November 13, 2020 In This Issue ESSENGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926

The role of a military chaplain Special Pages The Eucharist: The in a year marked by COVID-19 Source and Summit Allegra Thatcher page 7 – 10 Assistant Editor While the world hunkered down and waited out the COVID-19 pandemic this spring, the members of military were doing what 2 Coronavirus report they always do — sacrificing their time and energy to be ready to defend the United States. Father Bill Appel, chaplain with Emergency Shelter opens the Archdiocese for the Military doors for winter Services who calls the Diocese of Takes steps for opening new Covington home, has served in three location branches of the military and wit- nessed to what kind of year it’s been for the sailors in the U.S. Navy. A military chaplain since 2017, Father Appel was an active duty marine officer, with experience as a helicopter pilot and a special forces officer, before being ordained to the priesthood. After serving the required three years in the Diocese of Covington, he Father Bill Appel offered himself for the service of the military and has served the Navy and the Prayer for the Safety of Soldiers Coast Guard. Almighty and eternal God, “A lot of the priestly call is akin to the mil- itary: selflessness, giving yourself for a higher those who take refuge in you will be glad cause, obedience…” Father Appel said. and forever will shout for joy. An American flag flies over the grave “You’re at your best when you’ve died to your- of a Vietnam War army veteran in Protect these soldiers as they discharge their self in both cases.” St. Stephen Cemetery, Fort Thomas. duties. Father Appel said the military uses were tasked with a very rigorous sched- Catholic chaplains very heavily because Protect them with the shield of your strength Moving? Wrong address? ule, and then just when we were looking they’re rare, so he gets scant time between and keep them safe from all evil and harm. at a break, they tasked us with a five Call the circulation desk, assignments. This year, however, it’s been month deployment because a member (859) 392-1570 May the power of your love enable them to even less than usual. After a month of inten- of another ship had caught COVID-19 return home sive training and seven months deployed in and spread it to the ship.” 2019, he and the sailors spent six months on in safety, that with all who love them, In the Navy, said Father Appel, the the waterfront of Paris, prepared to answer Bishop’s Schedule ...... 3 sacrifice is really day to day, behind the needs. Then after a deployment overseas, they they may ever praise you for your loving care. Did you Know ...... 3 scenes. “What you see on the outside is had to pick up for another ship. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Commentary ...... 4 a ship at sea that’s floating, and they “It was taxing in terms of always being up might not appear to be doing anything, People and Events ...... 6 — “Prayer for Troops,” provided by the USCCB and ready to go,” he said. “We had just come but inside that ship people are getting Classifieds ...... 12 back from a deployment to the Middle East, we (Continued on page 13) Shopper’s Guide ...... 13 News Briefs ...... 15 Gomez: Nation's leaders must now ‘come together’ ties and mission are clear," he said. "We are here to Missed an edition? Current and back with election of new president follow Jesus Christ, to bear witness to his love in our issues of the Messenger are available Catholic News Service lives, and to build his kingdom on earth.” online at covdio.org/messenger. WASHINGTON — With Joe Biden now elected as the nation's Archbishop Gomez said he believes "at this moment in 46th president, it is "time for our leaders to come together in a spirit American history, Catholics have a special duty of national unity," said Archbishop José H. to be peacemakers, to promote fraternity and Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. mutual trust, and to pray for a renewed spirit of Conference of Catholic Bishops. true patriotism in our country.” They also must "commit themselves to dia- "Democracy requires that all of us conduct logue and compromise for the common good," ourselves as people of virtue and self-disci- he said in a statement issued late Nov. 7. pline," he added. "It requires that we respect the A few hours earlier new organizations free expression of opinions and that we treat such as The Associated Press, The New York one another with charity and civility, even as Times and Fox News announced Biden and we might disagree deeply in our debates on running mate Kamala Harris had won the matters of law and public policy.” race. The archbishop asked Mary, as "patroness of The projection came following the this great nation," to "intercede for us.” announcement from Pennsylvania officials "May she help us to work together to fulfill that Biden had won the state's cache of 20 elec- the beautiful vision of America's missionaries toral votes, putting him over the 270 electoral- and founders — one nation under God, where vote-threshold needed to secure a victory. the sanctity of every human life is defended Harris becomes the country's first female vice and freedom of conscience and religion are president-elect. guaranteed," Archbishop Gomez said. "We thank God for the blessings of liberty. The American people have spoken in this elec- CNS photo/Victor Aleman, courtesy Angelus News tion," Archbishop Gomez said, congratulating Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Biden and Harris on behalf of the USCCB. president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic "As Catholics and Americans, our priori- Bishops, is seen May 1, 2020, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. 2 November 13, 2020 Messenger

resulting cases put in place can work if everyone commits to following the Virus cases rise in diocesan schools appeared to come protocols and making the necessary sacrifices both in school primarily from a and at home. single Halloween gathering. “We simply have to work together and choose the educa- due to small gatherings “If we are going to be able to continue with in-person tion of children as a number one priority,” Mrs. Keener said. Messenger staff report instruction we will need the cooperation of everyone — teach- Halloween weekend brought more tricks than treats to the ers, students and parents — to make the necessary sacrifices Diocese of Covington, as cases of COVID-19 greatly increased, of staying home and not gathering,” said Laura Keener, sending hundreds of students into quarantine. Additionally, Coronavirus Report COVID coordinator. cases are being reported in parishes and parish schools of (as of Monday, Nov. 9) While the numbers of cases and quarantines are rising in religion. Positive Cases the school, it is still evident that students are not contracting Since the last report, two priests have tested positive for Active positive cases: 69 the illness at school and bringing it home; but rather students Recovered positive cases: 62 COVID-19 and two priests are self-quarantined — one is wait- are being exposed to the virus at home and bringing it to their Total ever positive cases: 131 ing on results of a COVID-19 test and the other is a close con- classmates. tact of a priest who has tested positive. At one of the parishes Currently Self-quarantined “Based on the details, many of these cases could have been affected — Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington — Contacts: 989 avoided,” said Mrs. Keener. “Small gatherings, including par- weekday Mass and all parish activities have been suspended Close Contacts: 437 ticipation in sports outside of school, weddings, funerals and Symptoms: 8 until December 1. Due to an increased number of cases prayer groups, appear to be the source of most of these cases. among faculty and staff, Immaculate Heart of Mary School Even small visits with grandparents are likely to expose stu- Recovered/released from quarantine: has transitioned to remote learning and the Parish School of From Nov. 3 –Nov. 9: 53 dents to the virus. When considering leaving the home, par- Religion has suspended classes until Nov. 30, affecting a com- Total ever: 899 ents are encouraged to ask themselves, ‘Is this trip or event bined 548 students. Divine Mercy Parish, Bellevue and St. worth my child missing 14 or 24 days or more of instruction Schools/Parishes currently with quarantines: Bernard Parish, Dayton were able to continue with Mass as at school and possibly sending the entire class into quaran- Bishop Brossart High School, Alexandria scheduled due to the availability of a resident religious priest. tine?’” Blessed Sacrament School, Ft. Mitchell At St. Pius X School, Edgewood, cases among the eighth- While a small number of schools are being hit hard by the Catholic Charities, Covington grade class exposed an even greater number of students to Covington Catholic High School, Covington virus, many others are seeing no or small number of cases the virus, resulting in all three eighth-grade classes quaran- Covington Latin School, Covington and exposures. These experiences suggest that the protocols tining until Nov. 19, affecting 86 students. This exposure and Curia, Covington Divine Mercy Parish, Bellevue Holy Cross District High School, Covington Holy Cross Elementary School, Covington Emergency Shelter opens doors for winter, Holy Family School, Covington Mrs. Webb said they’re still providing much Holy Spirit Child Development, Newport Holy Trinity School, Bellevue begins work on new location the same services, including showers, beds and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington Allegra Thatcher food, but the set-up looks much different. There Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish School of Assistant Editor are no congregant areas for guests, so when they come in they Religion, Burlington With winter quickly approaching, the Emergency Shelter are each assigned to a bed and a room, with shower curtains Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Burlington of Northern Kentucky (ESNKY) has opened its doors to shel- in the doorways and required face masks at all times. Father Mary Queen of Heaven CCD, Erlanger Michael Comer and parishioners from Mother of God contin- Mary, Queen of Heaven School, Erlanger tering for the season — with new restrictions bringing some Newport Central Catholic, Newport welcome and some unwelcome guidelines. ue to provide meals, but they’re brought to the rooms rather Notre Dame Academy, Covington Kim Webb, executive director, said the winter shelter than shared in the communal space. St. Henry District High School, Erlanger opened Nov. 1 for adult men and women, with 24 beds in the “It’s going well… it’s not an ideal situation and I know St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright facility. Safe sheltering guidelines have been changed by the we’re not the only ones dealing with it,” said Mrs. Webb. “Our St. Augustine School, Covington volunteering is down, because there’s a level of concern… St. Catherine of Siena Parish School of Religion, Center for Disease Control, reducing occupancy because of Ft. Thomas the COVID-19 pandemic in order to practice social distancing. (Continued on page 11) St. Catherine of Siena School, Ft. Thomas St. Cecilia Parish CCD, Independence Thatcher photos St. Cecilia School, Independence St. Henry School, Elsmere St. John Parish School of Religion, Carrollton St. Joseph Academy, Walton St. Joseph Preschool, Camp Springs St. Joseph School, Cold Spring St. Mary School, Alexandria St. Patrick School, Maysville St. Paul School, Florence St. Philip School, Melbourne St. Pius X School, Edgewood St. Therese School, Southgate St. Thomas School, Ft. Thomas St. Timothy Parish School of Religion, Union St. Timothy School, Union Sts. Peter and Paul School, California Villa Madonna Academy Elementary, Villa Hills Villa Madonna Academy Jr. High/High School, Villa Hills The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky opened its doors for winter sheltering with 24 available beds on Nov. 1 at its Scott Street (Schools without students, faculty or staff in quarantine or self-quarantine do not need to report.) location. Demolition of the old building on the newly acquired ESNKY property is set to begin Nov. 9 so that construction can begin for the new shelter.

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battle unarmed. That particular battle was called off, so he ging him to come visit a dying woman, to get him out of the never had the chance. He was discharged from the military monastery. Did you know? at Worms, Martin made a good bishop, though he retained many of Germany. his monastic habits of prayer and solitude. He excelled at pas- Joyful to be free toral administration and made the penance of visiting all the St. Martin of Tours, the patron of France to pursue the life of churches in his diocese once a year. He is said to have rid the — soldier, monk and bishop — is a disciple, he quick- diocese of many of its pagan practices. celebrated Nov. 11, which coincides with ly turned to be cate- At the age of 81, Martin contracted a disease after a trip to the United States holiday of Veterans chized by the wise Rome. He died shortly after. He is commonly venerated as one Day. (future saint) of the greatest saints of France, much beloved by her people. He was born a pagan in Hungary Hilary, Bishop of He is the patron saint of soldiers, conscientious objectors and around 316 and died a bishop in France Poitiers, France. France. He is often called the father of monasticism in Gaul. around 397, with quite the story in He had to wait a between. Born shortly after few years because Christianity was legalized, Martin was at this time Hilary catechized at the age of 10, to the disap- was banished by Bishop’s proval of his parents. But he had an the Arians, a Schedule interest and enthusiasm for the faith, heretical sect who and was considered a catechumen for a claimed that Jesus number of years afterwards. was not truly God. Nov. 13 Nov. 19 Unfortunately, his desire for baptism In the meantime, Cemetery blessings — These Individual meeting, 9 a.m. was interrupted by a recruitment to the Martin lived a will be private this year Diocesan staff directors Roman army at the age of 15. His father quiet, ascetic life. owing to the COVID-19 meeting, 9:30 a.m. was a military tribune, so he was con- restrictions Once Bishop Presbyteral Council meeting, nected to the inner circles, and Martin Hilary returned, Nov. 14 1:30 p.m. was quickly sent off to Gaul (modern- Martin became his Mass, Cathedral Basilica of Holy Hour for Victims of day France, Luxembourg, Belgium, disciple. He eventu- the Assumption, Covington, Sexual Abuse, an End to the most of Switzerland, and parts of ally obtained per- 4:30 p.m. Pandemic and the Northern Italy, the Netherlands and Photo from Wikimedia Commons. mission from Nov. 15 Germany). Sanctification of Priests, Hilary to live a solitary life; Bishop Hilary gave him some land Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Cathedral Basilica, 3 p.m. While in Gaul on assignment, he met a beggar and the where he founded a monastery, in which he gained followers. 10 a.m. story tells that he divided his coat into two parts to share with Nov. 20 From this cloistered community life came the Benedictine Nov. 16 the beggar. Martin is often depicted like this, treating the beg- COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Abbey of Ligugé. Martin led a simple and profoundly holy life COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. gar like Christ. This incident drove him to seek baptism with during this time, and is said to have raised two people from Nov. 21 Nov. 16–18 greater fervor. After he was baptized, he stayed in the military the dead, among other miracles. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, United States Conference of for two more years. At that time, he finally voiced his scruples After about 10 years, the bishop of nearby Tours, France, 4:30 p.m. and protested that he could not fight on account of being Catholic Bishops virtual died. On account of his reputation, Martin was asked by meeting Nov. 22 Christian. His superiors threatened to arrest him and have deputies to take his place, but he refused. Martin did become Mass, Cathedral Basilica, him tried for cowardice, but he instead offered to walk into bishop shortly after, by a ruse that some citizens pulled — beg- 10 a.m.

4 November 13, 2020 Messenger COMMENTARY Pope Francis, ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ and the universal destination of goods In the wake of the publication of Pope Francis’ most my as an arena for the exercise of human creativity, ingenu- the Great in the same vein: “When we provide the needy recent encyclical letter “Fratelli Tutti,” there was a great ity and courage, and who endeavored to draw ever more peo- with their basic needs, we are giving them what belongs to deal of negative commentary regarding the pope’s attitude ple into its dynamism. He also reiterates the teaching of the them, not to us.” toward capitalism and private property. Many readers inter- founder of the modern Catholic social tradition, the great The simplest way to grasp the distinction between owner- preted Francis to mean that Leo XIII, who, in “Rerum Novarum,” strenuously defended ship and use is to imagine the scenario of a starving man the capitalist system is, in private property and, using a number of arguments, repudi- coming to the door of your house late at night and asking for itself, exploitative and that ated socialist economic arrangements. So I hope we can put sustenance. Though you are in your own home, which you the holding of private prop- to rest the silly canard that Pope Francis is an enemy of cap- legitimately own, and behind a door that you have under- erty is morally problematic. italism and a cheerleader for global socialism. standably locked against intruders, you would nevertheless Like most who write in a Now, without gainsaying any of this, we must, at the be morally obligated to give away some of your property to prophetic mode, Pope same time, point out that, like all of his papal predecessors the beggar in such desperate need. In short, private property Francis is indeed given to in the social teaching tradition, without exception, Francis is a right, but not an “inviolable” right — if by that we mean strong and challenging lan- also recommends limits — both legal and moral — to the without qualification or conditions — and saying so is not guage, and therefore, it is market economy. And in this context, he insists upon what tantamount to advocating socialism. easy enough to understand classical Catholic theology refers to as the “universal desti- What we might characterize as something of a novelty in how he excites opposition. nation of goods.” Pope Francis’ encyclical is the application of this distinction But it is most important to Here is how Francis states the idea in “Fratelli Tutti”: to the relations between nations and not simply individuals. read what he says with care “The right to private property is always accompanied by the A nation-state indeed has a right to its own wealth, garnered Bishop Robert Barron and to interpret it within the primary and prior principle of the subordination of all pri- through the energy and creativity of its people, and it may context of the long tradition vate property to the universal destination of the earth’s legitimately maintain and defend its borders; however, these of Catholic social teaching. goods, and thus the right of all to their use.” (123) In making prerogatives are not morally absolute. In Francis’ words, First, in regard to capitalism, or what the Church prefers the distinction between ownership and use, Pope Francis is “We can then say that each country also belongs to the for- to call the “market economy,” the pope has this to say: hearkening back to St. Thomas Aquinas, who made the rele- eigner, inasmuch as a territory’s goods must not be denied to “Business activity is essentially ‘a noble vocation, directed to vant distinction in question 66 of the secunda secundae of a needy person coming from elsewhere.” (124) This is not producing wealth and improving our world.’” (Fratelli Tutti, the Summa theologiae. For a variety of reasons, St. Thomas “globalism” or a denial of national integrity; it is simply 123) He thereby distances himself from any ideology that argues, people have the right to “procure and dispense” the Thomas Aquinas’ distinction between ownership and use, would simply demonize capitalism, and clearly affirms that goods of the world and hence to hold them as “property.” But extrapolated to the international level. a morally praiseworthy economic arrangement is one that in regard to the use of what they legitimately own, they Once more, lest we see Pope Francis’ teaching here as not only distributes wealth but creates it through entrepre- must always keep the general welfare first in mind: “On this egregious, I would like to give the last word to Leo XIII, neurship. respect man ought to possess external things, not as his own, ardent defender of private property and equally ardent oppo- Moreover, he argues, a certain self-interest, including the but as common, so that, to wit, he is ready to communicate nent of socialism: “When what necessity demands has been taking of profit, is not repugnant to the moral purpose of them to others in their need.” supplied, and one’s standing fairly taken thought for, it economic activity: “In God’s plan, each individual is called Now, in regard to this distinction, Thomas himself was becomes a duty to give to the indigent out of what remains to promote his or her own development, and this includes the inheritor of an older tradition, stretching back to the over.” (Rerum Novarum, 22) finding the best economic and technological means of multi- Church Fathers. Pope Francis quotes St. John Chrysostom Bishop Robert Barron is an Auxiliary Bishop of the plying goods and increasing wealth.” (123) as follows: “Not to share our wealth with the poor is to rob Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Article originally published at In making these observations, Francis stands firmly in them and take away their livelihood. The riches we possess WordOnFire.org. the tradition of St. John Paul II, who saw the market econo- are not our own, but theirs as well.” And he cites St. Gregory Structure, ritual and habit as anchoring love, prayer and service In his book, “The Second Mountain,” who, whenever he officiated at a wedding, are to do some private prayer daily, particularly when you David Brooks suggests that a key to sustain- IN EXILE would tell the couple: “Today you are very don’t feel like it. The list goes on. These rituals give you ing fidelity in any vocation is to build a struc- much in love and think your love will sustain structure and healthy routines, and they are needed because ture of behavior for those moments when your marriage. It can’t. But your marriage in the priesthood as in every other vocation, there are times love falters. He’s right. can sustain your love.” of fervor when feelings are enough to sustain you; however Anybody who has made a commitment to I advised the seminarians in the same there are also desert times, bitter times, angry times, times be faithful for the long haul inside a mar- way: don’t trust your present enthusiasm and when love falters. It’s then that a structure of behavior can riage, a friendship, a faith community, or a good energy to sustain your priesthood; let steady and sustain you. vocation to serve others, will need more than your priesthood sustain your enthusiasm and The same holds true for marriage. Couples have to build initial enthusiasm, bare-footed sincerity, energy. What’s at stake here? a structure of behavior for those times when love falters. To affective energy and good resolutions to sus- A genuine commitment in faith, love or name one such ritual: a wife and husband need to have some tain himself or herself on that road. It’s one service becomes a ritual container — an ark, ritual expression of affection when they wish each other a thing to have a honeymoon with someone, it’s like Noah’s — that existentially locks you in. good day as they part each morning, no matter their emo- another to be in a marriage over many years. And the fact that you’re locked in is exactly tions and feelings on a given day. That ritual is a container, It’s one thing to be an enthusiastic neophyte Father Ron Rolheiser what makes the commitment work. You enter an ark, which locks them in and holds them together until a on a spiritual journey, it’s another thing to naïvely, believing that your good feelings and better season and better feelings return. Ritual can sustain remain faithful inside that journey for 70 or 80 years. And affective energies will sustain you. They won’t. Inevitably love when it falters. it’s one thing to go out for a season and serve meals to the they will be worn down by time, familiarity, boredom, mis- In understanding this, we need beware of “Job’s friends,” homeless, it’s something else to be Dorothy Day. understanding, tiredness, wound and new obsessions that that is, beware of the various books and gurus on spirituali- So the question is: how do we sustain our initial enthusi- emotionally tempt you elsewhere. So how can you sustain ty, prayer and marriage that give you the impression there’s asm, sincerity, affective energy and good resolutions through yourself in a commitment through periods of dryness? something wrong with you if your enthusiasm and emotion- the boredom, heartbreak, misunderstanding, tiredness and David Brook’s answer is a good one — by building a struc- al affectivity are not the glue that daily sustains you in your temptations all of us will undergo in our lives — whether ture of behavior for exactly those moments. commitment. Simply put, these are books written by spiritu- that be in our marriage, our vocation, our church life, our How do you do that? Through routine, ritual and habit. al novices and marriage manuals written by someone con- prayer life, or our service to others? Anchor your person and your commitment in ritual habits fusing a honeymoon for a marriage. That question was put to me recently, speaking to a group that steady and hold you beyond your feelings on any given Enthusiasm and good feelings are wonderful, but they of young seminarians. I shared that I had just celebrated 48 day. Set rituals for yourself, certain ritual behaviors, which can’t sustain you through a marathon. For a marathon you years of ministry. The seminarians peppered me with ques- you will do regularly no matter how you feel. need to have long-practiced strategies to carry you through tions: What’s the secret? How do you get through the rough For me, as a priest, some of these are pre-set. As a priest, the long tiring miles in the middle and at the end. times? How do you sustain good intention, good will and you are to daily pray the Office of the Church as a prayer for Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher, and good energy year after year? How do you sustain your prayer the world — no matter how you feel. You are to celebrate the award-winning author. life over 40 or 50 years? Eucharist for others regularly, irrespective of whether or not I answered with an insight from Dietrich Bonhoeffer this is personally meaningful to you on any given day. You

(UPS-403-650) Published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, Ky.; 44 issues a year Bishop Roger J. Foys...... Publisher VOL. 90 NO. 36 (weekly except from June 1 to mid-August, when published every other week; not Msgr. Ronald M. Ketteler...... Episcopal Liaison published the week after Easter and two weeks at Christmas/New Year’s). Subscription rate: Laura Keener ...... Editor, General Manager MESSENGER $19 per year; $40 foreign. Periodical Postage paid at Covington, KY 41012 and additional Allegra Thatcher ...... Assistant Editor Official newspaper of the Diocese of Covington mailing office Cincinnati, Ohio 45203. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSENGER, Monica Yeamans...... Editorial Assistant 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115. Kim Holocher...... Advertising Manager 1125 Madison Ave. • Covington, Ky. 41011-3115 Advertising deadline: Wednesday noon, 9 days prior to publication date. Laura Gillespie...... Production Coordinator/Designer Telephone: (859) 392-1500 E-mail: [email protected] Editorial deadline: Friday noon, 7 days prior to date. www.covdio.org Subscriptions, address changes: Contact Circulation Dept. at above address. Messenger November 13, 2020 5 COMMENTARY In God we trust The Eucharist, the internet and a 15-year-old The readings for the thirty-third Sunday in “Lord, what do you want me to write?” was my prayer as must use it actively for good, to evangelize and engage the Ordinary Time — Cycle A are: Proverbs: 31:10–13, 19– the due date for this article approached. I had almost settled culture, all the while exercising charity and self-control. 20, 30–31; 1Thessalonians 5:1–6 and Matthew 25:14–30. on an idea, when I came across an article about a 15-year-old This is important now more than ever as the use of virtual “For you yourselves know very well that the day of the boy who would be beatified and given the title “blessed,” pro- technology has increased in this time of pandemic. Lord will come like a thief at night.” gressing one step further on the path toward a declaration of Unbeknownst to him at the time, Blessed Carlo’s effort to In these last weeks of the liturgical year the Church sainthood. I love hero stories, and I was inspired by this one. spread devotion to the Eucharist serves a great purpose in gives us various readings that encourage us to think about Maybe this was a story I was meant to write. these days. There is an ongoing crisis of faith in the real “end” things — our own personal death and what will hap- Carlo Acutis was 15 years old in 2006 presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. pen afterwards, the end of the world, the Lord’s second com- when he died of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mass attendance has been in decline for years ing, etc. Today’s reading from Paul’s letter to the While incredibly sad, his death did not and has only become worse during the pandem- Thessalonians can certainly be heard in that context, for in move me so much as the way he lived his ic. Though restrictions have been lifted, atten- much of Scripture “the day short life. He was a normal teenager who dance at Mass has not yet returned even to pre- of the Lord” refers to the loved soccer, ice cream, video games and pandemic levels. Like Blessed Carlo, I am called day of final judgment. But is this reading about that making people laugh. But more than any to encourage my family, friends, and acquain- final day? of this, he loved the Lord. His deep faith tances to grow in their belief in and love of the Paul writes, and the virtue of charity motivated his Eucharist. My first step in answering this call? “Concerning times (plural) everyday life: using his savings to pur- To share Blessed Carlo’s website on Eucharistic and seasons (again, plural chase a sleeping bag for a homeless man Miracles here: www.miracolieucaristici.org! …” I wonder if Paul meant, rather than a new video game, exercising Blessed Carlo Acutis was beatified on at least in part, something self-control when his fondness for sweets Saturday, October 10, 2020 in Assisi, Italy. May more general. In the begin- caused him to gain weight or his desire to his example and intercession inspire all of us ning of the book of Isaiah, joke and laugh distracted or annoyed oth- to make good use of the internet and to grow in for example, the “day of the ers, waking earlier to tidy his room so the Jamie Schroeder our belief and adoration of our Lord in the Lord” seems to refer more family’s cleaning staff wouldn’t have to Eucharist. My women’s prayer group recently to a time when the Lord and picking up trash while walking his dogs. He tracked his came across this Prayer for Use of the Internet. I think will come to wake up His spiritual progress in a journal, encouraged his friends to Blessed Carlo would approve! Father Stephen Bankemper people, separate them from live the virtue of purity, and finally offered the sufferings of Prayer for Use of the Internet (Copyright 2014, Patti their idols and restore right his illness for the Pope and the Church. Maguire Armstrong) order in Israel (see the first and second chapter of Isaiah). Blessed Carlo’s true devotion was to the Eucharist, and Dear Lord, give me your protection as I use the Internet. Could Paul be referring to something like that, to the times beginning at age eleven, he used his computer and internet Keep me from darkness, surround me with your light. that God comes to us to shake us up and make us reflect on acumen to develop a website documenting the history of Help me act always in love. our lives? Eucharistic miracles around the world. The website includes In the company of your angels and saints, guide my path Like any physical structure, we build our lives on a foun- 160 panels that can be downloaded for display. Exhibits of to sites that glorify You. dation, something that helps us feel secure and provides us his work have been shown in over 10,000 parishes worldwide. Be my timekeeper and filter. peace; but what are those things? Almost all of us — per- Obviously, as the first millennial to be beatified, Blessed Let me hear your divine call to my duties. haps all of us — start out building our lives on what is actu- Carlo is a remarkable role model for our young people, but Repel me by anything against You. ally sand, and rely on things that are not reliable, not realiz- what does his life say to me as an older adult? So far, two Guide me to evangelizing opportunities and send your ing it until they fail us. Whether the Lord engineers these things come to mind… Holy Spirit with the words. times of failure or merely uses them, they become the “day Blessed Carlo’s story reminds me that I am called to live Let the Godly draw me stronger than the worldly. of the Lord” for us, a day of judgment, when the Lord asks out my faith in the world, including the world-wide web. In Keep me from self-indulgence and addiction. us, “On what are you relying? In what are you trusting?” Lent 2019 I gave up social media and have avoided it as much Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of technology. As awful and terrifying and emptying as these times are, as possible since then. I was spending too much time on it, Forgive me for the times I have misused it. they are times that can lead us to great growth in our lives. and I could no longer stand the negativity I found there, And in all things, lead me closer to You. Amen. Furthermore, they are necessary times, because we cannot coming even from some fellow Catholics. I abandoned it, and Blessed Carlo, pray for us! Amen! rely on God until we have let go of what is not God. the people using it, to their own devices. Through Blessed A major “day of the Lord” came to me during my second Jamie Schroeder is chancellor for the Diocese of Covington, Carlo’s witness, I realize that rather than leaving the inter- year of theological studies. Through a series of “coinci- Ky. net behind and hiding from the evil that can exist there, I dences,” I had a conversation with a cardiologist on Good Friday. On Easter Monday he performed an angiogram. I will never forget him wheeling up to me and saying, “You are not Where is hope? going home. You need surgery, and you need it tomorrow.” That “day of the Lord” lasted for a few months. Before What do you do when you receive news that pushes thought about how medical workers and teachers risk the surgery I was a healthy and fit man in my early 40s, still the bottom out of your heart, news that fractures any their health to do their jobs? What about generosity of running and playing sports. I was secure in my youth and sense of stability you‘ve held on to despite the pandemic? carpenters who make free in-home desks for poor kids strength and fitness. After the surgery I felt adrift, wonder- I think about how many people have been who have to go to school online? Each one in that position of getting news that some- is a manifestation of God’s care for us. ing what other unseen thing was going wrong within me. I GUEST had just enough sense to turn to the Lord with these feel- one they love has had their world turned But it’s not just adults who reveal God’s ings. Slowly he brought me to see that I had unknowingly upside down by addiction, accident, job presence. What about kids who step up to been resting on things that were not going to last, that would loss, or other calamity. This, on top of pan- do odd jobs for neighbors? How about not save me. demic, can shatter most anyone. kindergartners who make cards for shut- These “days” do not have to be personal. I remember how When someone gets this kind of news, ins? Then there are older kids who go out shaken some people were in 2008 when the stock market the question often surfaces: What can I do of their way to relieve their parents by giv- took a large drop. I see how people are reacting to the pan- to help the situation? Often the answer is ing extra attention to their siblings. demic we are in now. The virus is worrisome, sure, but “not much” or even “nothing.” This feeling In other words, God is revealed in the clearly some people have become frantic about it. These of being alone and without help when actions of people who reach out to those events give God the opportunity to ask us, “In what are you there is a crisis is enough to raise a cloud who need help, and believe it or not, there’s trusting? On what are you relying? Are you ready for me to of frustration, even despair in most of us. a lot of that giving going on all around us. I come, or are you holding on to worldly things, hoping they Questions arise: How much more can a think we see it, but often it doesn’t register will save you?” person carry? Where is God in all this as something special. The Uber driver, the “When people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ then sud- mess? In her head a Christian knows the Sister Colleen Winston, cop on the corner, the grocery store clerks, den disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a preg- answer is that God is present in the midst O.S.B. postal workers, and many others are risk- nant woman, and they will not escape.” How do we react to of it, but this question itself comes not ing health to be of service and trying to these times of disaster? Do we react as people of the world, from the head but from the heart. Answers are less black keep their businesses afloat. or as Christians? “The psalmist prays: Some trust in chari- and white and more a matter of faith or trust. When hopelessness, anxiety and frustration surface in ots or horses; but we in the name of the Lord our God. They But where in this maelstrom of pain, disappointment, our daily lives during these trying times, try to recall the will collapse and fall; but we shall rise and stand firm.” and helplessness does a person with faith find any hope? nearness of God’s love by paying special attention to its This “day of the Lord” will surely come, probably more If God is there, hope has to be there as well, but in our manifestations in our neighbors and even ourselves. than once in our lives, and when we are not ready. If we current days where so much is nebulous, hope can be Hope is around and within — we just need to pay atten- learn from these “days” to rely on the Lord and not on our hard to find. Sometimes it helps if we try to open our ears tion to the ubiquitous signs of its presence. youth, health or beauty; on our money, education or status; and eyes, then look around. Benedictine Sister Colleen Winston is a member of the on vaccinations, therapies or cures; then we will be ready Do you notice the food servers and dish washers in Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery, Villa Hills, for that other “day of the Lord,” the day the Lord comes in that small restaurant where you picked up a lunch? They Ky. Her article was original published on the community’s judgment of the world. likely need to be there despite health risks. How about the blog http://stwalburg.blogspot.com. Father Stephen Bankemper is pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, Ky. folks who collect the trash you put curbside? Have you 6 November 13, 2020 Messenger

The Parish Kitchen is in need of new sleeping bags and blankets for its guests. Donations can be dropped off Monday– Newsworthy Friday at either Parish Kitchen, 1561 Samuel Porter, a Madison Avenue, Covington, 8–11 a.m. or junior at St. Patrick Catholic Charities, 3629 Church Street, High School, Latonia, 9 a.m. –5 p.m. Maysville, represent- ed Mason County “Advent At Home” virtual directed Farm Bureau in the retreat, Dec. 4-6. Join the Benedictine Kentucky Farm Sisters of St. Walburg for prayer, spiritu- School yard farm Bureau Outstanding al direction and group sessions. Retreat Kindergarten students at St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill, Youth Contest and enrichment resources will be sent by enjoyed their traditional pumpkin farm visit in a new way this placed second in the email; some links for articles and music year. The class learned about the fall harvest, pumpkins and competition, which will be provided. Free will donations are farm life in the classroom as they always have. When it was was held virtually. gratefully accepted. Contact Sister time to visit a working farm to experience all that was learned, Dorothy at [email protected] or they enjoyed a virtual video tour of a pumpkin farm, and then call 331-6324. went on a pumpkin hunt on the school and church grounds. Pumpkin students The second graders at St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright, were excited to share their narrative writing pieces titled, “The Day I Turned Into A Pumpkin,” in celebration of the fall season. Students had lots of fun writing their fiction stories about all the different ways they each turned into a pumpkin. They also created a pumpkin person art piece to go along with their writings. ‘My Body … given up for you’ The celebration of the Eucharist goes back to the Last Supper that Jesus had with his Apostles. However, the memorial of the Eucharist is more than just a remembrance of that Last Supper event. In the Eucharist the sacrifice of our redemption becomes present. The Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, “Sacrosanctum Concilium” (1963), states: “At the Last Supper, on the night He was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until He should come again.” (n. 47) In his encyclical letter “Ecclesia de Eucharistia,” Pope John Paul II wrote that the Mass makes the sacrifice of the Cross present, “which makes Christ’s one, definitive redemptive sacrifice always present in time.” (EE, n. 12) Thomas Aquinas makes the point in his “Summa Theologiae” that the Eucharist is at once a “sacrament” and a “sacrifice.” He wrote: “In this sacrament is included the whole mystery of our salvation.” (“Summa Theologiae,” III, q. 83, a. 4, c) While St. Thomas notes the close connection between sacrament and sacrifice in the mystery of the Eucharist, he nevertheless sees them as irreducibly distinct from one another, being different concepts and having different effects. The Eucharist satisfies the concept of a sacrament, Aquinas observed, insofar as it is received and consumed, while it satisfies the concept of sacrifice insofar as it is offered. (cf. III, q. 79, a. 5, c) The sacramental effects, graces, are therefore limited to those who are actually present to taste it, while its sacrificial effects may extend to all those for whom it is offered. St. Thomas Aquinas’ predecessor, Peter Lombard — theologian and bishop of Paris (d. 1160) — recognized that it was important to note that Christ’s saving sacrifice on Calvary is a “once for all” action, unique and unrepeatable; but at the same time the Church’s daily Eucharist action is a genuine sacrifice, in which Christ is truly offered. The offering takes place in one way on Calvary and in another way on the altar. St. John Paul II, referring back to the Council of Trent, said that “the Mass makes present the sacrifice on the Cross; it does not add to that sacrifice nor does it multiply it.” (EE, n. 12) He concludes, “The sacrificial nature of the Eucharist cannot therefore be understood as something separate, independent of the Cross or only indirectly referring to the sacrifice of Calvary.” In the 21st century, perhaps it strikes us as strange to speak of a “sacrifice” in The baptismal font at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption stands at the entrance of the main doors to remind the faithful of their own baptisms every the first place. The word harkens back to the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament — time they enter to partake in the sacrifice of the Eucharist. complete with blood sprinkled on the altar — and, in the context of the Mass, refers to the death of God’s only Son for the reparation of sins. In other words, death to the innocent to save the guilty. Why would a God (a Father) of mercy demand such a thing? This is often point of contention that popular atheists use when pointing out what they deem a major flaw in the Gospel narrative. “What kind of a blood-thirsty god would demand the death of his son to pay for the world’s crimes?” And yet it is The Eucharist: St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians connects the crucifixion to the paschal sacrifice, calling Christ “our paschal lamb” who “has been sacrificed.” (5:7) The Source and Summit

In his book, “My Body Given for You,” recently published in English, Helmut 8 The Eucharist — the font of the Hoping, German professor of dogmatics and liturgy, writes that the Lord’s sacrifice on Holy Spirit the Cross must be understood in terms of the life laid down for us “not in terms of the Father Ryan Maher Crucified as the victim of violence” (“My Body Given for You,” Ignatius Press, 2019). Eucharistic Prayer II reminds us that Christ “entered willingly into his Passion” first and The Eucharist hidden in the foremost as a gift, out of the greatest possible love for the Father and for us. Christ is the true sacrificial lamb and, at the same time, the true high priest who makes the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien offering on the people’s behalf. The Cross, then, is the true altar. Father Nicholas Rottman The Church is called to participate in the sacrifice of Christ. The Second Vatican 9 Lifted out of time into eternity Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “Lumen Gentium,” teaches that the Monsignor William Cleves faithful, “taking part in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the whole of Christian life, offer the divine [sacrifice] to God, and offer themselves along with it.” (LG, n. 11) In this way, Christ’s sacrifice makes it possible for us to, in the right disposi- 10 The Cross and the Eucharist tion, willingly offer ourselves back to God and unite our sufferings to the Cross. Monsignor Gerald Twaddell

In his first encyclical, “Redemptor Hominis,” John Paul II wrote that the Father Study Questions accepted the sacrifice of Christ, “giving, in return for this total self-giving by his Son, who ‘became obedient unto death’ (Phil 2:8), his own paternal gift, that is to say the grant of new immortal life in the resurrection.” (RH, n. 20) The Eucharistic sacrifice makes present not only the mystery of Christ’s passion and death, but also the mystery which crowned that sacrifice — the Resurrection. Christ risen has become for us the “Bread of life” and partaking in the Eucharist applies the event of the Resurrection to our lives. — David Cooley, Co-director and Office Manager, THE MESSENGER • NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Office of Catechesis and Evangelization 8 November 13, 2020 Messenger

The Eucharist — the font of the Holy Spirit Father Ryan Maher “I will be with you always until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) Our Blessed Lord spoke these words to his disciples before he ascended to his Father in heaven. Our Lord fulfills this promise through his Real Presence in the sacrament of the most holy Eucharist. In the holy sacrifice of the Mass the Lord Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as nourishment for our pilgrim journey and as a pledge of eternal life. Through the words of consecration spoken by the priest at Mass the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. But before these words are spoken, the priest says the prayer of epicle- sis (from the ancient Greek meaning, “calling down from on high” or “invocation”). The epiclesis is essen- tial to the Eucharistic sacrifice because it is the call- ing down of Holy Spirit upon the simple gifts of bread and wine so that they can be changed and trans- formed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament. The Church Fathers strongly affirmed the faith of the Church in the efficacy of the Word of Christ and of the action of the Holy Spirit to bring about this conversion.” (n. 1375) A work of the Holy Spirit is always the process of conversion. At Mass the priest extends his hands over the bread and wine during the epiclesis and calls down the Holy Spirit upon them using the words provided for each one of the Eucharistic prayers. For example, the epiclesis for Eucharistic Prayer III reads, “Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you by the same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration”. The priest then makes the sign of the cross over the bread and wine saying, “that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “In the epiclesis, the Church asks the Father to send his Holy Spirit (or the power of his blessing) on the bread and wine, so that by his power they may become the body and blood of Jesus Christ and so that those who through our participation at Mass? This is a work of the transformed and, with the help of God’s grace, become take part in the Eucharist may be one body and one spirit.” Holy Spirit — to change us; to transform us; to give us life. saints. (n. 1553) Let us lift up our minds and hearts to the Lord at Mass Father Ryan Maher is a vicar general for the Diocese of The priest implores the Holy Spirit to change the bread and call down the Holy Spirit in the many ordinary Covington and rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the and wine, to transform these simple elements into the moments of our daily lives so that we can be changed and Assumption. Body and Blood of Christ. As revealed in sacred Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit is to give new life by way of transformation, true change and conversion. In the Nicene Creed the Church gives voice to belief in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity, The Eucharist hidden in the writings of with the words, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.” The Holy Spirit is in fact the giver of life! It J.R.R. Tolkien was by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit that Mary Father Nicholas Rottman conceived the Christ child in her womb (cf. Luke 1:35). Allow me a real brief reflection on some wisdom The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is received from J.R.R. Tolkien. The twentieth-century writer at baptism giving each person a share in the divine Life. In and devout Catholic had a great appreciation for the confirmation a person is sealed with the gift of the Holy connection between the Eucharist and bread — the Spirit and given the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In baptism and basic food for survival. In his stories, Tolkien really confirmation a person is truly changed and transformed captures the idea of the Eucharist as our “food for by the Holy Spirit and by the sacramental grace that is the journey” (Latin: “viaticum”). Bread is an espe- bestowed upon the person receiving the sacrament. cially appropriate image for the way in which Jesus The Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles at sustains us in this life because, particularly in bibli- Pentecost. After receiving the Holy Spirit they were cal times, one could not live without bread since it changed and transformed. No longer were they afraid! was the most basic of all foods. In Tolkien’s imagi- Filled with the Holy Spirit in the upper room, they became nary universe, the Elves have a magical waybread different men who had the courage to preach the Gospel to called “lembas” that sustains them on journeys. all nations, to carry out the works of Jesus Christ in the Some of this bread is given to the Hobbits, Frodo world and to reconcile sinners. and Samwise, the heroes of the story, to aid them on The prayer of epiclesis and the prayer of consecration their quest. is an immersion into the life and love of the Blessed Consider this description of the power of lembas Trinity. The Son freely and willingly offered himself to the from “The Return of the King”: “The lembas had a Father on the cross for our salvation. The Father and the virtue without which they would long ago have lain Son sent the Spirit so that we would never be left aban- down to die. It did not satisfy desire, and at times doned. Sam’s mind was filled with the memories of food, We participate in Mass to give glory to God, to worship and the longing for simple bread and meats. And and praise the Blessed Trinity, and to be sanctified. Never (Continued on page 9) should it happen that we participate in Mass and remain unchanged. In some way the graces of the Mass we receive At the February 2020 Young Adult Candlelight should change us. Receiving the proclaimed Word of God Mass, Monsignor Gerald Reinersman, pastor, St. into our hearts and receiving holy Communion into our Joseph Parish, Cold Spring, celebrates the liturgy. very body — how can we not be changed in some way Messenger November 13, 2020 9

if one told the sacred story and engaged in sacred ritual, Lifted out of time into eternity one entered the story, making it flesh for the group of peo- Monsignor William Cleves • author of our salvation ple gathered for the occasion. In his excellent book, “The Gates of the Forest,” Nobel • author of divine generation Consider our celebration of the Eucharist. We gather in Laureate Elie Wiesel, having told a story, remarked that • author of all that is good a sacred space to tell sacred stories. We reflect on our part God made us because God loves stories. The image has • author of all life in these stories, realizing that they are our story, becoming remained with me since I read that book decades ago. It • author of our freedom and salvation flesh among us. This is the Liturgy of the Word. We engage must have been with me when I first paged through the • author of love and peace also in sacred ritual, presenting and then offering bread translation of the Roman Missal that was promulgated in Every story we write is a share in the aboriginal author- and wine to be transformed, so that we who eat and drink 2011. As I leafed through its pages, I was struck by the num- ship that properly belongs to God. So let us consider the are ourselves transformed. We are then sent forth to ber of times that God was addressed or described as stories that we write, and begin with the language in announce the Gospel of the Lord or to glorify God in our “author.” This word is derived from the Latin verb augeo, which I am writing, namely English. With the exception of lives. In the Eucharist, whose author is God, we are lifted augere, auxi, auctus. It has a number of meanings in the infinitive, every English verb carries some marker of up (is this not the meaning of the verb augeo?). God lifts us English: to increase, to promote, to honor, to exalt and to tense (e.g., I see, I saw, I will see). We tend to think in terms from this moment of time, to taste the gifts that are to spread. The Latin word auctor, derived from the last prin- of past, present, future. But this view of time and history come. We do, after all, refer to the Eucharistic celebration cipal part of the verb, refers to one who increases, pro- is not the only way of conceiving these matters. It is possi- as the foretaste and promise of the paschal feast of heaven. motes, exalts. It is from auctor that we have the English ble to regard stories as timeless objects, standing outside One of the stories in the final chapter of the Gospel noun author. What follows is not an exhaustive list of the any particular temporal period. In such a view, to tell a according to Luke is what happened on the road to ways in which God is described as author. In the new story is to step outside our time, to let the timeless wisdom Emmaus. It is not merely a story of what happened then, missal God is described or addressed as: of the story lift us up. The ancient Hebrews believed that, but of what happens now. Two disciples walk on a road, sharing recent events. True to his promise (“where two or three are gathered in my name … “), Jesus appears and walks with them. He opens them to the understanding of the Scriptures. He then eats and drinks with them, and (Continued from page 8) their eyes are opened in the breaking of bread. gives the mortal man, Turin, lembas. “… she gave him yet, this waybread of the Elves had potency that increased Realizing whom they have seen, the disciples rush forth store of lembas, the waybread of the Elves, wrapped in as travelers relied upon it alone and did not mingle it with to tell everyone. This is our story. We bring to the leaves of silver, and the threads that bound it were sealed other foods. It fed the will, and it gave strength to endure, Eucharistic celebration the events of our lives. Jesus joins at the knots with the seal of the Queen, a wafer of white and to master sinew and limb beyond the measure of mor- us, true to his promise, and opens our eyes to the meaning wax shaped as a single flower of Telperion [the silver tree]; tal kind.” (Ch. 3) Is this not a beautiful description of the of God’s Word. We eat and drink with him, and we are for according to the customs of the Eldalië [the angels] the Eucharist? The Eucharist does not satisfy our physical transformed; our eyes are opened, and we recognize him in keeping and giving of lembas belonged to the Queen desires — in fact, we often find our spiritual hunger for the breaking of bread. We are then sent forth to tell every- alone” (Ch. 21). Not only does the “wafer of white wax” God and our bodily hungers at odds with one another — one. immediately bring to mind the Eucharist, but also the idea but rather it increases our desire for God. It also strength- In writing the story of creation, God has exalted us, that only the Queen can dispense lembas is clearly a refer- ens our will and gives us power beyond our own power honored us, promoted us, and increased our faith. God ence to the fact that only Mother Church can give us access when relied upon. made us because God loves stories. to the waybread of the Eucharist. There’s another interesting detail about lembas. In The Monsignor William Cleves is pastor of Holy Spirit Father Nicholas Rottman is a priest in the Diocese of Silmarillion, we read of how Queen Melian (an angel) Parish, Newport. Covington, currently on sabbatical. 10 November 13, 2020 Messenger

whole human race. The Cross and the Eucharist We would have In this Messenger file photo, altar servers carry the Cross to the faithful for Monsignor Gerald Twaddell known the truth of veneration on Good Friday 2019 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Day in and day out, from morning to evening, hundreds what St. Paul would write later: “that of people — some true pilgrims, others merely tourists — Christ died for our sins in accordance make their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in with the scriptures, and that he was Jerusalem’s Old City. They climb the steep stairway not far buried, and that he was raised on the to the right inside the main door to reach Calvary. The line third day in accordance with the scrip- slowly moves past the altar commemorating the place tures.” (1 Cor 15:3-4) Such thoughts, where Jesus was stripped of his garments, then where he though, are sad “what ifs” aren’t they? was nailed to the cross. At the altar in the Chapel of the None of that was possible, not least of Crucifixion they kneel, one by one, to reach under the altar all because we have come into the to put a hand down into the shaft where the Cross once world twenty centuries too late. stood. Some are so moved that they remain there as time If the sword of Mary’s sorrow passes, delaying the opportunity for the next person who beside her dying Son could prick our will follow their example; others, conscious of the crowd hard hearts though, would we not waiting behind them, move on more quickly. What is the really want to be there? Not just at the attraction of this ritual? place where it happened once so long Surely whatever else might have brought these people to ago in history, but right there, right the Holy City, at least one reason for them to be there is to then as it all unfolds, hearing Jesus connect with something very ancient, very sacred. How pronounce his triumphant judgment many other sites in the world offer such a tactile, intimate on the sins of the world: “It is fin- encounter as the one that can be experienced in this holiest ished.” Yes, there could never be a bet- of places? There are so many sites in the Holy Land where ter place, a better time to be than at one is allowed to touch, with little or no barrier, a place that central moment in salvation his- where Jesus stood, or sat or knelt. How many more recent tory. historical sites offer a visitor that? But here, the gentle, And the awe-inspiring truth is that awed caress of the devout pilgrims is unlikely to wear down we actually can do just that: be at the these millennial stones too rapidly. The monks who guard Cross, as Jesus redeems the world. the sites watch mainly to ensure that decorum is preserved. How you ask? Pope Pius XII, in his So the history of the place, its accessibility, its profound encyclical “Mediator Dei” (§3) significance for the story of the human race, its salvation, explains: “the Church prolongs the all draw people. And yet, what they find is but a memory of priestly mission of Jesus Christ main- a past event. All that remains are the relics of a distant past. ly by means of the sacred liturgy. She The reality is not there, however sacred the artifacts may be. does this in the first place at the altar, The Cross of Christ is gone, splintered among myriad relics where constantly the sacrifice of the offered through the ministry of priests, who then offered spread across the world. What remains is what it once Cross is represented and, with a single difference in the himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is differ- touched. And that, in the end, is all we can touch here at manner of its offering, renewed.” ent. In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, Calvary. So, however moving that experience, there could be Our celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy draws us into the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody man- something more. the depths of the Mystery of Christ, the mystery of salva- ner on the altar of the Cross is contained and is offered in What if we could have been there on the day of the tion. When we enter the liturgy we step out of time and into an unbloody manner.” (CCC 1367) Crucifixion? Perhaps we might have been part of the crowd the reality of eternity. Time fades away, leaving us standing The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is what the Eucharist on the road into Jerusalem just a few days earlier chanting, about the Altar of the Lamb where we share in the Heavenly simply is. Jesus is really present in all his reality, dying to “Hosanna to the Son of David.” But that crowd didn’t follow Liturgy. As the Second Council of the Vatican taught: “In redeem us, rising to bring us eternal life. To participate in him to Calvary. Do we think we would have been any differ- the earthly liturgy we take part in a foretaste of that heav- the celebration of Mass transports us really and truly to the ent? Jesus knew how people, even his closest followers, enly liturgy which is celebrated in the holy city of altar of the Cross. To understand this truth should thrill us would flee, leaving him to stand trial for sedition against the Jerusalem toward which we journey as pilgrims, where to our depths. Heaven joined with earth, and we can be Roman Empire without a single witness on his side. On the Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.” (“Sacrosanctum there! How could we ever imagine a substitute for that? very eve of all that, he warned them that all would be scan- Concilium,” §8) Could an hour in nature compare? Could sitting at home dalized: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become Our liturgy and the liturgy of heaven are made one: we reading the newspaper, sipping coffee, have anything near deserters because of me this night; for it is written, I will are made present at the eternal offering of the sacrifice of the value of this encounter with Christ Crucified? strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scat- Calvary to the heavenly Father and joined with all the Shouldn’t we all burst into a joyful song of Christ’s victory tered.’ ” (Mt 26:31) Maybe we would not have wanted to be saints at the banquet of heaven. As the Catechism of the (and ours): “Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim there either, but if we had had the courage of John, of his Catholic Church puts it: “By the Eucharistic celebration we till all the world adore His sacred name” ? (“Lift High the Mother Mary, of his aunt and the other Mary we might have already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and antic- Cross” © 1978, Hope Publishing Co.) stood there with them at the foot of the Cross, risking not ipate eternal life, when God will be all in all.” (CCC 1326) Monsignor Gerald E. Twaddell, KHS, is prior of the only the ridicule of the officials, but the danger of being This is as close to heaven as we can get and still be in this Covington section of the Equestrian Order of the Holy accused of a crime ourselves. world. Just think: we are really present in the heavenly Sepulchre of Jerusalem; chaplain of the Monastery of the What is more, had we known then what we know now liturgy. As the Catechism teaches, reaching back to the Sacred Passion, Erlanger; professor of philosophy and rector about the Resurrection to come, we would not have been words of the Council of Trent (Cf. DS 1743): “The sacrifice of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Thomas More University. scandalized at all. We would have understood the ghastly of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single scene as the price Jesus was willing to pay to redeem the sacrifice: the victim is one and the same: the same now Study Questions

What does the Eucharist Lamb of God,’ I am beholding Jesus and thanking him for the gift of himself to each of us daily in the Eucharist. My Why is the Eucharist not only mean to you? a meal but also a sacrifice? What people are saying prayer, after receiving Holy Communion, is ‘may I become what I have received.’ At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we are Describe how the Holy Spirit around the Diocese. fortunate to have daily Mass and Holy Communion. is the giver of live. Jan Metz, chaplain at St. Elizabeth Receiving the Eucharist and prayer are a great source of strength, healing and peace for our sick and our staff. The Healthcare for 35 years Explain how the story of Eucharist is always reserved in the tabernacle in our “St. Elizabeth Seton, the first chapel so patients, families and staff can drop in through- the two disciples on the road American saint, was converted to out the day and make a visit. Patients can also see the to Emmaus is OUR story. Catholicism because of her faith in chapel on the television in their rooms. The presence of the St. John Cardinal Henry the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Eucharist in our chapel permeates the whole hospital, pro- Elizabeth Seton would be praying in her Episcopal church viding a healing and loving presence for all. One insight Newman describes the and found herself turning toward the tabernacle in the from Thomas Merton that is meaningful to me is: ‘We will Eucharist as a crack in our nearby Catholic church, praying to Jesus present in the never fully appreciate the real presence of Christ in the world through which Eucharist. I, like Elizabeth Seton, am drawn to Jesus’ real Eucharist until we see the intimate connection that exists reality shines. How would presence in the Blessed Sacrament. At Mass, when the between the mystery of the Holy Eucharist and the mystery you say that in your priest holds up the consecrated host and says ‘Behold the of the Church, the body of Christ.’” own words? Messenger November 13, 2020 11

atively used the Northern Kentucky Convention Center to update its zoning code, which gave the shelter greater permis- Emergency Shelter provide beds until the weather warmed up for the summer. It sions. When ESNKY signed the lease in late October, they (Continued from page 2) was also a location where people could wash their hands and received a conditional use permit — a type of permit newly people are afraid to come, but we’re hopeful that volunteering perform basic hygiene when the world was shut down. allowed by the updated zoning code, called the Neighborhood picks up… when COVID goes down.” “The need is great, and more and more people are facing Zoning Code. Mrs. Webb and the shelter have been consistently provid- homelessness, not because of a choice that they made, but “It’s a huge win, it really shows how forward-thinking ing services since March, though they did shut down for two because of COVID — loss of jobs, medical bills, unable to Covington is… the hope that other cities in Northern weeks during the shelter-in-place order, because it was deter- work because they have to care for a family member… all Kentucky will follow suit for that piece of that because it is a mined to be safer for guests to be outside than in. They cre- these things. It’s really going to be a challenging time in our huge accomplishment,” said Mrs. Webb. community regarding being able to provide a safe place for Demolition on the building currently on the property people to sleep,” said Mrs. Webb. began Nov. 9, and construction will follow shortly after with Now that the shelter is back at the Scott Street location for the assistance of PCA Architecture and Furlong Building. this winter, Mrs. Webb is looking to the newly purchased loca- Mrs. Webb and her staff plan for a September 2021 move-in tion, a project that had to be put on hold this year due to date. COVID-19. She was also waiting for the city of Covington to BUY LOCAL 12 November 13, 2020 Messenger

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, KY (www.covdio.org) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The Assistant Superintendent is responsible for collecting and aggregating statistical data for each school i.e. test scores, student information, faculty and staff information, tuition and fees, attendance, calendar, etc. The Assistant Superintendent helps with the educational adminis- tration of the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) schools, and facilitates government programs/funding, curriculum and assessment, professional development, and school communication. Larry’s Tree Service Overall, the position encounters a wide diversity of (859) 635-8528 or 240-4563 work situations and involves a high degree of Reasonable Rates — Free Estimates complexity with responsibility for advising and FIREWOOD — Senior Citizen Discounts Available decision making in many areas. Candidates must be practicing Roman Catholics in good standing, able and willing to give witness to the Catholic faith at all times, with a Master’s degree in Education/ Administration and previous experience in school administrative leadership. Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest along with a comprehensive resume or C-V, recent Baptismal certificate indicating sacramental preparation, and a list of at least five professional references to Stephen Koplyay, SPHR: [email protected], FAX 859/392-1589, or mail to 1125 Madison FULL-TIME CAFETERIA Avenue, Covington, KY 41011-3115. EOE MANAGERS Holy Family Elementary School and Prince of Peace Elementary School have an immediate need for a full-time cafeteria manager. The CAFETERIA STAFF manager’s primary responsibilities involve overall Various schools in the Diocese of Covington supervision of the respective school’s program; currently have openings for full-time, part-time and managing employees of the program; ordering, substitute workers. Hours would occur during the receiving, and managing inventory; preparing and school day. Duties include food preparation, serving serving meals; operating a point-of-sale system; and general cleanup. Interested individuals may and interacting with school staff, students, and contact Jackie Kaiser at [email protected], or their parents. Interested individuals can contact call her at 859/392-1536. Jackie Kaiser at [email protected], or call her at 859/392-1536.

NOVENA NOVENA NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified; loved and preserved throughout SACRED HEART PRAYER. Dear Heart of Jesus — In the the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us St. past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you for this very Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hope- special one (mention favor). Take it, dear Jesus, and place it less, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day. Buy the 8th day within your own heart where your Father sees it, then in your your prayers will be answered. Say it for 9 days. Thank you St. merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen. B.W. Jude. Amen. J.D.

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I don’t always see how good that is. Then after the deploy- 50+ years ... serving Northern Ky. Military chaplain ment, so many people come up to me, — atheists, and greater Cincinnati (Continued from page 1) Protestants, Catholics and Muslims — who have said, ‘I very little sleep, some guys were getting three hours of don’t think I could have made it without you.’ So really sleep for three weeks straight, there’s a lot of inspections we’re just out there being a priest like we do every day, and to keep the ship up running, qualifications… it’s a force in to us it’s just that, but to them it’s extraordinary, and it IS readiness. Whether we see something or not, we always extraordinary, the priesthood itself. But even we need the have to be ready.” reminder. It’s what we were ordained to do.” Amid the strain of constant preparation, the pandemic Since Father Appel came home from his last Navy brought a new kind of worry for the sailors about their deployment in September, he’s been with the Coast Guard. families at home. “For us, it meant taking our time that we Here, he’s found yet another group of dedicated men and were going to spend home with our families and absolutely women to serve. He compared it once again to his own “Voted #1 in plumbing customer satisfaction” erasing that,” said Father Appel. “It stressed out the work because of the incredibly rich mission of service of sailors because their family was at home and they had to the future officers. 859-441-4400 consider their family.” “I’m blown away by the future officers,” he said. www.dupontplumbinginc.com The operation of the ship remained largely the same, “They’re young, they’re searching, they’re excited about he said, in regard to the rhythm of daily life. In the midst their faith, they’re questioning their faith, they’re pre- 2606 Alexandria Pike of it all, his presence was able to bring some peace to the pared to do something extraordinary and they’re interest- Southgate KY 41071 sailors. ed in service. It has been an incredibly rich environment. “It’s more of a witness than I thought it was. As a priest, It’s draining but in a very good way.” you’re always a priest and you never expect a break. So During this month of thanksgiving, the United States when I got on board, I’m just being a priest to the people. I celebrated Veterans Day Nov. 11, a day to honor the men Missed an edition? Current and back issues bring with me some prior service (to the military) so I can and women who have served and continue to serve, pro- of the Messenger are available (get) through a little bit (better)… but in terms of being a tecting the nation and its families. God bless the soldiers, online at covdio.org/messenger. priest I don’t feel like I’m doing a whole lot above that and their families and the United States.

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ple face reality, but in a way that they can see Without prayer, life can seem troublesome, tedious problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities Carol Glatz appointment, but underlined it was important to respect to grow in faith and charity. Catholic News Service mandates aimed at keeping people from contracting Without cultivating self-reflection, he said, “we become VATICAN CITY — Prayer has the power to take all COVID-19. superficial, agitated and anxious.” those things in life that seem like a condemnation and turn “We must be very attentive to regulations by them into something good, Pope Francis said. authorities, both political authorities and health “The trials of life thus change into opportunities to care experts, to protect ourselves in this pandemic,” grow in faith and charity,” the pope said Nov. 4 during his he said in remarks off-the-cuff. weekly general audience, which was livestreamed from He asked that everyone pray for all those who are the library of the Apostolic Palace. ill as well as for doctors, nurses, volunteers and all The general audience had been taking place with the those who are risking their lives by helping those public present since Sept. 2 — starting in an outdoor court- who are sick, “but they do it out of love.” yard and later in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall. But after some- Continuing his series of audience talks about one attending the general audience Oct. 21 tested positive prayer, Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus always for COVID-19, the Vatican announced that beginning Nov. took time out to pray and be in dialogue with God, 4, the audiences would return to being livestreamed with- despite busy days helping the poor and the sick. out the presence of pilgrims and visitors to prevent “any Jesus was not guided or inspired by success, con- possible future risks to the health of the participants.” sensus or “the seductive phrase, ‘Everyone is

The pope began the Nov. 4 audience expressing his dis- searching for you,’” the pope said. CNS photo/Vatican Media “Prayer is the Pope Francis leads his general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace rudder that guides at the Vatican Nov. 4, 2020. The weekly papal audience returned to being Jesus’ course,” he closed to the public as COVID-19 cases increase in Italy. said; it does not lead him to the easiest path, but Jesus showed that prayer is ultimately letting go and to the one that stays true to putting oneself in God’s hands. God’s will, which he dis- At the end of the audience, the pope prayed for “the covers in prayer. defenseless victims of terrorism, whose intensifying cru- A day lived without elty is spreading in Europe.” prayer risks turning into a An attack in Nice, France, Oct. 30, and one in Vienna, day that is lived as “bother- Nov. 2, “have provoked dismay and reproach” among resi- some or tedious,” a day dents and in all who “cherish peace and dialogue.” when whatever happens is The pope also blessed people taking part in a prayer ini- poorly endured and comes tiative underway in Poland after protests erupted against a from “blind fate,” the pope near-total ban on abortions. said. He asked that prayers lead to “the healing of the harm “Prayer is first of all lis- caused by the loss of unborn children, the forgiveness of tening to and encountering sins, the gift of reconciliation and opens up in your hearts God,” he said. It helps peo- hope and peace,” he said.

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National/World a violent hurricane, which has caused many victims and enor- ashore in Nicaragua Nov. 3 and provoked devastating flooding and mous damage, aggravated by an already difficult situation due to destruction even as it weakened and moved through Central McCarrick report summary cites lack the pandemic. (May) the Lord welcome the deceased, comfort their America. Eta's remnants exited Central America via the families and sustain all those so tried, as well as all those who are Caribbean Sea Nov. 6, heading toward Cuba and Florida. Heavy of serious investigations of rumors doing their best to help them," he said. Caritas, the church's rains from the storm also affected southern Mexico, with floods VATICAN CITY — Although dogged for years by rumors of sex- humanitarian aid agency, was responding to Eta, which came displacing thousands in Tabasco state. ual impropriety, Theodore E. McCarrick was able to rise up the Catholic hierarchical structure based on personal contacts, protes- tations of his innocence and a lack of church officials reporting and investigating accusations, according to the Vatican summary of its report on the matter. In choosing then-Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick of Newark in 2001 to be archbishop of Washington and later a cardinal, St. John Paul II likely overlooked rumors and allegations about McCarrick's sexual misconduct because of a long relationship with him, McCarrick's own strong denial and the pope's experience with communist authorities in Poland mak- ing accusations to discredit the Church, the summary said. But, in fact, rumors of McCarrick's conduct, especially knowledge that he had young adult men and seminarians sleep in the same bed with him when he was bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, led the Vatican to decide it would be "imprudent" to promote him when looking for candidates to become archbishop of Chicago in 1997, New York in 1999-2000 and, initially, of Washington in July 2000, the report said. One hour before the release Nov. 10 of the "Report on the Holy See's Institutional Knowledge and Decision-Making Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick," journalists were given the document's 14-page introduction, which described the two-year investigation that led to the report's compilation and gave an "executive summary" of its findings. (Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct by a cleric, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Covington is asked to con- tact Ms. Margaret Schack, diocesan victims assistance coordina- tor (859) 392-1515.)

Louisiana voters approve, Colorado voters reject statewide abortion measures CLEVELAND — Louisiana voters by a wide margin Nov. 3 passed a measure declaring there is no state constitutional right to abortion, while Colorado voters defeated a proposal to ban abor- tion beginning at 22 weeks of pregnancy. Unofficial results show that the Louisiana measure, known as the Love Life Amendment, passed 62.1 percent to 37.9 percent. It will add language to the state constitution that declares a right to abortion and the funding of abortion shall not be included in the document. Despite the lan- guage being added, abortion remains legal in the state, amend- ment supporters said. In Colorado, Proposition 115 went down 59.1 percent to 40.9 percent, according to unofficial results. The meas- ure included exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman but not for instances of rape or incest. If it had passed, doctors who continue to perform abortions at 22 weeks would have faced a fine up to $5,000. Under the measure, the mother was not subject to any criminal penalties. Voters in the state had defeated previous initia- tives to limit abortion in 2008, 2010 and 2014. The abortion-related measures were among 120 proposed state laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot in 32 states.

Eta deluges Central America, Mexico, leaving scores dead, thousands homeless MEXICO CITY — Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of Hurricane Eta, which deluged Central America, claimed at least 50 lives and caused widespread flooding and property dam- age. After reciting the Angelus Nov. 8, he referred to a flag in the audience and said, "I see a flag there that makes me think of the people of Central America." The pope prayed for those "struck by