Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Partner with HIV/AIDS Project in

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Pastoral Plan Feature Story Feature Story Wider Input Sought as Part of A Cancer Survivor’s Bishop Conlon to Diocesan Pastoral Planning Process Journey of Hope and Help Travel Across the Diocese From the Bishop

n este año tan sanguínea. Ahora, así como San Pedro No, fue compuesto después en la Roma el jefe de los apóstoles, sería inspirado a antigua y utilizado durante el rito de especial Pass “It” On proclamar que, “Dios no es parcial. Sino bautismo. Sin embargo, este recibió el dedicado al año que en cualquier nación el que le teme y nombre por el hecho que expresa la de la Fe, practica la justicia le es grato.” fe pasada de las manos de los Doce, tenemos la Los Doce, como fue en aquellos especialmente de aquel que sirvió como his special Year among the disciples of Jesus. They are name from the fact that it expresses oportunidad de renovar y tiempos, encendieron sus antorchas en primer obispo de Roma, San Pedro. even listed by name. Jesus spent a lot the faith handed down from the Twelve, E Cristo y fueron a compartir la luz de la fe. Hablando de obispos, a menudo of Faith is an reafirmar nuestra fe. ¿La fe of time with them, explaining to them in most especially the one who served as Al hacer discípulos de todas las naciones se les refiere como “sucesores de opportunity to private many of His public teachings. He the first bishop of Rome, St. Peter. de quién? ¿Mi fe? ¿La fe de fueron responsables de “enseñarles a los apóstoles”. En realidad nosotros, renew and shared the Last Supper with them and, Speaking of bishops, they are usted? guardar todo lo que yo os he mandado” descendientes espirituales de los Doce, reaffirm our most importantly, made them witnesses often referred to as “successors of y por supuesto testificar la resurrección, tenemos como nuestra responsabilidad faith. Whose faith? of His resurrection, appearing to them the apostles.” In fact, we spiritual ¿Cómo sabe usted que su fe es la fuente de vida eterna. Jesús no nos primordial el preservar la integridad T several times and promising to send the descendants of the Twelve have as our genuina? En el mundo actual muchas My faith? Your faith? dejó nada por escrito, así que la fe de los de su fe. (Algunas personas tal vez se Holy Spirit upon them. primary responsibility to preserve the personas podrán decir que su fe es apóstoles se convirtió en la fuente de la pregunten porque no existe un “Consejo Yet, all this special attention was integrity of their faith. (Some people real porque sienten que es genuina. verdad para aquellos que la escucharan. de los Doce” que observe a la iglesia How do you know that your faith is not mostly for their benefit. This new might wonder why there isn’t a “Council No hay nada de malo que una persona true? In today’s world a lot of people La fe de ellos ha permanecido como hoy. El primer grupo de apóstoles no vio representation of the Twelve Tribes of the Twelve” overseeing the Church se sienta bien en su fe, sin embargo, pilares. El ministerio de San Pablo es la necesidad para perpetuar ese número. might say their faith is true because of Israel, God’s Chosen People, was today. But the first group of apostles los sentimientos no son fundamentos it feels right. There is nothing wrong uno de los primeros ejemplos. Él no Al ir creciendo el número de discípulos to “go, make disciples of all nations.” did not see a need to perpetuate that suficientes para algo tan importante fue uno de los Doce, ni siquiera fue e irse esparciendo geográficamente, los with someone’s faith feeling right, but (The word “apostle” means “one who number. As the number of disciples como lo es la fe. Tampoco asegura la feelings are not much of a foundation designado por ellos a través de “la “apóstoles” también lo hicieron.) is sent.”) No longer was faith to be grew and expanded geographically, so transmisión de la fe a otros. imposición de manos.” Pablo estaba En asuntos prácticos, tal vez nosotros for something as important as faith. Nor primarily a matter of blood descent. did the “apostles.”) La cuarta característica de la iglesia, do they provide much assurance for convencido de que su llamado apostólico los obispos tengamos nuestras propias Now, as St. Peter, the chief of the On practical matters we bishops may, apostólica, provee una fundación firme fue directamente de Cristo. Sin ideas. Cuando se trata de asuntos de sharing faith with others. apostles, would be inspired to proclaim, of course, have our own ideas. When para nuestra fe y la seguridad necesaria The fourth mark or character of embargo, en más de alguna ocasión, él fe, lo que nosotros creemos, somos “God shows no partiality. Rather in it comes to matters of faith – what we para compartirla con otros. Nuestra fe fue a Jerusalén para hablar con los Doce una sola mente, y llamamos a aquellos the Church, apostolic, provides a every nation whoever fears Him and believe – we are of one mind, and we está construida en la fe de 12 apóstoles, firm foundation for our faith and the y para asegurarse que estaban unidos con los cuales tenemos responsabilidad acts uprightly is acceptable to Him.” call those for whom we have pastoral elegidos por nuestro Señor durante el en la fe. pastoral a unirnos en la fe: la fe de los assurance needed to pass it on. Our faith The Twelve, as it were, lit their torches responsibility to join us in oneness of principio de su ministerio y formado por is built on the faith of the 12 apostles, Por lo tanto, ¿fueron los Doce apóstoles. from Christ’s and went to spread the faith: the faith of the apostles. Él para servir como el medio para que Apóstoles quienes escribieron el Credo A menudo, me preguntan mi opinión chosen by our Lord during His earthly light of faith. As they made disciples Often I am asked what I think or Él continuara Su obra de salvación en el ministry and formed by Him to serve as de los Apóstoles? (Ese es el más corto.) acerca de un asunto de fe o moral, of all nations, they were responsible to believe about an issue of faith or morals, mundo. como si yo tuviera mi propia y única the means by which He would continue “teach them to observe all that I have as though I really have my own, unique Los cuatro evangelios son muy His work of salvation in the world. convicción. En nuestra cultura, admitir commanded you” and, of course, to conviction. In our culture, it is considered evidentes razón por la cual los Doce Sabemos que el creer lo que otros creen es vergonzoso. The four Gospels are clear that the testify to the resurrection, the source an embarrassment to admit believing formaron un núcleo importante entre los Twelve formed an important nucleus Puede hacernos sentir obligados a tener of eternal life. Jesus left us nothing what others believe. We almost feel discípulos de Jesús. Inclusive, ellos están Señor espera de un punto de vista diferente. in writing, so the faith of the apostles obliged to have a different view. identificados por nombre. Jesús pasó nosotros que “hagamos “Apostólico” tiene dos significados: became the source of truth for those “Apostolic” has two meanings: based mucho tiempo con ellos explicándoles basado en los apóstoles y continuar We know that the who heard them. on the apostles and going forth like the en privado muchas de Sus enseñanzas discípulos en todas las como los apóstoles. Sabemos que el Their faith always remained the apostles. We know that the Lord expects públicas. Él compartió La Ultima Cena Señor espera de nosotros que “hagamos Lord expects us to touchstone. St. Paul’s ministry is an us to “go, make disciples of all nations.” con ellos, y aún más importante, los naciones.” De alguna discípulos en todas las naciones.” De early example. He was not one of the At some level we want to do that. We hizo testigos de Su resurrección, “go, make disciples of all manera nosotros alguna manera nosotros deseamos Twelve, nor was he designated by them possess a great treasure that ought to apareciéndose ante ellos en varias hacer eso. Poseemos un gran tesoro nations.” At some level we through the “laying on of hands.” Paul be shared. In our turn we want to pass ocasiones y prometiendo el envío del deseamos hacer eso. que tenemos que compartir. Por nuestra was adamant that his apostolic call was on the torch’s light. Espíritu Santo sobre ellos. parte queremos pasar la antorcha. want to do that. We directly from Christ. Nevertheless, on Then we recognize that there can be Aun así, toda esta atención especial Poseemos un gran tesoro Entonces reconocemos que puede more than one occasion, he went to only one light, only one treasure: the no fue únicamente para su beneficio. possess a great treasure que tenemos que existir una sola luz, únicamente un Jerusalem to confer with the Twelve and faith of the apostles. The meanings of Esta nueva representación de Las tesoro: la fe de los apóstoles. Los that ought to be shared. In assure that they were united in faith. apostolic are inextricably bound. Doce Tribus de Israel, El Pueblo compartir. Por nuestra significados de apostólico están So, did the Twelve Apostles write the Elegido por Dios fue para “Id y haced intrínsecamente ligados. our turn we want to pass Apostles’ Creed? (That’s the shorter discípulos en todas las naciones.” (La parte queremos pasar la one.) No. It was composed later in Bishop R. Daniel Conlon palabra “apóstol” significa “el que es Obispo R. Daniel Conlon on the torch’s light.” ancient Rome and used during the rite Christ is our Hope enviado.”) La fe ya no fue una cuestión antorcha.” Cristo es nuestra Esperanza of baptism. However, it received its September 2013 principalmente de descendencia septiembre 2013

2 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 3 Local News The Magazine of the Priests Celebrate Catholic Diocese of Joliet Anniversaries This Year Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon PUBLISHER Some of the priests of the diocese Edward P. Flavin are celebrating their anniversaries DIRECTOR of the office of communications this year. Here is a list of those September 2013 who are: Volume 6: Issue 8 Carlos Briceño – 67th Anniversary – Editor Rev. Vernard Kommer, OFM Jorge Rivera Monica Harness Spanish Translators – 66th Anniversary – Jenny Bis Rev. Henry Wilkening GRAPHIC DESIGNER

– 65th Anniversary – 14 Rev. Louis Antl, OFM Rev. William Cullen 7 yourlife Seminarian Retreat – Seminarians from the Diocese of Joliet, and those discerning Christ is our Hope (USPS 25288) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, 101 W. the priesthood, recently attended a retreat at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in – 64th Anniversary – Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527. Published monthly. Gift subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual Romeoville before heading back to school. Deacon James Keating was the retreat Rev. Lloyd Bowden issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and 7 Feature Story address changes to: Christ is our Hope magazine, 101 master, encouraging the men to focus on silence and intimacy with the Trinity as the Rev. Alphonse Micka, MIC W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527; (815) A Cancer Survivor’s 834-4060 or email [email protected]. way of discerning their vocations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Christ is Our Hope magazine, 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL Story of Hope and Help – 61st Anniversary – 60446-6527 ©Christ is our Hope magazine, Diocese of Joliet. ©FAITH Publishing Service. FAITH is a trademark 9 Theology of the Body Rev. Richard Kostelz of FAITH Publishing Service. No portion of Christ is our Hope magazine may be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part Theology of the Body The Diocesan Office for Human fundraising event, contact Nan Nagl without prior written authority of the Diocese of Joliet and/ – 60th Anniversary – or FAITH Publishing ServiceTM. For reprint information or Explained Dignity Director to Receive 2013 at 815.725.8735 or at nnagl@ other questions regarding use copyright material, contact the Rev. Odilo Crkva, OSB Christ is our Hope magazine editorial offices at the Diocese jolietfranciscans.org. of Joliet. Periodicals postage paid at Romeoville, IL and at Mother Alfred Moes Award Rev. Anthony Kelpsas, MIC additional mailing offices. Rev. John Kloepfer yourfaith To submit story ideas and 10 Tom Garlitz, the diocesan director of the Three Priests Named as Rev. Edward J. Kucera, OSB news, send e-mails to Office for Human Dignity, will receive the New Deans [email protected] 10 Ask the Priest – 50th Anniversary – For subscription information, What Do We Know 2013 Mother Alfred Moes Award during Rev. John Antczak Please call (815) 834-4060. the Joliet Franciscan Sisters’ annual The following priests – Father Gregor Rev. John E. Eck, CSV 12 About Angels? fundraising event, the Franciscan Autumn Gorsic, pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Rev. Raymond Garbin 11  Catholic Life Feast, which will be held Oct. 27 from Parish in Romeoville; Father Thomas Rev. Eugene Hemrick Short Articles of Christ- Silent Prayer 3-7 p.m. at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Paul, pastor of Immaculate Conception Rev. Donald Kocher Rev. Raymond Lescher mas Memories Needed The Mother Alfred Moes Award honors Parish in Elmhurst; and Father Dennis Rev. Edward Mumper for December Issue 12 yourstories the spirit that exists in someone who has Spies, pastor of St. Liborius Parish in Rev. Joseph O’Brien. O.Carm. Rev. William O’Shea a vision and determination just as the Steger and St. Mary Parish in Park Forest Christ is our Hope 12 Cover Story foundress of the congregation, Mother – were named as deans for the following Rev. David Turner, OSB Rev. Donald Wehnert, CSV magazine is looking for Wheaton Franciscan Alfred, embodied. The award honors those deaneries: Father Gorsic for North Will- short – no more than 300- Sisters Partner with HIV/ individuals who saw a need and responded Kendall; Father Paul for East DuPage; – 40th Anniversary – 350 words – articles about AIDS Project in Kenya to it by using their gifts of time, talent or and Father Spies for South Will-Grundy. Rev. Richard McGrath, OSA your favorite memories 14 Feature Story treasure to transform that vision into service. The deanery structured was recently Rev. Quyen Huy Nguyen regarding Christmas. The Bishop Conlon to Travel In 1992, Garlitz became the director reconfigured and took effect on Sept. 1. Rev. Edward Ward, O.Carm. articles should be about Across the Diocese to of the Peace and Social Justice Ministry Here are the rest of the deans and – 25th Anniversary – something spiritual/faith- Spend Quality Time at for the Diocese of Joliet. As director, he the deaneries they are associated with: 15 Rev. John Balluff filled relating to the true Parishes and Missions helped facilitate a growing network of Father Albert Heidecke, Kankakee; Very Rev. William DeSalvo spirit of Christmas, not the 16 Feature Story persons, faith-based groups and parishes, Father Michael Lane, Joliet; Father Rev. Julian Kaczowka, SCH commercial aspects of it. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Siegel Go and Make Disciples: united in their advocacy for social justice Thomas Sularz, West DuPage; Father The best stories will then Rev. Jess Testa the Apostolic Church and peace, both locally and globally. Michael Powell, Ford-Iroquois; and be selected to appear in Garlitz also co-founded and serves as Father William DeSalvo, South DuPage. the December issue of the 18 Feature Story director of Partnership in Mission, sending magazine. We cannot pay Go Make Disciples medical, construction and education Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage how and why we practice our faith. From for any articles submitted, of All Nations! teams to Bolivia, Ecuador, Kenya, the to Celebrate the Year of Faith Oct. 13–24, 2013, Bishop R. Daniel and if one of yours is used, A Tale of Two Popes Philippines and the Navajo Nation. He Conlon will be the spiritual director for expect some editing of it to 20 Feature Story has also helped co-found the Summer Last October Pope Benedict XVI a pilgrimage journeying as St. Paul did occur. Please email your The Beginning ... Witness in Mission (SWIM) program, a announced a Year of Faith – a call to to Corinth, Ephesus, Antioch (where we submissions to magazine@ 23 Last Word local service immersion experience for renewal of our faith, a call to rediscover were first called Christians), and Tarsus dioceseofjoliet.org by Events That Make a junior and senior high school students. the beauty of our faith, a call to a renewed – the birthplace of St. Paul. Stand in the Oct. 15, 2013. Difference in the lives of For more information regarding the conversion to the Lord, a call to look at great amphitheater where St. Paul 19 Young Catholics

4 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Local news continued on page 22 5 and strategies, and creating a draft to work Pastoral Plan with. And now we’re jumping right into the next phase of the process: obtaining input on what we see as the key pastoral topics yourlife for our diocese. We’ll be casting a wide net Pastoral Plan with practical actions that are YOUR LIFE across the diocese to listen to parishioners, measurable and can be implemented by Feature Story parish staff, religious, deacons and priests. every parish in the diocese.

What’s next that people should look What kind of timetable are you forward to in order to help with the working with for the next few planning process? months? In terms of next year? We’re asking for participation from The input phase will continue until the

Tony Molinaro parishioners and priests in two types of end of this year. Then in January 2014, initiatives. One is online and the other is the planning committee will begin the face-to-face. We have developed an online next phase of narrowing down the Wider Input Sought as survey that we’d like all parishioners to strategies and action items, determining take: (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ resource requirements for action items, Part of Diocesan Pastoral ActionsIdeas). The survey is short, and it and establishing how progress is being Planning Process focuses on pastoral goals highlighted in the made at the parish level. Pastoral Plan draft and asks for opinions on In the end, the diocese will use the plan how we as a diocese may be able to realize as a roadmap for its pastoral goals and uring the past these goals. The input we receive from every parish and mission in the diocese this survey will help us determine pastoral will “be on the same page” as they pursue year and a half, priorities for all the parishes in the diocese. the pastoral goals laid out in the plan. a diocesan This fall, we are also hosting “parish We expect a final Pastoral Plan to be Pastoral forums” in 15 to 20 churches in the completed by late summer 2014 and Planning diocese. We would like to gather 40 to 50 have a “kick-off event” in fall 2014 for the Committee – made up of parishioners at each of these forums and entire diocese. D discuss the pastoral goals that we have members of the Presbyteral included in the draft plan. Our aim is to What have you learned in the Council, the Curia and the gain ideas and possible ways to reach our process so far? Diocesan Pastoral Council – pastoral goals. Actually, we verified something that we have been developing a As an example, one of our keystone expected when we started this project. Pastoral Plan for the diocese. pastoral goals is to increase the frequency Nearly every parishioner today can count off A Cancer Survivor’s “This type of plan is not of the parish community’s engagement some key pastoral topics in our diocese: Be focused on our financial or with teens and young adults. Some welcoming to our drifting Catholics. Place Journey of Hope and Help possible actions for parishes to best more emphasis on the sacraments. Support strategic needs,” said Bishop accomplish this could be: those in need. Encourage young adults and R. Daniel Conlon. “Instead, it • Create ministries that specifically immigrant Catholics to contribute and lead. looks at ways for every parish meet the needs and lifestyle of Expand lay leadership. Build faith through olorful t-shirts signed with hit. Hours later, after a long day of worrying and praying they to build community and to single young adults. more parish-to-parish cooperation. Our messages of hope billowed in were finally reunited with her. The mother reports listening strengthen faith.” • Request that ministries and parish initial work on the plan verified that these are the warm summer evening’s to her children cry themselves to sleep in the 10 nights that social groups proactively “recruit” essential pastoral topics for all of us. followed the tornado. Zoey had decided she was able to revisit and welcome young adults to their breeze from a chain-link fence that But we’ve learned that the tough nut to C the school on the day they demolitioned what was left of it. activities and events. surrounded the site where Plaza Towers A group of people who called themselves “Hope Raisers” With the help of prayer, reflection, • Instead of “segregating” teens, crack is getting the entire diocese to move planning meetings, and surveys, the blend their participation into the forward together on these key pastoral topics Elementary School once stood. Cards, had a tent set up at the school site and were ready to provide group has completed a draft plan. Carlos weekend Masses and “adult” and to find the resources and the creative pictures, flowers, stories, crosses and emotional support to anyone who came. After eight hours Briceño recently interviewed Tony ministries. ways for every parish to make positive more were scattered between the t-shirts of hanging out with these Hope Raisers, Zoey finally drew a Molinaro, the chairman of the Pastoral • Build mentor teams of young adults progress in these areas. hanging from the fence in memory of the picture of her dog, and wrote, “I SURVIVED.” Planning Committee, who gave an update supporting college students and In the end, we can all agree on basic I can only imagine what it would be like hiding in a bathroom on the process. college students supporting high pastoral goals: build our Catholic children and teacher who lost their lives in or storm shelter, wondering if the rest of your family is safe, school students in ministry efforts. communities and strengthen Catholic faith. an E-5 tornado in Moore, OK, this past May. while a tornado rips through your home town leaving a 17-mile Where does the committee stand In the forums and the survey, we want Everyone in the diocese wants this, which is path of destruction. I have never experienced the devastation right now in terms of the process? to gather ideas such as these. Then the why we’re aiming for a plan that establishes As I walked along the fence reading t-shirts and stories, I of a tornado, but I have battled something just as devastating – We are just completing a long and planning committee will “weigh” each a clear path that meets the various needs of tried to place myself in the shoes of those who experienced the cancer. And just as Zoey survived the tornado, I survived cancer. challenging part of the process – educating according to financial cost, people resources our diverse diocese. We’re confident that we tornado first hand. One story, in particular, about the Tennyson In January 2012, three months into my marriage, I was ourselves about pastoral planning, creating needed, coordination needed, etc. With will move forward together to achieve all the family, really impacted me. This family was unable to pick up diagnosed with Stage 1 Lymphoma. I never experienced fear a structure for our plan, developing goals this type of analysis, we are crafting a final goals once the plan is finalized. their 6th-grade daughter, Zoey, from school before the tornado during my battle, because I trusted that God would heal me,

6 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Melissa Novak, the director of youth ministry at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet 7 YOUR LIFE Theology of the Body or at least give me hope and the floor tiles. A table from courage to fight the best that an elementary school three I could. Throughout my battle, blocks away had landed in the “Ever wonder what God thinks about human sexuality – or I received a lot of support. I back yard along with other ever try to explain the Christian vision of sex to teens? We could spiritually feel people’s bits of fencing, huge limbs live in a world awash with sexual messages and images, and prayers lifting me up, which from trees, and other debris. yet sometimes it seems harder than ever to talk about God’s gave me strength and hope. Our job was to collect all the plan for the human person. Christ reveals that human love is As a young couple, newly debris and move it to the meant to be total, faithful, permanent, and life-giving. But even married, who were burdened curb so that the city could though the Church’s moral teachings have offered a consistent with medical expenses, my pick it up. On this particular and reasonable guide for Jesus’ disciples, it seems like we just husband, Jason, and I were block all you could see were haven’t had the right pastoral approach to help communicate recipients of service work bits of debris, concrete slabs the message. Until now, that is. Thanks to Blessed John Paul ourselves. Our roof needed to where homes once stood, II’s vision for a Theology of the Body. be repaired, or the insurance and a 6x6 concrete, shed- We have a compelling framework for talking about the company was going to drop looking building called a “safe beauty and truth of human sexuality. For those who feel that us. Financially, we had no house.” This “safe house” was all they’ve heard is the ‘rules,’ the Theology of the Body helps way of paying for this, and crammed with people on the Theology of the provide the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’ Therefore, in an initiative credit-card bills were piling day of the tornado, and it was co-sponsored by four diocesan offices (Youth Ministry, up quickly. Parkview Christian the only structure left standing Catholic Schools, Religious Education, and Lay Formation), Church heard about our on the block after the tornado. Body Explained we are hosting a ‘train-the-trainer’ introduction to the need and sent a crew over We were able to talk to a Theology of the Body. Registration is open to any adult who to replace our roof for free! few who lost their homes; the works with junior high-aged students, since this has become My husband and I had always positive outlook that these an essential battleground for hearts and minds. For young and old alike, hearing about the Theology of the Body is like been the ones doing the people have despite their n 1979, Blessed Pope John II began Melissa and her husband, Jason, after cleaning up debris hearing the Gospel for the first time!” home repairs for others while tragedy is amazing. One a series of reflections over the on mission trips, and now man who lost his home said - David Spesia, diocesan director of the Cardinal Newman Institute for Lay Formation we were the ones receiving that, as soon as he found out course of five years during his “I think that the Theology of the Body is essential in today’s help. We were so grateful and his family was alive, nothing General Audiences in St. Peter’s society because when it comes to issues of sexuality and humbled to be served in that else mattered. After seeing Square that dealt with the topic of what’s permissible and what’s not permissible, most people capacity that I couldn’t wait the damage, and hearing the body – from the physical to the view the Church’s teachings as a list of ‘do’s and don’ts.’ The to be well enough to go on a people’s experiences, it can I cultural to the spiritual to the theological. Theology of the Body reveals to men and women what is mission trip and give back. only be by the grace of God In time, these reflections became known the purpose and meaning of the sexual act. The Theology of When my husband and I that they are full of hope the Body addresses what it means to be male and female, first heard about the tornado and joy, despite the fact that as the Theology of the Body. On Sept. 20, and how a person should relate to the opposite sex. The that occurred in Oklahoma, some are still living in tents, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the St. Charles Theology of the Body provides a map and a guideline into we didn’t even think about in rental places, and are Pastoral Center in Romeoville, Colin the question: ‘Who are we as human persons?’ ‘How do I what our own plans were for being reminded daily of the McIver, who teaches theology and is the love my girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse?’ Therefore, the ‘do’s the summer, or how much tornado because there is still campus ministry coordinator at Saint and don’ts’ are replaced with the ‘why’ and ‘how.’ Thus, the it would cost to go there, so much debris around town. Scholastica Academy in Covington, La., Theology of the Body allows the person to truly have lasting we just knew we had to go When we experience and intimate relationships. In today’s culture, most people look help. We had experienced suffering or tragedy we can will be teaching a workshop on the at relationships – even marriage, to an extent – solely on an suffering first hand and either get mad at God for Theology of the Body aimed at those who emotional level. I think many people truly believe that they love received an overwhelming allowing us to go through a minister to or teach middle school this or that person, but they seldom venture to the deep and amount of support and prayers in my battle with cancer so it difficulty, or we can draw closer to God in our suffering. When students. To understand more about all important question: ‘How do I love?’ A person cannot know was natural that we wanted to give back and show the same we choose to draw closer to God, as I did during my battle with Theology of the Body and the workshop, truly how to love until they come to that realization of what it support to others. cancer, and as the people in Moore did whom I met on my trip, Christ is our Hope offers the following: means to be made in the image and likeness of God. This is the We quickly organized the trip down there and advertised in we are showered with graces and filled with joy, even in the basis for the whole Theology of the Body.” local churches in the Diocese of Joliet. Soon, 16 other young midst of challenging times. I would encourage anyone reading - Michael Lewandowski, assistant director of religious education and the youth minister at adults signed up to travel to Oklahoma with us to provide disaster this to place your trust in God the next time you experience “The body … and it alone is capable of making visible what Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville, who teaches Theology of the Body to junior high school students. relief! From August 5-9, we worked with Habitat for Humanity, tragedy or suffering. is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It was created to transfer helping to build homes that tornado victims could apply for. It was a truly eye-opening experience to serve the people of into the visible reality of the world the mystery hidden … in God We also worked with First United Methodist Church and Moore. Jesus himself spent time serving others, and so we to and thus to be a sign of it.” To register online for the Sept. 20 Theology of the Body an organization called Serve Moore, cleaning up debris. We are called to serve others. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for - Blessed John Paul II, General Audience, Feb. 20, 1980 workshop, please go to . worked on one house in particular where the mother had lost one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did http://conta.cc/12SI7bk her life in the tornado, leaving behind her two sons. Mangled for me”(Matthew 25:40). I challenge you to reflect on ways that you “The communion of persons means existing in a mutual For more information, call 815.834.4075 or email debris was scattered on her property, and I stood where the can use your time, talent, or treasure to serve those in need. ‘for,’ in a relationship of mutual gift.” [email protected]. bathroom once was. All that was left was a tooth brush and How is God calling you to serve? - Blessed John Paul II, General Audience, Jan. 9, 1980

8 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 9 YOUR FAITH yourfaith Catholic Life YOUR FAITH Ask the Priest their students. Not only a center us in silence. It is not school, it was a community of easy to keep the mind from faith. After 20 minutes, the bell wandering and becoming Archangels) and the Feast of the Guardian In addition, angels aid us to heaven. Psalm sounded. The group stirred, distracted. Angels on Oct. 2, perhaps now would be an 91 says, “For he will give his angels charge of concluded with a vocal prayer, While it sounds peaceful, opportune moment to take another look at you to guard you in all your ways.” Each and and then went to lunch. such a focus on this most our fellow citizens of heaven. every one of us has a guardian angel to spur Is such silence prayer? It is important relationship in The existence of angels is abundantly us to do the good and to avoid evil. He helps when the silence allows for an our life may initially be attested to in the Sacred Scriptures. Chapter us to pray and guards us from temptations. awareness of God’s presence. uncomfortable. One saint two of the book of Genesis concludes with Of course, it is necessary to work with your Usually when we think of confessed she stopped praying reference to the cherubim guarding the way guardian angel: he will not protect us from prayer, we think of what we for two years because she into Eden. Angels investigated Sodom and all temptations, and certainly not ones that say to God. The reality is, in felt unworthy to be in God’s saved Lot’s family before the city’s demise. we search out ourselves. In a similar way, the prayer, God is addressing us. presence. Also, we may have to In other parts of the Bible, we find an angel angels in general protect our souls, and the God speaks first in prayer. learn to be comfortable with ministering to the prophet Elijah under the Church as a whole against the onslaughts God spoke us into life and ourselves. The silence may broom tree; the angel Gabriel announcing of the devil. St. Michael is best known for continually calls us more throw light on our life, and it to the Blessed Virgin the great news of protecting the Church and casting Satan out deeply into our lives. We are can be painful truth. It would salvation, while “the angel of the Lord” of heaven. His intercession is rightly invoked basically listeners, hearers of be easier to run away from guided St. Joseph and the Holy Family to in exorcisms and prayers of deliverance, God’s word. All our words ourselves in distractions and St. Michael the Archangel and from Egypt; an angel freeing the Prince trusting in the words from the Prophet are an attempt to say the one busyness. Perhaps the simplest of the Apostles from chains and comforting Daniel, “At that time there shall arise Michael, Word which is God’s. Silent instruction about prayer is our Lord in His pain at Gethsemane; and the great prince, guardian of your people.” prayer is a listening prayer. We found in Psalm 46: Be still, and What Do We the angels proclaiming to the world the Devotion to the holy angels should be a listen for the approach of God. know that I am God. incarnation, the resurrection and Christ’s staple of every Catholic’s spiritual life. As We keep vigil, like a watch in Silent prayer need not take Know About final victory over Satan. their whole existence is to worship God, the night. Words and thoughts 20 minutes. It can be done in Angels? Angels are most fundamentally the we should not stop with them, but allow Silent Prayer can sometimes block the one minute. And threading Q: spiritual executors of God’s will. Their very them to guide us to the Throne of the immediacy of God’s presence. such times throughout the day names give us a hint to this: in fact, the Almighty God. Below, I have added two In silent prayer, heart speaks can help us keep our priorities Outside of Madrid, the Hebrew (“malak”), Greek (“αγγελος”) and typical prayers. The prayer to St. Michael ighty adults filed into the chapel to heart. straight. We are reminded to a: Benedictine Monastery of the Holy Latin (“angelus”) words for angel all translate is traditionally recited after the rosary of a Catholic high school. They The external silence can be intentional about our lives, Cross lies carved into the side of a mountain. to “messenger” – created spirits who serve as and after daily Mass. The “Angele Dei” is assist an internal silence, and knowing why we are doing Constructed during the tumultuous Franco a type of “heavenly court” before the throne especially a prayer for before bed. were the faculty, coaches, the one who prays becomes an what we are doing. Hopefully, era, the so-called Valley of the Fallen is to this of God. They adore and serve God, look administrators, and staff of the expectancy. this increased attention to God’s presence in our lives day a flashpoint in Spanish politics. At the after and protect His creation and guide and Saint Michael the Archangel, defend school. They had just listened to can help us be more peaceful, corners of the intersection of the nave and care for the Church and all those who are us in battle; be our protection against talks on the spiritual life during a morning of An intimate sharing transept tower four terrifying bronze baptized. Rather than cute and harmless E more centered, and more the wickedness and snares of the devil. recollection. Now, the president of the Prayer has been described in tune with God’s will. A archangels, both honoring and guarding the cherubs, the angels are awe-inspiring May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: school, Father Ed, was going to lead them in as an intimate sharing mixture of listening in silence altar and sanctuary. These figures are a far cry creatures; so much so that, repeatedly, their and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly with a period of silent prayer. He gave a brief (St. Teresa and then speaking to God from the baroque depiction of fat babies with first words to their human interlocutors are host, by the power of God, thrust into one who loves us instruction about posture and focus. The of Avila). It is conversation might be a helpful blend. wings. Rather, they are powerful warriors “Do not be afraid.” hell Satan and all the evil spirits who with a friend. The truth is The test of all prayer is and imposing executors of God’s will. They So how do the blessed angels relate to prowl about the world seeking the ruin prayer was to be a quiet attentiveness to the we do not have to form a the compassion and love we are clearly greater than man, staring at him us? The first and most important thing to of souls. Amen. presence of the Lord. If minds wandered, with zealous suspicion as if to say, “Nothing remember is that angels do not exist for us; Father Ed recommended having a word or relationship with God. We extend to our brothers and unworthy of God shall stand here.” rather, they exist to bless and praise God phrase which would help re-focus, such as are already in a relationship. sisters, and perhaps offer No doubt, these angels are but one above all other things. Thus, angels can teach This “friend” is closer to us to ourselves as well. The Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to Abba. The prayer would last 20 minutes. depiction of our spiritual compatriots, but us the proper devotion and worship due to whom His love commits me here, than we are to ourselves. What faculty and staff who prayed they made me ask how much of my own God. They are one-minded and zealous of Ever this day, be at my side, to light and is missing is our awareness in silence in the high school understanding of angels came from the God’s honor. For that reason, the angels are guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Father Ed signaled the 80 adults practiced a wordless of the friendship. The term chapel had the opportunity to Catholic faith, and how much of it is a result given voice at each and every Mass as the beginning of the prayer by prayer. They were the leaders “centering prayer” is often come to a place beneath their of secular culture, which sees them as cute Sanctus is sung. If you are having trouble striking a tiny bell. The of the school, and now they used to identify certain forms anxieties and concerns where but contemptible holdovers from pagan paying attention at Mass, or simply want to Story by Father Michael Pawlowicz, a chapel went quiet. Physical were taking time to remember of silent prayer. A word, a they could rest in the Lord’s mythology. As we approach Michaelmas pray better, return to Isaiah 6:3 and ask the parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in movement ceased. The silence the presence of the Lord in phrase, an image – even one’s presence and be renewed for on Sept. 29 (also known as the Feast of the angels to aid your prayer. West Chicago was palpable. Eyes closed, the their lives and in the lives of breathing – may be used to their journey.

10 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Father John Welch, O. Carm. 11 YOUR STORY seeing everything coming out in the daily papers, and we started getting in touch with Cover Story yourstory the reality of how many people we were losing a day. It was recorded at the time we were losing 700 lives a day to AIDS- related complications. As I attended these conferences in Chicago, I realized people were living here with dignity, with a lot of Sister Florence Muia: respect. There was more tolerance and I belong to the Assumption Sisters of acceptance, and people were speaking Nairobi, Kenya, in East Africa. I joined the publically about their status, something that community in 1976. One of the things that was very new to me and that became an drew me to becoming a religious woman eye opener to me. I realized I needed to is I wanted to work among poor people. I get involved when I got back home, and I wanted to assist people in whatever way needed to help my own people. I could at that level. I wasn’t clear how to And so after completing my studies do it. I was very young. In my mind, I had and graduating in 2001, I decided to go seen missionaries in my home parish who back home and talk to my community were Franciscan sisters and their way of leadership about my dream of founding Father Rodolphe Arty, C.S.C., a parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville, talks to Sister life attracted me, the way they were treating a ministry to address issues relating to Florence Muia during her visit to the parish last year. people. People would go for treatment, HIV and AIDS – and particularly women and people would be admitted into small and children. They were very affirming, facilities. I admired the sister’s way of and they encouraged me, and we they realized someone in their family was every year, to reconnect life, and so when I was growing up it was approached one of the bishops in Kenya dying of AIDS because there was a lot of with our supporters and clear I was attracted to the religious life. In of the Diocese of Nakuru, asking him if ignorance of how AIDS was contracted. to update them. When 1976, I joined the Assumption Sisters of we could start this project in his diocese I wanted to help people even if they were people give, they need Nairobi. I never wanted to be a missionary because I was already previously working going to die to know that someone cared. to know what’s going on and what is Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Partner out of my own country because I wanted there before I came to the United States, That someone loved them. That God still happening. Part of my coming here is to to work among my own people because and I was familiar with the area. And the loved them. We are all God’s children. update our partners and supporters. There with HIV/AIDS Project in Kenya I was in touch with poverty from my early bishop was very receptive, and he was And God loves us the way we are. And are so many programs within Upendo childhood. I grew up in a very rural and like, “My goodness, this is my dream so it doesn’t matter if you are dying from Village. For example, we use a holistic poor area, where we had just the minimum come true. I was always wishing I could AIDS or whatever illness; we all want to be approach in addressing AIDS issues. We pendo Village, according to its website, is “a basics for survival. Even going through do something or something could be surrounded with loving arms. That is what have support groups where people share project designed by Kenyans to respond at the school was a challenge. I knew education done in the diocese. I didn’t have the made me think of establishing a project that their own stories. We have a clinic where local level to the needs of Kenyans living with was the only way to change my destiny and capacity, the means.” would reach out to these people with love, we address medical issues. We have HIV/AIDS.” (Upendo means “love” in Kiswahili.) to achieve the dream I had of being a nun He asked one of the parishes where care and support. As we were reaching out, education for orphans where we sponsor and walking among poor people. we had a community if they could house the most vulnerable groups were women children who have a meal on the table The village is a collaborative effort between Kenya is one of the poorest countries the project. And that is where it all started, and children. We started with a small and are able to go to school, particularly theU Assumption Sisters of Nairobi and the Wheaton in Africa, where people live with less than and eventually, the parish, through the shelter, where they could stay for a few those who have been orphaned and some Franciscan sisters in the Diocese of Joliet. a dollar per day, with a very high rate of diocese, donated a three-acre piece of days and give them simple nutrition, health of them are being raised by their aged unemployment. In 1999, I was given an land for the future development of the care and support. Eventually, we started grandparents who don’t have any income. opportunity to study at Loyola University project, which is called Upendo Village. getting many. You need to be inclusive, and I want to empower people to take charge It began as a friendship between Sister “We realized the need that we had to in Chicago. I came to do my Master’s in Upendo in Swahili means “love.” It was the that is how Upendo Village started. It was a of their own lives. To move on. To be Marge Zulaski, OSF, and Sister Florence get involved in Africa,” Sister Langfield pastoral counseling. While I was at Loyola, unconditional love of God that I wanted to very basic approach. masters of their own lives. And that’s what Muia, a member of the Assumption Sisters said. “There was a whole generation I had an opportunity to attend the National help people experience because I felt there The other thing about Upendo Village, we’re trying to do by empowering them of Nairobi, who was getting a counseling that was being decimated in sub-Sahara Catholic AIDS Network conferences that was a lot of social stigma, there was a lot I also wanted to build what I envisioned to move on by providing micro-financing degree at Loyola University in Chicago in Africa. ... We wanted to develop an AIDS were taking place there every summer. of rejection. People were dying in isolation. as a global village of love and care. The programs where we can give them very, 2001, said Sister Theresa Langfield, OSF, ministry, but we didn’t want to just send That became an eye opener for me The stigma and rejection made people problems of Africa and Kenya are not of very small loans and educate them to start a member of the Wheaton Franciscan money over, but to have a personal because back home people were dying give up more easily than if another disease Kenya alone. They are problems that also very small and move on. We have seen sisters, who is the executive director of connection. Sister Florence wanted to do in silence because of AIDS, and, at the took them. They died faster because they affect other continents, like in the U.S. people regain their health and start living Upendo Village in the United States. something step-by-step for her people. time, the country wasn’t doing anything gave up the will to live just because of and Europe. … I got in touch with one dignified lives with self esteem just because It has since blossomed into becoming So she helped us grow up our AIDS about it. There was a lot of social stigma, lack of support, and there was a lot of fear of the Wheaton Franciscan sisters, and I of the empowerment we have given them. part of the Wheaton Franciscan ministry in Africa, and we helped her and it took the government 15 years around the issues of HIV and AIDS and shared my dream with her. She shared our corporate system, she added. Sister grow her active, on-the-ground AIDS how they were communicated. There was to acknowledge that it was a national conversation with her community, and they For more information on Langfield said her community was doing ministry for her people.” disaster, and it needed to be addressed. no treatment. We didn’t have anti-viral embraced the idea of a partnership. So right a great deal of ministry helping others In an interview with Carlos Briceño, In 1999, it was the time that the education. That made many people just from the beginning, we started partnering in Upendo Village, go to with AIDS at the time that Sister Marge Sister Florence tells the story of how [Kenyan] president declared AIDS as a give up. There was also a lack of education. this mission. They help us with fundraising. www.upendovillage.org. and Sister Florence met. Upendo Village came to be. national disaster. After that, we started Even families isolated their own when I come to visit the Diocese of Joliet

12 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 13 YOUR STORY Feature Story Bishop Conlon was installed as the fifth bishop on July 14, 2011. Since then, he has been to all the parishes and missions in the diocese for various reasons, such as anniversary Mass celebrations or confirmations or visits to Catholic schools. But, starting this month, he will be embarking on visiting all the parishes and missions in the diocese for more in-depth weekend visits. “He wants to get a feel for what the parish community He wants to get a feel for what is all about as an immersive experience,” said Alex M. Rechenmacher, the bishop’s executive assistant. the parish community is all about as an At each location, some of his hopes are to make time to immersive experience ... the benefit is that hear confessions and to celebrate several Masses; to visit the Catholic school, if one is associated with the parish; to meet they get to know their bishop ... On the the parish council and parish staff; to meet with shut ins; to have dinner with a parish family; to get to know members of other hand, having a strong knowledge of the young adult community, to name several objectives. the needs and hopes of each parish can “He has learned a lot about our diocese after being here for

two years,” Rechenmacher said, “but the Diocese of Joliet is so Photo by help him make better decisions.” Photo by Toni Nessi very different than the Diocese of Steubenville [Bishop Conlon’s Toni Nessi previous diocese, where he served as bishop from 2002 until 2011 and where he also visited all the parishes in a similar immersive way] in many ways, and not just in issues that we face You don’t really get that when he comes for confirmation.” Bishop Conlon to Travel on the diocesan level. From our larger parishes in suburban metro When Father Ed Howe, CR, the pastor at Immaculate areas to our smaller ones in rural communities, there’s such a wide Conception Parish in Morris first heard about the bishop’s Across the Diocese to range of people that he would like to get to know better and learn plan to visit, it was at lunch during a cluster meeting. His the goals and concerns of each particular community. He wants reaction? He was thrilled. Spend Quality Time at to get to know the types of ministries they offer; what they might “I can’t imagine how busy a bishop is and especially Bishop lack; what their strengths are; what their weaknesses are. We have Conlon,” Father Howe said. “For Bishop Conlon to take the Parishes and Missions such a wide range, Bishop Conlon feels that to really invest his time to visit for three days with our parish is a beautiful sign of schedule, to visit for several days at a time, is the best way for him his role as the shepherd of the Church. I often tell people I’m to really connect with the people he serves.” a pastor, but the bishop is the pastor of all the parishes as the As the chief shepherd of the 29th largest diocese in the shepherd appointed by the pope, and I must assist the bishop ithin its boundaries, United States, Bishop Conlon is obviously someone who is in his work and vision.” the Diocese of Joliet very busy, but Rechenmacher said the hope is that the bishop After Father Howe told his staff, he said they were “in awe” will visit two locations a month, which translates into about Bishop Conlon’s Visits to Parishes because they didn’t expect the bishop to be able to have the has seven counties 20 weekends during the year. That means that it should take in the Upcoming Months time to visit because of his busy schedule. across approximately around five years for Bishop Conlon to spend time at all the “People were really, really in awe that Bishop Conlon would parishes and missions in the diocese. Sept. 14-16 – Christ the Servant, Woodridge be able to set aside the time to spend with us, and that he W4,040 square miles. It has more than Rechenmacher said the bishop hopes that parishioners wants to spend time with us,” he said. Father Howe views the Nov. 2-4 – St. Joseph, Manteno 650,000 Catholics, who have the have a strong connection with their parishes, but he also Nov. 15-17 – St. Alexander, Villa Park Dec 6-8 visit as the equivalent of “putting names with faces choices of 120 parishes and nine wants them to have a strong connection with the diocese, too. Dec. 6-8 – Immaculate Conception, Morris and faces with names” and will help the bishop get “a deeper “The benefit is that they get to know their bishop,” Dec. 13-15 – St. Mary Nativity and Holy Cross, Joliet (tentative) understanding” of what the diocese is like and for the people missions to go to for worship and to Rechenmacher said. “On the other hand, having a strong Feb. 7-9, 2014 – St. Mary Immaculate, Plainfield of the parish to get to know their bishop. be part of faith communities. In knowledge of the needs and hopes of each parish can help “I’m very honored and very happy,” said Father Howe. “I him make better decisions.” feel sometimes that I don’t always have the opportunity to other words, it is not a small entity. He added that the visits are not an “audit” of parishes. spend time with Bishop Conlon. It gives us an opportunity to Starting in September, and “This is a pastoral visit,” Rechenmacher said. “It’s not an religious education program. There will also be a commitment take some time together.” continuing during the months and investigative visit.” meeting with parents whose children will be receiving Father Albert Heidecke, the pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Several pastors whose parishes are going to be visited their confirmation. And, there will also be a ministry fair, Manteno, views the bishop’s visit to his parish during the Nov. years ahead, Bishop R. Daniel Conlon during the fall were delighted by the bishop’s plan to travel highlighting one of the ministries at the parish. 2-4 weekend as a positive sign of unity. Because the Catholic plans to get in his car and drive to around the diocese in the coming months and years for more All those activities had been planned before the bishop Church is so counter-cultural, Father Heidecke said it is in-depth interactions. announced the visit, so Vitus said it wasn’t “a show” to have important that parishioners know their shepherd is with them, each of the parishes and missions Father Frank Vitus, the pastor at Christ the Servant Parish all that occur on that particular weekend, but it will illustrate just like they are with him. during weekend visits as a way to in Woodridge, said the weekend the bishop is going to what they do on a normal basis there. “I think the visit helps to emphasize that and make it more visit – Sept. 14-16 – will be a busy one at his parish. It will “I think it’s nice that he’s going to see what’s going on here real,” he said. “They will draw encouragement from that, and continue to get to know the diocese be Catechetical Sunday, which means the bishop will be and what our needs are,” Father Vitus said. “There’s only one the bishop will be encouraged. The flock is together. We’re and the people and priests here. invited to install new catechists who are part of the parish’s way to do that. I just want him to see what our parish is like. working as one.”

14 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org InterviewStory by by Carlos Carlos BriceñoBriceño 15 YOUR STORY Feature Story “ ... see how they love one another.” Go Make Disciples: Mission Possible The Apostolic Church Go and Make sexual license of every description, abortion, If for this life only we have hoped in and divorce. Slavery was common, and a Christ, we are the most pitiable people of Study man’s wife and children were his property. all. But now Christ has been raised from Disciples: • Vatican II Constitution: Gaudium et It was a multi-ethnic, multi-religion the dead, the first fruits of those who have Spes (The Church in the Modern culture unified by Rome’s political and fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17-20). World), sec. 1, ch. 3-4 and sec. the Apostolic administrative system. Christianity was one Belief in the resurrection, and II, ch. 1, Role of the Church in religious sect among many. Christians had understanding that that belief changes the World, and Marriage Issues Church a bad reputation: they were called atheists everything about life, was the power at the Additional Vatican II Document: Ad Gentes (Missionary Activity) because they did not take part in emperor heart of the Christian message. Humanity worship; cannibals for eating the flesh and was no longer the victim of cruel gods, • CCC #857-945: The Apostolic any good Church Catholics blood; and incestuous because of the way condemned to a life filled with pain ending they called each other brother and sister. in death. For the Christian life is changed, • CCC #2196-2557: Love of Neighbor may be very Pliny, a Roman philosopher, and others not ended, at death; knowing that enabled depressed as called Christianity a dangerous superstition. Christians to face persecution and torture Prayer they Christianity was dangerous because it with equanimity, and even joy. Lucian • Pilgrimage Mcontemplate our society: interfered with society and taught that all recognized their courage. • Matt. 28:16 - 20 abortion is widespread and are equal, men and women, free people The Christians in those days were • James 2:14 - 26 • 2 Tim. 1:6 - 2:13 any attempt to limit it is and slaves. It also interfered with the state normal people; it wasn’t a time of bliss religion. The government was tolerant of with no dissension in the local churches. Action treated as outrageous; same- religions so long as they would publically Most of the epistles show us communities sex “marriage” is treated as a worship the emperor as a God. Other where disputes and factions had arisen, • Collect and donate supplies for than that, the government didn’t really and the normal human behavior of students in need civil rights issue; a runaway • Have a lunch conversation about the financialization of the care what you did in your religion. honoring the rich and despising the Church with a co-worker economy means Wall Street Christians wouldn’t make this sacrifice, poor occurred. But, in addition to this, • Make a pilgrimage to a Marian site or to a Church named for an Apostle doing well while Main Street which meant they were always in danger there was a fervor, a joy from the Good from the state. As far as we can tell, the News of Christ’s resurrection that meant • Volunteer to help teach religious suffers; workers are denied early Christians were normal people, living Christians were prepared to live in a new education classes • Support or go on a mission fair wages and decent health in communities, participating in the life of way. The Didache, an early catechism, laid care at an affordable cost; the time. They usually couldn’t go out and out the new way Christians were to live: and the food system delivers openly convert people; they had to rely on “The Second Commandment: Grave Sin an obesity epidemic fed by the witness of their lives. Their neighbors Forbidden. And the second commandment to this code? Of course, they did; but their processed foods grown in a would learn about Christianity from of the Teaching; You shall not commit belief in the justice and mercy of God meant knowing them and how they behaved, or murder, you shall not commit adultery, that they kept on trying to live in the new way that depletes the land by attending the circuses where Christians you shall not commit pederasty, you shall way. They weren’t only fulfilling a moral and relies on more and more were tortured and killed. Lucian wrote: “The not commit fornication, you shall not steal, checklist, they were living to please their chemicals. It is tempting to poor wretches have convinced themselves, you shall not practice magic, you shall not Lord whom they loved. And they showed it keep our heads down and first and foremost, that they are going practice witchcraft, you shall not murder by loving the people around them. keep our religion private, just to be immortal and live for all time, in a child by abortion nor kill that which We can learn from this age to help us like the media tell us to do. consequence of which they despise death is born. You shall not covet the things of become effective witnesses to our own age, and even willingly give themselves into your neighbor, you shall not swear, you which needs God’s love and mercy more I am sure that is not the way to be a custody, most of them. Furthermore, their shall not bear false witness, you shall not than ever. Let’s recognize that what the disciple. Jesus never promised anyone a first lawgiver persuaded them that they speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You Church teaches is counter-cultural; we, as quiet life. I know that finger-wagging and are all brothers of one another after they shall not be double-minded nor double- Christians, need to live in a new way, the way telling other people about their sins isn’t have transgressed once for all by denying tongued, for to be double-tongued is a the early Christians did. When we begin to going to work either. Fortunately, Pope the Greek gods and by worshipping that snare of death. Your speech shall not be love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, Francis is showing us the way to witness crucified Sophist himself and living under false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You our neighbors today today: believe in the living Lord, be humble, his laws” (Lucian, De morte Peregrini, 13) shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a will want to have be poor in spirit, remember God’s mercy This criticism shows us how clear the hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. what we have. Let’s and focus on the people at the margins. Christians were on what their beliefs were You shall not take evil counsel against your work so that they Pope Francis didn’t make this up; he is and why they mattered. St. Paul wrote to neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but will say about us living the way the early Christians lived. the Christians in Corinth, “And if Christ some you shall reprove, and concerning what was said about The time of the early Church – the has not been raised, your faith is vain; some you shall pray, and some you shall the early Christians: apostolic age – was a time when Rome you are still in your sins. Then those who love more than your own life.” see how they love offered stock markets, commodity trading, have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. Did Christians of those days fail to live up one another.

16 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Christine Fletcher, an assistant professor of Theology at Benedictine University in Lisle 17 YOUR STORY

Feature Story

A difficult task he has taken up repeatedly, to build a "culture of encounter," a "culture of solidarity," a "culture of fraternity." In a Mass with Both popes reflected on how hard this task of making disciples bishops, priests, religious and seminarians at World Youth Day appears to be and how we can feel inadequate. Pope Benedict he proclaimed, "Have the courage to go against the tide of wrote in his WYD message: "I imagine that you have at times this culture of efficiency, this culture of waste. Encountering found it difficult to invite your contemporaries to an experience and welcoming everyone, solidarity – a word that is being of faith. You have seen how many young people, especially hidden by this culture, as if it were a bad word – solidarity and at certain points in their life journey, desire to know Christ fraternity: these are what make our society truly human. Be and to live the values of the Gospel, but also feel inadequate servants of communion and of the culture of encounter! I would and incapable."(All quotes from Pope Benedict in this article like you to be almost obsessed about this. Be are drawn his WYD message #5.) Pope Francis, likewise, in so without being presumptuous, imposing 'our his homily for the final Mass of World Youth Day in Rio said, truths,' but rather be guided by the humble yet "Some people might think: 'I have no particular preparation, joyful certainty of those who have been found, how can I go and proclaim the Gospel?' " touched and transformed by the Truth who is Christ, ever to be proclaimed (cf. Luke 24:13-35)." God is with us! Pope Benedict makes this idea even more concrete as he teaches us, in practical terms, Both popes then proceed to give us encouragement and what it means to build a culture of encounter. concrete instruction. Pope Francis continues in his final Mass "We should always be prepared, like the Good Samaritan, homily, "My dear friend, your fear is not so very different to be attentive to those we meet, to listen, to be understanding from that of Jeremiah ... when he was called by God to be a and to help." By meeting, listening, understanding and seeking prophet. 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, to help others, we develop bonds of fraternity and sometimes for I am only a youth.' God says the same thing to you as he even friendship. On this foundation of trust we can help others Go Make Disciples of All Nations! said to Jeremiah: 'Be not afraid ... for I am with you to deliver to see how God is at work in their lives. We can help them you' (Jeremiah 1:7,8). He is with us!" Pope Benedict reminds interpret the joys and tragedies in their lives through the eyes us of the same truth, Christ's presence, but in a different of faith to see how God is speaking to them, loving them and A Tale of Two Popes way, accompanied by some concrete instruction. He writes, guiding them. In the words of Pope Benedict, "In this way we "What can we do? First, your closeness and your witness will can lead those who are searching for the truth and for meaning n these marvelous days of grace, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on a single themselves be a way in which God can touch their hearts. in life to God's house, the Church, where hope and salvation message from the perspective of two popes: “Go make disciples of all nations!” (Matthew Proclaiming Christ is not only a matter of words, but something abide (cf. Luke 10:29-37)." 28:19) This is the theme that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI set forth and wrote about for which involves one's whole life and translates into signs of love. As we encounter others and listen to them, developing the 28th World Youth Day (WYD), which he also agreed would be celebrated in Rio de It is the love that Christ has poured into our hearts which makes genuine concern for their well-being, we may choose to help Janeiro. This is the theme that Pope Francis preached about when he actually joined us evangelizers." In other words, Christ is with us in the love He them materially and support them emotionally, but we must challenge ourselves also to have the courage to open the the 3 million pilgrims in Rio to celebrate WYD, following Pope Benedict’s resignation. This is, has poured into our hearts, in the way that He has changed our I lives – our thinking, our speaking, our outlook, our disposition. windows and let in the breeze of the Holy Spirit, to help them of course, in the designs of Divine Providence, and we can guess at the reason: we have a Pope Francis said, "He is with us" and Pope Benedict taught, spiritually. In an emphatic statement, Pope Benedict urges us, special need for teaching on this topic and both pontiffs shone light on this theme with their "Your closeness and your witness [to Jesus] will themselves be "Dear friends, never forget that the first act of love that you can extraordinary, unique, complementary gifts of teaching. a way in which God can touch their hearts." God is with us, but do for others is to share the source of our hope. If we do not it requires an act of the will, a decision, on our part, to let Him give them God, we give them too little!" A unique time in history for evangelization need in these times to make disciples by preaching the Gospel, guide us and help us and speak through us. It is the difference In conclusion, we return to the challenging words of Pope not only to our children, but also to our peers. between simply carrying a shirt with us in a backpack and Francis to the young people at World Youth Day in the final What is the special need that we have for teaching on this topic? The unique circumstances of our times – living in a society actually putting it on. It is the difference between carrying a Mass, "Careful, though! Jesus did not say: 'go, if you would like This is a theme that is especially pressing for our times, which are that was essentially formed by Christian values and yet a society sandwich with us and actually eating it. It is the difference to, if you have the time', but he said: 'Go and make disciples of times of the New Evangelization. The call to make disciples is one in which the majority of people are not practicing their faith as between carrying a Bible and actually reading it and talking all nations.' Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to that must be taken up in every generation, because the decision to disciples of Christ – leads to unique challenges in sharing the about it with others. God is with us, but do we allow Him to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the be a disciple can only be made freely by each individual Christian. Gospel. There has never been a time in history when there were touch our whole life and translate our life into signs of love? Lord entrusts to the whole Church, and Thus, the Church is always missionary, always proclaiming the so many people who were baptized and who knew the name This is our challenge in the New Evangelization: first to know that includes you." Gospel anew in each new age. At some times in history, this of Jesus and yet did not believe in Him. We have no historical that God is with us, but then also to turn that into concrete evangelization consisted primarily in parents teaching the Gospel examples to turn to, no teachers from the past to learn from who action of sharing our discipleship with others. Story by Father Boniface Hicks, a to their own children. The newly born and baptized were the only dealt with exactly the same challenges and can show us the way. Benedictine priest and monk of St. "mission field" in most parts of the Church. In our day, however, This is truly a new time of grace, a time of new evangelization. But how? A culture of encounter Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa. He there are a great number of those newly born and baptized, We proclaim the same message and yet with a new ardor, new is a program manager and host for “We but they have grown up now without being truly evangelized to methods and new expressions. It is no wonder that the Holy Spirit This still leaves us with the question, however, of "How do I Are One Body” radio network, which the point of making the decision for themselves to live out their gave the teaching of two popes, on this all-important topic, to the that?" Both popes give us some direction in this regard. Pope records podcasts of Bishop R. Daniel baptism and follow Christ as His disciples. Thus, we have a special three-million people who gathered in Rio recently – and to us! Francis expresses it in a more general way, in a phrase that Conlon’s thoughts every week.

18 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 19 YOUR STORY

Feature Story

La Iglesia de los Estados la sociedad sino también en Unidos ha ido tomando nuestra iglesia mayor conciencia de la Desde la Oficina de in His Living Word. In the church we have understood that we necesidad y de la urgencia Ministerio Hispano se ve con cannot do pastoral planning without taking reality into account. de dar una respuesta claridad que a este desafío This reality, in its entire dimension, is constantly changing, and, adecuada y actualizada al solo se podrá responder therefore, constant discernment and attention are required to desafío de la evangelización adecuadamente si se generan assume and interpret it. The reading of the signs of the times, as de la comunidad Hispana. procesos reales de formación Vatican II suggests, lends dynamism to our pastoral action and A la luz de los procesos en todos los niveles de tal flavor to our evangelizing action.” de Encuentros Nacionales manera que los hispanos The Diocese of Joliet faces this challenge from its own reality. de Ministerio Hispano los vayan tomando las banderas About 40 percent of Catholics of this local church are Hispanic, and Obispos han llamado a la de la evangelización de a majority of them are children, adolescents, and young adults. comunidad “Una bendición la comunidad y se hagan From the Office of Hispanic Ministry we see clearly that this para nuestra Iglesia.” Este protagonistas del hoy challenge could have an adequate response only if real processes desafío se extiende a todas El Principio… histórico que vive la Iglesia en Jorge Rivera of formation are generated at all levels so that the Hispanics las generaciones de hispanos este país multicultural y pluri- themselves start picking up the banner of evangelization and que han inmigrado y que religioso. become the key players of the historical present that the Church viven en los Estados Unidos. o que existía desde el La misión de la iglesia es The Beginning… experiences in this multicultural and multi-religious country. “Existen dos maneras de principio, lo que hemos la evangelización. La iglesia The growing number of Hispanic Catholics are a sign of the ver el mundo. Una de ellas oído, lo que hemos visto está al servicio del reino de times in our pastoral present, ecclesial reality. Such reality calls implica usar los lentes de con nuestros ojos, lo que Dios. La misión de la pastoral us to implement a solid pastoral action as a response of the la fe para interpretar todo contemplamos y tocaron con el ministerio hispano hat which was from the Church to the urgent calls presented by the growing community. lo que sucede a nuestro nuestras manos acerca de la Palabra es la evangelización de los beginning, which we have This population claims our immediate attention to an alrededor. La otra es una L Latinos para que participen heard, which we have seen with evangelizing and formative action of new generations, through lectura secular de la historia y de la vida, pues la vida se manifestó plenamente en la instauración our eyes, which we have looked a process of integral Hispanic ministry that can respond their de la realidad que desconoce y nosotros la hemos visto y damos de este reino en nuestra at and our hands have touched involvement not only in society, but also in the local parishes. la presencia de Dios testimonio, y les anunciamos la vida historia. “Nuestra fe nos – this we proclaim concerning the Word of The mission of the Church is evangelization. The church is caminando junto a nosotros a eterna que estaba junto al Padre y llama a trabajar por la justicia: T at the service of the reign of God. The mission of the Hispanic medida que hacemos historia a servir a los necesitados; a se nos manifestó lo que hemos visto life. The life appeared; we have seen it and Ministry Office is the evangelization of all ethnicities so that they e intentamos transformar y oído, eso les anunciamos para que defender la vida, la dignidad testify to it, and we proclaim to you the may participate fully in the establishment of the reign of God in our la realidad para acercarla y los derechos de nuestros eternal life, which was with the Father and history. “Our faith calls us to work for justice: to serve those in need; más al proyecto de Dios también ustedes estén en comunión hermanos y hermanas. El has appeared to us. We proclaim to you to defend the life, dignity and rights of our brothers and sisters. The revelado en su Palabra con nosotros. Nosotros estamos corazón de nuestra misión what we have seen and heard, so that you heart of our mission is love!” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI). This viva. En la Iglesia hemos en comunión con el Padre y con su es la caridad!” (Benedicto also may have fellowship with us. And our love burning in us like a flame must lead us to the ends of the earth, entendido que no podemos Hijo, Jesucristo. Les escribimos estas XVI) Esta caridad que arde according to the commandment of Jesus to his disciples. hacer planeación pastoral cosas para que nuestra alegría sea en nosotros como una llama fellowship is with the Father and with his Hispanics are a presence in a church that has a multicultural de espaldas a la realidad. debe llevarnos hasta los completa.” (I Juan 1, 1-4) Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make face and is challenged by the mission entrusted to it by Jesus Esta realidad, en todas confines del mundo, según our joy complete.” (1 John 1:1-4) and by the call to communion arising from the Trinity itself. sus dimensiones, cambia el mandato de Jesús a sus In the face of the lack of articulation among organizations permanentemente y por eso discípulos. The Catholic Church in the United States has become of ministry, we see the need to develop an organic ministry asumirla e interpretarla requieren de discernimiento y atención Los hispanos somos presencia en una Iglesia de rostro pluri- increasingly aware of the need and urgency to give an that values the multiplicity of charisms and spiritualities and constantes. La lectura de los signos de los tiempos, como cultural desafiada por la misión que Jesús le confió y por el adequate and updated response to the challenge of the New that fosters the relationship and unity among all ministries. A sugerida en el Vaticano II, dinamiza nuestra acción pastoral y llamado a la comunión que brota de la Trinidad misma. Ante Evangelization of the Hispanic community. In light of the “Common Plan” for Hispanic Ministry is needed to permanently le da sabor a nuestra acción evangelizadora.” (Rev. Guillermo la falta de articulación entre las organizaciones de ministerio process of the National Encounters of Hispanic Ministry, the accompany the community in their striving to find their own Campuzano, CM) hispano y entre los diversos sectores de la pastoral, se requiere American bishops have called the community “a blessing to identity and mission as Catholic migrants in this local church. La Diócesis de Joliet se enfrenta a este desafío desde desarrollar una pastoral orgánica que valore la multiplicidad our Church.” This challenge encompasses the generations of Part of my ministry in the diocese is to promote greater su realidad misma. Más de un 40% de los católicos de de carismas y espiritualidades, y que promueva la relación y Hispanics who have migrated and live in the United States. participation by Hispanic Catholics in the Church of Joliet on all esta Iglesia local son hispanos y la mayoría de ellos niños, unidad entre todas las pastorales. “There are two ways to look at the world,” said Father levels so that the Church and those charged with leadership will adolescentes y jóvenes adultos. Parte de mi ministerio en la diócesis es promover una Guillermo Campuzano, CM, who teaches at DePaul University. welcome and invite to the full participation of Hispanics within Esta realidad demográfica está planteando serios retos a la mayor participación de los Católicos Hispanos en la Iglesia “One of them involves having the lens of faith to interpret the local Church as well as the Church Universal. We have a organización y estructura de la iglesia diocesana. Este proyecto de Joliet en todos los niveles para que la Iglesia y aquellos whatever happens around us. The other one is a secular reading long road ahead, and I believe unity in diversity is possible. de pastoral hispana en la Diócesis de Joliet pretende responder comisionados en su liderazgo puedan acoger e invitar a los of history and reality that ignores the presence of God who a los retos que la realidad nos plantea y además quiere ser una hispanos a la participación total de la Iglesia local igual que walks with us as we make history and attempt to transform Story by Jorge Rivera, the diocesan director of the Office of manera concreta de entrar en diálogo con un pueblo que día a a la Iglesia Universal. Tenemos un camino largo pero creo reality in order to make it closer to the design of God as revealed Hispanic ministry and coordinator of Ethnic Ministry día reclaman espacios de participación a todo nivel no sólo en firmemente que la unidad en la diversidad es posible.

20 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Jorge Rivera es el director de la Oficina Diocesana del Minsterio Hispano y el coordinador de Ministerios Étnicos 21 YOUR STORY is no cost to attend; voluntary contributions Immaculate Conception, a youth rally and Things to Do to the Augustinians are welcome. For Mass, visiting monuments and more. The trip reservations, contact Becky Schmitt at includes two nights at the Holiday Inn, VA. Last Word [email protected] The cost is $340 for high school freshmen more doable. Instead of having Eastern Event to Feature Film on Apparition of or 773.595.4008. through college seniors, including all Will County, which went all the way down Our Lady of Guadalupe transportation, lodging and most meals. The to Steger and the southern part of the Father Robert Barron to Talk on Vatican II cost for adults is $435, double occupancy. diocese, I basically have the city of Joliet.” All registration forms and a $100 deposit are “The Blood and the Rose,” a film that gives Document He defined a deanery as “an due no later than Nov. 1. For full details and an account of the apparition of Our Lady of organizational structure” within a Guadalupe, will be shown at an event at the to register visit http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ Father Robert Barron, a renowned geographical area that is set up within a Lincolnway Central High School auditorium, life/marchForLife.asp or contact the Respect theologian/speaker, will speak on a Vatican II diocese that has a priest who is nominated New Lenox, on Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Cost is document, Gaudium et Spes, on Sept. 24 at Life Ministry at 815.834.4065. or named as a dean who acts as a liaison $15. A Rosary kicks off the event. Speakers 7 p.m. at St. Procopius Abvbey in Lisle. The include Shelia Laugminas and Father David talk is free. For more information, call Father Fatima Rosary of Reparation Devotions to between the parishes and the diocese. Part Events That Make Simonetti, from Relevant Radio, and Traci Becket Franks, OSB, at 630.829.9253 or be Held at Parish on Sept. 8 of a dean’s duties include informing priests a Difference in Matheu. For more information, contact Karla email him at [email protected]. within the deanery about the death of a the lives of Young Ohner at 815.735.4676. The Annual Fatima Rosary of Reparation fellow priest or family members; informing Mayslake Ministries to Host Talk by devotions will be held on Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. the bishop if there needs to be action on the Catholics A Day to Remember Aborted Children to Father Ron Rolheiser at St. Ambrose Parish in Crest Hill. A unique bishop’s part, such as the illness of a priest; be Held on Sept. 14 Rosary of Reparation, intended to repair assisting the bishop and the Vicar for Priests Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, a nationally especially for the sins of mankind which wound in handling any personnel matters; and, also, his summer, we held a very powerful experience On Sept. 14, at 1 p.m., at Resurrection known speaker and author, will talk about the the Immaculate Heart of Mary, will be recited. offering any encouragement to the priests. for high school students called the Youth Cemetery in Romeoville (200 W. Romeo Also: Eucharistic procession; benediction; a New Evangelization and dealing with doubts Another helpful outcome of the Leadership Conference, also known as YLC. This Road), Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, Priests in your faith life on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. until 3 Marian coronation ceremony; prayers, and reconfiguration is that other Church for Life and the Pro-Life Action League are p.m. at the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen sermon by Father James Lennon. Call Coleen organizations, such as the Diocesan event is designed to give leadership skills to calling on pro-life Americans to participate in Ellyn. Cost is $55 and $45 for catechists. at 815.725.5812 for more information. Pastoral Council (DPC), have the option incoming freshman up to outgoing seniors. Our a National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Tickets include morning coffee service and a to align themselves with the reconfigured theme this year was “Be Courageous.” The participants were Children to honor the gravesites of unborn boxed lunch. To purchase tickets or get more Bishop Conlon to Celebrate 26th Annual T structure. In fact, the DPC has already babies. For more information, go to www. information, call 630.268.9000 or go to challenged to take what they learn during YLC and aim Bishop’s Mass with Persons with amended its constitution to host abortionmemorials.com/. www.mayslakeministries.org. Disabilities toward being leaders for their faith out in the world, which representatives within the new organization includes their parishes, schools, families, and community. and is presently seeking new members Augustinian Retreat: Daily Living with the Join Others on March for Life Pilgrimage Bishop R. Daniel Conlon will celebrate the according to the new geographic lines. This event happens every year during the last full weekend of Values and Teachings of St. Augustine in D.C. in January 26th Annual Bishop’s Mass with Persons June. We begin on Friday at 2 p.m. and end on Sunday with with Disabilities on Oct. 6 at noon at Holy All this results in a “more cohesive, On Sept. 21, at St. Jude Church in New Bishop R. Daniel Conlon and Auxiliary Family Parish, Shorewood. Persons with organized picture,” said Father Lane, Mass in the afternoon. It’s a powerful 50 hours. Lenox, Father Terry Deffenbaugh, O.S.A. will Bishop Joseph Siegel will be leading a disabilities, their families, friends and those making it easier for communications lead a retreat, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., pilgrimage to the 41st Annual March for Life who work with them are welcome to attend. between organizations. This year I was able to see a different side Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) will take to discuss living Augustinian values in our in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19 – 23, 2014. For more information or to reserve a place at “Everybody is very much in favor of it,” to YLC. I always knew that those who were place on Nov. 21-24 in Indianapolis. More daily lives of work, family, and community. Some highlights of the trip include: Mass the luncheon after the Mass, please call the he said. there got a lot out of the weekend, but this than 23,000 Catholic high school students Breakfast, lunch, and parking provided. There at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Religious Education Office at 815.838.6475. year, for the first time, my daughter was a from all over the United States will gather Christ is our Hope to Hold participant. I was able to see how friendships together. Now, instead of only getting to Donation Drive in Late September that were made at YLC became a community know others from the Diocese of Joliet, the continued from page 4 ... myself back in Ephesus with those early deaneries. Father Michael Lane, the of faith on Facebook. As my daughter put participants will have connections with faith Christians hearing his words.” The cost pastor of St. Jude Parish in Joliet, who is Christ is our Hope, the diocesan it: “Dad, YLC is great because it gives you a friends from almost any of the 50 states. spoke to the Ephesians. Visit Derbe, of the 12-day pilgrimage is $3,098. the dean of the Joliet Deanery, explained magazine, which distributed its first chance to make new friends, but still grow I remember one conference years ago where Paul and Barnabas preached It includes air, accommodations, most that in the old configuration a deanery in issue five years ago, will be holding a in our faith.” Parents make a big difference in where one of the participants in the group Christianity, and much more. The final meals and a three-day cruise. For more the southern part of the diocese had 11 donation drive to help defray costs during a child’s faith, but they still need these other I took met another person from North two days will be spent in Jerusalem information, please contact Natalie Bayci parishes, while the deanery he was the the weekend of Sept. 28-29. About experiences of faith with their peers. Carolina. They stayed friends for two years, and Bethlehem. “This is an opportunity at [email protected] or call head of included 31 parishes. As part of 170,000 households across the diocese Another experience for young Catholics and then they both ended up becoming to have the Scriptures come alive,” 815.254.7556. his job as dean, he had to visit each of get the magazine for free each month. occurred this summer during World Youth roommates at the same college in St. Louis. said Natalie Bayci, the diocesan the parishes in the deanery once a year, The costs of the magazine are paid for by Day in Rio with Pope Francis. Even though That is an example of why these events are so coordinator for the University Mission What Are Deaneries in the Life of meet with the parish priests and staff and the diocese, parishes – and by generous it is called “Youth Day,” it is really designed important to young people; they learn about to the Philippines. She has led 15 the Diocese? submit a written report to the bishop. donors who contribute to the annual for those from the ages of 18-35. So, even faith, but they also end up starting great mission trips to Sucre, Bolivia and six to When 31 parishes are involved, that’s a donation drive. “Christ is our Hope though most Americans think of “youth” as friendships. Bacolod in the Philippines and will be the Bishop R. Daniel Conlon recently issued lot of traveling and making appointments magazine is a conduit for your voice, those who are in junior high school or high pilgrimage’s coordinator. “I can guarantee a decree that reconfigured the diocesan and reports, he said. But now, because and we listen,” said Edward P. Flavin, school, the events in Rio were also moving For more information about that when you return you will hear the deanery structure. The restructuring of the way the deaneries are split up, he the diocesan director of the Office of experiences for young adults. So what else is NCYC, please contact the youth Scriptures in a new way. Having been to allows for a more equal distribution of only has 16 parishes in his deanery. Communications. “We strive each month on the horizon for young people? ministry office at your parish or the Holy Land and journeyed with Paul, the parishes within the deaneries, and “It divides the work load for the deans, to hear your stories and share them with In a couple of months, high school go to our website at http://www. my ears and heart perk up when I hear that is helpful to those priests who have which is one of the reasons why it’s all of our readers. We greatly appreciate students will also be able to experience dioceseofjoliet.org/ym/ymNCYC.asp. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and I find been appointed as head of the various [reconfigured],” he said. “This makes it all of your generosity over the last year!” another faith-filled event. The National

22 Christ is our Hope / September 2013 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Paul Mach, diocesan director of the Youth Ministry Office 23 St. Matthew Parish, St. Mary Glendale Heights Nativity Parish, Joliet

St. Joseph Parish, Downers Grove

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