Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 27 No. 3 April 2011 Masters Level Th eology Study For non-traditional students is coming to the Diocese by way of Ave Maria (NTCUniversity photo/Joan Kurkowski-Gillen)

(Artwork courtesy of Ave Maria University, Institute for Pastoral Theology) This fall Ave Maria's Institute for Pastoral Theology will bring additional opportunity for advanced formation to the diocese

By Michele Baker theology locally, Bishop Vann pointed out and understand the faith,” he said. Currently, that the diocese has, over the years, “made the most important is the Pope John Paul II his degree program is rooted in it a priority to provide programs of doctrinal Institute which off ers lay ministry formation, and spiritual formation to all … engaged in adult formation opportunities, and training for “T the Catholic Tradition, faithful to uilding on the diocese’s strong ministry and pastoral activity through a variety those who direct and teach catechesis in the commitment to provide formation of programs.... Most especially, the Pope John RCIA process. Th e JP II Institute, Pollice said, the Magisterium, and designed for the non- opportunities to the faithful, Bishop Pau l I I I n s t it ute S c ho ol of L ay M i n i s t r y prov ide s summarizing, “provides basic and intermediate traditional student .... Th e IPT format was Kevin Vann has invited Ave Maria an excellent two-year program of doctrinal formation that is the stepping-off point to more University’sB Institute for Pastoral Th eology and spiritual formation that meets the needs advanced formation such as the Institute for developed to accommodate students whose (IPT) to establish a graduate program in of a wide variety of catechetical, liturgical, and Pastoral Th eology.” theology in the Diocese of Fort Worth with pastoral ministries.” “Th e IPT would be ideal for those who are access to graduate studies in theology is restricted classes beginning in the fall of 2011. Th e three- Lucas Pollice, director of Catechesis for looking for a graduate level program that is an year course of study will culminate in a Master of the diocese, gave an overview of the variety in-depth study of the pillars of the Catholic by job, family, or distance.” Th eological Studies degree in pastoral theology. of educational needs to be addressed: “We are faith,” Pollice continued, “such as the Catechism — Timothy Herrman, associate director of In a letter to priests, deacons, directors of currently working on developing a number of of the Catholic Church, the writings of the Second the Institute for Pastoral Th eology religious education, and principals, announcing adult formation programs in the diocese that Vatican Council, the writings of Pope John at Ave Maria University the new opportunity to earn a master’s in meet the great need for adults to truly know SEE INSTITUTE, P. 19 PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 ShepherdOur Speaks Lent, encountering the Cross of Christ and repenting Dear Brothers and the grace of the Holy Spirit to purify and communion with the Church, to be more transform us and turn us fi rmly on the path conformed to Christ and to turn away from Sisters in Christ, of righteousness and salvation. But we must the darkness of sin and toward the grace and fi rst be willing to put to death with Christ mercy of Christ. However, one of the most those things that are obstacles to holiness important parts of the rite asks everyone he season of Lent is and our relationship with Christ. Th at is who is there representing all of the parishes upon us, and this why we are called to fasting and sacrifi ce if they are ready to off er a faithful witness to during Lent. Th ese are very eff ective ways of the Elect and Candidates as they prepare for time is given to us curbing our passions and desires, of dying to the Easter sacraments. It is very important T ourselves, our wants and needs, so that we for us to remember that the responsibility for by the Church each year as might be able to rely more on the grace of those who are entering the Church is not just a season of repentance and Christ and be more conformed to Him and the responsibility of the pastor, or the RCIA the Cross. director and catechists. Th e RCIA process is conversion as we prepare Secondly, the Pope reminds us that a work of the entire parish who constantly ourselves for the celebration true and serious conversion is only possible witness to the Elect and Candidates how through our participation in the Sacrament the Catholic faith is to be lived out in the of Christ’s death and of Penance. It is through this great sacrament ordinary circumstances of life, and how each of Christ’s mercy that true conversion takes and every one of us is called to be a faithful Resurrection at Easter. witness to Christ and the truth that He has Bishop Kevin Vann place: We recognize our sins, take full Th e season of Lent is a great gift of the responsibility for them, confess them to entrusted to the Church. Church as it calls us to serious conversion, Christ, and then receive through sacramental Many of you will also witness some to look deeply into our hearts and lives with in our lives; that we may be transformed absolution new life and grace in Christ. Each of the other RCIA rites in your parishes the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit, to by the action of the Holy Spirit, like St. and every confession is like the parable of over the coming weeks. On the Th ird, uproot the sources of sin in our lives, and to Paul on the road to Damascus; that we the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) played over Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent, the three more radically conform ourselves to Christ. may fi rmly orient our existence according and over again. Th rough the Sacrament of Scrutinies will be celebrated for the Elect Lent is a serious season, but it is such a great to the will of God; that we may be freed Penance, Christ in his great mercy embraces who are preparing for Baptism at Easter. moment of grace for all of us if we are willing of our egoism, overcoming the instinct to us, restores us, and strengthens us in his Each Scrutiny is based upon a passage from to respond to the call of Christ to “repent dominate others and opening us to the love grace, and there is great rejoicing in heaven the Gospel of John: Th e fi rst is based on and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). of Christ. Th e Lenten period is a favorable because a sinner has truly repented and is Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well We need to examine more closely this time to recognize our weakness and to fully alive in Christ. Th rough confession, (John 4:4-42), the second on Jesus’ healing call to conversion and repentance. Th e word accept, through a sincere inventory of our we literally empty ourselves of sin so that of the man born blind (John 9:1-41), and conversion in Greek means metanioa which life, the renewing Grace of the Sacrament we can be fi lled with the grace of Christ. the third is based on Jesus raising Lazarus literally means “to turn around.” Conversion of Penance, and walk resolutely towards Participation in the Sacrament of Penance from the dead (John 11:1-44). Each of these or metanioa means to turn away from sin and Christ.” (3) should always be a regular part of our life as passages from Sacred Scripture reveal to us a turn toward God; it is a call to uproot, to cast Catholics, but particularly during the season moving and powerful story of conversion and away all that is within us or around us that First, our Holy Father teaches us that of Lent as we strive for a deeper conversion salvation, and the saving power of Jesus who causes us to sin so that we may have a more Lent is about encountering the Cross of to Christ. Our parishes provide many comes to bring us out of the darkness of sin profound relationship with God. Christ, the Cross that not only saved us, but opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance and death and into his marvelous light. Th e I think sometimes the temptation for the Cross that also continuously calls us to during Lent, with Penance services and extra Scrutinies and the witness of those coming us during Lent is to do the bare minimum, die with Christ to our old, sinful self, so that time for confessions. Be sure and consult into the Catholic faith are great reminders to give up something rather trivial, to try we might rise with him to new life in the parish bulletins and announcements for these to all of us that we are called to this kind and pray a little more here or there. Not that same way that St. Paul teaches us: times. of conversion and that Jesus is truly “the these things are not good in themselves, but Lent is also a very important time in resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). I do we take the season of Lent as a time to Put to death, then, the parts of you that many of the parishes for those who are encourage you to take some time to refl ect seriously turn away from sin? Do we examine are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, beginning their fi nal preparation to be upon these passages as a part of your journey with seriousness what we do and say, what we evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. received into full communion with the of faith and holiness this Lenten season. watch on TV or the Internet, how we treat Because of these the wrath of God is Church through the Rite of Christian In the meantime, please be assured people, our attitudes, the example we give to coming (upon the disobedient). By these Initiation of Adults (RCIA). I have the of my prayers as we together seek to more others? Do we seriously discern the things you too once conducted yourselves, when privilege at the beginning of Lent each year deeply know the Lord and his love and mercy that may lead us to sin and remove them you lived in that way. But now you must of celebrating the Rite of Election and Call during this penitential season. I look forward from our lives? Th is is the kind of serious put them all away: anger, fury, malice, to Continuing Conversion with all of the to sharing with you the joy of Easter and the conversion that the season of Lent is calling slander, and obscene language out of your people from all around the diocese who are grace of the resurrected Christ. all of us to do. mouths. Stop lying to one another, since preparing to enter the Church at Easter. Pope Benedict XVI, in his recent you have taken off the old self with its Th is powerful rite calls the Elect, or those Message for Lent, teaches us what this holy practices and have put on the new self, who are about to be baptized to continue and penitential season is all about: which is being renewed, for knowledge, in to grow in their experience and knowledge the image of its creator. of Jesus Christ as their Savior and grow +Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD “In synthesis, the Lenten journey, in which —Colossians 3:5-10 in their understanding of their own need Diocese of Fort Worth we are invited to contemplate the Mystery for redemption and their calling to receive of the Cross, is meant to reproduce within Th is kind of conversion is only possible the grace of Christ. Th e rite also calls the us "the pattern of his death" (Philippians if we are willing, like St. Paul, to be knocked Candidates, or those who are already one 3: 10), so as to eff ect a deep conversion off our horse, if we are willing to allow with us in Baptism but are preparing for full CONTENTS North April 2011 Texas Features Departments catholic Archbishop Gomez has now been 4-5 Briefl y PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann 6 installed as Archbishop of LA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina By Mike Nelson EDITOR: Jeff Hensley 8-9 Voices ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez Father Kyle Walterscheid makes ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau 12 a compelling case for weekly Mass 12 Vocations WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner By Father Kyle Walterscheid CIRCULATION: Rita Garber 13 Catechesis Texas Mission Conference gives REGULAR COLUMNISTS: Denise Bossert 15 view of young Catholics in mission Jean Denton 12 Features Kathy Cribari Hamer By Michele Baker Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley Loreto House brings wisdom for 24-25 Word to Life David Mills Mary Regina Morrell 18 ‘Being With’ the ill and elderly Sharon K. Perkins Lucas Pollice By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen 26-28 Spanish Father John Rausch Father Kyle Walterscheid

Contributors: Michele Baker Jenara Kocks Burgess Confession is healing for all of us John English Juan Guajardo f you're really interested in a "behind the scenes tour" of what's going works and what women in our parishes have gotten out of their involvement Kathy Cribari Hamer on in the Diocese of Fort Worth, I recommend (once again) following the at the parish, diocesan, provincial, and national levels? Then read Jenara Kocks Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Bishop's Blog on the diocese's home page: www.fwdioc.org. Burgess's article on Page 9. Donna Ryckaert Bishop Vann continues to give a newsy, personal approach that lets you in Kristin Zschiesche I Worried about heading into the confessional during Lent? Want to know more on matters of importance to the local church. Recent postings, as we go to press, about the history of our faith's practices and how far back they can be traced? Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas have included an update on a recent meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council; 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. (You may be surprised.) Then read the package of articles on the sacrament of Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort notes about the Focolare Movement's new presence in our diocese, an account of Penance, Reconciliation, or Confession on Pages 16 & 17 — according to the Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. a recent series of visits the bishop made to seminaries where our future priests are NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is authors, all these terms are correct. published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of being formed, and details about the new stained glass windows at Holy Redeemer the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Parish in Aledo. Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 Michele Baker does a nice job of telling us what it's like for youth and young for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort adults to take part in mission work in her stories on the Texas Mission Council's Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas I promise I'm not being told to plug Bishop Vann's blog. I really do think that if Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. recent meeting in Fort Worth on Page 15. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of you're interested in knowing more about the local Church and the national Church, the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC you'll fi nd it fascinating. And I promise not to lead with a plug for the Bishop's is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the Thanks for reading us. Visit the Web for fresh news at www.fwdioc.org/ntc. following month as the date of issue. Blog at www.fwdioc.org next month (although I still might mention it). To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. Jeff Hensley org/ntc Want to know more about how the DCCW (Diocesan Council of Catholic Women) Editor The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. NTC now off ers advertising in print and online Reach all the Catholics all the time Since the NTC went live with its online month. And for the time between editions, So now, more than ever, advertising edition in mid-September, the site — www. the online news version of the North Texas in the NTC can help those who want to fwdioc.org/ntc — has been off ering a mix Catholic Newsmagazine www.fwdioc.org/ market to Catholics in the diocese — and of local stories we've created and national, ntc , off ers access to readers seven days a week, beyond. Th e NTC can reach the people international, and Vatican news from Catholic 24 hours a day. they're interested in reaching, anytime, News Service. We can now off er advertising Readers can now sign up to receive the anywhere. both in print and online. NTC's Twitter feed, spotlighting stories of For more info on print or web ad prices, For people with a need to reach the interest as they are posted, or even use their call Judy Russeau at (817) 560-3300, ext. Catholic audience in the 28 counties of the smart phone to scan the Microsoft Tag (both 308, or e-mail her at [email protected] Diocese of Fort Worth, the print edition of at right) to go directly to www.fwdioc.org/ to view web ad prices go to the advertising the NTC goes to 82,000 plus homes every ntc. tab on the site. PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011

Pope remembers slain Pakistani minister Cause for Father Augustus Tolton, first Bhatti; bishops recognize him as martyr identified African-American priest takes step VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict television, Fr. Lombardi said the fact forward with prayer service, oaths XVI prayed that the assassination that a Christian and a Muslim both of Pakistan’s minister for minorities died for the same cause is a “spark CHICAGO (CNS) — Bishops, priests, would awaken people’s consciences of hope” for working for respect for religious, and laypeople gathered for to the need to protect the freedom of human rights. midday prayer in a Chicago chapel to religious minorities. “This is no longer just a dialogue Briefly witness Cardinal Francis E. George and “I ask the Lord Jesus that the of mutual knowledge or a dialogue in commission members take an oath moving sacrifice of the life of the commitment for the common good; to carry out their duties for Father Pakistani minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, from a dialogue in life we pass to the Nation, World, Church Augustus Tolton’s sainthood cause. will awaken in people’s consciences dialogue of witness in death, to the “History is what God remembers. courage and a commitment to price of one’s own blood so that the So this is a most important moment safeguarding the religious freedom name of God not be distorted as an in the history of the archdiocese,” of all men and women and, in that instrument of injustice,” he said. Cardinal George said during his way, promote their equal dignity,” the Meanwhile, an official of the homily at the prayer service in St. pope said March 6 during his midday bishops’ conference of Pakistan said James Chapel at the Quigley Center in CNS Photo Angelus address. the body would meet in late March to Chicago. Father Augustus Tolton A radical Muslim group is review a proposal to ask the Vatican Father Tolton is the “first identified suspected of murdering Bhatti, who formally to identify Bhatti as a martyr. black priest in the United States,” said At the service, after the prayers was killed in his car in Islamabad Bishop Andrew Francis of Multan, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry of and before the oath-taking, Bishop March 2. He was the first Catholic to president of the bishops’ Commission Chicago, who read a biography of the Perry covered highlights of Father serve as minister for minorities and for Interreligious Dialogue, drafted priest during the service. Tolton’s life. was outspoken against Pakistan’s anti- the proposal and told the Vatican’s The Vatican Congregation for Born the son of slaves in Missouri, blasphemy laws, which Christians say missionary news agency, Fides, “Bhatti Saints’ Causes requires “the formal he studied for the priesthood in Rome have been used to persecute religious is a man who gave his life for his introduction of a cause for sainthood because no American seminary would minorities. crystalline faith in Jesus Christ. It is to take place in a public session with accept him. Sent to what was then When Bhatti visited Ottawa up to us, the bishops, to tell his story a gathering of the Christian faithful,” called the Diocese of Quincy (now in February, he said, "I follow the and experience to the Church in Rome, according to the prayer service’s Springfield) in southern Illinois, he principles of my conscience, and I am to call for official recognition of his program book. later came to Chicago to start a parish ready to die and sacrifice my life for martyrdom.” The chapel session launched the for black Catholics. He was only 43 the principles I believe." Catholic bishops in the United canonical inquiry into the life and years old at the time of his death. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, States and Canada were among those virtues of Father Tolton and formally “He is described as one who Vatican spokesman, said Bhatti will be who spoke out against Bhatti’s murder, commissioned those who will serve the worked himself to exhaustion,” said remembered as “a valiant witness of noting that he had promoted interfaith cause in official capacities. Bishop Perry, reading a biography on faith and justice.” dialogue. Canadian bishops also The archdiocese still awaits the the priest. Father Tolton died during Bhatti was the second Pakistani encouraged Prime Minister Stephen Vatican naming the priest a “servant a heat wave walking home from a official to be assassinated for opposing Harper to ensure that Canadian of God,” the title given to those whose retreat. He was one of two priests in the anti-blasphemy laws. Salman foreign policy officials make clear CNS photo/Reuters cause for canonization has been the city who died that week of heat Taseer, a Muslim and governor of that religious freedom is promoted Newly-elected Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai officially opened. The congregation exhaustion, the bishop said. Punjab province, was killed Jan. 4. in meetings with officials of other expected to unite Catholics, speak truth allows a diocese to move forward Throughout his life, Father Tolton In a commentary for Vatican governments. while awaiting the title. endured racism on every level, even BEIRUT (CNS) — Church bells rang, approximately 1 million live in Lebanon. A diocese must appoint various in the Church. But through it all, he Cardinal Rigali expresses ‘renewed sorrow’ for horns blasted and firecrackers The new patriarch has served as people to lead the cause, such as an remained faithful to the Lord, his victims of the ‘evil’ of abuse echoed throughout Lebanon as it was president of the Lebanese bishops’ episcopal delegate and promoter of Church, and his people. announced that Bishop Bechara Rai of communications committee and hosted justice, as well as theological and “He never dished back the PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The Stations for this evil inflicted on children and Jbeil, Lebanon, had been elected the a weekly program on Telelumiere, historical commissions, and a guild. At prejudice thrown in his face,” Bishop of the Cross and the sacrament of young people” and asked God “to new patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Lebanon’s Christian television station. the head of all of this is the diocesan Perry said. Reconciliation served as solemn forgive those who have committed Church. The program, “Boushra al Rahi,” which bishop and the postulator who he At present, there are no settings for the penitential service that this sin.” Patriarch Rai, 71, known for his means “Good News of the Shepherd,” appoints. recognized saints from the Civil War Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia “I ask God to sustain us in our courage to speak the truth, is seen provided commentary and teaching on During the Feb. 24 session, or Reconstruction periods or the Civil led to address the clergy sexual abuse human weaknesses as we struggle as someone who can unite Maronite that Sunday’s Gospel, and the patriarch Cardinal George, along with Bishop Rights Era in the United States, so, crisis March 11, the first Friday of Lent, with determination to confront this Catholics, who have been divided encouraged listeners to live the Perry, the diocesan postulator, and the if canonized, Father Tolton would be in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter evil definitively,” continued the among political party lines. Scriptures in a practical way. historical and theological commissions the first. and Paul. cardinal. “And I ask God to make us The patriarch’s election was Mohammad Sammak, secretary- took oaths of fidelity to the cause. “He is a holy model for anyone “We know that the expiation of all ever more effective both in promoting announced March 15. Elections began general of Lebanon’s Christian-Muslim Others who took oaths were Father who wants to serve God,” Bishop Perry the sins of the world is accomplished the protection of children and in March 11, after the Maronite synod Committee for Dialogue, said Patriarch Michael Hack, as episcopal delegate; said. “His story highlights how the only by Jesus through his suffering, addressing allegations of sexual spent two days in spiritual retreat Rai has an ability to transcend divisions. Oblate Father William Woestman, United States of America is a work in death, and resurrection,” said the abuse.” and reflection. He replaces Cardinal Patriarch Rai “is known for being as promoter of justice; and notaries progress.” cardinal in his homily for the evening In the congregation was a Nasrallah P. Sfeir, 90, who retired very courageous in expressing his point Patricia Rimkus and Ellen Sochacki. The During his homily, Cardinal George service. contingent of parishioners from St. because of age. of view, and actually he speaks out what cardinal also signed decrees associated explained that studying the life and That is the reason the congregation Philip Neri in the Queen Village section Father Joseph Mouawad, vicar he believes in. That’s why it is easy to with examining evidence into Father works of Father Tolton is important of close to 100 gathered “in reparation, of Philadelphia. general of Jbeil, predicted Patriarch Rai deal with him, because he’s honest with Tolton’s life. because “there is a pattern of holiness sorrow, and hope to accompany Jesus “I was very impressed by the would unite Maronite Catholics and himself,” he added. Several bishops were in in every generation and in every time. on the Way of the Cross as he falls expression of repentance and begin a pastoral renewal of the Church. At his request, Patriarch Rai will attendance: Bishop John R. Gaydos But then, along with what we do to beneath the weight of all sins,” the contrition,” said Jeff Omana, 35, of St. “I think his first mission will be to officially be installed on the feast of of Jefferson City, Missouri, where examine the cause, there is what God cardinal said. Philip Neri. confirm us in our faith here in Lebanon the Annunciation, March 25. Catholic Father Tolton was born and baptized will do to show that it is his cause, “We also accompany his brothers Omana appreciated how the and, as head of the Church, he will try patriarchs do not have their elections a Catholic; Chicago Auxiliary Bishop too.” and sisters, victims of abuse who, Church admitted sin and asked for to unite Christians, the different parties, confirmed by the pope, but the new Raymond E. Goedert; Bishop Edward This is why we pray for miraculous like Jesus, bear the weight of the forgiveness on behalf of those who and to consolidate the communion patriarch will request and receive K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, and intercessions by those up for sins committed against them. We sinned. “By asking for forgiveness among the Maronites,” Fr. Mouawad spiritual communion from Pope Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley of sainthood. It invites God to show acknowledge that Jesus alone is the and constantly stressing the point of said. Benedict XVI. Washington. us how he worked in the life of this savior of the world who has the power penance — just admitting there was “He has a deep spirituality, and he The 77th patriarch of the Maronite The next stage of the cause person, he said. to forgive, to restore, and to heal us all.” wrongdoing” appeared authentic, he is very sociable and open to the others, Catholic Church said “Communion and involves taking testimony from “History is what God remembers The cardinal acknowledged “the told The Catholic Standard & Times, the and he has great courage. He says the Charity” would be his motto. witnesses about the reputation of and miracles are how God would like grave offense to God and the great archdiocesan newspaper. truth even if someone doesn’t want to He was born Feb. 25, 1940, in Father Tolton’s sanctity. There also the world to be,” said Cardinal George, harm to innocent victims of the evil of Regarding the confrontation of listen to it,” Fr. Mouawad said. Himlaya, Lebanon. He was ordained will be a trip to Rome to examine who also noted he recites the prayer sexual abuse of minors, especially by the clerical abuse scandal, “we’ll Of Lebanon’s population of nearly a priest of the Maronite Order of the archives to document Father Tolton’s of canonization to Father Tolton every members of the clergy.” get through this and we’ll be better 4 million, approximately 33 percent Blessed Virgin Mary Sept. 3, 1967, and six-year stay, from 1880 to 1886, at evening during compline. (The prayer In the name of the archdiocese, the for it,” said Msgr. Daniel J. Sullivan, are Christian. Of the approximately 5.5 was made a bishop in 1986. He has what is now called Pontifical Urbanian is available on cards and at www. cardinal expressed “renewed sorrow archdiocesan vicar for clergy. million Maronite Catholics worldwide, served as bishop of Jbeil since 1990. University. toltoncanonization.org). NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 5

Diocese of Fort Worth Catholic Schools Office Border violence among issues discussed by to hold teacher job fair April 2 bishops from along Texas-Mexico border

The Office of Catholic Schools will principals and representatives from the EL PASO, Texas (CNS) — Shared have been killed in retaliation for the hold a Teacher Job Fair Saturday, April diocesan schools. concerns over violence among Mexico’s actions of relatives. 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Nolan Application and benefits drug gangs and broader issues related Fr. Renovato told Catholic News Catholic High School campus, located information for the coming school year to discrimination and human rights Service the bishops also wanted to at 4501 Bridge St., Fort Worth, TX, will be available. Briefly violations against immigrants and their explore “how the Church can offer 76103. For more information, contact impact on the Church were discussed assistance to migrants, many of whom Prospective teachers (pre- the Catholic Schools Office at (817) by bishops from dioceses along the don’t have any money.” kindergarten through 12th grade) 560-3300, or visit the website: www. Diocesan, State Texas-Mexico border during a three- Northward migration continues will have the opportunity to visit with fwdioc.org/catholicschools. day meeting that ended March 3. even though the route for Gathering in El Paso, across the undocumented Central Americans border from Ciudad Juárez, ground across Mexico has become ever more University of Dallas announces new pastoral zero in Mexico’s drug war and where dangerous with organized criminal ministry major for undergraduate students thousands of murders occur annually, groups entering the human smuggling the 10 bishops also discussed pastoral business. Irving — The University of Dallas will combine a commitment to the issues related to the celebration of the The bishops celebrated a special announced it will offer a new major educational vision of the liberal arts sacraments, said Father Juan Armando Mass for peace and justice at St. in pastoral ministry beginning in fall with a commitment to hands-on Renovato Lopez, spokesman for the Patrick Cathedral March 2 to pray for 2011, following unanimous approval service of Christ and his Church. Diocese of Piedras Negras, across the peace along the border. They were by the university’s Board of Trustees Students enrolled in the major will border from Eagle Pass, in the Diocese joined by dozens of parishioners from on March 3. take all the required courses in UD’s Photo courtesy of Mike Sanford of Laredo. throughout El Paso. Seven newly awarded Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 1703 at St. Jude Parish in Mansfield sit core curriculum in the areas of art, “I hope that these prayers, that we “When the University of Dallas during their Eagle Scout ceremony Feb. 28. This was the troop's first class of Eagle Scouts. The bishops agreed to coordinate was established more than 50 years literature, philosophy, politics, science, practices on both sides of the border, will join together in saying, in English ago, our founders were explicit in and history. At the same time they will St. Jude Parish honors Boy Scout troop's first making it easier for U.S. residents to and Spanish, our communities will their desire to develop a university interact with ministry professionals, class of Eagle Scouts at ceremony Feb. 28 get married or to have their children truly bear fruit for all of us to benefit that could help meet the needs of study contemporary Church documents baptized in Mexico in front of relatives from,” Bishop James A. Tamayo of the Catholic Church,” said Thomas W. regarding specific ministries, and Father George Foley and the community at St. Jude Parish in Mansfield who find it difficult to cross the Laredo told television station KVUE in Keefe, president of the University of discover and polish skills for service honored Boy Scouts of America Troop 1703’s first seven Eagle Scouts on Feb. 28. border because of the violence, Father El Paso. Dallas. “I am pleased that we are able through practical application. In the span of three months, the small 25-member troop based out of the Renovato said. Border violence was among to continue to meet the needs of the “Catholic parishes, schools, and parish produced the seven Eagles and the parish community reaped the benefits “It’s important that we have the the issues Mexican President Felipe growing Church in North Texas through organizations need professionals who of their Eagle Scout projects, which included a new walkway and freshly painted same requirements along the border in Calderón and President Barack the formation of a new undergraduate are well educated in their faith, and Education Center classrooms. regards to marriage preparation. That’s Obama discussed during a meeting in degree in pastoral ministry. And I am thoroughly formed in the skills of The seven new Eagle Scouts honored were David Fox, Keith Larsen, Jake Petrie, been a big issue for us,” Brownsville Washington. confident our founders would be proud communicating and fostering that faith Josh Petrie, Alonso Pone, Blake Rainey, and Michael Smith. Bishop Daniel E. Flores told television On March 4, the two leaders of the action we have taken today.” in others,” said President Keefe. “UD’s At the celebration, parishioners and guests were welcomed by Scoutmaster station KVIA in El Paso. agreed to work together even harder The program was developed at the new degree in pastoral ministry is Mike Sanford and heard about the history of scouting and some famous scouts. Mexico’s crackdown on organized to combat the drug violence. Obama specific request of Bishop Kevin Vann designed to fill that need.” They also viewed slideshows of the Scouts’ projects. The seven new Eagles were crime and drug cartels has claimed committed the U.S. to speeding up of Fort Worth and Bishop Kevin Farrell In addition to distinctive then presented with certificates of recognition, Saint Christopher medals, and more than 35,000 lives over the the pace of training and equipping of Dallas due to the significant need classroom curriculum, each pastoral cross and chalice pendants with chains. Bill Bellman, former retreat program chair past four years. Violence mainly had Mexican forces to fight the drug for additional ministers to serve the ministry student will participate in for the Fort Worth Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, led the invocation, impacted those involved in illegal cartels. He also said the U.S. must Church in North Texas. In the Diocese a year-long internship that includes and Fr. Foley led the benediction. Each new Eagle Scout also set up a table display activities, but the Chihuahua State curtail the flow of cash and arms into of Dallas alone there are currently a capstone project designed to give of his personal scouting history which parishioners viewed at a cake reception Human Rights Commission recently Mexico that get in the hands of drug only 64 active priests to serve the students a chance to demonstrate both provided by the St. Jude Welcoming Committee. reported at least 200 entire families lords. more than 1.3 million Catholics in the conceptual mastery of the foundations Diocese. of the ministry and practical expertise “We have too many volunteers in the skills it requires. Students will TCC, Catholic Health Association of Texas Former Planned Parenthood director Abby who have great will but do not have also have the opportunity to interact release joint statement regarding Catholic Johnson, now pro-life, to become Catholic the necessary preparation,” said Bishop with a number of collaborative Farrell. “I have asked the university partners, alumni who hold a master’s health care policy in Texas SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — A woman to come together with the faculty of degree in pastoral ministry, and other who walked away from her job as a Editor’s note: The Texas Catholic conscience protection. Unfortunately, theology and the School of Ministry influential Church leaders who have Planned Parenthood clinic director Conference, the statewide association of the final health care bill did not meet to come up with a course of study to supported the University of Dallas and after helping with an ultrasound- Roman Catholic dioceses in Texas, and all of these conditions. enable the Church to continue and to the University’s School of Ministry. guided abortion is preparing to enter the Catholic Health Association of Texas As the 82nd session of the Texas help preach the gospel of Jesus Christ “This blend of immersion in the UD the Catholic Church. issued the following joint statement legislature approaches, the Roman into the next 25 years.” core curriculum, with its emphasis on Abby Johnson, 30, who has been March 3 regarding Catholic Health Care Catholic Bishops of Texas and the The pastoral ministry program great books and great ideas of Western speaking at pro-life events around the in Texas. Catholic Hospital Association of Texas was developed by a joint committee of Civilization, the Rome semester, and country, will become a Catholic, along are committed to working together University of Dallas faculty including a year-long internship in a parish or with her husband, Doug, in her native During the health care debate, in fidelity to tenets of the Catholic distinguished members of the diocesan setting makes the degree Texas within the next few months. The there were several voices within our Church. Catholic health care is an Department of Theology as well as outstanding and second to none,” couple has a 4-year-old daughter. national Catholic health care ministry integral part of the health care delivery members of the faculty of the School added Brian Schmisek, dean of the “When we went to the Catholic who called for support of the final system that people in Texas rely on of Ministry. The curriculum that was School of Ministry. Church for the first time, we knew that version of the Patient Protection and every day and the Bishops in solidarity developed has been reviewed and Additional information about the was where we were supposed to be CNS Photo Affordable Care Act (PPACA). However, with CHA TX have a long history of carefully examined by Bishop Farrell pastoral ministry major and how to and we have been there ever since,” Johnson, who had one abortion after a great deal of effort to change serving those in need and speaking for and Bishop Vann and has received their apply can be found at www.udallas. said Johnson, who said she particularly at age 20 and another at 23, first key language and careful examination those whose voices often go unheard. endorsement. edu/pastoralministry. loves the Church’s reverence for Mary began working as a clinic escort while of the controversial bill the U.S. The Church’s health ministry, “[Bishop Farrell’s] support for this The University of Dallas as the mother of God. “The more we a student at Texas A&M University. Conference of Catholic Bishops did as a visible manifestation of the program at the University of Dallas, is a Catholic, co-educational started learning about the beliefs Assisting with an ultrasound during not support the final version of the healing presence of Christ the Lord, is and my support for this at the same university with students enrolled in of the Church and the Eucharist and an abortion in September 2009, she national health care reform bill that committed to providing quality health time are another clear expression undergraduate and graduate programs everything, it seemed like this was describes in her book, unPlanned, was passed by Congress and signed by care to all people in our communities of a spirituality and theology of through the Constantin College of what had been missing our whole turned her into a pro-life advocate. the President. and to using the resources we have to communion,” said Bishop Vann in a Liberal Arts, the College of Business, lives.” Johnson is in the process of The USCCB supports health care the greatest community benefit. statement to the Board of Trustees. “I the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal After eight years as a Planned obtaining an annulment of the reform, in principle, but not the know as well that we both together Arts, and the School of Ministry. Parenthood volunteer and employee, marriage to the man who was her particular legislation that passed. Andrew Rivas, will continue to be involved with The University of Dallas has its main Johnson walked away from her job husband at the time she had her The bishops are committed to health Executive Director President Keefe in the ongoing campus in Irving, an international as director of a Planned Parenthood abortions, so that the Catholic Church care reform which ensures that health Texas Catholic Conference development and strengthening of this campus near Rome, Italy, and a clinic in Bryan/College Station, Oct. 6, will officially recognize her second care is accessible and affordable for program.” learning center in Frisco. For more 2009, during a prayer vigil by 40 Days marriage and she and husband Doug all, while maintaining current federal Patrick Carrier The pastoral ministry major information, visit www.udallas.edu. for Life. can enter the Church. law regarding abortion funding and Catholic Health Association of Texas PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Archbishop Jose Gómez installed as fifth archbishop of Los Angeles Former metropolitan of San Antonio Province replaces retiring Cardinal Roger Mahony

By Mike Nelson Editor, The Tidings Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles I want to spread this simple and beautiful truth of the Gospel: That each of us is born from Catholic News Service the love of God. That each of us is a child of God who belongs to the family of God, the ore than 6,000 people Church. We are born to be saints — every one of us! assembled for two Masses Feb. — Archbishop Jose Gómez 27 at the Cathedral of Our M 'For greater things we were born' Lady of the Angels to observe a historic — The Tidings, Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and rare — transition of leadership in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On the day Cardinal Roger M. Mahony celebrated his 75th birthday — the age at which bishops are canonically required to submit their resignations to the pope — Archbishop Jose H. Gómez was welcomed as the new leader of the church of Los Angeles. Archbishop Gómez was named last spring by Pope Benedict XVI as coadjutor archbishop for Los Angeles. He had served five years as archbishop of San Antonio, and was previously an auxiliary bishop of Denver.

On March 1, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the cardinal’s resignation. Cardinal Mahony, the first native Angeleno to serve as archbishop of Los Angeles, was installed in September 1985 to lead the nation’s most populous archdiocese, now numbering nearly 5 million Catholics. The cardinal was a priest of the Fresno Diocese when he was named a CNS photo/Victor Aleman, Vida Nueva Fresno auxiliary bishop in 1975, then bishop of Stockton, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony applauds as Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gómez stands with his crosier during a Feb. 27 California, in 1980. Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The Mass included a ceremony symbolizing the transfer of pastoral The two Masses — one in English, one in Spanish — marked the first time that this ritual of transition has been leadership of the Los Angeles Archdiocese from Cardinal Mahony to Archbishop Gómez. Cardinal Mahony turned 75 that day, the celebrated in the eight-and-a-half-year-old cathedral. Since age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope. Los Angeles was created an archdiocese in 1936, only three other transitions of leadership have occurred, all at the from Chapter 4, Verse 16, of the Letter to the Hebrews: he hopes “to spread this simple and beautiful truth of the former St. Vibiana’s Cathedral. Adeamus cum fiducia ad thronum gratiea, Latin for “Let Gospel: that each of us is born from the love of God, that Archbishop Gómez is Los Angeles’ fifth archbishop, us go forth with confidence to the throne of grace.” It each of us is a child of God who belongs to the family of following Archbishop John Cantwell and Cardinals James expresses the Christian belief that all mankind is called God, the Church.” Francis McIntyre, Timothy Manning, and Roger Mahony. to salvation in Jesus Christ, the compassionate priest "We are born to be saints — every one of us!" he added. The ceremony featured an entrance procession that and intercessor. Through his salvation, God’s throne has He said he has “five basic priorities” as he begins his included Los Angeles’ auxiliary bishops. Archbishop become the judgment seat from which mercy flows. work: education in the faith; promote vocations to the Gómez’s coat of arms was carried by Sister Mary Elizabeth During the Mass, the new archbishop, welcomed priesthood and the religious and consecrated life; “to help Galt, archdiocesan chancellor and a Sister of Charity of the enthusiastically by the assembly, led the singing of “Happy us to see the beauty of the Church’s cultural diversity”; to Blessed Virgin Mary, and Monsignor Royale Vadakin, vicar Birthday” to his predecessor, who likewise received a long “proclaim to our society that life is sacred from conception general and moderator of the curia. During the Mass, the ovation in appreciation of his quarter-century of leadership to natural death”; and to “defend and strengthen the new coat of arms was installed on the cathedra, the bishop’s and service to the archdiocese. natural institutions of marriage and the family based on chair. In the March 4 issue of The Tidings, the Los Angeles the permanent and exclusive union of one man and one For his motto, Archbishop Gómez has chosen a phrase archdiocesan newspaper, Archbishop Gómez wrote that woman.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 7 TCC encourages Catholics to participate in Advocacy Day

North Texas Catholic Staff and parish staff members, and other lay social institutions that must be supported throughout the rest of the legislative session, people involved in several organizations and strengthened”; either. he Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy within the diocese will visit legislators • Immigration — “We recognize the “Advocacy is not just limited to April Day, sponsored by the Texas Catholic assigned by the TCC in groups of four or historic and present-day contributions of 6,” Svacina said. “Catholics are going to be TConference (TCC), the official five. Svacina said that while not everyone immigrants in Texas by supporting their testifying throughout the legislative session association of the 15 Bishops of Texas, will in the diocese can physically attend the ability to work in a healthy environment on issues of importance to the Catholic be held April 6 this year at the state capitol Advocacy Day, he encouraged the faithful to in order to provide for their families and Bishops.” in Austin. participate in other ways. continue their valuable participation in the Emphasizing the importance of the A major function of the TCC is to “Every Catholic in the diocese is asked community”; advocacy, Cardinal DiNardo, on a statement be the public policy arm of the Bishops to follow what’s going on in Austin,” Svacina • Education — “We recognize parents on the TCC website, said that we advocate of Texas before the Texas Legislature, the said. “The best way people can help, is the as the primary educators of their children “because religion is part of the public Texas delegation in Congress, and state week before, to write, call, or e-mail their through supporting parental choice in square." agencies. Catholics from around the state state representatives and senators, show their education”; During the Advocacy Day, Bishop will be led by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo support for the Advocacy Day, and ask the • Health and human services — “We Vann, along with the other bishops of Texas, of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop legislators to support the TCC’s agendas.” show God’s special concern for the poor will be personally meeting with Governor Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, Fort The public policy issues addressed by and vulnerable by supporting programs Rick Perry, the lieutenant governor, state Worth Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Joe the TCC include institutional concerns that make health care more affordable and speaker, and other statewide officials to Vásquez of Austin, Bishop Daniel Flores of of the Catholic Church and issues related accessible, environmental protections, and address the concerns of the TCC. Brownsville, and Bishop Michael Mulvey of to Catholic moral and social teachings, support for morally appropriate health “Most important, I think for us all to Corpus Christi. according to the conference’s website, www. research”; be aware of, is the importance of prayer,” “The Diocese [of Fort Worth] has txcatholic.org. As of right now, the public • Criminal justice reform — We support said Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville participated in Advocacy Day over the years. policy priorities of the TCC for the 82nd fiscal and moral reform in our state’s at the end of a promotional video on the This year, the Texas Bishops are organizing Legislative Session include: criminal justice system with an emphasis on TCC’s website. “I would like to make a Catholic organizations in the same day,” • The budget shortfall — “The TCC ending the death penalty and supporting special appeal for all the Catholics in the said Pat Svacina, diocesan director of supports a balanced approach to solving the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of state to pray for the success of the hopes Communications and coordinator for the budget shortfall, including seeking revenue those re-entering society.” and the dreams of so many people that our diocese’s participation in the Advocacy Day. to adequately fund needed public services Svacina said that the TCC will address state would be a more humane and more “Our charge as a diocese is to discuss the and prepare Texas for the future”; specific bills before the state legislature on respectful place every day.” Bishops’ agenda. When we’re down there in • Life and family life issues — “Our the Advocacy Day, and those will be based For more information about Advocacy Austin, we’ll be discussing the issues that the foundational principle to protect the life and on what is current. Catholics are urged to Day and how to participate, visit the TCC Catholic Bishops want discussed with the dignity of all human persons calls us to work regularly visit the TCC’s website at www. website at www.txcatholic.org, or contact Pat legislators.” to end abortion, euthanasia, destruction txcatholic.org to know which bills will be Svacina, coordinator for the Diocese of Fort This year, a delegation from the Diocese of human embryos, cloning, and assisted pending the legislature by the Advocacy Day. Worth’s participation at (817) 560-3300, ext. of Fort Worth comprised of clergy, diocesan suicide. Marriage and the family are central However, the TCC will not remain silent 318, or at [email protected].

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By Judy Locke observance in the United and intervention skills, and they can protect themselves. These Worth, call Judy Locke, director Director, Office of Child States begun in 1983 when an legislation aimed at protecting strategies include everything of the Office of Child and Youth and Youth Protection and initiative focusing on prevention the unborn, children, teens, and from “Saying ‘No’” and reporting Protection and Victim Assistance Victim Assistance Ministry was launched by the National young adults. boundary violations to ways Ministry at (817) 560-2452, ext. Conference on Child Abuse and This year, in addition to a children can protect themselves 201, or Father Stephen Berg, Neglect. Today a combination letter on the diocesan website and adults can assist in the Chancellor and Moderator of Then children were brought of church-affiliated institutions, (www.fwdioc.org) from Bishop reduction of incidents of bullying. the Curia for the Diocese of Fort to him that he might lay his public and private entities, and Kevin Vann, acknowledging It is most appropriate that Worth at (817) 560-3300. hands on them and pray. The government agencies support and April as Child Abuse Prevention Child Abuse Prevention Month To report child abuse, disciples rebuked them, but enable child abuse prevention Month, readers will find a is held during the Easter season. contact Child Protective Services Jesus said, “Let the children efforts, on a short-term basis number of helpful links, chosen There is no better time than Easter (Texas Department of Protective come to me, and do not or as permanent organizational to enhance understanding and to celebrate the protection of our and Regulatory Services — prevent them; for the kingdom commitments. Many of these to provide practical suggestions most valuable gift from God — Department of Family Protective of heaven belongs to such as permanent commitments involve for recognizing the signs of our children. For information on Services), at: 1 (800) 252-5400. these” (Matthew 19:13-14). on-going programs to build child abuse, establishing and how to become more informed To report child abuse to civil awareness of the importance of maintaining safe environments and involved in keeping our authorities, contact the police April is “Child Abuse child abuse prevention, education for children, and talking to children safe or to report abuse department in the city where the Prevention Month,” an annual to teach child abuse prevention children and youth about ways to the Catholic Diocese of Fort abuse occurred.

BUSINESS LEADERS - AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST Legatus, the international organization for Catholic business leaders and spouses, is rapidly growing its membership in the Ft. Worth area. Legatus members are committed to study, live, and spread the faith in their business, professional, and personal lives. If you are, or were, a business owner, CEO, President, Managing Director or Managing Partner, Legauts would like to invite you and your spouse to one of its meetings. Legatus meets the 2nd Thursday evening of each month. We start at 5:45 PM at St. Patrick Cathedral with Confession, Rosary, and Mass. Reception, dinner, and listen to internationally know speak- ers at the Ft. Worth Club. For more information contact Jack Sheedy at 214-959-5454 or [email protected] website: www.legatus. org. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 9 Diocesan Council of Catholic Women encourages, offers support for women's involvement in parish and parish organizations By Jenara Kocks Burgess Correspondent

n the Diocese of Fort Worth, just like in dioceses Ithroughout the United States, parish women’s groups work together through the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) to help affect real change in their communities, cities, regions, country, and even the world. Margaret Adams, current president of the Fort Worth Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW), said she thinks it’s important to be a part of the women’s organizations that make up the NCCW because they really live by their mission statement “to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in Photo courtesy of Florence Marcucci spirituality, leadership, and service.” Margaret Adams (FAR LEFT), president of the Fort Worth DCCW, sits with other DCCW officers at the opening general session of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Convention held November in Washington, D.C. From left to right are Adams, Florence Marcucci, secretary; Kathleen Thome, “You find out who needs Women before being asked to be president of the East Central Deanery CCW; and Joyce Brown Thomas, DCCW past-president. what and how to help,” she said. president-elect of the diocesan "To nurture, to care more, to be organization two years ago. Judy Shaw, treasurer for the more active in your parish — it’s a The Fort Worth DCCW Fort Worth DCCW and legislative By being a part of this organization, you combination of love and empathy to currently has active organizations concerns chair for the Northwest reach out to others and do what is in the East Central, Northwest, Deanery CCW, said the whole become a part of your parish. You actively best for them,” Adams said. and Southwest deaneries, Adams Northwest Deanery council “Women always want to have said. Of the 89 parishes in the Fort also raised more than $7,000 participate because of that. a say, and if you don’t join an Worth Diocese, there are 25 to for their “socks and underwear” organization, then you don’t have a 30 active affiliates. The women’s program, benefiting children in the — Kathy Thome say. If you don’t get involved, then organizations at the parish level are Appalachian Mountains. President, East Central Deanery CCW you don’t have a voice,” Adams said. known by various names, but they Shaw, who is also worship According to the NCCW’s are all a part of the NCCW. coordinator and a lifetime member website at www.nccw.org, the Kathy Thome, president of of Sacred Heart, said she has been a representative to the East Central update four times a year after each organization consists of more the East Central Deanery’s council, member of the Council of Catholic deanery meetings in 1978 to meet diocesan meeting to all the parishes, than 4,000 affiliated Catholic who is also on the diocesan board, Women since the 1970s through the people. From there, she worked her even those who without current women’s organizations in parishes said she is hoping more women at altar society. way through the organization until affiliate women’s groups, and and dioceses throughout the U.S., more parishes will join or start a Shaw said she would she was serving on the national representatives of the diocese report representing hundreds of thousands Catholic women’s organization in recommend that Catholic women board at one point. on what the different parish groups of Catholic women, and almost conjunction with the NCCW. join this organization to get to As diocesan president, Thome are doing throughout the diocese. 4,000 additional unaffiliated “By being a part of this know other Catholic women and said she worked on raising awareness Any parish can organize or individual Catholic women. organization, you become a part of to keep up with what is going on in helping victims of domestic reorganize an organization for The website states that NCCW your parish. You actively participate in the Church and world today. violence. She said they also worked Catholic women by contacting programs respond with Gospel because of that,” she said. Shaw said because the organization with HIV patients through Catholic Margaret Adams by phone at values to the needs of the Church Adams said each deanery can is national and international, their Charities. (817) 473-4168 or by e-mail at and society in the modern world. have their own service projects and activities have a big impact through Thome said women should get [email protected]. “I’m proud to be a part of activities throughout the year. And such projects as their letter-writing involved to broaden their outlook The next diocesan convention it,” said Joyce Brown-Thomas, during the quarterly diocesan and campaigns to Congress opposing on life. will be held Oct. 13 at Sacred immediate past president and deanery meetings, members report abortion and same-sex marriages. “The bottom line is it’s a Heart Church in Wichita Falls current parliamentarian for the on those activities. “It’s not just you as one church. network of women all over the in the Northwest Deanery, and DCCW and a member of Our Thome said the aspect of All these Catholics are writing. world. It gives you insight into the workshops and speakers will Mother of Mercy Church in Fort participation in DCCW she enjoys Your group may only have 10, what everyone else is doing. If you incorporate this year’s theme, Worth. most is the communication among but when you combine that with don’t get involved, you don’t do “Campaign for Human Dignity.” “It’s one that Catholic women Catholic women. other parishes, there were probably anything,” she said. The NCCW convention will be in should be aware of. They’re “Being able to network and thousands of letters that were sent,” Adams said diocesan and Chicago in November. doing outstanding things in the find out what our parish women’s she said. national conventions are held “We try to educate women community — not just in the groups are involved in is what I In the East Central Deanery, annually. at these workshops. Getting parishes. We are empowered to do like best,” she said. “We’re a part of members collected diapers, baby “We all have the same mission. them involved in helping people this as Catholic women,” she said. Catholic Relief Services. It’s been an wipes, and nonperishable items for The first time I ever went to less fortunate than us is what we Adams said she became a enlightening experience.” the food pantry as well as collecting national convention, I was amazed strive to do,” Adams said. “You member of the Catholic Women’s Adams said that DCCW books for local elementary schools, that there were people from all over can go to church and come home Organization (CWO) in her parish, affiliate at Sacred Heart Church Adams said. the world there. It was inspiring that and not think of being part of an St. Jude in Mansfield in 1992. in Wichita Falls, the Sacred Heart Thome said she joined the St. it was not just the Catholic women organization or not think of the Then she served in several different Church Altar Society, recently Thomas Women’s Organization in our own little parish,” Adams people that are less fortunate than positions in the East Central raised more than $14,000 for a at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish said. us. The more people involved the Deanery Council of Catholic Vietnamese parish to repair its roof. in Fort Worth and became a The DCCW sends out an better.” PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Instead of Entertainment Speak of the Devil... the holy sacrifi ce of the Mass He's only a creature, you know By Denise Bossert By David Mills n other words, God wins, hen I was in my early he pinnacle moment of my lot of people think demons are twenties, I listened to a lot very "cool" in movies. Th e idea year is the Liturgy of the and we win through of evangelical Christian T that we might meet an evil I music. If a group was a Eucharist at Easter Vigil.... spirit gives them a thrill, but him, and Satan loses. DoveW Award recipient, I had their CD. I went it’sA the kind of thrill you get from a roller to as many concerts as I could aff ord. On No kidding, it is the best Saturday coaster, which makes you feel you’re going to Satan’s rebellion is doomed. Sunday mornings, our Protestant worship crash when you know you’re not. services loosely followed the pattern of a night of the year. But suggest to the person who’s just Th e creature can reject Christian concert. We judged our Sunday seen “Th e Exorcist” or “Damien” or the new his creator but he cannot mornings by the special music performance and raised beyond the embrace of Mother movie “Th e Rite” and loved it that the devil and the pastor’s homiletics. We based our Church — those who believe they are free to and his angels hate him and want the worst defeat him. He’s completely assessment of sermon and song on how choose any place of worship without guilt — for him, and he will either roll his eyes or closely they matched their professional why would they ever deliberately walk away back away from you slowly. Th at, he thinks, outgunned, like a rowboat counterparts in the big leagues: TV from the performance-style worship of other is just nuts. evangelists and Dove Award recipients. faith communities and be content with the It’s only nuts if it’s untrue, and the with a water pistol taking One of the fi rst things an outsider Catholic Mass? Church, as per usual, insists on the reality on an aircraft carrier, but notices about the Catholic Mass is that there Th e answer is almost the same for every even though it is one modern people just is nothing performance-based about it. It’s convert. In the Mass, heaven touches earth, and don’t see. (Why they don’t see it is an infi nitely moreso. all about prayer. Everything is a prayer. By we receive the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. interesting question, but it has to do with design, true prayer is God-focused. Th e pinnacle moment of my year is the the bizarre idea that the world can’t contain Paragraph #2559 of the Catechism tells Liturgy of the Eucharist at Easter Vigil. I both demons and modern science, as if the us that humility is the foundation of prayer. do not say this lightly. No kidding, it is the facts we know about the natural world tell us and dangerous? You might ask him, “Do We come to God humbly, like the beggar. best Saturday night of the year. I wouldn’t anything about the supernatural world.) you believe in angels?” An amazingly high We do not come to Him from our own great be surprised if heaven itself opened up, and Th e Catechism of the Catholic Church percentage of Americans believe in angels, heights. We come to Him out of need. We I could see angels turning toward the altar. I brings up Satan when it explains what is wrong including many who don’t claim a religion come to Him out of love. wouldn’t be surprised to see the saints weeping with us and what happened in the Garden of and some who don’t believe in God. Self is eclipsed by God — or perhaps for joy right along with the rest of us. Eden. “Behind the disobedient choice of our If he says yes, you can point out that if more accurately, self is absorbed by God. And it isn’t just the priest praying the fi rst parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to the world contains good spirits, it might very Everything is rendered to God, for God. Mass that pierces my soul. I would willingly God, which makes them fall into death out of well contain bad spirits. If we have angels, we Emptied of self, we are ready to receive trade all my albums, tapes, and CDs just to envy.” Th at voice was Satan’s. might have fallen angels. We know just from all of Christ. listen to the cantor’s voice as she sings the Th e plea “Deliver us from evil” in the looking around that man went bad. Some Th ese truths are most sublimely Litany of Saints on that same night. Our Father, it says, “is not an abstraction, angels might have gone bad too. actualized when we pray the Mass. Although But there’s more. Doesn’t it get to you but refers to a person, Satan, the Evil One, If that doesn’t work, you might ask him the cantors are as gifted as any I encountered when you see a little child hold the prayer the angel who opposes God.” Quoting the if he believes in ghosts. A lot of people do, in my previous walk as an Evangelical, book while the parish priest leads the Gospel of John and Revelation, it calls the and some of them even have ghost stories Catholic cantors don’t even try to play by the faithful? Really, can you think of anything devil “a murderer from the beginning, . . . a to tell. If they believe in ghosts, he ought to same rules as their Protestant counterparts. sweeter than how that little one looks up to liar and the father of lies” and “the deceiver grant the possibility of other, more defi nitely You don’t get the feeling that you are at a the priest and waits for him to close the cover of the whole world.” Quoting St. Ambrose, it evil, spirits. After all, some ghosts, judging concert. You never feel like you should have — how the child quietly walks back to his calls him “your adversary” and “the enemy.” from all the stories, are malevolent. paid for a ticket and surrendered it at the door. seat and waits patiently for the moment he is Th e Church has Satan’s number. “He If he says no to both questions, he Th e cantor is there for one reason: to needed next? is only a creature,” the Catechism explains, probably disagrees not primarily with the help us pray the Mass with reverence and Even that little child knows that it isn’t and because he is only a creature, “he cannot Church’s teaching about Satan, but with great devotion. And the homily doesn’t about him. It is about helping the people to pray. prevent the building up of God’s reign.” her teaching about the supernatural in mimic the message of a self-help guru. Th e Th at’s powerful stuff . In moments like Although he can do a a lot of damage to people general. Th at’s a diff erent and more diffi cult priest or deacon can’t just pick a text at that I realize how the Church has preserved and society, he is allowed to do what he does discussion. random and run with it. He is called to help the proper meaning of worship. Even with all only “by divine providence which with strength To be honest, this is not a subject I us enter into Sacred Scripture and come the changes in technology, all the big screens and gentleness guides human and cosmic would feel comfortable talking about. I know to a fuller understanding of 2,000 years of and sound systems, even with the stage- history. It is a great mystery that providence why people roll their eyes, and I don’t want Church teaching. centered, entertainment-based Christianity should permit diabolical activity, but ‘we know them rolling their eyes at me. But the person In a word, these cantors and musicians, that mimics some American Idol episode that in everything God works for good with who asks needs an answer. He ought to feel servers and lectors, deacons and priests are all — for 2,000 years, the Catholic Church has those who love him’,” as St. Paul tells us. a thrill when he thinks about demons, but servants. remained holy — Christ-centered. In other words, God wins, and we it should be the kind of thrill he’d get from Th ey are not performers. Th is is the Most Holy Sacrifi ce of the win through Him, and Satan loses. Satan’s stepping on a rattlesnake. What he doesn’t One would think that a person might Mass. rebellion is doomed. Th e creature can reject know can hurt him. have to sacrifi ce a lot to be Catholic. One his Creator but he cannot defeat Him. He’s might expect the Mass to be extremely Denise Bossert is a convert to the Catholic completely outgunned, like a rowboat with a David Mills is the deputy editor of FIRST boring — stripped of all the hype. One Church. Her column Catholic by Grace has water pistol taking on an aircraft carrier, but THINGS (www.fi rstthings.com) and a member might wonder why there aren’t more appeared in 43 diocesan newspapers. She lives infi nitely moreso. of St. Joseph’s Church in Coraopolis. He can Catholics seeking out mega-churches and in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and is a member What might we say to someone who’s be reached at [email protected]. Th e claiming their own seats in the auditorium. of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New not rolling his eyes or backing away, and sections of the CATECHISM quoted are 391, For that matter, why would those born Melle, Missouri. wants to know why we think Satan real 2851, 2852, and 395. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 11 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice

Compassionate counseling begins Human Dignity, with announcing the dignity of both mother and child resilience, and By Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore Lenten resolve

ne of the most signifi cant moments in Salvation By Jeff Hensley History is the Feast of the Editor, North Texas Catholic Annunciation. Th is is the momentO a fallen and broken humanity had ou cannot introduce a 5-year-old to math by n the underground passageways that longed for… sort of. Th e angel of the Lord connect the terminals of Atlanta's appears to a young girl and tells her that IHartsfi eld-Jackson Airport is a not only is the Son of God coming, but that starting with algebra. Th erefore, if we are going permanent exhibit of mostly human Y fi gures carved from serpentine stone and the God she has put all her faith and trust in is asking her to carry this child for nine to honestly consider why a woman would reject her springstone by Zimbabwean sculptors. months, give birth to Him, and continue to Th e fi gures and groupings of trust in the Lord through it all. fi gures, are done in a style of highly Wait, a child? Not quite what was own child, perhaps we must start with some questions polished green, brown, and black faces, expected. It is tempting to skip ahead to that contrasting with rough stone, ranging most beautiful, faith-fi lled line of Mary’s, from a light tan to light brown. “Be it done to me according to your word” about where she is personally. For example, how do Many are family groupings, done at (Luke 1:38), after all, Salvation History as we about 150 percent of life size. Th ey are know it hinged upon her response, but let massive, warm, and impressive. us stop for a moment and consider how this you convey to a frightened and overwhelmed woman Th ey speak of love within families: moment aff ected a young girl. mothers and fathers and children, Even in the most ideal of circumstances, faces shining as they emerge from the at some point in time, pregnancy is that her child has an innate dignity and worth when surrounding roughened stone of their accompanied by some strong, overwhelming bodies. Most individuals or family feelings. After all, from the moment of groups are carved from a single piece of conception a child depends on you! Mary’s no one in her life has ever made her aware of her own stone, each weighing tons. pregnancy, from the very beginning, was My fi rst few times rushing through, hardly surrounded by ideal circumstances. making connections, I passed too She was only betrothed to Joseph, not innate dignity and worth? quickly, but eventually I made time married, which meant that her pre-existing to examine and appreciate these condition came with the sentence of being representations of family relationships. stoned to death, but Joseph would not subject An illustration depicts a human fetus in a womb. (CNS illustration/Emily Thompson) Th ey emanated a sense of dignity, her to this. Furthermore, nothing about her solidarity, and humanity that brought pregnancy was easy. Out of love and family mother in great need. are not believable. with it an appreciation of the values they devotion she hiked to a neighboring town to Like the angel Gabriel, we too have In Jesus Christ we fi nd the entirety of portrayed. visit a relative, Elizabeth. Th en, just to keep all been sent to proclaim Christ to the the human experience, from the moment But what makes the collection come things interesting, a census was to be taken, world, “Go, therefore, and make disciples that the angel of the Lord says that the to mind during Lent, is the size of the and she and Joseph were forced to journey of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). To do this, Holy Spirit will overshadow Mary, to birth, fi gures' hands. Th e hands seem to be to Bethlehem to be properly counted. Mary however, the fi rst thing we must do is meet adolescence all the way to adulthood, human nearly double the scale of the rest of the could not have known what was in store for people where they are. You cannot introduce suff ering, and death. Th e Lord chose, freely, massive bodies and faces. her, but she placed her trust in God. She may a 5-year-old to math by starting with algebra. the Father’s will and to embrace the beauty Th ese hands remind me of the fi gures have been surprised by an angel appearing to Th erefore, if we are going to honestly and fullness of human life. Had each of of Jesus you sometimes see, with the her and certainly by all that he had to say to consider why a woman would reject her these aspects not been integral to the human hands missing, conveying the idea that her, but her faith in the Lord won out. own child, perhaps we must start with some experience, we would not fi nd them in the we are now his hands and feet, carrying In her recent book, unPLANNED, questions about where she is personally. For life of Christ. In Mary we fi nd the model his love to a hurting world. Th ese massive Abby Johnson, former director of a Planned example, how do you convey to a frightened of sacrifi ce and submission for the gift of hands convey a sense of the power we Parenthood facility here in Texas, wrote and overwhelmed woman that her child has salvation. In the angel Gabriel we see the all share to protect, to provide for, and that she had regularly, “presented confused, an innate dignity and worth when no one in herald, sent to announce the gift of salvation to nurture those we love and those we anxious, and panicked women with their her life has ever made her aware of her own in the person of Jesus. We are called to encounter who need the love of Jesus. options — parent, abort, or adopt — as if… innate dignity and worth? You must start at proclaim the name Jesus as Lord and Savior So as we move through the season discussing menu options.” When abortion the beginning and speak to the mom. Th e to a broken world. We are called to say, yes, of Lent, perhaps we can be moved to was chosen, she acknowledged that she angel of the Lord, before he got to the part just as Mary did, to all the gifts given, even see the power we hold, individually and “laid out their options again — surgical or that might have been a little overwhelming, when they pose a great challenge. We are also collectively, to bring food to the hungry, medication — with their safety and comfort started by speaking comforting words to called to trust in God’s will and mercy. As clothing to the naked, and shelter to in mind, and all the while a tiny baby, Mary about Mary! “Do not be afraid, Mary, we face the challenges in our own lives and those who have no roof. Even though our tucked securely inside a womb, had been in for you have found favor with God.” Next, help others through theirs, as we reach out hands and our means seem small, linked the same room with us, with no one to speak we must consider that perhaps this young in charity and truth to those around us, let by prayer and a concern for the common on his or her behalf.” Honestly, I can’t say woman has never met God. Th is means us remember the words of the angel to Mary, good, joined together in the love of our I found this shocking, only heartbreaking. we must ask ourselves, how do we want “nothing will be impossible for God" (Luke shared Father, they become massive Pro-lifers often stand on the sidewalks to be remembered for the introduction? 1:37). instruments of healing, of peacemaking, outside abortion facilities and try to be Ultimately, we can speak of a loving God, of nurturing. In our weakness, is his the voice for the unborn. However, on the but if we do not convey that love through Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore is the diocesan director strength. sidewalk, it is about more than being a voice our actions and treatment of others, it’s not of Catholics Respect Life. for the unborn; it is about being an angel to a that our words fall on deaf ears, it’s that they PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011

Father Kyle Walterscheid, director of the Offi ce of Vocations, following Vocations his ordination in May 2002 at Sacred Heart Church in Muenster. Responding to God’s call Even then he appeared to be inviting people to ask if they were called to a vocation.

By Father Kyle Walterscheid, Is Sunday Mass optional? Director of the Offi ce of Vocations

omeone asked me the other and do all your work, but the seventh day is is the custom of some, but encourage one week! Optional? If we are sick, disabled, the Sabbath day of the Lord, your God…. another.” And St. John Chrysostom (c. 349- or elderly, or care for infants, then there day, “Did your parents In six days the Lord, your God, made the 407) writes “You cannot pray at home as are dispensations and alternative forms of make you go to Church?” heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is at church, where there is a great multitude, communal prayer, but our Church states S in them; but on the seventh day, he rested. where exclamations are cried out to God unequivocally in its Catechism under 2181, Make me? I didn’t know it was an Th at is why the Lord has blessed the seventh as from one great heart, and where there is “Th ose who deliberately fail in this obligation option — when something is made day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11). something more; the union of minds, the commit a grave sin.” As Christians, keeping holy the Sabbath accord of souls, the bond of charity, the While many say they can pray just as normative by parents, then it’s an takes on an even deeper signifi cance. Our prayers of the priests.” well at home, what percent of those choosing expectation and not an option. We “Sabbath” is transferred permanently to Now we are getting to the heart of not to attend church are choosing to pray Sunday, the fi rst day of the week and the day the matter. In communal prayer we gain for an hour at home on Sunday? Does it are making a huge mistake when Jesus rose from the dead as an everlasting everything: a union of minds with God; the really make any sense to say we believe in we choose not to establish good, sign of hope for eternal life after death. Let strength and courage received from fellow Jesus who has called us to be “one body” us stop for a minute and ponder what this Christians; the bond of giving, thinking, but then choose not to worship together, healthy, and holy expectations means. Jesus wants us to receive this blessing about, and praying for others; and most pray together, receive his precious Body and in the family along with solid of eternal life with him. Wow! Not a million importantly as the source and summit of Blood, as we gather together to receive the years of heaven, but eternal life! the Christian life, we get to see and receive same message from Christ, to be challenged explanations. A few weeks ago we heard in our Jesus in the Eucharist as He leads his fl ock in our hearts, while being given individual Here, in the middle of Lent may be the Sunday Gospel that not all who call out to eternal life. Th is community also helps us tasks even as we share in a common mission? perfect time to answer a similar question, “Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of to keep each other accountable in our walk To choose not to attend regular Sunday “Why do I have to go to Church on heaven but only the one who does the will with Christ. services is to choose to dismember ourselves Sundays?” while at the same time explaining of my father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Is So, don’t just send your kids to church, spiritually from Christ. Th e longer we stay why the argument “I can pray just as well at it the Father’s will that we remain at home go with them! Parents, you have the away from worship of God in community, home” is not a legitimate Christian reason instead of going to Church on Sundays? Not obligation to be parents and to lead your the further will be our severing, suff ering, for not attending Mass on Sunday. according to Scripture, nor has it been an children by way of example to holiness and pain which we will experience because, Our honoring the Sabbath has a long acceptable way to practice one’s faith at any and happiness in Jesus Christ who alone “O Lord...you have made us for yourself, and history that dates back to the Israelites’ time in Christian history. Paul's letter to is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When our hearts are restless until they rest in you." miraculous deliverance from slavery in the Hebrews (10:25) reminds the faithful to you don't, that's when the breakdown Invite people to come back and Egypt. God tells Moses, “Remember to keep attend regular (Sunday) gatherings as “We of the family begins. Mass is meant to experience the joy of Christ in community as holy the Sabbath day. Six days you may labor should not stay away from our assembly, as be and should be the highlight of our we prepare for the joy of Easter. Despite troubles, Church is gift of God, pope tells priests By Cindy Wooden need for penance, he said. "doing not what would please me most," but his own tastes; he mustn't preach a Gospel Catholic News Service "Th e Church is always threatened. what is necessary to serve others, he said. according to his own ideas and theological VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even if Th ere is always a danger, the opposition of As priests, "sometimes we have to preferences. He must not hesitate to proclaim the Church is beset by problems, it is still a the devil," who does not want there to be do things that don't immediately appear God's whole truth, even the truth that gift of God, Pope Benedict XVI told several believers on earth, the pope said. spiritual and wouldn't be our choice; from is uncomfortable, even on themes that hundred pastors of Rome parishes. Christians, however, can be confi dent the pope to the lowliest assistant pastor, we personally I don't like very much," the pope Too often, "perhaps because of a fear of that "truth is always stronger than lies, love all have to do administrative and temporal said. triumphalism," priests and other Catholics is stronger than hatred, and God is stronger work," he said. Pope Benedict said that like St. Paul, do not rejoice enough over the gift of being than all the opposing forces," he said. Pope Benedict said that everything today's priests must go forward with the part of the Church, the pope said March 10 Th e meeting at the Vatican began with a priest says and does — whether or not Gospel knowing that sometimes they may during his annual Lenten meeting with the a strong round of applause for the pope, who he's formally ministering to someone at face physical danger because of what they Rome pastors. will turn 84 April 16 and will celebrate the the moment — refl ects on his priesthood, preach. "Certainly, there always are diffi cult, 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination in because the idea of someone being a "part- "St. Paul says that pure biological negative aspects" of the Church's life on June. time priest" is impossible. survival is not my priority; my primary earth, "but it is a beautiful gift that we Rather than responding to the priests' Priesthood is not an occupation a man concern must be to carry out my service and can live in the Church" and receive the questions, as he has done in the past, chooses as a career, he said. "Only God to be with Christ," the pope said. sacraments of God's love and mercy, the Pope Benedict refl ected with them on a can make a priest, and if there's a choice "Being with Christ is true life," he said, pope said. reading from one of St. Paul's letters. Only involved, it's God's." and while "we certainly must care for our "Th e fact that the Church is not only a occasionally referring to his notes, he spoke Priests must preach the truth, the health and work at a reasonable pace, we also gift of God and divine, but also very human" for almost 40 minutes. whole truth, taught by the Church, and must recognize that the ultimate value is to means there always will be problems and a A priest is a servant and that means not "an ala carte Christianity according to be in communion with Christ." NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 13 Catechesis Marriage is the sacrament of life-long and life-giving love By Lucas Pollice he sacrament of by God to be fruitful in the creation of new even through the suff erings, hardships, Th e Marriage Prayer human life. Th e love between spouses is a sicknesses, and hurts of life. Card focuses on the Marriage is the covenant of mar- fruitful love, often pouring forth from them Christ did not abandon the Church, but riage and the bond sacrament of life- in a new life. Th rough their sexual union, even embraced the cross for her salvation. that is created from they mysteriously participate in the creative Marriage at times also calls spouses to the union. It serves T to strengthen the long and life-giving love in power of God in the creation of a new person bear the cross for one another, but through bond and encour- created in the image and likeness of God. Christ’s grace their love and union is age peace and love which spouses, fi lled with Th ey become co-creators with God! strengthened. Lived faithfully, it becomes within the entire family. For informa- Marriage is an intimate and profound the living witness and sign of the sacrifi cial the grace of Christ, become tion on ordering the union of love between husband, wife, and love of Christ that knows no boundaries. USCCB prayer card a living and visible sign of God that bears fruit in other ways, too. Marriage literally makes Christ’s love for married couples and other materials, “Spouses to whom God has not granted incarnate in the world and society. As Pope Christ’s love for the Church. visit www. children can nevertheless have a conjugal John Paul II beautifully teaches: usccbpublishing.org. Along with Holy Orders, Marriage is also life full of meaning, in both human and a sacrament of vocation at the service of Christian terms. Th eir marriage can radiate Spouses are therefore the permanent The Family is a Witness of Faith to the communion of the Church, for as the a fruitfulness of charity, of hospitality, and of reminder to the Church of what happened the World on the Cross; they are for one another and domestic church, the family is necessary and sacrifi ce” (CCC, 1654). Th e family also has an indispensable role for the children witnesses to the salvation irreplaceable in the building of the Body of in society as the living witness of faith, hope, in which the sacrament makes them Christ, the Church. In the book of Genesis The Sign of the Sacrament of and charity in an often dark and hostile sharers. Of this salvation event marriage, the two creation stories reveal God’s plan for Marriage world. It is within holy families that children like every sacrament, is a memorial, the sacrament of Marriage. God created man Th e sacrament of marriage is unique fi rst learn the basic virtues of justice, charity, actuation and prophecy: “As a memorial, and woman in the image and likeness of God from all the other sacraments in that the forgiveness, and generosity. It is within this the sacrament gives them the grace and and called them to live in an intimate union sign of the sacrament is not oil, or laying on framework that these virtues and lessons of duty of commemorating the great works of life-long and life-giving love. of hands, or some other external sign. Th e life are fi rst introduced, lived, and taught. of God and of bearing witness to them sign of this sacrament is the love pledged Th us citizens of good will, working for before their children. As actuation, it gives Life-long Love and lived out between husband and wife. the common good, are formed for society. them the grace and duty of putting into Marriage unites a man and a woman Th at love is the visible and tangible sign Th erefore, not only is the family the domestic practice in the present, towards each other in life-long love: “Th at is why a man leaves of a supernatural reality. Th e spouses both church, but it is also the vital cell of society and their children, the demands of a love his father and mother and clings to his wife, administer the sacrament of marriage to one on which civilization itself depends. which forgives and redeems. As prophecy, it and the two of them become one body” another through the exchanging of their Families are also called through gives them the grace and duty of living and (Genesis 2:24). In the sacrament of Marriage vows. Th rough Christ’s grace they become Baptism to be the living witness of Christ bearing witness to the hope of the future they are called to a profound union of love, a the very sign of the sacrament; living and and the Church to the secular world. Th ey encounter with Christ.” union that is so real and so complete that the visible witnesses to the reality of Christ’s love have a unique and indispensable role of —Familiaris Consortio,13). two become “one fl esh.” In living out their for the Church. witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel in marriage vows, they give a complete gift of In a mystical way, marriage makes this their schools, workplaces, and even places of self to each other: physically, emotionally, love of Christ present. Paul speaks of this The Family is the Domestic Church leisure. Th rough their words and examples, and spiritually. Th rough this complete self- reality in his letter to the Ephesians: Th e family from the very beginning Christian families truly become the leaven giving, spouses so powerfully unite that in a of time has always been not only the in the world, making the presence of Christ sense they truly become one — a new reality. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ source of human life, but also the source incarnate in even the most ordinary places Th is intimate union is revealed in loved the church and handed himself over and nurturing of the divine life of faith. of society and culture. By its very nature, the Genesis in that “the man and his wife were for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the God has willed that Christian spouses be family is the fi rst place of evangelization, not both naked, yet they knew no shame” bath of water with the word, that he might faithful witnesses of Christ and his love for only within the Church, but also in society (Genesis 2:25). Th ere was nothing that present to himself the church in splendor, the Church. It is within the family that the itself. separated the oneness that united Adam and without spot or wrinkle or any such love of Christ is fi rst witnessed to children. Marriage is the sacrament of life-long Eve. In the New Covenant, the complete thing, that she might be holy and without Th rough the parents the seeds of faith are and life-giving love that is the real and union of spouses in marriage is strengthened blemish.…Th is is a great mystery, but I planted and then carefully nurtured in visible sign and witness of Christ’s love for and sealed by Christ’s grace every day speak in reference to Christ and the church. children so they may produce great fruit. the Church and the mystery of God’s love. sustaining the one-fl esh union of husband In any case, each one of you should love his Th us, the family is called the “domestic Marriage and the family are also at the very and wife. Th e declaration of love between wife as himself, and the wife should respect church” not only because it is called to be a heart of the Church’s life and mission. In the the man and the woman before God and her husband. model of the Church, but also the Church face of the modern day “culture of death” his Church is a bond that cannot be broken —Ephesians 5:25-27; 32-33 is strengthened and continues to grow and that seeks to attack and degrade the family, except by death. Husband and wife are called fl ourish by way of the family. Parents have the family must be the courageous herald to grow in love and communion each and Th us, the love between husband and a particular responsibility to bring children of the “culture of life” and an instrument of every day, even through the hardships and wife should mirror the love of Christ up in the faith. Th ey are the fi rst heralds of God’s life and love in a world so often lost in suff erings of life, with the help and presence for the Church, a love that is complete, the Gospel, bringing to their children the darkness. of God’s grace. unconditional, self-sacrifi cing, unending, light and life of Christ, therefore through nourishing, and cherishing. Spouses are the family the Church becomes “incarnate” Lucas Pollice is director of Catechesis and Adult Life-giving Love always called to be faithful to the reality to in society. As John Paul II states: “Th e Faith Formation and RCIA for the diocese. Marriage is also fruitful through life- which they bear witness, through their daily Church thus fi nds in the family, born of Lucas holds a degree in theology from the giving love: “God blessed them saying, ‘Be commitment in living faithfully the love they the sacrament, the cradle and the setting in Franciscan University of Steubenville and has fertile and multiply, fi ll the earth and subdue pledge to one another. Th us, marriage is a which she can enter the human generations a master’s degree in theological studies from the it’” (Genesis 1:28). As revealed in Genesis, the daily, yes, a daily commitment of spouses to and where these in their turn can enter the Institute for Pastoral Th eology of Ave Maria union of husband and wife is also ordained love one another as Christ loved the Church, Church” (Familiaris Consortio, 15). University. PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Features

Th e loss she felt and the doubt it produced was Lent, loneliness profound, but this is not the face she showed the world. She says in her letters that she continued to smile out of love for Jesus, for even though she did not feel his presence, she and being with believed He was always inside her. I think in our own way we each have short or extended periods of loneliness. For some it is a passing moment, for (CNS photo/Reuters) Jesus others a lingering feeling. For young adults, loneliness can be A Bangladeshi migrant worker bathes March 7 at a refugee camp near the border more of a desire to fi nd their life partner; for older adults it crossing of Ras Jdir, Tunisia, after fl eeing violence in Libya. As fi ghting between rebels and By Jeff Hedglen can be more of missing their life partner. But loneliness and government forces in Libya intensifi ed, Pope Benedict XVI called for aid and assistance to civilians caught in the confl ict. being alone can be diff erent things. recently saw the Oscar -nominated movie “127 hours.” Jesus spent 40 days alone in the desert. I do not know if Th e fi lm is about mountain climber Aron Ralston, who he felt lonely during this time, but I do know that the time Ibecame trapped by a boulder in Robbers Roost, Utah, was very important in his life. During those 40 days God for more than fi ve days in early 2003 before amputating was preparing Him for the ministry he was to embark on, a his arm with a dull knife. Th e 127 hours are at times ministry that would change the world forever. funny, excruciating, lonely, terrifying, and inspiring. While Th e Church off ers us the season of Lent to invite us watching this movie, the movie “Castaway” with Tom Hanks into a desert experience, not as a FedEx employee stranded on an uninhabited island for Our desert a time of loneliness, but a over four years came to mind. I think the fact that both of experience time away from the hype these men spent signifi cant time alone and afraid for their and over-stimulation of the lives is what made the connection for me. But it was the and periods of world. We are called into being alone part that really stayed with me. a time of self refl ection, loneliness are not I tried being totally alone for a weekend once. I had spiritual meditation, physical heard of many people who had gone on personal retreats, just foreign to our fasting, and contemplating (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) A girl makes an off ering during Mass marking Missionary Childhood Day in Nairobi, Kenya, them and God. Th ey spoke so highly of the experience that I Jesus. Th is last one is the Saviour Feb. 19. Many of the children attending the service made contributions to help those less decided to try it for myself. Well, halfway into the fi rst day I clincher. It is when we fortunate than themselves. was going crazy, and by the end of the weekend, I was almost connect our Lenten practices out of my mind. And this was less than 48 hours, nowhere to Jesus that we dive deepest into the mystery of Jesus’ life, near 127, and I was not perilously wedged to the side of a death, and Resurrection. mountain, risking death. Our desert experience and periods of loneliness are not All this thinking about loneliness brought to mind the foreign to our Savior. Whether it was during the temptations book Come Be My Light: Th e Private Writings of the “Saint of in the desert or the abandonment he felt on the cross, Jesus Calcutta.” Th is book tells the story of Mother Teresa and the knows what it is like to be alone, to experience loneliness. founding of the Missionaries of Charity, but more than that Th is is not to say that a profound sense of loneliness can it reveals the inner workings of the heart and mind of this be overcome with a good Lenten season. But whether the much beloved modern day saint. desert time we experience is 127 hours long or an experience Her letters reveal a deep and extended time of darkness more like Mother Teresa, Jesus is our companion on the and spiritual loneliness. Pretty much from the time she started journey, so in a very real sense we are never totally alone, the Missionaries of Charity until the time of her death, some even if it sometimes feels that way. 50 years, she had no real emotional or felt presence of Jesus. Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. Bartholomew Parish in (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) In and of itself this is signifi cant, but prior to her founding her Southwest Fort Worth, is the principal organizer of Camp Fort Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York distributes food to people in the St. Francis Breadline outside St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York on Ash Wednesday March 9. The order she had the most blissful and intimate experiences with Worth each summer. Readers with questions can contact Jeff at longest continuously running breadline in the nation was founded in 1930 by Franciscan Jesus, the likes of which few have ever enjoyed. jeff @stbartsfw.org. Brother Gabriel Mehler to feed people impoverished by the Great Depression. Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down:

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5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 15 Texas Mission Council's annual conference held in Fort Worth Feb. 25-27 teaches participants how to help youth connect Faith and Mission

Stories by Michele Baker / Correspondent Photos by Donna Ryckaert

articipants in the Texas Mission Council’s 2011 is less necessary. Th e sense of service is already there, well-cultivated, and waiting to be engaged, annual conference gathered at the Trinity Hotel in a sentiment echoed by Liz Schauff ert, senior high PEast Fort Worth February 25-27. Th is year’s theme, coordinator of Youth Ministry for St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington. “Youth In Mission,” drew a diverse group. “Youth are yearning to serve,” she said. “Every time I put out a call for mission I have a waiting list. “Youth ministers, those interested in mission work, and Keynote speaker Matthew Rousso, director of the Maryknoll Mission My biggest job is helping them connect it to their Offi ce in New Orleans, talks about how young people, especially representatives from diocesan organizations throughout the Catholic faith. You have to form them: fi nd out why the “Millenials,” have the skills, education, and qualities to serve as they want to serve and prepare them.” state have come for ongoing formation and ideas to minister missionaries. Th e benefi t of extensive formation was clearly to those young people interested in mission,” said Colleen on display during a panel discussion Saturday Cargile, director of Social Ministry for St. John the Apostle morning. Briana Monsalve and Olivia Migacz, both high schoolers at Bishop Dunne Catholic School Parish in North Richland Hills and Mission Coordinator of the in Dallas joined University of North Texas student Maryknoll Mission Education Team (MMET) that served as Carmen Castrejon and recent Midwestern State University graduate Francisco Salas in describing the planning commission for this year’s conference. their experiences as missionaries. Salas related how his understanding of mission Keynote speaker, Matthew Rousso, director evolved during a service trip to Mexico after he of the Maryknoll Mission Offi ce in New Orleans, graduated from college. “I was still of the mentality provided an engaging profi le of “Millennials” — that mission work was getting your hands dirty. You Fr. Robert Thames, who does mission work with Educate the Children those young people born in the 1990s and coming of know: manual labor,” he said. “But it’s much more in Bolivia, speaks to an audience of youth ministers and young people age in the 21st Century — to kick off the discussion than that. It’s also educating people and bringing interested in mission work at the Texas Mission Council conference. Friday evening. Ethnically and racially diverse, something back.” technologically savvy, politically progressive, less What missionaries bring back from their religiously observant, more trusting of institutions, experiences is as important as what they bring to and more educated than any generation in American them according to the Texas Mission Council which history, Millennials have hearts and minds that are was established in 1992. One of the ongoing goals fertile ground for the seeds of mission work. of the council is to put forth mission as a process “Th ey are more tolerant and open-minded than requiring refl ective thought beforehand, critical previous generations,” Rousso observed. “Because thinking skills during missionary trips, and engaged for them diversity and multiculturalism have been spirituality upon return. constant buzzwords.” Furthermore, Rousso notes a Father Th omas Craig, pastor of St. Vincent de “great spirit of volunteerism and an interest in the Paul Parish, touched on this aspect in his homily A poster with information about world around them.” Sunday morning. He said, “When we say that God Sr. Patricia Ridgley, SSMN, (center) and Sr. Rosemary Stanton, SSMN, the Maryknoll Society was In fact, Rousso would posit that the need to will provide, we’re to pick up where God leads us. It’s (right), sing during a praise and worship session. The sisters helped displayed at the conference. “sell” the mission experience among this generation a call to put our faith in action.” organize the conference.

Youth and young adults share experiences from missions at conference

panel discussion Saturday morning proved to be one Lydia Torrez, director of Advancement for Bishop Aof the high points of the Texas Mission Council’s Dunne, stressed the connection between successful 2011 Annual Conference. Briana Monsalve and Olivia missions and thorough preparation. “These children are Migacz, both high-schoolers at Bishop Dunne Catholic formed,” said Torrez. “In addition to regular meetings, School in Dallas joined Carmen Castrejon, a student at there is a 17-week online course required of our students. the University of North Texas in Denton, and Francisco They learn the culture, the politics, the history, the Salas, a recent graduate of Midwestern State University in literature, the geography of the places we send them.” Wichita Falls, in describing their experiences in mission. “The mission trip I embarked on last summer — in For each young person, learning was a central component. June of 2010 — has forever marked me and has shaped me “One of the greatest spiritual values I came to into the young person I am today,” said Olivia Migacz, one understand during my trip,” said Briana Monsalve, who of Torrez’s charges who made a mission trip to Honduras. Photo courtesy of John Monsalve went on a mission trip to Honduras, “was that everything From left to right: Bishop Dunne Catholic School students Briana Mon- “I would not have the values that I have today if it were not in life is beautiful. The people there are spiritually driven. salve and Olivia Migacz, sit on a panel with UNT student Carmen Castrejon, for the Honduran people. They opened my eyes to what For them, simply waking up in the morning or sitting and MSU alumnus Francisco Salas to share their mission experiences at the really matters in life: God, others, and family.” under a palm tree is a gift from God and part of his love Texas Mission Council's "Youth in Mission" conference. Over and over again, the young adults on the panel for us.” reiterated a sentiment common among those who have Salas, who had been on several mission trips as a just learning about the political issues and the unrest experienced the special call to mission. student, came to a renewed sense of the importance of there. We went during the Swine Flu epidemic, and it was “I went there thinking that I was going to help them,” education during a service trip to Mexico after graduating very important that we’d been educated first and then sent said Castrejon, “but in the end, they held me in their arms from college. He recalls, “We spent the whole first week out.” and helped me.” PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Sacrament of Confession Growing spiritually through the confession of sin By Mitch Finley understanding reconciliation as both a sacrament Catholic News Service and as a way to give glory to God. Th ere seems to be no end to Hollywood’s fascination Th e oldest New Testament example may well be Clearly, the with — and frequent misrepresentation of — the the words of James 5:14-16: “Is anyone among you sacrament of reconciliation. Even some Catholics in sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, confession of the last generation or so have lost an appreciation and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith sins to a priest for what the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to, using not one or two but four terms: will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him (presbyter) “Th e forgiveness of sins committed after baptism up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. is conferred by a particular sacrament called the Th erefore, confess your sins to one another.” was taken for sacrament of conversion, confession, penance or Clearly, the confession of sins to a priest reconciliation” (No. 1486). (presbyter) was taken for granted in the early church, granted in the Part of any complete look at the origins of this and it was understood as a way to give glory to God. But the practice encouraged by James had its origins early church, sacrament must begin with Scripture. If Catholicism is about anything, it’s about being scriptural. Th us, in the example and teachings of Jesus himself. and it was when we experience the sacrament of reconciliation, In Matthew 9:6-8, for example, Jesus says: “’But we give glory to God, as Scripture understands it. that you may know that the Son of Man has authority understood as We hear and read rather frequently the words on earth to forgive sins’ — he then said to the “give glory to God,” sometimes without being sure paralytic, ‘Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.’ a way to give what this terminology means. He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this In Scripture “glory” refers to the presence of they were struck with awe and glorifi ed God, who glory to God. God. So to “give glory to God” means to engage in had given such authority to human beings.” But the practice an action with the intention of drawing attention to Of all the ways available to us to give glory to the presence of God in a specifi c situation. God, celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation is Father Tomasz Ludwicki hears encouraged by As such, we give glory to God when we grow one not to be neglected during Lent and all year round. spiritually by confessing our sins, particularly in the a confession during a local James had its sacrament of reconciliation. Mitch Finley is the author of more than 30 books on pilgrimage in Munster, Ind. (2010 Catholic themes, including THE SEEKER’S GUIDE TO Th ere are more than a few important instances fi le photo / CNS photo/Karen origins in the in Scripture that echo this sacrament. For an Old BEING CATHOLIC; Wipf & Stock Piblishers. To learn more, visit mitchandkathyfi nley.com. Callaway, Catholic New World) example and Testament example, read through Leviticus 5:5- 6 and 19:20-22. In both cases, the one who sins teachings of is instructed to go through the priest in order to obtain God’s forgiveness. Jesus himself. Such instances clearly serve as a foreshadowing, if you will, of the Christian sacrament of reconciliation. Th e law or custom was already there in Judaism, so it was natural that Jesus would take it for granted, and that the early church, to give glory to God, would elevate it to the status of a personal sacramental encounter with the risen Christ. Two declarations of Jesus in the Gospels, and one in the Letter of James — which most Catholic Scripture scholars conclude is more wisdom literature than a true letter — provide substance for

By David Gibson 3. Both as a sacrament and a way of life, Catholic News Service reconciliation is founded on convictions about Th ey will know we You could cook up an entirely new kind of God — that God is compassionate, loving Christianity simply by removing reconciliation and merciful, that God is not vengeful. from the mix. However, this new Christianity In and of itself, the sacrament of would be unrecognizable as such. reconciliation makes a clear statement that are Christians by Th at seems to be a central tenet of many God is a merciful reconciler. Pope John Paul Catholic thinkers today. A concern is that if II discussed this in a letter to the world’s we overlook the importance of reconciliation, priests. God mercifully seeks people out to we forget one of Christianity’s basics — forgive and be reconciled with them, the namely, that God is a reconciler who heals pope suggested. We do not cause God to our willingness to the wounds that divide people from him, become merciful. divide them within themselves and divide “We must not think that it is the sinner, them from each other. through his own independent journey I should note at this article’s outset that of conversion, who earns mercy,” Pope seek reconciliation three points underlie all that follows: John Paul wrote. Rather, “it is mercy that 1. For Catholics, reconciliation is both a impels him along the path of conversion.” sacrament and a way of life. Confession signifi es “God’s arrival at a 2. Th e reconciliation experienced person’s home,” the pope said. (a sign of our love) sacramentally can give rise to a reconciling But something quite interesting happens way of life. next. According to the pope, the sacrament NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 17 Sacrament of Confession In the midst of Lent, priests assess state of confession

By James Breig the point of the sacrament is not to be A priest hears Catholic News Service chastised or punished,” Father Hilgartner ALBANY, N.Y. — Msgr. Kevin Irwin says told CNS, “but to experience the healing the confession love and forgiveness of Jesus. We need to be that hearing confessions is “one of the most of a teenage humbling experiences of my priesthood.” inviting and encouraging.” Th e dean of the School of Th eology and Likewise, Msgr. Irwin encourages clergy boy in St. Pub- Religious Studies at Th e Catholic University to “invite penitents to use the options in of America in Washington, he recently the rite of penance more fully, for example, lius Church in refl ected on the current state of the sacrament by asking them to bring a Scripture Floriana, Malta. of penance. For years, surveys have shown reading with them to discuss as a lead-in to infrequent — if any — use of the sacrament confessing sins.” (CNS photo/ by Catholics. One recent survey found that He recommends that Catholics “go 45 percent of Catholics who attend Mass regularly to the same priest so that the Paul Haring) weekly never go to confession. rapport is easier, and the knowledge of Msgr. Irwin told Catholic News Service failings and their severity can be assessed he suspects there are several reasons for that, more adequately. When priests ask penitents including “fear of what the priest might say and what they might recommend as a penance, shame at what one has done or failed to do.” then what the penitent is asked to do fi ts Father Rick Hilgartner, executive their particular need.” director of the USCCB's Secretariat of As a result, the penance assigned by the Divine Worship, believes that some Catholics confessor becomes “an antidote to what one stay away because of “fear or embarrassment confessed. Contrition is the most important about a particular sin.” part of the sacrament.” “I would off er, in reply, that there is no In preparation for confession, Msgr. reason to be afraid. For others, there might Irwin suggested that Catholics “read and be a false sense that confession is not really refl ect on Chapter 12 of Paul’s Letter to the necessary, either because they don’t think they Romans.” have sinned, or they don’t need forgiveness,” Father Hilgartner pointed out that he said. “(But) each of us has sin in our lives; it “there are lots of resources that can help is part of what it is to be human.” guide the faithful through this process of and praying with the penitent over it.” at the changes that have occurred in the Both priests see many reasons people refl ection and examination. In general, Lent, he continued, provides a way for sacrament in recent years, such as the option should take advantage of confession. For one it is good not only to refl ect on the Ten Catholics who have been away from the of facing the confessor in the open, the thing, Msgr. Irwin pointed out, it provides Commandments, but also to look at sacrament of penance to experience it again. reading of Scriptures, and “a declaration of the opportunity “to assess where one is signifi cant relationships — with God, with “Communal celebrations of the sacrament thanks for God’s mercy.” before God and each other” through an others and with self — in order to identify seem to have taken hold as features of Lent His experience with penitents, Msgr. examination of conscience. what actions or inactions have been hurtful and Advent,” he noted. “Th ese are often Irwin said, “is one of the most humbling Other pluses of confessing, he said, include or sinful.” occasions for people who have not come for a experiences of my priesthood. When you “naming what is good and wrong in one’s life,” Confessors, he continued, should long period to jump-start a return.” hear of the burdens people bear, you are and the opportunity of “gaining insight into “listen attentively and respond as Jesus In addition, such communal events simply amazed, sometimes saddened, but the ways one should look at life and live.” would, which might include some advice or help people “see that penance involves the always heartened that you can help to Because they believe that priests are key encouragement.” community and is not just about themselves unburden them.” factors in reviving the use of the sacrament, Similarly, Msgr. Irwin urges priests to before God,” he said. James Breig is the former editor of Th e the two clergymen have advice for their peers. “act as a divine physician, diagnosing what Msgr. Irwin believes that Catholics Evangelist, newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, “We need to reassure the faithful that is really wrong, guiding the penitent to see it who return to confession might be surprised New York. of reconciliation can give birth to a life of sacrament of reconciliation, since “love there are “families, parishioners, and priests — Th e God of mercy wants the hungry reconciliation. How? and mercy must begin in the family.” He who have not spoken to one another for fed, wants the homeless sheltered, wants In Pope John Paul’s view, receiving wrote: “Let us make time to listen, to spend years” due to such feelings. hope reawakened among the brokenhearted. divine mercy freshens our awareness time together and to try to understand one Revenge was judged “easier and more — Th e God of reconciliation extends a of God as a Father and prompts us — another. Let us begin to practice forgiveness popular than forgiveness” by Archbishop welcome to those who are lonely or lost like precisely as God’s family members — in all our relationships — as husbands and Aymond. He commented: “In many ways in the prodigal son. Th e God of love is ready to to rediscover our connections to our wives, parents and children, as neighbors our society we are not tolerant with people. forgive. “brothers and sisters.” Mercy “warms” us and citizens.” We are certainly not patient and sometimes Th us, and just for starters, to follow to the idea of loving our neighbor. But not only should one’s reborn not even civil.” in the footsteps of the God of mercy and Archbishop Jose Gómez, of Los Angeles instinct for reconciliation be taken home, it It is “countercultural” today to reconciliation is to be faithful, kind, and made a similar point in a pastoral letter that he should be taken into the world at large too. encourage forgiveness and reconciliation, said loving, to extend hope to others in whatever wrote when he was archbishop of San Antonio. “In a world that is angry and violent, in a Archbishop Aymond. But “we must forgive ways possible, to feed and clothe the poor, Th e reconciliation “the entire world culture of blame and revenge,” it is possible because we have been forgiven,” and “we and to mend relationships by reaching out longs for begins in the confessional,” to become “apostles of reconciliation” by must be reconcilers because Jesus reconciled and allowing great angers to be consigned to Archbishop Gómez said. For many saints “living as children of the Father, who is rich and healed.” the past. and martyrs, he observed, the sacrament in mercy,” Archbishop Gómez said. What does a life patterned after the Truth be told, this is a tall order. of reconciliation was “the great school of Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New example of the reconciling God of mercy Fortunately, living in merciful, reconciling mercy” in which they “learned and received Orleans is another church leader who look like? Th eologians, biblical scholars, ways, results in a Christianity that is the strength to love their enemies and forgive has spoken about the need for mercy and catechists, and others who take up that recognizable as such. their persecutors.” reconciliation. Observing that “violence and question often explain that the God of mercy Th e archbishop urged people to take revenge and hatred have become acceptable is faithful, kind, and good, while also a healer David Gibson served on Catholic News home with them the mercy received in the parts of our society today,” he noted that and peacemaker. Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.. PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Participants in Loreto House's end-of-life March 11 workshop learn that sometimes the most important form of ministry is just Being With those who are suffering and grieving

Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent

amille Pauley said the most RIGHT: Camille Pauley, founder of Healing the Culture, a pro-life precious moments spent with her organization, trains volunteers how to minister to those who are mother came unexpectedly. suffering, emphasizing the importance of being present. C BELOW: Camille Pauley answers questions during a training The matriarch of her large, Italian family session held at the University of North Texas' Gateway Center was just 62 years old when she suffered two sponsored by Loreto House in Denton. strokes that put her on a respirator and near death. As nurses busied themselves caring for the comatose patient, Pauley and her five siblings carved out time around the medication schedule for private vigils with their dying loved one. “Each of us had one hour, and it was the most beautiful, extraordinary hour of being with someone that I’d ever had up until that point,” recalled the co-founder of Healing the Culture, a pro-life organization.

The unresponsive mother never reacted in any physical way to her daughter’s soothing words or gentle strokes. “But her presence was so strong I knew her spirit was there in a deep moment of love that I never experienced with my mother before,” Pauley added. “It was profound.” The speaker shared details of her family’s end-of-life feel when they become terminally ill and seek euthanasia power, achievement, self-esteem, being admired, material drama and how it led to the formation of the “Being With” or assisted suicide because they think they are unwanted, possessions, and having physical pleasure,” Pauley said. “And program during a March 11-12 workshop sponsored by the unappreciated, or a burden,” she explained. that’s why people don’t think they have meaning at the end of Loreto House in Denton. Founded in 2007, the North Texas The program promotes deeper awareness of the meaning life or when they’re ill and debilitated.” non-profit charity serves the unborn and their mothers as of human suffering and trains volunteers to visit with Being With volunteers demonstrate the true meaning of well as the elderly and families dealing with terminal illness. patients so they can offer true compassion and love to those happiness, success, love, and freedom. Projects promoted by Being With fit Loreto House’s with physical and mental limitations in hospitals, nursing “But it takes awhile to figure out how to integrate this Catholic identity and charism, according to Executive facilities, assisted-living residences, hospices, and homes. philosophy so that you can teach it simply by who you are Director Randy Bollig. Comforting someone who is uncommunicative or depressed with someone,” she added. “Being With is not about therapy. “Our mission also involves end-of-life issues,” he said. is more challenging than it seems and requires special insight. But it is about learning how to be comfortable in the presence “We’re not just a crisis pregnancy center. We’re the full “There are two ways you can love,” Pauley pointed out. of another, unique intrinsic, dignified mystery [person].” Gospel of Life, so this program meets our needs perfectly.” “You can love by doing something for somebody, or you The two-day workshop attracted people like Lynn Addressing workshop participants, Pauley said the can love by simply being present to someone else, but it’s Huchton, a parishioner from St. Peter in Lindsey, who wants events surrounding her mother’s death — coupled by the difficult.” to become more involved in hospital ministry. Knowing how growing acceptance of doctor-assisted suicide — made her An untrained person might feel awkward, embarrassed, to approach patients and what to say to them concerned the think more fully about the intrinsic dignity of the human or think they should be doing something constructive instead Gainesville resident. person. of just sitting there. “The role-playing we did in different skits showed how “I grew up pro-life but never understood why,” admitted “But the greatest moments of human love occur when we to talk to people in different situations and scenarios, so now the speaker. “I never really understood what freedom meant can simply ‘be’ with each other,” she continued, adding that I feel more prepared,” he said. or what a human right really was. I never studied the deep the act of presence offers hope, wantedness, belonging, and Margo Davis, who works with geriatric patients as a meaning of human personhood.” friendship. home health occupational therapist, often deals with elderly, Ten years of taking philosophy classes and pursuing During a discussion of Being With’s core philosophy, depressed clients. A 95-year-old woman recently questioned, independent study with Jesuit theologian Father Robert J. known as the Life Principles, the pro-life educator explained “Why is God doing this do me? Why do I have all these Spitzer led Pauley to design a program that helps people with how society’s misunderstood notion of happiness shapes our problems?” debilitating physical and mental conditions understand they ideas about “quality of life.” “I now have a better understanding of how people view have meaning, purpose, and dignity through the presence of “Our culture teaches over and over again — in subtle God when they’re suffering,” she said. “The suffering itself others. and not so subtle ways — that happiness and quality of isn’t good, but it can lead to goodness. I’ll encourage them to “We created Being With to fill the void that people life, success and freedom come from independence, control, let go and trust God in that process.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 19 Catholic Teaching Institute hopes to begin with a full class WhatWh t ddoes ttheh CChurchh h say aboutb t that?th t?

FROM PAGE 1 in three years. Courses,” he said, “will academic work in Spanish as well,” Paul II and Benedict XVI, the Code be taught by our regular faculty; said Bishop Vann. of Canon Law, and the writings and occasionally a course may be taught “One of the great priorities in Archbishop Dolan calls spirituality of the saints.” by a qualifi ed adjunct [instructor].” the Church today … is the ongoing Through the new institute, Tuition for students is $575 per formation of those who are engaged students can grasp a true credit hour with students taking in ministry and pastoral activity,” Obama’s decision on federal understanding of pastoral theology, six hours per semester, and totaling Bishop Vann continued. “We need which is the ability to teach and apply $6,900 per academic year. The to be strengthened both doctrinally marriage law ‘alarming’ the rich teachings of the Catholic institute’s program administrator and spiritually, especially in our Church to modern culture, helping R a c he l Mc C au le y s a id s t udent s c ou ld modern-day culture, so infused with WASHINGTON (CNS) — Th e discrimination against any person is fulfi ll the universal call to holiness make monthly payments over the secularism and moral relativism that Obama administration’s decision to always wrong.” to the whole Church, which is the 10-month academic year. Students eff ectively handing on the faith is no longer support the federal Defense He said the marriage law was not challenge of renewal issued to the can also apply for fi nancial aid to pay a much more diffi cult challenge, of Marriage Act is an “alarming “unjust discrimination” but instead, faithful by the Second Vatican for up to 30 percent of tuition, and requiring adequate and diligent and grave injustice,” said New York legislation that “merely affirms Council. for student loans from the university. formation. As the General Catechetical Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, and protects the time-tested and “Th e IPT would be ideal for “We are encouraging parishes Directory states, ‘Any pastoral activity president of the U.S. Conference of unalterable meaning of marriage.” anyone who desires this kind of to help [fi nancially], especially if for the carrying out of which there Catholic Bishops. “The suggestion that this formation,” Pollice continued, “but someone is from their staff ,” Pollice are not at hand persons with the right “Our nation and government defi nition amounts to ‘discrimination’ would be particularly appropriate and said. He added that the diocese formation will necessarily come to have the duty to recognize and is grossly false and represents an benefi cial to those who are serving in has also applied for a grant from nothing.’”(108) protect marriage, not tamper with aff ront to millions of citizens in this ministry in the Church. It is the hope the Kenedy Foundation to provide For more information on Ave and redefi ne it, nor to caricature country,” he added. of Bishop Vann that the IPT can serve scholarships and fi nancial assistance Maria University and the Institute the deeply held beliefs of so many “On behalf of the U.S. a crucial role in the formation of those to who have applied to the IPT, for Pastoral Th eology visit the website citizens as ‘discrimination,’” he said Conference of Catholic Bishops, I who do serious work and ministry in though the grant’s status is pending. at www.ipt.avemaria.edu or contact in a March 3 statement. express my deep disappointment over the diocese.” Deadline for applications for the Rachel McCauley, the institute’s Th e archbishop’s comments were the administration’s recent decision,” While the IPT has its base at Ave IPT is May 15. “It is now our hope to program administrator at (866) 866- i n r e s p on s e t o a Fe b. 2 3 a n n ou nc e m e nt he said, noting that he has written to Maria University’s Florida campus, recruit enough students this spring to 1100. Questions about the program in that President Barack Obama had the president to express his concerns a key player in its development has begin a cohort for the MTS degree Fort Worth may be directed to Lucas instructed the Department of Justice in separate correspondence. close ties to the Metroplex. Douglas program this coming fall semester,” Pollice, director of Catechesis for the to stop defending the federal law Archbishop Dolan said he prays Bushman, former director of the said Herrman. “Should we be able Diocese of Fort Worth, at (817) 560- passed by Congress and signed into that the president and the Justice Institute for Religious and Pastoral to recruit a suffi cient number of 2452, ext. 260. l aw i n 19 9 6 by Pre sident Bi l l C l i nton. Department “may yet make the right Studies (IRPS) at the University of students, then the IPT will off er these Th e Defense of Marriage Act choice to carry out their constitutional Dallas, is director of the IPT. His work students the full curriculum over the Professor Douglas Bushman, STL, says the federal government defi nes responsibility, defending the at UD along with a growing national next three years.” director of the Institute for Pastoral marriage as a union between one man irreplaceable institution of marriage, reputation for spiritual formation “Also, recognizing the Th eology, will off er information sessions and one woman and that no state and in so doing protect the future scholarship led to his being invited importance of the Hispanic culture March 28-29 for anyone interested in must recognize a same-sex marriage generations of our children.” to establish a program for Ave Maria in the life of the Church of North pursuing a course of study in the Institute from another state. Th e administration’s decision College in Michigan. When Ave Texas and continuing in developing for Pastoral Th eology. Information A day after Archbishop Dolan’s “does not stand the test of common Maria University was established in and supporting this, IPT is working about times, locations, and topics of statement, other Catholic bishops sense. It is hardly ‘discrimination’ to 2004, the IPT migrated to southern with us to establish a course of each of these sessions follows: joined Protestant and Sikh religious say that a husband and a wife have a Florida. Bushman continues his work leaders in urging the U.S. House of unique and singular relationship that as director of the IPT’s Master of THE CATHOLIC CENTER Representatives to fi ght for federal two persons of the same sex — or any Th eological Studies degree. SESSION FOR CLERGY/PARISH STAFF marriage law. unmarried persons — simply do not Timothy Herrman, associate (Others who are interested are invited to attend as well) Attorney General Eric Holder and cannot have,” the archbishop said. director of the Institute for Pastoral Monday, March 28 2:30-4 p.m. said Feb. 23 that although the “Nor is it ‘discrimination’ to Th eology at Ave Maria University Th eological, Spiritual, and Pastoral Formation: administration has defended the believe that the union of husband and gave an overview of its major Th ree Foundations for the New Evangelization law in some federal courts, it will wife has a distinctive and exclusive components. Th e Catholic Center no longer continue to do so in cases signifi cance worthy of promotion and “To earn the Master of 800 W. Loop 820 South pending in the 2nd U.S. Circuit protection by the state,” he continued. Th eological Studies (MTS) degree, Fort Worth, TX, 76108 Court of Appeals. Unlike in the “It is not ‘discrimination’ to say that students must take 36 credit hours previous cases, said Holder, the 2nd having both a mother and a father DENTON of course work and master the Circuit “has no established or binding matters to and benefi ts a child. Nor Monday, March 28 7-8:30 p.m. fundamental principles of theology, standard for how laws concerning is it ‘discrimination’ to say that the Pastoral Th eology at the Service of Forming the Faithful spirituality, and pastoral practice,” sexual orientation should be treated.” state has more than zero interest for the New Evangelization he explained. “Th is degree program Holder’s statement said Obama in ensuring that children will be St. Mark Church is rooted in the Catholic Tradition, “has concluded that given a number intimately connected with and raised 2800 Pennsylvania Dr. faithful to the Magisterium, and of factors, including a documented by their mother and father. Denton, TX, 76205 designed for the non-traditional history of discrimination, “Protecting the defi nition of student. We say ‘non-traditional’ ARLINGTON classifications based on sexual marriage is not merely permissible, student because the IPT format was Tuesday, March 29 7-8:30 p.m. orientation should be subject to a more but actually necessary as a matter of developed to accommodate students Doctrine, Holiness, and Fidelity: Th ree Keys to Pastoral Th eology and heightened standard of scrutiny.” justice,” he added. whose access to graduate studies in the New Evangelization Archbishop Dolan disagreed, In a March 3 letter to House theology is restricted by job, family, St. Maria Goretti Church saying the federal law “does not single Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, or distance. 1200 S. Davis Dr. out people based on sexual ‘orientation’ Catholic, Protestant and Sikh “Courses are offered in an Arlington, TX, 76013 or inclination. Every person deserves religious leaders said they were intensive weekend format, Friday For more information or to RSVP for one of the information sessions, to b e t re ate d w it h ju s t ic e , c omp a s sion, “very troubled” by Obama’s evening through Sunday afternoon one contact Lucas Pollice, Diocesan Director of Catechesis at (817) 560- and respect, a proposition of natural decision to “no longer protect the weekend per month, August through 2452, ext. 260 or at [email protected]. law and American law that we as traditional defi nition of marriage May. Students can complete the degree Catholics vigorously promote. Unjust and defend existing law.” PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Fullness of Truth Ministries to sponsor conference in Arlington exploring Gospel of Matthew April 30-May 1

By Tony Gutiérrez Father Isaac Orozco, priest dedicated to Pope John Paul II’s McClane said that these presenters, including De La Torre. Associate Editor secretary to Bishop Kevin Vann, call to a New Evangelization, said conferences are intended for “We want Hispanics to know offering a presentation during the Fullness of Truth Director Joe everybody, and are family-friendly. the faith and hand on that faith ullness of Truth Catholic youth track. McClane. The ministry, based out Childcare will be provided, and to others,” De La Torre said, Evangelization Ministries “This is a great opportunity of Houston, has been organizing there will be a separate track for emphasizing that Hispanics are Fwill present “Thy Kingdom for adults, catechists, teachers, conferences throughout Texas and junior high and high school youth, an ever increasing part of the local Come: Unlocking the Gospel of and those involved in Scripture neighboring states since 2001. which will include talks and praise Catholic population, and “it’s St. Matthew,” at the Arlington study, as well as a perfect This will be Fullness of Truth’s and worship. Like the rest of the important that they know their Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark experience for those who will second conference in the Diocese conference, the youth track will faith and know it well.” Way in Arlington, April 30-May have just recently entered the of Fort Worth, the first being held “take themes from Matthew and Pollice emphasized the 1. Church at Easter through the in 2008, also in Arlington, during incorporate them into a style diocese’s encouragement for the The conference will feature RCIA process,” said Bishop Vann the Year of St. Paul. they’re accustomed to” so it won’t conference and the importance for world-renowned Catholic speaker in a letter inviting Catholics to This year’s conference is based be straight commentary, making the faithful to know Scripture. Scott Hahn, along with noted attend the conference. “May this on the Gospel of Matthew, which it more engaging for the teens, “It’s a great opportunity theologians John Bergsma and conference be an opportunity for is the Gospel being read in the McClane said. for our diocese as a whole to Michael Barber. Local presenters all of us to come into a deeper Church’s current cycle of liturgical “We’re also hoping to cater come together and learn about will include Lucas Pollice, knowledge and friendship with readings. to a group in the Church that is something as important as the director of Catechesis for the Christ by encountering Him in “The idea is for the Catholic up and coming — young adults,” Gospel of Matthew,” he said. Diocese of Fort Worth, as master the Scriptures and may it also help sitting in the pew to delve deeper McClane added, saying that there “The more we understand Sacred of ceremonies, and Marlon De promote and enrich the mission of into the Liturgy of the Word,” said will be a special event Saturday Scripture, the more we know La Torre, diocesan director of catechesis and evangelization in McClane. “When we’re sitting at night for young adults as an Christ.” Marriage and Family Life, offering our Diocese.” Mass, the Word of God comes alternative to the dinner with the Pre-registration for “Thy a presentation for the conference’s Fullness of Truth is a alive for us.” speakers, planned for the main Kingdom Come” is $45 for Spanish-language track, and Catholic evangelization apostolate “Thy Kingdom Come” portion of the conference. individual adults, $20 for youth, will feature Hahn and the other The conference will also have $125 for families, $35 per person speakers addressing various a Spanish-language track at the for a group rate of five or more chapters of the Gospel of request of Bishop Vann. This track adults, and $10 per day for Matthew, interspersed with prayer will have simultaneous translations childcare. For more information, services, including a Rosary, of Hahn’s presentations, as well as or to pre-register, call (877) Eucharistic Adoration, Divine presentations on various parts of 21-TRUTH, or visit the website at Mercy Chaplet, and Mass. the Gospel of Matthew from other www.fullnessoftruth.org. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 21

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Irving, Texas„Rome, Italy„1-800-628-6999 PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAID ADVERTISEMENT U.S. Catholics Key To Bringing “Sweeping Positive Change” To Haiti’s Desperately Poor Rural Villages After visiting the desperately poor our actions in Haiti as simply feeding families who live in the rural parts of a child here or building a home for a Haiti, Msgr. Michael Flanagan has poor family there. We should see our dedicated himself to rallying support outreach as a loving response to Jesus in America for their ugent needs. himself. That’s what’s so amazing about Msgr. Flanagan believes that he and our Lord’s revelation in Matthew 25. other Americans can play a unique role He is showing us a tangible way to in the recovery of Haiti’s impoverished demonstrate our love for him here and countryside. He urges U.S. Catholics now — in our modern world,” Flanagan to sieze this opportunity to help this said. “What could be more inspiring sister parish overseas. than that?” “In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gave us Flanagan also pointed to other key a preview of the final judgment, and the verses in scripture that magnify the power of those words burned in my soul importance of the poor in God’s plan as I walked through the rural villages of for blessing his people. Haiti,” Msgr. Flanagan said. “When Jesus “Isaiah 58:5-11 is another powerful related the last judgment of mankind, he passage. It explains that we are most made the shocking revelation — that pleasing to God when we help the help given to the poor would equate to needy and bring relief to the poor,” help given to him, and that those who he said. “And it contains a powerful Typical housing in Haiti’s Central Plateau — a leaky patchwork of canvas, old ignored the poor would be judged as if promise to those who reach out in plastic and scraps of wood. they had ignored Christ himself. The compassion — ‘then your light will connection to Haiti is obvious to all who break forth like the dawn and your blessed — by responding in love to literally can be saved,” Msgr. Flanagan will listen. These destitute villages are wound shall quickly be healed; Your people in need.” said. “Remember Matthew 25:31-46. where Christ abides today. He is there vindication shall go before you and the Ultimately, a generous response When you feed the hungry and care among the poor, calling for our help.” glory of the Lord shall be your rear from American Catholics to the needs for the sick in Haiti, you will be Flanagan also encourages Catholics guard. Then you shall call, and the in rural areas of Haiti could have a responding to Christ himself!” to see the Judgment story in Matthew Lord will answer; you shall cry for tremendous impact, he added. To support Cross and its special as a blessing rather than as a source of help, and he will say: Here I am!’ As “If we rise to this occasion and help outreach programs throughout Haiti, anxiety or fear. Catholics, we rightfully respect the the poor in these troubled spots in send your tax-deductible contribution “Who among us wouldn’t be joyful Eucharist and other Sacraments as Haiti, we can create sweeping positive to: Cross International Catholic to serve our Lord if he were to appear important means of grace. Here, God changes in those villages. The sick can Outreach, Dept. AC00717, PO Box here among us now? We shouldn’t see is showing us another way we can be be healed, the hungry fed — lives 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063. Cross Recognized, Endorsed by early 50 U.S. Catholic Bishops As Cross International Catholic In addition to praising the work CICO Outreach (CICO) continues its range of accomplishes, many of the Bishops relief work to help the poor overseas, and Archbishops are also impressed by its efforts are being recognized by a the unique collaborative relationship growing number of Catholic leaders in Cross has with the Pontifical Council the U.S. Cor Unum in Rome. This allows the “We’ve received an impressive number charity to participate in the mercy of endorsements and letters of support ministries of the Holy Father himself. In from American Bishops and Archbishops his praise of CICO, Archbishop Dennis — nearly 50 Catholic leaders at last Schnurr of Cincinnati underscored this count,” explained Jim Cavnar, president unique connection. of Cross International Catholic Outreach. “Cross International Catholic Outreach’s “They’re impressed by the fact that close collaboration with the Pontifical we’ve done outreaches in more than Council Cor Unum is a source of 40 countries and that we undertake a encouragement,” the Archbishop said. variety of projects; everything from “The Holy See has unique knowledge feeding the hungry and housing the Bishop Kevin W. Vann, a director on the board of Cross International Catholic of local situations throughout the world homeless to supplying safe water and Outreach, at a recent meeting with Pope Benedict. through its papal representatives in supporting educational opportunities nearly two hundred countries and for the poorest of the poor.” was just as enthusiastic about Cross “I’m happy to acknowledge that Cross through its communications with Bishops Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis Catholic and its mission. “I also know International Catholic Outreach was of and others who care for the poor and sent one of the more recent letters of that many of the Bishops in Texas think tremendous help to the Archdiocese of needy in every corner of the world.” encouragement, writing: “It is my hope very highly and endorse the work and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina,” CICO president, Jim Cavnar, explained that this ministry will continue to flourish mission of Cross International Catholic he said. the significance of this connection. and reach as many people as possible. I Outreach — as well as do other Bishops Bishop Thomas Rodi of Biloxi had “Our collaboration with Cor Unum will inform the priests of the Archdiocese whom I know from my days of graduate similar praise. allows us to fund outreaches in virtually of St. Louis of the important work that studies in Rome. Please know of my “Your quick response to the needs of any area of the world, and we have Cross International Catholic Outreach prayers and support for this vital work...” the people in south Mississippi in the used that method in special cases — does and elicit their prayerful and In Archbishop Gregory Aymond’s aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will to help the victims of natural disasters, financial support for the service you case, the endorsement came with a always be remembered and greatly for example,” he said. “It only provide to the less fortunate around personal note of thanks for the role appreciated,” he said. “Thank you for represents a small part of our overall the world.” Cross Catholic played in helping all the good you do, and may God ministry, but it can be a very important Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth families hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. bless you and your ministry.” benefit in those special cases.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 23 PAID ADVERTISEMENT Missionaries Seek Support For Their Efforts to Help Haiti’s Poor

“Before God sent the missionaries given up comfortable lives in America here, we had lost hope,” says Roland to help the poor in Haiti is a testament Dersaint, a 36-year-old father of three. to their strong faith and abiding love “The children here in Kobonal were of Christ. dying of sicknesses. Many families “God created us all — Americans were surviving only by eating green and Haitians. And Christ died for us mangos. But it wasn’t enough to save all. We are all brothers and sisters; His the weakest. We often saw families children. As brothers and sisters, we walking down the road with tiny coffins should love one another and share — sometimes as many as five little what we have with those in need,” the ones would be buried in a single day.” priest explains. “That is what motivates A few years ago, Roland and Mary us. And, frankly, it should motivate every Dersaint pulled a tiny coffin of their Catholic. Expressing compassion and own down the long dirt road. Inside serving others are at the very heart of was their nine-month old baby, Rosalie. the Gospel. As Catholics, we preach it “Typhoid took her,” Roland explains, and we should be living it out.” looking away to hide his grief. When the Kobonal Mission was In the years before the missionaries founded, Father Meaux first sought to came, circumstances like these defined eliminate the hunger and malnutrition life — and death — in Kobonal, Haiti. that plagued Haiti’s Central Plateau. This isolated section of Haiti’s Central His group launched a special program Plateau is plagued by hunger, illness to provide food for the poorest of the and the other marks of extreme poverty. poor, including vulnerable women and In fact, before the missionaries came, young children. That program was as many as one out of three children recently expanded through support died before reaching age five. from Cross International Catholic Roland and Mary Dersaint’s story of Outreach and its family of donors. loss is very typical in this part of Haiti, After responding to this basic human according to Father Glen Meaux. When need for food, the missionaries looked Fr. Meaux and other members of the for ways to create a lasting change in Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy the area — ways to help the poor Trinity (SOLT) came to Kobonal from break the cycle of poverty and become Cavnar went on to explain the details oxen to till the land,” Cavnar explains. America more than 10 years ago, they self-sufficient. of the Kobonal Mission farming project. “So you can give $40 and know that were shocked by the severity of poverty “We discovered that many poor “Through this program, a poor family your gift has had a big impact on the in the Central Plateau. In fact, as the families wanted to grow crops, but they receives a half-acre plot of fertile land lives of these desperately poor families.” group was driving up to the Kobonal had no land of their own to cultivate. and a simple but sturdy house. They Broken down, the various parts of the villages for the very first time, they We looked for ways to acquire land and also get a small subsidy to purchase outreach include: $500 for the half acre passed a group of families with tiny to supply these families with the help tools and seeds for the first few years, of land; $5,500 for the house; $40 for coffins coming down from the mountains they needed to begin a small farm,” after which point the farm will allow the first year subsidy, and $20 and $10 to bury their children. the priest explains. them to be self-sufficient,” Cavnar for the second and final year’s support. “It was heartbreaking, but it was also This idea impresses Cross International explained. “The amazing thing is the “We’re asking American Catholics an important experience for us because Catholic Outreach’s president, Jim cost. The total budget for the package to prayerfully consider making a it humbled us and showed us how Cavnar, and he hopes to encourage is just $6,070 — that’s all it takes to substantial gift to help these Catholic difficult life is for the poor. It taught us American Catholics to support the project. provide a family with a small home, missionaries,” Cavnar says. “Father that our ministry to preach the Gospel “When I heard about their plans to land and the tools to begin a little farm.” Meaux and his group have a wonderful must also include a significant outreach help these poor families, I immediately On behalf of the Kobonal Mission, heart and an amazing plan to help Haiti’s to the poor,” Fr. Meaux explains. thought of that powerful passage in Cross International Catholic Outreach poor, but they can’t achieve their goals In the years since, the missionaries Isaiah 58, where the Lord promises to will be approaching American Catholics without our help. We need to do our part.” have worked hard to bring both the bless those who respond to the poor and U.S. parishes with this appeal, The priest raises his face to heaven, Gospel’s hope — and Christ’s ministry with compassion. From verse 6, it reads: hoping to find enough sponsors to thankful that Cross International Catholic of mercy — to the struggling families ‘This, rather, is the fasting I wish: fund all 41 Haitian families that the Outreach and its family of benefactors living in Kobonal. At times, they have releasing those bound unjustly, untying missionaries have identified for help in in the U.S. will continue to help the faced serious, even life-threatening the thongs of the yoke; setting free the the first phase of the project. Kobonal Mission develop its outreach challenges. oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing “You need not sponsor the full amount to the poor. “We had some extremely difficult your bread with the hungry, sheltering to make a meaningful difference. Every “Praise God!” he says. Then bowing days in the beginning,” Fr. Meaux the oppressed and the homeless; clothing gift, large or small, is important to our his head as if in prayer, he quietly recalls. “The voodoo priests didn’t the naked when you see them, and not goal. For example, a gift of $40 covers adds, “What a blessing this will be for want us in Kobonal, and the poverty turning your back on your own. Then the start-up expense for the farm, Kobonal. These poor families have we all lived in made it very hard for your light shall break forth like the providing the seed and the use of the suffered for too long.” everyone involved. But this is where dawn, and your wound shall quickly God wanted us, and we set our minds be healed; your vindication shall go and spirits on doing His will,” he says. before you, and the glory of the Lord How to Help... “Today, voodoo is no longer practiced shall be your rear guard.’ The Kobonal in the areas we serve, and the poor have Mission exemplifies this spirit of mercy Your help is needed for Cross Catholic to bring Christ’s mercy new hope. God has been good! Because in action,” Cavnar says. “Cross seeks to the poorest of the poor. Use the enclosed postage-paid we made a commitment to Him and out partners like this — ministries that brochure to mail your gift or send it to Cross International remained faithful, He has blessed the work are clearly led by the spirit of God, and Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00717, 490 White Pond Drive, of our hands. That’s how we see it.” leaders who find innovative ways to PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063. God bless you. The fact that these missionaries have address the needs of the poor.” PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“The Lord is my “Did I not tell you that shepherd; there is nothing if you believe you I lack. In green pastures will see the glory you let me graze; to safe of God?" waters you lead me; you — John 11:40 restore my strength.” — Psalm 103:2-3a

April 3, Fourth Sunday April 10, Fifth Sunday of Lent. of Lent. Cycle A. Readings: Cycle A. Readings: 1) 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a 1) Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 103:1-6 Psalm 130:1-8 2) Ephesians 5:8-14 2) Romans 8:8-11 Gospel) John 9:1-41 Gospel) John 11:1-45

By Jeff Hensley By Jean Denton

earl Barton was a pearl indeed. She was my wife’s grandmother, and a early 30 years after the war in Southeast Asia, a former Vietnamese Pwoman of advanced age when I fi rst met her in my teens. Nmilitary photographer broke down in tears as he showed a visitor By that time, she had outlived her husband by decades. She was a particularly gruesome picture he’d taken. “I don’t often show this treasured as she spent time with fi rst one of her daughters and then the photograph,” he said of the image that caused his long-pent-up emotions to other. Th ey would practically fi ght over who could keep Mama in their suddenly fl ow. home and for how long. She was much loved. It showed a line of dead soldiers, blackened and half-buried by a As she advanced even further into old age, she ceased being able to bombing that completely destroyed their outpost. Th e photographer had help much around the house or in the kitchen. To some, she would have been nearby, heard the bombing, and went immediately to the site where appeared to be useless, to have no function, to have lived to be too old. But he saw only devastation. “Everyone was dead,” he recalled painfully. she had not. He had been a North Vietnamese soldier assigned to carry a camera She had been reduced to love. She spoke in a shaky, quivering voice, instead of a weapon. His military duty was to chronicle the war in and called everybody “Honey” in a way that was as sweet as the word itself. photographs for his government. In a decade-old National Geographic Tradition has handed on to us similar stories of the Apostle John. documentary I saw recently, he shared his story with a former British After his exile to the Greek Isle of Patmos and then taking up residence in freelance photographer who returned to Vietnam to meet his counterparts Ephesus, having reached an advanced old age, John would be brought into from “the other side” of that war. the assembly of believers and set in their midst. Th ere he would radiate Gazing at the image, the Vietnamese photographer remembered, “It love by his presence, saying only “Little children, love one another.” was so horrible, I didn’t want to take any pictures. But I had to. I had to Th at was the way Grandma Barton was. She radiated love at the center show people what war does, so it doesn’t continue to happen.” He pointed of the home of whichever sister had the pleasure of her company at the to the picture, “so they know this can’t go on.” time. Peace and reunifi cation soon did come to Vietnam, a nation that thrives When her time to go to be with the Lord came, Pearl lay in the hospital today. bed, unable to communicate with anyone around her, but repeating the In the Gospel for the fi fth Lenten Sunday, Jesus promises Martha that words of the 23rd Psalm, “Th e Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” her dead brother Lazarus will rise. She professes belief in his resurrection At the center of her heart were the Scriptures she had put there many years “on the last day,” but Jesus explains, “I am the resurrection and the life.” before, Scriptures she had continued to read and meditate upon deep into Th is passage tells us resurrection happens not only at what we call the her old age. end of time, but whenever Jesus is present. Life rises from the ashes of hurt As we approach the end of Lent and await the Passion, death and and destruction among the living who carry Jesus’ love and cry for justice resurrection of our Lord at Easter, we should seek to fi nd in ourselves, the in the existing world. peace that comes from knowing the Lord’s presence in our lives. Having In Vietnam, those two photographers and others had shined the light emptied our lives of their excesses and our sense of self-satisfaction, let us on the horror of war. Years later, as they sat together recollecting their be ready to see the light of Christ afresh in the joy of the coming season. common experience and desire for an end to such human atrocity, they were surrounded by a new life in Vietnam, resurrected by Jesus, present in human compassion. QUESTIONS: What remains as a barrier between you and God that you can tend QUESTIONS: to in the remaining time of Lent? When have you witnessed the presence of Jesus bring new life to a dire situation? How do you see resurrection happen among the living? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 25

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3 “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” — Matthew 21:9 April 17, Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. April 24, Easter Sunday: Th e Resurrection of the Lord. Cycle A. Readings: Cycle A. Readings: 1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Gospel) Matthew 21:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 1) Isaiah 50:4-7 2) Colossians 3:1-4 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 Gospel) Matthew 28:1-10 2) Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel) Matthew 26:14 to 27:66 By Sharon K. Perkins

By Jeff Hedglen t seemed like the bad news would never end. Fairly recently, our parish Icommunity was staggered by several announcements in a single week, e see it all the time: an actor or athlete who falls from grace. We of one untimely death after another — a motorcycle accident, a heart Wcelebrate the person on the way up the ladder of fame and happily attack during the night, and a suicide. Th at same week a teenaged relative gawk as they disgracefully tumble down to the bottom. Th e most recent of mine died of cancer. example of this is Charlie Sheen, but he is not alone. He is not the fi rst to Having departed this life in their prime, these persons left us, their win fame and have a huge following only to be left alone in his hour of survivors, acutely aware of how unexpectedly death can come, and how need. fragile is the veil that separates our busy, unrefl ective lives from the reality Th ere is something strange in the human condition that allows us to of an eternal existence that we can scarcely understand or imagine but celebrate the greatness of another person one week, and then stand by and which looms near — perhaps nearer than we think. watch the same person be beaten, stumble, fall, and sometimes even die For a Christian, this realization is both very comforting and very scary. while we enjoy the show. Most of us live our lives in a self-imposed bubble that shields us from Th is, of course, is nothing new. In fact, it goes back 2,000 years. Jesus’ thinking about our own deaths (at least until we are forced to deal with public ministry was an enormous success. In just three years, without the death of a loved one). Th e Scriptures for this Easter feast get to the the benefi t of radio and TV, he had captured the imagination of a whole heart of the matter, “popping the bubble” and stripping away the veil. people. Just as the apostle Peter acquaints the household of Cornelius with Sure, some did not like how he upset the status quo; others were totally the facts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the Church reacquaints us enveloped by his divine power in human form, and some were not happy with that same narrative, reminding us that Jesus’ story is now our story. with the type of Messiah he was shaping up to be. It was a love-him-or- In fact, as St. Paul reminds us, we have already died to our old selves. Our hate-him kind of scenario. lives are hidden indeed, but not by a veil of our own making. Th ey are We know how the story plays out. One week Jesus is celebrated, and the surrounded by and absorbed into the very life of God. next he is brutally beaten. Th e bystanders who wave their fi sts and shout, In the Gospel, the guards at the tomb were so shaken with the fear “Crucify him!” had only days earlier waved branches and sung, “Blessed is of their resurrection encounter that they “became like dead men.” Th e he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” women at the tomb, also “fearful,” took to heart the words of the angel And so it is with us each year on Passion Sunday. We, too, shout, and also of Jesus, who proclaimed to them, “Do not be afraid!” Fear “Hosanna,” and “Crucify him!” May we shout both with vigor as both paralyzed the guards — but that same fear, transformed into joy, propelled are part of the pathway to our salvation. Th roughout the journey of Holy the women into action, as they rushed to share the good news with their Week, Jesus moves from glory to defeat to glory, and he takes us along for brother disciples. the ride. But this is no Charlie Sheen voyeur ride. Th is is a full and active Death is inevitable, and fear is a natural human response to what we participatory experience! don’t know or understand. But, as St. Paul reminds us, we have been “raised with Christ” — and in focusing on “what is above,” we truly have nothing to fear.

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: When has the death of a friend or relative led you to consider your In what ways do I sing “Hosanna in the highest!” by the way I live own death? How can you allow the risen Lord to transform your my life? In what ways do I shout “Crucify him!” by the way I live my own fears from paralysis into joyful action? life? PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Nuestro Pastor Habla La cuaresma: encontrar la cruz de Cristo, y arrepentirse Queridos Hermanos y dispuestos a dejar morir con Cristo aquellas la Iglesia — que se conformen más a Cristo Hermanas en Cristo, cosas que son obstáculos a la santidad y a y se alejen de las tinieblas del pecado y hacia nuestra relación con Cristo. Por esta razón la gracia y la misericordia de Cristo. Sin a temporada de Cuaresma está estamos llamados al ayuno y sacrifi cio embargo, una de las partes más importantes aquí, y este tiempo no es dado durante la Cuaresma. Estos son medios de la Iglesia pide a todos los que están allí por la Iglesia cada año como una muy efi caces para reducir nuestras pasiones que representan todas las parroquias, si temporada de arrepentimiento y y deseos, de morir nosotros mismos, están dispuestos a ofrecer un fi el testimonio Lconversión, donde nos preparamos para la nuestros deseos y necesidades, para que de los electos y candidatos mientras se celebración de la muerte y resurrección de podamos confi ar más en la gracia de Cristo y preparan para los sacramentos de la Pascua. Cristo en Semana Santa. La temporada de conformarnos más a él y a la cruz. Es muy importante que recordemos que Cuaresma es un gran regalo de la Iglesia, En segundo lugar, el Papa nos recuerda la responsabilidad de quienes entran en que nos llama a una seria conversión, mirar que la conversión verdadera y seria sólo es la Iglesia no es sólo responsabilidad del profundamente en nuestros corazones y posible a través de nuestra participación en pastor, o el director de RICA y catequistas. vidas con la ayuda de la gracia del Espíritu el sacramento de la penitencia. Es a través El proceso de RICA es una tarea de toda Santo, para erradicar las fuentes de pecado de este gran sacramento de la misericordia la parroquia, que constantemente da en nuestras vidas y más radicalmente de Cristo que la verdadera conversión tiene testimonio a los electos y candidatos de conformarnos a Cristo. La Cuaresma es lugar: reconocemos nuestros pecados, cómo la fe católica debe ser vivida en las una temporada de mucha seriedad, porque Monseñor Kevin Vann asumimos plena responsabilidad por ellos, condiciones normales de la vida, y cómo se los confesamos a Cristo y, a continuación, cada uno de nosotros está llamado a ser un es un gran momento de gracia para todos existencia según la voluntad de Dios; recibimos a través de la absolución testigo fi el de Cristo y a la verdad que Él le nosotros si estamos dispuestos a responder a liberarnos de nuestro egoísmo, superando sacramental la nueva vida de la gracia en ha confi ado a la Iglesia. la llamada de Cristo, “arrepiéntanse y crean el instinto de dominio sobre los demás Cristo. Cada confesión es como repetir la También muchos de ustedes serán en el Evangelio” (Marcos 1: 15). y abriéndonos a la caridad de Cristo. parábola del hijo prõdigo (Lucas 15: 11-32). testigos de algunos de los otros ritos de Tenemos que examinar más de El período cuaresmal es el momento Mediante el sacramento de la penitencia, RICA en sus parroquias en las próximas cerca esta llamada a la conversión y al favorable para reconocer nuestra Cristo en su gran misericordia nos abraza, semanas. En el tercero, cuarto y quinto arrepentimiento. La palabra conversión nos debilidad, acoger, con una sincera nos restaura y nos fortalece en su gracia, domingo de Cuaresma, los tres escrutinios llega del griego metanioa, que signifi ca revisión de vida, la Gracia renovadora y hay gran regocijo en el cielo porque un se celebrarán para los elegidos que se están literalmente dar un giro hacia atrás. del Sacramento de la Penitencia y pecador está verdaderamente arrepentido preparando para el bautismo en Semana Conversión o metanioa signifi ca alejarse caminar con decisión hacia Cristo”. del pecado y, a su vez, hacia Dios; es una y está plenamente vivo en Cristo. A través Santa. Cada escrutinio se el basa en un de la confesión, literalmente nos vaciamos pasaje del evangelio de Juan: la primero se llamada a distanciarse, echar fuera todo lo En primer lugar, nuestro Santo del pecado para que podamos estar llenos basa en el encuentro de Jesús con la mujer que está dentro de nosotros o que nos rodea, Padre nos enseña que la Cuaresma es de la gracia de Cristo. Participación en el en el pozo (Juan 4: 4-42), el segundo sobre que sea causa del pecado en nuestras vidas encontrarse con la cruz de Cristo, la cruz sacramento de la penitencia siempre debe ser Jesús sanando al hombre nacido ciego para que asi podamos tener una relación más que no sólo nos salvó, pero la cruz que una parte de nuestra vida como católicos, (Juan 9: 1-41), y el tercero se basa en la profunda con Dios. también continuamente llama a morir con pero especialmente durante la temporada resurrección de Lázaro por Jesús (Juan Creo que a veces la tentación para Cristo nuestro viejo yo pecador, para que de Cuaresma, buscamos una profunda 11: 1-44). Cada uno de estos pasajes de la nosotros durante la Cuaresma es hacer lo resucitemos con Él una nueva vida como San conversión a Cristo. Nuestras parroquias Sagrada Escritura nos revela una historia mínimo, a renunciar a algo bastante trivial, Pablo nos enseña: para tratar de rezar un poco más aquí o proporcionan muchas oportunidades para conmovedora y de conversión, salvación y el sacramento de la penitencia durante la potencia salvadora de Jesús, que viene allá. ¿No es que estas cosas no son buenas Por tanto, hagan morir en ustedes lo la Cuaresma, con servicios penitenciales a sacarnos de la oscuridad del pecado y en sí mismos, pero ¿tomamos la temporada que es «terrenal», es decir, libertinaje, y tiempo adicional para confesiones. la muerte y nos lleva a su luz maravillosa. de la Cuaresma como un momento de impureza, pasión desordenada, malos Asegúrese de consultar anuncios y boletines Los escrutinios y el testimonio de quienes alejarnos en serio del pecado? ¿Examinamos deseos y el amor al dinero, que es una parroquiales para estos servicios. acuden a la fe católica son grandes recuerdos con seriedad lo que hacemos y decimos, lo manera de servir a los ídolos. Tales La Cuaresma es también una época muy para todos nosotros que estamos llamados que observamos en la televisión o Internet, cosas atraen los castigos de Dios. Ustedes importante en muchas de las parroquias a este tipo de conversión, y que Jesús es cómo tratamos a las personas, nuestras siguieron un tiempo ese camino, y su para aquellos que están comenzando su verdaderamente “la resurrección y la vida” actitudes, el ejemplo que damos a los demás? vida era así. Pues bien, ahora rechacen preparación fi nal para ser recibido en plena (Juan 11: 25). Los invito a tomar algún ¿Discernimos con seriedad las cosas que todo eso: enojo, arrebatos, malas comunión con la Iglesia a través del Ritual de tiempo para refl exionar sobre estos pasajes pueden llevarnos a pecar y hacemos un intenciones, ofensas y todas las palabras iniciación cristiana de adultos (RICA). Tengo como parte de su viaje de fe y santidad en esfuerzo por quitarlas de nuestras vidas? Este malas que se pueden decir. Pónganse el privilegio al comienzo de la Cuaresma esta epoca de Cuaresma. es el tipo de seria conversión que la época de el vestido nuevo. No se mientan unos a cada año de celebrar el Rito de elección y la Mientras tanto, tengan la seguridad de la Cuaresma nos pide a todos. otros: ustedes se despojaron del hombre Llamada a la conversión permanente con mis oraciones por ustedes mientras juntos El Papa Benedicto XVI, en su último viejo y de sus vicios y se revistieron del todas las personas de la diócesis que se buscamos a conocer más profundamente mensaje de Cuaresma, nos enseña de lo que hombre nuevo que no cesa de renovarse a están preparando para entrar en la Iglesia al Señor y su amor y misericordia durante trata esta época santa y penitencial: la imagen de su Creador hasta alcanzar en Semana Santa. Este rito poderoso llama esta época penitencial. Estoy deseoso de el perfecto conocimiento. al electo, o aquellos que están a punto de compartir con ustedes la alegría de la Pascua “En síntesis, el itinerario cuaresmal, —Colosenses 3: 5-10 en el cual se nos invita a contemplar ser bautizados, para seguir creciendo en su y la gracia de Cristo resucitado. experiencia y conocimiento de Jesucristo el Misterio de la cruz, es «hacerme Este tipo de conversión sólo es posible si como su Salvador y crecer en su comprensión semejante a él en su muerte» (Flp 3, estamos dispuestos, como San Pablo, de ser de su propia necesidad de redención y su 10), para llevar a cabo una conversión tumbados por Cristo, si estamos dispuestos llamado a recibir la gracia de Cristo. El rito profunda de nuestra vida: dejarnos a permitir que la gracia del Espíritu Santo transformar por la acción del Espíritu también llama a los candidatos, o aquellos nos purifi que y nos transforme y nos lleve + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD Santo, como san Pablo en el camino de que ya están con nosotros en el bautismo — fi rmemente al camino de la rectitud y la Diocesis de Fort Worth pero se preparan para la plena comunión con Damasco; orientar con decisión nuestra salvación. Pero primero debemos estar NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 27 Noticias de la Iglesia El ministerio Plenitud de la verdad patrocinará una conferencia en Arlington, explorando el evangelio de Mateo, del 30 de abril al 1° de mayo

Por Tony Gutiérrez una experiencia perfecta para quienes también en Arlington, durante el año habrá conferencias para estudiantes en que los hispanos son una parte Editor Asociado recientemente habrán entrado a la de San Pablo. de secundaria, que incluirán charlas creciente de la población católica local, Iglesia en Semana Santa a través La conferencia de este año se y momentos de alabanza y adoración. y que “es importante que conozcan su El ministerio de la evangelización del proceso de RICA", dijo el basa en el evangelio de Mateo, que Como el resto de la conferencia, las fe y la conozcan bien”. católica Plenitud de la verdad obispo Kevin Vann en una carta es el evangelio que se está leyendo actividades para los jóvenes tomarán Pollice hizo hincapié en el apoyo presentará Venga tu reino: abriendo invitando a los católicos a asistir a la en el ciclo corriente de lecturas en la diversos temas del evangelio de Mateo de la diócesis a la conferencia y la el evangelio de San Mateo, en el Centro conferencia. “Esta conferencia será liturgia de la Iglesia. que serán ofrecidos en un estilo más importancia de que los fi eles conozcan de convenciones de Arlington, 1200 una oportunidad para que todos “La idea es que los católicos ameno para los jóvenes. las Escrituras. Ballpark en Arlington, el 30 de abril nosotros entremos a un conocimiento sentados en las bancas de la Iglesia "También estamos esperando “Es una gran oportunidad para al 1o de mayo. y amistad más profunda con Cristo puedan su entendiamento de la ofrecerle algo a los jóvenes adultos. nuestra diócesis para reunirse y La conferencia contará con al encontrarlo en las Escrituras, y liturgia de la palabra”, dijo McClane. H a br a u n e vento e sp e c i a l e l s a ba do p or aprender sobre algo tan importante el orador católico de renombre también puede ayudar a promover y “Cuando estamos sentados en Misa, la noche para ellos como alternativa a como es el evangelio de Mateo”, internacional Scott Hahn, junto enriquecer la misión de la catequesis y la palabra de Dios toma vida en la cena con los oradores, prevista para dijo. “Mientras más entendamos las con los teólogos John Bergsma y la evangelización en nuestra diócesis”. nosotros”. la parte principal de la conferencia. Sagradas Escrituras, más conoceremos Michael Barber. Presentadores locales Plenitud de la verdad es un Venga tu reino contará con Hahn La conferencia también tendrá a Cristo”. incluirán Lucas Pollice, director apostolado de la evangelización y los demás oradores abordando una sección en español a petición del Preinscripción para Th y Kingdom de catequesis de la Diócesis de Fort católica dedicado al llamado del diversos capítulos del evangelio de Monseñor Kevin Vann. Esta sección Come / Venga tu reino es $45 dólares Worth, como maestro de ceremonias, Papa Juan Pablo II a una Nueva Mateo, intercalados con servicios de tendrá traducciones simultáneas para adultos individuales, $20 dólares y Marlon De La Torre, director Evangelización, dijo su director oración, incluyendo un rosario, la de las presentaciones de Hahn, así para jóvenes, $125 dólares para diocesano de matrimonio y familia, Joe McClane. El ministerio, con adoración eucarística, la coronilla de como presentaciones de varias otras familias, $35 dólares por persona para ofreciendo una presentación para la sede en Houston, ha sido organizar la divina misericordia y Misa. partes del evangelio de Mateo de un grupo de cinco o más adultos y porción en español de la conferencia. conferencias a lo largo de Texas y los McClane dijo que estas otros presentadores, incluyendo la $10 dólares por día para el cuidado de “Esto es una gran oportunidad estados vecinos desde 2001. Esta será conferencias están destinadas a todo conferencia ofrecida por De La Torre. niños. Para obtener más información, para adultos, catequistas, profesores la segunda conferencia de Plenitud el mundo y toman en consideración “Queremos que los hispanos o para registrarse, llame (877) y todos aquellos envueltos en el de la verdad, en la Diócesis de Fort la situación de las familias. Se conozcan su fe y que comuniquen esa fe 21-TRUTH, o visite el sitio Web en estudio de las Escrituras, así como Worth; el primero se celebró en 2008, proporcionará cuidado de niños, y a otros”, dijo De La Torre, enfatizando www.fullnessoftruth.org. La violencia en la frontera aparece ente los asuntos tratados por los obispos de Texas y México EL PASO (CNS) — Se discutieron relacionados con la celebración de Flores, al canal de televisión KVIA carecen de dinero en absoluto”. canal de televisión KVUE de El Paso. preocupaciones comunes los sacramentos, dijo el padre Juan de El Paso. La migración rumbo al norte La violencia en la frontera fue uno relacionadas con la violencia entre Armando Renovato López, vocero Las acciones drásticas del continúa a pesar de que la ruta que de los asuntos que el presidente mexicano grupos de trafi cantes de drogas de de la Diócesis de Piedras Negras, que gobierno mexicano en contra de los siguen las personas indocumentadas Felipe Calderón y el presidente Barack México, y otros asuntos más extensos limita con Eagle Pass, Texas. grupos criminales y de trafi cantes provenientes de Centroamérica — al Obama discutieron durante su pasada con respecto a la discriminación Los obispos estuvieron de de drogas han cobrado la vida de cruzar México — se ha hecho todavía reunión en Washington. y violaciones en contra de los acuerdo en coordinar prácticas más de 35,000 personas en los más peligrosa, con grupos criminales El 4 de marzo, los dos dirigentes derechos humanos que perjudican en ambos lados de la frontera, pasados cuatro años. La violencia ha que participan del “negocio” de estuvieron de acuerdo en trabajar a los inmigrantes, y sus efectos en facilitándoles a los residentes de afectado principalmente a personas contrabando con seres humanos. juntos aún más para combatir la la iglesia. La reunión, que duró tres EE.UU. celebrar matrimonio o lograr involucradas en actividades ilegales; Los obispos celebraron una violencia generada por el tráfi co de días, se sostuvo entre los obispos de que sus hijos sean bautizados en pero la comisión estatal de Chihuahua Misa especial para la paz y justicia drogas. Obama comprometió a los las diócesis aledañas a la frontera México con la presencia de familiares de derechos humanos presentó en la catedral de San Patricio, el 2 EE.UU. en el sentido de acelerar el de Texas con México. La reunión a quienes se les hace difícil cruzar la recientemente un informe acerca de de marzo, para rezar por la paz a lo paso para el entrenamiento y equipo terminó el 3 de marzo. frontera debido a la violencia, dijo el por lo menos 200 familias enteras que largo de la frontera, y a ellos se les de fuerzas mexicanas que luchen En su encuentro en El Paso, padre Renovato. han sido asesinadas en venganza por unieron docenas de parroquianos de contra los grupos de criminales de pasando la frontera de la Ciudad “Es importante que apliquemos acciones de familiares. todo El Paso. drogas. También dijo que los EE.UU. Juárez, México, lugar principal de los mismos requisitos a lo largo de la El padre Renovato le dijo al “Espero que den verdadero fruto debe limitar el fl ujo de dinero y la guerra de drogas en México y en frontera en relación a la preparación Catholic News Service que los obispos estas oraciones, que juntos recitamos, armamento que entra a México y que donde miles de asesinatos ocurren del matrimonio. Eso ha sido un asunto también querían explorar “cómo t a nto en ing lé s c omo en e spa ñol, pa ra va a parar en manos de maleantes anualmente, los 10 obispos también importante para nosotros”, le dijo el la iglesia puede ofrecer asistencia benefi cio de todos”, dijo el obispo de de drogas. discutieron asuntos pastorales obispo de Brownsville, Daniel E. a migrantes, muchos de los cuales Laredo, James A. Tamayo, para el Los Ángeles recibe arzobispo Gómez mientras cardenal Mahony se jubila LOS ÁNGELES (CNS) — Más de entreguen al Papa sus renuncias, auxiliar de Denver. era sacerdote de la Diócesis de Fresno al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa y 6,000 personas se reunieron para dos el arzobispo Jose H. Gómez fue El 1 de marzo el Papa Benedicto cuando fue nombrado obispo auxiliar consagrada; “ayudarnos a ver la belleza Misas el 27 de febrero en la catedral bienvenido como el nuevo líder de la XVI aceptó la renuncia del cardenal. de Fresno en 1975, entonces obispo de de la diversidad cultural de la iglesia”; Our Lady of the Angels p a r a ob s er v a r u n a iglesia de Los Ángeles. El cardenal Mahony, el primer Stockton, California, en 1980. “proclamar ante nuestra sociedad que transición, histórica y rara, del liderato El arzobispo Gómez fue angelino nativo en servir como En la edición del 4 de marzo de la vida es sagrada desde la concepción en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles. nombrado arzobispo coadjutor para arzobispo de Los Ángeles, fue instalado Th e Tidings, periódico arquidiocesano hasta la muerte natural”; y “defender El día que el cardenal Roger Los Ángeles por el Papa Benedicto XVI en septiembre de 1985 para liderar de Los Ángeles, el arzobispo Gómez y fortalecer las instituciones naturales M. Mahony celebraba su 75o durante la primavera pasada. Había la arquidiócesis más populosa de escribió que tiene cinco prioridades del matrimonio y familia basada en la c u mple a ño s , e d a d en l a c u a l s e re qu iere servido cinco años como arzobispo de la nación, ahora numerando casi 5 según comienza su trabajo: educación unión permanente y exclusiva de un canónicamente que los obispos San Antonio y previamente era obispo millones de católicos. El cardenal en la fe; promover las vocaciones hombre y una mujer”. PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 Noticias de la Iglesia En su libro Jesús de Nazaret, el Papa presenta a Jesús como reconciliador y no como revolucionario político Por John Th avis relación personal con Jesús”. externo, por medio del despojo Catholic News Service El Papa se refi rió a estudiosos total que condujo a la cruz, podría LA CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (de la Escritura) que le han dado este nuevo mundo empezar su — En su nuevo volumen Jesús de una interpretación política a la existencia”, dijo. Nazaret, el Papa Benedicto XVI pasión de Cristo y que han buscado El Papa dijo que “la violenta presenta la pasión y la resurrección presentar a Jesús como “agitador revolución, la matanza de otros en de Cristo como eventos que político”. Por el contrario, escribió nombre de Dios” no era el camino cambiaron la historia y que el Papa, Jesús inauguró “un de Jesús. responden a la incesante necesidad reino mesiánico no político” en “Jesús no viene empuñando de la humanidad de reconciliarse un mundo donde la política y la la espada del revolucionario; viene con Dios. religión habían estado en forma con el regalo de sanación”, dijo. El libro, escrito en 384 páginas inseparable. En el libro, en general, se y titulado Jesús de Nazaret: Semana “Esta separación — esencial procuró evitar comentarios sobre Santa — Desde la entrada a al mensaje de Jesús, separación asuntos contemporáneos; pero en Copias del nuevo libro del Papa Benedicto XVI, Jesús de Nazaret. Desde la Jerusalén hasta la Resurrección, fue entre política y fe, del pueblo de el asunto de la no violencia, el Papa entrada en Jerusalén hasta la resurrección, se pueden ver en la Librería editrice dado a conocer ofi cialmente el 10 Dios y de la política, fue posible añadió que “las consecuencias de Vaticana, en Roma, el 10 de marzo. (foto CNS/Paul Haring) de marzo. El Papa había trabajado al fi nal solamente mediante la la violencia con motivos religiosos durante varios años con el texto, necesidad de reconciliarnos fundamentados y que en cruz. Solamente por medio de estaban demasiado evidentes ante que es el segundo de una serie con Dios, el Dios silencioso, verdad sucedieron y que no son la pérdida total de todo poder la vista de todos”. en la que se estudian los eventos misterioso, aparentemente ausente simplemente historias o ideas; principales del ministerio público y sin embargo omnipresente, es el por ejemplo, dijo, si Jesús no les de Jesús. problema real de toda la historia hubiera dado en realidad a sus Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada El Vaticano dijo que ya se del mundo?” dijo. discípulos pan y vino como su había publicado un 1,2 millón de En el libro se analizan los cuerpo y sangre, en la Última Si usted o alguien que conozca es abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada Ext. 900 copias del libro, en siete lenguas, y eventos clave de los días fi nales de cena, entonces “la celebración por parte de cualquier persona que ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: que una versión electrónica estaba Jesús, incluyendo la limpieza del eucarística de la iglesia estaría trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por planeada también. templo, la Última ena, la traición vacía; simplemente sería una empleado, o miembro del clero, puede el canciller/moderador de la curia, el reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: En el prefacio, el Papa dice que recibió (Jesús), el interrogatorio fi cción devota”. padre Stephen Berg. Mecanismo para reportar abuso que no se había propuesto escribir ante el Sanedrín y Poncio Pilato, Del mismo modo, dijo, la ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de otra Vida de Jesús en forma respectivamente, su crucifi xión y verdadera resurrección de Cristo asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Servicios de protección (Servicios de cronológica; sino en lugar de eso, sus apariciones ante sus discípulos entre los muertos es fundamental 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico a [email protected] protección de niños) al número:(800) quería presentar la fi gura y el después de su resurrección. para la Iglesia. Sin ella, dijo, “La ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el 252-5400. mensaje “del Jesús real” y no un A través del texto, el fe cristiana en sí misma estaría revolucionario político ni mero Papa Benedicto examina la muerta”. moralista, sino el Hijo de Dios interpretación de las Escrituras Al mismo tiempo, el Papa que inauguró un nuevo camino de los padres de la primera Iglesia reconoció que el documento de salvación fundamentado en el y de eruditos contemporáneos, histórico de Jesús no está siempre poder del amor. rechazando algunos argumentos completo y dijo que “si la certeza Por medio de su sacrifi cio en la y afi rmando otros o elaborando de fe dependiera de verifi cación cruz y su institución de la Iglesia, sobre ellos. En forma prominente científi co-histórica solamente, Jesús llevó a cabo una misión se cita a Rudolf Bultmann, erudito estaría siempre abierta a revisión”. universal: “conduciendo al mundo del Nuevo Testamento, protestante El Papa se refi rió al movimiento lejos de la condición de separación alemán de fi nales del siglo XX. “de un Jesús histórico” sostenido de Dios y de sí mismo”. Es una El Papa dijo que era por algunos eruditos de las misión que continúa hasta hoy en importante entender que Escrituras, diciendo que “se enfoca día, escribió el Papa. los eventos narrados en las demasiado en el pasado y se hace “¿No es el caso que nuestra Escrituras estaban históricamente de esta manera imposible una

Los mineros chilenos, quienes permanecieron 60 días atrapados en una mina derrumbada cerca de Copiapó, Chile, antes de ser rescatados en octubre, tocan la piedra de unción en la Iglesia del sagrado sepulcro en la ciudad antigua de Jerusalén el 24 de febrero. La tradición cuenta que la piedra cargaba a Jesús cuando fue investido antes de su entierro. Los mineros visitaron la iglesia en el segundo día de su visita de una semana a Israel y los territorios palestinos. (foto CNS/ Ronen Zvulun, Reuters) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 29 Japanese bishops to set up center Archbishop Dolan assures to coordinate operations in Sendai Japanese prelate of US ROME (CNS) — Japanese Church offi cials are setting up an prayers, solidarity emergency center to coordinate humanitarian aid operations in Sendai, the area most devastated by the March 11 earthquake WASHINGTON (CNS) — New York Archbishop and tsunami. Timothy M. Dolan has assured Japanese Bishop Martin Tetsuo Hiraga of Sendai and the diocesan Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenaga of Osaka of the chancellor, Father Peter Shiro Komatsu will be the director prayers and solidarity of the U.S. Catholic Church and vice director of the center, and a Caritas worker will be amid the ongoing rescue and relief eff orts in his stationed there to coordinate aid work, reported the Asian nation. Church news agency UCA News. Clergy and laypeople from “I write today conscious of the terrible other dioceses may also join the work. earthquake that has struck Japan. Th e fi rst news Th e center is expected to operate for six months, UCA reports of the preliminary estimates of suff ering, News reported. loss of life, and physical damage challenge our Fr. Komatsu said gasoline is the most needed commodity. ability to grasp the reality of such a massive event,” “Since there is a shortage of petroleum and roads are CNS photo/Yomiuri Shimbun/Reuters Archbishop Dolan wrote March 14 as president of blocked by debris, we have diffi culties (reaching) aff ected areas ABOVE: A Japan civil defense offi cer holds a 4-month-old baby girl who was the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. outside Sendai city,” he said. rescued along with her family from their home in Ishimaki, northern Japan, Th e letter, released March 16, was addressed Fr. Komatsu said March 17 that he had begun contacting March 14. Government offi cials had estimated that 10,000 people may have lost to Archbishop Ikenaga as head of the Catholic several downtown parishes to fi nd rooms for the displaced their lives in the March 11 earthquake and the tsunami it triggered. Bishops’ Conference of Japan. quake victims and added that the Church might off er shelter BELOW: A woman who fl ed from the vicinity of the Fukushima nuclear power “My letter is to make a fi rst contact with to relief workers. plant sits at an evacuation center in Kawamata, Japan, March 14. Japanese offi cials you to assure you of the prayers and solidarity Th e diocese had not yet received information about the were fi ghting to contain two reactors at the plant and avoid a nuclear disaster in the of the bishops and faithful in the United States area of the country hardest hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. at this diffi cult moment,” the USCCB president coastal churches due to disrupted telecommunications. CNS photo/Yuriko Nakao, Reuters Father Daisuke Narui, executive director of Caritas Japan, said. “We commend the church and the people also attended the mid-March meeting. of Japan to the intercession of Mary, the mother “Th e biggest buildings in Sendai withstood the very strong of Jesus, asking her to care for all of those left in earthquake. Th e greatest damage was caused by the tsunami. conditions of suff ering because of the quake and Th e panorama of destruction is striking. Now we’ll have to roll the aftershocks.” up our shirt sleeves. People are expecting our help,” he said. Japanese Church offi cials are setting up an Fr. Narui said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of emergency center to coordinate humanitarian aid Japanese youth off ering to help the displaced. operations in Sendai, the area most devastated by “Young people are continually coming to Caritas from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. A Caritas all the dioceses to off er their availability as volunteers to bring Japan worker will be stationed there to coordinate aid to the areas most aff ected by the disaster,” the priest told aid work. Fides, news agency of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Th e U.S. bishops’ Catholic Relief Services is Evangelization of Peoples. “Th is is an important sign that gives responding to the tragedy by working with Caritas us hope for the future.” Earlier, Bishop Hiraga told Vatican Radio that many Japan and by receiving donations, said Bishop “Today the dominant feeling is fear,” Fr. Narui said. area residents, cut off without electricity and with some phone Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, chairman of “Th e biggest concern is that of the nuclear power plant in service just restored, were unaware of the worsening situation the CRS board. Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming back to at the Fukushima plant. “Th ese will be used for the immediate haunt us. But it must be said that the people are not indulging “You living in other countries have a much better idea of humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable and in panic; instead, they are reacting with poise and dignity.” the tragedy,” the bishop told Vatican Radio. support the local Catholic Church in its ongoing He said although many people had been evacuated and “We are terrifi ed,” the bishop said. “We only have the mission,” Bishop Kicanas said in a statement. others were being asked to stay in their homes, “in the worst- government announcements, we have no other source of Catholics interested in supporting CRS relief aff ected areas the main problem is the lack of food and fuel. As information. We don’t even know what has happened to our eff orts can visit http://crs.org/japan. there is no fuel, people cannot move. And they are left feeling parishes in the towns and villages along the coast. We have no In a March 16 posting on his blog, powerless in the face of this tragedy.” way of contacting them. I can only hope that the people of my Archbishop Dolan noted that it was no surprise After the magnitude 9 earthquake, reactors at the diocese can stand together and be strong enough to overcome that “as international relief began to arrive in Fukushima plant were hit by explosions, and Japanese offi cials this disaster.” fractured Japan after the awful earthquake and were working to avoid leakage of radiation. Th ey ordered Japanese offi cials estimate at least 13,000 people died in tsunami, among the fi rst were Catholic agencies.” evacuations for hundreds of thousands of people. the disaster. “Religious communities provide the most massive private (nongovernmental) relief and care in the world, and fi rst among the world’s communities of faith is the Catholic Church,” he In days after quake, broken glass, freezing nights, confused patients said. Th e archbishop said he was noting this “not *Editor's note: Junko Ito, a reporter for the Tokyo-based following days, too. as an act of pride” but as “an act of gratitude for CATHOLIC WEEKLY, fi led this fi rst-person report. Th e next morning, the sisters went to the support facility our wonderfully generous Catholic people who rise By Junko Ito* for handicapped people, where they work. Members of the to the occasion whenever there’s an international staff prepared and delivered emergency food. A sister said need, like the one now in Japan, and as a word of TOKYO (CNS) — March 11, when we had the earthquake, she found it diffi cult to take care of some of the handicapped encouragement to those splendid Catholic relief I was in Nasu, Tochigi prefecture, which is in an inland area because they were so confused with the unusual situation. agencies that so eff ectively bring our aid to those of northeastern Japan. It is 100 miles away from the area that One sister drove to the neighbor’s to check the damage. most in need.” was seriously damaged by the tsunami and earthquake. Most of the gas stations were closed, and people were anxious “Lent is a providential time to thank God for I asked for a bed at a convent, the Congregation of about how much gas remained. the heroic charity and generosity of the church, Sisters of Bethany, and stayed there for three days because Th e third day, March 13 was Sunday. People — about and to affi rm our conviction that our international train service was postponed and there was no public 30, the usual number — got together at the Nasu church for relief is so eff ective precisely because it is inspired transportation. Window glass was broken, TV sets had fallen Mass. Th e chapel was not so damaged. by Jesus, fl ows through and from his Church, and down, books and broken dishes were scattered all over the A contribution box for the most damaged area was set at is as close to the heart of Christ and his vicar on place. Electricity and gas supplies were cut off . the entrance. Two young men will be baptized at Easter so, earth, the pope, as possible,” Archbishop Dolan It was very cold at night; we even had a light snow. during the Mass, people prayed for victims and the young added. Sisters were moving around with fl ashlights, saying “I’m men. Th ey shared their experience about the earthquake and freezing!” Th e aftershocks continued all night and the encouraged each other, too. PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011

Photo by Jenara Kocks Burgess Photo by Jenara Kocks Burgess Monte McCarty (right) displays a clock being Members of the Midwestern State University Catholic Campus Center's choir auctioned off by Frank Smith. The auction is a major provide entertainment for the evening at the Father Donlon Vocations Dinner. source of funds raised in support of vocations. Photo by Jenara Kocks Burgess increasing number of vocations in our Msgr. Olson estimated that the cost ABOVE: Bishop Kevin Vann off ers thanks to the diocese. And that’s a blessing for us.” each year for each seminarian at Holy organizers and attendees at the 20th annual Vocations Dinner… Bishop Vann said there are about 30 Trinity Seminary in Irving is $56,000, which vocations dinner for their continued support of FROM PAGE 32 seminarians in formation this year, three of includes the cost of the University of Dallas, vocations. To the left is Holy Trinity Seminary Rector whom will be ordained to the priesthood room and board, as well as the formation Msgr. Michael Olson, who has ties to the Wichita of vocations — but especially priests and this year, and two to the transitional program in the seminary itself. Falls community. To the right is Fr. Isaac Orozco, religious vocations … — is everyone’s calling diaconate. A number of seminarians are Msgr. Olson thanked everyone for priest secretary to the bishop. and everyone’s business,” he said. “That’s why serving in pastoral internships this year, he their prayers, good works, hospitality, and it’s important to say to someone, sometime, in said, including some in parishes in Wichita gratitude. BELOW: Paul Macha and the late Fr. Donlon, who addition to praying and building our Catholic Falls and surrounding areas. Bishop Vann “You all have been supportive, and was born in Ireland, share a laugh as they don families, ‘You know, have you ever thought also spoke of attending first and final vows this dinner is just one sign and a very traditional Irish top hats in this fi le photo. about this?’” Bishop Vann said. for four sisters in the Diocese of Fort Worth, important sign of that support. But also NTC Archive Bishop Vann said that one event in his and said that another sister will be making in the work of formation, your hosting own vocational story came when, working in her final vows soon. seminarians in pastoral years and internships a music store while still in high school, one of Bishop Vann said there are about 60 is of inestimable value in the discernment the organists there told him that she thought seminarians from dioceses throughout the and formation of young men toward the that he might become a priest. region studying at Holy Trinity Seminary in priesthood,” he said. “She saw something in me to tell me Irving. Two current seminarians, Daniel that. And I think that’s our responsibility as Msgr. Michael Olson, rector of Holy Cochran from Sacred Heart Church in well. To build a vocational culture, has to be Trinity Seminary in Irving, said that he Muenster and Thomas Jones from St. worked at, prayed for, and built constantly always enjoys visiting Wichita Falls because Catherine of Siena Church in Carrollton, with the good will of everyone here and the he attended the very first Fr. Donlon attended the dinner along with Bishop Vann, help of God. That’s what was begun by Fr. Vocations Dinner in 1992 when he was doing Msgr. Olson, and Father Isaac Orozco, priest- Donlon and carried forth by all of you and his pastoral internship as a seminarian at secretary to the bishop. especially Mike Brown and everyone here Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Wichita “We really appreciate the people coming in Wichita Falls,” he said. “You give such a Falls. He also said that he became a Knight here and the overwhelming support we get… wonderful example for our diocese because of Columbus in the Council 1473 Hall in It’s really great that Wichita Falls can get it is important for us here and it’s important Wichita Falls as well as a second, third, and together and put on a thing like this for all of for the future of our diocese. We have an fourth degree Knight. us,” Cochran said. Workers take pride in building ‘T-shelters’ for homeless Haitians By Dennis Sadowski own, but it is hard because life has Ambroise explained that the ◀ Workers at a camp Catholic News Service become expensive since the disaster. teams include carpenters who lost in Terrain Toto, Haiti, Vincent is one of 146 workers their jobs after the quake. Most construct transitional PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Five producing transitional shelters, employees, however, never worked shelters March 10 for days a week, Ginou Vincent makes or “T-shelters,” under a program in carpentry before and are learning those left homeless in the hourlong trek on exhaust- coordinated by Catholic Relief valuable skills that can be useful to last year's earthquake. filled, congested streets to build Services and funded by the future employers as the rebuilding The shelters, produced by prefabricated shelters for people, like U.S. Agency for International effort gains momentum, he told Catholic Relief Services herself, left homeless by last year’s Development. The workers are Catholic News Service. and funded by the U.S. earthquake. divided into six teams. Together “They’re good workers,” he government, are meant It’s a long trek from Carrefour, they produce about 40 shelter kits said. to last up to three years. west of Port-au-Prince, to the a day. The teams work in the open CNS photo/Bob Roller Varreux Yard in the city’s Jacomin Since starting in May, the air under a cover of corrugated of the teams. He said his experience of three explained. “There are neighborhood. But Vincent knows workers have produced about 2,500 steel that shades them from the as a carpenter with the French Red projects for people to have houses. if she fails to show up for work, a of the 192-square-foot shelters, said hot Caribbean sun. The sound Cross made him a valuable asset to Those people are suffering in the family might have to wait a little Eddy Ambroise, the yard’s manager. of whining saw blades cutting the effort. camps, so I’m very proud to help.” longer to escape one of the squalid The contract with USAID calls through pressure-treated lumber He said he tries to build up the She described her camp settlements that sprouted after the for 4,000 T-shelters to be produced. can be heard before entering the spirits of his team members so they experience as troublesome. magnitude 7 temblor forced 1.5 There’s no word on whether the yard. produce quality kits. “We have a lot of difficulties. million people out of their homes. contract will be extended, Ambroise Inside, the workers’ activity “I love it because it’s work,” he People are living in promiscuity. “I’m very proud of the work,” said. seems like almost synchronized said. There’s a lot of garbage. There’s a lot said Vincent, who lived in central On average, five people live in motion. Two-by-fours are placed Despite continuing to live in of insects,” she said. Port-au-Prince at the time of the each unit. in preset jigs to assure that they one of the hundreds of settlements Working under the program quake. “It makes me feel good. I The shelters are going up in five are cut to the proper length every that sprouted after the disaster, is allowing Laventure to save some give all I have to help those people.” areas around the earthquake zone: time. Employees drive nails into Michelove Laventure said she felt of her wages so she can move her The money Vincent earns helps Solino, Delmas 62, Mais Gate and three-quarter-inch plywood as they proud to help others move a step children into a safer home, but she put her four children, ages 9-15, Christ-oi in Port-au-Prince, and in assemble the walls. closer to getting a permanent home. worries about skyrocketing rents through school. She said she tries the rural mountainous community Supervisory carpenter “I saw a lot of houses were that put even a modest rental out of to save a little to get a place of her of Saint-Rock. Bonhomme Joseph, 36, leads one destroyed,” the 29-year-old mother reach for the average Haitian. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 31 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region

April Dates TO REPORT MISCONDUCT May Dates If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may 2 • Call Judy Locke, victim 13-15 THE AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS - A DIVINE PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY REGIONAL GATHERING assistance coordinator, AFFAIR FUND RAISER. Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth-Main Fort Worth Campus, 249 W. (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Colonial Country Club, 3735 Country Club Circle, Fort Thornhill Dr., Fort Worth. For information, contact Laura Sotelo at (817) 413- Worth. For information, contact Ann Carminati at (817) 988-2573. or e-mail her at [email protected] 3904 or [email protected]; or Tina Baldera at (703) 236-6233 or tbaldera@ • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline CatholicCharitiesUSA.org. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS LENTEN REFLECTION (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 1 p.m. - St. Peter the Apostle Church, 1201 S. Cherry Lane, Fort Worth. For • Or call Th e Catholic Center at (817) 560-2452 TEXAS CATHOLIC KOINONIA RETREAT WEEKEND information, contact Ellen Sowers at [email protected]. ext.102 and ask for the moderator of the curia, Father Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For infomation, Stephen J. Berg contact Hank Martin at (972) 420-1200 or [email protected], or Sandy 3 Urick at (817) 595-5899. STEPHEN BREEN SPIRIT GAMES TO REPORT ABUSE Registration -10 a.m.; Mass - 11 a.m. -Nolan Catholic High School, Call the Texas Department of Family Protective 15 4501 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For more information, visit www. ST. ANN, BURLESON, SPRINGFEST stephenbreenmemorialfoundation.org. Services (Child Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400 11:30 a.m. St. Ann Church, 100 SW Alsbury Blvd., Burleson. For information, contact 3-6 the parish offi ce at (817) 295-5621. ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH MISSION 15-17 Confessions from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Mission starts at 7 p.m. BEGINNING EXPERIENCE 27-28 St. Paul the Apostle Church, 5508 Black Oak Lane, River Oaks. For informa- The Catholic Conference Center, 901 S. Madison Ave., Dallas. For informa- HOME SCHOOL CONFERENCE tion, contact the parish offi ce at (817) 738-9925. tion, call (972) 601-4091, e-mail [email protected], or visit the website at Friday, 2 to 8 p.m. - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.beginningexperiencedfw.org, Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington. For information, 8 e-mail [email protected]. AN EVENING WITH JESSE MANIBUSAN 16 7 p.m. - St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Arlington. For NOLAN CATHOLIC BAND BOOSTER FLEA MARKET SALE BENEFIT information, contact the parish offi ce at (817) 478-8206. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 Bridge St., Fort Worth. 8-10 For information, contact Anne or Jim Yarmchuk at (817) 375-8786. Classifieds YOUTH 2000 EUCHARISTIC CENTERED RETREAT OUR MOTHER OF MERCY SIXTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth. For informa- 1 p.m. - The Glen Garden Golf and Country Club, 2916 Glen Garden Dr., Fort Facility Coordinator tion and to register, call (817) 244-7733 or (817) 560-2452, ext. 255; or visit Worth. For information, contact Howard Rattliff , Jr. at [email protected] or St. Andrew Catholic Parish has an immediate www.youthretreat.org. Michael Barks at [email protected], or visit the tournament website at http://www.tournevents.com/_tournament/?event=omm2011. part-time opening for a facility coordinator. Th is RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND person would be responsible for ensuring that St. Ministry group for troubled marriages. For information, call (800) 560-3300. 24 Andrew’s facilities and related policies and procedures All inquiries are kept confi dential. More information on Retrouvaille can be THE COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING are functioning as intended; provide facility related found at www.retrouvaille.org. The next class will be off ered at St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1408 N. Davis support for all liturgies, parish-wide events and Dr., Arlington. For more information or to register, contact Kevin and groups affi liated with the parish; manage and support 9-10 Michele Vina at (940) 433-5664. OUR MOTHER OF MERCY LENTEN MISSION facility rentals plus some custodial responsibilities Sister Jane M. Nesmith, SBS will speak following each Mass, 5 p.m., 8 a.m., 28 required to keep facilities clean and functioning and 10 a.m. at Our Mother Mercy Church, 1001 East Terrell Ave., Fort Worth. DIVORCE AND BEYOND: PARISH-BASED SELF-HELP PROGRAM as intended. High School diploma is required. For information, call the parish offi ce at (817) 335-1695. Thursday evenings through June 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. St. Andrew Church, Qualifi cations preferred include: bilingual; two years 3717 Stadium Dr., Fort Worth. For information, call Alice Curran at (817) facility management training or experience; working 927-5383. knowledge of facility scheduling, audio/visual and Offi cial Assignments 29 sound system technology and equipment; and ANNUAL EAGLE CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITING ST. knowledge of Microsoft Offi ce products and facility The following assignments have been made by JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL management software. Holiday, Holy Day, evening, Bishop Kevin Vann: Iron Horse Golf Course, 6200 Skylark Circle, North Richland Hills. Visit www. early morning, and weekend work will be required stjs.org/golf.htm for registration, or contact Sandra Gonzalez at golf@stjs. with this position. Work schedule (20 – 25 hours per org. Rev. Th u Nguyen has been appointed as pastor of St. week) will change weekly depending on facility usage George Parish, Fort Worth, eff ective April 1. SINGLES SPRING RETREAT schedule. Interested applicants should e-mail cover April 29 to May 1 - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St.,Fort Worth. For letter and résumé to [email protected]. Rev. Msgr. Charles B. King, P.A. has been appointed more information and to register, contact Susan at (817) 346-8023. “Pastor Emeritus” of Immaculate Conception Parish, Denton, eff ective April 1 30 FULLNESS OF TRUTH SEMINAR - UNLOCKING THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW Rev. Timothy Th ompson has been appointed Saturday and Sunday - Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Denton, Arlington. For information, and to register, visit www.FullnessOfTruth.org eff ective April 1. or call (877)-21-TRUTH.

ST. ANDREW SCHOOL 13TH ANNUAL AUCTION Rev. George Pallumbrayil has been appointed 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. - River Ranch, 500 NE 23rd St. Fort Worth (in the Fort pastor of St. Mark Parish, Denton, eff ective April 1. Worth Stockyards). For information, contact Jeanette Sweany at (817) 798- 0666, Cate Ronalder at (817) 999-0537, or the school offi ce at (817) 924-8917. Rev. Ouseph Th ekkumthala, has been appointed parochial administrator of Immaculate Heart Parish, ST. PATRICK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Abbott, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 7 a.m. Registration - 8 a.m. Tee Off - Iron Horse Golf Course, 6200 Skylark Penelope, and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Hillsboro, Circle, North Richland Hills. For information, contact Ish Gonzales at (682) eff ective April 1. 557-2227 or [email protected]. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, APRIL, 2011 PAGE 32 Good Newsmaker Knights of Columbus Council 1473 in Wichita Falls has raised more than $1.5 million over the last 20 years through its annual vocations dinner, a feat that began with a simple request from the late Father Aidan Donlon, SAC: Do more for Vocations By Jenara Kocks Burgess / Correspondent oror 20 years, the Catholic community of FWichitaW Falls has come together every FebruaryFebruary tot raise money for the education of seminarians for the Diocese of Fort Worth. And they’ve raised more than $1.5 million dollars as the result of a simple suggestion from a priest who was originally from Ireland. Mike Brown, a trustee of Knights of Columbus Council 1473 in Wichita Falls who has been the lead organizer of the Father Donlon Vocations Dinner since its inception in 1992, said in 1991, Father Aidan Donlon, SAC, told Council 1473 at their meeting that they should think about doing more for vocations. Photo by Jenara Kocks Burgess and support the dinner by helping ABOVE: Paul Macha, grand knight of Knights of Columbus Council 1473 in Wichita Falls presents “Both he and his good friend Health Care System. Fr. Donlon to raise funds throughout the year. a check for $134,000 to Bishop Kevin Vann and Msgr. Michael Olson, rector of Holy Trinity Father [Severius] Blank came also served as chaplain of Knights Every year, the dinner is Seminary, at the council's 20th Annual Father Donlon Vocations Dinner. to America when they were 17 of Columbus Council 1473 from wrapped up with awards to BELOW: Paul Macha presents a check to Bishop Vann and the late Fr. Aidan Donlon, SAC, the to be priests and didn’t have 1980 until 2009. outstanding members of the dinner's namesake and the council's then-chaplain, at a previous dinner held in 2006. anything. He [Fr. Donlon] saw Brown said they do not Catholic Community in Wichita that the diocese was growing. He charge people to attend the Fr. Falls, and a check presentation to knew there would be a need for Donlon Vocations Dinner, but a the bishop. more priests, and [then-Bishop lot of people buy tables of six to Council 1473 and the SSS Joseph Delaney] would need help reserve them. “Everything else is Club raised $134,000 at this year’s educating them,” Brown said. done totally by donations,” Brown dinner, $1,000 more than last Brown, who met Fr. Donlon said. “Most people give whatever year. Over the years, the amount in 1979, told him that he would be they can,” he said. raised has increased tremendously, in charge of that first dinner, and There are donation buckets starting with $3,822 in 1992, Brown has continued in that role throughout the hall on the night gradually rising to $130,000 in for the past 20 years, even after Fr. of the event, and funds are also 2008. Donlon’s death in January 2009. raised by a silent auction, a live George Morath, a parishioner Fr. Donlon, who was known auction, and two raffles, Brown of Sacred Heart Church in for his Irish brogue delivered with said. Wichita Falls who has been a Texas drawl, served 31 years as Another important aspect of a Knight with Council 1473 chaplain of Bethania Hospital the vocations dinner is the SSS since 1948, said he and his wife in Wichita Falls, which became Club, a group of men and women Betty have been attending the Photo courtesy of Mike Brown the basis for the United Regional who were friends of Fr. Donlon’s Fr. Donlon Vocations dinner for This year’s silent and live deal. At one time all the sisters 15 years. He said the amount of auctions included a variety of from Bethania (Sisters of the Holy money they raise every year is items from handmade knives Family of Nazareth) would come, Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. amazing. and guns to cookware, artwork, and it’s amazing how many years Morath pointed out that this jewelry, grill sets, power tools, spa the bishop has come,” he said. year’s dinner was dedicated to packages, and a handmade chess Bishop Vann, who has Fr. Blank, who died in January. set. attended several of the dinners, Fr. Blank, who served more than Dan Shine, a parishioner said in his reflection that just as 30 years of his almost 52 years of Queen of Peace Church in St. Paul says to the Corinthians as a priest at St. Jude Thaddeus Wichita Falls who has been a that all are called to be holy no Church in nearby Burkburnett, member of Council 1473 since matter who their leader is, all the was chaplain of Council 1473 1955, said he has attended the members of the Church today are from 1976 until May 1980. vocations dinner every year for the important in building the Body of “Fr. Donlon and Fr. Blank past 20 years. In addition to his Christ and a culture of vocations. were always together. They were family, his in-laws, the Ruddys, “That means the promotion very instrumental in all of this,” always attend. Morath said. “It’s gotten to be a family SEE VOCATIONS DINNER, P. 30