Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 26 No. 16 December 2010

UDMC draws nearly 5,000

(NTC photos by Juan Guajardo) Cardinal DiNardo points listeners to Jesus' example of fellowship, persuasion Story and Photos By Juan Guajardo ■ Correspondent Photo above: Cardinal Daniel DiNardo addresses the gathered crowd of nearly 5,000 participants in the opening session of the second University of Dallas Ministry Cardinal DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston- Conference to be hosted jointly by the Diocese of Fort urrounded by a crowd of almost Worth and the Diocese of Dallas. Houston, was just one of several nationally 5,000 catechists, ministers, priests, recognized speakers who presented at the fourth annual University of Dallas 2010 Ministry with the parable of the persistent widow and the Conference on Oct. 22-23 at the Dallas unjust judge. sisters, deacons, Catholic school Convention Center. Sponsored by the dioceses of “Prayer is a beautiful, humble form of Fort Worth and Dallas, the overarching theme of pestering. Stick with it,” Cardinal DiNardo said. teachers, and other lay people, the conference was “Walking Together in Faith.” “If you’re going to walk in faith, personally, or as It was a theme that Cardinal DiNardo took a diocese or as a parish, or as a group, you must Cardinal Daniel DiNardo stood to heart in his keynote address that opened the be built on intimacy with Jesus and his Father. conference on Friday morning, after an early We call that prayer. St. Luke also recalls in the front and center in a vast multi-level arena, between morning prayer session. middle of the Jesus journey, that we should always He referred often to the Gospel of Luke to look for opportune moments to pray…. What’s an S explain what it takes to walk with Jesus on his opportune moment to pray? Every moment. Every two huge projection screens, and encouraged the journey of faith. Th e cardinal pointed out that moment is opportune. Th ere’s only one bad prayer, one of the prerequisites is prayer, telling how Jesus the one that wasn’t said.” audience to continue their ministry work and to was absorbed in prayer when he was transfi gured Teaching is also part of journeying in faith on the mountain, when he was baptized in the with Jesus, Cardinal DiNardo said, noting that draw strength from prayer and Scripture. Jordan, and how Jesus told us to pray constantly SEE UDMC, PAGE 25 PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, NOVEMBER 2010 ShepherdOur Speaks Working together to bring about the reign of Christ the King Dear Brothers and ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by In addition, the Feast of the Immaculate sharing in the long preparation for the Conception has a special meaning to the Sisters in Christ, Savior’s fi rst coming, the faithful renew Church in the United States, for Mary under their ardent desire for his second coming. the title of the Immaculate Conception is the hese days bring about several important By celebrating the precursor’s birth and patroness of the United States, and it is to T solemnities and feasts in the liturgical martyrdom, the Church unites herself to her we entrust the protection and guidance life of the Church and are very important his desire: “He must increase, but I must of our great country. Th erefore, the bishops for our refl ection. Th ey are a reminder decrease” (524). of the United States have declared the Feast that Christ is always present with us and of the Immaculate Conception to be a Holy journeying with the Pilgrim Church as we Th e liturgical color for Advent is Day of Obligation for Catholics in the strive for holiness and eternal glory in Christ. purple, as the season of Advent is somewhat United States. At the end of this month, we celebrate penitential (although less so than Lent) but Th e second important Marian feast is the Solemnity of Christ the King which with the added theme of expectant hope in the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on brings to a dramatic close the Liturgical Year. the revelation and coming glory of Christ. Dec. 12. Th is is a very important day not Th e Solemnity of Christ the King was first Th is expectant hope is especially expressed only for Hispanic Catholics but for all of us established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 because during the Th ird Sunday of Advent called who live under her title as Patroness of the of the growing threats of Communism, Gaudate Sunday or Joyful Sunday as we “wait Americas. Th is feast recalls the fateful days Nazism, and Fascism (right across the city in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior of Dec 9-12, 1531 when Mary appeared to from him!) and the threats all these posed Bishop Kevin Vann Jesus Christ” and the liturgical colors are rose an indigenous Aztec native who came to be upon the human spirit. Christ the King (pink) instead of purple. Th ere are many rich known by his baptismal name Juan Diego. reminds us that the ultimate power that traditions that we can partake of during the Upon revealing herself to Juan Diego in cannot be threatened or coerced by these and the dead as recorded in the passage season of Advent, especially in the family his native language Nahuatl, Our Lady of powers was Christ the King. Th erefore, the from Matthew 25 where Christ comes and setting, such as the lighting of the Advent Guadalupe immediately told him she is the human person would always be free, no separates the sheep from the goats. In fact, Wreath, or the daily opening of an Advent Virgin Mary, Mother of God. She asked Juan matter what, and Christ the King has the the readings from the last several Sundays of Calendar, accompanied by meditation and Diego that a chapel be built on Tepeyac hill “last word” over evil. Th e image of Christ the liturgical year focus on the last judgment, prayer that helps us live, in our own daily for the conversion and nourishment of the as our Lord and King has a very special on being ready and prepared for the lives, our penitential and expectant hope in faithful, especially the Aztec people, due to meaning to all of us, even those of us in coming of the Lord. It calls us to make an the coming of Christ. their practice of idolatry and human sacrifi ce Western democracies. Christ comes as King examination of conscience on how we have Th ere are also two very important which included children. Our Blessed to rule over evil, sin, and death, and to lived our lives in Christ over the past year. Marian feasts that also fall within the Mother sought to evangelize the people and restore the order of the Kingdom of God It is a sobering reminder that some day we season of Advent. Th e fi rst is the Feast of the Juan Diego would serve as the key person to that was thrown into chaos after the fi rst sin. will come before Christ the King and render Immaculate Conception when we celebrate accomplish this task. In fact, in John’s Gospel, the trial of Christ an account of our lives and how we used the that Mary was conceived without the stain of Our Lady of Guadalupe desired to show and his ultimate crucifi xion is portrayed as gifts and graces that God has given us to Original Sin so that Mary could become the her mercy and compassion upon the people the enthronement of Christ, who now reigns build up the Kingdom of God. pure and stainless tabernacle through which as only a mother could. Her appearance as over sin and death forever from the throne Th is same theme of preparation for the Christ would become Incarnate and receive an indigenous young Indian girl brought of the Cross. Th e Solemnity of Christ the coming of Christ also carries over into the a pure human nature. Th is truth is revealed to light the love of the people in her heart. King also reminds us that like Christ, we are new liturgical year that begins on Dec. 5 as to us in Sacred Scripture by the greeting Juan Diego immediately rushed to speak called to share in his kingly mission through we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. Th e of the Angel Gabriel who comes to Mary with Bishop Zumarraga about the vision of humility and service, and to conquer hearts word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus and marvelously reveals “Hail, full of grace, the Blessed Mother. Initially Juan Diego’s through works of charity and mercy. As Pope which means “coming” or “arrival”. Th e the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Mary is message was not heard. Eventually, Juan Benedict XVI teaches, season of Advent is a season of preparation completely full of grace precisely because she Diego presented the bishop with a tilma that, for Christ’s coming in two ways. First, we is the one who was conceived without sin once opened, revealed the image of our Lady But in what does this ‘power’ of Jesus are called to look into our lives and into and continued to fully cooperate in complete along with roses not in season at that time. Christ the King consist? It is not the power our hearts, to examine our consciences, “obedience of faith” with the grace and Th ere is much signifi cance to the of the kings or the great people of this and to assess our readiness for when Christ presence of the Holy Spirit. It is under this meaning and symbols surrounding the world; it is the divine power to give eternal comes again. We do not know the day or title of the Immaculate Conception that we appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe. First, life, to liberate from evil, to defeat the the hour that Christ will come again in most fully see Mary as Model of the Church Guadalupe in Indian terms means “to smash dominion of death. It is the power of Love glory to judge the living and the dead, nor for she truly models in her person and in her the snake’s head” (Genesis 3:15). Keep in that can draw good from evil, that can do we know the hour that Christ may call life and witness the Church as the spotless mind the Aztecs had settled in this particular melt a hardened heart, bring peace amid each of us individually to account for our Bride of Christ. As Vatican II teaches us in area known as Tenotichtlan (Mexico City) the harshest confl ict and kindle hope in the lives and how we loved God and neighbor. the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, from a vision of an eagle perched on a thickest darkness. Secondly, the Season of Advent prepares us Lumen Gentium:, cactus and devouring a snake. Mary’s role in — Angelus Address, November 22, 2009 to celebrate and recall Christ’s fi rst coming crushing the serpent is her triumph over evil. in the Incarnation, which we celebrate at But while in the most Blessed Virgin the Th e backdrop of the stars, the sun, and moon In addition, the Solemnity of Christ the Christmas, so that we may present to Christ Church has already reached that perfection at her feet represent her role as Mother of King was originally celebrated on the last a heart full of purity, love, and peace. Th e whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle, God. Her sash at her waist represents a sign Sunday of October, but with the reform of Catechism clearly describes this dual meaning the faithful still strive to conquer sin and of pregnancy to show the love God has for the Liturgical Calendar in 1969 it was put of Advent: increase in holiness. And so they turn their his children through the birth of Christ and at the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year to eyes to Mary who shines forth to the whole also her care and concern for the unborn. remind us that at the end of salvation history, When the Church celebrates the liturgy of community of the elect as the model of Th is is why Our Lady of Guadalupe has Christ will come again to judge the living Advent each year, she makes present this virtues. (65) become such a symbol and advocate for the CONTENTS December 2010 North Texas Features Departments catholic New York's jovial Archbishop Dolan 4-5 Briefl y 6 surprised by USCCB election. PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann By Catholic News Service 19 Vocations DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina EDITOR: Jeff Hensley Priests of the West Central Dean- ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez ery talk a bit about their priesthood. 10-11 Voices 8 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau By Jenara Kocks Burgess WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner 12 Features Science writer's over interpretation CIRCULATION: Rita Garber of brain research is rebutted, gently. 10 18 Catechesis REGULAR COLUMNISTS: By David Mills Jean Denton Kathy Cribari Hamer Parishes invite absent Catholics to 23-24 Word to Life Jeff Hedglen 14 Come Home during Advent. Jeff Hensley David Mills By Jenara Kocks Burgess 22-24 Spanish Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Lucas Pollice Father John Rausch Bishop's blog making its 'advent' Father Kyle Walterscheid Contributors: ishop Kevin Vann has announced that he will launch his prepare for the celebration of his fi rst coming. It is also a new Michele Baker new blog on the fi rst Sunday of Advent, November 28. Church year," he added, "so it is a graced moment to begin in John English BThe blog will be accessible from either the front page of faith something new! This is will be a 'work in progress'," he Juan Guajardo the diocesan website — www.fwdioc.org — or from the said, of the blog, "as is life, with the help of God!" Kathy Cribari Hamer North Texas Catholic page of the diocesan website — www. If you want updated news before our next issue, check out the Joan Kurkowski-Gillen fwdioc.org/ntc. Bishop Vann says this new "venture"as he online version of the North Texas Catholic — www.fwdioc. Donna Ryckaert describes it, has come as the result of people in the Diocese of org/ntc — or just click on our spot on the diocesan home Kristen Zwiesche Fort Worth and other parts of the country suggesting that he page to come over and see what has been posted. Many take it on. "I hope this will be a forum where I can communicate Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas stories appear there in their entirety, but briefer in print. Plus 76108, some of my personal refl ections and thoughts on our faith as I (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. some of our content appears only on the Web. Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort travel around our fi ocese and to other meetings in this country Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. and elsewhere. Advent always is a beautiful season of faith as Jeff Hensley NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of we refl ect fi rst of all on the second coming of Christ, and then Editor the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. pro-life movement and the culture of life. our love for Christ. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of Finally Our Lady of Guadalupe’s All of these liturgical feasts and Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC motherhood truly extends to us all, celebrations that are celebrated in the of Peace! Save the nations and peoples of is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the following month as the date of issue. especially to the poor and to the Universal Church ultimately remind this continent. Teach everyone, political To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. immigrant, for she herself appeared to us that we are all part of the one Body leaders and citizens, to live in true org/ntc Juan Diego as a poor common woman of Christ the Church, and that we are freedom and to act according to the The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply who identifi es with the plight of the all called to work together in a true requirements of justice and respect for endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. poor and those who are seeking a better spirituality of communion to bring about human rights, so that peace may thus life and future. Our Lady of Guadalupe the reign of Christ the King not only be established once and for all. To you, was also declared the “Star of the New in our own lives, but in the lives of all O Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus Evangelization” by Pope John Paul II around us. Th is was the witness of Our and our Mother, belong all the love, because she appeared to Juan Diego to Lady of Guadalupe, and we ask for her honor, glory and endless praise of your evangelize the people of the Americas and intercession as we work together in the American sons and daughters! to bring them into a true relationship with communion of the Church to bring about her Son. Her humble witness to the truth the New Evangelization. of Christ and the truth of the Gospel I conclude with the words of Pope serves for us all as a model to follow as we John Paul II on the occasion of his visit to strive to bring out the New Evangelization the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in +Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD through our holy and humble witness and Mexico City in 1999: Diocese of Fort Worth PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010

Pope issues apostolic and the rise of ways of thinking which diabetes screening for hypertensive that policy is an abortifacient drug,” exhortation 'Verbum trivialize the human body and sexual patients; various cancer and sexually they said. differentiation, the word of God transmitted disease screenings; routine Dei', 'The Word of the reaffirms the original goodness of immunizations; and counseling related Archbishop reports Lord' the human being, created as man and to aspirin use, tobacco cessation and on efforts to reinforce VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God constantly woman and called to a love which is Briefly obesity. tries to enter into dialogue with the faithful, reciprocal and fruitful,” he Those services “pose little or no church teaching on people he created — speaking through wrote. medical risk themselves, and they marriage creation and even through silence, but The Bible, the pope said, is filled State, National, Church help prevent or ameliorate identifiable BALTIMORE (CNS) — Saying “today mainly in the church through the Bible with words of consolation and joy, but conditions that would pose known is like 1970 for marriage,” Archbishop and through his son Jesus Christ, Pope as God’s word it also is “a word which risks to life and health in the future,” Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., urged Benedict XVI said. disrupts, which calls to conversion.” McQuade said. his fellow bishops Nov. 15 to look at In his apostolic exhortation, But the use of prescription the challenges to traditional marriage contraceptives “actually increases a Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord), New York archbishop as if they could see Roe v. Wade on the the pope encouraged Catholics to woman’s risk of developing some of horizon. embrace and value each of the ways Dolan likes being on the very conditions that the ‘preventive Speaking on the first day of the God tries to speak to humanity. the front lines ‘with services’ listed in the interim final bishops’ annual fall meeting in The document, a papal reflection the folks’ rules are designed to prevent, such as Baltimore, Archbishop Kurtz made on the conclusions of the 2008 Synod NEW YORK (CNS) — Archbishop stroke, heart attacks and blood clots the comments as chairman of the Ad of Bishops on the Word of God, was Timothy M. Dolan of New York is a man ..., so a policy mandating contraceptive Hoc Committee for the Defense of released at the Vatican Nov. 11 and familiar with the inner workings of the services as ‘preventive services’ would Marriage, which was just upgraded emphasized the need to improve Catholic Church but once described be in contradiction with itself,” she to a subcommittee of the bishops’ Catholics’ familiarity with the Bible himself as “a sort of fish-fry and bingo added. Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family and with the need to read and guy” who preferred being “in the field McQuade also said the mandated Life, and Youth. understand it in harmony with the ... on the front lines ... with the folks.” inclusion of contraception and He updated the bishops on various church. The gregarious prelate was elected (CNS photo/Carlos Garcia, Reuters) sterilization would violate the freedom projects to reinforce the church’s The Bible is not a dusty collection president of the U.S. Conference of A farmer casts fertilizer on a rice farm in San Carlos, Venezuela, Oct. 14. Rich economies must of conscience of those employers and teaching about the sanctity of of ancient writings addressed only Catholic Bishops Nov. 16, the second pay more attention to farming, Pope Benedict XVI said during his Nov. 14 Angelus address. insurers who object to them and of the marriage, including the release of new to ancient peoples, he said. But it’s day of the bishops’ fall general insured who prefer that their policies multimedia materials and active work also not some sort of private letter meeting in Baltimore. He will begin Pope says rich nations not include them. in battling legislative efforts to change addressed to individuals who are free serving his three-year term at the close “Thus the administration’s promise legal definitions of marriage in order to to interpret it any way they please, the of the meeting Nov. 18, succeeding must pay more attention that Americans who like their current legalize same-sex marriage. pope said in the document, which is Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George. coverage will be able to keep it under He likened the situation for laws about close to 200 pages long. Since being installed as head to farming as valuable, health care reform would become a marriage to the period just before Roe The pope said he wrote “Verbum of the New York Archdiocese in hollow pledge,” she said. legalized abortion in 1973. “If you Domini” because “I would like the work April 2009, Archbishop Dolan has dignified work The Institute of Medicine is “an had seen Roe v. Wade coming three of the synod to have a real effect on announced a strategic plan to close independent, nonprofit organization years out, what would you have done the life of the church: on our personal underperforming archdiocesan that works outside of government to differently?” VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Modern economies must pay more attention to farmers relationship with the sacred Scriptures, provide unbiased and authoritative Archbishop Kurtz said 4,500 copies of elementary schools and change the and the entire agricultural sector, not out of some nostalgic yearning for a simpler on their interpretation in the liturgy advice to decision-makers and the a DVD “Made for Each Other,” and its traditional parish governance model, time, but out of recognition that farms feed the world and offer dignified work to and catechesis, and in scientific public,” according to its website. It accompanying education materials had addressed the growing controversy millions of people, Pope Benedict XVI said. research so that the Bible may not be is an arm of the National Academy of been distributed around the country, over plans to build an Islamic “I believe now is the time to re-evaluate agriculture, not in a nostalgic way, but as simply a word from the past, but a Sciences. and other materials are in development community center and mosque a few an indispensable resource for the future,” the pope said Nov. 14 during his midday living and timely word.” In their September letter to aimed at teaching children. He also blocks from ground zero, and urged Angelus address. Pope Benedict asked for greater HHS, Anthony R. Picarello Jr., USCCB announced that there are plans to hire Catholics to make Mass the center of Thanksgiving holidays in many countries at the end of the harvest season are church efforts to teach Catholics about general counsel, and Michael F. a full-time staff adviser at the USCCB each Sunday. an appropriate time for everyone to reflect on the importance of agriculture and the Bible, to help them learn to read Moses, associate general counsel, on marriage and family. At a February 2009 news on the ways that many modern economies ignore the sector or actually inflict it and pray with it, to treat it with raised several other arguments At the end of the report, Cardinal conference in New York after the harm on it through trade policies or through the promotion of industries that great dignity during the liturgy and against the inclusion of contraception Francis E. George, the outgoing announcement of his appointment destroy farmland, he said. emphasize its importance by making or sterilization as mandated health president of the U.S. Conference of to the city, the archbishop said, “The With the current global economic crisis, the pope said, the temptation of the sure homilies are based on the day’s services. Catholic Bishops, announced that vitality of this great archdiocese is in richest countries is to band together to improve their own situations, often in a readings. “Some may claim that the ad hoc committee would now be its parishes. The priests are on the way that harms the world’s poorest countries and uses up “the natural resources For centuries, Catholic laity contraception and sterilization are a permanent subcommittee of the front lines. I am their servant. You can of the earth, entrusted by God the creator to human beings to cultivate and actually were discouraged from ‘preventive services’ in the sense that Committee on Marriage and Family count on me to help them.” safeguard.” reading the Bible themselves. Even they ‘prevent’ abortion,” they said. Life. The world urgently needs to forge “a new balance among agriculture, industry though that began changing 100 years “But this is implausible for several Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Contraception, and services so that development is sustainable, no one lacks bread and work, ago, Bible reading often is seen as a reasons. ... Studies have shown Santa Fe, N.M., said the U.S. Catholic and so that the air, water and other primary resources are preserved as universal Protestant activity. sterilization not that the percentage of unintended Church should build more bridges goods” belonging to all people, he said. In fact, some evangelical Christians preventive health pregnancies that are ended by abortion to “churches that agree with us on The response of all people of good will, the pope said, must be “to educate use passages from the Bible to preach are higher if the pregnancy occurred marriage and family life,” particularly services, panel told everyone to a wiser and more responsible style of consumption and to promote against the Catholic Church, which the during use of a contraceptive. Finally, evangelical churches. “The mainline WASHINGTON (CNS) — Contraception personal responsibility, together with the social dimension of rural activities pope said is truly ironic since “the Bible numerous studies have shown that churches have abandoned the and sterilization should not be based on perennial values such as welcome, solidarity, and sharing toil and labor.” is the church’s book.” included among mandated “preventive contraceptive programs do not reliably traditional teaching on marriage “Every saint is like a ray of light services” for women under the new or consistently reduce abortion rates.” and family life,” he said, “But the streaming forth from the word of God,” health reform law, a spokeswoman for Women is charged with recommending ‘preventive’ services,” she said. “To Picarello and Moses also said evangelical communities, along with he said, listing personalities ranging the U.S. bishops told an Institute of to the Department of Health and prevent pregnancy is not to prevent a the drug ulipristal, an “emergency the Roman Catholics are strong.” from St. Clare of Assisi to Blessed Medicine committee Nov. 16. Human Services a list of preventive disease — indeed, contraception and contraceptive” marketed as ella, is Archbishop Sheehan pointed to the Teresa of Calcutta and from St. Dominic “As you study the vital question services for women that will be sterilization pose their own unique specifically targeted to women who Manhattan Declaration -- a joint to St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, of preventive services for women mandated for all health plans under and serious health risks to women and might already have conceived and statement signed in November 2009 by the founder of Opus Dei. under the Patient Protection and the new health reform law. HHS is to adolescents. is administered up to five days after more than 140 Christian leaders, many Some of the Bible’s lessons are old Affordable Care Act, I urge you to focus announce that list next August. “In addition, contraceptives and unprotected sex. evangelical and Catholic, pledging but need to be given new attention, on services that will offer authentic Addressing the committee at its sterilization are morally problematic “The policy advanced by Planned renewed zeal in defending the unborn, Pope Benedict wrote. care and save lives,” said Deirdre first meeting, McQuade echoed a for many stakeholders, including Parenthood -- mandating coverage for defining marriage as a union between The Scriptures make it clear that McQuade, assistant director for policy letter sent by the Office of the General religiously affiliated health care ‘all forms of FDA-approved prescription a man and a woman, and protecting the family founded on marriage is part and communications at the bishops’ Counsel of the U.S. Conference of providers and insurers,” McQuade said. contraception’ as a preventive service religious freedom. The document of God’s plan for humanity and for Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Catholic Bishops to HHS Sept. 17. HHS’ interim final rules for -- would therefore be in direct tension also mentioned the possibility of civil human happiness. The Institute of Medicine’s “The conference has a particular women’s preventive services include with the statutory prohibition on disobedience, if necessary, to defend “In the face of widespread Committee on Preventive Services for concern that contraceptives and such medical services as blood mandating any abortion service, as beliefs. confusion in the sphere of affectivity, sterilization not be mandated as pressure and cholesterol screening; at least one of the drugs covered by NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 5

Faith cannot be removed from everyday life, especially in the medical profession, says Bishop Vann at annual White Mass

From the time she was a young girl, is the image of God. You represent his Jenna Fletcher felt called to be a presence.” Briefly physician. Ministering to those in need of The White Mass, a liturgy that honors spiritual, as well as physical healing is St. Luke, the patron saint of physicians not just a profession. It’s a divine call, Locally Signifi cant Events and recognizes the ministry of health Bishop Vann continued. care workers, gave Fletcher the “You represent Christ, the Divine Our Lady of Victory students honor veterans opportunity to offer a few prayers of Physician,” he explained. “You bring thanksgiving. A second year student the power, love, and healing of Christ Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen A powerful message on faith and freedom, delivered by a former Vietnam prisoner at the Texas College of Osteopathic to those who are sick. And you witness Bishop Vann stands with kindergarteners dressed as their of war, gave students at Our Lady of Victory School a stronger appreciation for the Medicine, she’s in the process of to them that God is here.” favorite saints, which incluced St. Juan Diego, St. John the importance of Veteran’s Day. realizing her childhood dream. In today’s society, there is a drive to Baptist, St. Theresa of Avila, and St. Patrick, among others. Lt. Col. John H. Yuill, who was shot down over Hanoi in December 1972 while “I know I’m called to be a physician keep faith and the practice of religion piloting a B-52, told the youngsters that parachuting into enemy territory and and nothing else,” the medical student out of the marketplace. For Catholic Our Lady of Victory School kindergarteners being captured by gun-toting villagers was a harrowing experience. said adamantly. “I’m hoping God will health care professionals, that is celebrate All Saints Day by dressing as their “One of the things that helped me greatly during my time in prison was my faith lead me on this journey that isn’t impossible. in God and prayer life,” he said during the outdoor Nov. 11 ceremony in front of favorite saints at Nov. 1 Mass with bishop even close to being over. The work is Faith is not just something that stays the school. challenging, but I’m getting it done in church with you on Sunday but Along with murmuring “Hail Marys” and “Our Fathers” in his cell, the Indiana Appropriately dressed for the class during his homily, Bishop Vann day by day.” goes with you each day into your native and father of seven offered personal prayers of petition. Only half of the occasion, 15 kindergartners from Our explained that the word “saints” As president of the Medical Association profession,” he said. “Your presence crewmen shot down during the bombing mission that day survived. Lady of Victory celebrated a special comes from the Latin word for holy. of Catholic Students, Fletcher helped opens the door of conversion to “So I thanked God for my life,” he continued. “Then I asked Him to let me return All Saints Day Mass with Fort Worth “The saints teach us how to be holy,” organize the White Mass celebrated people and is a reminder that humans home so I could spend more time with my wife, Rose, and my children.” Bishop Kevin Vann. As the rest of the he added. “They teach us how to love by Bishop Kevin Vann on Oct. 30 in St. are made in the image and likeness Yuill’s wife and one of his offspring, Kathy Shaw, a pre-kindergarten teacher at student body sang a rousing rendition Jesus and how to follow Him in this Patrick Cathedral. The liturgy is held of God.” OLV, were in the audience for the ceremony that included the raising of the colors of “When the Saints Go Marching life on to eternity.” each year St. Luke’s Oct. 18 feast day. Doctors, nurses, and other health care by Navy officers Lt. Commander Kip Wright and Lt. Commander Fernando Navarro. In,” the excited youngsters paraded Most saints did not lead easy lives but The term “White Mass” refers to the workers also play an important role in Youngsters, parents, and visiting military also recited the Pledge of Allegiance and into the OLV school gym wearing remained cheerful despite personal traditional white coats and uniforms helping patients deal with the mystery offered a moment of silence for fallen soldiers as Brian Standridge, Nolan Catholic the distinctive garb of their favorite difficulties and challenges, the bishop worn by hospital personnel. White of suffering and death. High School band director, performed Taps on the trumpet. martyr, prophet, or apostle from pointed out. symbolizes purity and light in the “There is an important dimension to Church history. “They show us that following Jesus Church and has a similar meaning in suffering,” Bishop Vann explained. One six-year-old donned the green Christ should bring us great joy,” he the medical community. “As Catholic professionals we should miter and cloak of St. Patrick. Another continued. “So, on this All Saints Day, The bishop, who worked as a medical remind folks that somewhere, in their classmate strapped on sandals and a let’s remember that the saints set an technologist at an 800-bed hospital suffering, is the presence of Christ.” fur-like vest to resemble a desert- example of how to live in this world.” in Springfield, Illinois, before In closing, Bishop Vann praised weary John the Baptist. A young girl, Kindergarten teacher Linda Petrey said entering the seminary, said he had an members of the medical community as representing St. Elizabeth of Hungary, her young students enjoyed learning appreciation for the challenges that being “a valuable part of the body of wore a stylish cape and lace veil as about the saints and looked forward to confront people in the health care Christ in the Diocese of Fort Worth.” she carried a basket of food to feed participating in the special Mass with industry. The medical profession is one of the the poor. Some of the other popular the bishop. “When I would run tests, I sometimes resources God uses to comfort the saints featured during the Nov. 1 holy “In class, we talked about the lives of forgot there were people behind sick, he pointed out. day liturgy included St. Therese of the saints and how they suffered,” she those blood samples until I went on “Thank you for all you do,” the bishop Lisieux, St. Peter, St. Juan Diego, and added. “I think the entire experience is a floor and came face-to-face with added. “You carry on — in a special Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen St. Nicholas. something they’ll remember the rest Our Lady of Victory School students show their respect for the suffering,” he admitted. “Never forget way that many others cannot — the Addressing the costumed kindergarten of their lives.” American fl ag during the Veteran's Day ceremony Nov. 11. that behind those piles of paperwork healing power of Christ.”

Galveston-Houston Archdiocese deacon candidate Greg Hall trusted Fr. Tad Pacholczyk tackles in vitro fertilization at Oct. 10-11 seminar God while leading rescue effort for trapped Chilean miners Father Tad Pacholczyk began his talk end of life treatment decisions. one imagined that society would HOUSTON — Greg Hall was preparing “I talked to a lot of people, and this Once Plan B was put into motion, the on in vitro fertilization with a thought The first presentation on reproduction consider taking human embryos for to serve as an acolyte for Mass at was the most challenging drill I have Drillers Supply International crew had provoking question. Addressing the technologies was attended by more the intentional, premeditated purpose Christ the Redeemer Church when done in 25 years,” Hall, now back gotten down almost 1,969 feet when audience at Good Shepherd Parish in than 100 people. Using videos, some of “strip mining” them for their stem an associate contacted him about a home, told the Texas Catholic Herald, the drilling rig came to a halt with just Colleyville, the noted bioethicist asked lighthearted cartoons and statistics, cells, the bioethicist said, raising the “banging on the pipe.” newspaper of the Galveston-Houston 131 more feet to go. how many knew a baby conceived the director of education at the controversial topic of embryonic stem It was Day 17 after the Chilean Archdiocese. “Talking to my peers, “The tool was hopelessly stuck, and using the medical procedure. Most of National Catholic Bioethics Center cell research. mine collapsed on 33 miners. A it was the most technologically I was totally out of answers,” Hall the people in the room raised their explained the ethical issues that Using statistics from 2001, Fr. Tad representative from Drillers Supply challenging hole they ever heard of.” recalled. “And if we didn’t come up hands. surround “creating fellow human noted that for every 6.72 embryos International — a company owned “I firmly believe God drilled that hole,” with an answer, we were finished, Then he posed a second question: beings in laboratory glassware.” implanted using in vitro technology, by Hall and his wife, Angelica — was he said. we were going to start over again or “And how many of those couples were Between three and four million IVF only one live birth occurs. Most updating the deacon-in-training on Once Hall arrived in Chile, the Chilean (the Chilean government) would just Catholic?” fertilizations are performed each embryos perish. the task assigned to the company’s government had requested he devise consider Plan B a failure.” When only a few hands went down, year and the attempts produce “Five deaths for every live birth, and crew: drilling through more than 2,000 an alternate plan to get the miners It was at that critical moment when the speaker seemed unfazed. The rate approximately 250,000 babies that doesn’t count the embryos that feet of rock down into the gold and out. Initial rescue efforts proved Hall realized he wasn’t powerless of Catholics using in vitro fertilization annually. The practice has become so are poured down the sink, frozen, copper mine. unsuccessful, including the miners after all. to assist infertility is almost as high as commonplace, people don’t consider or lost to steps along the way,” he “At that time, we thought we were trying and failing to escape through a “I could pray, and I started praying non-Catholics. its broader ramifications, Fr. Tad explained. “I think it’s important for just drilling to try to get a video feed ventilation shaft. very hard,” he said. “Soon after that, He attributes Catholic demand for the pointed out. people to at least be aware of this.” to let (the miners’) families know they “I just took what resources were we started getting a little leeway and technology to a lack of formation and Advances in science and technical The multi-billion dollar industry of in had perished,” Greg Hall said. “Then available in the country to draw from (the drill) started moving again.” catechesis. expertise are outstripping moral vitro fertilization relegates couples to we found out that all 33 of them were very quickly, went through a series In Chile, the tall Texan (6-foot-7- “People just don’t think there’s an discernment on the matter. the status of consumers, undermines alive.” of scenarios, and came up what was inches) proved to be a man of action issue here,” Fr. Tad suggested. “They “That’s why informative discussions the meaning of sex, and treats embryos Moments after serving at Mass in known as ‘Plan B,’” Hall said. “They not complacent to stand on the don’t know the moral concerns that are are important,” Fr. Tad said. “This is — especially frozen human embryos Houston, Hall headed for the airport had asked me not to publish the sidelines. raised by these technologies.” important stuff because it touches the — like objects. and left for the San Jose mine in the information at that time because “What we have known for years at Sponsored by the Catholics Respect genesis of the next generation.” “Any embryo who comes into the Atacama Desert. no one wanted to get any hopes up Christ the Redeemer, the world is now Life office and Good Shepherd Church, The moral and ethical “slippery slope” world is sacred and deserving of Days after the drilling was completed, because people didn’t believe we could coming to know — and that is, if you Fr. Pacholczyk’s Oct. 10-11 seminars of IVF technology is already leading unconditional respect,” Fr. Tad said. all of the miners were methodically do it. In fact, maybe I didn’t believe we need help, Greg Hall is the man to discussed beginning of life issues as to other concerns. When the first “And procreation, the way we hand on extracted from the mine Oct. 13. could do it.” call,” Father Sean Horrigan said. well as stem cell research, cloning, and IVF baby was born 30 years ago, no the gift of life, is sacred in itself.” PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 National New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan elected to head USCCB By Patricia Zapor win election. In two elections, in “I think there has been a Catholic News Service 1974 and in 1977, circumstances welcome rethinking, a welcome BALTIMORE — New York dictated that the vice president did tempering of the position and the Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan not rise to lead the conference. role of the conference,” he said. was as surprised as anyone that he Amid some public criticism “Th ere’s been a reclaiming of our was elected president of the U.S. in recent weeks about the election Catholic polity, that when it comes Conference of Catholic Bishops process, he suspects bishops might to the governing of the Church Nov. 16. Archbishop Joseph E. have begun to “bristle” a bit at the you have the bishop of Rome, you Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, notion the results were a foregone have the bishops in our dioceses, was elected the conference's vice conclusion. and you have our pastors. And the president. “I love Bishop Kicanas and conference is at the service of the “I’m surprised, I’m I presumed he was going to be bishops.” honored, I’m fl attered and a tad president,” the archbishop said. “Its doctrinal or moral intimidated,” Archbishop Dolan “I do think the bishops take these authority would only come from told Catholic News Service elections so seriously there’s a sort the fact that the bishops would shortly after being elected in an of bristling that anybody would be Photo by Nancy Wiechec / CNS come and proclaim what we do in Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, and New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan let unprecedented departure from thought of as a shoo-in.” our own dioceses,” he continued. out a chuckle during a press conference at the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic the USCCB’s normal tradition “I think a lot of bishops Th at said, however, he said Bishops Nov. 16. Archbishop Dolan was elected conference president and Archbishop Kurtz was elected of electing the conference vice said maybe it’s time that the vice there’s a clear role for the Church vice president during the meeting. president to the presidency. president doesn’t automatically to guide people beyond the He beat current vice president become the president,” he strictly pastoral concerns. “Our Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of continued. “Th at is a surprise. You head of one of the largest U.S. of the bishops. forte is the realm of the spirit, Tucson, Arizona, 128-111 on a can see Bishop Kicanas got a great archdioceses but sees it as good Archbishop Dolan said but the kingdom of God, the third-ballot vote and took offi ce vote. He enjoys high esteem.” preparation for becoming the he didn’t think being on the call to conversion, the teaching at the end of the bishops’ meeting He added that the vote “was national representative of his fellow presidential slate would lead of Jesus and his Church does Nov. 18. hardly a landslide,” and that he bishops. anywhere except possibly to have implications in every part of Saying he didn’t know what doesn’t think it was a personal He likened his surprise over election as vice president. “No life, including the political and was behind his win, and in keeping refl ection on Bishop Kicanas. his election to his appointment to bishop runs for offi ce,” he said. “In economic sphere.” with the sense of humor for which At a news conference following New York in February 2009. He fact we run from it.” He cited the list of issues: he is known, he joked that the the bishops’ morning session, he had been archbishop of Milwaukee Th e archbishop said he the sanctity of human life, the only thing he might have done to pointed out that he and Bishop since 2002. didn’t expect to bring about any protection of marriage and family, “campaign” for the presidency was Kicanas had been the fi nal “I didn’t ask to be archbishop signifi cant change in the way the protection of immigrants and to make one off er: “I did promise candidates for vice president three of New York, and when I got the USCCB operates. He said changes the poor, and the promotion of a we’d have Dunkin’ Donuts at years earlier. Th e Tucson bishop word the Holy Father wanted me to made over the past 15 years, scaling civilization of love and a culture the morning coff ee break (of the won that vote of 128-106. be, I asked if I could indicate why back on the bishops’ involvement of life, and “being on the side of bishops’ meetings) and Haagen- Archbishop Dolan, 60, said I shouldn’t be that person,” he said. in a wide range of public policy justice and peace.” Dazs sundaes at the break in the he’s a bit daunted to be succeeding “And the nuncio said, ‘Th at wasn’t issues, have put the conference into “I think the high point of afternoon, but apart from that I Cardinal Francis E. George as what I asked you. I didn’t ask if a healthy balance between public this meeting was certainly not my didn’t make any promises.” president. In the CNS interview, you should, I asked if you would, policy and pastoral concerns. election but Cardinal George’s Archbishop Dolan is a he called Cardinal George “an because the Holy Father wants He said Cardinal George and eloquent consideration of the Missouri native who was ordained amazing cocktail of wit, perceptive you.’ So there’s an immense trust in his predecessors, retired Spokane suff ering in Iraq,” for example. for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in intelligence, and pastoral God’s grace and mercy and that’s Bishop William S. Skylstad and “Nothing is alien to the heart of 1976. He studied for the priesthood savviness.” unfailing.” Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory Christ. Th ere is nothing in the at Cardinal Glennon College, St. Archbishop Dolan also He remembered telling his of Atlanta, in particular, set a political and economic sphere that Louis, and at the Pontifi cal North admitted, “I’m not all that good at mother at the time that he didn’t model for the USCCB president in would not be part of the light of American College in Rome and the meetings,” so the prospect of being know if he had the right attributes fi nding that balance. Christ.” Pontifi cal University of St. Th omas, in charge of the fl ow of a meeting is for the New York post. Her which are both in Rome. a little intimidating. response was, “Relax, obviously the ƒšǦ‡ˆ‡””‡†—‹–‹‡•Ȉ •Ȉ‘ŽŽ‘˜‡”• After ordination, he completed “Even my brother bishops people in charge think you do.” his doctorate in American church tease me, because they watch me “I guess my brother bishops ‘‡•‘—” Ύ history at Th e Catholic University at these meetings and they know feel the same way,” he added about й of America, writing his dissertation my patience level isn’t all that high, his election. ‡–‹”‡‡– Wz on the late Archbishop Edwin that I’m one of the ones that often He said he gets “a kick out ƒ˜‹‰• ϰ͘ϳϱ O’Hara, a founder of the Catholic go for coff ee in the middle of a of the fact that people out there Ύ/ŶĐůƵĚĞƐƵƌƌĞŶƚzŝĞůĚн ϭ͘ϱϬй&ŝƌƐƚzĞĂƌĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů/ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ Biblical Association. session. I’m not going to be able to usually try to read more into the Žƒ–ƒ ’ǫ At a news conference following do that anymore,” he joked. “I’m elections than we do.” the election, he cited Archbishop stuck up at the bench.” He said bishops are “so            O’Hara and his predecessor as Archbishop Dolan said he laudably absorbed in the          archbishop of New York, the late regrets having to give up his governance of their own dioceses ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͚͚͙Ǧ͙͚͘͜ ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͚͕͗Ǧ͖͙͘͜ ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͚͛͗Ǧ͙͚͗͜ Cardinal John O’Connor — whose chairmanship of Catholic Relief that a lot of the speculation and            — Services, which he said he’s found stuff , I don’t think we have much gold pectoral cross he wears as   Ȁ  exhilarating for the sense it has time for it. I’m not naive enough to among his models as bishops. ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͙͛͝Ǧ͙͔͕͔ ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͜͜͜Ǧ͖͔͚͝ ȋ͖͛͝Ȍ͘͘͜Ǧ͔͔͔͗ Archbishop Dolan’s election given him of the universal Church. not know that is on people’s minds, marked the fi rst time since Archbishop Dolan has been I don’t know the answer.”         the bishops’ conference was head of the New York Archdiocese He several times quoted   Ȁ   ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͙͛͝Ǧ͖͙͔͛ reorganized in 1966 following the since his installation in April 2009. Cardinal George in saying he ȋ͔͘͝Ȍ͙͛͝Ǧ͕͕͘͘ ȋ͖͛͝Ȍ͘͘͜Ǧ͔͔͔͗ Second Vatican Council reforms He said he’s “loved every day of it,” doesn’t see the role of president and acknowledged there’s been a as “bishop of the bishops,” but as Ύ/ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƌĂƚĞƐĂƌĞƐƵďũĞĐƚƚŽ that a sitting vice president who ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘DŝŶŝŵƵŵŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞĚ sought the presidency did not steep learning curve in becoming someone there to serve the interests 6HFXULQJ)DPLOLHV¶/LYHV6LQFH ƌĂƚĞŝƐϮ͘ϱϬй^^ϭϬͬϭϬ National NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 7 US must ‘redouble its efforts’ to protect Iraqis, cardinal tells Obama WASHINGTON (CNS) — Th e ◀ Residents place Iraqi national fl ags on coffi ns during a funeral outgoing president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, Iraq. Dozens of hostages urged the U.S. government to and police were killed when security forces raided the cathedral Oct. 31 “redouble its eff orts to assist Iraqis” to free worshippers being held by gunmen wearing explosives. in providing safety for its citizens, especially religious minorities. “To meet its moral obligations equipped to handle the demand. Th e USCCB and the Vatican to the Iraqi people, it is critically “Our country has not have been in contact with the important that the United States stepped up to help,” said Cardinal State Department to encourage a take additional steps now to help McCarrick, noting that “these shift in policy on admitting Iraqi Iraq protect its citizens, especially people have nothing and cannot go refugees, Cardinal George said in Christians and others who are back.” his remarks to the bishops, who victims of organized attacks,” said Cardinal George responded to affi rmed his letter to Obama by Cardinal Francis E. George of Cardinal McCarrick by noting that acclamation.

Chicago in a Nov. 9 letter to U.S. CNS photo/Thaier al-Sudani, Reuters he and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas In the letter, the cardinal President Barack Obama. of Tucson, Arizona, outgoing vice reminded the president that Th e cardinal sent the letter letter during the Nov. 15 opening raises the issue of how Christians president of the conference, had the U.S. bishops had expressed after the Oct. 31 attack on the session of the bishops’ annual who have left Iraq are faring in the been discussing the issue with “grave moral questions” before Syrian Catholic church in the Iraqi general meeting in Baltimore, countries where they are living as Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic the U.S.-led combat began in capital of Baghdad that killed 58 Cardinal Th eodore E. McCarrick, refugees. nuncio to the United States. Iraq and had warned of the people and wounded 75. retired archbishop of Washington, He noted that before the While the stance of the Church “unpredictable consequences” of In a brief discussion of the said the attack on the church also current war, there were more than had been to encourage people to that action, Cardinal George said, 900,000 Christians in Iraq, and return to Iraq so the Christian “Th e decimation of the Christian that there are now fewer than community does not disappear in community in Iraq and the TRIDENTINE MASS 350,000. “Many who fl ed are the country, Cardinal George said continuing violence that threatens wandering around, looking for the recent developments make clear all Iraqis are among those tragic Latin Mass work” in countries that are not this is not a viable option. consequences.” Th e attack, along with recent : p.m. Sundays bombings in Baghdad, “are grim St. Mary of the Assumption Church &10#6';1748'*+%.' evidence of the savage violence  W. Magnolia, Fort Worth QHHGTJQRGHQTVJQUGKPPGGF and lack of security that has High Mass Second and Fourth sundays plagued the Iraqi people, especially Christians and other minorities, for Low Mass First and Third Sundays 1-888-317-SVDP over seven years,” he said. www.svdpfw.org Although the U.S. bishops (TGGVQYKPI6CZFGFWEVKDNG welcome the end of U.S. combat 'RQDWH\RXUYHKLFOHWR5V8KPEGPVFG2CWNDQGVXSSRUWRXUPLVVLRQRIOHQGLQJ in Iraq, Cardinal George said, the We Understand the DKHOSLQJKDQGWRWKRVHLQQHHG+DYH\RXUYHKLFOHWLWOHLQKDQGZKHQ\RXFDOO United States “has so far failed

Father M. Gerald Father Mel Bessellieu Father Gerald Cooney Father Tom Wigginton Father Warren Murphy, Gordon, TOR TOR Parish: St. Andrew Parish: St. Ann Church, Parish: Retired Parish: St. Paul the Parish: St. Andrew Church, Fort Worth Burleson Apostle Church, Fort Church, Fort Worth Ordained: June 3, 1950 Worth Ordained: May 17, 1969 Ordained: May 31, 1997 Ordained: May 28, 1960 Q. What part of Ordained: June 12, 1976 Q. How do you fi nd Q. What part does your priestly duties Q. What do you most Christ in others? the celebration of the do you fi nd the most Q. What do you most want to see happen in Eucharist play in your rewarding? desire to convey to your the lives of those you A. I see it in their fulfi llment as a priest? parishioners or others serve? selfl ess commitment A. Always at the heart of you serve? to their families and A. It’s at the very center the priesthood is service A. All of us are called to parish ministries. You of my fulfi llment. Th e of people — mainly the A. Th e priesthood of conversion, and that’s see a father and mother Eucharist is why I Sacraments — Eucharist, the faithful — what I an ongoing relationship who have four or fi ve became Catholic. Th e baptisms, marriages, Father Balaji Boyalla, Father Antony Mathew, hope to convey is that by with the Lord. God calls children, and they Eucharist is why I stay reconciliations, anointing SAC TOR their baptism that they us to be living examples Catholic. Th e Eucharist make time to visit the of the sick, and burying Parish: Our Lady Parishes: St. Th omas the share in the priesthood. of his presence in the is why I accepted God’s homebound when they the dead. Caring for of Lourdes Church, Apostle Church, Fort After I was ordained world. We are to have a call to become a priest. also spend special time people from life to death. Mineral Wells Worth; Holy Trinity on June 12, there was a conversion away from sin It was the Eucharist that with their children Mission, Azle Mass of Th anksgiving at to become a refl ection during the week. Th ese brought me into the Ordained: April 18, 1999 St. Th omas the Apostle of God’s presence in the Church. I’m a convert. things, to me, make Ordained: May 2, 1996 Church and the theme world. Christ very present. When I converted in Q. What part of of that liturgy was August 1988, I couldn’t your priestly duties Q. How can God’s the priesthood of the tell you exactly why I do you fi nd the most people better support faithful. My job as a did except I knew the rewarding? their priests? priest is to activate and Catholics had something equip the priesthood I wanted. In September A. As for me, the most A. God’s people can of the faithful to make 1988, when I took a tour rewarding priestly duty better support their them living members of of the church, during the would be visiting the sick priests by being actively the Church — so their last part we went into the and the homebound. and enthusiastically lives have a purpose other eucharistic chapel. And I could clearly see and involved in various than self-centeredness. the lady giving the tour Father Th omas Stabile, experience the joy and ministries and thereby For example, we recently Father Publius Xeureb opened the tabernacle, TOR the spiritual strength supporting and assisting eliminated the word and said very matter- Parish: St. Andrew that I could give them the priest to further “usher” here (at St. Paul Parish: Holy Redeemer of-factly, “Jesus is in Church, Fort Worth with my visit, and the kingdom of God the Apostle.) Everyone Church, Aledo here.” I thought, “Wow. it is so with every within the parish and in the church is to be Th at’s why I wanted to Ordaned May 30, 1987 ordained priest. Th e beyond the boundaries a minister of greeting. Ordained: May 11, 1968 be Catholic — because sick and home-bound of the parish. Secondly, Jesus says that anyone of the Eucharist.” I left Q. What are you most go through terrible by taking time to get to can invite a family Q. How do you fi nd that day with tears in my grateful for as a priest? physical, psychological, know the priest through member or friend to Christ in others? eyes, and I remember Editor’s Note: and spiritual pain. At friendship and regular dinner because you can saying, “Lord, why do Th is is the seventh A. My vocation as a this crucial moment of conversation so that expect them to return A. To fi nd Christ in you humble yourself to in an ongoing Franciscan and a priest. their life, a priest’s visit the priests can have a the favor. But instead, others you have to fi rst be on altars around the series featuring I can’t think of anything can soothe them in their better knowledge of the you should invite the earn their trust. Th en world — to be bread for priests from that would be more situation. Th at is why the parishioners and can stranger. Th at’s what you fi nd Christ in the us to eat? Why would rewarding than to Christian hospitality stage and condition the diff erent priesthood is a precious minister to the people you do that?” Th e only communicate the truths means — being kind to a of life they are in. In deaneries in the gift of God [and] for adequately. answer I could come up of the faith and Gospel, me that gives me great stranger. every stage of life, we diocese sharing with is that He loves us to help people look at it satisfaction as a priest. fi nd Jesus coming to about aspects of so much! I don’t think in new ways and to be a Th rough this ordination We give thanks to God always for all of you, us in the Sacraments their ministry. it was an accident that part of so many aspects to the priesthood, I am off ering us his grace, remembering you in our prayers unceasingly Interviews were the very fi rst Mass that I in people’s lives. And fi lled with the grace of love, and blessings. To compiled by Jenara celebrated as a priest was with the help of God, God, I am inspired to calling to mind your work of faith and labor me, administering the on the feast of Corpus being able to make a sacraments is a special Kocks Burgess inspire others, and I am of love and endurance... Christi — the Body and positive impact on the gifted to become a gift to occasion of fi nding Jesus 1 Th essalonians 1:2 Blood of Christ. world. others. in others. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 9

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udallas.edu/udmba PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Advent's star is rising, memories of a Th e Believer's compass Infl uenced but not compelled meeting of faiths By David Mills By Denise Bossert elievers subconsciously endow God with their own beliefs on was nearing my ninth birthday, and it was the time in childhood controversial issues,” recently when seemingly insignifi cant experiences begin coalescing into declared the magazine New e can still memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives — like “BScientist, not unhappily, I’m sure. Figuring out what the sweltering summer day when my best friend and I sat on the God thinks about controversial issues, said one see the truth, scientist quoted in the story, may “serve as an echo W Isidewalk in front of the parsonage where my family lived. After trial and error, we found a limestone rock, and we practiced drawing stars on the chamber to validate and justify one’s own beliefs.” because God himself concrete. We had learned a new method, two inverted triangles rather Beliefs are like a compass, the scientists wrote. than the star formed by an unbroken sequence of fi ve lines. A compass “points north no matter what direction reminds us who he is. A lady came up the sidewalk and smiled at our work. She was older a person is facing. Th is research suggests that, than my mother, a member of that indefi nable period of womanhood unlike an actual compass, inferences about God’s Th at’s one of the reasons that exists somewhere between the age of mothers and grandmothers. beliefs may instead point people further in whatever “Are you Jewish?” She asked the two of us. We stared at her blankly. direction they are already facing.” “Th at’s the Star of David,” she explained. “Th e star of my faith.” Well, yes, that could be true. On the other for the Mass. I looked at my friend. I could see that she didn’t know any more hand, it might not be. Or it might be true to some about Jewish faith than I did. So we sat in silence. Th e lady shrugged her extent without changing the fact that we know shoulders and kept walking. something about what God thinks because he told Th ere was a missing link in the chain. We were connected to the lady us. subjects and then asked them to argue for the other who paused to talk to us, but we didn’t quite know how we were related. For centuries, religious believers have argued side, and found that after arguing for the other Th e woman stopped because she wanted to know if we shared a that almost everyone through history and across position the subjects changed their idea of what common bond. When we didn’t reply in the way she expected, she just cultures has believed in God because God is there to God thought. Th ey also found that these people kept walking. She didn’t recognize anything familiar or familial about us be believed in. For nearly as long, those who didn’t used the same part of their brains when they talked either. believe in God have been trying to explain away all about their own and God’s beliefs, and a diff erent We were strangers. this religion by arguing that most of us can’t help it. part when talking about other people’s beliefs. She went off to live her life. We kept playing on the sidewalk in front We believe in God because we have to. Th erefore, they said, we seem to think God of Faith Wesleyan Church and the pastor’s house on the corner of Second Th ere’s the “life is too scary” explanation, thinks what we think. To put it another way, when and Walnut Streets. claiming that most people can’t live in a world we say “God says,” we’re really saying “I say.” Today, I know what the missing link is in the chain that connects without the security of an absolute truth and Perhaps not. For one thing, the story doesn’t me to that woman. In the fullness of time, God’s Son entered the world, therefore invent one. Th ere is the “I want power” say whether the study measured how much their born of a virgin. Th e Blessed Virgin Mary is the link. From the House explanation, claiming that some people realized religion prevented them from changing their of David, God raised up a poor and humble girl. And she became they could control everyone else more easily if they views. Maybe their religious beliefs kept them from the Mother of God Himself! And then she became the Mother of the claimed to be speaking for God. changing their views as much as they would have Redeemed as well. Th ere is the “believing in God helped us if they didn’t believe what they believed. Th at’s Every Advent, I haul the boxes up from the basement, and we begin survive” explanation, claiming that belief gave man perfectly possible, and if true would show that they trimming the Christmas tree. Many years ago, I bought a handmade some evolutionary advantage. And there are a lot don’t use religion simply as an “echo chamber,” but Star of David from a Jewish glass artisan in Atlanta, Georgia. Th e star is of other explanations, like the “God gene” that that it binds them in some way. cobalt blue. It’s stunningly beautiful, yet simple and unadorned. supposedly means religious belief is built into our But the New Scientist writer believes that this I carefully open the tissue and fi nd a place on my tree for the star, DNA. study proves we create God in our own image, as with its two triangles — bearing the same image of the star my friend and People who don’t believe in God have off ered he put it in the fi rst sentence of the article. Science I scratched into the sidewalk so long ago. And I think of the woman who simple and sophisticated versions of all these has spoken. Th e scientists themselves don’t say this, paused and asked, “Do you know what you are drawing?” explanations. Freud off ered a sophisticated version of however. Th ey carefully use the word “may.” Each Advent, I glance at the fi gures on my mantel shelf, and I the fi rst, Marx a sophisticated version of the second, With which the Catholic can agree. What we see a young woman peering over an empty manger. She’s waiting for Darwin and his descendents a sophisticated version believe may well infl uence what we think God is something. She’s waiting for God’s promised Son. And then my eyes of the third. saying. Th e very beginning of the Bible tells us that go to the Christmas tree, where my blue Star of David hangs on a Th ose of us who know, as Job once said, that man fell into sin because he confused himself with branch. Th e string of Christmas lights plays off the smooth handcrafted our Redeemer lives, know these explanations are God. It’s what we sinners do. glasswork. And I realize that I have an answer for that woman who wrong, but we can’t just blow them off . Th ese aren’t All these “scientifi c” explanations of belief show paused to talk to me on the sidewalk in front of my dad’s church in stupid people. that we can be infl uenced — which should surprise Cedar Falls, Iowa. Th e claims in theNew Scientist story came no one — but not that we are compelled. We can “Yes, I know what I’m drawing. I am connected to you, dear-lady- from a study led by a professor from the University still see the truth, because God himself reminds us with-no-name. And you are connected to me. Your daughter has become of Chicago (a prestigious scientist and school) and who he is. Th at’s one of the reasons for the Mass. my mother.” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy One other thing: Another researcher quoted Like two triangles intersecting. of Science (a very prestigious journal). It’s a bit like in the article found that when we pray we use the getting a theological opinion from a professor at same regions of the brain as when we’re talking to a Th e Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and the Pontifi cal Gregorian University in Rome that friend. Well, yeah. bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) appeared in an offi cial Vatican journal. You have to take it seriously. David Mills is deputy editor of FIRST THINGS and Denise Bossert has been writing about her experience of conversion to Th e scientists fi rst asked the subjects of their author of DISCOVERING MARY. He can be reached at Catholicism for several years. She writes from New Melle, Missouri. study what they believed God thought on certain [email protected]. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 11 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Finding Home MIA: the Julie bakes a pie crust and roasts a cookbook's language common good

hile holiday baking last By Kathy Cribari Hamer and social year, Julie became irate with the recipe book. investments Really. And we laughed little water?’ she asked the cookbook, Wat her. “Th is cookbook has an attitude,” my By Jeff Hensley daughter said. “It’s snooty.” “ ‘A ‘How much is a little? ‘What exactly Editor, North Texas Catholic “It reads, ‘scant’ one-and-one-fourth iffi cult economic times make cups all-purpose fl our. ‘Gently’ sift fl our and does rub mean? And please, Miss Perfect Grasp of for hard choices, as those baking powder into a large bowl. ‘Rub’ in among us who fear the growth butter and stir in sugar. Th en add egg and ‘a and power of government cross little’ water to bring the dough together. the English Language,’ she held up the book and di- Dswords with those who want to throw money “ ‘A little water?’ she asked the at all our problems to solve them. cookbook, ‘How much is a little?' ‘What rectly addressed it, ‘Tell me exactly how much scant It's not possible to fund all the good exactly does rub mean?' And please, Miss things that most of us might agree on. Perfect Grasp of the English Language," But in the fl urry of back and forth she held up the book and directly addressed is! If I don’t get the amounts right, are you going to shouting that substitutes for dialogue, we it, "‘Tell me exactly how much scant is! If I seem to have lost not only our respect for don’t get the amounts right, are you going be all fi nicky and decide not to be a pie crust??’” each other, but to have lost sight of three of to be all fi n i c k y and decide not to be a pie our most important values: the concept of crust??’” spending for social programs as investments; As Julie raved, mocked, and berated the concept of putting aside personal the cookbook’s language, her siblings and I close to God there,’ and I got tears in my eyes. afternoon, I searched my iPhone for the interests in favor of the common good; and listened to her, laughing. I recorded her. It “My wife asked, ‘Why are you crying?’ nearest Catholic parish, and found the the idea that in a democracy, powers are was one of those moments that becomes a “‘Because I remember what it was like,’ Cathedral of the Assumption, where they delicately balanced to protect the rights of legendary family performance: Sweet Julie I told her, ‘when you’re up there, and the were beginning a wedding rehearsal. “We are the individual, or as some have put it, the cracks like a pastry crust. wind’s blowing, and there’s no sound. It’s not open,” the wedding minister said, “But measure of a society's health is how it treats Who knew that humorous interlude just you and God.’” you can come in and visit, if you’d like.” the weakest and most defenseless of its would become a golden memory? It was part God goes to camp too, at least that’s So I did. I watched the two young members. of a scant, gently-sifted family pie, rubbed, the belief of Bob Connelly, who has been a people begin to rehearse. I wondered if they Speaking up for social programs as not formed, and rolled out at the best sweet shop symbol of Catholic Scouting in the Diocese knew their lives were about to become a merely costs or money thrown away, but as of all: home. of Fort Worth for fi ve decades. Bob recently succession of times, places, and people that money invested in the future of our children Recently I talked about home to three attended his 50th Catholic scouting retreat, would slowly and completely create a simple and our country, seems to be shouted down men, one a long-time Boy Scout, one and he left his current home at a rehab thing: home. by rhetoric that would turn a blind eye to working on my car, one on my computer. center to do it. Th eir wedding would be a beginning of human need. Th e computer guy said, “When I Bob was determined to be there, home for them. And I was watching them Failure to provide health care for the think of home it isn’t of one place or because he had been the fi rst retreat master rehearse for it, in a place that was home to me. indigent and the working poor circles even one person. I lived in lots of houses, for the diocese, organizing the program after Kneeling, I prayed for my children, around quickly to bite us. sometimes with my parents, sometimes with moving to Fort Worth in the early 1960s. who, together with me had created year Failure to provide adequate schools grandparents. I remember my grandparents’ Attending the retreat with him were six of after year of moments that would always where each child can fi nd some area in modest home, and the yard where I liked to his seven children, including his son Mike, defi ne home. Th roughout the rest of their which to excel or serve, creates educationally camp outside with my cousin. We’d spend who also had attended the fi rst diocesan lives, their home would be sensed in bits (and sometimes emotionally) stunted all night battling the mosquitoes, but it was retreat, with his dad, in 1961. and pieces, like my computer guy had said. individuals. better to be outside slapping them off than “I am always connected with the It would be savored, outdoors and indoors, But accountability has to be part of the inside feeling the summer heat. Church,” Bob said, “and Scouting is the way in forests or on mountains, like my car guy picture too. Programs that don't produce “You don’t remember just good times or I am with the Church, year in and year out.” had said. results in kids or in medicine should not just bad times,” the computer guy said. “But Th e computer guy had told me home And it would all be connected, as my continue to be funded. you do remember the sense of things as they was his grandparents’ back yard. Th e car friend Bob knows, to God, who surrounds Programs that defi ne pregnancy as a felt then. I guess that old shotgun house, and guy had felt home in the mountains, in what and perfects all else. disease to be treated at public expense should that yard, meant ‘home’ to me.” he perceived, rightfully, was the presence of My silly daughter Julie made us laugh remain unfunded. When the car repair guy talked about God. And my friend Bob Connelly considers last year, as she ranted about the stuck-up Th ese least ones, the unborn, as well as home, he spoke of the outdoors, connecting Catholic Scouting a touch of home. recipe book that gave the directions, that the other least ones among us, those who it with his father. “We used to go hunting, Last month I attended a journalism made the pie crust, that carried the fruit, were born into poverty, those who cannot and last year we went again, and had a good convention in Louisville, a Kentucky city that was browned with care, and served with aff ord both medicines and food, those who time,” he said. “Th is year my son’s going whose name I could not even pronounce. cream to the people we loved, who would fi ll need aff ordable housing. Th ey shop beside with us and we’ll show him the ropes. (I should have taken Julie. She might have our days, and adorn our years. us and drive beside us. “I want my son to learn fi shing and chastised the city for its creative use of Th at night, all of us together, including As we move toward Th anksgiving and camping, like I did. From my dad.” phonetic sounds.) Julie’s snooty cookbook, made “home.” Christmas, we should try to fi nd a way that Th e car guy also recalled the mountains. One day while walking through we can prepare a place for the Christ Child “When I was in Scouts we went to Philmont, “LOO-ih-vuhl,” I realized one thing I really Kathy Cribari Hamer is an award winning as He appears in "the least of these" in the New Mexico. And recently, at the Boy Scout pronounce well, and I really understand is family life columnist for the NORTH TEXAS fl esh, as well as in the creche. Museum, I watched a fi lm about that camp. the Church, God’s home. CATHOLIC and a number of other Catholic “Th e boy in the fi lm said, ‘It feels you’re so Walking through the city one diocesan newspapers. PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 Features

wake, or funeral. Life brings us hard Although life does not turn out the way we want, that doesn’t mean God is unaware. In fact the Psalmist reminds us that “Th e Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; He times, but God makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3). Yes, there are things that we want that do not come to pass, but the Lord remains with us has an even better idea of what we need, and He is all about making that happen. By Jeff Hedglen Th roughout both stories of loss in my life, there were people who walked beside me, my wife, and my family. y mom died when I was 26. She never got to Looking back I realize that those people were instruments of (CNS photo/Paul Haring) meet my wife, and she never got to see me the Good Shepherd leading Msgr. Georg Ganswein, the personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, “grow up.” In a lot of ways she got the worst of Looking me to green pastures, still greets a family after the pope blessed their child during his general audi- me: the selfi sh clueless kid, money-asking-for waters, and restoring my ence in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Nov. 10. teen,M and the lost young adult. Th at might be too simplistic, back I realize soul. Th ey helped me to let but the man I am now is light years from who I was when she go of my want and cling to died. that those the reality that was before Early in our marriage my wife and I had six miscarriages me. in two and a half years. Th is is another thing that did not people were Th e time of year that is turn out as I had planned. Th e idea is to get married, have around the corner is one of 2.3 kids and live happily ever after — right? Th e pain, doubt, instruments the worst times of year for questioning, searching, and loss that came with that time of the Good so many people. Especially were more than I thought we would make it through. for those who are having Th ese are just two examples from my life where things Shepherd, their fi rst Th anksgiving and did not turn out as planned, and as life went on, I found out Christmas without a loved that a diff erent plan was taking shape. leading me to one. Not to mention those I am convinced that my mother’s death catapulted me having their fi fth, tenth, or into the person I am today. From the time of her diagnosis green pastures... twentieth year with these with cancer, her two-and-a-half year battle, her death, and signifi cant people gone. funeral, I never shed a tear. I fi gured this was not normal, so I believe that God is calling those of us not grieving I began to see a therapist. Th at year and a half in counseling this year to be the hands and feet of the Good Shepherd. To was the best thing that ever happened to me. I often wonder be the steady presence, the listening ear, or the writer of a if I would have ever gone to counseling if it had not been for card (a real card, not an e-mail) that says I remember what Mom’s death. Th e thought of who I might be today without happened, and I’m thinking of you. To be the person who that self-examining time of healing kind of scares the invites the person out for coff ee or lunch and maybe even bejeebers out of me. over for Th anksgiving dinner. Along with this, the loss of six pregnancies has put me in Grief, loss, and tears are not the fi rst thing we think of a unique position to share loss and grief with people. When when this season approaches, but for many people these are

I was a young youth minister, I had no idea how to handle the dominant emotions. I invite you to say a prayer asking (CNS photo/Kacper Pempel, Reuters) death and hospital waiting rooms, so I typically avoided these God if there is someone He has in mind for you to reach out A worker walks past the head of a giant statue of Jesus in Swiebodzin, situations, even though I was needed. After traveling the to this year. God does promise to wipe the tears from our Poland, Nov. 6. Msgr. Sylwester Zawadzki, former pastor of Divine Mercy journey of loss so many times, I now fi nd it easy to sit with a eyes (Revelation 7:17), but more often than not, He uses our Church, who commissioned the statue, said the fi gure, with its adjoining altar and stations of the cross and its proximity to the main highway, frightened, nervous, exhausted family in a waiting room, or hands. would "provide a catechesis for millions of people" passing the town. Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth Across & Down: 1. Part of big fi sh story 4. Turn away 2. Fruit of the mount? 5. Wasteland 3. Creed's namesake 12345

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www.sheepdotcom.com NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 13

For more detailed obituaries, visit the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC's website at www.fwdioc.org/ntc. In Memory Deacon Jim Bell ministered to sick and homebound Sr. Margaret Miller passionately served her congregation Deacon Jim Bell, passed offi ce would call. ... He had Sister Margaret Miller, Sr. Margaret organized away Sunday, Oct. 24 in Fort a real gift with people who SSMN, 76, died Th ursday, and operated the OLV Gift Worth at the age of 84. Dcn. were suff ering,” he said. Oct. 21, in Fort Worth. Shop for 20 years, selling Bell was a member of the After being ordained, Mass of Christian Burial was handmade articles that she fi rst deacon class formed for Dcn. Bell served at St. Rita celebrated at St. Bartholomew and other sisters and friends the diocese and was ordained and Our Mother of Mercy Church in Southwest Fort had crafted. Th e profi ts went in 1978. He had served Parishes in Fort Worth. He Worth. Interment was at to the sisters’ retirement fund. most recently at St. Frances also served at St. Jude Parish Mount Olivet Cemetery. For 10 years, Sr. Cabrini Church in Granbury, in Mansfi eld before moving Sr. Margaret Miller, Margaret served as contact Dcn. Bell was born to St. Francis Cabrini in daughter of Frank S. Miller person of her province March 4, 1926, in Plainview, Granbury. In the early 1990s, and Philomena Pavlicek for women interested in Texas, to James Clarence was very concerned I would he also served as an assistant Miller, was born in Waco, as an excellent math teacher. becoming Sisters of St. Mary. Bell, Sr., and Delma Mauldin be going without it,” Dcn. chaplain at St. Joseph’s Dec. 27, 1933, and spent She engaged in pastoral In 1999 Sr. Margaret began Bell. He married Jean Fuller said. “He’d come next Hospital in Fort Worth. her childhood there. She and social work in schools a website for the Western Stork on April 8, 1953, in door to visit, and to pray, or Prior to his ordination attended Sacred Heart and parishes in Texas. She Province of the Sisters of St. Nazareth, Texas. He served just to check on how we were to the diaconate, Bell and Academy and graduated from earned a B.A. in history at Mary. Five years later she was in the military in World War doing.” his family were active in the Waco High School in May Incarnate Word College asked by the general council to II, rising to the rank of fi rst Dcn. Fuller said that Catholic charismatic renewal. 1951. She entered the Sisters in San Antonio, an M.S. set up and be the webmaster lieutenant in the U.S. Air Dcn. Bell seemed to focus For several years, Jim lead of St. Mary of Namur at in mathematics from the of an international website, Force. his ministry on the sick the St. Rita Parish prayer Our Lady of Victory in Fort University of Notre Dame which she did with the help “He had tremendous and homebound. While meeting, the fi rst Catholic Worth, Sept. 8, 1951, and and an M.A. in sociology of a computer technician faith and his prayer life was in Granbury, Dcn. Bell charismatic prayer meeting in took Sister Mary Vianney as (criminology) from Sam and one of her former piano amazing,” said Deacon Jim also coordinated a team of the city of Fort Worth. her religious name. Later she Houston State University. students, Mary Martin. Fuller, Dcn. Bell’s colleague extraordinary ministers of “Family was everything returned to her baptismal When Sr. Margaret was She overcame the at St. Frances, and next-door Holy Communion to help to him. He was especially name, Sr. Margaret Miller. 39, she was diagnosed with limitations of her poor health neighbor in recent years. him in ministering to the sick proud of his son, Dirk,” Dcn. Sr. Margaret taught an illness which prevented to reach out to a wide variety “He had a tremendous and homebound. Fuller said. Dirk died in elementary and secondary her working actively in the of friends and to keep abreast love for the Eucharist. When “Whenever someone in 1994. “He would say that he school for 19 years. Her apostolate. Although the of all the activities of the I was sick, he brought me the parish asked to be seen by was excited to get to heaven students at Nolan Catholic diagnosis stated she had sisters in the provinces of the daily Holy Communion. He a minister, Jim is the one the and be reunited with Dirk.” High School applauded her only a short time to live, congregation. Journalist Phil Record shared his faith throughout his life Gail Schatzman served thousands through the CRC Phillip J. Record, 81, an newspaper in 1997. He joined Gail Andrea Schatzman, Gail worked with Sister active lay Catholic who was a the Journalism Department founding director of the Josephine Stewart, SSMN, leader in the St. Bartholomew (now the Schieff er School Catholic Renewal Center to help establish the now Parish community, retired of Journalism) at TCU in (CRC), known for her internationally-recognized newspaperman with nearly January 1999 as a professional pioneering and visionary “Beginning Experience” at 50 years working for the Fort in-residence teaching ethics. work in lay ministry within the CRC. “Special Days for Worth Star-Telegram, and After graduating from the Diocese of Fort Worth, Special People,” a ministry a professor of journalism at the University of Notre died Saturday, Oct. 23. Th e to those with physical and Texas Christian University, Dame in 1950, he served in Mass of Christian Burial mental disabilities, became a died Sunday, Oct. 31, in Fort the U.S. Army for two years was off ered Friday, Oct. 29 treasured source of support Worth. and worked as a reporter in at Most Blessed Sacrament and renewal to participants Bishop Kevin Vann Telegram reporter spoke of his Lubbock, where he met his Church in Arlington. retreats of the 1970s and early and their caregivers alike. Gail presided at the Mass of 50-plus year friendship with wife, Pat, for two years before A native of New Haven, 1980s became ministry leaders also established the program Christian Burial celebrated Record. returning to the Star-Telegram Connecticut, Gail was a within the diocese of Fort “Bridges,” designed to provide Friday, Nov. 5 at St. He owed as much to in 1954 where he eventually counselor and educator with Worth and beyond, said Jeff common ground and shared Bartholomew in Southwest Phil Record, he said, as to became associate executive a deep love for the Catholic Hedglen, youth minister at experiences between people at Fort Worth. Bishop Vann said any individual on earth. editor. Church. After establishing the St. Bartholomew Church in all levels of physical ability. that for Record, his Catholic Speaking of Record’s high Record served as national retreat center in 1972, on the Fort Worth and director and Longtime colleague and religion was not just a personal news ethics, Schieff er said president of the Society of grounds of Nolan Catholic founder of Camp Fort Worth. friend Dan Luby, assistant thing, “but something he he was constantly reminding Professional Journalists, the High School, Gail developed “Before any of the professor and director of shared in the press room, the those in the newsroom that as nation’s largest journalism a network of visionary experts’ documents on youth enrollment and student aff airs classroom, and all the rooms important as it was to be fi rst organization in the '80s, and ministries that operated with ministry were ever written, at the University of Dallas of his life.” with a story, it was even more the received the Wells Key, the the CRC as their home base. or even thought of, Gail School of Ministry, recalled Phil’s faith was also important to “get it right,” highest honor bestowed by the “Her goal was always had a strong understanding that Gail’s outreach continued expressed in his involvement because, as Schieff er put it, society on a member. to fi ll in the gaps, to address of and commitment to to expand through the years. in leadership in the Catholic he knew the consequences of Record was a unmet needs,” said her comprehensive youth “Gail, with the help of friends Charismatic Renewal. Bishop getting it wrong. commissioned lay minister daughter, Andrea Vignale. ministry, which includes and colleagues, created a place Vann spoke of joining Phil in A native of Fort in the Catholic Church and “She started creating and catechesis, service, of hospitality and peace that his home for one of his faith Worth, Phil Record was a served as chair of the diocesan coordinating retreats, fellowship, prayer and fostered creative ministry sharing groups and in one of newspaperman more than Board of Conciliation and programs, and conventions worship, community life, and helped bring the Gospel the Life in the Spirit seminars half a century, spending most Arbitration and was a vice for youth in the early 1970s, evangelization, and leadership alive for tens of thousands presented at St. Bartholomew. of those years at the Star- chair of the fi rst Synod of the because nothing was available development,” said Hedglen. of people… a comfortable, In a eulogy following the Telegram. Record fi rst went Diocese of Fort Worth. He for teenagers besides parish Recognizing the need for safe place where visitors funeral Mass, Bob Schieff er, to work for the newspaper was a member of the board CCD programs at that time.” compassionate care for those could confi dently expect a host of the CBS news program in 1944 as a copy boy. He of directors of Cassata High Many of the teens who who suff ered from the pain welcoming smile, a listening Meet the Press and former Star- retired as ombudsman for the School. experienced “Th e Happening” of separation and divorce, ear, and a place of prayer.” PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 Local parishes invite fallen-away and lapsed Catholics to return to the Church By Jenara Kocks Burgess Correspondent ill Nichols decided to join St. Michael Church’s Re-Membering Church Bprogram after he had his marriage of 35 years, blessed by the Catholic Church after an annulment. Even though the validation of his marriage to his wife Jeanine allowed him to return to the sacraments, he needed something more. He hoped his experience with the Re- Membering group would help him return to being active in the Church.

Saying he hadn’t been part of the Catholic Church since before Vatican II. Nichols said. his participation in Re- Membering “made me understand more of the changes” that had transformed the Church. “I’m of the old Church,” he said. “I needed to actively fi nd out what it was like post Vatican II,” he said. According to information from the CARA Catholic Poll posted on the CatholicsComeHome.org website, only ABOVE: Jack Gieryic (left), a parishioner at St. Philip the 33 percent of U.S. Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis, which means 42.7 million U.S. Catholics are not practicing Apostle Church in Fort Worth, and pastor Father John Sta- Catholics. Catholics Come Home is an organization that siowski, lead the parish's Catholics Come Home program in reaches out to inactive Catholics as well as the un-churched prayer. Gieryic, who had been away from the Church since and the “under-churched.” Personal stories, experiences with family members and before the Second Vatican Council went through the program friends as well as these statistics have prompted many parishes three years ago and now serves on the team. in the Diocese of Fort Worth to start or continue programs that invite inactive Catholics to return to full participation in the Church. LEFT: Jack Gieryic facilitates the discussion during one of the “It’s extremely important to invite people back because program's weekly meetings. there are so many non-practicing Catholics out there,” said Lucas Pollice, director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth. converts was 12 percent or 92,000 people in the six months through the processes of re-integrating with the Catholic faith “In a loving way, we should teach them what the Church after the Catholics Come Home media campaign ended in community. teaches,” said Pollice, “and witness to them by living our that diocese. Immaculate Conception Church and St. Mark Church Catholic life. I think that will help them overcome many of the In the Diocese of Corpus Christi in Lent 2009, the in Denton, St. Philip the Apostle Church in Lewisville, obstacles to coming back to the faith,” he said. increase in Mass attendance was 17.7 percent after their and Good Shepherd Church in Colleyville all have similar According to one survey Pollice cited, non-practicing bilingual Catholics Come Home/Catolicos Regresen programs in which they invite non-practicing or “partially Catholics are the second largest “denomination” in the United campaign, according to the Catholics Come Home website. practicing” Catholics to a series of classes in a small group States. Nichols said that what he liked most about the Re- setting tailored to answering questions about the Church after “Bishop [Kevin] Vann and I have talked about possibly Membering Church program at St. Michael Church in Vatican II, issues of marriage, reconciliation, and the Mass in doing a diocese-wide program reaching out to non-practicing Bedford is how group members treat each other. an eff ort to help these Catholics become active in the Church Catholics after Why Catholic? is over,” said Pollice “It is one of “Th e love of each other underlies everything,” he said. again. the things we would defi nitely like to do,” he said. “Th ere are “Th at group is so love-fi lled.” Th ough his wife is not Catholic, “I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about my so many non-practicing” or less than fully active Catholics, we he said, “those people have been wonderful to her.” faith. Now I’m serving on that committee,” said Immaculate really do need to reach out to and encourage “and help them In addition, he said, “All the diff erent topics [discussed in Conception parishioner Rita Soto, who went through the come back to fully practicing the faith,” he said. “It’s defi nitely the sessions] are interesting and done well.” program run by team members from both Denton parishes. a priority.” Th e St. Michael program meets weekly in the fall and Soto, who is also currently serving as a team member, said Pollice said there are several programs being used spring with a break over Christmas. “It’s kind of the same that the program was inviting because her pastor, Monsignor across the country that are very good, including the most schedule as a school year,” Nichols said, “but people can come Charles King made “everyone feel so comfortable. It’s a well-known, Catholics Come Home, whose website www. in at any time. welcome home program, and they truly do welcome you.” catholicscomehome.com and materials he recommended. Ann Bass, a team member with St. Michael’s Re- Soto, who attended Mass weekly at Immaculate Conception, Pastors, religious education directors, and program Membering Church Program, said “We feel like the Holy added that participants share their stories of how they were team members at parishes with similar programs expressed a Spirit gets them there at the time they need to be there.” brought up in the Catholic faith. “It’s just like a bio of your hope for a diocese-wide program citing the success of similar Bass said many people who become involved stay a part of Catholic religion. If you left the Church and came back, that’s campaigns facilitated by Catholics Come Home in other the group for years because they have ongoing issues. For these, discussed.” dioceses. she said, it can take them quite a while to become active in the Jack Gieryic, a member of St. Philip the Apostle Church Ryan Hanning, director of Adult Evangelization of the sacraments and ministries again. in Lewisville who is now on the team for its Catholics Diocese of Phoenix, was quoted on the Catholics Come Home Eileen Ewell, another Re-Membering Church team Returning Home program, said he fi rst became involved in website as saying that the average increase of attendance of member said that “With some, when we see them in the the program as a result of encouragement from his wife of four each parish in the diocese in returning Catholics and new choir or working at a fi sh fry, then hopefully they’ve gone (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 15 years, Deanna. A lot of people are waiting for Gieryic, like Nichols at St. Michael, had been away from the Church since before the Second Vatican the invitation to come home. ... Catholics Coming Home Council. He said he attended the Catholics Returning We don’t get a large number of Home program at St. Philip for a second year to get more information. people, and some folks ask, is it Resources for inactive Catholics “I hadn’t been to church in 40 years. When I got there, it was not my typical Catholic Mass,” he said. worth the eff ort? My answer is yes or Catholics with family members Gieryic, in his third year with the program, said it is. If we have one person coming as a team member, he works alongside other Catholics or friends who are inactive Returning Home team members who are cradle home, it is worth all the eff ort we Th e following websites can be used to off er more information Catholics. about the Catholic faith: Catholicscomehome.org or Oncecatholic. “I feel like I know why I’m there. Th ey can’t relate can put out. org. to someone who is coming back like I can,” he said. Th e following parishes in the Diocese of Fort Worth have “Th is is helping me understand what the Catholic — Msgr. Charles King, pastor programs who invite non-practicing or partially practicing Catholics Church is about. My Catholicism was so black and Immaculate Conception Church to learn more about their faith and return to the sacraments, meet at white. We didn’t touch a Bible. Now I sometimes go to a the following times and can be contacted in the following ways by Bible study with my wife, Deanna,” he said. phone or e-mail: Susan Sandles, director of Religious Education at St. • St. Michael Church in Bedford; Re-Membering Church Philip, said they had 10 in their Catholics Returning Home Home team member, said when parishioners write down Program meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays during the school year in program this year. Th ey met for six Tuesdays starting in someone’s name on the card to be sent to the church the formation center of the church; call or e-mail Mike Bush, September. Th is year’s group decided they wanted to continue offi ce, they are also supposed to put their names on it as director of religious education, at (817) 510-2726 or mbush@ to meet, and now meet from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesdays in St. well. She said team members can call the parishioner for smocchurch.org. Philip’s parish offi ce conference room. more information on the person they suggested for the • Immaculate Conception and St. Mark Churches in “We’re going to go over some of the topics we Coming Home program, and that parishioner is invited Denton; Coming Home Program meets from 7 to 9 p.m. covered before, but we’re going to go much deeper this to participate in a session along with the person they during four weeks on Tuesdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 21 at the ICC time,” she said. recommended. School Library; call Marjorie Looney with ICC at (469) 471- Sandles said in addition to putting ads in the “Th is way the person whose name is given can 2668 or Father Tim Th ompson at St. Mark at (940) 387-6223. bulletin, they also put ads about the Catholics feel support from that parishioner — not just from the • St. Philip the Apostle Church in Lewisville; Catholics Returning Home program in the Dallas Morning News stranger who called them,” Looney said. Returning Home program meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on and Lewisville Leader. “Our hope and our goal always is to really have the Tuesdays in the St. Philip parish offi ce conference room; call “We get many people who have seen it in the parishioners involved. Th ey will be coming to one of Susan Sandles, director of religious education, at (972) 219- newspaper because they are not attending Mass,” she the sessions themselves. Th is is a ministry for the entire 5838. said. church — for every parishioner to be involved in,” she • Good Shepherd Church in Colleyville; Come Home Steve Landon, director of parish operations at said. Program will be meeting starting at 7 p.m. during fi ve weeks Good Shepherd Church in Colleyville, said he could Another key of the success of such programs within on Th ursday evenings, Jan. 20-Feb. 17 at the church.; call Steve put an ad in the Colleyville newspaper and a few people the parishes is that reconciliation is strongly encouraged. Landon, director of parish operations and adult formation, at would see it, but the diocese could do it on a much Both Landon in Colleyville and Msgr. King in Denton (817) 421-1387. larger scale like Phoenix. Presently, the church advertises said the pastors have one session where they invite the program in the church bulletin, on a big sign on the participants to talk about any bad experiences they have For more information about resources for returning Catholics church, and another big sign beyond the parking lot at had with the Catholic Church, and the pastors apologize or other questions regarding adult faith formation, visit the Diocese an intersection of two streets. to the group for those experiences. Th e priests also invite of Fort Worth's Adult Faith Formation page at http://www.fwdioc. “I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said Steve Landon, the participants to the sacrament of Reconciliation. org/CATECHESIS/ADULTFAITHFORMATION/Pages/default. referring to diocese-wide programs. “It’s hard to get Landon said some of the major reasons he’s aspx or e-mail Lucas Pollice, diocesan director of Catechesis, at people to come to the program.” found that people give for leaving the Church are [email protected]. Participants and team members at various parishes marital problems, and they feel like they’ve been have said that whatever form of advertising used, the excommunicated. Others have had something bad fruits of their labor are well worth the investment. happen to them at the church, he said. “You have to spend some money on it, but the Looney said the ICC and St. Mark’s Coming result is a lot of people come home. A lot of people are Home team uses the website catholicscomehome.org as (XURSHDQ3LOJULPDJH waiting for the invitation to come home,” said Msgr. a tool for people who are not ready to attend sessions.   King, Immaculate Conception pastor who has worked She said they can look at the website to answer questions 'HSDUWV0D\$XJ 6HSW with programs inviting Catholics to return for 15 years from the privacy of their homes.  at two diff erent parishes, St. John the Apostle in North “It shows people that it’s not just about Immaculate 'D\VCelebrate Mass 9 Days! IURP  Richland Hills and Immaculate Conception. “We don’t Conception or St. Mark or the Diocese of Fort Worth  get a large number of people, and some folks ask, is it — it’s the Catholic Church as a whole that is inviting 520(²9$7,&$1²32578*$/²)$7,0$ worth the eff ort? My answer is, yes, it is. If we have one people back,” she said. 63$,1²)5$1&(²/285'(6²3$5,6 person coming home, it is worth all the eff ort we can Since participating the Re-Membering Church Fully Escorted + Your YMT Catholic Chaplain–Priest! put out.” program at St. Michael Church in Bedford, Bill  “Th at’s the key. Getting the word out that you are Nichols, like Soto at ICC in Denton and Gieryic at St. 7RXUWKH9DWLFDQLQFOXGLQJ$XGLHQFHZLWK3RSH%HQHGLFW;9, VXEMHFWWRKLV VFKHGXOH  7RXU 5RPH¶V UHOLJLRXV KLJKOLJKWV LQFOXGLQJ 6W 3HWHU¶V %DVLOLFD welcome and invited to come home,” he added. Philip the Apostle in Lewisville, is much more involved 6LVWLQH&KDSHODQG5RPH¶VILUVWFKXUFKWKH³&DWKHGUDORI5RPH DQGRIWKH For several weeks before the program starts inviting at his parish. He attends Mass every week, and he serves :RUOG´&HOHEUDWHWZR0DVVHVLQ5RPHLQFOXGLQJ0DVVDW6W3HWHU¶V6HH people to write down the names of friends or loved ones as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and a DQFLHQW5RPHWKH&RORVVHXP6SDQLVK6WHSV7UHYL)RXQWDLQ%DVLOLFD6DQWD they would like to invite to be in the Coming Home greeter. He and his wife Jeanine often help with church 0DULD 0DJJLRUH DQG PRUH  )O\ WR /LVERQ 3RUWXJDO YLVLW /DG\ RI )DWLPD program, which starts during Advent, Msgr. King festivals together, and they sometimes even still attend &KXUFKFHOHEUDWHSULYDWH0DVVHVDWWKH%DVLOLFDRI)DWLPDDQG$SDULFLRQHV &KDSHO RI )DWLPD DQG WRXU WKH %DWDOKD PRQDVWHU\  7UDYHO WR 6DODPDQFD makes an announcement before each Mass. the Re-Membering Church sessions together, when he 6SDLQ YLVLW WKH 2OG &DWKHGUDO DQG 1HZ &DWKHGUDO RYHUQLJKW LQ 9DOODGROLG “Christmas is very often the time when people is not out of town for work. He is also a Fourth Degree 6SDLQ9LVLW/RXUGHV)UDQFHFHOHEUDWH0DVVDWWKH*URWWRRI/RXUGHV7DNH come to church or come back to the Church. So I’ve member of the Knights of Columbus. WKH KLJKVSHHG WUDLQ WR 3DULV IRU WZR QLJKWV  3DULV KLJKOLJKW LQFOXGHV 7KH always thought, ‘Let’s invite people to come home for “I would like to see even more participation,” 6KULQHRIWKH0LUDFXORXV0HGDOZLWK0DVVDWWKH&KDSHORI2XU/DG\RIWKH Christmas.’ So we use Advent, the season of getting Nichols said. “You have a reluctance to get involved with 0LUDFXORXV0HGDODIXOOGD\WRXURI3DULVYLVLWLQJWKH/RXYUH0XVHXP(LIIHO 7RZHU%DVLOLFDRIWKH6DFUHG+HDUWDQGPRUH7KLV3LOJULPDJH,QFOXGHV ready. And every year we use the four weeks of Advent something like this. You’re on the outside, but you’re %UHDNIDVWV 'LQQHUV 3ULFHSHUSHUVRQGRXEOHRFFXSDQF\SOXVWD[ in which people are invited to talk about themselves and reluctant to walk through that door. But the people in VHUYLFHV JRY¶WIHHV$XJXVW 6HSWHPEHUGHSDUWXUHVDGG$LUIDUHLVH[WUD their experience of the Church,” Msgr. King said. this group are so welcoming. Th ey’re like, ‘Come on &DOOQRZIRUFRPSOHWHGHWDLOV6SDFHLVOLPLWHG  Msgr. King also makes a similar announcement in.’ Many of them have been through this before — )RULQIRUPDWLRQLWLQHUDU\UHVHUYDWLRQVDQGOHWWHU before Lent to get people ready for Holy Week and the marriage issues or diff erent things that have kept them IURP\RXUFKDSODLQZLWKKLVSKRQHQXPEHUFDOOGD\VDZHHN Easter season. away from the Church. With them, you never feel like <079DFDWLRQV Marjorie Looney, Immaculate Conception Coming you’re on the outside,” Nichols said. America’s best choice for affordable travel since 1967! PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 TCU Catholic Community teaches students that growing in their faith is a Lifelong Journey By Barbara Griffi th Moff ett / Correspondent Photos by Steve Moff ett

LEFT: The TCU Catholic Community is made up of the university's students, alumni, faculty, and staff , as well LEFT: Father Charlie as local residents. Calabrese, "on loan" from They celebrate their the Diocese of Steubenville, weekly Sunday Mass Ohio, has pastored the in the Brown-Lupton community since 1984. University Union.

t’s a winning season at Texas Christian University, the result of years of recruiting, the Medical Center with vast experience in college ministry, I concurs. development of experienced leaders, and an unwavering focus on a goal. Oh yeah, the “Everything is done by the students,” Dr. Smith says. TCU football team is doing well, too. “It’s part of the joy of this. If you have any question about the future, all you have to do is look at these students and their While Gary Patterson’s Horned Frogs may be shaking up the BCS, it’s the TCU Catholic commitment [to the TCU Catholic Community].” Each Wednesday a smaller group of about thirty students Community that’s providing an unbeatable combination for a large, diverse, and devoted come together for Mass, followed by dinner at the Annie group of believers. Students are at the center of the community, supporting each other and Richardson Bass Building. On this particular Sunday evening, the readings are about taking on faith-based projects. Th eir work is sustained by a dedicated group of adult lay St. Paul’s exhortation to “do everything without grumbling ministers. Th ey’ve been recruited and are led by Father Charlie Calabrese, an energetic and or complaining,” while in the Gospel Jesus tells his listeners to renounce what’s important to them in order to follow Him. soft-spoken priest from the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, who’s been “on loan” to Fort Instead of a homily, Fr. Charlie leads refl ections on the Scripture. After a companionable silence, students begin to talk Worth for 26 years. about moments of personal and spiritual revelation. One young woman reveals her sister has redecorated what used to “Father Charlie,” as he’s universally known, is the iconic Veronica Sandoval, who along with Claudia Gonzales is be their shared bedroom “back home,” and another volunteers pastor of the TCU Catholic Community. He’s a veritable ‘man student co-president of the Catholic Community, is checking her parents have turned her old room into an offi ce. in motion’ as he strides briskly across campus. with classmates about the upcoming “Awakening” retreat. She “I wanted my own place here in Fort Worth now, but…” “He’s awesome; he’s involved,” says Jonathan, a TCU reports a recent Halloween fall festival the group held for some the fi rst young woman says with chagrin. freshman from LaQuinta, California. “And, he helps us grow.” children at Catholic Charities was a success, as rewarding for “It’s a mixed bag, isn’t it?” Fr. Charlie observes gently. Fr. Charlie fi rst came to Texas in the early 1980s to visit the TCU students as it was for the little ones. All of the young people realize that as they move forward old friends who’d relocated to Fort Worth. He’d been with “Catholic Community is a group that has the same faith to claim adulthood, there is also loss of childhood security and Lee and Peggy Bohme through the illness and death of their base, but is open to everyone,” she says. “And, we have a lot of comfort. In this moment, they know this is something they 14-year-old son, Michael, and in 1984 returned to check on fun. Th ere are a lot of freshmen who come to TCU and we’ve have in common: Th ey are not alone. them and their 9-year-old daughter, Megan. worked to get to know them. A lot of the juniors and seniors “I think we all look better than we really are,” Fr. Charlie He was then the campus minister at Ohio University have taken them under their wings.” says later. “To others, we may seem to ‘have it together’ or be and had no inkling of moving. During a dinner hosted by the Th e Boehmes are there. So is their friend, Dolly Worden, ‘better’ than we really are. Boehmes, fellow guest Father Peter Lyons, then pastor of St. who says of Father Charlie, “his homilies are so meaningful.” “From my experience, this is true of college students. Andrew Parish, and a TOR, suggested Fr. Charlie take the Micki Halaburt, a TCU neighborhood resident, agrees, Generally, they keep their questions, struggles, and doubts TCU post. adding: “And, I love the music.” to themselves, partly because they think that other Catholic “Peter, my bishop would never let me come,” he Th e music is an energetic mixture of contemporary and students — especially the upperclassmen and those in remembers saying. When Fr. Lyons persisted, Fr. Charlie upbeat versions of traditional hymns. Th at is by design. Music leadership — ‘have it together.’” responded: “Okay. If my bishop will let me, I’ll come.” director Steve Kinch came to the TCU Catholic Community Fr. Charlie says these young people worry the older A month later, he was driving to Fort Worth. 18 years ago as an undergraduate – and never left. He directs students will think less of anyone who experiences moments of But, he didn’t come without a game plan. He formed a powerful blend of student voices and instruments — piano, doubt and questioning. Th is is why he believes “Awakening,” a a TCU Catholic Community Advisory Board of students, percussion, fl ute, trumpets, guitars, bass — and sometimes a twice-a-year retreat for about 70 students and adult leaders is at alumni, faculty, staff , and Fort Worth residents who direct and mandolin. the cornerstone of the work at the TCU Catholic Community. guide the mission. All of them participate in retreats, Bible Words and music are projected on two walls of the Awakening participants openly talk about their lives and study, and volunteer at the Presbyterian Night Shelter. ballroom, which keeps heads up and eyes forward. faith journeys, their questions and their struggles to believe. However, the TCU Catholic Community is perhaps best “Our focus is on being engaging,” Kinch says. He “Th ey come to realize that fi guring out what it means to known for its Sunday evening Masses. On a typical Sunday credits his wife’s Baptist background and his exposure to the follow Jesus as Catholic Christians is a lifelong journey — and evening recently, the Mass, off ered in the Brown-Lupton “praise and worship style” of music with inspiring some of his that as they change, their faith changes. Th ey re-appropriate it University Union, the Mass draws 200 students, faculty, and decisions. Ultimately, though, he says the young people make religiously, intellectually, and morally.” friends who begin fi lling the third-fl oor ballroom a half-hour it work. In the end, this may be where the TCU Catholic before the fi rst song. Dr. Ann Smith, an administrator at Cook Children’s Community is most successful: everyone can join this team. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 17 Bishop challenges TCU students to learn from the saints

By Barbara Griffi th Moff ett LEFT: Bishop Kevin Vann explains the Catholic roots behind Halloween, and Correspondent challenges the students to look to the saints for examples of Christian lives ishop Kevin Vann celebrates Mass with the TCU during one of his semi-annual visits to the TCU Catholic Community. BCatholic Community twice a year, once each semester. On Oct. 31, the bishop engaged his TCU listeners with a Craughwell. A respected diocesan newspaper columnist, homily full of humor, history, and some personal insight. Craughwell writes most saints weren’t born with halos. And, appropriately enough for a campus setting, he had Although parts of his book are written with a tongue-in- some recommended reading. cheek tone, the author gets his point across. First, there was a pop quiz. Bishop Vann smiled as “Th is book shows the real struggles that men and someone correctly made the connection to Halloween — women of God have had in their lives,” Bishop Vann said, All Hallow’s Eve — and All Saints Day. He then explained adding that all of us face some kind of similar challenge. how All Saints Day had been originally observed in May “In my genes,” he revealed, “I have the ‘Black Irish’ to coincide with the Roman celebration of the Pantheon. Photo by Steve Moffett tendency to worry too much about things. We can be awfully When the Church expanded to include the Celtic peoples, serious about too many things. No matter where we are in that observance was moved to late fall. of the dead could roam the earth.” life, the Lord walks ahead of us and after us and protects “It was transferred to this day because it was believed Th e bishop added both humor and perspective by us,” he said. “On All Saints Day we celebrate our heroes and — by the Celts — that this was the time of year the spirits sharing a book called Saints Behaving Badly, by Th omas J. heroines, all of whom have had a conversion experience.” Th e Eucharist is an invitation to accept or reject God's will in our lives, says theologian Doug Bushman at Why Catholic? lecture Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent We are either for Him or against Him. We either “If we understand what Eucharist is, then we really know nail Him to the cross or we are nailed to the cross with our Catholic faith,” Douglas Bushman told the 50 people who Him. To be human means to make that decision. gathered inside the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Ministry and Formation — Professor Doug Bushman, director of Pastoral Building for a Nov. 16 “Going Th eology, Ave Maria University Deeper with Why Catholic?” presentation off ered by the Pope John Paul II Institute Catechetical “Th is is the meaning of our understanding of materials used in School. existence and every breath we her Why Catholic? group. Bushman, director of the take,” he said. “Th e topics he talked about Institute for Pastoral Th eology Patty Bransford, director of followed in line with what we’re at Ave Maria University near Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen children’s formation at St. Patrick discussing,” she added. “Every time Naples, Florida, was invited by the Professor Douglas Bushman, director of the Institute of Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University Cathedral and a former theology you listen to Mr. Bushman, you diocese to give two talks on the in Naples, Florida, discusses the pastoral dimension of the Eucharist Nov. 16 at St. Elizabeth Ann student of the professor, said the learn something you’ve never heard Paschal Mystery and celebration Seton Church in Keller as part of a two-part "Going Deeper with WHY CATHOLIC?" lecture series. presentation gave her a better before.” of the Eucharist at local parishes. His Nov. 15 presentation, “If I said, outlining the theme of his Every time we use our free Could Only Touch Him: Th e presentation. “Jesus is always asking will and make a decision we must Role of Faith in Celebrating the us if we fi nd his teachings diffi cult. engage our human dignity and Sacraments” drew 135 people He wants to know if we are going choose whether we are going to to St. Maria Goretti Church in to use our free will to abandon him reject God’s love, he added. Arlington. and reject his love.” “Am I going to have a third “We wanted to help people Every time Catholics approach drink or stop at two? Am I going to dig a little deeper theologically the Eucharist they should explore gossip or stop now,” Bushman said, and spiritually into what they are the answer to his questions. citing some common occasions studying in Why Catholic?,” said “Jesus wants us to receive Him of sin. “Will I cause Him (Jesus) Lucas Pollice, diocesan director in the Eucharist knowing what to weep or be an occasion of joy of Catechesis and Adult Faith it means and having weighed the for Him by doing what He wants, Formation. “It reinforces and will options,” he pointed out. receiving his love, and following hopefully go a little deeper than Th e speaker said our response Him to the cross.” what they’re getting in their small should be like the apostle Peter’s in Th ose are the two fundamental groups. Encouraging more study John 6:68 when he said, “Where options available to every human and adult formation is a priority.” else should we go? Where shall we being, every day, every moment in Addressing his audience turn?” every single decision made. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the “When I read that, I think “We are either for Him or nationally recognized theologian Peter is saying, ‘I have considered against Him,” Bushman preached. went beyond the commonly the options. What you’re saying “We either nail Him to the cross understood doctrinal beliefs about is demanding, but when I look at or we are nailed to the cross with the Eucharist to discuss its pastoral the others, no one compares to Him. To be human means to make dimension. you,’” Bushman said interpreting that decision.” “Th e loving invitation of Jesus the Gospel passage. “‘Only your Th e Church off ers its people to receive Him in the Eucharist is words correspond to the deepest Mass and the Eucharist every day a response to the question, ‘Will aspirations of my heart. Only you to help them make a decision based you go away also?’” Bushman have the words of eternal life.’” on love. PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010

Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN, is the director of Vocations for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Vocations Mary of Namur, Western Province, based in Fort Worth, and also Responding to God’s call serves as the director of Children’s Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth. She can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. Dare to ask, ‘Can I fi nd a home in religious life?’ By Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN ow is God making known his turns in life, which through perseverance vowed members of this community, once and conversion of our hearts. A search call to men and women today to could lead us to risk our own hearts and again committing to live out their call to for direction in the lives of our young Hdiscern a vocation to the religious lives — because Jesus has chosen us and we leave all to follow Christ! adults today could either be found or the life? Why are decisions for religious life so are able to accept his invitation. Is there any What are some common denominators opportunity missed! Undoubtedly each diffi cult for young adults to make today? witnessing to this in our Diocese of Fort for each of these sisters? person seeks to discover the true gift of Could it be because of an over-abundance Worth? Th eir profound love for Christ. their vocation in order to reach a fulfi lling, of possible choices? Perhaps it may have Th is brings me to share an event that A willingness to invest themselves in peace-fi lled, and joyful life. In this world of something to do with the diminishing is living proof not only of God’s continued renewing this relationship. “over-abundance,” God continues to provide numbers of religious men and women? Or call, but of the courage and fi delity it takes Self-transcendence with a willingness the grace for people to listen and accept his is it the ability of those same religious to to continue on this journey. Th ree religious to work with God’s grace in overcoming the call to enter religious life with passionate love provide a meaningful and profound witness women witnessed to this fact in Fort Worth challenges which are a part of discernment. and commitment. to a radical way of living? Th ese are some on Nov. 11 in the Congregation of the Sisters Th eir courage to nurture a sense of Where is the port of entry for young questions that often are in the forefront for of St. Mary of Namur, Western Province. community with a new charism and a new men and women? How could we contribute many congregations and vocation directors Th ese three sisters, already perpetually vowed group of religious women. to their discernment and help them be of our time. religious in diff erent congregations, went Th e generosity to share their gifts attentive to God speaking in a culture of At a recent Conference for National through a period of fi ve years discerning and personal charisms brought from distraction? How are we preparing the soil Religious Vocation Directors (NRVC) in their vocational call. Th ey faced the burning their families and from three diff erent for this seed to grow in their hearts? “… Cleveland, one of the keynotes opened with question, “Could I say ‘YES’ to God communities of women religious: Franciscan, but when seed fell on good earth, it grew, this topic and stated that the complexity of once more?” which entailed renewing a Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts, and La yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold...” discerning a vocation need not focus on the commitment in a new religious community, Salle. (Matthew19:16-30). Th e Church continues “complexity” but rather on the discerning. a new culture, a new language, and a new Openness with a gentle heart to to mandate us to move forward in our times, Young women and men continue to be country. After an intense journey with their welcome with simplicity, joy, hope, and make Christ’s Gospel message known, and called to enter into this process and discover spiritual directors and the Sisters of St. service, the challenge to serve Christ today in encourage discipleship without losing the whether they are able to respond to Christ’s Mary, each one of these young women gave works of justice and mercy. sense of depth and sacredness. Pope Benedict invitation to give it all up to follow Him. a resounding YES response to God. Th ey A genuine spirit of search, allowing the calls us to embrace this great challenge in his In the familiar parable of the rich young recommitted themselves to living a radical Holy Spirit to act in each one unfolding encyclical letter Caritas Veritatis (Charity in man who asks “Good Master, what good life of fi delity to God, service to the Church, God’s faithful love. Truth). thing shall I do, that I may have eternal and living out their vows walking on this God’s Spirit is always acting and Certainly we don’t control the future; life?” (Matthew 19:16), Jesus outlines a series journey with a pioneering group of religious uncovering new ways to make Christ present however, we are collaborators with God in of helpful guidelines and then invites the women in Texas — the Sisters of St. Mary in this world and to spread the Gospel its making. Dare to risk, to ask the question young man to follow Him. Following these of Namur. Sister Gloria Cabrera, Sister Inés message, keeping it alive and meaningful in while standing at the door of discernment, guidelines could take us through unexpected Díaz, and Sister Clara Vo became perpetually order to bring about a daily transformation “Can I fi nd a home in religious life?”

Bishops asked for release of more priests for service as military chaplains

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien who abandon the faith they were raised in do working as a military chaplain. Th e bishop Archbishop Broglio said he was not there Catholic News Service so before the age of 24. expressed concern about not having a priest to discuss whether U.S. involvement in Iraq BALTIMORE (CNS) — Archbishop After their service, members of the to assign to a certain parish in his diocese. or Afghanistan was right, but however one Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese military and their families will return to the If a Catholic family in the United feels about that question, “we are obligated to for the Military Services appealed to his U.S. dioceses and archdioceses from which States does not have a priest in their parish, care for the men and women who are there.” fellow bishops Nov. 15 to release more of they came, “and I would like to be able to they can drive to another parish nearby, the “If we are not there, someone else will be their priests for service as military chaplains. return them to you as Catholics,” Archbishop archbishop said, “but military personnel and we will have no control over the message In a brief talk on the opening day of Broglio said. cannot drive to another parish.” given,” he said. the U.S. bishops’ Nov. 15-18 fall general He recalled meeting a group of 10 He also appealed to the pragmatic side And although no one knows the reason assembly, Archbishop Broglio said his fl ock Protestant chaplains, all of whom had been of his fellow bishops, noting that about 10 behind the rise in suicides among military — which includes Catholics serving in all baptized as Catholics but became attracted percent of all priests ordained in the United personnel, “chaplains are essential to dealing branches of the military, their families and to Protestant denominations during their States in an average year have prior service in with the problem,” the archbishop said. those at Veterans Aff airs hospitals nationwide military service because no Catholic the military and another 10 percent belong He also asked each bishop to designate — is served by only 275 priests, a number chaplains were available to them early in to families in which someone was in the a day of fasting and prayer in his diocese that will decline in coming years. their enlistments. military. for “a just and lasting peace,” for an end to He said most people serving in the Archbishop Broglio also talked about a “More priest chaplains (to nurture military suicides, and for the families and military are between the ages of 18 and 28, bishop who had denied the request of a priest vocations in the military) will mean more soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifi ce and studies have shown that most of those in his diocese who was willing to continue candidates for the priesthood,” he said. in military service. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 19 Catechesis Mass, source and summit of Christian Life By Lucas Pollice s we continue with our complete. During this celebration, Christ be able to open ourselves completely to journey through the off ers himself completely to his Bride, fi rst Christ in both the Scriptures and especially through his Word, and then through the Sacraments, we now turn in the Eucharist. Note: Th e Penitential Rite A gift of the Eucharist where He gives Himself only obtains forgiveness for venial (lesser) our attention to the Mass, or the completely, body, blood, soul, and divinity. sins. If we are conscious of committing a celebration of the Eucharist. Christ In turn the Church gives herself completely mortal (grave) sin we must fi rst receive the instituted the Eucharist during the to her Bridegroom, by each person off ering sacrament of Penance before we can receive Jewish Passover, when He becomes himself/herself to the Father with Christ. the Eucharist. (Stand. Kneel during Lent) the new and eternal Passover Lamb. Th rough the reception of the Eucharist, Th rough his sacrifi ce on the cross, we Christ literally becomes “one fl esh” with his Th e Gloria: A prayer of praise and adoration are freed from slavery to sin. In the same way Church. By becoming “one fl esh” with Him in which we lift up our hearts in love to God that the Passover was at the very heart of the we are transformed to be like Him and are in thanksgiving for his works of salvation. faith of Israel, the Eucharist is at the very sent out to be Christ to the world and to After being cleansed of our sinfulness, the heart of the New Covenant established by accomplish his work. Gloria draws us into the mysteries of God Christ. It is the “source and summit” of the We will now take a closer look at the and opens our hearts and prepares us to Christian life. Th e celebration of the Mass is Order of the Mass, which is the heart of our listen to his Word in the Scriptures. (Stand) where we come to once again mysteriously worship as Catholics. It is within the Mass participate in his death and Resurrection and that we come into union with the divine, Th e Opening Prayer: Th e priest reads are transformed by his grace. where the angels and all of heaven itself unite a short prayer with the intentions of the Th e Mass is a sacrifi ce. It re-presents with us as we off er ourselves to the Father, Church for that day. Notice the prayer is (makes present) the sacrifi ce of the cross, through Christ in the power of the Holy addressed to the Father through Jesus in the Spirit. because it is a memorial, a literal re- Holy Spirit. We are truly participating in the Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Confer- presentation of the sacrifi ce of Calvary and life of the Trinity. (Stand) ence of Catholic Bishops, celebrates Mass at the start of the bishops’ application of its fruit. Th e sacrifi ce of the THE ORDER OF THE MASS annual fall meeting in Baltimore Nov. 15. (CNS photo/Nancy cross and the sacrifi ce of the Eucharist are Th e Liturgy of the Word THE LITURGY OF THE WORD/We Wiechec) one and the same. It is the same victim We fi rst celebrate together Christ’s Listen to God’s Word Proclaimed and the same off ering; only the manner is unique presence in his Word, the Scriptures. Th e reading of the Scriptures, a service diff erent. It is truly Christ we off er to the Within the fi rst part of the Mass, we are of instruction. THE CREED/We Respond to God’s Word Father in sacrifi ce. Caveat: Th e Mass is not nourished by the Word (Jesus) through the Th e Church stands together as one in a re-sacrifi cing of Christ, but it re-presents inspired Word of God. Th e Liturgy of the Th e First Reading: Th e fi rst reading is faith and responds to hearing the Word of the one sacrifi ce of Calvary. We are not Word reveals to us the good news of salvation usually from the Old Testament, except God by proclaiming our belief in the Triune crucifying Christ again, but mystically in Christ, helps us put it into action in our during the Easter season when it is from the God and all He has revealed. Th e Creed is participating in the very same sacrifi ce. Jesus daily lives, and prepares us to receive Jesus in Acts of the Apostles. Th e Old Testament a visible sign of our unity in one faith that Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity, is the Eucharist. reading is always thematically tied to the will be actualized in the Eucharist. Our being off ered to the Father for the forgiveness Gospel reading. (Sit) belief in the Creed is what also allows us to of sins as a continuation of the one and same PREPARATORY RITES/We Pray With participate in what will happen next! It is like sacrifi ce of the cross. Our Words and Our Hearts Th e Responsorial Psalm: Th e Church passing through a door into the mysteries of Th e members of the Church also off er Th e Mass begins by the community then prays one of the Psalms in the Old God. (Stand) themselves with Christ as a sacrifi ce to the preparing themselves to encounter Christ in Testament. Th ese are the ancient prayers of Father. God does not desire the sacrifi ce of the Scriptures and the Eucharist and draws Israel. Th e responsorial psalm is usually sung Th e Prayers of the Faithful: We end bulls and rams, but a sacrifi ce of our hearts us into the mysteries of God. and always requires the participation of the the Liturgy of the Word by bringing our and lives. We are to be active participants at community. (Sit) intentions before the Lord that will be Mass as we off er all that we have and all that Th e Processional: Th e priest and ministers off ered to the Father with the Eucharist. We we are so that we may be transformed into process into the church while a song is sung. Th e Second Reading: Th e second reading is especially pray for the Church, the world, Christ and participate in the priesthood of all Th e priest then kisses the altar as an act of from one of the New Testament letters. (Sit) the sick, and the dying. Other appropriate the faithful. reverence for the altar of sacrifi ce which intentions can also be added. (Stand) Th e word “Mass” comes from the Latin represents Christ as the cornerstone of the Th e Gospel: Th e priest or deacon reads from missio, which means “to be sent.” We go to Church. (Stand) one of the four Gospels that tell about the Next month, we will go through the Mass to be healed and transformed so that life and ministry of Christ. Th e Gospels are Liturgy of the Eucharist and also discuss how we can go out into the world and consecrate Th e Greeting: Th e priest begins with the most sacred of all the Scriptures because to properly prepare oneself for receiving the it to God through our words and actions. the Sign of the Cross and then greets the they contain the actual recorded words of Eucharist. We are sent forth to “love and serve the Lord community in the name of the Holy Trinity. Christ. Before the Gospel, we make the and one another.” Th e Mass is thesource and Th e Mass is an action of the Holy Trinity Sign of the Cross with our thumb over our Lucas Pollice is director of summit of the Christian life. It is both an and our participation within it. During the foreheads, mouth, and hearts asking God Catechesis and Adult Faith end in that it is the greatest act of worship Mass, we enter into the intimate life of the that the Gospel will forever be in our minds, Formation and RCIA for that we can participate in and brings us Trinity! (Stand) upon our lips, and in our hearts. We are the diocese. Lucas holds into union with Christ (summit); as well as bearers of the Gospel! (Stand as a sign of the a degree in theology from a means by which we are transformed and Th e Penitential Rite: Th is is a time in which special importance of the Gospel. Standing is the Franciscan University nourished by Christ to go into the world and we examine our lives and seek forgiveness also a sign of attention.) of Steubenville and has a master’s degree faithfully live as his followers (source). from Christ for our sins. We do this in order in theological studies from the Institute for Th e Mass is also the wedding feast to prepare to immerse ourselves into the Th e Homily: Th e priest speaks to the Pastoral Th eology of Ave Maria University. of the Lamb of God in which his union mysteries of faith. Sin blocks our spiritual community about the Scriptures and how we He is an adjunct professor of theology with the with his Bride, the Church, is made sight. By being cleansed of our sins we will can live them out in our daily lives. (Sit) Cardinal Newman Institute in Fort Worth. PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“He will clear his threshing “They will see the fl oor and gather his wheat into his glory of the Lord, the barn, but the chaff he will burn splendor of our God.” with unquenchable fi re.” — Isaiah 35:2 — Matthew 3:12

December 12, December 5, Second Th ird Sunday of Sunday of Advent. Advent. Cycle A. Readings: Cycle A. Readings:

1) Isaiah 11:1-10 1) Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Psalm 146:6-10 2) Romans 15:4-9 2) James 5:7-10 Gospel) Matthew 3:1-12 Gospel) Matthew 11:2-11 By Jeff Hedglen By Sharon K. Perkins s I have gotten older, I have begun to love the season of Advent -- Aalmost more than Christmas. Th e spiritual focus of the weeks leading he 50 or 60 women in the room looked like most women you would up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth is a great escape from the overly Tmeet anywhere on a given day in the grocery store, the elementary commercialized “Xmas” we fi nd in the stores 10-12 weeks before the school parking lot or the coff ee shop. Representing ages 17 to 70 and actual day. Th e gods of materialism, over-busyness, glamour, indulgence, attractively dressed, they helped themselves to coff ee and donuts and pride and greed come forth and do all they can to upstage the real star of chatted about their day-to-day activities the way most women would at a the season. genteel Saturday morning gathering. Years ago, I read a book called In the Hall of the Dragon King, by But as soon as the retreat began and each woman came to the Stephen R. Lawhead. In one scene, one character is trying to convince microphone, the veneer of gentility quickly dissolved and the ordinariness another that the God Most High is better than the other gods. Th e became extraordinary. Story after emotional story poured forth — conversation goes like this: personal accounts of their life experiences revealing a depth and “Th e Most High God is One. Th e gods of earth and sky are but the magnifi cence of God’s power and presence that few observers would have chaff blown before the mighty wind of his coming. Th ey cannot stand in guessed merely moments before. his presence, and even now their power grows weak.” In the fi rst reading for this week, the prophet Isaiah describes an “But what makes this nameless God diff erent from all the others?” unbelievable sight: the desert blooming with “abundant fl owers,” its “He cares.” desolate silence breaking forth into “joyful song.” James’ Epistle off ers In my estimation, not one of the Xmas gods cares for us or even thinks the image of a tilled but barren fi eld waiting for fruitfulness that is all about us beyond our wallets and lines of credit. Th e Gospel from week two but invisible. And somewhere in the wilderness, a fi ery, eccentric-looking of Advent gives us a picture of God similar to the one in Lawhead’s book preacher prepares the way for the Lord, who, at the time, was walking as John the Baptist describes Jesus this way: among the people, still unrecognized. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fi re. His winnowing fan During the season of Advent, because most of us know what’s coming is in his hand. He will clear his threshing fl oor and gather his wheat into — the birth of Jesus at Christmas — we “over-anticipate” and look for his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fi re.” the Lord’s appearance in all the expected ways and places. Despite the It is clear that the Messiah that John is talking about is serious and all- obvious liturgical shift from green to purple, we still can feel like we’re in powerful. He is one who separates the chaff from the wheat, the shell from “ordinary time.” the seed, the fl uff from the substance. But Advent is really about surprises, about seeing the magnifi cence of As Christmas approaches I think this Gospel is calling us to lay aside God breaking forth in the unexpected, the overlooked, and the hidden. the “chaff ” of the worldly celebration and lift high the seed of the Father, Advent calls us to fi ne-tune our eyes and ears to the “splendor of our God” the one he planted in the world 2,000 years ago and planted in our hearts already in our midst — and then to tell others what we have seen. at baptism. Advent reminds us that we now await the eternal harvest, and until then we wait and pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: What are the worldly aspects of this time of year that distract you When and how has God surprised you by appearing in a way the most? What are some things we can do to stay focused on Jesus you would have least expected? Th is Advent season, how can you as Christmas approaches? become more alert to God’s splendor revealed in the ordinariness of your experience? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 21

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.” — Colossians 3:15 December 19, Fourth Sunday of Advent. Cycle A. Readings: December 26, Holy Family 1) Isaiah 7:10-14 of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. hen Joseph awoke, he did as the Psalm 24:1-6 “W Cycle A. Readings: 2) Romans 1:1-7 angel of the Lord had commanded him Gospel) Matthew 1:18-24 and took his wife into his home.” 1) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 — Matthew 1:24 Psalm 128:1-5 By Jeff Hensley 2) Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel) Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 he theme of obedience to the revealed will of God runs through the TScriptures for this weekend, as we await with eagerness the birth of By Jean Denton the Lord Jesus. In the fi rst reading, God convincingly tells Ahaz to seek a sign from him. Instead, Ahaz replies, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the he farther I get in life, the more I understand the meaning of family LORD!” Tin God’s plan. In response, the prophet Isaiah challenges his lack of sincerity saying In celebrating the Holy Family, this weekend’s readings show us the that God will bypass this king and give God’s people a sign: “Th e virgin breadth and depth of the family communion: Bear with one another, love shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” your wife, obey your parents, do not discourage your children, forgive each In the second reading, Paul speaks of Jesus, through whose other, take care of your father when he’s old, put on love. Th e readings “resurrection from the dead,” he has “received the grace of apostleship, to describe “your wife like a fruitful vine,” and “children like olive plants bring about the obedience of faith.” around your table,” and tell the story of Joseph’s courage and sacrifi ce to Th en in the Matthew reading, an angel appears to tell Joseph that protect his vulnerable wife and child. Mary is pregnant with Jesus, “through the Holy Spirit,” fulfi lling Isaiah’s My Uncle Bob placed his family at the center of his life. Th eir home prophecy of the birth of “Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” was a model of mutual love and encouragement. God commands our obedience in many ways, most notably through Eight years ago, his son Charles gave up a comfortable academic Scripture and the teachings of the church. Much turmoil in life can be position in England to move back to Texas, because he and his wife avoided if we form our consciences by following God’s Word revealed in wanted to live closer to their families. these two sources. “A lot of my colleagues couldn’t understand it, but I never regretted But God also speaks directly to our hearts. My wife reported to me it for a minute,” Charles told me last week as he prepared for his father’s that several times in recent weeks, a Scripture popped up on her smart funeral. “At the time, my mother was still with us and our daughters got phone, just as she was experiencing great anger, even though she had done to know their grandmother and grandfather very well.” nothing to cause the phone to tap into the daily Scripture application she Although Bob’s own parents died when he was quite young, he became uses. a rock of care and connection for his in-laws and his siblings — and for all I had a similar experience during a time of temptation some years ago their children as well. when a Scripture from 1 Corinthians 10 popped up in the search engine on He put on love and treated all of us, along with his own sons and my computer, un-entered and un-copied from any other source. grandchildren, as olive plants around his table. He led our prayers when My wife and I have both believed we have heard from God through our we gathered, and he showed us how to bear with one another. thoughts or Scriptures as we have read the Bible, but I cite these two little A niece recalled a visit he made to her with “his express purpose to technological instances just to show God’s versatility. give me support and counsel during a rather grueling and challenging Such personal revelations, however, cannot be in confl ict with the (emotional) recovery process.” teachings of the church or Scripture. Th en they would simply be end runs In Bob’s last years, his other son Tom and his family visited and helped around what God desires as the perfect Christmas gift: our hearts of love care for him daily even as he struggled with Alzheimer’s disease. Th eir and obedience to his Son, our Savior, the child whose birth we seek. devotion was no surprise. Embracing each others’ lives as our own — in the highs and lows, caring, giving, forgiving, encouraging, and bearing with one another in love and in the name of the Lord Jesus — is how the holy family gives meaning to life. QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: When have you had to rely on your knowledge of Scripture to “make What family experiences do you recall that have strengthened the right choice”? What spiritual reading can you do to help properly you and taught you how to live in relationship with others? What form your conscience and provide a source of strength in times of dysfunctional families, or dysfunctions within your own family, stress and temptation? presently need your attention? PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 Nuestro Pastor Habla Trabajando juntos para acercarnos al reino de Cristo el rey Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en y paz. El Catecismo describe claramente este Cristo de la Diócesis de Fort Worth, doble signifi cado de Adviento: Mientras la Iglesia ha alcanzado en la Santísima Virgen la perfección, en virtud stos días nos traen varias Al celebrar anualmente la liturgia de de la cual no tiene mancha ni arruga solemnidades y fi estas Adviento, la Iglesia actualiza esta espera (cf. Ef 5, 27), los fi eles luchan todavía importantes en la vida del Mesías: participando en la larga por crecer en santidad, venciendo litúrgica de la Iglesia, y son preparación de la primera llegada del enteramente al pecado, y por eso levantan muy importantes para nuestra Salvador, los fi eles renuevan el ardiente sus ojos a María, que resplandece Erefl exión. Son un recordatorio de que Cristo deseo de su segunda llegada (cf. Ap como modelo de virtudes para toda la está siempre presente con nosotros y viaja con 22, 17). Celebrando la natividad y comunidad de los elegidos. (65) la Iglesia peregrina, mientras nos esforzamos el martirio del Precursor, la Iglesia se en crecer en la santidad y alcanzar la gloria une al deseo de éste: “Es preciso que él Además, la fi esta de la Inmaculada eterna en Cristo. crezca y que yo disminuya” (Jn 3, 30). Concepción tiene un signifi cado especial Al fi nal de este mes, celebramos la (CIC 524) para la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos, porque solemnidad del Cristo Rey, que cierra María—bajo el título de la Inmaculada en forma dramática el año litúrgico. La El color litúrgico de Adviento es el Concepción—es la patrona de los Estados solemnidad del Cristo Rey fue establecida morado—como la temporada de Adviento Unidos, y es a ella que nos encomendamos por el Papa Pío XI en 1925, debido a muestra algo penitencial (aunque menos para la protección y la orientación de nuestro las crecientes amenazas del comunismo, que la Cuaresma)—pero agrega el tema gran país. Por lo tanto, los obispos de los Monseñor Kevin Vann nazismo y fascismo (¡al otro lado de su de la expectante espera en la revelación y Estados Unidos han declarado la fi esta de del calendario litúrgico en 1969, fue puesto propia ciudad!), y las amenazas que todo próxima gloria de Cristo. Esta expectante la Inmaculada Concepción como día de en el último domingo del año litúrgico, esto plantea al espíritu humano. El Cristo espera se expresa de manera especial durante obligación para los católicos en los Estados para recordarnos que al fi nal de la historia Rey nos recuerda que el poder supremo que el tercer domingo de Adviento, llamado Unidos. de la salvación, Cristo vendrá otra vez para no puede ser amenazado u obligado por Domingo Gaudate o Domingo Alegre, pues La segunda fi esta Mariana importante juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos, según lo estos poderes era el mismo del Cristo Rey. estamos en “espera alegre de la llegada es el día de la fi esta de Nuestra Señora de registrado en el pasaje de Mateo, capítulo Por lo tanto, la persona humana siempre de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre. Este es un día 25, donde Él viene y separa las ovejas de las será libre, pase lo que pase, y el Cristo Rey nuestra esperanza”, y los colores litúrgicos se muy importante, no sólo para los católicos cabras. De hecho, las lecturas de los últimos tendrá la “última palabra” sobre el mal. La convierten en rosa, en lugar de morado. Hay hispanos, sino también para todos nosotros domingos del año litúrgico se centran en el imagen de Cristo como Nuestro Señor y muchas ricas tradiciones en que podemos que vivimos bajo su título como patrona de juicio fi nal, de estar listos y preparados para Rey tiene un signifi cado muy especial para participar durante la temporada de Adviento, las Américas. Esta fi esta recuerda los días del la llegada del Señor. Nos llama a realizar un todos nosotros, incluso aquellos de nosotros especialmente en el entorno familiar— 9-12 de diciembre de 1531, cuando María examen de conciencia para examinar cómo en las democracias occidentales. Cristo viene tales como la iluminación de la corona se apareció a un indígena Azteca que llegó hemos vivido nuestra vida en Cristo durante como rey a regir sobre el mal, el pecado y la de Adviento, o la apertura diaria de un a ser conocido por su nombre bautismal, el año pasado. Es un recordatorio que da de muerte, y para restaurar el orden del reino calendario de Adviento—acompañadas de la Juan Diego. Tras revelarse a Juan Diego pensar que algún día, llegaremos antes del de Dios, que fue arrojado al caos tras el meditación y la oración que nos ayuda a vivir, en su idioma náhuatl, Nuestra Señora de Cristo Rey, y a Él le tendremos que rendir primer pecado. De hecho, en el evangelio en nuestra vida diaria, nuestra esperanza Guadalupe inmediatamente le dijo que cuentas de nuestras vidas, y cómo hemos de Juan, el juicio de Cristo y su crucifi xión penitencial y expectante en la llegada de ella era la virgen María, madre de Dios. utilizado los dones y gracias que Dios nos ha fi nal, es interpretada como la consagración Cristo. Le pidió a Juan Diego que se construyera dado para construir su reino. de Cristo, que ahora rige sobre el pecado También hay dos fi estas Marianas muy una capilla en la colina de Tepeyac, para la Este mismo tema de preparación para y la muerte para siempre desde el trono importantes que entran en la temporada conversión y cuidado espiritual de los fi eles— la llegada de Cristo también se transfi ere al de la Cruz. La solemnidad del Cristo Rey de Adviento. La primera es la fi esta de la especialmente el pueblo azteca—debido a su nuevo año litúrgico, que comienza el 5 de nos recuerda también que, como Cristo, Inmaculada Concepción, cuando celebramos práctica de idolatría y sacrifi cio humano, que diciembre mientras celebramos el primer estamos llamados a compartir su misión que María fue concebida sin la mancha del incluía a los niños. Nuestra Madre Santísima domingo de Adviento. La palabra adviento real a través de la humildad y el servicio, y pecado original para poder convertirse en trató de evangelizar a la multitud, y Juan proviene de la palabra en latín que a conquistar corazones a través de obras de adventus, tabernáculo puro, a través de la cual Cristo Diego serviría como la persona clave para signifi ca o . La temporada de caridad y misericordia. Como enseña el Papa venir llegada se encarnaría para recibir una naturaleza realizar esta tarea. Adviento es una temporada de preparación Benedicto XVI, humana pura. Esta verdad se revela en la Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe deseaba para la llegada de Cristo, que procede de dos Sagrada escritura cuando el Ángel Gabriel mostrar su misericordia y compasión al maneras. En primer lugar, estamos llamados Pero, ¿en qué consiste el “poder” de saluda a María y maravillosamente declara, pueblo, como sólo una madre podría. Su a buscar en nuestras vidas y corazones, para Jesucristo Rey? No es el poder de los “Salve María, llena eres de gracia, el aparición como una jóven indígena hizo examinar nuestras conciencias y evaluar reyes y de los grandes de este mundo; es Señor es contigo” (Lucas 1: 28). María es resaltar el amor que sentía por el pueblo. nuestra disposición en cuanto vuelva Cristo el poder divino de dar la vida eterna, completamente llena de gracia, precisamente Juan Diego inmediatamente se apresuró a otra vez. No sabemos ni el día ni la hora de librar del mal, de vencer el dominio porque ella es la que fue concebida sin hablar con el obispo Zumarraga acerca de la cuando vendrá Cristo, otra vez en su gloria, de la muerte. Es el poder del Amor, que pecado y continuó cooperando plenamente visión de la Madre Santísima. Inicialmente, para juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos; sabe sacar el bien del mal, ablandar en completa “obediencia de fe” con la gracia no se escuchó el mensaje de Juan Diego. Sin tampoco sabemos la hora en que Cristo un corazón endurecido, llevar la paz y la presencia del Espíritu Santo. Es bajo embargo, fi nalmente presentó al obispo una pueda llamarnos individualmente, cada al confl icto más violento, encender la este título de la Inmaculada Concepción que tilma que, una vez abierta, reveló la imagen uno de nosotros, para rendirle cuentas de esperanza en la oscuridad más densa. vemos a María como modelo de la Iglesia, de la Virgen, junto con rosas que no estaban nuestras vidas, para entender cómo hemos — ÁNGELUS, 22 de noviembre de pues ella verdaderamente modeló en su en temporada en ese momento. amado a Dios y al prójimo. En segundo 2009 persona, y en su vida llena de testimonio Es muy importante los signifi cados y lugar, la temporada de Adviento nos prepara de fi delidad a la Iglesia, la esposa impecable símbolos que rodean la aparición de Nuestra para celebrar y recordar la primera llegada En adición, la solemnidad de Cristo de Cristo. Como nos enseña el Concilio Señora de Guadalupe. En primer lugar, de Cristo en la Encarnación, que celebramos Rey originalmente se celebró el último Vaticano II en la Constitución Dogmática Guadalupe — en términos indígenas — durante la Navidad, y para poder presentarle domingo de octubre, pero con la reforma sobre la Iglesia, Lumen Gentium, a Cristo un corazón lleno de pureza, amor CONTINUADA A LA DERECHA NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 23 Noticias de la Iglesia Individuos, arte necesitan valores trascendentales para ser completos, dice el Papa Por Carol Glatz Catholic News Service BARCELONA, España — El Papa Benedicto XVI advirtió a los países del peligro de ya no estar al servicio amoroso de sus ciudadanos mientras pedía a los fi eles llevar mensaje de la esperanza de Cristo a toda la gente. Durante un viaje de dos días a lo que solía ser una España acérrimamente católica, el Papa buscó alentar y renovar la fe en Dios de la gente y convencer a una sociedad crecientemente más Pope Benedict XVI leads the Angelus prayer outside the Basilica of the secular que la iglesia quiere el diálogo, no la Sagrada Familia after consecrating the church in Barcelona, Spain, Nov. confrontación. 7. The pope, on a two-day trip to Spain, urged Catholics to resist every La visita del Papa los días 6 y 7 de attack on human life and promote the natural institution of the family. noviembre, su 18vo viaje al exterior, lo trajo (CNS photo/Albert Gea, Reuters) primero a uno de los lugares más populares y más antiguos de peregrinación del catolicismo, Santiago de Compostela, y luego a Barcelona, donde consagró la Basílica de la Sagrada Familia. Durante la Misa del 7 de noviembre, en la cual bendijo y ungió el altar de la iglesia La Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia está rodeada de grúas de construc- dedicada a la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, dijo ción en Barcelona, España, el 4 de noviembre. El Papa Benedicto XVI que los cristianos deben oponerse a todo ataque hizo una peregrinación a España el 6 y 7 de noviembre y consagro contra la vida humana y promover la institución la iglesia, que está parcialmente completa. (Foto CNS/Gustau natural de la familia. Nacarino, Reuters) Bajo el gobierno del primer ministro José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, quien ascendió al poder en el 2004, España ha relajado sus leyes el matrimonio entre un hombre y una mujer, dijo. servicio amoroso de todas las personas, entonces Ir en peregrinación es una oportunidad de divorcio, reducido las restricciones del Más de 6,000 personas llenaron la iglesia la arrogancia y la explotación arriesgan apagar de “salirnos de nosotros mismos para poder aborto, legalizado el matrimonio entre personas que el Papa elevó a basílica menor durante la los verdaderos desarrollo y realización humanos. encontrar a Dios” y experimentar una del mismo sexo y permitido que las parejas Misa. Otras 50,000 personas siguieron el evento Solamente amando y sirviendo a los demás conversión, dijo en comentarios anteriormente homosexuales adopten. afuera, en 33 pantallas enormes instaladas en como lo hizo Jesús, hasta con el más simple de ese día dentro de la catedral de la ciudad. En su homilía, el Papa elogió el progreso calles y plazas circundantes. los gestos, recobrará la humanidad un sentido Participó en algunos de los rituales técnico, social y cultural logrado a través de los Aunque el viaje papal no fue una visita de felicidad y esperanza, dijo. tradicionales de los peregrinos, tales como años. Sin embargo, dijo, un país debe también ofi cial, el Papa fue recibido, después de aterrizar Unas 6,000 personas llenaron a capacidad arrodillarse en oración en la pequeña cripta que avanzar moralmente. bajo densa neblina en Santiago de Compostela, la diminuta plaza y otras 200,000 estaban contiene la tumba del apóstol, cruzar caminando Pidió que los tribunales, los cuerpos por el príncipe Felipe y la princesa Letizia de presentes en la pequeña ciudad, alineadas en la puerta santa y admirar la inmensa estatua de legislativos y la sociedad respeten y defi endan Asturias, cardenales y obispos españoles y calles y plazas, según autoridades locales. Las piedra y laminado de plata de Santiago que la la vida sagrada e inviolable de los niños, desde autoridades gubernamentales de los niveles campanas de la catedral sonaban y los peregrinos mayoría de los peregrinos abraza. el momento de la concepción. local, regional y nacional. vitoreaban y gritaban, “¡Viva el Papa!”. El Papa se reunió en Barcelona con el rey “Por esta razón la Iglesia se opone a toda Durante una Misa al aire libre celebrada el El Papa vino como peregrino para Juan Carlos de España y la reina Sofía y tuvo una forma de denegación de la vida humana, y da su 6 de noviembre frente a la catedral de Santiago de conmemorar el año santo de Santiago Apóstol, breve reunión privada con el primer ministro apoyo a todo lo que promueva el orden natural en Compostela, del siglo 12, el Papa dijo que cuando que ocurre cada vez que la fi esta de Santiago, Zapatero en el aeropuerto de Barcelona antes la esfera de la institución de la familia”, basado en las sociedades y los gobiernos ya no están al el 25 de julio, cae domingo. de salir hacia Roma. signifi ca “romper la cabeza de la serpiente” Finalmente, la maternidad de Nuestra por Cristo. ¡Vírgen Santa de Guadalupe, reina (Génesis 3: 15). Tenga en cuenta que los Señora de Guadalupe verdaderamente se Todas estas fi estas litúrgicas y fi estas de la paz! Salva a las naciones y a los aztecas se habían quedado en este lugar extiende a todos nosotros, especialmente que se celebran en la Iglesia universal, en pueblos del continente. Haz que todos, particular—conocido como Tenotichtlan a los pobres y a los inmigrantes, pues ella defi nitiva, nos recuerdan que todos somos gobernantes y ciudadanos, aprendan a (ciudad de México) —por una visión de un se apareció a Juan Diego como una pobre parte del cuerpo de Cristo—la Iglesia—y vivir en la auténtica libertad, actuando águila posado sobre un cactus y devorando mujer común que se identifi ca con la difícil que todos estamos llamados a trabajar juntos según las exigencias de la justicia y el una serpiente. El papel de María, al aplastarle situación de los pobres y los que buscan en una verdadera espiritualidad de comunión respeto de los derechos humanos, para la cabeza a la serpiente, es su triunfo sobre el una mejor vida y futuro. Nuestra Señora de para lograr el reinado del Cristo Rey, no sólo que así se consolide defi nitivamente la mal. Las estrellas, el sol y la luna a sus pies Guadalupe también fue declarada la “Estrella en nuestras propias vidas, sino también en las paz. ¡Para ti, Señora de Guadalupe, representan su papel como Madre de Dios. El de la nueva evangelización”, por el Papa Juan vidas de todos los que nos rodean. Esto fue el madre de Jesús y madre nuestra, todo lazo en su cintura es una señal del embarazo Pablo II, porque se le apareció a Juan Diego testimonio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, el cariño, honor, gloria y alabanza para mostrar el amor que Dios tiene hacia para evangelizar a los pueblos de las Américas y pedimos su intercesión mientras trabajamos continua de tus hijos e hijas americanos! sus hijos a través del nacimiento de Cristo, y ponerlos en una verdadera relación con su juntos en la comunión de la Iglesia para y también su cuidado y preocupación para Hijo. Su humilde testimonio de la verdad lograr la nueva evangelización. la criatura aun sin nacer. Por eso, Nuestra de Cristo y la verdad del evangelio sirve Concluyo con las palabras del Papa Señora de Guadalupe se ha convertido en un para todos nosotros como un modelo a Juan Pablo II, pronunciadas en su visita a la símbolo como defensora del movimiento pro- seguir, esforzándonos por sacar la nueva Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, en + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD vida, la cultura que promueve y está a favor evangelización a través de nuestro testimonio la ciudad de México en 1999: Diocesis de Fort Worth de la vida. santo y humilde, y a través de nuestro amor PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 Noticias de la Iglesia Dolan: ‘Estoy sorprendido; me siento honrado, halagado ... un tanto intimidado’

BALTIMORE (CNS) — El arzobispo Timothy M. Dolan de Nueva York estaba tan sorprendido como cualquier otro al ser electo presidente de la Conferencia Estadounidense de Obispos Católicos (USCCB) el 16 de noviembre. “Estoy sorprendido; me siento Musulmanes y cristianos asisten a un servicio memorial en la iglesia honrado, halagado y un tanto católica siria en Baghdad, el 7 de noviembre, ofrecido en memoria intimidado”, dijo el arzobispo Dolan a Catholic News Service, poco de las víctimas del ataque del 31 de octubre en la iglesia, que dejó después de haber sido elegido en un saldo de 58 personas muertas y docenas de heridos. (Foto CNS / desvío sin precedente de la tradición Mohammed Ameen, Reuters) normal de la USCCB, donde elijen al vicepresidente de la conferencia a El 16 de noviembre en Baltimore, durante la reunión anual de otoño de la Conferencia la presidencia. de obispos católicos, el arzobispo Timothy M. Dolan, de Nueva York, visto a la derecha, Ganó 128 a 111 al actual se dirige a miembros de los medios de difusión. Los obispos lo eligieron presidente de La colecta de la CCHD la conferencia. A la izquierda se ve el vicepresidente nuevamente elegido, el arzobispo vicepresidente, el obispo Gerald F. Joseph E. Kurtz, de Louisville, Kentucky. (Foto CNS/Nancy Wiechec) Kicanas de Tucson, Arizona, en una se dirigirá a defender la tercera ronda de votación, y asumirá La elección del arzobispo Uno puede ver que el obispo Kicanas el puesto al fi nal de la reunión de los Dolan marcó la primera vez desde obtuvo una gran votación. Él disfruta dignidad humana por medio obispos el 18 de noviembre. que la conferencia episcopal fue de alto aprecio”. Diciendo que no sabía qué había reorganizada en 1966—después de El arzobispo Dolan, de 60 años de la lucha contra la pobreza detrás de su triunfo, y manteniendo las reformas del Segundo Concilio de edad, dijo estar un poco intimidado el sentido de humor por el cual es Vaticano—que un vicepresidente al ser sucesor del cardenal Francis E. WASHINGTON (CNS) — La El obispo hizo los comentarios en conocido, bromeó que lo único que activo, buscando la presidencia, no George como presidente. Durante la dignidad humana se puede defender una carta dirigida a las parroquias, en pudo haber hecho como “campaña” gana la elección. En dos elecciones, entrevista con CNS, llamó al cardenal mediante la lucha contra la pobreza, la que se les pedía a los católicos que para la presidencia era hacer una en 1974 y en 1977, las circunstancias George “un asombroso cóctel de dijeron los dirigentes de la Campaña fuesen tan generosos como les fuera oferta: “Prometí que comeríamos dictaron que el vicepresidente no ingenio, inteligencia perceptiva y católica de desarrollo humano (CCHD) posible durante la colecta anual, que Dunkin’ Donuts durante el receso para ascendería a liderar la conferencia. astucia pastoral”. en su preparación para la colecta es la fuente principal de apoyo para el café matutino (de las reuniones de En medio de cierta crítica También admitió: “No soy muy anual del 2010, que se recaudará en el programa nacional de los obispos los obispos) y helados de Haagen-Dazs pública en semanas recientes acerca bueno en reuniones”, por lo que la la mayoría de las parroquias el 20 y de los Estados Unidos en contra de para el receso de la tarde, pero aparte del proceso de elección, sospecha que posibilidad de estar a cargo del fl ujo de el 21 de noviembre. la pobreza. de eso, no hice ningunas promesas”. los obispos podrían haber comenzado una reunión es un poco intimidante. “En estos tiempos de gran En el censo de los Estados Unidos El arzobispo Dolan es nativo a “erizarse” un poco ante la noción “Hasta mis hermanos obispos sufrimiento económico, es más del año 2009, se informaba que había de Missouri y fue ordenado para de que los resultados podrían ser una bromean, porque me observan en importante que nunca para la iglesia habido un aumento de un 9.6 por la Arquidiócesis de St. Louis en conclusión preestablecida. estas reuniones y saben que mi nivel de los Estados Unidos, por medio ciento de pobreza. En general, había 1976. Estudió para el sacerdocio “Amo al obispo Kicanas, y de paciencia no es muy alto, que soy de la Campaña católica de desarrollo 43.6 millones de personas que vivían en el Cardinal Glennon College, asumía que él sería el presidente”, uno de los que va a menudo a buscar humano, continuar con la misión de a nivel de pobreza, que representaba en St. Louis, y en el Pontificio dijo el arzobispo. “Sin embargo, sí café en medio de una sesión. No voy a Jesucristo a fi n de ‘llevarles la buena un 14.3 por ciento del total de la Colegio Norteamericano y la Pontifi cia pienso que los obispos toman estas poder hacer eso más”, bromeó. “Estoy nueva a los pobres, libertad a los población. Universidad Santo Tomás, ambos en elecciones tan seriamente que hay atrapado en la banca”. cautivos, vista nueva a los ciegos y Durante 40 años, por medio Roma. un tipo de irritación al considerar El arzobispo Dolan dijo que liberación a los oprimidos’”, dijo el de la CCHD, se han dado fondos Después de la ordenación cualquiera ganador seguro”. lamenta tener que entregar su obispo Roger P. Morin de Biloxi, a grupos de la comunidad para terminó su doctorado en Historia “Pienso que muchos obispos presidencia de Catholic Relief Services Mississippi, presidente del subcomité que se hagan viviendas asequibles, eclesiástica estadounidense en la quizás dijeron que era tiempo que (Servicios Católico de Socorro), del cual de los Obispos católicos de los Estados se obtengan salarios justos y se dé Universidad Católica de América, el vicepresidente no se convirtiera dijo ha encontrado estimulante, por Unidos, en una declaración. entrenamiento de trabajo, como escribiendo su disertación acerca del automáticamente en presidente”, el sentido que le ha dado de la iglesia “La CCHD es una parte única y también la organización de proyectos fallecido arzobispo Edwin O’Hara, continuó. “Eso si fue una sorpresa. universal. esencial de un compromiso católico dirigidos por individuos de bajos uno de los fundadores de la Asociación más amplio para vencer la pobreza. ingresos para ayudar a las personas y bíblica católica. Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada Por medio de la CCHD se busca ‘el resolver problemas en su comunidad Dijo a CNS que actualmente Si usted o alguien que conozca es abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, camino institucional... de la caridad, respectiva. está leyendo Decision Points, la víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada Ext. 900 no menos excelente y efectivo que la El año pasado, por medio de autobiografía del ex presidente George por parte de cualquier persona que ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, la CCHD, se otorgaron más de W. Bush. número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y clase de caridad por la que se encuentra empleado, o miembro del clero, puede preguntar por el canciller/moderador al prójimo directamente’”, añadió el $7.8 millones a 223 peticionarios En conferencia de prensa después reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: de la curia, el padre James Hart obispo Morín, citando palabras de la en todos los Estados Unidos; 648 de la elección, citó entre sus modelos Mecanismo para reportar abuso encíclica del Papa Benedicto XVI, del parroquias católicas, 39 instituciones como obispos al arzobispo O’Hara ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número Llamar al Ministerio de familias año 2009, Caritas in Veritate (Caridad católicas y 31 comunidades y a su predecesor como arzobispo (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle de Texas Servicios de protección en la verdad). religiosas involucradas en los grupos de Nueva York, el fallecido cardenal correo electrónico a [email protected] (Servicios de protección de niños) al benefi ciados por la CCHD. John O’Connor, cuya cruz pectoral ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el número:(800) 252-5400. de oro lleva puesta. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 25 UDMC speakers bring fresh ideas to those in ministry

FROM PAGE 1 Jesus, on his journey to Jerusalem, told several parables, and some of the most memorable ones in the New Testament. He added that Jesus, in responding to a malicious, loaded question from a lawyer, tells the story of the Good Samaritan and teaches that there is no boundary to who we should love as neighbor. “Jesus knows how to teach on the journey to Jerusalem,” the cardinal said. “Sisters and brothers, if we walk together in Christ Clockwise from upper left: Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore, director of Catholics when we pray, we know we have Respect Life for the diocese chats with a visitor to the diocese's Respect Life table in the exhibit hall ■ Bishop Vann shares some thoughts with Cardinal to learn how to teach. Th at’s part DiNardo between sessions ■ Dr. Robert McCarty off ers communications tips for and parcel of the message of our parents and youth ministers ■ Rocco Palmo, creator of the Whispers in the Loggia Catholic faith. We have to teach website off ers his view of the need to use social networking for reaching youth like Jesus. We have to teach with and young adults ■ Anna Marie Chamblee, Marriage Tribunal judge/assessor, Fr. imagination, we have to teach with Dan Kelley, and Meg Hogan, director of the Marriage Tribunal, listen intently to a speaker ■ Barbara Chapman, administrative assistant in the Offi ce of Vocations ‘suavity’ is the word I like to use. and Seminarians, and Sue Laux, coordinator of Youth for Life for the diocese, Th e sweetness of putting a sucker seek to pick up communications pointers from Dr. McCarty ■ Director of Adult punch in the stomach and not even Catechesis and Formation for the diocese, Lucas Pollice, speaks to what the knowing that you’ve been hit by it, camera reveals from another angle, is a packed meeting room that’s the way we have to learn to teach.” Cardinal DiNardo concluded by adding that it’s also important to have fellowship, to form solidarity with others, and to share the news that Christ is risen. He mentioned that Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, often took part in table fellowship, going to several dinners and teaching or performing miracles. newspapers and TV networks, News to young people — a wanders around, He goes where that they ask kids to rate their He retold the story of the two spoke about the challenges and the challenge because they’re living in they live; He goes where they feelings on a scale of one to ten disciples on the road to Emmaus critical importance of connecting a fast-living world with material pray; He goes where they have on various things, because, “they who encountered the Risen Jesus, the Church to the recent values, Dr. McCarty said. dinner…. Th e point is He makes won’t always tell you right off what who also had dinner with them. technology revolution. He told how “When we think about young contact. He goes where they are. they think. So I really liked that “But there’s a further he developed his website in 2004 people, I think there is a hunger Th e second thing He does then, idea, using that scale to improve dimension that many people in the basement of his parents’ for meaning and purpose,” he told He invites them into relationship communications with kids.” never mention about the Emmaus home and how one month later an audience which included many with Himself, with the community Mark Knox, high school youth episode,” Cardinal DiNardo the site viewer numbers ballooned youth ministers. “I think kids are of believers. And it’s always an minister at Good Shepherd Parish continued. “It is at the centerpiece to 10,000 visits, and then to hungry for a sense of ‘there’s a invitation; it’s always an invitation in Colleyville, said he has been of the eucharistic feast that we get several million a few years later — reason for this.’ For young people to be in relationship … that coming to the conference since it the basis for mission. Th ey can’t evidence, he noted, that people are sometimes you hear the language of relationship leads to the possibility was held at Dallas’s St. Monica stay there anymore, they have to looking for peace and a sense of ‘is there a plan?’‘Is there some work of commitment, and it’s always a Parish and that he enjoyed the run back and announce to the belonging. God wants me to do?’” possibility, you can never demand event and especially the address by twelve, the Lord is risen. Table Palmo spoke of the enormous He added that youth are it. You can never require it.” Cardinal DiNardo. fellowship with Jesus makes the numbers of people online, hungry not only for the holy To get there McCarty said it “Having the cardinal in our Church want to be in fellowship searching the Web, using social and the transcendent, but also takes spending time with youth, presence is a blessing, because I’ve and solidarity with all…. Th e networking tools and so on. for human connections, which being where they are, and listening never met a cardinal before. It’s Catholic faith wants us to invite all “When we use these, we spend McCarty said can be the language to them. He off ered using the hard enough to see the bishop, in but also to invite all to repent. long stretches online, aimlessly for sharing the Gospel message. scale of one-to-ten to help youth then to see the cardinal there, that’s Little is forgiven the one whose love wandering around simply because “Th e language of young express or describe something. He pretty neat.” is small.” we seek,” Palmo said. “If we’re people, I’m going to say fi rst, it’s also encouraged participants and He also enjoyed being able to Th e conference also featured not there as a Church, my friends, the language of relationships,” ministers to use small talk and visit with fellow ministers. talks by dozens of prominent someone or something else will be, McCarty said. “I don’t think this create conversation with youth. Knox said Good Shepherd’s speakers from around the nation. and anytime we lose one of us to has ever changed: with young “Be where they are, spend staff is active in the diocese, “and Participants had the opportunity to something else, we all lose. We all people it is the language of the time with them to build every time we have a diocesan listen to talks ranging from martyrs lose; the stakes are too high....” relationships.” relationships. It’s about being the function, I see all the youth and feminine models of ministry Dr. Robert McCarty McCarty also gave the Good News in the fl esh,” he said. ministers in our diocese,” he said. in the Bible, to the future of faith in his talk, “Catholic Youth audience several tips on how to Sue Laux, Youth for Life “But I know a whole lot of youth formation and end-of-life issues in Evangelization: A Call to the Good develop relationships with their coordinator for the Diocese of ministers and other parish staff in Catholic teaching. News” also touched on the concept youth in a way that calls them to Fort Worth said she enjoyed the Dallas and I never see them. So Rocco Palmo, the developer of spreading the message of the community, a relationship with conference and Dr. McCarty’s talk. having one event where all of us of the “Whispers in the Loggia” Gospel, but focused specifi cally on Jesus, and eventually discipleship. “Th ere were several things [from both the dioceses] can come website which has received more ministering to youth. “What does Jesus do in his I took from it,” she said. “One together is a blessing because we than 20 million hits, and also a In front of a packed meeting ministry? Th e fi rst thing He does, of them was ways of using small get to see those colleagues we don’t commentator on Catholic topics room he outlined some important He makes contact with people,” talk to help reach our kids,” she normally get to see at our own for a number of well-known tools to use to bring the Good McCarty said. “For three years He said, referring to his suggestion diocesan functions.” PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER 2010 George Weigel announced as keynote Respect for Life speaker for diocese's 2011 pro-life banquet Th e Catholics Respect Life other books. He has written essays, op- Offi ce of the Diocese of Fort Worth ed columns, and reviews for the major At all stages has announced that George Weigel, opinion journals and newspapers in renowned theologian and biographer of the United States, and is a contributor Pope John Paul II, will be the keynote to Newsweek. A frequent guest on Bishop to celebrate Vigil for All speaker at next year’s Bishop’s Annual television and radio, he is also Vatican Nascent Human Life Catholic Pro-Life Banquet. analyst for NBC News. His weekly Th e banquet will be held Saturday, column, “Th e Catholic Diff erence,” Bishop Kevin Vann will celebrate the Vigil for All Sept. 24, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency is syndicated to sixty newspapers Nascent Human Life Saturday, Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at DFW, 2334 N. International Pkwy., around the United States. His scholarly DFW Airport. work and his journalism are regularly St. Patrick Cathedral. Th e vigil will consist of exposition Noted Catholic theologian and author George Weigel A native of Baltimore, George translated into the major European of the Blessed Sacrament, evening prayer, a Rosary, and speaks at the Atlanta Archdiocese's 2007 eucharistic Weigel was educated at St. Mary’s languages. Benediction. congress, held at the Georgia International Convention Seminary College in his native city, From 1989 through June 1996, In September, Pope Benedict announced that he Center in Atlanta. would celebrate a “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life,” and at the University of St. Michael’s Weigel was president of the Ethics “Nascent” meaning life at its beginnings or origins, College in Toronto. In 1975, Weigel and Public Policy Center, where he Slovak, Czech, and Slovenian editions on Nov. 27 at St. Peter’s Basilica, coinciding with moved to Seattle where he was assistant led a wide-ranging, ecumenical, and were published in 2000. fi rst vespers of the First Sunday of Advent. Th e Holy professor of theology and assistant inter-religious program of research and Weigel has been awarded 12 Father also requested that “all diocesan bishops (and (later acting) Dean of Studies at the St. publication on foreign and domestic honorary doctorates, the papal cross Pro their equivalent) of every particular Church preside in Th omas Seminary School of Th eology policy issues. Ecclesia et Pontifi ce, and the Gloria Artis analagous celebrations involving the faithful in their in Kenmore. From June 1996, as a Senior Gold Medal by the Republic of Poland. respective parishes, religious communities, associations, In 1984-85 Weigel was a fellow Fellow of the Center, Weigel, in his He serves on the boards of directors and movements.” of the Woodrow Wilson International most famous work, prepared a major of several organizations dedicated to For more information, contact Chanacee Ruth- Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. study of the life, thought, and action human rights and the cause of religious Killgore, director of the diocese’s Catholics Respect Life Th ere, he wrote Tranquillitas Ordinis: of Pope John Paul II. Witness to Hope: freedom and is a member of the editorial Offi ce at (817) 560-2452, ext. 257, or by e-mail at cruth- Th e Present Failure and Future Promise of Th e Biography of Pope John Paul II was board of First Th ings. [email protected]. American Catholic Th ought on War and published to international acclaim in the George Weigel and his wife, Joan, Peace (Oxford University Press, 1987). Fall of 1999, in English, French, Italian, have three children and one grandchild, Weigel is the author or editor of 19 and Spanish editions. Polish, Portuguese, and live in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Sister Rejeanne Roussel, SSMN, general Sister Patricia Ste. Marie, provincial for the sisters' Western Province, speaks Sister Miriam NeSmith helps newly-professed Sister superior for the international congregation, during the ceremony. Gloria Cabrera with her cross. Sister Inés Díaz sings from a hymnal during the Mass. off ers a few words during the ceremony. organization of the Catholic Church but because God has called them Church.’” in this country. “Th e Spanish precisely to share these blessings, Th e bishop ended his infl uence of the Mexican Church, these graces, with the congregation prayer with a blessing spoken in Profession… the Central American Church, is of Our Lady of Namur.” Vietnamese, to the delight of the FROM PAGE 28 being felt,” he said. And certainly Present for the liturgy was audience. Th e crowd answered love. the faith of the Mexican Church, Bishop Kevin Vann, who prayed the with pleased laughter, cheers, and “Th at’s why the readings are I would say, you can reduce it to a “blessing for those who are sent as applause. so rich with this notion of being Marian church, a family church, missionaries.” “I believe this is an “I have been a member of this so much in love with God, that we and a suff ering church.” appropriate blessing for the three adventure for the fi ve years that can love everybody else with his He spoke of Sr. Clara’s of you,” he said, in Spanish and it’s been going on,” Fr. Vessels had love,” Fr. Vessels added. “And far Vietnamese heritage, surmising that English, “you are missionaries for us recalled, concluding his homily. from there being a confl ict between she brought similar qualities from and for all the Church.” “Inés, Gloria and Clara… I love all human love and divine love, they her native land. “‘…Make their words the echo three of them, and I won’t make one are made for each other. Th at’s what “Th ey don’t leave anything of Christ’s voice,’” he prayed, “´so jealous of the other…. our faith is, that’s what our salvation behind,” Fr. Vessels said. “Th ey that those who hear them may be “See, that’s the point: When is, to live the love of God in our bring and contribute to this drawn to obey the Gospel. Fill the your love is rooted in divine love, everyday life.” congregation the charisms of their hearts of your missionaries with the then there’s no fear, there’s no Fr. Vessels refl ected on Sr. own institutions. Yes they are Holy Spirit so that becoming all mistaking the love that you feel for Gloria and Sr. Inés’s Mexican leaving their institutions to join this things to all people, that they may another person, and that’s what we heritage, calling the evening’s one, but with joy. Not because they lead many to you, the Father of all, share, what we’ve shared these fi ve Sister Clara Vo takes her vows to be a part of event a historic moment in the didn’t like the other institution, and to sing your praises in your holy years.” the congregation. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 27 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region December Dates January Dates 1 11 10 AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS’ ‘EUCHARIST, RECONCILIATION, AND OUR LADY’ WITH DR. SCOTT MEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT ADVENT QUIET DAY HAHN Second Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Single men ages 16- 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 50 ; St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For informa- Discalced Carmelite Monastary, 5801 Mount Carmel Dr., Arlington. For All Saints Church, 5231 Meadow Creek Dr., Dallas. For information, call Chris tion, contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300 ext. 110. information, contact Jean Mallick at (817) 738-7123. Vaughan. 11 3 13 WOMEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT AN EVENING OF PRAYER AND SHARING WITH THE SISTERS OF MEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT Second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Single women ages ST. MARY OF NAMUR Second Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Single men ages 16- 16-50 ; St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For infor- First Friday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Single women ages 50 ; St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For informa- mation, contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300 ext. 110. 18-45; Our Lady of Victory Center, 909 W. Shaw, Fort Worth. For informa- tion, contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300 ext. 110. tion, call Sister Yolanda Cruz at (817) 923-3091. 21-23 13-15 RACHEL’S VINEYARD WEEKEND RETREAT 4 ADVENT MISSION: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? SEARCHING FOR This is a confi dential retreat. For information, call (817) 923-4757. CALIX SUPPORT GROUP FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH THE CHILD JESUS! ADDICTION 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 22 First Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.; Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 861 Wildwood Ln., Grapevine. For information, HIKE FOR LIFE Ave., Fort Worth. For information, call Deacon Joe Milligan at (817) 737- call the parish offi ce at (817) 481-2685. Registration: 1:30 - 2 p.m.; Beginning Ceremony: 2 - 2:30 p.m.; 6768, ext. 105 Kickoff : 2:30 p.m. St. Stephen Church, 1802 Bethel Rd., Weatherford. For 14 information or to register, go to www.hikeforlifetexas.com. 4-5 WOMEN’S MONTHLY DISCERNMENT CATHOLIC RENEWAL CENTER CHRISTMAS BOOK AND GIFT SALE Second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Single women ages 27 Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 16-50 ; St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For infor- FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For infomation, call mation, contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300 ext. 110. CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES the CRC at (817) 429-2920. 7 p.m. 15 Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For information, 5 20TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SINGALONG contact Father Warren Murphy at (817) 919-1122 or Dorene Rose at (817) WINDTHORST KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SAUSAGE MEAL 6:30 p.m. 329-7370. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Convent of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, 1814 Egytian Way, St. Mary’s Parish, corners of Highways 281, 25, and 174 in Windthorst. For Grand Prairie. To RSVP or for more information, contact Sr. Edyta Krawczyk 28-30 information, call Jerry Horn at (940) 423-6444. at (972) 641-4496. BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For information, call 8 CHRISTMAS CONCERT “MAGNIFICAT” (972) 601-4091 or e-mail the DFW Beginning Experience Team at dfwbe@ HOLY FAMILY MENS CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER/DANCE 7:30 p.m. hotmail.com. Additional information on the program may be found on 7 p.m. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch. www.beginningexperiencedfw.org or www.beginningexperience.org. Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Ave., Fort Worth. For informa- For information, contact Thomas Woods at (817) 875-3416. tion, call Don Sutton at (817) 735-1424. 19 9 ADVENT SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS AdvertiseAdvertise in the FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY 3 p.m. CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES St. Mary the Assumption Church, 509 West Magnolia, Fort Worth. For infor- NNorthorth TexasTexas CatholicCatholic Vespers will begin at 7 p.m. in the chapel at the Catholic Renewal Center, mation, call Rebecca Slugg at (817) 923-1911. 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth, followed by a pot-luck dinner. For information, For informationinforrmaation contact Father Warren Murphy at (817) 919-1122 or Dorene Rose at (817) 22 329-7370. 22ND ANNUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BANQUET Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom, 1201 Houston St. For information, callcall 10-12 contact the Catholic Schools offi ce at (817) 560-2452, ext. 280. RACHEL’S VINEYARD INTERDENOMINATIONAL WEEKEND RETREAT (817)(817) 560-3300560-3300 This is a confi dential retreat. For information, call (817) 923-4757. 26 PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP: THE LAY CARMELITES 11 2 - 4:30 p.m. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH CELEBRATE 125 Chapel of The College of St. Thomas More, 3017 Lubbock St. in Fort Worth. YEARS OF MINISTRY IN THE UNITED STATES For information, call Phyllis Poth | (817) 457-1746. 2 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Kevin Farrell at Holy Family of Classifieds Nazareth Church, 2323 Cheyenne St., Irving. For information, contact Sr. Edyta Krawczyk at (972) 641-4496 or [email protected]. Liturgy Coordinator Holy Family Church, Fort Worth, is accepting World Youth Day Cross makes résumés for the position of Coordinator of Liturgy. Responsibilities include: coordinating liturgical its own pilgrimage in advance of ministry volunteers; planning funeral, wedding, and parish liturgical celebrations; collaborating with the the 2011 event in Madrid choir directors and musical ministries. Applicant Bishop Gregorio Martinez Sacristan of Zamora, must be a practicing Catholic and familiar with post Spain, follows the World Youth Day cross as its Vatican II liturgy. A college degree or equivalent work carried by young people during a service in the experience, good communication and organizational skills are required. Send a résumé to the attention of town square of Zamora, Spain, Nov. 13. The cross Father Jeff Poirot, Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing is traveling throughout Spain in advance of the Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107 or by e-mail to jpoirot@ Aug.16-21 international Catholic youth gathering in holyfamilyfw.org Madrid. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2010 PAGE 32 Good Newsmakers Th ree sisters transfer into the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, Western Province, professing to give themselves Entirely to God

Story and Photos by Kathy Cribari Hamer / Correspondent

hree women of distinctively diff erent heritage spoke identical words Nov. 11 as they professed fi nal vows at Our Lady of Victory T Center. Th e young women, two from Mexico and one from Vietnam, came from three other religious congregations, and were canonical transfers to the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur. Th at creative and inclusive SSMN community, together with a supportive array of oblates, associates, and outside friends, welcomed them, literally, with open arms. “I give myself entirely to you,” each candidate said in the liturgy, promising chastity, poverty, and obedience, asking to seek God’s glory, “in whatever way you lead me. Three sisters from diff erent congregations canonically transferred into the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur at the “I promise to live, pray, and work in the congregation's Western Province headquarters, Our Lady of Victory Center in Fort Worth, Nov. 11. From left to right congregation,” they each stated, “and to do whatever is are Sister Gloria Cabrera, formerly a Franciscan Sister, Sister Clara Vo, formerly a LaSalle Sister, and Sister Inés Díaz, asked of me, wherever I am sent.” formerly a Missionary Catechist of the Sacred Hearts do the "Sign of the Cross" as they are prayed over by the bishop.

Newly accepted into the SSMN the only occasion celebrated Nov. chosen congregation. Sr. Inés and congregation were Sister Inés Díaz, 11. It was also the celebration of the Sr. Gloria had been in Fort Worth from Mexico, a former member of SSMN Founding Day. After the working in catechetical ministries the Congregation of the Missionary profession liturgy, the community as members of their previous orders, Catechists of the Sacred Hearts shared a traditional meal of baked and “Th ey made a connection with of Jesus and Mary; Sister Gloria potatoes and apples, which had been our sisters,” said Sister Patricia Ste. Cabrera, from Mexico, formerly the supper shared in Belgium by the Marie, SSMN, Western Province with the Franciscan Sisters of the founding sisters their fi rst day as a Provincial. She said they felt they Immaculate Conception; and Sister community. would be happy carrying on their Clara Vo, from Vietnam, who Th e canonical transfer was a lives in this community. had been a member of the LaSalle process that took fi ve years, during Coming from Vietnam, Sr. Sisters. which the three had studied, lived, Clara had made a more complex Th e sisters’ fi nal vows were not and prayed with their newly- journey to Fort Worth and the Sisters of St. Mary, having spent 24 years as superior general of her order Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. in her native country. Celebrating the profession Fr. Jack Vessels, SJ, preaches at the Mass commemorating the sisters' liturgy was Father Jack Vessels, profession and the congregation's anniversary. Fr. Vessels served as spritual SJ, formerly of Montserrat Jesuit director for Srs. Gloria and Inés. Retreat House in Lake Dallas, who had been instrumental in the discernment and formation of book of Peter, in which, Fr. Vessels human love of Christ can only reach the three nuns, and was spiritual said, “Peter has grasped the truth of out to others through our human director for Srs. Gloria and Inés. Jesus his friend and the son of God”; love for each other. Th at’s the In his homily, Fr. Vessels found and the Gospel of John, “I love you indispensible element. Sure he can a common denominator in the day’s just as my father loves you – remain show his love lots of other ways, but readings, the Song of Songs: “My in my love.” the way he has chosen to show it, by lover speaks… Arise, my beloved, “Th e common denominator becoming human, is with human my beautiful one, and come!”; the is human love,” he explained. “Th e SEE PROFESSION, P. 26