THE MAGAZINE OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF JOLIET

FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG

FROM THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONS February Conference Cristo Es Nuestra Esperanza Seeks to Inspire Vocations in Parishes

LENTEN FORMATION The Noonday Devil and Our Journey Through Lent

ANNUAL APPEAL Chosen by God's Grace

Bishop Emeritus Joseph Imesch Dies

1 FROM THE

do spend some time but not enough. Lent inspires me to more prayer for the needs of others, and that is definitely a work of mercy. Our most common prayers, the Our Father and Hail Mary, cast the words of petition in the plural: “give us our daily bread,” “forgive us our trespasses,” “lead us not into temptation,” “deliver us from evil,” “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” How easy they make it to think of the needs of others … if we pause to think. Fasting may not immediately lend itself in our minds to the concept of mercy, unless we consider the condition of our own hearts. Yet the primary A MERCIFUL LENT motive for fasting is not weight reduction! Fasting has as its primary purpose interior purification. By limiting our ordinary (and legitimate) physical pleasures, we are able to be more attuned to the spiritual gifts that God wishes to give us. That is why we fast before receiving Lent starts early this year, on Feb. 10. Since I have been through many Lents, Holy Communion and before celebrating the great I always welcome the creative insights of others as to how I might observe feast of Easter that recalls our own rebirth to eternal life through baptism. this important season. It strikes me that Pope Francis may have given us all This is good. But just as prayer can become too self-centered, so can fasting. Perhaps, then, a great framework for Lent with his designation of the Holy Year of Mercy. we can think of fasting as an act of mercy in two This upcoming Lent falls within the heart of that year. ways. First, it can be an act of solidarity with those who have little in the way of this earth’s good, who struggle to secure adequate food, shelter and health care for themselves and their dependents. Traditionally, Catholics approach Lent through “Compassion” means to “suffer with.” A wealthy the framework of prayer, fasting and almsgiving person might be able to give away lots of money (generosity toward the poor), although some may to help those in need. But fasting is a true act of choose the path of the spiritual and corporal works compassion. Uniting ourselves physically with those PRAY! of mercy. (In case you need a refresher, the spiritual in need — suffering with them — is an act of mercy. FOR THE works of mercy are to admonish the sinner, to Second, what we don’t consume, we can give away. NEEDS OF instruct the ignorant, to counsel the doubtful, to That, of course, leads to almsgiving. Now, of OTHERS comfort the sorrowful, to bear wrongs patiently, course, giving money, food, clothes, household to forgive all injuries, and to pray for the living and items, actually, giving any thing to someone in need the dead; the corporal works of mercy are to feed is an act of mercy. How much more, though, is any the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe giving enhanced by personal involvement. I learned the naked, to visit the imprisoned, to shelter the this early in life from my father. Our big family homeless, to visit the sick and to bury the dead.) didn’t have a lot of spare cash. But my father had The works of mercy come, by name even, ready- his own way of getting involved in people’s lives, made for this Holy Year. Naturally, almsgiving is a helping them out in small, very “hands on” ways. work of mercy, but prayer and fasting can be as well. Many of our parishes have the St. Vincent de Paul Too often our prayers of intercession center Society that does the same kind of “almsgiving.” on ourselves. I am amazed at how often people The personal touch certainly conveys the sense of ask me to pray for them or for someone who is mercy that Pope Francis wants to inspire in us. BY BISHOP R. important to them. I could spend a lot of time May your Lent be one filled with mercy — for you DANIEL CONLON every day praying for these intentions. I certainly and, through you, for many others.

2 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG ESPAÑOL

CUARESMA COMIENZA TEMPRANO ESTE AÑO, EL 10 DE FEBRERO. tentación", "líbranos del mal," "ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte." COMO YO HE VIVIDO DURANTE MUCHAS CUARESMAS, SIEMPRE Qué fácil nos hacen pensar en las necesidades de los OBISPO demás ... Si hacemos pausa para pensarlo. R. DANIEL CELEBRO LAS IDEAS CREATIVAS DE OTROS Y DE CÓMO PODRÍA El ayuno no se presta de inmediato en nuestras CONLON OBSERVAR ESTA IMPORTANTE TEMPORADA. ME PARECE QUE mentes al concepto de misericordia, a menos que consideremos la condición de nuestros corazones. PAPA FRANCISCO NOS PUEDE HABER DADO A TODOS UN ¡Sin embargo, el principal motivo para el ayuno no es reducción de peso! GRAN MARCO DE REFERENCIA PARA LA CUARESMA CON SU El ayuno tiene como su propósito mayor la DESIGNACIÓN DEL AÑO SANTO DE LA MISERICORDIA. ESTA purificación interior. Limitando nuestros placeres físicos ordinarios (y legítimos), somos capaces de PRÓXIMA CUARESMA CAE ENTRE EL CORAZÓN DE ESE AÑO. estar más en sintonía con los dones espirituales que Dios desea darnos. Por eso ayunamos antes de recibir la Santa Comunión y antes de celebrar la gran Tradicionalmente, los católicos se fiesta de la Pascua, que nos recuerda nuestro propio acercan a la Cuaresma a través del renacer a la vida eterna por medio del bautismo. ORAR! marco de referencia de la oración, Esto es bueno. Pero igual que la oración puede POR LAS el ayuno y la limosna (generosidad llegar a ser demasiado egocéntrico, también NECESIDADES hacia los pobres), aunque algunos puede pasar cuando uno ayuna. Quizás, entonces, DE LOS pueden optar por el camino de podemos pensar en el ayuno como un acto de DEMÁS las obras espirituales y corporales misericordia de dos maneras. En primer lugar, de misericordia. (En caso de que necesite un puede ser un acto de solidaridad con aquellos que repaso, las obras espirituales de misericordia son tienen poco en el camino bueno de la tierra, que para amonestar al pecador, para instruir a los luchan para garantizar una alimentación adecuada, ignorantes, aconsejar el dudoso, para consolar vivienda y salud para ellos y sus dependientes. a los tristes, para soportar males con paciencia, "Compasión" significa "sufrir con." Una persona para perdonar todas las lesiones, y para orar por rica puede ser capaz de regalar un montón de los vivos y los muertos; las obras corporales de dinero para ayudar a los necesitados. Pero el misericordia son para alimentar a los hambrientos, ayuno es un acto verdadero de la compasión. para dar de beber a los sedientes, para vestir Uniéndonos físicamente con los necesitados, sufrir al desnudo, visitar a los encarcelados, para con ellos — es un acto de misericordia. proteger a las personas sin hogar, para visitar a los En segundo lugar, lo que no consumimos, enfermos y para enterrar a los muertos.) podemos regalar. Las obras de misericordia vienen, hasta Eso, por supuesto, conduce a la limosna. Uniéndonos por nombre, confeccionadas para este año Ahora, por supuesto, en realidad, dando dinero, físicamente alimentos, ropa, artículos para el hogar, regalando santo. Naturalmente, la limosna es una obra de con los misericordia, pero la oración y el ayuno pueden cualquier cosa a alguien en necesidad es un acto necesitados, hacerlo también. de misericordia. Sin embargo, cuánto más, es Con demasiada frecuencia nuestras oraciones de mejorado el regalo cuando hay involucro personal. sufrir con intercesión las enfocamos en nosotros mismos. Estoy Yo aprendí esto de mi padre, temprano en la vida. ellos — es Nuestra familia grande no tenía mucho dinero de sorprendido de cuantas veces la gente me pide que un acto de ore por ellos o por alguien que es importante para repuesto. Pero mi padre tenía su propia manera de misericordia. ellos. Podría pasar mucho tiempo cada día orando involucrarse en la vida de las personas, ayudando en por estas intenciones. Sin duda, paso algún tiempo formas pequeñas, de maneras donde se involucraba pero no lo suficiente. La Cuaresma me inspira a mucho. Muchas de nuestras parroquias tienen la hacer más oración para las necesidades de los sociedad de San Vicente que hace el mismo tipo de demás, y sin duda es una obra de misericordia. "limosna." El toque personal sin duda transmite el Nuestras oraciones más comunes, el Padre nuestro sentido de la misericordia que Papa Francisco quiere y la Ave María, emiten las palabras de petición en inspirar en nosotros. la forma plural: "Danos nuestro pan de cada día," Que su Cuaresma sea una llena de misericordia, "perdona nuestras ofensas," "no nos dejes caer en la para usted y, a través de usted, para muchos otros.

3 YOUR COMMUNITY

DIOCESE OF JOLIET COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC NURSES ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Diocese of Joliet Council of Catholic Nurses announced DEADLINE the acceptance of applications for submitting all paperwork is for its annual $500 nursing April 1, 2016 education scholarship. Applicants should plan to be enrolled in their senior year

PHOTO CREDIT: ED FLAVIN CREDIT: PHOTO of a baccalaureate nursing The Knights of Columbus Father Boecker Council 6090 (Lombard) program for fall 2016 and be recently handed a check of $1,976.49 to Joyce Donahue, the catechetical EMAIL registered in a Catholic associate for the diocesan Office of Religious Education, to be used for the reilanna@ in the Joliet Diocese and an Special Needs Ministry, such as for training workshops, materials and other lewisu.edu active member participating in help for parish leaders and catechists working with those with disabilities. The to receive an the Catholic faith. The deadline donation is one of several recently presented to the diocese by local Knights application for submitting all paperwork councils and comes from the sales of Tootsie Rolls. Posing in the photo are is April 1, 2016. Application three Knights: from left to right: Joe Martinet, Dennis Jensen and Paul Warda. documents and specifications can be obtained by emailing Nanci Reiland, RN MSN, at LENTEN GUIDELINES [email protected].

Those 14 years or older are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. Everyone older than 18 and under 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless SHARE meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each YOUR one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating NEWS between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. When health or ability to work would send your local news stories WE NEED YOUR be seriously affected, these regulations do not oblige. All the faithful and parish events also are strongly urged to perform works of charity and mercy and to FEEDBACK! to magazine@ follow a program of voluntary self-denial and serious prayer. dioceseofjoliet.org

You have been receiving Christ is our Hope, the REGULACIONES DE CUARESMA magazine of the Diocese of Joliet. We hope you have found it to be a source of Todos mayores de 14 años deben observar abstinencia de carne el inspiration and renewed faith. Miércoles de Ceniza y todos los Viernes de Cuaresma. Todos mayores In order to help us improve our de 18 y menores de 59 años deben practicar el Ayuno el Miércoles publication, we are sending out de Ceniza y Viernes Santo. Aquellos obligados por esta regulación a survey to a random selection deben ingerir una sola comida. Se permiten dos comidas livianas en of our readers. If you receive WE NEED caso de ser necesario para mantener la fuerza necesaria; leche y jugos YOUR HELP! one of these surveys in the si son permitidos pero no se permite ingerir alimentos sólidos entre PLEASE mail, would you please take a comidas. Cuando la salud y la habilidad de trabajar puede ser afectado FILL OUT few moments to fill it out and seriamente entonces la ley no se obliga. A todos los fieles se les ánima OUR SURVEY mail it back in the provided seguir las regulaciones de la Cuaresma, hacer oración y obras de caridad postage-paid envelope. y de misericordia. Thank you!

4 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG INSIDE February

P. 6 COVER STORY Bishop Emeritus Joseph Imesch Dies

WAKE UP THE WORLD ! CATHOLIC MINISTRIES YOUR STORY 2015 Year of Consecrated Life ANNUAL APPEAL

YEAR OF 13  CMAA Spreads 20  Lenten Formation CONSECRATED P. 15 God's Grace. The Noonday Devil LIFE and Our Journey 15  Spotlight on through Lent. Young Adult Ministry. The Year of 17 February Conference Consecrated Seeks to Inspire Life was Vocations in Parishes. YOUR COMMUNITY announced last year by  Helping Those P. 18 18 Pope Francis. in Need. 22 Local News It began during the If you have any questions First Sunday about the CMAA or to of Advent request assistance in making your pledge, during 2014 please contact and will DONATE TO Tony Brandolino at end on the Diocese of Joliet CHRIST IS OUR HOPE Development Office MAGAZINE Feb. 2, 2016. at tbrandolino@ www.givecentral.org/ dioceseofjoliet.org or dojcioh/mobileaoc.php 815.838.8515.

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Bishop Emeritus Joseph Imesch Dies

As Bishop Emeritus Joseph Imesch got older, on Dec. 22, 2015; he was 84 years old. he dealt with health issues that plague many When Bishop Imesch moved from STORY BY people who age. After he retired as the third to the Diocese of Joliet in 1979 after being CARLOS BRICEÑO bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, his heart issues appointed as the new bishop of Joliet, he finally caught up with him. acknowledged it was not easy to be away from He reflected on this by writing: “One year ago, friends and family. As he was driving to his new I had quadruple heart bypass surgery. In addition home, he passed a sign that welcomed travelers to restored health, I was given a great gift – time. to Illinois. He told the other passenger in the Time has always been a part of my life, as it is car — his close friend, the late Bishop Kenneth of everyone’s, but previously, time was always a Untener — that he did not want to be buried in challenge, a goal to meet, a pressure. There was a state other than his beloved Michigan. He later never enough; it was always in short supply.” acknowledged being “embarrassed” by that After being in and out of the hospital for thought, because he had made so many friends months, including dialysis treatments, the gift of throughout the diocese. time finally stopped for Bishop Imesch. He died Many of those friends gathered to bid Bishop

6 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG YOUR LIFE

Imesch farewell after his death — at his wake, at MI, in 1971 and served in that capacity until 1977. the funeral Mass, and at Resurrection Cemetery in On April 3, 1973, while ministering as a pastor, Romeoville, where he was buried. Msgr. Imesch was ordained as an “I will never forget him saying: ‘Whatever of . Bishop Imesch served as regional the Lord wants,' ” said Sister Judith Davies, bishop of the Northwest Region of Detroit from OSF, the diocesan chancellor. “Bishop Imesch 1977 to 1979 until being named as bishop of spoke those words from his heart throughout Joliet. On Aug. 28, 1979, he was installed as the his life. He meant them even when faced with third bishop of the Diocese of Joliet. disappointments, negativity, distrust and failing After being ordained a bishop, he admitted he health. Courage, bravery, strength, gratitude, and missed being a priest. most of all, trust in the Lord, are qualities that “There is nothing I would rather do than be a immediately came to mind as I reflected on the parish priest,” he said in a 1996 interview. “I would last months of his life. He never complained about give up the job of bishop today, now, if I had the his illness. There was never any self-pity, only opportunity to go back to being a pastor because gratitude to others. Relying on his profound faith I think those were the happiest days of my life.” and love for God, he peacefully placed himself in He said he was looked upon differently when he the Lord’s hands. He said he wanted to go home became a bishop. to the Lord for Christmas. And he did.” “Even after all these years I think I still have Joseph Imesch was born on June 21, 1931, in difficulty understanding the ‘awe’ that people Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, the youngest child of have about the presence of a bishop or whatever,” immigrant Swiss parents, Dionys and Margaret he said. “I see myself as a very normal, human, (Margelisch) Imesch. He described his parents as regular-type of person and don’t always realize simple, genuine, faithful people, who knelt every that I bring with me the — I don’t want to call it night to pray the rosary and whose faith in God baggage of a bishop — but the accompaniment, if “was built not on knowledge, but on love,” he said. you want, of what goes with being a bishop. And He was baptized at St. Ambrose Church in that’s not a comfortable feeling for me. I would Grosse Pointe and later attended the parish just rather be a regular person than a dignitary.” elementary school as well as St. Paul Elementary Retired Bishop Dale Melczek, from the Diocese School in Grosse Pointe Farms. He completed of Gary — who knew Bishop Imesch since Bishop his high school and college education at Sacred Melczek was a ninth grader at Sacred Heart Heart Seminary in Detroit. He earned a Licentiate Seminary in Detroit and Bishop Imesch was of Sacred Theology (STL) while studying in Rome a fourth-year college prefect there — said he at the North American College (1953-1957). On admired his friend’s human qualities. Dec. 16, 1956, he was ordained to the priesthood “His sense of humor, his competitiveness, in Rome and completed further studies at the especially when it came to cards and golf,” said Gregorian University (1969-1970). Bishop Melczek, who was one of several He once described himself from around the country who attended the as a “Vatican II priest, adding, funeral Mass. “He really appreciated people as “The Church needs the , friends. Once you were his friend, you were his absolutely. A very active laity friend for life.” is indispensable to the Church. Shortly after arriving in Joliet in 1979, Bishop The laity must be involved in Imesch, together with the late Senator George the Church. It is their Church.” Sangmeister and local business women and After ordination, Father men, created the Housing Foundation of Will Imesch was assigned to St. County and established the Daybreak Shelter to Charles Parish in Detroit (1957), provide emergency services to the homeless. On where he served as associate a monthly basis, throughout the years, the bishop pastor, until becoming secretary could be seen at Daybreak, helping to feed the to Cardinal from poor and conversing with them. 1959 to 1971. He was named “Bishop Imesch was committed to the gospel a monsignor in 1965 and was of peace and justice,” said Thomas L. Garlitz, named pastor of Our Lady of the diocesan director of the Office for Human Sorrows Parish in Farmington, Dignity. “Unlike some who work on behalf of

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justice, he was not an ideologue, a partisan, or a Annual Appeal to raise funds to support the Catholic liberal. His impulse was much simpler. efforts of the diocesan agencies and offices as He heard the call of Christ in the Gospel to love well as to provide support for the education of the weak, the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and seminarians. In 1996, he established the diocesan he did it. He simply moved as a shepherd caring Catholic Education Foundation, dedicated to for his sheep. If one of his lambs was in trouble, the advancement of Catholic education through he sought to bring rescue. Bishop Imesch was a providing long-term financial support to families pastor, and he cared for all in his fold, especially of children who attend Catholic schools. the marginalized. With the support of Bishop Imesch, the diocesan “Bishop Imesch did not concentrate on writing Peace and Justice Office began its mission official statements or making speeches,” Garlitz outreach program. A sister relationship with continued. “But, if asked to write a letter to a the Diocese of Sucre in Bolivia was established. corporate head on behalf of workers, it was done. In addition to being responsible for building a

It was not usually in a public manner for him hospital in Sucre, the bishop also ensured that the either, more likely a behind-the-scenes phone call medical staff undergo sufficient training. to the right person than a speech at a protest In addition to his service to the clergy, religious rally, though that was not beyond him if needed. and laity of the diocese, Bishop Imesch served While making full use of diocesan structures, on various local, regional and national boards. for Bishop Imesch peace and justice was not Here are some of them: member, Catholic Relief a program or an agency. He did not delegate Services (1982-1985; 1997-2002); member, Board this responsibility; rather he only empowered of Trustees of Mundelein Seminary (1984-2006); others to expand his capacity. He was personally chairman, National Council of Catholic Bishops involved, responding to the needs of individuals Committee on Women in Society and the and organizations as they would call on him to Church (1982-1985); chairman, National Council plead their cause. The work of peace and justice of Catholic Bishops Writing Committee for the was his to do.” Pastoral on the Concerns of Women (1983-1992); In 1986, Bishop Imesch began the first Diocesan member, National Council of Catholic Bishops

8 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG “One of the often-used readings for Father Joseph Tapella, a funeral is from the Gospel of John Marriage and Family Life Committee (1994-1997); Judicial Vicar: in which Jesus tells His disciples, ‘Do member, National Council of Catholic Bishops not let your hearts be troubled. Have Committee for Stewardship (1995-2002); and faith in God and faith in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. Otherwise, how could I have told you that I am chairman, National Council of Catholic Bishops going to prepare a place for you? I am indeed going to prepare a Committee for Pastoral Practices (1995-1998). place for you, and then I will come back to take you with me, that He also cared deeply for his brother priests where I am, you also may be.’ In his final days before passing, there and anyone else who needed him to be at any is no doubt that Bishop Imesch took these words of our Lord to event. Natalie Bayci, his secretary, recalled how heart. In his illness, Bishop Imesch provided strong evidence of his he always made time to meet with any priest faith in the Lord’s promise of eternal life, and it is so very important who wanted to talk to him. She also remembered that we grow stronger in our faith that the Lord’s words are true how little time he had for himself because he was and that he has indeed prepared a place for us in the life to come.” always so busy. “I was with bishop … shortly after “I could have the tightest schedule going, and Mary Foley, president he made the hospice decision, but if a priest called in I had to find a way to get him of Foley Consulting Inc.: never expected he would die so in,” Bayci said. “You can check with any priest, soon. I know that he was at peace and they have never been denied an appointment and ready, so it is wonderful for him, but devastating for many with him. … He was in the office every day, all day, others. I met bishop in the mid-1980s when I interviewed him for a unless he had to be at something. And he would campaign feasibility study. After we finished the official questions, go out at night. I would try to cut the schedule we just chatted about the Church, Catholic education, being a a little bit so that maybe he could go home, bishop. And thus began a long friendship. He was very eager for me freshen up, get some rest, and he would fill it up. to get married — to a nice Catholic man, of course — and eventually Someone would call at night at the house, and I did. In fact, my husband's father had been a volunteer on the he would say, “This is free on the schedule; you appeal, and bishop knew him, so I had a stamp of approval from the get go. I had the chance to work closely with the bishop on the could come in at this time.’ He never left space for Capital Campaign for Daybreak, and years ago when my himself. He went from one thing to another.” employment situation changed, I asked him if he thought it was a Father Christopher Groh, pastor of St. Mary sign from God that I should start my own fundraising consulting Magdalene Parish in Joliet, remembered one firm. He said, ‘Tell you what, work really hard, do a good job, and of his fondest memories of Bishop Imesch was then you'll have your sign.’ So I took that as my sign. My firm has during the Rite of Election, celebrated annually been around for 23 years now, working primarily with Catholic at the cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent, organizations." when adults and children of catechetical age — catechumens — are formally called to complete “I remember his pastoral their Lenten preparation for the celebration of the Bishop John M. Quinn, of care, his love for people, how much he believed in lay sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation the Diocese of Winona, MN, ministry and how he and the Holy Eucharist — at the Easter vigil on who was associate pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish engaged people in the Holy Saturday. parish to be active in the life in Farmington, MI, when “That was a favorite of his every year,” said of the parish. He also had a Father Groh, who was the catechumenate director Bishop Imesch was the pastor wonderful sense of prayer for the diocese at the time. “To see the enthusiasm at the parish. He has known and commitment to the life of the new members who are seeking entrance Bishop Imesch since 1973: of the church. He had a love into the Church and his affirmation of them. He for the poor and engaged always was very careful to listen to them, and he the parish in caring for the inner city and being involved in the city liked to have testimonies so that the people who of Detroit. He did it with a great sense of humor and laughter. He were entering into the Church could talk about also had a heart of gold.” how God was working and entering into their lives “I found him to be very and calling them to the .” Abbot Hugh Anderson, OSB: supportive of us [referring to Bishop Imesch won the respect of the the Benedictine monks at St. National Conference of Catholic Bishops for his Procopius Abbey]. I was always impressed with Bishop Imesch's tenacity. For nine years, he diligently attempted image and view of the church, which had a universal scope to it. He to have a pastoral letter on women approved by was very concerned about his people, particularly the poor, and did the conference. active things to support the poor.”

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During his homily during a Mass held on the confessions, he was contacted. occasion of the celebration of his 25th year as Auxiliary Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, who, as a bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Imesch high school seminarian, sang in the choir when said, “Every day has not been a joy, but every day Bishop Imesch was installed as bishop, said that has been a gift.” Bishop Imesch impacted many people’s lives over As with much of the Church in the United the years. States, the Joliet Diocese struggled with the “Over the 42 years that Bishop Imesch served impact of clergy sexual abuse crisis, which the Church as a bishop, I wonder how many gained national attention in 2002, and the confirmations ceremonies he celebrated?” effects of which continued to be felt in the years Bishop Siegel said during his reflection at Bishop following. To respond to this crisis, Bishop Imesch Imesch’s wake service. “Probably well over established firm polices and education programs 1,000. I had the honor of serving as his Master to help protect children and young people, as of Ceremonies for some of these celebrations well as providing pastoral support to victims and over the years. In his confirmation homily, he their families. used to tell the candidates that they should Dr. James Healy, the diocesan director of the say something with their lives — that their faith

He heard the call of Christ in the Gospel to love the weak, the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and he did it. He simply moved as a shepherd caring for his sheep. If one of his lambs was in trouble, he sought to bring rescue. Bishop Imesch was a pastor, and he cared for all in his fold, especially the marginalized.

Center for Family Ministry, recalled: “In 2003, should impact how they treated their family and [Bishop Imesch] asked me to head up the sexual friends and cared for those need. He would say abuse prevention and education committee. We that one day when we see Christ face to face, chose the Protecting God’s Children program, and and he asks what we did with our lives, the Lord in the first year, we trained priests, deacons, staff won’t be interested in whether we were a bishop, members, volunteers and parents — 21,000 in a doctor, a lawyer — He will want to know how we all — to recognize and to respond to the signs of served him in serving others, especially the least possible sexual abuse.” of our brothers and sisters. Although his request for retirement as bishop “From my experience of Bishop Imesch over of the Diocese of Joliet was officially accepted the years as a seminarian, a priest and for the on May 16, 2006, Bishop Imesch continued to past few as a brother bishop,” Bishop Siegel administer the sacrament of confirmation and continued, “it was clear to me that he didn’t just serve wherever and whenever needed. A parish tell the students this as a pious lesson, but rather secretary told him that he was “the last resort,” it was the way he tried to live his life — both in his meaning that whenever a parish or a religious public life and his personal life.” community could not find anyone else for Mass or During the funeral Mass, at the Cathedral of

10 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG St. Raymond in Joliet, retired Auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau, of the Diocese of Green Bay, was the homilist. He said Bishop Imesch gave him some advice when he knew death was near. “Get ready and keep the homily short,” Bishop Morneau said his longtime friend told him. “Pope Francis has been using two words in the last two-and- a-half years of his pontificate,” Bishop Morneau said in the homily. “Two words that were a big part of Bishop Imesch’s life: the word, ‘encounter,’ and the word, ‘accompany.’ And Bishop Joseph in his humanity encountered some of us, looking us in the eyes, deeply concerned for each person, and he accompanied us on the journey as Jesus accompanied us, ‘I'll be with you always, until the end of time.’ ” Bishop R. Daniel Conlon remembered a man who was a longtime leader in the diocese during a time of explosive growth here. “Bishop Joseph L. Imesch served as chief shepherd of the Diocese of Joliet for 40 percent of its history to date,” said Bishop Conlon. “His years of service were marked by great change and population growth, PHOTOS BY which he managed well. Bishop CARLOS BRICEÑO Imesch led with conviction and compassion and used his many talents generously. As we ‘The Lord Is Near.’ celebrate the coming of Christ in this [Christmas] season and, May he be near at the same time, commend Bishop Imesch to the love and the Lord for mercy of God, his episcopal all eternity. motto seems especially appropriate: ‘The Lord Is Near.’ May he be near the Lord for all eternity.”

11 12 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL CMAA SPREADS GOD'S

s Catholics, we share aGrace vocabulary particular The Catechism of the Catholic Church includes teachings on a variety of graces: sanctifying to our faith. Our Catholic vocabulary includes grace, habitual grace, sacramental graces, graces wordsA that describe everything from vestments of state and states of grace. The Catechism to sacraments to the objects on the altar. Our explains the following about grace: • “The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to vocabulary has terms such as “vestibule” and justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins …” “sacristy” to describe areas of a Catholic church. (1987) We use words such as “Advent” and “Lent” to • “The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion ...” (1989) distinguish seasons in our Catholic calendar. • “Our justification comes from the grace of God. Most Catholic words have specific definitions. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become The word “grace” — however — is difficult to children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the define. In the New Testament, the word “grace” divine nature and of eternal life.” (1996) literally means “highly favored.” Jesus taught • “Grace is a participation in the life of God. It that Christians are under grace, not law. Catholic introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life: tradition holds that when ecclesiastical judges by Baptism the Christian participates in the grace asked St. Joan of Arc if she knew whether she of Christ ...” (1997) was in a state of God’s grace she responded, “If I • “Sanctifying grace is an habitual gift, a stable BY TONY am not, may it please God to put me in it; if I am, BRANDOLINO, and supernatural disposition that perfects the may it please God to keep me there.” WHO HAS soul itself to enable it to live with God, to act by St. Ambrose wrote, “Every holy thought is ... SERVED his love.” (2000) AS CHIEF the grace of God.” St. Augustine said, “Grace ... DEVELOPMENT is revealed to the humble, but hidden from the • “Grace is first and foremost the gift of the OFFICER FOR proud.” St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Grace has five Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us. But grace THE DIOCESE effects in us: first, our soul is healed; second, we also includes the gifts that the Spirit grants us OF JOLIET to associate us with his work, to enable us to SINCE 2008 will good; third, we work effectively for it; fourth, we persevere; fifth, we break through to glory.” collaborate in the salvation of others and in the The lives of the saints provide us with stories growth of the Body of Christ, the Church.” (2003) of amazing grace. But grace is not for canonized • “Since it belongs to the supernatural order, saints only. Grace works in our world and in each grace escapes our experience and cannot be of us. But what exactly is grace? known except by faith.” (2005)

13 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL

These theological observations about grace are profound, yet might still leave us wondering, “How can we recognize grace?” When the question was posed to Steve DeSitter, now in formation as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Joliet, he said, “If we put our antenna up, we can be aware of God’s grace, and you will see it everywhere. If you volunteer at a soup kitchen and sit with a homeless guest and carry out a conversation as if he or she were a family member or friend, that’s grace. When we hold the hand of a dying person, that’s grace. When we reach out to families who have been traumatized by death or illness, that’s grace. When we accept people who are marginalized and make them feel as if they belong, that’s grace. When we listen to somebody without focusing on what we want to say next, being present in the moment, that’s grace.” Added DeSitter: “The more we recognize God’s grace, the more joy in our heart and more love for God. The more we empty ourselves for the sake of others, God fills that space in us with grace and makes us able to do more. We need to recognize all the grace-filled moments.” This year, with the theme “Chosen by God’s Grace,” our Catholic Ministries Annual

If you have any Appeal (CMAA) asks you to participate in questions about a grace-filled moment that creates many, the CMAA or to many more grace-filled moments in the request assistance Diocese of Joliet and beyond. When you in making pledge to the CMAA, you participate in your pledge, please contact grace. As St. Thomas of Aquinas wrote, you Brandolino at the help heal your soul. You will good and work Diocese of Joliet effectively for it. You persevere. And by Development the grace of God and all the grace shared Office at through the Catholic Ministries Annual tbrandolino@ dioceseofjoliet.org Appeal, we may “break through to glory.” or 815.838.8515. And help others to do so, as well. Thank you for your amazing grace, and on behalf of all the people touched by God’s grace and yours, thank you for choosing to make a contribution to the 2016 CMAA.

14 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL

of what they were saying, so I would go to a whole bunch of different denominations to try and understand a fuller picture. I felt in my heart that what I was hearing was only part of it. I ran cross country in college, which is how I found myself at a Catholic university in Chicago. The school was founded by the on Sisters of Mercy, who are very Spotlight PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BRICEÑO active in peace and justice and Young Adult Catholic Social Teaching. I was raised with a strong sense of serving others and fighting for justice, so learning about Catholic Social Teaching was really eye- Alexandra Fedosenko (L) opening for me. But I still didn't Ministry and Kayla Jacobs (R) consider myself Catholic. I was just, like, "These sisters are cool. Catholic Social Teaching is cool. I his month, the magazine is highlighting several ministries that are among the like that. That's in line with how I many that receive funding from the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, which feel about faith and life." Then I took a Christian kicked off on Jan. 30-31, 2016. The CMAA’s goal this year is $6.7 million, and sacraments’ class; it was my the theme is “Chosen by God’s Grace.” In this particular story, Alexandra freshman year, and I learned T about the Eucharist. I remember Fedosenko and Kayla Jacobs — appointed late last year as co-ordinators for the it very powerfully. The professor diocesan Young Adult Ministry Office — talk about the young-adult landscape in an explained transubstantiation interview with Carlos Briceño. The new director of the diocesan Young Adult and and how Catholics believe the Youth Ministry Office, Sheila Stevenson, began in her new job on Jan. 19, 2016. Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. It was a very academic explanation and way of learning TELL ME ABOUT YOUR them at Divine Liturgy on Sunday. about the one thing that would BACKGROUNDS: I was formed through those years change the course of my life. I of prayer and experiences. remember sitting in the back row Alexandra: I was blessed to be being so impacted and feeling raised in a Catholic home. My Kayla: I was raised Catholic like everything just made sense. parents made countless sacrifices loosely. I would go to Mass on The answer to the fuller picture I so that my siblings and I could Sundays, but I didn’t understand was looking for is the Eucharist. receive a Catholic education and what was going on, and I didn't I'm not one to jump into things. be raised in the faith. We were consider myself Catholic. But It took years of discernment very active in parish life and I was very interested in the and asking more questions. participated in events and prayer idea of religion. My home That professor, thank God, is opportunities at Annunciation parish didn’t have a youth an extremely holy man, and he Byzantine Catholic Parish [in ministry or anything like that, ended up being my advisor. Homer Glen]. My mother often so I would go to Protestant I changed my major from volunteered, and I would watch youth ministry events and business to religious studies and my dad take care of elderly Bible studies with my friends. I have been blessed with many parishioners by preparing meals remember attending them and opportunities to learn my faith for them in our home to deliver to only believing in bits and pieces more deeply. Now here I am.

15 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL WHY IS THIS MINISTRY SO community. Being a young adult, looks like. I am really grateful for IMPORTANT TO YOU? especially in the world today, can Bishop [R. Daniel] Conlon who is be one of the loneliest things out really trying to address this issue Alexandra: I like to think of Young there because, up until that point in our diocese. Adult Ministry as the road to in your life, you're already built Emmaus. We read in Scripture into a community. Once you hit Alexandra: Broadly speaking, like that after Christ died there are adult age you have to try to find all people, young adults struggle two people leaving Jerusalem a community and figure out who with sin and evil. At times our who are traveling to Emmaus. you are and then who you can be culture can also provide obstacles They’re conversing. They’re within a community. It could be that make it challenging to debating. They’re talking about really tough sometimes. Young become closer to God, such as everything that has occurred adult ministry is so important individualism and materialism. with the death of Christ and because it could really be a Our materialistic culture now His body is no longer in the great place for community and teaches that higher salaries and tomb. It’s the third day. They companionship, which could expensive items are the recipe don’t know what’s going on. really help us all on our faith for happiness. That's tempting Where is He? journey. for young adults who desire Christ comes alongside happiness as they try to search them. He starts to open up the WHAT ARE SOME OF THE for meaning and passion in life. OBSTACLES YOUNG ADULTS Scriptures to them. He breaks WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN FACE IN TERMS OF GETTING the bread and gives it to them. YOUR FAITH JOURNEY THAT CLOSER TO GOD? They come to recognize Him! YOU HOPE OTHER YOUNG Their hearts are burning within ADULTS LEARN, TOO? them. Then, they set out at once Kayla: Loneliness is a big one. to share the news. Modern society is not in line Kayla: For me, because the Young adult ministry parallels with Catholic moral teachings Eucharist is such a big part the Road to Emmaus [in that] in a lot of ways. There are a lot of my faith journey, the thing we are able to travel with young of temptations out there, and if I want young adults to keep adults as companions on the you’re lacking the community remembering is that Christ is journey. Jesus draws near and or lacking the connection to the very present to all of us. He’s not walks with us. We often have Church, it’s a lot harder to say some far-off being that we can't numerous questions as we “no” to those temptations. get close to. He is literally with experience transitions in our I think unemployment is also a us every day in the Eucharist. lives. He is with us on the road big plague. It's very hard to get a and can open our eyes. He job right out of college because Alexandra: I've been reflecting makes our hearts come alive you don’t necessarily have about the parable of the lost and gives us the courage to set the job experiences that most sheep lately. Something that I've out and share the Good News. businesses are looking for. That learned in my faith journey is has a lot of negative impacts on that we each are the lost sheep Kayla: In meeting young adults in feelings of self-worth. That puts at different points in our lives. It's the diocese, one common trend a lot of doubt into people and always important to remember I have found is that we all desire causes a lot of struggles in other that Christ doesn't wait for you. for more aspects in life. He's actively chasing after you, information Another obstacle is that the and He loves you so deeply – Church, in general, doesn't even if you are standing there, about young necessarily know how to minister and you're thinking, “I'm a mess. adult events, call 815.221.6234 to young adults in a lot of ways. I'm broken. I keep messing up.” or visit: It's kind of difficult for young Know that He's there. He's with dioceseofjoliet.org/ adults to feel connected to the you, and He wants to carry you yaym. Church if churches are having and to shepherd you beyond For a full transcript of meetings in the middle of the your fears and doubts and bring the interview, go to dioceseofjoliet.org/ day and not considering what you to abundant life on earth aroundthediocese. a typical young adult schedule and eternally.

16 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL

February Conference Seeks to Inspire Vocations in Parishes

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED how you can help with the number of priests and religious in our diocese? Have you ever questioned how a lay person can support the Office of Vocations? Would you like to learn practical ways in which your parish can play an instrumental role in the future of the Diocese of Joliet?

STORY BY If you answered yes to any of the questions, the Lord may be inviting you to FATHER BURKE MASTERS, attend a very important workshop entitled “Hundredfold” on Saturday, Feb. 27, THE DIOCESAN VOCATIONS DIRECTOR 2016, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. DID YOU KNOW?

We are very excited about this day because the inviting young men and women to consider a YOUR GENEROSITY Vocation Office of the Diocese of Joliet and the religious vocation. Many of our priests are very TO THE CATHOLIC Serra Club of DuPage County have invited Rhonda busy as pastors of very large and complex parishes. MINISTRIES ANNUAL Gruenewald, a national author and speaker, to lead The time has arrived for the entire Church — clergy, APPEAL BENEFITS THE OFFICE OF the conference. Rhonda is from Houston, Texas, religious and laity — to work together to encourage VOCATIONS and recently published the book “Hundredfold young people to follow the will of God in their lives. GREATLY AS $1.7 — A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry.” She is a God continues to call men and women to MILLION FROM dynamic speaker and has spoken to priests and lay follow Him as priests, brothers and sisters. There THE APPEAL GOES people around the country on this important issue. are many problems that we face. The world is TO SEMINARIAN One of my goals is to have a vocation committee bombarding our young people with noise and EDUCATION AND in every parish in our diocese. Although we have distractions. Very few young people take time VOCATIONS. several very active committees in our diocese, in silence to listen to the voice of God. We need we still have a lot of work to do. Bishop R. Daniel more people to pray for vocations daily. And we Conlon recently sent a letter to our pastors all can learn new ways to invite young people to encouraging them to send three-to-five people to consider this life of service and joy. this conference. Our goal is that each parish group If this parish vocation ministry is something that will leave with a very practical plan on how they sparks a desire in your heart, please contact your can help promote vocations at their own parish. pastor to express your interest in attending. The They then present this plan to their pastor for cost is only $20 per person before Feb. 19, and approval to implement. $30 after that. This cost includes the conference, We all know that there has been a decline in coffee, rolls and lunch. The day will begin with religious vocations since the 1960s. The good Mass at 8 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, news is that we currently have 41 seminarians followed by registration, coffee and rolls. The for the Diocese of Joliet, the largest number we conference will begin at 9:15 a.m. and finish at 2 have had since 1983. At the same time we have p.m. Each parish that registers will also receive seen a substantial increase in the number of our a copy of the book, “Hundredfold — A Guide to seminarians, the number of Catholics in our diocese Parish Vocation Ministry.” Extra copies of the continues to grow. book will be available for $15. The number of men and women religious has I look forward to seeing you there as we work declined dramatically in the last few decades. together with the Lord to encourage more laborers At one time we had many sisters in our schools in the vineyard.

17 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL Catholic Charities: Helping Those in Need

The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal raises money to help many ministries and agencies throughout the diocese. One important recipient is Catholic Charities. In a recent interview with Carlos Briceño, Glenn Van Cura, the agency’s executive director, talked about the impact his agency has for those in need and some of the challenges his agency faces.

What are some of the challenges and young families cannot afford to return to the facing your agency? communities where they grew up to raise their own children. Home prices continue to outpace incomes Every day is challenging at Catholic Charities. As throughout Illinois. And for our most vulnerable an agency, a challenge is funding, which allows us clients, affordable housing simply does not exist. to operate our programs. We fundraise for basic Our project in Channahon is the first of hopefully human needs. As such, we share in our client’s Glenn Van Cura, many more affordable housing developments the challenges. We share their highs and lows, their executive director agency will be taking on in the future. of Catholic good days and bad. Charities in the Public perception of our clients is a challenge. Diocese of Joliet Sometimes, when people are comfortable in their What is the biggest misconception people own lives, it is difficult to remember those who have about Catholic Charities? are living in crisis. Homelessness, mental illness, poverty, hunger, and issues related to aging aren’t People are often surprised that Catholic Charities always pretty, comfortable or popular. We ask that serves everyone regardless of their religious views. people not show a disregard for the homeless in It is true that as an agency we are a faith-based the streets. We ask that they don’t ignore those charitable ministry deeply rooted in the Catholic inflicted with mental illness; those unsure where faith and tradition, but, as Pope Francis teaches us, their next meal is coming from; or the seniors who we don’t impose our faith on those we serve, nor are choosing between paying for prescription do we seek to change their views. drugs, rent, or a meal. FOR A FULL How has the recent struggles TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTERVIEW, GO TO What are some of your new projects? in the economy impacted your work? DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG/ We are committed to staying current with the It’s been tough. The state budget has wreaked AROUNDTHEDIOCESE. needs of our clients and the communities in which havoc on many social service agencies. It poses a we serve. The agency is always willing to consider sort of domino effect on a social service agency. new programs and services when we know our For example, when the state withholds day care clients will benefit. In reaction to the times, Catholic funding, people can’t work because they often Charities has decided to take on the challenge of have no one to watch their children, which leads affordable housing. Next spring we will break ground to families being out of work. When families are in Channahon to build a 48-unit complex for seniors. out of work, they look to us for help. There is an The need for affordable housing is staggering. increased need for rent and mortgage assistance, The shortage is so severe that people integral to utility assistance, prescription assistance, and so our communities are finding themselves in great on. When people cannot provide for their families, need. Many teachers, police officers, nurses, many become depressed or anxious, so more firefighters, and other key occupations cannot people look to our counseling department. We afford to live in the communities where they work. struggle addressing homelessness as our homeless Seniors, in particular, are being priced out of the shelters are operating at capacity. Larger crowds communities in which they’ve spent their lives, from the community flock to our soup kitchen,

18 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Shepherd’s Table, each day. Obviously, that puts years, we have begun to provide large-scale a strain on Catholic Charities financially. It also disaster relief services. In Kankakee County, we makes it more difficult to fundraise within the have expanded our services to seniors and those community when folks are stretched thin taking with disabilities to ensure that these populations care of their own families. It’s very challenging, but can live with dignity and self-sufficiency, and, we are grateful to our donors and thankful that as we have already spoken about, this spring we’re making it work and are able to provide vital we will break ground on our first affordable services to so many during these difficult times. housing project. I am also very pleased with the advancement of our Head Start program. The How has your faith life been affected? agency now has five Head Start centers and an Early Head Start program, which includes our My faith has been strengthening during my Expectant Mothers program. years at Catholic Charities. I see the face of As proud as I am of each advanced initiative Christ in every client. Our clients are some of the or new program, I am equally proud of our basic strongest individuals I’ve ever had the honor of human needs services that help advance our clients knowing. Our youngest clients (in our Expectant through that “new door” God has chosen for them, Mothers Initiative) haven’t been born yet, and our once an “old door” has closed. Watching our clients oldest clients (in Aging and Disability Services) gain the courage and tools needed to advance to a are over 100 years old. Each and every one of life of self-sufficiency is a very fulfilling feeling. them is facing hardship and poverty. The strength that I have witnessed when our clients are in their darkest hours is remarkable. And our amazing Why is it important to donate to the staff is truly doing God’s work within the diocese. Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA)? This is the hardest-working, compassionate, and As Catholics, it’s very important to donate to DID YOU professional staff I have ever met. Sometimes the appeal to help fund the ministries that provide KNOW? the work that is required of them is messy, support to people throughout the Diocese of THE CMAA dangerous, and discouraging. But this group truly Joliet. Catholic Charities is one ministry that believes in our mission and never tires of their PROVIDES receives funding from the Catholic Ministries $1.2 MILLION responsibilities. My faith is renewed each day Annual Appeal. We are so very grateful. IN FUNDING when I witness the spirit of our incredible clients, Pope Francis asks that each of us walk with EVERY YEAR staff, and volunteers. the poor, that we serve the poor. In a fast-paced FOR CATHOLIC life filled with family commitments and jobs, CHARITIES. What are you most proud of during your sometimes it seems tenure as executive director? impossible to take I’m immensely proud of the ways in which time away to serve the agency has grown. We are constantly the poor. However, evaluating the needs of our community and one way to serve the adjusting the programs and services we provide poor is to donate to to accommodate the changing world. When we the CMAA. We are so learned that families were struggling to access thankful to everyone food, we introduced our Mobile Food Pantry who helps support program (in partnership with the Northern Illinois this appeal. On behalf Food Bank), which provides healthy food to low- of Catholic Charities, income families in areas which are considered I would like to thank “food deserts.” When we found out that many those who support schools were unable to provide counseling the appeal, and I want services, we made professional, affordable them to know that counselors available to local Catholic schools. their donations truly We have begun providing services to homeless make a difference (and at-risk) veterans in our SSVF (Supportive in the lives of their Services for Veteran Families) program. And in neighbors when they response to local natural disasters over recent need it most.

19 YOUR STORY LENTEN FORMATION

THE NOONDAY DEVIL AND OUR JOURNEY THROUGH LENT

WHEN IN FEBRUARY OF 313, EMPEROR CONSTANTINE DECLARED CHRISTIANITY LEGAL WITH HIS EDICT OF

MILAN, CHRISTIANS THROUGHOUT THE ROMAN EMPIRE ENTERED INTO A PERIOD RELATIVELY FREE FROM

THE HORRORS OF THE EARLIER PERSECUTIONS WHICH HAD CLAIMED SO MANY MARTYRS FOR CHRIST.

NO LONGER FACED WITH MARTYRDOM, CHRISTIANS SOUGHT WAYS TO LIVE BRAVELY AND VIRTUOUSLY

THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH. AS THE MARTYRS HAD DIED WITNESSING TO THEIR RADICAL LOVE FOR CHRIST,

THESE NOW DESIRED TO LIVE RADICALLY IN A WAY THAT WITNESSED TO THAT SAME LOVE.

Thus it happened that our day. We do not have to read discover a few strategies to many lived in solitude or in for too long before we discover overcome it. communities as monks in the that, in many ways, perhaps the Called the “noonday devil” desert. The desert became for very struggles of these early because it showed itself at them both the place of intimacy monks of the desert are not too the longest part of the desert with God and of spiritual different from spiritual struggles day, acedia (today commonly combat. They wrote about we are apt to experience in our called sloth) plagued the monk. their experiences of struggles own day. As we enter into this Confined to his one-room hut for and triumphs with various season of Lent, let’s take a look prayer and fasting between the temptations, and these have at one struggle in particular hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the been collected and preserved to that many Christians face and monk would be tempted to do

20 Christ is our Hope | FEBRUARY 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Story by Sister Emma, OP, a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia who teaches 2nd grade at St. Jude School in Joliet

something, anything, rather than all this will cost us. This “spiritual the vice of acedia is hidden but face the long noontime drag, sloth” redirects our gaze from active in our daily lives. to fill with various distractions the ultimate goal and turns it If, during Lent, I find myself the time he should be giving to in on ourselves. Acedia can rob feeling the “pull” of that ancient God. Perhaps he would think us of our joy, our hope, and desert “noontime drag,”I need to of some excuse that would ultimately of our sense of the recognize it for what it is. I need require a trip into the city, or deepest meaning of our lives. to stand firm in the knowledge find of a reason to pay a visit How does all this translate into of God’s grace, which is always to a neighboring monk, or just the here and now, especially as with me. His grace helps me to settle down for a nap. Not we enter this season of Lent? recognize and be sorry for my wrong in themselves, these were Perhaps this understanding sins; to tell Him of my sorrow; temptations to fill a specific of the tendency to acedia not to be embarrassed even to time set apart for the Lord with can be helpful in our efforts shed tears for them. God’s grace distractions. The vice of acedia healthy self-examination. I may enables me to persevere in my made these temptations seem have encountered the vice of efforts each day, to be faithful to more appealing, while the effort acedia at times when I’ve felt my vocation even in small and to devote time just for the Lord tempted to skip a Sunday Mass routine situations the day might seemed too difficult or even because I was too tired or had bring. God is present there too, meaningless. other things to do. Perhaps I’ve and He wants to walk with me in Sloth is one of the seven offered a million excuses why I my “routine.” deadly sins and is often defined simply cannot find time to (or Something else begins to as spiritual laziness. Unlike the don’t really need to) make it to happen in the desert, when I six other sins of pride, anger, confession or stop in for a visit respond to the grace of God’s envy, gluttony, lust, and greed, to the Adoration chapel in my presence. I begin to know Him it can often be overlooked or parish. Maybe I have needed to better; to know myself better. misunderstood – and that is apologize and make amends I begin to have a sense of the precisely why it is so deadly! with a loved one, but instead delight God takes in me. I begin Actually, acedia is more than of picking up the phone to call, to know how much He loves me. “laziness,” as we usually think I have used that same time In this knowledge, my longing for of it. It is the tendency to see to check the weather, browse God grows. Discouragement and spiritual goods as a burden through Facebook, or check up sadness at the effort entailed in and a distaste the activity on my sports teams. Perhaps I living my faith are transformed required to achieve that good. feel the need to be busy all the by Christian hope, and the What should be our greatest time and find it difficult to be wonderful assurance that He happiness – responding to the still. The thought of making quiet desires me to be with Him grace God gives to walk in His time for prayer intimidates me. forever. presence here on earth, with the Maybe I am fearful of making As we continue on our Lenten prospect of living forever with commitments, small or large, journey through the desert, let us Him in heaven – causes us to feel because I live in the hope of a go bravely and with confidence unhappy or discouraged. Why? better offer. Or – and perhaps that God is with us! May we Because the effort required to this is one of the most dangerous be renewed in our Christian live our faith and the demands habits of thought – maybe in my vocation to holiness, keeping made on us seem somewhat efforts to live my faith I secretly our eyes on God, who calls us overwhelming. Instead of struggle with discouragement, because He loves us. May we find responding joyfully to the boredom, mediocrity, despair, or in the desert noontime drag an grace of our baptism, allowing fear that my efforts just aren’t opportunity to grow in intimacy ourselves to be excited about the good enough for God. Maybe with God and be strengthened greatness to which we are called, I’m not good enough for God in our efforts to place Him first in we experience sadness at what are just a few examples of how our desires.

MAIN PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA©/MYRABELLA 21 CREDITS YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS continued ... THINGS TO DO

Waterleaf Women’s Center to The magazine of the Hold Fundraiser on Feb. 6 Catholic Diocese of Joliet Waterleaf Women’s Center is sponsoring a fundraiser on FEBRUARY 2016 Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at the VOLUME 9: ISSUE 1 Abbington in Glen Ellyn. Tickets

Most Reverend are $50, which includes a one- R. Daniel Conlon hour open bar; three-course dinner PUBLISHER with wine; and award-winning Edward P. Flavin entertainment. A table of 10 costs DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS $500. The cocktail reception begins PHOTO BY CLAIRE HALBUR BY PHOTO at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Carlos Briceño Thirty members of the Cathedral Children's Choir and Youth Schola arrive to EDITOR the Vatican Square before dawn on New Year's Day to sing for the Papal Mass. Jenny Bis VISIT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Young Singers Attend International Music Congress in Rome https://donatenow. Lorena Chavez networkforgood.org/ SPANISH TRANSLATOR eveningofhope2015 A group of young singers from the Diocese of Joliet recently To submit story ideas and news, send e-mails to took the pilgrimage of their lives. Thirty members of the for tickets or to make [email protected]. Cathedral Children's Choir and Youth Schola, from the Cathedral a donation in support

For subscription information, of Saint Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, traveled to Rome and of the event. call 815.221.6112. participated in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores, the worldwide youth choral organization of the Catholic Church. FOR MORE On New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis addressed the youth INFORMATION of Pueri Cantores, telling them that singing is good for the Visit waterleafwc.org

WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM soul. “Remember this: Sing and walk,” the pope said to the approximately 4,000 choristers who attended along with their

Christ is our Hope family members, friends, and choirmasters. During the papal (USPS 25288) is a membership audience, the Holy Father shook hands with some of the Joliet Attention Parents of Children, publication of the Catholic choristers, and even reached through the crowd to bless one of Diocese of Joliet, 16555 Youth and Young Adults Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL them, said Claire Halbur, the cathedral associate for children’s 60403. Published monthly. Gift subscription rates are $15 choirs who guided the children on their pilgrimage. with Disabilities per year. Individual issues are $2.50. Send all subscription A total of 18 countries were represented at the congress, which We want to hear from you! Two information and address changes to: Christ is our Hope culminated with the youth singing for a Papal Mass in Saint listening sessions are being magazine, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403; Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Day. Other highlights from the scheduled for you to share your 815.221.6112 or email magazine@dioceseofjoliet. Dec. 27-Jan. 3 trip included processing through the Holy Doors comments about how well parishes org. POSTMASTER: Send at Saint Peter’s Basilica (specially opened for the Jubilee Year of in the diocese have assisted you address changes to Christ is our Hope magazine, 16555 Mercy); visiting the Colosseum and the catacombs; a private tour with sacrament preparation, Mass Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403 ©Christ is our Hope of the Sistine Chapel; and singing for a “Mass of Nations” at the attendance, and any other issues. magazine, Diocese of Joliet. ©FAITH Publishing Service. Cathedral Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. Bishop R. Daniel Conlon has asked FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Publishing Service. No The pilgrimage had a big impact on the youths, boys and girls that the diocesan Disabilities portion of Christ is our Hope magazine may be published, ages 9-18. Ministry provide this opportunity broadcast, rewritten or “I had this set idea of who God was in my head,” said Ygnacia to hear your needs, so that we otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part Berman, 17, a Cathedral Youth Schola member. “I think everyone can assist parish leaders to serve without prior written authority of the Diocese of does. But after visiting churches and basilicas in Rome, most you better. Session one will be on Joliet and/or FAITH Publishing ServiceTM. For especially the Sistine Chapel, I was reminded through the Saturday, Feb. 20, at St. Raphael reprint information or other questions regarding use grandness and beauty of it all, how powerful, mighty, and glorious Parish in Naperville, 10:30 a.m.– copyright material, contact the Christ is our Hope our God really is! To think all of that beauty barely scratches the noon (during the REACH session.) magazine editorial offices at surface of the greatness of God, and of heaven! No pictures, and the Diocese of Joliet. Session two will be Monday, April Periodicals postage paid at no words can even describe it!” 18, from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Romeoville, IL and at additional mailing offices. The choir families conducted fundraisers for nearly two years Immaculate Parish, Plainfield. to realize the dream of this trip to Rome. At the conclusion of the congress, all the children sang the Hallelujah Chorus from FOR MORE Handel’s “Messiah.” INFORMATION, Said Halbur, “That was a glorious moment: a gift that our young Contact Joyce Donahue singers will always carry with them.” at 815.221.6146

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