminary through the serving the Catholic community, said Gregory’s. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. the Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, abbot As life lessons go, this one is “We’ll see if that’s what God wants,” and former university chancellor. heartbreaking for students — but it Tiemeyer said.  “We maintain our commitment to also can be a faith builder, said Meg pray for all who have attended and Hunter-Kilmer, St. Gregory’s former on- supported St. Gregory’s over the years campus missionary. and will explore new ways of contributing “It’s really a tragic thing for them to the culture of Oklahoma,” Stasyszen to lose their home and the future they said in a statement. had planned for themselves, but we’ve News of the university’s closing— just tried to remind them that this is announced in November—brought life,” said Hunter-Kilmer, a graduate of shock and tears on campus, where a the University of Notre Dame in South Christian cross sits atop the landmark Bend, Ind. “This specifically doesn’t Benedictine Hall, a castlelike structure happen very often, but your plans being built a century ago. ruined happens all the time. “I’ve been blessed with the “We have to learn how to move understanding that nothing is outside on, how to get up, how to trust that the of God’s providence,” said Emilia Lilly Lord is leading regardless of whether Bermudez, St. Gregory’s former dean we can see where the pillar of fire and of students. the cloud are taking us,” she added, “I had to maintain calm for the sake referring to how the book of Exodus Benedictine monks welcome students of the students, but it’s not something describes God guiding the Israelites’ and faculty members from St. Gregory’s that I had to fake,” added Bermudez, travels. University near Shawnee, Okla., to an immigrant from El Salvador and Tiemeyer, the Student Government attend the frequent prayers at the abbey graduate of Catholic-affiliated Ave Association’s president, created a church on campus. The monks plan Maria University in Florida. GoFundMe page with a goal of raising to keep serving Oklahoma’s Catholic In its final weeks, the university $15,000 to help the 110 faculty and community even as the university focused on helping students find new staff members who lost their jobs right closes in December. RNS photo by educational homes, from Oklahoma before Christmas. He’s unsure of his Bobby Ross Jr.

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