May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 1 Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 35, Number 11 * May 25, 2008 Archdiocese to Celebrate Ordinations on May 30 Archbishop to Ordain Three to Priesthood OKLAHOMA CITY — On May 30, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran will confer the sacrament of Holy Orders on three new priests of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The three men, Deacons Joseph Patrick Schwarz, Christopher Tran and James Andrew Wickersham, have their own unique stories as to how they came to know serving God and His people through the priesthood was their life vocation. Christopher Tran Christopher Tran was born Feb. 12, 1965, in Hue, Vietnam. His parents are Hoanh Tran and Tron Bui. When Christopher was a young boy in Vietnam, he had great respect for the priests who celebrated Mass. As an altar boy, he often thought about what it would be like to be a priest. However, it was not until he found himself adrift on a boat in the ocean with- out food and water that he vowed to God that if he survived, indeed one day he would become a Roman continued on page 3 Joseph Schwarz Christopher Tran James Wickersham Irish, Rocket Grads Celebrate a Great 2008

Silly string was sprayed and beach balls tossed as the McGuinness class of 2008 was The Mount class of 2008 gathered together one last time to toss their caps. announced.

Inside Saint Greg’s Parish Cooks Honors Grads Up Support for In May 10 New Church in Ceremony Oklahoma City 9 24 May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 2

2 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008

The Good News Sooner Catholic ... Ordinations Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran Over the next few months, the Brother Boniface Copeland, OSB, will Archbishop of Oklahoma City Church of our Archdiocese will cele- be ordained a priest in Saint Gregory’s As Catholic people of this brate three ordination ceremonies. Abbey Chapel, Shawnee. Brother Publisher Four young men will be ordained Boniface is from Oklahoma City, a Archdiocese, priests and one of our priests will be graduate of Bishop McGuinness High we should be Ray Dyer ordained a bishop. How blest are these School and now a professed monk at men to be called to these ministries by Saint Gregory’s. very grateful Editor the Lord. How blest are we to share in Ordination in the Catholic Church to the Lord these ceremonies and in their future is a sacred rite of the Sacrament of for calling the Cara Koenig priestly service to God’s people. Chron- Holy Orders. The ordaining bishop, Layout/Design/ ologically the ordination ceremonies through the imposition of hands and three new are: Photographer the prayer of consecration, confers the priests for the Archbishop On Friday evening, May 30, three Order of Bishop, Priest or Deacon. Archdiocese Beltran young men, currently deacons, will be These three sacred orders, bishop, Mauro Yanez and one new priest for ordained priests at the Cathedral of priest and deacon, constitute the Hispanic Editor Our Lady. This ordination ceremony entirety of the sacrament of Holy Saint Gregory’s Abbey. will take place at 7 p.m. The three Orders. There are no other ordination young men to be ordained are Joseph rites or ceremonies in the Catholic Ammanda McCabe Schwarz from Holy Trinity Church, Church. Through the ordination rite, As Catholic people of this Arch- Staff Okarche, Christopher Tran from Saint bishops, priests and deacons are given diocese, we should be very grateful to the Lord for calling the three new Andrew Dung-Lac Church, Oklahoma the Order to exercise a sacred power 7501 Northwest Expressway City, and James Andrew Wickersham which comes from Christ on behalf of priests for the Archdiocese and one new from Saint Thomas More Church, the Church. These men, called by God priest for Saint Gregory’s Abbey. How Oklahoma City, OK 73132 Norman. These three are being and by the Church, are ordained to wonderful it would be if we had this (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 ordained for the service of the Church serve God’s people and to lead the same number of priests ordained every e-mail: [email protected] of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. people on the pilgrimage of life to life year. Then, instead of closing parishes Mailing Address They will begin their first priestly everlasting in heaven. and reducing the number of Masses, we P.O. Box 32180 assignments in June. In addition to proclaiming the could do the opposite! Therefore, all of Oklahoma City, OK 73123 On Thursday afternoon, June 5, Good News of Jesus, priests and us must pray daily for an increase of one of our own archdiocesan priests, bishops celebrate the sacraments of the vocations to the priesthood. Bishop-elect Anthony B. Taylor, will be Eucharist and Penance. They are At this time, I also wish to remind Visit us online through the ordained in Little Rock, Ark., to be the ordained specifically for this purpose. any young man who has graduated Archdiocesan Web Page at bishop of the Diocese of Little Rock. Therefore, without priests and bishops, from high school and any young man www.catharchdioceseokc.org. His ordination is scheduled at 2 p.m. in there would be no Mass nor any sacra- with college credits who is contemplat- the Statehouse Convention Center. A mental forgiveness of sins. ing a priestly vocation to contact me or The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is number of chartered buses will be While we will greatly miss Bishop your pastor or the vocations director. published biweekly except for once in July traveling from several locations in Taylor’s priestly ministry among us, We stand ready to help you in your and twice in December by the Archdiocese Oklahoma to Bishop Taylor’s ordina- we are pleased to share him with the search. We will pray with you and for of Oklahoma City. tion in Little Rock. universal Church as directed by Pope you. We ask Almighty God to bless and On Thursday afternoon, Aug. 21, Benedict XVI. help you. The newspaper is not responsible for unsolicited material.

Copyright © 2008 Sooner Catholic Reaching Out Subscription rate: $20 per year for all who are not members of the Disaster Relief - Myanmar and China Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY — On May 14, 2008, the Most Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran authorized special City, OK 73125. collections by Archdiocesan parishes during May and POSTMASTER: Send address changes June to provide relief and assistance for the many to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box victims of the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma) and the 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. earthquake in Sichuan Province in central China. All donations received by the Archdiocese will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, the official in- ternational humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community. Catholic Relief Services provides assis- tance to people in need in more than 100 countries without regard to race, religion or nationality. Archbishop Beltran wishes to express the need for prayers and financial assistance for the people affected by these tragedies. Persons wishing to make a donation to this relief effort may also contact The Sooner Catholic is Catholic Relief Services at 228 W. Lexington St., supported through the Baltimore, Md. 21201-3413. Archdiocesan Development Fund. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 3

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 3 Archbishop to Ordain Three to Priesthood Proud of continued from page 1 His mother and father will both Joseph Patrick Schwarz Catholic priest. be seated in the pews at the Joseph Patrick Schwarz is the son Seminarian At the age of 15, his family put Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual of Max and Patricia Schwarz. He was Christopher on a boat in an effort to Help when Archbishop Beltran born April 8, 1978, in Salt Lake City, I am writing today regarding save him from the communist North ordains their son a Roman Catholic Utah, and grew up in Denver before Christopher H. Tran, who is Vietnamese forces marching toward priest. It has been a long and winding coming to Okarche. He studied scheduled to be ordained to priest- what was then the South Vietnam road to bring Christopher to this general business at Oklahoma State hood on May 30 for the Arch- capital city of Saigon. glorious day, but in his heart University, earning a bachelor of diocese of Oklahoma City. Chris “I prayed to God and told Him, ‘If Christopher said he knew “God would science degree. It was while studying has spent the last four years in our you get me to the other side I will never forget my promise to Him.” at OSU that he realized God was call- discernment program here at became a priest for you.’” That was in ing to him. Blessed John XXIII National 1975. While Christopher did survive, James Andrew Wickersham “The idea of being a priest was Seminary in Weston, Mass., where his life took “twists and turns” that James Andrew “Andy” Wicker- always somewhere at the back of my I am the rector. Chris is one of 15 prevented him from fulfilling his sham, the son of Glenn Wickersham mind,” Joseph said. “My whole life I’ve men in this year’s graduating class known something was leading me who will be returning to their here, even though I tried to push that home dioceses for ordination. as far from my mind as possible!” But The entire Blessed John XXIII “I was at Mass one Sunday,” he said, “and they in his fourth year of college he started Seminary community is extremely were praying for an increase in vocations to the reading the Bible all the way through, proud of Chris. His journey has priesthood. A light went off in my head, ‘Maybe I as well as attending Mass more often been a long one — from his youth and talking to priests about his voca- in South Vietnam to his forthcom- could be a Catholic priest?’ No! I did not want to tion. “I realized I really could be a ing ordination as a Roman Catholic do that. Over the next couple of years I wrestled good and loving priest, there for priest at the Cathedral of our Lady people in good times and bad, when- of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma with the idea and it just seemed to fit. I felt a call- ever they need me.” City. Chris had wanted to become ing to do something very important with my life.” His experiences at seminary, a priest since childhood. After especially as one of 10 seminarians escaping alone from South Viet- who stayed to help during Hurricane nam at the age of 15, he arrived in Katrina, only served to deepen that Indonesia where Catholic refugee promise to God, until now. and Margo MacRobert, was born July sense of rightness and service. While services arranged for him to be Over the years he needed to work 5, 1979, in Norman where he was he didn’t arrive in Okarche until a adopted by a family in New Jersey. to earn money to help support his raised. He found himself enrolling at decade after the death of Father He quickly adjusted to his new family that remained in Vietnam and the University of Oklahoma and Stanley Rother, he said the Okarche- home and was able to complete to hopefully one day bring them to seemed to have his future planned. born priest helped him understand high school and earn a college join him in the United States. He would study political science and more about perseverance. degree in interior design and art Although Christopher escaped go on to law school. Then his path “I think I learned more about history. He then worked tirelessly Vietnam, many of his family took a different turn. Father Rother while I was in the for years to be able to sponsor the members were not as fortunate. He “I was at Mass one Sunday,” he seminary,” Joseph said. “His willing- rest of his family, so they could join would learn the communists had said, “and they were praying for an ness to persevere even when things him in the United States. forced his father to work in the “re- increase in vocations to the priest- were tough, whether it was his At Blessed John XXIII, we education camps.” His mother would hood. A light went off in my head, struggles in seminary or during his offer a high-quality formation eventually buy her husband’s ‘Maybe I could be a Catholic priest?’ time in Guatemala. experience to men over 30 years of freedom with gold the family had No! I did not want to do that. Over “During Katrina, when we didn’t age responding to a call to priestly hidden, but not until her husband the next couple of years I wrestled have food or water for three days, ministry. Chris is a fine example of had spent five years in the camps, with the idea and it just seemed to fit. there were times when you could stop the candidates who enter our working in the fields and cutting I felt a calling to do something very and think to yourself, ‘It could be seminary having enjoyed active trees in the forest. The communists important with my life. Years back, I worse, I could have been in and varied lives. Our program is only agreed to release him after he thought politics was the answer to try Guatemala.’” specifically suited to these mature was severely injured. “My mother to make the world a better place. I Joseph said he looks forward to adults and respects and utilizes paid them in gold, they let my father found that I was called to the priest- years of ministry as a “simple priest.” their life experiences and accom- go because they thought he would go hood so that I could help to make God plishments as we prepare them for home and die,” Christopher said. present in a world that thinks the ordained ministry. Christopher would also learn his darkness the day.” We currently have more than beloved grandmother did not survive After six years of seminary, he is 600 alumni serving in over 120 the communist takeover of South very sure of his calling, but he says, Vocation Prayer dioceses and religious orders Vietnam. Following the U.S. exodus “As I look back to the summer before Heavenly Father, throughout the United States and beyond. In a time when good from Vietnam, the communists I started seminary, I was nervous, I ask for the guidance buried his grandmother and others in anxious, unsure, indecisive, and just pastors are needed more than ever, her village alive. He remembers the about every other word that would of the Holy Spirit our seminary administration, great devotion to the Blessed Mother describe someone about to take a step that I may choose the vocation faculty and staff work hard to help that his grandmother carried in her into unknown waters.” to serve you best. prepare effective pastoral leaders. We will keep Christopher Tran and heart. Christopher said he knows it Now, on the eve of ordination, May the light given to me at my was his grandmother’s prayers for James said, “It is very inspiring to me all the men who will be ordained him from heaven that helped him to think of St. Peter, many of the baptism be nourished with him for the Archdiocese of survive and make it to the day he will apostles, St. Thomas More, and hope- by the Body and Blood of Your Son, Oklahoma City in our prayers as fulfill his promise to God. He said fully one day in the canonization of that I may grow in they embark on their new lives he knows his grandmother was Oklahoma’s own Father Stanley Your knowledge and love. serving the Faithful of our Church. Rev. Peter J. Uglietto martyred for her faith. Rother, as witnessing to Christ by I ask this and all my needs today Christopher was separated from giving up their lives for the faith. To Rector his family for more than 15 years. “All be even a small part of that, to be a through Christ our Lord. Blessed John XXIII I could do was pray and I did every simple parish priest, how can I not Amen National Seminary day,” he said. help but say yes?” May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 4

4 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Conference Focuses on Building Support for Social Action By Connie Blaney Other Saturday morning presen- Catholic Charities ters included Rachel Lustig, director of OKLAHOMA CITY — How to Parish Social Ministry for Catholic build and strengthen parish social Charities USA, who spoke on the ministries, address social justice framework for understanding parish issues, and the advocacy role of social ministry, and Kris Ausdenmoore, Catholics were key components of the lead organizer, Oklahoma IAF sponsor- Faith in Action-Parish Social Ministry ing committee, who offered ways to get Conference held recently at the a parish involved in community organ- Pastoral Center. izing. In the afternoon, “Working Becky Van Pool, director of Parish Together in Multicultural Settings” Outreach and Program Develop- was presented by Gloria Luna, director ment of Catholic Charities, said the of Social Advocacy of Catholic conference was a success and Charities of Miami, Fla. She discussed connected to the heart of Catholic strategies of how to bring people of Social Justice. diverse backgrounds together as a “We were very fortunate to have community. Troy Zeigler, director and first-class speakers from across the trainer for Catholic Charities USA, nation to address such issues as Participants of the Social Ministry Conference discuss various issues during presented on the topic of racism and poverty, leadership development in the conference. poverty. parishes, community organizing and Father Larry Snyder, president of Some 18 parishes from across the throughout the Archdiocese,” said Van advocacy and justice education,” said Catholic Charities USA, was celebrant Archdiocese were represented at the Pool. “ This conference was designed to Van Pool. for Saturday evening Mass and the conference. Two participants from the create an awareness of the need for Approximately 70 people attended keynote speaker for Sunday morning. Tulsa Diocese and one person from each parish to establish a committee the two-day meeting and included “Through our parishes, as faith-filled Texas also participated. to address social justice issues and parishioners, parish staff, social justice citizens, we can have a powerful “It is our goal to establish and support parish leadership.” committee members and deacons. impact on the lives of the poor, vulner- support parish social ministries Key speakers were Jack Jezreel, able and suffering people in our Sister Simone Campbell, Father Larry communities,” Father Snyder said. Snyder, Rachel Lustig, Kristen “We must be engaged in the Campaign Ausdenmoore, Gloria Luna and Troy to Reduce Poverty in America and help Ziegler. improve this increasing disparity Jezreel, founder and executive between the rich and the poor.” director of JustFaith Ministries, kicked Father Snyder said that 25 percent off the conference spotlighting Catholic of Americans do not have any assets, social teachings, and how social home mortgage or savings. He noted ministry should be primarily from the the gap between the rich and the poor parishes with every Catholic taking an is increasing, not only in America but active role in advocacy. Sister Simone across the globe. Campbell, executive director of Net- Sister Simone presented a session work - A National Catholic Social on Sunday on “How Poverty Impacts Justice Lobby, was the keynote for our Communities.” She noted that 38 Saturday morning’s session. Sister million people are living below the Simone discussed Catholic social poverty level, but statistics alone can- teaching and how it connects with not describe what the poor are experi- social justice issues. “All Catholics encing across the nation and world. should be the voice of the poor,” she Anyone interested in learning said. “This is not easy. We need a more about the Faith in Action-Parish supportive community, opportunities Social Ministry program should Tina Baldera, Catholic Charities USA, and Gloria Luna, Catholic Charities to stretch beyond our comfort zone, contact Van Pool at Catholic Charities of Miami, Fla., were in attendance at the Faith in Action-Parish Social and a spiritual relationship with God Parish Outreach and Program Ministry Conference held recently at the Pastoral Center. Luna was one of the in order to carry out this ministry.” Development at 523-3009. presenters at the conference. Advance Registration Under Way for FCNA Summer Conference OKLAHOMA CITY — Planting Marilyn Seiler, Faith Community work, build relationships with nurses Cost is $30 for FCNA members before Seeds: Building Faith Community Nursing Resource coordinator, has and clergy interested in Faith May 30, and $45 after May 30. Non- Nursing and Health Ministry announced. Community Nursing and learn how to member fees are $60 before May 30 Development will be the theme of a Topics include identifying funding develop and fund health programs for and $75 after May 30. Students, clergy summer conference for nurses, health for health ministry programs; creating youth, adults and senior citizens in and health ministers are $25 before professionals, clergy, and anyone in- rituals conducive to the healing churches,” Seiler said. She said the May 30 and $35 after. Registration is terested in gaining skills in developing process; establishing safety education purpose of the conference is to increase free (before May 30) for recent RN or expanding a caring ministry in their programs for youth; ministering to awareness of Faith Community graduates since January 2008. After faith community. seniors and homebound; exploring a Nursing in Oklahoma, provide tools to May 30, RN graduates cost is $25. The conference will be held July 30 nurse’s role in a congregation; and enhance ministry of caring in a congre- For registration information, at Mercy Conference Center in a panel discussion on current and gation, and open doors to networking contact Marilyn Seiler, Faith Oklahoma City and is co-sponsored by potential health ministry programs among clergy, nurses and community Community Resource Center, (405) Faith Community Nurses Association within a congregation. services. 523-3006, e-mail mseiler@catholic- (FCNA) and Catholic Charities Faith “This conference will provide the Advance discount registration for charitiesok.org, or go to fcnaok.org for a Community Nursing Resource Center, opportunity for participants to net- the one-day conference is due May 30. registration form and brochure. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 5

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 5 Sister Rose Marie: Poet, Teacher, and to Some, A British Army Officer By Monica Knudsen what? There was this nun in our class today, and she For the Sooner Catholic did this really neat poetry, and she used to be an officer in the British Army!” Mother and the teacher Sister Rose Marie is Father Paul Gallatin’s aunt, pondered. Sister Rose Marie said, “Finally Sister older than he by just three years, and a gifted story- Bernie remembered she had told the class I was an teller in her own right. She will join St. Charles English major. Isn’t that priceless?” Borromeo parishioners and friends on May 31 to In every long life well lived, there is also pain and celebrate her nephew’s Golden Jubilee. loss. Readers will weep over “Give Them to Eat,” an For Sister Rose Marie, poetry has been a lifetime account of her mother’s trip to buy food for her large vocation. Some of her poems are gifts to commemo- family, “with two thin dimes in a black and tattered rate the milestones of those dear to her. “Unlike St. purse.” Paul” and “Paul’s Journey: A Light to the Gentiles” One of her life’s highlights was a 1978 trip to help are tributes to her nephew, written for his 1983 Silver at Father Stanley Rother’s mission in Guatemala. Jubilee. A quarter century later, she will share them Inspired by colorful buses on mountain roads, moved again with guests at the celebration. by dire poverty, and shocked by a lion as guard dog Sister Rose Marie was born in Vinita in 1928, the for a finca, she wrote three “Guatemala poems.” youngest of Jerome and Mary Emma Gallatin’s nine According to Sister Rose Marie, it was said of Father children. She grew up in the town’s Holy Ghost Rother that he was the people’s “priest, prayer, Parish and attended Sacred Heart Academy. She first counselor, medical assistant, mechanic, farmer, heard poetry from her mother, as she rocked her in welder, builder, linguist, and the list goes on.” her arms. Her father called his family’s propensity for Sister Rose Marie Gallatin Shortly before his death in 1993, her brother, rhyme and language “a veritable schoolhouse.” An In her poems, Sister Rose Marie explores Jimmy, suggested she share her poetry with a wider evening’s entertainment during lean Depression spiritual meaning in everyday experiences, and world. She has published three books, “Gift Rock,” years could be Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Bells,” or writes with deep feeling about our search for God, “Six Stone Water Jars” and “I Saw That Sunflower Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “The Wonderful One-Hoss and His for us. One of her favorites is “The Skaters Bloom” (now out of print), as well as poems in nation- Shay.” and the Snowbird,” a meditation on the possibility of al magazines. She has also given a seminar on the After high school graduation in 1946, she entered winter in heaven. “Not all the waters of Jerusalem, healing power of poetry to doctors and patients at the Congregation of Divine Providence. Those who Will be turned to flowing streams, In a season of San Antonio’s University Hospital. inspired and affirmed her vocation were the Sisters eternal spring, Heaven must include a winter scene, Sister Rose Marie strongly believes that poetry who taught her, especially Sister Amata Regan. She Or where would the snowbird sing?” “is meant to be played with the instrument of the also credits her mother, “a woman of tremendous Her gift/poems are “a song of gratefulness and human voice.” Since her 2005 retirement, her focus faith and constant fidelity,” and her oldest sister, the greatness of God for creating that person’s life.” has been poetry as ministry. She professionally Mary Ellen, who took the religious name, Sister They honor a missionary serving in Africa, a confir- recorded four CDs, I Saw That Sunflower Bloom, Gift Huberta, CDP, in honor of her oldest brother, Paul mation day, retirements, weddings, anniversaries, Rock, Six Stone Water Jars and Words on Fire. All of Hubert (Father Gallatin’s father). birthdays, a nun’s Silver Jubilee. She said, “I want the the proceeds from the CDs benefit Providence High Sister Rose Marie taught first grade during the poem to touch a particular person. If it does, it can School. baby boomer era — “class size 73, with no help.” She touch many others.” Sister Rose Marie prays while writing, so that her also taught English, religion and home economics at She celebrates the humorous. “From Rags to “words will be what God wants people to hear.” Her San Antonio’s Providence High School as well as Riches” is the true childhood story of her brother’s poems are word symphonies that provide respite, English at Our Lady of the Lake University. Her first solo visit to the Vinita Public Library. He was so recognition, spiritual nourishment and renewed Oklahoma connections include teaching at Mc- absorbed in a book, the librarian unknowingly locked energy. Her divinely-guided works prove that poetry Guinness (1967-70), while Father David Monahan him in at closing time. is more than uplifting literature. It is an offering, a was principal. She retired from the classroom in One of her favorite reactions to her poems gift and a prayer. 1991, and served as alumnae director of Providence occurred after a reading for a fourth-grade class. A To order a CD, contact Sister Rose Marie at High School until 2005. little boy ran to his car after school, “Mom! Guess [email protected]. Teen Earns Silver Scouting Award Megan Elisabeth Smith, 14, of pageant watch- Briefs Oklahoma City, recently earned the ing and will be June 2 at Boiling Springs Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest competing. Parish Sets Festival Golf Course, Woodward. Proceeds award a Cadet Girl Scout can earn. Megan has OKLAHOMA CITY — St. Francis of Assisi Parish is hosting to benefit St. Peter’s Scholarship Megan is a member of Troop 617, two younger the sixth annual International Fund. Format: Four-person based at Soldier Creek School in sisters in Girl Food Fest on June 21 at 6 p.m. in scramble with a shotgun start Midwest City. Scouts. An the T. Phil Kierl Gymnasium. The at 10 a.m. Cost is $50 per person- Megan’s project is called Boxes older sister, as dinner benefits the Rosary School /$200 per team, checks payable to of Hugs. She made gift boxes filled well as their scholarship and endowment funds. St. Peter’s Golf Tournament by with games, puzzles and pillows to mother were The dinner also celebrates the May 27. Call (580) 256-5305 for also involved cheer up cancer patients at Midwest many cultures that blend together more information. Regional Medical Center. in Girl Scouts. to make the faith community Megan is the daughter of Greg The Girl Megan Elisabeth known as St. Francis, located at Celebration Set and Pebbles Smith. She is a home- Scout Silver Smith 1901 N.W. 18th St. Dinner tickets OKLAHOMA CITY — 40th schooled eighth-grader. Megan is an Award includes will be sold for $20 after all the Anniversary Celebration, Sisters active member of Saint Paul the completing three project patches — Masses starting the weekend of of Benedict, Red Plains Monastery, Apostle Parish in Del City, where leadership, challenge and career May 31. Call Mary Lalli for ticket June 21 at Church of the Epiphany she is an altar server and a member awards. It also includes a service information, 947-2947, or Michelle of the Lord, 7336 W. Britton of the youth group. Megan earned project to help the community which McGannon at 947-0161. Road, Oklahoma City, 11 a.m. the Family of God Religious Award totals 40 hours. Megan was honored Mass with Archbishop Eusebius in 2002 and a Girl Scout Bronze at the annual Gold Awards cere- Memorial Tourney June 2 J. Beltran, Celebrant. Reception Award in 2006. She enjoys drawing, mony held in April by Girl Scouts- WOODWARD — Rev. James immediately following in Bryce dance, especially ballet and jazz, and Western Oklahoma Inc. Knight Memorial Golf Tournament Hall. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 6

6 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Catholic Scout Builds Bridge on Way to Eagle Rank ARDMORE — Boy Scout Troop 112 of St. Mary across Oklahoma, Colorado and Texas. Wes has Church is proud to induct the troop’s newest Eagle earned 102 of 121 merit badges and completed the Scout, Wes Weaver. Wes is the son of Trish and weeklong National Youth Leadership training Rusty Weaver. course offered by BSA. He has held numerous Wes’ achievement was recognized with the positions of responsibility within the troop includ- traditional Court of Honor held at St. Mary ing senior patrol leader. Wes worked on over 15 Catholic Church Parish Hall on Sunday, Feb. 10. other Eagle Scout projects during his many years Bruce Hamm officiated the event, Father Thomas with the troop, is a member of the Order of the O’Toole offered beautiful words of thanks and Arrow, participated in community service projects praise in the opening prayer and benediction, such as Scouting for Food, and worked in the Duty and Bill Nichols, Arbuckle Area Council Scout to God campaign by BSA. Wes served as a trainer executive, delivered the keynote address. in the National Youth Leadership training Wes’ Eagle service project was to design and sponsored by Troop 112 along with other Scouts supervise the construction of a 112-foot bridge and adults from the troop. at Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore. Wes As a Catholic Scout, Wes earned the Pope Pius decided on this length of bridge to honor his troop, the XII Award and the International Scouting which is sponsored by the Men of St. Mary. The Award along with Parvuli Dei and Ad Altari Dei bridge spans a creek that is 12 feet at its deepest. recognition. Along with his two brothers, Wes Preparation for the bridge included drilling 14 participated in the Rosary Patch Program as well. holes at least 4 feet deep through native sandstone Wes is a junior at Plainview High School where and then setting 11 pairs of posts ranging from 6 he has been a member of the Plainview football and to 18 feet tall in concrete to ensure stability. wrestling teams and National Beta Club. He is in Additionally, a bench was placed at one end of the Who’s Who Among American High School Students bridge and the hiker’s trail was cleared of loose and the National Society of High School Scholars. stones, saplings and debris. Over 500 man-hours Wes placed first in the Tiger Club Chess Invita- were put into the bridge construction by Wes Wes Weaver coordinated the building of this bridge tional. During the summer of 2007, he completed a and the youth of Troop 112. Many St. Mary in Carter County to earn his Eagle Award. two-week course on engineering and robotics at parishioners offered encouragement, equipment Olin College of Engineering located in Boston as a and their talents toward the project. Completed in over 70 miles at Philmont Scout Ranch, scuba part of the Lead America program. He has been October 2007, the bridge is now enjoyed by hikers diving at SeaBase, a high adventure base for accepted to the Oklahoma School of Science and and bicyclists who frequent the park. Scouts near Key Largo, Fla., and attended Math for his senior year. Wes intends to pursue a As a Boy Scout, Wes has enjoyed backpacking numerous summer and winter camp sessions career in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Catholic Foundation Awards College Scholarships Each year since its inception in 1965, the Michael Henderson, St. Michael, Meeker Becky Ta, Our Lady’s Cathedral, OKC Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma Inc. has awarded Ana Camila, Herrera Sacred Heart, OKC Gabriel Torres, St. Joseph, Norman college scholarships to deserving young men and Veronica Hochla, St. Andrew, Moore Ha Le Tran, Our Lady’s Cathedral, OKC women from all across the Archdiocese of Oklahoma Brian Johnson, Immaculate Conception, Seminole Maricela Vargas, St. Joseph, Ada City. From its humble beginnings of just two $500 Emily Kilian, St. Mary, Medford Kathryn Vculek, St. Joseph, Bison scholarships some 40 years ago — this year the Jessica Landoll, St. Ann, Elgin Christopher Zakrazewicz, St. Peter, Guymon Catholic Foundation will present in excess of Matthew Landoll, Blessed Sacrament, Lawton Tesia Zientek, St. Benedict, Shawnee $80,000 in college scholarships to 60-plus students Lauren Larres, St. Ann, Elgin based on scholastic achievements, service to church John Lewis, Our Lady’s Cathedral, OKC P.B. Connelly Medical Scholarship and community and financial need. Listed below are Jonathan Mannas, St. Mary, Ardmore Brenda Luttrell, St. Mark. Norman the Catholic Foundation scholarship recipients for Matt Wedman, St. John Nepomuk, Yukon the 2008-09 academic year: Rebecca Major, St. John Nepomuk, Yukon Maria Andrade, St. James, OKC Daniel Mannas, St. Mary, Ardmore Helen R. Hall Nursing Scholarship Megan Atwood, St. Joseph, Union City Pedro Martinez, St. Charles Borromeo Stephanie Mayhew, St. Philip Neri, Midwest City Christina Baker, St. James, OKC Alan McCall, St. Mary, Ardmore Nathan Beattie, St. Monica, Edmond Bethany Meiwes, Holy Trinity, Okarche Amelia P. Davis & Elizabeth H. Davis Donovan Becker, St. Mary, Ponca City Susan Murray, Christ the King Lawrence Scholarship Joshua Berntsen, St. Ann, Elgin Kalyn Neal, St. Monica, Edmond Merle Fuerte, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Sarah Blasche, Assumption, Duncan Nghiep Nguyen, St. Andrew Dung-Lac, OKC Lauren Himes, Holy Trinity, Okarche Amanda Bossa,St. Joseph, Hennessey Phuong Nguyen, St. Andrew Dung Lac, OKC Bethany Meiwes, Holy Trinity, Okarche Jessica Norris, Holy Trinity, Okarche Stacey Brandhorst, St. Eugene, Weatherford Tung Nguyen, St. Andrew Dung Lac, OKC Carly Schnaithman, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Sarah Brockhaus, St. Joseph, Norman Carrie Nolan, St. Michaels, Bethany Travis Schnaithman, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Shelley Nolan, St. Michaels, Bethany Selina Coronado, Prince of Peace, Altus Jacob Severin, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Tahni Osterman, Epiphany, OKC Daniel Crossley, Holy Trinity, Okarche Melissa Spurlock, St. Gregory the Great, Enid John Danaher, St. Joseph, Norman Quy Pham, St. Andrew Dung Lac, OKC Tai Do, St. Andrew Dung Lac, OKC Sara Roberts, St. Eugene, Weatherford Evelyn and Kathryn Hau Scholarship Chinh Doan, St. Patrick, OKC J. Guadalupe Salgado, St. Catherine, Pauls Valley Maria Baca, Holy Trinity, Okarche Brittany Dray, St. John the Baptist, Edmond Shaylyn Sawyer, Epiphany, OKC Kelly Fletcher, St. John Nepomuk, Yukon Phong Hong Duong, St. Andrew Dung-Lac, OKC Carly Schnaithman, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Jamie Hughes, St. Francis Xavier, Enid Laramy Edwards, Queen of All Saints, Sayre Travis Schnaithman, St. Gregory the Great, Enid Molly Johnson, Holy Trinity, Okarche Connor Ferguson, St. Joseph, Norman Emily Schnegerger, St. Mathew, Elk City Marissa Petty, Holy Trinity, Okarche Abbey Gagnon, Sacred Heart, Alva Adam Simonds-Stege, St. Joseph, Norman Teneille Reherman, Sts. Peter & Paul, Kingfisher Cindy Shelley, Holy Trinity, Okarche David Groff, St. Vincent de Paul, McCloud Alexander Swartz, St. Francis Xavier, Sulphur May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 7

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Catholic-Jewish Dialogue: Ten Commandments Answer to Modern Issues WASHINGTON — The Ten both Christian and religiously plural- the same time seeking the common Both Catholics and Orthodox Jews Commandments can provide the istic societies. For believers and non- patrimony that enables the two sides view the efforts of courts and legisla- basis for secular arguments on believers alike, “it has been a re- to speak together on public issues. tures to broaden the definition of contemporary moral issues, members minder of the immutable and Previous meetings of the USCCB- marriage to include same-sex unions of the Catholic-Jewish Consultation universally obliging principles which OU Consultation have addressed as harmful to both family life and the noted at an April 30 meeting in New cultures dispense of at their peril,” he school choice and education tax common good of society. York. said. He added that “civilization credits, anti-religious bias in the Other Catholic members of the The consultation, which includes decays when the higher law written in media and peace initiatives to resolve dialogue included Christian Brother representatives of the United States the human heart is no longer taught.” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. David Carroll, Jesuit Father Drew Conference of Catholic Bishops Speaking from a Jewish perspec- The consultation is co-chaired by Christiansen, Father Lawrence (USCCB), the Union of Orthodox tive, David Berger, Ph.D., head of the Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Frizzell, Father Walter Kedjierski and Rabbis (OU) and the Rabbinical Jewish Studies Department at Centre, N.Y., and Rabbi Fabian Atonement Father James Loughran. Council of America (RCA), meets twice Yeshiva College, New York City, drew Schonfeld, Rabbi of Young Israel Jewish community members a year. The recent meeting focused on a distinction between the religious Synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills, N.Y. included Howard Beigelman, Nathan religion and public morality in today’s character of the first four command- The consultation recently drafted Diamant, Betty Ehrenberg, Rabbi American society. ments and the “secular” character of a statement defending marriage Basil Herring, Rabbi Yonatan Co-founded in 1998 by the late the other six. “The Sabbath, for between one man and one woman that Kaganoff, Rabbi Joseph Karasick and Cardinal John O’Connor, the example, is a quintessentially will be published in the coming weeks. Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb. Consultation meets to discuss moral religious commandment, a ritual and cultural issues that impact observance, even though it also has Catholic and Jewish life in the nation. the social values of rest, freedom from The April 30 session included two work and bringing people together,” he New COURAGE Chapter Opens in OKC presentations, one Catholic and one said. The Sabbath has also influenced OKLAHOMA CITY — and we have a priest who sponsors Jewish, on the Ten Commandments as secular views on human dignity and COURAGE is a Catholic ministry our group and serves as chaplain. a basis for negotiating contemporary human rights. However, when it comes for people who struggle with same To find out more about the societal issues like abortion, em- to codifying civil law in a country that sex attraction and who want to live international COURAGE ministry, bryonic stem cell research and same upholds church-state separation, a chaste life in accordance with visit the Web site, www.- sex unions. Berger argued that religious prescrip- authentic Catholic teaching. There couragerc.org to contact someone Father Arthur Kennedy, rector of tions carry little weight unless they are COURAGE chapters all over locally and find out about meetings St. John’s Seminary, Boston, examined are also based on secular reason and the world and here in Oklahoma in the Oklahoma City metro area, how the Ten Commandments, or need. there have been COURAGE write to [email protected] or Decalogue, has functioned in the Both scholars acknowledged the chapters in Tulsa and in Lawton. call 942-2017. Confidentiality is Catholic tradition not only as a means role that belief in God plays not only in This is the first time the assured: You may leave a message of forming Christian consciences, but motivating citizens to will the good for COURAGE ministry has been and your call will be returned dis- also as a basis for making secular themselves and others, but also in available in Oklahoma City. creetly. Priests, deacons and other arguments in support of moral giving public recognition to the tran- COURAGE meets weekly and ministers are encouraged to save positions. Father Kennedy drew on the scendent source of authentic human is a support group that follows the contact information for future early Church Fathers and medieval values. Subsequent discussion among the traditional 12-step spiritual reference so that they can make doctors, and argued that the Consultation participants revealed a recovery format. Our local chapter referrals for those in need of Decalogue has been a privileged common desire to be faithful to one’s is approved by Archbishop Beltran support. expression of the natural law within own religious interpretations, while at

Across Oklahoma Saint James Plans Care Camp at Holy Family Parish on June 29 and June 30. tional. Optional pre-excursion to Paris available. The presentations will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Judi Wilkinson at OKLAHOMA CITY — Ultimate Caregivers in the main church. The Monday program will be 751-7115 Ext. 115. training camp is a fun and interactive way to for women only. Bossert is the daughter of a learn to provide care for others. Young people can Presbyterian pastor and her column, Catholic by Volunteers Needed learn skills for beginning their own business or Grace, has been published in more than 20 dioce- The Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference grandparents can refresh their skills and become san newspapers including the Sooner Catholic. has several volunteer positions open on its board better prepared to care for family members. This The programs are free and open to all. Come and of directors. A 501(c)(3) organization, the board class includes certification cards in CPR, first aid, hear the complete story of how Bossert became and its subcommittees meet monthly in the pet first aid and care-giving skills. Class is con- Catholic by Grace. For more information, call Holy Edmond area to plan the conference, which is held ducted by Astrud Ray, CMT, CTRS. Phone 833- Family office at (580) 536-6351. in January of each year. All applicants must be in 3169 for more information or to enroll. Class size good standing with their parish. Interested appli- will range from six to 15 students, and is on a Pilgrimage Planned cants should e-mail [email protected]. first-come, first-served basis. Requirements: be at OKLAHOMA CITY — Join Father Joseph Treasurer least 11 years old; love to work with people of Jacobi of St. Eugene Parish for a spiritually The responsibilities of this position include various ages; be available for classes May 27 to enriching journey to the great shrines of France, knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and tax May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: St. James Spain and Portugal on Oct. 19-27, 2008. In preparation, annual budget preparation and Catholic School, 1224 S.W. 41st St. Cost is $100 Lourdes, pilgrims from around the world are cele- analysis, cash management tracking and regular per participant. Bring a brown bag lunch. One brating the 150th anniversary of the apparition of attendance at executive committee and board of healthy afternoon snack will be provided. Before the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette. The director meetings. and after care available by prearrangement for an pilgrimage also includes Santiago de Compostela Fundraising additional charge. Assistance with carpooling also and Fatima. $3,500 price includes round-trip The responsibilities of this subcommittee by prearrangement. airfare, seven nights accomodations/double occu- chair include contacting parishes, businesses and Bossert to Speak in Lawton pancy, breakfast and dinner daily, local trans- foundations for cash or in-kind donations toward LAWTON — Denise Bossert, a convert to the portation via deluxe private motor coach. Airline conference expenses. Experience in fundraising Catholic Church, will share her conversion story taxes, fuel surcharge and security fees are addi- for nonprofit organizations preferred. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 8

8 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Letters Church Wrong not experience negative legal consequences. While through trite and trivial “pop-psychology”-style I supported the archdiocese when they aided they are in the learning process, there should be articles at best representing a banalization of the those with AIDS or AIDS-related ailments, even if translators of their language to help them navigate faith. many of them contracted the health issues by whatever system they need. These translators should And what of the recent tremendous expenditure practices not sanctioned by the church. be from their communities and paid for by their of precious energies covering the much-disputed ille- I supported the archdiocese when they supported communities. All non-English-speaking communities gal immigration bill? Shouldn’t Catholics have been unwed mothers. in America today have translators from their told that not every unjust law must be disobeyed I reluctantly supported the archdiocese when communities paid for by their communities, or (some can be licitly tolerated as long as they do not they supported those who needed help from other volunteers to provide this service. This system has require wrongdoing)? Putting aside the question of religions to the exclusion of Catholic persons needing worked quite well for almost 200 years in this this particular bill being potentially unjust (it was help. country. My own great-grandmother was almost likely at least partly unjust), what about the far more However, when the archdiocese supports those deported over a legal loophole and if family members serious “illegal emigration” issue, where the unborn who are trying to bring down America, I cannot hadn’t stepped in to navigate the system for her, it are violently forbidden to emigrate from the womb? support the archdiocese, much to my pastor’s dismay. could have been disastrous. While our great-grand- Why not just require potential columnists to disclose Illegal immigrants cause more harm to this parents may not have learned English quickly, they in advance whether they have the stomach to oppose country than they do help. According to figures from wanted success for their children and pushed educa- abortion? And yes, this is a litmus test. the Mexican government and our own government, tion and speaking English on their children. The Sooner Catholic has to get its act together! the third largest source of income for Mexico comes People have succeeded when they speak a We are not essentially a divided, right/left Church from illegal immigrants living in this country sending common language. that is a “big accommodative tent” accepting the com- money to Mexico. There, people depend on that People who speak a common language can promise of diversity.We have the mind of Christ, have money in addition to the foreign aid we provide. succeed in the business world much better than those the one true Way, and worship the one true God in I don’t want to debate the tragedy of illegal immi- who don’t. Why else would the business world have a God’s chosen community. It is false to play “right” grants, but I would like to present two areas that are common language? For years it was Latin, then against “left,” appeasing “conservatives” with the especially troubling. French and for quite a while it has been English. And occasional orthodox article on moral issues such as Medical care — There are many people born and in some parts of the world it is becoming Chinese. contraception or in vitro fertilization, as a ruse to raised in this country who have not earned large There is no evidence that SB 163 would “directly justify misguided “liberal” peace and justice offerings amounts of money in their working lives or had jobs and adversely affect both U.S. citizens and other not always in complete conformity with genuine that provided good, affordable health insurance, persons lawfully present in the United States who Catholic social doctrine. especially women. Now that they are in their 50s or need help with English.” Using his own argument of Can the average Catholic be blamed then for older, many of these women cannot afford good health lack of study — he is wrong about this. Use your fearing what we may get from the Sooner Catholic in care and often do not get the care they need. observation and notice that this is not true based on the upcoming national election season? After all, isn’t However, it appears that this archdiocese wants me past years of immigrants. there good reason to fear we will see the usual ration- to support medical care for illegal immigrants. I Demographic studies show that people can alizations that justify the unjustifiable; i.e., voting agree they, too, deserve quality medical care, just not become conversant in English. If people going to other for a candidate who promotes a supposed “right to at the expense of the taxpayer. Let the Catholic hos- countries are encouraged to “immerse” themselves in abortion,” regardless of party affiliation, when there pitals and health care providers give them the care the host country language, why should not those is a substantially (even if not optimally) pro-life alter- they deserve. The private sector should fulfill this coming to America be asked to do the same? native? Imagine if we were to refuse to consider a need. And while they are at it, how about helping SB 163 will not make public health and safety strong “social justice” candidate solely because of his those citizens who have worked for years but still harder. In reality, speaking a common language “pro-terrorism” stance despite an otherwise attrac- can’t afford good medical insurance or care? makes it easier. I have been an EMT and been ill in a tive platform. Would we in that case have to face the I am an American Catholic. I do not want to be a foreign country. Most people agree it is imperative silly charge that we have become “one issue” voters, world citizen. Since America is supporting most of the that medical providers be proficient in medicine. as we sometimes hear when some candidates must in world, it would appear to me that we need to keep They cannot learn all the languages that patients good conscience be disqualified because of their pro- America growing and prospering. might speak, especially in America. It would be abortion position? Could a pro-terrorism stance We all know that what built a strong America impossible with all the immigrants we have. Again, rightly be considered just one issue among many? was our immigrants. Legal ones. Millions of translators can help those who need help. The whole Whenever there is a choice we should vote for Americans are fourth generation Americans. Our profession should not be penalized because immi- good people, and never for bad ones, regardless of great-grandparents came here from other countries grants do not wish to assimilate. And yes, I did need party affiliation and lesser political issues. We are a “on the boat.” They brought us our varied culture with a translator when I was deathly ill in a foreign society looking the other way while innocent children their languages, customs, foods, music, art, etc. But country. are being torn from the womb. Good people oppose one thing they all recognized — we needed a common Nothing in SB 163 forbids those who would help that. Bad people find ways to justify it. Does it really language that could be understood by all. Since people learn English from doing so. Nowhere does SB matter what party we belong to? Shouldn’t we put English was the prevailing language — they learned 163 forbid cultures from keeping their language and aside our own private “personal issues?” it. It did not involve giving up anything of their own customs. Their language and customs are protected Dominic M. Pedulla culture — it was just a way to prosper. And for 200 by their own people. In fact, many of the American Saint John the Baptist, Edmond years we did. Indians in Oklahoma are currently trying to revive Now, we have those who want to destroy America the native languages and customs for the younger Weigel Hits the Mark in the name of “fairness” and “advancement.” generations. Nothing in SB 163 interferes with this. Tom Lucas’ recent letter commenting on George I would like to address Richard Klinge’s argu- Every argument Mr. Klinge uses is proof that we Weigel’s book titled “Faith, Reason and the War ments. need SB 163. Against Jihadism: A Call to Action,” was not only out- He says there have not been any meaningful Nancy Crice rageous, but dead wrong. studies to show the legal, human and economic Saint Paul the Apostle, Del City Lucas sees moral equivalency between the out- impact of SB 163. We all know that if you want to stall rages of radical Muslims and his several dubious or kill something — just demand a study. When Paper on Wrong Track examples of so-called Christian behavior. There is no people cannot speak a common language, there are Who among us is not astonished at the turn the moral equivalency. Lucas’ failure to see this makes many negative impacts. Sooner Catholic has been taking? Recently we have the very point that Weigel made in his book. Legally — Look at the negative impact not under- read articles downplaying the physical sufferings of Lucas wondered what St. Francis would say. standing the legalities of a country has had on anyone Christ during His Passion, seen not-altogether- Well, for one, he would try to convert the Muslims as who has ever been in that situation. Pick a country, orthodox death penalty abolitionist advocacy over- he did in his real life. St. Francis believed in love and and you will find people who have had catastrophic emphasized ad nauseam and to the detriment of anti- peace, but he would also call a spade a spade and not consequences of not being able to speak the language abortion advocacy and now even rewarded with a try to solve the problem pointed out by Weigel by of the land and were not able to understand the legal regular column, endured the Sooner Catholic’s white-washing the abuses of radical Muslims. system, America included. It would be far better for apparently insatiable appetite for an overly sociologi- William Brown, the immigrant to learn English so that they would cal or politicized idea of the Church, and suffered Arlington, Texas May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:19 PM Page 9

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 9 Saint Greg’s Honors Grads at May 10 Commencement By Brad Collins Claremore: Melanie Carrick Sapulpa: Amanda Cox Saint Gregory’s Collinsville: Diane Schultz Shawnee: Amy Carlile, Toni SHAWNEE — St. Gregory’s Denton, Texas: Loraine Bottorff Christian, Elizabeth Cruz, Cha’son University celebrated its 93rd Earlsboro: Kimberly Harjo Holmes, Andrew Hubl, Amy Hunt, commencement exercise on Saturday, Edmond: Glenn Dean, Driskill Clint Johnson, Mark Lahue, May 10 inside W.P. Wood Field House, Sawyer, Clifford Wehrenberg Samantha Pleets, Marcy Reeves, with bachelor’s degrees conferred on Fort Gibson: Nancy Wells Jana Sexton, Patrick Simon, Emily 86 graduates. An additional 46 Harrah: Katrina Baez Walsh, Lisa Zientek received associate’s degrees and 12 Inola: Carolyn Parks Sparks: Shannon Saunders received master’s degrees. Jenks: Christopher Okey Tecumseh: Charles Scott Shirley Cox, legal services Madison, Ala.: Dominique Garoute The Colony, Texas: Andrew Oldham developer for the state Department Maud: Genieve Taylor Tulsa: Andrea Everage, Yvyonne of Human Services, delivered the McLoud: Richard Bennett, Allie Joseph, Grant Legg, Tanya commencement address, urging SGU Fleischfresser, Marcel Stevens McLaughlin, Toni Uden, Christopher graduates to discover their dreams, be Moore: Jose Zuniga Vail, Rosalyn Vann-Jackson passionate about what they do, and do Mounds: Natasha Schartz Wagoner: Melanie Jones, Kim Penick justice in their lives. Mustang: Lana Tindall Wanette: Lisa McDonald “I encourage you to reach into the Newalla: Jeffery Briggs, Cory Weleetka: Genise Carpenter deep recesses of your soul and find Underhill Yukon: Jessica Munson that passion, live that passion and Noble: Natalie King, Lindsey International: Ronald Florez, love that passion,” said Cox, an active Vanderburg Marjana Gojkovic, Carlos Quintero- state advocate for those on the Amy Carlile Norman: Paul Ottis Rodriguez margins of society. “Inspire others to Okemah: Donna Magness, Randall your passion and call them forth in Nicholas Ast, O.S.B., a history instruc- Vaught Master’s Degrees their aspirations. If you do, I predict, tor at SGU, delievered the homily. Oklahoma City: Joe Hughes, Ferrell Beggs: Dianne Bileck you will emerge as extraordinary The SGU Chorale, under the Johns, Alexander Mansour, Amelia Broken Arrow: Alan Buynak leaders in your own right.” direction of Brother Damian Whalen Patterson, Francisco Reyes, Collinsville: Jason Perrin Cox compared the graduates’ and music faculty member Sheryl De’Shaun Thornton Oklahoma City: Donny Beechum walk across the stage to Lewis Carol’s Waters, provided music. Prague: Stacie Casey Tulsa: John MacClain, Erin Michael, Through the Looking Glass, the The following students received Rego Park, N.Y.: Oren Mansky Ramona Miller, Samuel Roop, sequel to Alice in Wonderland. In that their degrees: San Luis, Ariz.: Jonah Carrera Kathleen Ryan-Fielder, Eric Wilson story, she said, Alice imagines herself Associate’s Degrees Sand Springs: Martha Hoover International: Chrispin Ogama climbing through a looking glass, a Bixby: Edie Dragoun mirror, wondering what life would Broken Arrow: Stacy Haynes, Karla hold for her on the other side. Kuhn, Robin Miller, Brenda Royal Retiring Professor Recognized “As you sit in your seats now, you Coweta: Brandi Marrs SHAWNEE — Paul Burgess, master’s degree in may well feel like Alice contemplating Fort Worth, Texas: Emily Vaughn instructor of political science at St. political science what is beyond the mirror, a world Glenpool: Rhoda Adams, Steven Gregory’s University,has been a fixture from St. Louis that is very familiar, yet very Conway at St. Gregory’s since 1966. In that University in 1966. different,” she said. “As you wait your McLoud: Brandi Sears time, Burgess has been able to instruct Since that turn in line to receive your diploma, Mounds: Amanda Meyers all five of his children at St. Gregory’s, time, Burgess has you may well feel like Alice as she Oklahoma City: Jessica Landry- instruct some of his former students’ been active in summoned her courage to step across Gaters, Tracie Reagan Okmulgee: Justin Binning children and see the school go from a Democratic Party and into the world beyond. two- to a four-year institution. politics. “And as you step across the stage, Rose: Ashley Chancellor But this semester was his last as a He has served you may well feel like Alice entering Shawnee: Joshua Clark, Melissa full-time instructor. Burgess is retiring as chairman of the into the excitement, the thrill and the Dennis, Leroy Downs, Robert Gear, after nearly 42 years of service to the Pottawatomie anticipation of a vibrant and beckon- Gaila Hatler, Donald Heaps, Tedda school. County Demo- Paul Burgess ing experience.” Kerr, Elaine Maston, Rhonda Burgess was honored at SGU’s cratic Party, run Valedictorians Zac Ottis and Maston, Donna Mills, Toni Sellers, commencement exercises with the for state representative, helped to Melanie Jones also addressed the Gale Smith, Karen Southers school’s Legacy Award. SGU also organize Jimmy Carter’s local audience. Tulsa: Derrick Cox, Maria Crescitelli, formally gave Burgess the title of campaign for president, was an alter- Ottis, who is from Norman, was Christopher Davis, Shannon Hand, professor emeritus. nate delegate at the Democratic mini- the valedictorian for the College of Lydia Jones, Kendra Knox, Victoria “The time at St. Gregory’s has convention in 1974, and has been a Arts and Sciences. Jones, from Lee, Denise Mills, Jeffrey provided me an opportunity to interact delegate at county, district and state Wagoner, was the valedictorian for the Richardson, Jerome Smittle with many nice and interesting party conventions. College for Working Adults. Vera: April Buoy persons,” Burgess said. “I will fondly Burgess has served on numerous “My advice to you is to put your Wagoner: Sherry Hansen, Erin remember some of the Benedictine committees in his time at St. Gregory’s. all into everything that you do,” Ottis Hester monks who have passed away, as well He was chairman of the faculty life said. “Find a job that makes you Wanette: Darlene Lackey as David Cawthon and John Clifton, committee several times, served as a happy and that you enjoy doing. When International: Ivan Muziotti Parraga who I met here. The living and present faculty representative and has been a you aren’t working, enjoy life. The faculty arbitrator for nearly 16 years. Bachelor’s Degrees members of St. Gregory’s Abbey and past four years, if anything, have Burgess has also served on the school’s Ada: Amanda Kelley the SGU faculty will be in my taught me how fragile life can be, board of appeal and board of inquiry. Bixby: Kip Honeycutt thoughts.” so make sure that you enjoy every “My favorite part of being an in- Boley: Donna Parker Burgess earned his bachelor’s minute of it.” structor is the classroom atmosphere,” Broken Arrow: Seth Birch, Stephen degree in economics from Benedictine Said Jones: “We have made sacri- Burgess said in a recent interview. “I Friend, Courtney Hambley, Karissa College in Atchison, Kan., in 1958. He fices. We have endured. And we’re like the interaction with the students.” McMillan, Sonny Reynolds, Joseph then entered the military, serving both finally here as teammates. Congratu- Burgess and his wife, Maryann, Solomon the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force before lations.” have been married 48 years. He said Brusly, La.: Hunter Langlois joining the Kansas National Guard Baccalaureate Mass was Friday after his retirement, he plans to travel Centerton, Ark.: William Beal and Air Force Reserves. After his at St. Gregory’s Abbey Church. Rev. honorable discharge, he received his and visit his children more often. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:21 PM Page 10

10 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Mount Saint Mary Senior Class of 2008

Eric Adams Andrew Adamson Laura Allison Maria Andrade Paul Arambula Elizabeth Armstrong Nancy Arteaga OCCC OSU Newman University Valedictorian OSU-OKC Northeastern Oklahoma OCU Scholarship OCU, Scholarship State, Scholarship Scholarship

Anthony Baker Kristen Balfour-Grice Domenique Dejanae Berry Eric Brunette Peter Brunette Brittnie Calhoun OCCC OSU Bergamini OSU, Scholarship St. Gregory’s OU OSU-OKC UCO, Scholarship University, Scholarship Scholarship

Michael Carpenter Jared Charbeneau Claudia Chavez Hyeun Cho Maria Contreras Amanda Crumpley Brian Daly Marine Corp Southwestern Benedictine OSU Palo Alto College UCO, Scholarship Johnson & Wales Christian University University University, Scholarship

John Danaher Lacey Deaton Elle DeNegri Devin Devine Andrew Dinh Eddy Duran Barbara Elcyzyn OU, Scholarship UCO, Scholarship OU, Scholarship University of Science MetroTech UCO, Scholarship OCCC and Arts of Oklahoma Scholarship

Daniel Foley Rogelio Garcia Rebecca Green Blake Gunter Martin Hampton Abram Hernandez Dakota Hernandez OU University of Texas, Rose State College Oklahoma Baptist UCO OCCC OSU Austin University, Scholarship May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:22 PM Page 11

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Mount Saint Mary Senior Class of 2008

Lindsay Hughes Erica Jaramillo Janet Jimenez Amy Johnson April Jones Thao Le Melissa Lee Redlands CC OSU OCCC OU, Scholarship OCU OSU-OKC OCU Scholarship

Gabrielle Martinez Medalise Mahoney Kathryn Manning Samantha Marino University of Science & Arthu McGowen Thomas McKenzie Judith Meraz OSU Fort Lewis College Rose State College Arts of Oklahoma OSU OU OCCC Scholarship

Vincent Ngo Hai Nguyen Joseph Nixon Hunter Olstad Christopher Patris Marianne Pickens Wade Pierce Valedictorian, OCCC OU, Scholarship OSU OCCC OCU, Scholarship Salutatorian Stanford, Scholarship OSU, Scholarship

Gabe Pranter Jeremy Randall Landry Recla Oscar Reyes James Rogers Jordan Rooks Logan Simms OCCC OU OU, Scholarship OU, Scholarship Gordon Cooper OSU-OKC Marines Career Tech

Justin Sine Kevin Skidmore Rachel Spiva Mary Rose Tener Sarah Thornton Jamie Vickery Pedro Villafana OU, Scholarship OSU, Scholarship OSU State College Southern Nazarene OSU, Scholarship OSU, Scholarship Scholarship University May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:23 PM Page 12

12 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Thanks for the Memories The 103rd Graduating Class of Mount Saint Mary High School

Seniors pose for a photo before graduation.

Blake Gunter gives the thumbs up as he and Rebecca Green process into graduation at St. Mark’s in Norman. Photos/Cara Koenig

Pedro Villafana being robed by his sister, Rosa Villafana Byrne, class of 1995.

John Paul Pierce robed his big brother, Wade Pierce, at the 2008 senior class president Liz Armstrong walks the Rocket flag into the senior farewell assembly. senior farewell assembly, passing it to the class of 2009.

Casey Watson Lindsey Watz Adam Wilkey Trey Wylie Marina Zaragosa Navy UCO OU Oklahoma Baptist OCC University, Scholarship Christopher Patris after graduation. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:23 PM Page 13

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 13 Irish Grads Leave Winning Legacy Bishop McGuinness High School Class of 2008

McGuinness grads were all smiles following the ceremony.

Kelly Hughes and Lauren Forest pose for a photo at the senior farewell assembly.

The after party theme.

Top: Teresa Rogge and Jacquelyn Elmer at the after party. Right: Clay Williamson as the human fly Three generations of Irish graduates are pictured here with 2008 grad Adam Cooper at the after party. between his grandparents, Shirley and Richard, Class of ’55, and his father, Steven Cooper, Class of ’78. Photos/Bettsy Felton May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:25 PM Page 14

14 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Bishop McGuinness Class of 2008

Todd Adler Anna Ardoin Brittnee Backes Shannon Bass Alexandra Bass Nicole Beard Elizabeth Berend Brittney Undecided Undecided UCO OU UCO OSU Rose State, Bierschenk Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship OSU, Scholarship

Taryn Cain Thomas Bishop Mollie Blanchard Amanda Bowman Cathleen Brantley Robyn Breshears Cameron Bryan William Byrne UCO OU OU OSU OU OSU University of OSU Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Nebraska Scholarship

Laura Callaway Zachary Carter Sarai Cerano Katlyn Chaney David Clawson Gabrielle Cloer Charles Coe Hannah Colness UCO UCO UCO OU Undecided SWOSU OSU UCO Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship

Katelyn Conner Adam Cooper Eleanor Covington Matthew Crowley Travis Tafadzwa Amy Davis Alison Davis OU OU University of Undecided Cunningham Dandajena University of Missouri Blinn College Scholarship Scholarship Colorado OU, Scholarship UCO Scholarship

Joseph DeGiusti Brennan Derby Keelan Dill Mary Donnelly Colleen Ashley Edwards Christina Ellis Jacquelyn Elmer OU Undecided OU University of Dougherty OU OSU OSU Tulsa OSU, Scholarship Scholarship

Chelsea Epps Loren Ferguson Mary Ferguson Giovanni Ferlaino Keller Flinton Korrine Folmar Lauren Forest Kelsey OCU OSU OU Kansas University OSU UCO OU Frederickson Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Chapman May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:26 PM Page 15

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Bishop McGuinness Class of 2008

Jordan Fritch Marquette University Lindsey Fry Carlos Garcia Jake Garetson Candice Gillies John Goetzinger Callie Gordon Angelica Grajeda Scholarship, OSU UCO Undecided OU, Scholarship OU OU UCO Valedictorian Valedictorian Scholarship

Laura Hill Lauren Gray Macey Guthery Evan Hardesty Ryan Harlow Haley Harris Lindsay Hazen Millard Henry NOC-OSU OU University of Kansas, OU UCO OSU OU OU Scholarship Scholarship

Kasey Hill Austin Hirsch Tiffany Howard Katie Hufnagel Delaney Hughes Courtney Iser Lauren Jackson Miranda Jackson OU OSU OCU OSU OSU Northwestern OU UCO Scholarship Scholarship

Molly Jones Yeymi Jordan Doga Karyaldiz Ryan Kelley Ryan Kemether Jessie Kierl Yunho Kim Kristina King OU UCO OSU OU Undecided OSU Arizona State OU Scholarship Scholarship University, Scholarship Scholarship

Kelsey Kirk Sheila Kraft Petamaree Lancaster Olivia Lee August Lombardo Kendall Loving Devin Luxner Hugh Maguire Southern Methodist OU OU OSU NOC-OSU UCO OU OSU University Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship

William Maguire Joseph Maier Brooke Manning Callie Marso Lauren Martin Luisa Matthynssens Mitchell McGarry Chanel Melendez UCO OU OU Miami University OSU UCO Newman University OU Scholarship of Ohio Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:27 PM Page 16

16 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Bishop McGuinness Class of 2008

Katusha Mercer Jeffrey Merritt Meghan Milner Billy Mitchell Allison Moorhead Gabriel Moyer Ann Mudd Robert Neville OU Samford University OSU OSU OU University of Tulsa OSU OU Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship

Katie Oliphant Christopher Nguyen Tina Nguyen Leah Norsworthy Taylor Nurdin Chike Nwokolo Justin O'Feery Jeffrey Olbert Newman OU OU OSU OCCC OU OSU-OKC OU University Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship

Shane Oltean Kristopher Parham Sarah Parrish Ryan Peck ShaRhonda Christopher Poston Julianne Prince Catherine Quinlan OU Undecided OU OU Pickett OU UCO OU Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship OSU

Lauren Rattan Anna Raybourn Sarah Reel Alyx Reeser Mary Renz Margaret Rischard Joshua Ritchie Berkeley Rodgers US Merchant Marine OU OSU OU Sam Houston State OSU OSU OU Academy, Scholarship Scholarship University, Scholarship Scholarship

Teresa Rogge William Ruffin Emma Rupert Nicholas Ruttan Emily Say Aaron Schick Frederick Schrantz Kathryn Schrantz OSU Creighton University OU UCO OSU OU OU UCO, Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Salutatorian

Libby Schwartz John Scimeca Natalya Sebastian Trisha Shanbour Austin Shotts Britney Simmons Jake Sinkula Erin Smith OSU Tulane University of Missouri- Undecided UCO UCO SWOSU OU KC, Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:28 PM Page 17

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 17 Bishop McGuinness Class of 2008

Reilly Smith McKenzi Standard Laura Sterkel Daniel Stith Chaz Teague Daniel Tharnish Benjamin Thomas Laura Thompson OU OU OU OSU NOC-OSU Undecided UCO OU Scholarship

Justin Voda Karla Thompson Jacob Torbeck Adrienne Hayley Twedell Blair Tyrrell Sheila Umali Kinsey Vinson Curry College Undecided Ft. Lewis College/ Trepagnier OSU Undecided UCO OSU Durango, Scholarship UCO Scholarship

Mary Wade Breanne Ward Mark Weigl Katherine Whitbeck Mary Ellen White Jon Williamson Joshua Wilson Brenton Wolf OSU Chicago UCO University of Arkansas University of Tulsa St. Gregory’s OSU OU Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship University, Scholarship Eight in 2008 The class of 2008 went out on a winning note as Bishop McGuinness athletic teams captured an amazing eight state titles this year. Girls Cross Country Girls Tennis Football Boys Golf Emily Woner Cody Woods Eric Wunsch Katy Young Shayda Zahrai University of UCO OSU-OKC SWOSU OU Boys Basketball Girls Soccer Tulsa, Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Girls Track Baseball

Irish Name Slavonic Distinguished Alumnus for 2008 Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, USN (retired) Memorial Committee, ing the Navy Leap Frogs team to McGuinness for (BMCHS class of 1967) has been named by the which secured land an exhibition in 2007. Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Alumni and raised money to “As a graduate, past parent and friend, Greg Association as the recipient of the 2008 build a memorial to embodies all that we stand for as a Catholic Distinguished Alumnus Award. the sailors aboard the school,” said David Morton, principal of Bishop Upon graduation from Bishop McGuinness, USS Oklahoma, who McGuinness. Slavonic attended Oklahoma State University lost their lives in the “His service to our country and our and graduated in 1971 with a degree in attack on Pearl community is unquestioned. The memorial to journalism and broadcasting. He enlisted in the Harbor on Dec. 7, those that gave their lives aboard the USS Navy where he served for 34 years in the 1941. The USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941, will serve as a Navy/Navy Reserves, rising from seaman recruit Oklahoma ground- testimony to Greg’s dedication to his state and to rear admiral, the fourth highest ranking officer breaking ceremony country. It is truly an honor to have Greg as our in the Navy. Eleven of his 34 years were spent in took place on Dec. 7, distinguished alum for 2008.” active duty. 2006, with the Greg Slavonic Slavonic and his wife, Molly, a 1968 graduate, He is currently the executive director of the memorial dedication sent their three children through McGuinness: Jim Thorpe Association. one year later on Dec. 7, 2007, 66 years after the Kara, class of 1994, Maggie, class of 1996, and Slavonic is co-chairman of the USS Oklahoma fateful attack. Slavonic was responsible for bring- Blake, class of 2000. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:28 PM Page 18

18 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 Do We Talk to One Another With Love or With Commands? We might notice how often we use simultaneously being assertive in review it with me and then enjoy the smell of fresh-cut the words “should,” “ought to,” “need expressing ourselves. Gradually replac- before you watch TV.” grass while sitting on the patio.” Or to,” “have to,” “suppose to,” etc., in our ing these words helps us to be more “If your room is instead of “I’ve got to send her a thank conversations with others as well as tolerant and less demanding of others cleaned by 5 p.m., I’ll you note,” try, “It would be good to send with ourselves. These words can seem as well as of ourselves. feed you dinner.” a thank you note, I’ll bet she would very harsh and demanding, even in innocent Gradually reducing the use of “Can you empty the much appreciate it.” situations when this is not the intent. these words can help us reduce our dishwasher?” “This is So I encourage us to find ways to These words also communicate our expectations of others and ourselves your day to clean the soften our communications beginning expectations of others as well as of our- which helps to minimize stress. bathroom.” “Have you By Joe with our own self-talk. Knowing that selves, oftentimes when these expecta- Gradually replacing these words helps staightened your Froehle change is difficult, we might begin by tions are not appropriate. us in being less demanding and advice- room?” just noticing how often we use those At other times these words are giving. Gradually replacing these Asking or reminding our children harsher words, and we might wonder used in excessive advice-giving and words helps us in letting go and letting versus being demanding allows us to what words would be more loving and imply that listeners aren’t capable of God. Gradually replacing these words assertively express ourselves as tolerant. And let’s not tell ourselves, understanding their own realities or helps us to experience more calm, peace parents, while empowering our “I’ve got to change my vocabulary in are unable to think and make good and contentment. children to make choices and accept talking with myself and others, but decisions for themselves. These words Some examples of softer yet responsibilities for their actions. We wouldn’t it be nice.” can leave negative impressions and assertive communications include: can always move on to giving conse- As we consider changing, we might hurtful feelings when we are only try- “Would you take me shopping this quences for behavior. ask God for assistance, for, after all, ing to be helpful. morning” vs. “You need to take me to Here are a few other phrases that only He changes us. But it is important Examples of inappropriate use of the store.” “Honey, can you vacuum can be used to gradually soften our for us to notice and to be willing. I’m these words include: “You need to mow today?” vs. the more usual “You need to communications. “It would be good if I sure God will take us up on our will- the lawn,” “You should do your home- vacuum.” “When can you take out the could…”, “I would like you to…”, ingness and will smile on us. work,” “You need to clean your room,” trash?” vs. “You need to take out the “Would you consider..?”, “Wouldn’t you EDITOR’S NOTE: Joe Froehle has “You have to wash the car,” etc. Who are trash.” “Honey, can you wash my car love to…?”, “What do you think many years experience in marital, we to be so demanding of others? These today?” vs. “You need to wash my car.” about…”, “I would like you to…” etc. individual and family counseling. He statements can be critical, shaming, It is also more appropriate for us to I’d like to emphasize how im- serves in the Counseling Center at St. judgmental, and imply others are in- use softer language when addressing portant it is for us to be less demanding John the Baptist, Edmond. His work capable of thinking for themselves. our children. Examples might include: in our own self-talk. Instead of forceful- includes many years at St. Anthony Gradually replacing these words “Johnny, can you mow the lawn today?” ly telling ourselves, “I’ve got to mow the Hospital. He can be reached at (405) can help us be more understanding and “I’m concerned your homework is not lawn tonight,” we can try, “It would be 359-8539 or by e-mail at jfroehle@- loving in our communications while getting done, and I would like you to nice if I could mow the lawn tonight swbell.net.

Christ Revealed the Mystery of the Giving and Receiving Spirit There are different ways to be stand and appreci- that takes away our loved one, even- that is, it is always limited and present or absent to each other. ate her for who she tually he or she will come back to us fragile. It depends upon being physi- For example, when Jesus is saying really is. There in a deeper way, in a presence that is cally connected in some way and it is farewell to his disciples, he tries to comes a day in a warm, nurturing and immune to the fragile in that separation (physical or explain to them some of the deep young person’s life fragility of normal relationships. emotional) can easily take someone paradoxes inside the mystery of when she stands Many of us, I suspect, have expe- away from us. With everyone we love presence and absence. before her parents rienced this in the death of someone and who loves us (parents, spouse, He tells them that it is better for and, in whatever whom we loved deeply. For me, this children, friends, acquaintances, them that he goes away because, way, says the words: By Father happened at the death of my parents. colleagues), we are always just one unless he does, he will be unable to “It is better for you Ron Rolheiser My mother and father died three trip, misunderstanding, accident or send them his spirit. He assures them that I go away! months apart, when I was 23 years heart attack away from losing their too that the heaviness and grief they Unless I go you will never really know old. They were young, too young to die physical presence. will feel at his leaving is really the who I am. You will have some in my view, but death took them any- This was the exact heartache and pain of giving birth and that this heartache now, but that pain will way, against my will and against fear that the disciples felt as Jesus heartache will eventually turn warm eventually become warm because I theirs. Initially, their death was expe- was saying goodbye to them and that and nurturing and bring them a joy will come back to you in a deeper rienced as very painful, as bitter. My is the heartache and fear we all feel in that no one can ever take from them. way.” Parents say the same thing to siblings and I wanted their presence our relationships. We can easily lose That is the language of Ascension their children when they are dying. in the same way as we had always each other. and Pentecost, not just as it pertains We only really grasp the essence had it, physical, tangible, bodily, real. But there is a presence that to Jesus leaving this earth and send- of another after he or she has gone Eventually the pain of their leav- cannot be taken away, that does not ing his spirit, but it is also as it away. When someone leaves us physi- ing left us and we sensed that our suffer from this fragility, that is, the pertains to the mystery of giving and cally, we are given the chance to re- parents were still with us, with all spirit that comes back to us whenever, receiving spirit in all our goodbyes. ceive his or her presence in a deeper that was best in them, our mum and because of the some inner dictates of Among other things, it points to way. dad still, except that now their love and life, our loved ones have to that perplexing experience we have And the pain and heartache we presence was deeper and less fragile leave us or we have to leave our loved where we can only fully understand feel in the farewell are birth-pangs, than it had been when they were ones. A spirit returns and it is deep and appreciate others after they go the stretching that comes with giving physically with us. They were with us and permanent and leaves a warm, away, just as others can only fully new birth. When someone we love has now, real and nurturing, in a way that joyous and real presence that nobody understand us and let themselves be to leave us (to go on a trip, to begin a nobody and nothing can ever take can ever take from us. fully blessed by us after we go away. new life, or to depart from us through away. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, Like Jesus, we can only really send death) initially that will feel painful, Our presence to each other physi- theologian, teacher and award- our spirits after we go away. sometimes excruciatingly so. But cally, in touch, sight and speech is no winning author, is president of the We experience this everywhere in when that leaving is necessitated by doubt the deepest wonder of in all of Oblate School of Theology in San life: A grown child has to leave home duty or by life itself, then, no matter life, sometimes the only thing we can Antonio. He can be contacted through before her parents can fully under- how hard it is, even if it is death itself appreciate as real. But wonderful as his Web site, www.ronrolheiser.com. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:28 PM Page 19

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 19 Husband and Wife Author Useful Reference on Blessed Mother Encyclopedia of Mary. Monica created a very useful, quick reference with Orthodoxy, the Church. This book is highly and Bill Dodds. Huntington, Ind.: on Mary and topics related to her. Anglicanism and recommended to those looking for a Our Sunday Visitor. 334 pages. They have included cross referenc- other Protestant quick reference on anything related Hardback. September 2007. ISBN ing, an index of topics and an index churches and with to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 978-1-59276-150-0. $24.95. on the images and art in the book. Islam. They present The Dodds have compiled in- a list of encyclicals Monica and Bill Dodds are the formation on the Blessed Virgin by various popes on editors of My Daily Visitor magazine, Mary’s various titles like Our Lady Mary. There are family columnists for Catholic News Those interested in knowing any- of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Sorrows, articles on the By Brother Service, and founders of the Friends thing about the Blessed Virgin Mary, and many others that most people do various doctrines Benet Exton of St. John the Caregiver (www.- the mother of Jesus Christ, can con- not know about. The Dodds present and dogmas con- FSJC.org). Monica Dodds is the sult this very good encyclopedia that information on the various Marian cerning Mary like the Assumption author of A Catholic Guide to Caring provides quick and short descrip- feast days, apparitions, organizations and the Immaculate Conception. For Your Aging Parents (2006), tions about all kinds of things re- and associations, religious orders The Dodds provide two appen- Praying in the Presence of Our Lord lated to Mary. It is arranged in the A dedicated to Mary, songs, devotions, dices. The first is an excerpt from the with St. Therese of Lisieux (2004) to Z format with many black and customs and many other topics. The U.S. Catholic Bishops Directory on and co-authored with Bill Dodds, Joy white illustrations of Mary, saints, authors provide the words to various Popular Piety and the Liturgy of Marriage (2003). Bill Dodds is the buildings, shrines and other images. prayers to Mary like the Hail Mary, concerning Mary and devotions to author of The Seeker’s Guide to the The articles vary in size, with most Regina Caeli and others. They also her. The second appendix is an Holy Spirit (2003), The Ride of Your being very readable for the general provide some of the litanies and excerpt from the Second Vatican Life (2002), and of Your One Step reader. The husband and wife novenas devoted to Mary. The Dodds Council’s Lumen Gentium, Chapter Guide to How Saints are Made authors, Monica and Bill Dodds, have have articles on Mary’s relationship 8, which is concerned with Mary and (2000).

Pope’s Homily, Book Work of ‘Master-Teacher’ Catholic Amidst some splendid Catholic shines, as the follow- homes, our rooms, at least once a week theater, there were a lot of ideas to ing examples illus- even if the dirt is always the same ... chew on in Benedict XVI’s visit to the trate: otherwise, the dirt might not be seen Radio United States. The pope’s sermon in Q. “In preparing but it builds up. Something similar Now More Times to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in which he for my first commun- can be said about my soul ... if I never used the stained glass, the harmony ion day, my catechist go to confession, my soul is neglected Tune in and More and the countervailing tensions of the told me that Jesus is and in the end, I am always pleased Shows to Catch! building’s stonework as metaphors for present in the with myself and no longer understand the life of the Church, was a homiletic Eucharist. But how? By George that I must work hard to improve...” Where: KTLR 890 AM masterpiece — and a powerful re- I can’t see him!” Weigel Q. “In this silence [of non-belief], Monday - Friday 2-8 pm minder to our priests that “preaching A. “No, we can- where is God?” up,” not dumbing down, is the way to not see him, but there are many things A. “There was a very intelligent 2-3 EWTN Open Line inspire congregations. The pope’s U.N. that we do not see but they exist and woman who was not a Christian. She address, picking up themes from John are essential ... We do not see our soul, began to listen to the great music of Paul II’s 1995 General Assembly ad- and yet it exists and we see its effects, Bach, Handel and Mozart. She was 3-3:30 Devine Mercy dress, made an intriguing argument: because we can speak, think and make fascinated and said one day, ‘I must Chaplet/Faith Matters Human rights, which can be known by decisions. Nor do we see an electric find the source of this beauty’ and the reason, are the moral “language” by current ... yet we see that it exists; we woman converted to Christianity, to 3:30-4 Mon - Defending Life which the world can turn dissonance see this microphone, that it is working, the Catholic faith, because she had Tues - Web of Faith into conversation. and we see lights. Therefore we do not discovered that this beauty has a Wed - Bookmark Those looking to extend their see the very deepest things, those that source, and the source is the presence Thurs/Fri - Good News experience of Benedict XVI, master- really sustain life, but we can see and of Christ in hearts — it is the revela- Sunday teacher, might well buy a new book feel their effects ... So it is with the tion of Christ in this world ... Christ Risen Lord: we do not see him with our came to create a network of commun- 4-5 Kresta in the eyes, but we see that wherever Jesus ion in the world, where all together we We do not see our soul, is, people change, they improve. A might carry one another and thus help Afternoon Live and yet it exists and great capacity for peace, for reconcilia- one another find the ways that lead we see its effects, tion, is created ... We do not see the to life, and to understand that the 5-4 Catholic Answers Live Lord himself, but we see the effects of commandments of God are not limits because we can speak, the Lord. So we can understand that to our freedom but the paths that 7-8 Mon - Journey Home think, and make Jesus is present.” guide us to the other, toward the full- Tues - Mother decisions. Nor do we Q. “Do I have to go to confession ness of life.” Angelica every time I receive communion, even A master-teacher who seeks to Wed - EWTN Live see an electric when I have committed the same sins? bring his student to friendships with Thurs - Life on Because I realize that they are always Jesus, that is Benedict XVI. His current...yet we see the Rock the same.” answers to the basic questions of that it exists/ A. “You do not have to go to confes- Christian faith and practice are very Fri - The World Over sion before you receive communion un- much worth pondering. just coming out from Our Sunday less you have committed such serious George Weigel is Distinguished For more information Visitor Press titled, simply, “Questions sins that they need to be confessed. Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public and Answers.” The book collects the [Still], even ... if it is not necessary to Policy Center in Washington, D.C. regarding the shows, go to public conversations the Holy Father go to confession before each commun- Weigel’s column is distributed by the the Catholic Broadcasting, has had with children, young adults ion, it is very helpful to confess with a Denver Catholic Register, the official Inc. Web site at and priests over the past several certain regularity. It is true: Our sins newspaper of the Archdiocese of okcatholicbroadcasting.com years. It’s a format in which Benedict are always the same, but we clean our Denver. Phone: 303-715-3215. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:28 PM Page 20 May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:29 PM Page 21 May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:29 PM Page 22

22 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008

JOBS BOX Part-time Business Manager Saint John Nepomuk Catholic School, 600 Garth Applicant must be enthusiastic and willing to moti- Saint Thomas More University Parish is seeking Brooks Blvd., Yukon, Okla. 73099. vate students to do their personal best and have the a part-time business manager to coordinate the ability to work with the director of music at the functions and operations of the parish office and its Teacher Openings Cathedral for school Mass. Liturgy planning and ministries. Hours are flexible with the possibility of Sacred Heart School in El Reno is accepting basic liturgy skills would be helpful. Contact Connie full-time work in the future. Send resume and letter applications for a fifth-grade and a pre-kindergarten Diotte at (405) 525-0956 or fax resume to (405) 523- of application to: Office Manager Position, St. Thomas teacher. Must have bachelor’s degree in elementary/ 3053. More University Parish, 100 E. Stinson Street, early childhood education and Oklahoma teachers Norman, Okla. 73072. Arrange to have two letters certificate. Send resumes to 210 S. Evans, El Reno, Teacher Needed of recommendation sent to the same address. For Okla. 73036, or fax (405) 262-3818. Contact Shannon Volunteer English teacher needed for the Father information, contact Gloria Olivero, Parish Secretary, Statton at 262-2284 for more information. Rother Parochial School in Santiago Atitlán, at (405) 321-0990 Ext. 200, or at [email protected]. Guatemala. Room and board provided. For more High School Coach Openings information, contact Father Tony Taylor at (405) 517- Groundskeeper Needed Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, is 2303. National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of seeking qualified candidates for the following coach- Prague has an opening for a groundskeeper/facilities ing and teaching positions for the 2008-09 school Provost maintenance person. Responsibilities include: main- year: head volleyball coach, assistant volleyball coach, St. Gregory’s invites nominations and applica- tain the Shrine grounds including trees, shrubs, assistant girls basketball coach, assistant football tions for the position of provost. This executive level grass, sidewalks, parking lots; snow removal; paint- coach, head boys soccer coach, head girls soccer coach position is the chief academic and student oversight ing; general handyman and other duties as needed. and head track coach. Teaching fields are: Advanced officer under the direction of the president, and is the Must be physically able to lift at least 60 pounds and Spanish, Math, Latin (part time), French (part time), administrator of academic affairs, student life, inter- willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Art (part time), and Girls Physical Education (part collegiate athletics and enrollment management. Some weekend and evening hours may be required. time). Applicants can fax letter of interest, resume The successful candidate will provide visionary Salary commensurate with experience. To apply, send and copy of teaching certificate to Talita DeNegri at leadership in these areas, prepare and oversee resume to National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of (405) 631-9209 or by e-mail to tdenegri@mountst- budgets, ensure athletic program compliance with Prague, P.O. Box 488, Prague, Okla. 74864, or e-mail mary.org. EOE. NAIA regulations, oversee the academic programs shrine_iop@ hotmail.com. offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Third/Fourth-Grade Teacher College for Working Adults, and ensure the academic Swimming Instructor Sts. Peter and Paul School in Kingfisher is seek- integrity of all programs and adherence to the university’s academic policies, regulations and proce- Villa Teresa School, located at 1216 Classen ing a middle school teacher with math certfication for dures. The provost supervises the deans of the Drive, is in need of a swimming instructor for the a classroom with combined grades for the 2008-2009 College of Arts and Sciences and the College for summer program that starts June 2. Applicants must school year. Applicants must have state certification. Working Adults, the registrar, the library director, the be certified as lifeguard and water safety instructor. Send resumes to Kim Kroener, Sts. Peter and Paul director of the Student Exploration Center, athletic Call Sister Veronica at 232-7926. Catholic School, 309 S. Main, Kingfisher, Okla. 73750 or call 375-4616 to set up an interview. director and the admissions director. St. Gregory’s University, located in Shawnee, was founded in 1875 Middle School Math and Computer Teacher by Benedictine monks. A doctorate degree is required Part-time Teacher Openings St. Philip Neri School in Midwest City is seeking in a discipline represented among our academic Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oklahoma City a math and computer teacher for the middle school programs and an academic background sufficient for has the following openings for the 2008-2009 school with state certification for school year 2008-2009. tenure. This individual must be a practicing Catholic year: Part-time Title I reading teacher — Oklahoma Applicants can fax letter of interest, resume and copy with knowledge of Benedictine spirituality. Salary teaching certification required. Part-time music of teaching certificate to Bette Novak at (405) 732- and benefits are commensurate with experience. teacher — teaching certification not required. Part- 7823 or e-mail to [email protected]. Electronic applications are preferred and should time art teacher — teaching certification not include a cover letter and resume. Review of applica- required. Call the school office at (405) 634-5673 for Teacher Openings tions will begin immediately and continue until the an application or send resume to Joana Camacho, St. John Nepomuk Catholic School in Yukon is position has been filled. Nominations, expressions of SHCS, 2700 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City 73109. accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. interest or requests for the complete position specifi- A position is available for a full-time middle school cations may be sent directly to the university: Shingi level homeroom teacher who is qualified/certified Cafeteria Manager Goto, Executive Vice President, St. Gregory’s to teach a combination of science, social studies and Sacred Heart Catholic School, Oklahoma City University, 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, Okla. possibly religion for students in sixth, seventh and has an opening for a cafeteria manager for the 2008- 74804, [email protected], (405) 878-5435. eighth grades. Applicants for this position must be 09 school year. SHCS is a PK-eighth-grade school certified in the state of Oklahoma. Another position is with 165 students. Manager is responsible for menu Women’s Basketball Coach available for a part-time art teacher for students in planning, ordering, preparing and serving breakfasts St. Gregory’s University, a Catholic Benedictine kindergarten through eighth grade. Call the school and lunches. Food service license is required. university which competes in the SAC of the office at (405) 354-2509 for an application or send a Experience working with the federal lunch program NAIA, seeks a women’s basketball coach. Qualified copy of your current Oklahoma teaching certificate is preferred. The position has excellent pay and candidates to have thorough knowledge of coaching and resume to Diane Floyd, St. John Nepomuk benefits. Call Joana Camacho at (405) 634-5673 for basketball and experience in recruiting, fundraising, Catholic School, 600 Garth Brooks Blvd., Yukon, an application. SHCS is located at 2700 S. Shartel. scheduling and summer camps. Evidence of success- Okla. 73099. ful coaching experience, ability to work with Early Childhood Teacher culturally diverse population, excellent communica- School Secretary Villa Teresa School in Oklahoma City has an tion skills required. A bachelor’s degree is required, Saint John Nepomuk Catholic School in Yukon opening for the 2008-2009 school year for 2 1/2-year- master’s degree preferred. Send cover letter, resume is accepting applications for a full-time school olds. Applicants must have an associate’s degree in and three references to Human Resources, St. secretary. We are in need of an energetic individual early childhood or child development Send resumes Gregory’s University, 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, who can begin employment by July 1, 2008. The to Villa Teresa School, 1216 Classen Drive, Oklahoma Okla. 74804, or [email protected]. desired applicant should have a working knowledge City 73103, or call Sister Veronica Higgins for an of basic office procedures and computer system(s). He interview, 232-4286. or she should also possess excellent bookkeeping, For a full and up-to-date jobs box listing, organizational and people/public relations skills. Call Part-Time Music Teacher go to catharchdioceseokc.org and the school office at (405) 354-2509 for an application Bishop John Carroll is seeking a dynamic part- click on Jobs Box or send a copy of your current resume to Diane Floyd, time music teacher for the 2008-2009 school year. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:29 PM Page 23

May 25, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 23

After the 7:30 a.m. Mass, and MAY concludes at 5:30 p.m. with closing prayer and Benediction. This is open 26 Memorial Day Mass at to all. St. Francis is located at 1910 Resurrection Cemetery, with NW 19th (just two blocks east of Archbishop Beltran at 9 a.m. Penn), Oklahoma City. Everyone is invited to attend this Mass as we remember the deceased on 6 First Friday Sacred Heart Mass this national holiday. at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 26 Annual Memorial Day Mass at is at 5:30 p.m. with the Sacrament of St. Patrick Cemetery at 10 a.m., Reconciliation available prior to located one-half mile west of Council Mass. Mass is at 7 p.m. For more Road on Sorghum Mill Road. A information, call the Office of Family potluck luncheon will follow. Bring Life at (405) 721-8944, or Diane lawns chair for seating, along with a Grim at (405) 528-6252. Bishop-Elect Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock, Ark., recently made a final visit to fellow covered dish. In case of stormy priests at a meeting in Anadarko at St. Patrick Church. Taylor had served as the co- weather, Mass and luncheon will be 6-8 Marriage Encounter administrator of St. Patrick Church until his appointment in April. He was presented a moved to St. Monica Church at 2001 Weekend. To register, contact the gift of appreciation by the priests as well as from parishioners of St. Patrick Church and N. Western, Edmond. Office of Family Life, (405) 721-8944. mission churches in Carnegie and Binger on his appointment. Pictured from left, Father 28 Lay Missionaries of Charity Jude Shayo, A.J., Sacred Heart Church, Mangum; Bishop-elect Taylor; Father Oby 7 Oklahoma Catholic Family (LMC) to meet. Come and see who we Zunmas, Pastor, Good Shepherd Church, Marietta; Father Stanislaus Samenini, pastor, Conference at Bishop McGuinness are and what we do. An informational St. Patrick Church, Anadarko; and Father Rayanna Pudota, associate pastor, Sacred High School, with national speakers, meeting will be held at St. Monica Heart Church, Oklahoma City. Photo Courtesy/Anadarko Daily News teen and children’s programs, Parish, Edmond. Mass will begin at Catholic vendors. Eucharistic Proceeds to benefit St. Peter’s Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The 5:30 in the chapel followed by the Adoration and Mass celebrated by Scholarship Fund. Format: Four- Rosary is said every weekday at 2.30 Rosary. Meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 in Archbishop Eusebius Beltran. For person scramble, shotgun start at 10 p.m. All are welcome. St. Stephen Room. For more informa- more information, contact the Office a.m. Cost is $50 per person/$200 per tion, call Toni Harrelson at 341-2199. of Family Life at (405) 721-8944. team, checks payable to St. Peter’s 6 Holy Family Home Mass, 11:30 Golf Tournament by May 27. Call a.m., Holy Family Home, 6821 Eddie JUNE (580) 256-5305 for more information. 13 Bingo at St. Joseph’s Church in Drive, Midwest City, (405) 523-3000. Norman. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with 2 Rev. James Knight Memorial 3 Eucharistic Adoration at the the serving of a light dinner. Games Golf Tournament at Boiling Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual 6 First Friday Adoration at St. begin at 7 and 8:30. Concession will Springs Golf Course, Woodward. Help, NW 32nd and Western, every Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City. be open. There will be door prizes. A Memorable Past, A Glorious Future, St. Eugene Parish Celebrates 50 Years OKLAHOMA CITY — In June Community Life, where social events 1958, Bishop Victor Reed made the are planned and various community announcement that a new parish was groups are formed serving the large to be formed in northwest Oklahoma and diverse congregation; and adminis- City.The parishioners would come from tration, which handles the building and Christ the King Church in Nichols grounds, stewardship and financing. Hills. Anyone living north of Britton During the past year plans have been Road would become members of St. drawn up for a new church building Eugene Catholic Church, named in and the parish hopes to begin a capital honor of the late Bishop Eugene campaign for this project later this McGuinness. Stories have it that year. during that summer, Father James A golden anniversary celebratory Ross, the new pastor, searched through weekend is planned from May 30 to the files of the parent church, pulling June 2. out the names of those who would be May 30: Dinner for founding his parishioners, approximately 100 members, former priests, religious and families. A pre-fab building was parish staff. erected on Hefner Road and would May 31: A parish picnic will be held serve as the church until 1964. Unlike from 6 to 9 p.m. the formation of new church congrega- June 1: An outdoor Mass at 10 a.m. tions today, the new members stayed Festival of the Americas 2007 will be concelebrated by several priests with Christ the King until the first who have served at St. Eugene over the Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday, Donohoe, Bill Pruett and now Joseph has developed to meet the needs of the past 50 years. It will be the only Mass March 22, 1959. There was no organ for Jacobi with associate Bill Ross, brother now more than 1,500 families. All of the for the day. this Mass, but a very talented schola to the founding pastor. In many ways ministries (over 60) fall under one of June 2: “Feast of St. Eugene.” Mass led the singing, and they were so good St. Eugene is a microcosm of the five commissions: Worship addressing will be celebrated at 4 p.m. in the that they were invited to perform at the universal church today.Its strength lies the liturgy, liturgical ministers and church with Archbishop Beltran pre- Vatican a few years later. St. Eugene within its diversity … so evident that prayer experiences; Education/- siding and priests of the Archdiocese Catholic School opened its doors that for the past decade, A Festival of the Formation covering adult formation, concelebrating. same year. Americas: International has been held Children Religious Ed, Youth and On the evening of Sept 20, there Over the years, many ministries annually. More than 20 different Young Adult Ministry and the school; will be a formal dinner celebration at developed under the pastoral leader- ethnic groups are present within the outreach providing social services and the Beacon Club in downtown ship of Fathers Jim Ross, Paul Mollan, parish. Within the past few years a pastoral care as well as attention to Oklahoma City. For more information, Bill Eichoff, Gerard MacAulay, Phil reorganization of church leadership social concerns and evangelization; call the parish office at 751-7115. May 25 FINAL.qxd 6/2/2008 3:29 PM Page 24

24 Sooner Catholic ● May 25, 2008 An Appetite for Faith Parish Cooks Serve Dinners to Go In Effort to Build New Church By Rex Hogan For the Sooner Catholic OKLAHOMA CITY — Every Saturday after Mass and three times after Sunday Mass, the parishioners at St. Andrew Dung- Lac sell carry-out Vietnamese dinners. It’s just one of the ways the parish could afford to buy 11 acres of land at Southwest 59th and Independence, the site of their new church. Since Easter of 2007, St. Andrew Dung-Lac parishioners have been donating money and raising money to buy the land and pay for a new 600-seat church. “We’ve been here for over 10 years and we don’t have enough seats for Mass,” said Father Dominic Hoang. “Right now we have about 650 families. We have a Saturday Mass and three Masses on Sunday.That’s why we started looking for a larger place,” he said. “We asked the people to donate money and then we started selling food after Saturday and Sunday Masses,” he said. On May 11, the parish held a groundbreaking ceremony for the future church. Archbishop Beltran gives Holy First Communion to a young parishioner at Saint Andrew Dung-Lac. Bang Ngo, parish chairman and chairman of the building committee, said some 1,000 people attended the ceremony. Archbishop Beltran celebrated Mass outdoors, at the site where the new church will be built. “We are all very excited,” Ngo said. Ngo said the parish has raised $1.7 million since it started its fundraising efforts, but will need about twice that much to complete all the work on the new church. “The land, the church, a new parish office and a rectory could cost up to $4.5 million,” Ngo said. Work on the new church should start this summer and will be completed in two phases. The project is expected to be completed in 2010. “Our people are very generous,” Ngo said. “None of this would be possible without Archbishop Beltran. He’s the one who approved and supported us. We couldn’t have done this without him,” Ngo said. Ngo said if the parish raises enough money to complete all the plans on the church property, it plans to keep the parish property at 3000 S.W. 55th Street. Archbishop Beltran accepts Offertory gifts during Mass at Saint Andrew Dung-Lac.

Hoang Le holds his son, Jaden Bao Hoang Le, during the Saint Andrew parishioner Hong Ngo carries a platter of watermelon for the picnic celebration of Mass. celebrating the groundbreaking. Photos/Rex Hogan