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Church united by Spirit, not personal beliefs, pope says on Pentecost, page 2. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960

CriterionOnline.com June 5, 2020 Vol. LX, No. 34 75¢ ‘Heal the brokenness that has deeply wounded our society’

Above, spray-painted graffiti referring to the phrase “Black Lives Matter” is seen on May 31 on the wall of a courtyard at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. Bottom right, a burned car sits on May 30 in the parish parking lot, set on fire by an arsonist the night before in violence amid protests related to the death of George Floyd. (Submitted photos)

Right, leaders and members of many faiths gather on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse on May 31 for a peaceful protest organized by Faith in Indiana in response to the May 25 killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) A ray of hope shines through amid the violence and unrest in Indianapolis and the country (Editor’s note: In light of the recent peaceful protests Indianapolis poses a question that she and violent unrest in Indianapolis and across the believes everyone must consider: United States in reaction to the death of George Floyd, “We’re at a place where all of us as The Criterion asked certain parish faith leaders to share human beings have to ask ourselves the their insights, concerns and hopes as the archdiocese and question, ‘Do we really believe what society in general face this latest tragedy.) we have been taught?’ That God’s presence is in every human being.” By John Shaughnessy and Natalie Hoefer If people believe that teaching, then they have to see that what happened to St. Joseph Sister Gail Trippett sees a ray of hope Floyd—a 46-year-old black man—on amid all the darkness that once again descended upon May 25 in Minneapolis also happened Indianapolis and many cities across the country following to God, Sister Gail says. Floyd died the death of George Floyd. after a white police officer kept his Yet before she shares that hope, the parish life knee on Floyd’s neck for more than coordinator of Holy Angels and St. Rita parishes in See UNREST, page 10 A statement from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson (In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the civil unrest No one is ‘better’ than anyone else. All deserve respect. that followed, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson released the All share basic human rights. No one is exempt from the following statement on May 30.) responsibility to support and assist fellow human beings— whether they are from the same family/community, or they “The Catholic community in the Archdiocese of are strangers who are foreign to us in some way. Every Indianapolis grieves over the death of an African- human person, as created in the image of God, is a American man in Minneapolis on May 25 as well member of God’s family. For Christians, this also as several other recent incidents of racial hatred means that we are sisters and brothers of Christ across our country, including the violence directed and each other.’ at a mosque in Indianapolis last Sunday on Eid “The United States Conference of Catholic al-Fir, one of the holiest days in the Muslim Bishops has called on everyone to seek greater calendar. understanding, and to listen to the stories of those “The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis who have been the victims of racial injustice so has set off a wave of protests. As Christians, we that we can find substantive ways to enact systemic cannot turn a blind eye to acts of racial violence change. and hatred. We are called to do what we can to end Archbishop Charles “As we celebrate Pentecost this weekend, I call this injustice. C. Thompson upon all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis “As I wrote in my 2018 pastoral letter, ‘We to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to heal are One in Christ: A Pastoral Letter on Fundamentals of the brokenness that has so deeply wounded our society. Let us Christian Anthropology,’ ‘Social justice can be obtained also pray for peaceful protests that truly seek healing against only in respecting the transcendent dignity of man. … the evil of racism.” † Page 2 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020

Pope Francis celebrates Public Schedule of Pentecost Mass in St. Peter’s Archbishop Charles C. Thompson Basilica at the ______Vatican on No public events scheduled at this time. May 31. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Supreme Court rejects appeals to lift restrictions on congregation size WASHINGTON (CNS)—A divided The state’s order restricting crowd Supreme Court on May 29 chose not to sizes, he said, was a means to “address intervene in an emergency appeal by a this extraordinary health emergency.” church in Southern A three-page dissent written by California to Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by lift COVID-19 Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil restrictions that Gorsuch, argued that restrictions on limit congregation the number of participants at church Church united by Spirit, not personal sizes. services did violate the Constitution. The justices Kavanaugh argued that businesses beliefs, pope says on Pentecost responded just that are not subject to size restrictions, before midnight such as supermarkets, restaurants, hair VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Just as the ourselves up in sterile habits.” with a 5-4 vote salons and cannabis dispensaries, are Apostles were united once they received The pope also recalled the seven- Richard Garnett in the case filed comparable to gatherings at houses of the Holy Spirit, the Church is united month anniversary of the conclusion of on May 26 by worship. by that same Spirit and not by keeping the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, South Bay United Pentecostal Church “The church and its congregants company just with those who agree and offered prayers for the people of the in Chula Vista, Calif., near San Diego. simply want to be treated equally,” he on a certain interpretation of Christian Amazon region where the pandemic, The church had argued that California wrote, adding that California “trusts its teaching, Pope Francis said on Pentecost. along with deforestation and pollution, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s reopening orders residents and any number of businesses Celebrating Mass on May 31 in have added to the suffering of indigenous violated the Constitution because they to adhere to proper social distancing and St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said that people. placed fewer restrictions on some hygiene practices.” those who give in to the temptation to “I make an appeal so that no one may secular businesses than they did on Richard Garnett, law school fiercely “defend our ideas, believing them lack health care assistance. Take care of houses of worship. professor at the University of Notre to be good for everybody and agreeing people; don’t save up for the economy. The church wanted to hold its Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., and only with those who think as we do,” Care for people who are more important regular services on Sunday, May 31, director of the university’s Program adhere to a faith created in their own than the economy. We, the people, are on Pentecost. Currently, the state’s on Church, State and Society, said the image and “not what the Spirit wants.” temples of the Holy Spirit, the economy restrictions limit church attendance court’s decision shows how “it can be “We might think that what unite us are isn’t,” the pope said. to 100 attendees or 25 percent of the challenging to identify discrimination our beliefs and our morality. But there Earlier, in his homily at Mass, the pope church capacity, whichever is lower. or unequal treatment.” is much more: Our principle of unity is reflected on the second reading from “The precise question of when “It is well established that the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that, first St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, restrictions on particular social governments and officials may not of all, we are God’s beloved children. in which the Apostle says that the Church, activities should be lifted during the discriminate against religious activities, The Spirit comes to us, in our differences while composed of many different parts, pandemic is a dynamic and fact- even when it is regulating in the and difficulties, to tell us that we have is one body. intensive matter subject to reasonable interest of the public good. Religious one Lord—Jesus—and one Father, and Despite the many differences and disagreement,” wrote Chief Justice freedom is not absolute, and it is that for this reason we are brothers and difficulties, the pope said, the Holy Spirit John Roberts in an opinion concurring subject to limits, but regulations may sisters,” he said. is what unites the Church’s members as with the unsigned ruling. not single out religious exercise for In February, the Vatican had announced brothers and sisters. He also called on In his five-paragraph opinion, disapproval or disadvantage,” he said. that the pope would celebrate Pentecost in Catholics to “look at the Church with the Roberts stressed these guidelines In a statement, Garnett said Malta. However, the trip was canceled due eyes of the Spirit and not as the world does. appear “consistent with the arguments about equality and to the coronavirus, and instead he celebrated “The world sees us only as on the free exercise clause of the First discrimination involve the question: the Mass with a limited congregation right or left; the Spirit sees us as sons and Amendment.” “compared to what?” And in this case, present at the basilica’s Altar of the Chair. daughters of the Father and brothers and “Similar or more severe restrictions the justices disagreed about what kinds After celebrating Mass, the pope spoke sisters of Jesus,” he explained. “The world apply to comparable secular gatherings, of activities church services should be to the socially distanced faithful gathered sees conservatives and progressives; the including lectures, concerts, movie compared to for public health purposes. in St. Peter’s Square before praying the Spirit sees children of God. A worldly showings, spectator sports and Kavanaugh said the same rules for “Regina Coeli.” It was the first time the gaze sees structures to be made more theatrical performances, where large stores should apply to churches, and pope addressed the faithful from the efficient; a spiritual gaze sees brothers groups of people gather in close the court’s majority said the same window of the Apostolic Palace since and sisters pleading for mercy.” proximity for extended periods of restrictions on churches also are lockdown measures forced an end to all Pope Francis said that the secret to unity time,” he wrote. applied to gatherings like concerts, public gatherings. is that it is a gift of the Holy Spirit and that He also said the state’s order movie showings, spectator sports and “Today, now that the square is open, it is important to understand that God “acts “exempts or treats more leniently only theatrical performances. we can return here. It is a pleasure” to see not by taking away, but by giving.” dissimilar activities, such as operating Garnett said the ruling “does not you, the pope said. “Why is this important?” the pope grocery stores, banks and laundromats, necessarily mean that California’s Reflecting on the feast of Pentecost, asked. “Because our way of being in which people neither congregate current regulations are justified or the pope said the coming of the Holy believers depends on how we understand in large groups nor remain in close constitutional or that they would be Spirit turned the lives of the Apostles God. If we have in mind a God who takes proximity for extended periods.” upheld after more developed and “upside down, and made them away and imposes himself, we, too, will The chief justice also noted that careful review.” “courageous witnesses” to Christ’s death want to take away and impose ourselves: COVID-19 has killed thousands of On May 29, the court also, without and resurrection. occupying spaces, demanding recognition, people in California and more than noted dissent, turned down a request “The feast of Pentecost renews the seeking power. 100,000 in the United States with still from two Romanian American Christian awareness that the life-giving presence of “But if we have in our hearts a God “no known cure, no effective treatment churches in the Chicago area arguing the Holy Spirit dwells in us,” he said. “He who is gift, everything changes. If we and no vaccine.” He also noted people that Illinois’ reopening guidelines, also gives us the courage to go outside realize that what we are is his gift, free “may be infected but asymptomatic” with its 10-person limit for houses of the protective walls of our ‘cenacles,’ and unmerited, then we, too, will want to and could unknowingly infect others. worship, violated the Constitution. † without resting in the quiet life or locking make our lives a gift,” he said. †

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Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Page 3 U.S. bishops express sorrow over Floyd killing, racism WASHINGTON (CNS)—Even as the small groups within the demonstrating United States still finds itself grappling with masses have burned cars, broken into the coronavirus pandemic, outrage, grief and and looted businesses in cities such as anger over the latest killing of an unarmed Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, black man outweighed caution as hundreds Philadelphia, New York and Washington— of thousands turned out nationwide to all which later put curfews into place. protest and many of the country’s Catholic But in some localities, such as Coral bishops joined the calls for justice. Gables, Fla., and Flint, Mich., authorities “The outrage around the death of have dialogued and even prayed with George Floyd is understandable and protesters. justice must be served,” said Denver On May 30, police officers in Coral Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila in a May 30 Gables kneeled down with heads bowed statement referencing the killing of the and joined protesters, observing several 46-year-old Floyd, whose last moments minutes of silence, the amount of time of life were recorded on a widely reports say that Floyd spent under disseminated video showing a white Chauvin’s knee. The same day, Sheriff police officer in Minneapolis pushing Chris Swanson from Flint Township down on his neck with his knee on May 25. approached a mass of protesters, telling Floyd was later pronounced dead. them he was putting down his weapons Four officers from the Minneapolis and is seen on video telling them: “The Terrence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, reacts on June 1 at a makeshift memorial at the spot Police Department were fired on May only reason we’re here is to make sure where his brother was taken into custody in Minneapolis. Demonstrations continue after a white 26, including Derek Chauvin, with whom that you got a voice—that’s it.” Then they police officer was caught on a bystander’s video on May 25 pressing his knee into the neck of Floyd pleaded, “Please, I can’t breathe” asked him to walk with them, and he did. George Floyd, an African-American, who later died at a hospital. (CNS photo/Lucas Jackson, Reuters) as he held him down. Chauvin is facing Police officers and protestors also third-degree murder and second-degree marched together briefly on June 1 in “COVID-19, the murder of George for this world,” he said. manslaughter charges. Indianapolis. Floyd, the needless deaths of so many Also referencing the pandemic in his “What did we expect when we learned But in other places, such as the people of color, the shameless exploitation Pentecost homily, Washington’s Archbishop that in Minneapolis, a city often hailed as environs of the White House, cars were of social division for personal gratification Wilton D. Gregory said the incident has a model of inclusivity, the price of a black burned, businesses were vandalized, and or political gain—these are apocalyptic served to reveal “the virus of racism among life is a counterfeit $20 bill?” said Cardinal authorities used tear gas on protesters. events that are not meant simply to scare us once again even as we continue to cope Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, in a May 31 “The looting, vandalism and violence us—to take our breath with the coronavirus pandemic.” statement saying he had spent the last we are witnessing in Minneapolis away—but to warn us Denver’s Archbishop Aquila reminded few nights watching the protests “in great and throughout our nation dishonors of serious trouble on Catholics to keep Church teaching in personal pain as the pent-up anger of our the legacy of Mr. Floyd and further the horizon, as well mind, not political preferences, when it people caught fire across our country.” complicates a tragic situation,” said as the true meaning comes to the killing. Floyd was apprehended by the group of Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, of the peril that is “The Catholic Church has always officers after a deli worker called 911 saying Va., across the Potomac from Washington. already among us,” promoted a culture of life, but too often he had paid with a counterfeit $20 bill. They were calls echoed by Floyd’s brother said Cardinal Joseph our society has lost its sense of the dignity Cardinal Cupich said he has watched as Terrence, who said on a national television W. Tobin of Newark, of every human being from the time of “the city where I was born, the cities where show that the violence was “overshadowing N.J., in his Pentecost conception until natural death,” he said. I have lived, the city I pastor now, catch what is going on because he [his brother] was homily on May 31. “Every Catholic has a responsibility to Cardinal Joseph embers from the city where I was educated,” about peace. ... [This is] destructive unity. W. Tobin “We desperately promote the dignity of life at every level and then he watched them “burn.” That’s not what he was about.” need to breathe, so of life. Too many have made their god “Was I horrified at the violence? Yes. Others said the tragic situation was that we can recognize that the efforts by their ideology, political party, or the color But was I surprised? No,” he said. being used for a variety of reasons and people of great power to divide us are of their skin, and not the Gospel of Life Though protests were largely peaceful, was a warning signal. diametrically opposed to the plan God has and the dignity of every human being.” †

SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral still offering daily online Mass to archdiocesan faithful While Church leaders throughout Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, central and southern Indiana continue Cathedral Parish rector Father Patrick working on plans to reopen parishes Beidelman and other priests will for the celebration of Masses, SS. Peter continue to celebrate the liturgy. It can and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis will be viewed on the archdiocesan website continue to offer Mass online each day. at www.archindy.org. † STEWARDSHIP We can’t really talk about stewardship without talking about ministry. First Communion stories continue next week But when we talk about ministry, do we talk enough about stewardship? Because of our breaking news coverage, of their first Communion. we are unable to publish the second part Next week’s June 12 issue will include of our reader responses sharing memories more reader responses. †

The word stewardship actually comes from a Greek word that means “someone who manages a household.” For Christians, it is the responsibility that we have in maintaining and using wisely -- managing well -- the gifts that God has given so freely to us.

A lot of times, people define ministry based on what they see their pastor doing - caring for souls and proclaiming the Word of God. But ministry is SO much more than that. The word ministry in both Greek and Hebrew is the same word as servant. And servants are defined as people who are at the disposal of another. To take it one step further - re- place the word ministry with service. It is here that you begin to see that stewardship IS ministry. All of us, not just pastors, are responsible to do what God calls us to do. We are all accountable to Him!

So while money is certainly an important part of stewardship, it’s only part of what we are 06/19/20 called to do. It’s ultimately up to us to make sure everything God has put in our care is handled in ways that bring Him glory.

Scan the QR Code below to watch a video about how St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus is embracing

06/19/20 06/19/20 stewardship. We are so proud of their efforts!

www.archindy.org/giving Page 4 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020

Opinion Reflection/Mike Krokos Pentecost prayers for peace “Come, Holy Spirit: you are harmony; and other recent police actions. make us builders of unity. You always give “Racism is not a thing of the past or Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher yourself; grant us the courage to go out simply a throwaway political issue to Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus of ourselves, to love be bandied about when convenient,” the and help each other, bishops said in a statement. “It is a real in order to become and present danger that must be met head one family. Amen.” on. Editorial (Pope Francis tweet “As members of the Church, we must on Pentecost) stand for the more difficult right and just Muslim men wearing actions instead of the easy wrongs of masks offer prayers at a mosque in New Delhi Law enforcement indifference,” they said. “We cannot turn on May 1, the first Friday officer-related a blind eye to these atrocities and yet of Ramadan, during the homicides, peaceful still try to profess to respect every human coronavirus pandemic. protests around the life. We serve a God of love, mercy and A shooting took place at country, then, unfortunately, civil unrest justice. Masjid E Noor (mosque) and looting in some cities—including in “Indifference is not an option,” they in Indianapolis on Eid Indianapolis—and senseless deaths. emphasized, and stated “unequivocally” al-Fir, one of the holiest We also see the desecration and that “racism is a life issue.” days in the Muslim vandalism of places of worship like The bishops in their statement pointed calendar. (CNS photo/ St. John the Evangelist Church in to their “Open Wide Our Hearts” pastoral Anushree Fadnavis, Reuters) Indianapolis and St. Patrick Cathedral in against racism approved by the body of New York City. bishops in 2018. In it, they said: “For Whether we like it or not, this is people of color, some interactions with today’s reality: watching the news and police can be fraught with fear and even reading about it is unsettling these days. danger. People of good conscience must Every hate crime against a We, again, must ask the questions: never turn a blind eye when citizens are Why? And how do we respond as a being deprived of their human dignity and religious community hurts us all community of faith? even their lives.” As a father of a teenage daughter and In our message to our children, “Religious freedom is rooted in the Indiana can practice their faiths safely an 11-year-old son, I can vouch as a we also need to make it clear that perennial teaching of the Church on and peacefully.” parent that it is a daunting task to help the looting, violence and unrest that human dignity. It teaches that religious Providentially, this year on the feast them grasp the seriousness of what our occurred in several cities in the context freedom is the cornerstone of a society of Eid al-Fir, the day of the shooting, the society is facing these days. But it is a of the protests caused more pain and that promotes human dignity; it is a Masjid E Noor mosque was closed due conversation that must take place. anguish. It is not how we as Christians fundamental human right that follows to the pandemic. Although a small group It’s not easy explaining how videos and as a civilized society should on the duty of all people to seek the of men were inside praying, no one was show a police officer overstepping the respond to injustices we see. We need truth about God.” (Archbishop Charles injured. According to Syed Ali Saeed, bounds of law enforcement in Minnesota to remind them an injustice leading to C. Thompson, “We are One in Christ: the president of the mosque’s board, as three other policemen watch, which more injustice is not a Gospel value we A Pastoral Letter on Fundamentals of “Had it not been for the coronavirus, led to the tragic death of George Floyd, a practice as people of faith. Christian Anthropology”) the mosque would have been filled to 46-year-old African-American, who was The actions of some led to injuries— capacity. … It’s difficult to imagine how in their custody. even death—and to the destruction of The Catholic community in central and things could have been.” And sadly, it’s not the first time law property and businesses and to a sense of southern Indiana grieves with our sisters Sadly, hatred and intolerance can be enforcement has been questioned about lawlessness. and brothers in the Muslim community found everywhere, even among religious its practices and echoes of racism fill our We understand the anger many people over the senseless shooting that took people whose actions are far outside society. Only last month, the shooting of feel, but our call as missionary disciples place at Masjid E Noor (mosque) in the formal teaching of their religions. 21-year-old Dreasjon “Sean” Reed, also is to bring Christ to any situation— Indianapolis on Eid al-Fir, one of the For Christians, the words of Jesus are African-American, by a member of the including these situations—to shine a holiest days in the Muslim calendar. absolutely clear: Indianapolis Metro Police Department light where darkness has overwhelmed Every crime committed against a “You have heard that it was said, led to the anger of some members of the landscape. religious community, every desecration ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate the community. The case is still under We must also remind our children of a mosque, synagogue or church, is a your enemy.’ But I say to you, love investigation. that prayer must be at the heart of our violation of the dignity of human persons your enemies, and pray for those who As tragic as these situations and others response. As I heard a priest recently made in the image and likeness of God. persecute you, that you may be children similar to them are, we as people of faith share during a homily, “Prayer is an act Every attack against the religious freedom of your heavenly Father, for he makes must understand they can be teachable of love.” of one group is an attack on all of us. his sun rise on the bad and the good, moments. But what do we tell our We are called to love our neighbors In his 2018 pastoral letter, “We and causes rain to fall on the just and children? as ourselves, and that tenet of faith is are One in Christ: A Pastoral Letter the unjust” (Mt 5:43-45). We tell them we understand and desperately needed today in society. on Fundamentals of Christian Nothing justifies the kind of hate support the peaceful protests that were We may come from different walks of Anthropology,” Indianapolis Archbishop crimes that, unfortunately, we see all too initially scheduled to take place in life and represent various races, but we Charles C. Thompson stresses that human frequently today. That’s why we join Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Atlanta, are one family of God. As Pope Francis dignity is essential to social justice. Each with the Indianapolis Jewish Community Washington, New York, Los Angeles and said, the feast of Pentecost reminds us of and every person derives their worth from Relations Council in expressing “our other cities across our nation—protests this truth. the fact that we are all children of God. solidarity with members of the Masjid meant to demonstrate how people of Now more than ever, may that be so. As the archbishop writes: E Noor congregation and the entire all races and faith traditions can come “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of “The first key principle of Catholic greater Indianapolis Muslim community.” together as one to show solidarity against your faithful and kindle in them the fire social teaching is respect for the dignity As fellow believers in the God of acts and situations they feel are terrible of your love. Send forth your Spirit and of each and every human person— Abraham, and as Hoosiers committed to injustices. they shall be created. And you shall renew regardless of race, sex, nationality, safeguarding the common good of all, we As Archbishop Charles C. Thompson the face of the Earth. O, God, who by the economic or social status, educational Catholics join the Muslim community, said in a statement on May 30 in response light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the background, political affiliation or and the Jewish community, “in urging to the chaotic and tragic week, “As hearts of the faithful, grant that by the sexual orientation—as created in the local authorities to fully investigate Christians, we cannot turn a blind eye same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise image and likeness of God. All are equal the incident as a potential hate crime to acts of racial violence and hatred. We and ever enjoy His consolations, Through in dignity. No one is ‘better’ than anyone against the mosque and those present are called to do what we can to end this Christ Our Lord, Amen.” else. All deserve respect. All share basic praying inside” (Statement of the Jewish injustice.” human rights. No one is exempt from Community Relations Council). Chairmen of several committees of the (Mike Krokos is editor of The Criterion, the responsibility to support and assist As Archbishop Thompson stresses in U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also newspaper of the Archdiocese of fellow human beings—whether they his pastoral letter: voiced their concerns about Floyd’s death Indianapolis.) † are from the same family/community, “The Catholic Church opposes or they are strangers who are foreign to racism, sexism, nativism and all forms us in some way. Every human person, of prejudice against people who are Letters Policy as created in the image of God, is a perceived to be different from us, member of God’s family. For Christians, including strangers and enemies.” Letters from readers are published in letters from readers as necessary based on this also means that we are sisters and Every crime against Muslims, The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s space limitations, pastoral sensitivity and brothers of Christ and each other.” Jews, Christians or people of different commitment to “the responsible exchange of content (including spelling and grammar). In As members of the one family of God, religious traditions is blasphemy—an freely-held and expressed opinion among the order to encourage opinions from a variety we have a solemn obligation to care for unspeakable crime against the Almighty People of God” (Communio et Progressio, 116). of readers, frequent writers will ordinarily one another regardless of our differences. God who is the One all of us seek in our Letters from readers are welcome and be limited to one letter every three months. In cases where religious communities are diverse ways. every effort will be made to include letters Concise letters (usually less than 300 words) attacked, it’s particularly important for Let’s all work together to denounce from as many people and representing as are more likely to be printed. all of us to stand together in compassion hatred and bigotry wherever it exists many viewpoints as possible. Letters should Letters must be signed, but, for serious and solidarity and to insist, as the Indiana and to build communities of respect, be informed, relevant, well-expressed and reasons, names may be withheld. Muslim Advocacy Network did, that “We tolerance and solidarity here in Indiana temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” The will not tolerate bigotry in our Hoosier and throughout the world. sense of courtesy and respect. Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianap­olis, State and will continue to work with The editors reserve the right to select IN 46202-2367. Readers with access to e-mail our allies to ensure that worshippers in —Daniel Conway the letters that will be published and to edit may send letters to [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

God is love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit “But when the fullness of time had in the fullness of time, God has made possible by his Son’s death and We are invited, and challenged, come, God sent his Son, born of revealed his innermost secret: God resurrection, and that is the gift we to rejoice, to change our ways, and a woman, born under the law, to himself is an eternal exchange of have received from his Holy Spirit. to encourage one another and live in ransom those under the law, so that love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “God so loved the world that he gave peace. If we can accept the divine we might receive adoption. As proof and he has destined us to share in his only Son, so that everyone who graces that make it possible for us to that you are children, God sent the that exchange” (#221). believes in him might not perish but “mend our ways” and believe in the spirit of his Son into our hearts, God is love, and God’s love cannot might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). transforming power of God’s love, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you be contained. It overflows, creating We see this citation in many we can be united with God—now are no longer a slave but a child, and sustaining all of creation, calling different places, including sporting and in the life to come. and if a child then also an heir, all things to be united in perfect events. It is an affirmation of the As St. John’s Gospel makes clear through God” (Gal 4:4-7). harmony with the Creator God. Most Holy Trinity—the Father who (Jn 3:17-18), God does not wish Sacred Scripture does not loves, the Son who redeems, and the to condemn the world or anything This Sunday, June 7, we celebrate “explain” the mystery of the Holy Holy Spirit who makes it possible created by his divine love. God the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, but it does give witness to for us to believe and, therefore, to wishes to be united with us in love Trinity. This great feast, which the many diverse ways that the One inherit eternal life. and in peace. The choice is ours. “So comes every year on the Sunday God manifests himself to his people. The second reading for Trinity you are no longer a slave but a child, following Pentecost, grounds the rest In the first reading from the Book Sunday from St. Paul’s Second and if a child then also an heir, of the liturgical year (Ordinary Time) of Exodus (Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9), Moses Letter to the Church in Corinth is through God” (Gal 4:7) We are free in the central mystery of our faith. sees God as the face of mercy (a a simple, but not easy, guide to our to accept or reject the love which We believe in one God who is favorite image of Pope Francis). acceptance of God’s gifts of creation, alone makes lasting joy possible. the source, ground and goal of all The God who gives Moses the Ten redemption and sanctification: On this Trinity Sunday, let’s things visible and invisible. And, at Commandments is, at the same time, “Brothers and sisters, rejoice. thank God for revealing to us “his the same time, we believe that this a demanding lawgiver and a loving Mend your ways, encourage one innermost secret.” Let’s ask him to one God is a loving communion of father, “a merciful and gracious God, another, agree with one another, live help us recognize the gift of his love persons: the Father, the Son and slow to anger and rich in kindness in peace, and the God of love and and mercy as it is expressed most the Holy Spirit. This is the divine and fidelity” (Ex 34:6). peace will be with you. Greet one profoundly in the mystery of the paradox: perfect unity in diversity, In the Gospel reading (Jn 3:16- another with a holy kiss. All the holy Trinity. one God in three persons. 18), we learn of the lengths to which ones greet you. The grace of the Lord And let’s pray for the grace to The Catechism of the Catholic this loving and merciful Father will Jesus Christ and the love of God and believe in God’s “eternal exchange Church teaches that “by sending go to save us from our sins and to the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be of love” so that we, too, can share in his only Son and the Spirit of Love sustain us in the new life that was with all of you (2 Cor 13:11-13). this great mystery of faith. †

Dios es amor: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo

“Pero, cuando se cumplió el plazo, único y al Espíritu de Amor, Dios fue posible gracias a la muerte y la Se nos invita y se nos desafía Dios envió a su Hijo, nacido de revela su secreto más íntimo; Él resurrección de su Hijo, y que es el a alegrarnos, a cambiar nuestras una mujer, nacido bajo la ley, para mismo es una eterna comunicación de don que hemos recibido de su Espíritu costumbres, a darnos aliento y a rescatar a los que estaban bajo la amor: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, y Santo. “Porque tanto amó Dios al vivir en paz. Si podemos aceptar las ley, a fin de que fuéramos adoptados nos ha destinado a participar en Él” mundo que dio a su Hijo unigénito, gracias divinas que nos permiten como hijos. Ustedes ya son hijos. (#221). para que todo el que cree en él no se “buscar la restauración” y creer en Dios ha enviado a nuestros corazones Dios es amor y el amor de Dios pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna” el poder transformador del amor de el Espíritu de su Hijo, que clama: no se puede reprimir puesto que se (Jn 3:16). Dios, podemos unirnos a Él, ahora y ‘¡Abba! ¡Padre!’ Así que ya no eres desborda para crear y sostener toda Vemos esta cita en muchos lugares, en la vida venidera. esclavo, sino hijo; y, como eres hijo, la creación, y llama a todos los seres inclusive en eventos deportivos. Como queda claro en el Evangelio Dios te ha hecho también heredero” a unirse en perfecta armonía con su Es una afirmación de la Santísima según san Juan (Jn 3:17-18), Dios no (Gal 4:4-7). Dios Creador. Trinidad: el Padre que ama, el Hijo quiere condenar al mundo ni a nada Las Sagradas Escrituras no que redime y el Espíritu Santo que creado por su amor divino. Dios desea Este domingo 7 de junio “explican” el misterio de la Santísima hace posible que creamos y, por lo unirse a nosotros en el amor y en celebramos la solemnidad de la Trinidad, pero sí dan testimonio de tanto, heredemos la vida eterna. la paz. La elección es nuestra. “Así Santísima Trinidad. Esta gran fiesta, las diversas maneras en que el Único La segunda lectura del Domingo que ya no eres esclavo, sino hijo; que ocurre cada año el domingo Dios se manifiesta a su pueblo. de la Santísima Trinidad tomada y, como eres hijo, Dios te ha hecho siguiente a Pentecostés, fundamenta En la primera lectura del Libro de la Segunda Carta de San Pablo también heredero” (Gal 4:7). Somos el resto del año litúrgico (Tiempo del Éxodo (Ex 34:4-6; 8-9), Moisés a la Iglesia de Corinto es una guía libres para aceptar o rechazar el único Ordinario) en el misterio central de ve a Dios como el rostro de la sencilla, pero no fácil, para aceptar amor que hace posible la alegría nuestra fe. misericordia (una de las imágenes los dones de la creación, la redención perdurable. Creemos en un Dios que es la predilectas del papa Francisco). El y la santificación de Dios: En este Domingo de la Santísima fuente, el fundamento y la meta de Dios que le entrega a Moisés los “En fin, hermanos, alégrense, Trinidad, demos gracias a Dios por todas las cosas visibles e invisibles y, Diez Mandamientos es, al mismo busquen su restauración, hagan caso revelarnos “su secreto más íntimo.” al mismo tiempo, creemos que este tiempo, un legislador exigente y un de mi exhortación, sean de un mismo Pidámosle que nos ayude a reconocer único Dios es una comunión amorosa padre amoroso, un “Dios clemente y sentir, vivan en paz. Y el Dios de el don de Su amor y misericordia de personas: el Padre, el Hijo y el compasivo, lento para la ira y grande amor y de paz estará con ustedes. como se expresa más profundamente Espíritu Santo. Esta es la paradoja en amor y fidelidad” (Ex 34:6). Salúdense unos a otros con un beso en el misterio de la Trinidad. divina: la unidad perfecta en la En la lectura del Evangelio santo. Todos los santos les mandan Y oremos para recibir la gracia diversidad, un Dios en tres personas. (Jn 3:16-18), descubrimos cuánto hará saludos. Que la gracia del Señor de creer en la “eterna comunicación El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica este Padre amoroso y misericordioso Jesucristo, el amor de Dios y la de amor” de Dios para que nosotros nos enseña que “al enviar en la para salvarnos de nuestros pecados y comunión del Espíritu Santo sean con también podamos participar en este plenitud de los tiempos a su Hijo para sostenernos en la nueva vida que todos ustedes” (2 Cor 13:11-13). maravilloso misterio de fe. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020

Announcements for couples celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years of VIPs marriage are accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or call 317-236-1585. Leo and Margaret (Ruhlman) Hartman, members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish Marriage in Beech Grove, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 10. Announcements The couple was married in the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Indianapolis on June 10, 1950. Be a part of our Fall Marriage Edition They have two children: Susie Thompson and Marty Hartman. The couple also has eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great- July 10, 2020, issue of The Criterion grandchildren. † Couples who are planning to be married between July 10 and Dec. 31, 2020, in a marriage that is recognized as a valid sacramental or valid natural marriage, Thomas and Catherine (Faker) Daily, members of or couples who were wed between Jan. 1 and July 9, 2020, in such a recognized SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi Parish in Greenwood, marriage and did not have their engagement announcement in The Criterion are will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on invited to submit the information for the upcoming July 10 Fall Marriage Edition. June 11. Announcements can be submitted using the form below, or electronically at The couple was married in Holy Spirit Church in www.archindy.org/engagements. Indianapolis on June 11, 1960. E-mailed photos They have three children: Chris, Tim and Tony Photos should be saved in jpg format and be at least 500 kb. Color photos are Daily. preferred. We recommend sending a photo where the couple’s faces are close to The couple also has nine grandchildren. † each other. Please send the photo as an attachment in an e-mail to [email protected]. Subject line: Fall Marriage (Last name). In the e-mail, please include the information in the form located below. If it is not possible to e-mail a photo, a photo can be mailed with the bottom Willard and Linda (Kemper) Knueven, members form. Please no photocopy photos. To have the photo returned, please include a of St. Nicholas Parish in Ripley County, celebrated return addressed envelope with a postage stamp on it. their 60th wedding anniversary on May 30. The couple was married in the former St. Martin Deadline All announcements and photos must be received by 10 a.m. on Friday, Church in Yorkville (now a campus of All Saints Parish June 26, 2020. (No announcements or photos will be accepted after this date.) in Dearborn County) on May 30, 1960. They have three children: Randy, Rick and Ron — Use this form to furnish information — Clip and mail to: BRIDES, The Criterion, ATTN: Ann Lewis, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Knueven. Deadline with photos: Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10 a.m. The couple also has seven grandchildren and six Please print or type: great-grandchildren. † Name of Bride (first, middle, last) Daytime Phone

Mailing Address City State Zip Code George and Mary Ellen (Hollinden) Wehrle, members of St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg, Name of Bride’s Parents (first, last)

celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 4. City State The couple was married in St. Ferdinand Church in Ferdinand, Ind. (Evansville Diocese), on June 4, 1955. Name of Bridegroom (first, middle, last)

They have two children: Chris and Curt Wehrle. Name of Bridegroom’s Parents (first, last) The couple also has four grandchildren. † City State

Wedding Date Church City State

q Photo Enclosed q Return photo q No Picture Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone

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A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. COVID-19 pandemic has affected grieving for those experiencing loss

By Fr. Herbert Weber

Three weeks after her husband died, I called his widow to see how she was doing. Sadly, the man had died shortly after the state had put a shelter-in-place restriction on most gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The woman was eager to talk and filled me in on how the kids, all young adults, were doing since their father’s death. As the phone conversation continued, we talked about the very brief gathering the immediate family had had at the funeral home three days after the death. At that time, I had made a virtual appearance with a Scripture reading, a shared reflection and a prayer. Everything else, including a memorial Mass, will take place once it is considered safe to have larger gatherings. Before we concluded, the widow told me that, although she wasn’t sure what other women experienced when their husbands died, she felt very unsettled and hoped the funeral would help her grieving. In many ways, her grief work was being delayed. Very likely, this woman was correct in what she said about the need to have a funeral Mass. Although they do not take away grief, funerals often transform grief with a process that provides hope. This seems to be especially true with Catholic funeral Masses. After decades of pastoring and hundreds of funerals, I have discovered that the Catholic funeral Mass, with or without the body present, can provide a roadmap for families in their grief process. The very essence of the Mass—with the emphasis on the paschal mystery of death and resurrection—guides people out of numbness into more firm belief. Family members of meat-packing plant employee Saul Sanchez attend his funeral in Greeley, Colo., on April 15 after he died of a COVID-19-related illness. This year, however, the coronavirus Dealing with the loss of a loved one in a time of pandemic can be especially challenging. (CNS photo/Jim Urquhart, Reuters) pandemic has caused many funerals to be postponed, eliminated or reduced to the choices spouses are required to make Working together or alone, family challenging part may be the fact that this a brief burial service. Consequently, the regarding funeral plans and the review of members can also construct their personal loss is taking place in the midst always-hard grief process has been put on both the Scriptures and the music for a own tribute to the recently deceased, of a larger universal loss. hold and become a more treacherous road funeral Mass—all these allow families to something that can be shared online or People are suffering in many ways. to navigate. participate in honoring the deceased. with close-by family. Stories from each There are outbreaks of the virus. Others Nonetheless, grieving is necessary and If a funeral is postponed, however, person’s perspective need to be told, and are hurting financially. And almost can still take place. that does not necessarily mean these memories can be shared. everyone has a certain amount of fear There seems to be an innate need for steps have to be shelved. In fact, it can be Family members can even write a creeping into their lives. ritual, and the steps that families take helpful for families to take the time and prayer of commendation of their loved When the entire world is in a state after a death are often full of ritual. The prayerfully read the Scripture passages one into the hands of God. of anguish, a family’s personal loss gets way children write a parent’s obituary, available for funeral liturgies. While such steps in a time like swallowed up. One almost feels that his or this marked by so many limits and her personal loss pales in contrast to the uncertainties can be helpful to a degree, bigger picture. a memorial Mass should be scheduled as It’s like the woman who told me years soon as possible. The healing grace that ago that she had great trouble grieving the God offers to the grieving through such death of her father. When I asked why, liturgies should not be forgotten. she said it was because he died on Nov. Part of the challenge of any delayed 22, 1963, the same day that President funeral option is that people feel they John F. Kennedy was assassinated. In the are being overlooked or neglected. Yet wake of national crisis, she had trouble that is not what happens with emotions. dealing with her personal loss. Not tending to them can lead to them When there is so much pain, a person’s becoming confused or exaggerated. personal tragedy can go unnoticed. When Sometimes issues that could be easily others do not recognize that individual dealt with become insurmountable. loss, the hurting person has to deal with In a recent conversation I had with it alone. someone whose friend had died, she said Death is a reality for everyone. The she so wanted to offer a hug to each of dying process is always challenging. the family members of her friend. Instead, It can be so overwhelming when faced she had to settle for the use of phone alone. Dealing with such loss in a time of calls, notes and online messages. pandemic can be especially challenging. And it is not merely family friends that For that reason, faith communities and seem to be missing out; most families of ministers have to be especially dedicated deceased loved ones are also reassured by to reaching out to families of the deceased visits, kind words and physical proximity at this time. after a death. Perhaps the hardest part is more than (Father Herbert Weber is founding pastor Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada of Brescia, Italy, blesses coffins of COVID-19 victims in the cemetery not being able to move ahead with a of St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, chapel in Brescia on March 24. The pandemic has caused many funerals to be postponed, eliminated funeral or even to have the direct physical Ohio. His weekly podcast can be found at or reduced to a quick burial service. (CNS photo/Francesca Volpi, KNA) contact that is often reassuring. The most 23.church.) † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Perspectives Pastoral Ministries/Madison Cipoletti Amid the Fray/Greg Erlandson What type of ministry can survive a global pandemic? To mask or During the past few months, to varying various large group events (250 people empowered to not just be followers, but to degrees, we have experienced the worry, and more) throughout the year. be leaders. Churches in China were centered not to mask disbelief and uncertainty that come with Large group events, because of around small Christian communities, and to a crisis. COVID-19, are even now in the later phases this day, the underground Church in China I’ve been a bit puzzled about all Throughout my life, of re-opening plans. Our team has had continues to grow. the debate and outrage over wearing when I have found countless conversations throughout the When challenges like religious masks. I know some of it is weirdly myself asking, “Why, pandemic about what to do in planning persecution or pandemics arise, small ideological, but some God?” or “What is these large events when the future is so group ministry allows us to continue of it seems to be a the purpose of this?” unknown and restrictions exist. deepening our faith within an intimate misunderstanding of I find peace and However, there is one branch of our community. I’m not suggesting that there why we have been comfort in one of my ministry that was not stifled, but was is no place for large group ministry, asked to wear masks favorite quotes from instead strengthened during the pandemic. but this experience begs the question: in the first place. the Catechism of the And that is small group ministry. What type of ministry are we investing The objection is Catholic Church: Rather than having to cancel or our resources in as a Church and as an often phrased as a “God is in no way, directly or indirectly, postpone small groups, two weeks into the individual follower of Jesus? personal right: “If I the cause of moral evil. He permits it, shutdown, we trained eight new leaders Just imagine: What would the Church choose not to wear however, because he respects the freedom who joined the ranks of our 30 existing in the United States look like if all Sunday a mask, it’s my own of his creatures and, mysteriously, knows leaders throughout the archdiocese. Mass-attending Catholics were also engaged darn business whether I want to take that how to derive good from it” (#311). Those new leaders now serve more than in a small group community? How could risk.” It reminds me of the debate about So, through the lens of faith and hope 50 new young adults by meeting weekly you grow by gathering with close friends motorcycle helmet laws. “If I want to go in God’s mysterious ability to make good online to pray and discuss the Scriptures who encourage you to pray and apply the roaring down the freeway on two wheels come out of evil, I’d like to share a branch together. No contingency plans or detailed Scriptures to your everyday life? and have the wind blowing in my hair, it’s of our ministry that has been essentially procedures were needed; groups simply Imagining a Church rooted in small my own darn business.” untouched by the pandemic. transitioned to meeting together online. group ministry gives me hope for any When it comes to wearing helmets, In case you are unfamiliar, the Francis Chan, a well-known future crisis our world or Church may face. there is a kind of logic to such a archdiocesan Office of Young Adult and evangelical preacher, has referenced position, if one does not think of the College Campus Ministry is charged with the need for small group ministry. He (Madison Cipoletti is the director first responders who have to clean up serving 18-39 year-olds. We work with illustrates his point by looking at religious of the archdiocesan Office of Young the mess. (I remember my motorcycle parishes throughout central and southern history in both Russia and China. Adult and College Campus Ministry accident when the nurse in the emergency Indiana to help them minister to the When Russia fell under harsh religious in the Pastoral Ministries Secretariat. room asked me if I knew what they call young adults in their parish boundaries. persecution, the Church, which had been If you would like more information motorcycle accident victims? “Donors,” In Indianapolis, we have a centralized based around the building and priests about small group ministry, she can be she answered her own question, with nary outreach called IndyCatholic that we alone, was devastated and today is reached at [email protected]. For a smirk.) hope to replicate in other areas of our essentially non-existent. more information, visit yaccm.org or But asking someone to wear a mask archdiocese. IndyCatholic gathers for In China, however, the laity were indycatholic.org.) † to prevent the spread of a virus is more akin to asking someone not to leave a loaded gun on the coffee table. The idea It’s All Good/Patti Lamb is not that you might get hurt, but that someone else might because of your God’s plans are bigger than ours, and he doesn’t disappoint carelessness. We wear masks to protect others If you’ve ever read this column, you’re probably aware I was confused. I told her there were two other houses on because the vast majority of us don’t that we’ve put our home up for sale three times over the past our street for sale. know from day to day if we might be the several years. First, we tried for sale by owner, and that deal She shared that she was interested in our house before, but contagious ones. It reflects our concern fell through. I didn’t understand why it the timing wasn’t right. Her realtor suggested that she ask if we for the common good and our fellow men shook out the way it did, especially given would entertain her request, even though it wasn’t on the market. and women, and our hope that they have a the fervent prayer by me and my trusty I talked it over with my husband, and we agreed that similar concern for us. band of prayer warriors. we would be willing to sell, but only based on particular This small sacrifice of wearing a mask Next, we enlisted the professional stipulations. They viewed the house 36 hours later, made in public settings is also a sign that we help of a realtor who came highly an offer the next day, and asked to expedite the inspection, are all in this together, not just the first recommended. Again, I activated the prayer appraisal and closing. responders and the ER docs, the nurses tree and asked friends to storm heaven. By the grace of God, it all worked out, and within 21 days, and the morticians. That little strip of In addition to the St. Joseph statue we start to finish, we were out of our home with all of our cloth is a flag of solidarity. originally buried, I borrowed one from possessions in storage and living at my mother-in-law’s house, At times, it doesn’t feel like we are all my friend Rosemary, since she’s a devout thanks to her kindness. in this crisis together. We are approaching Catholic and I thought her statue would deliver better results. The buyer’s family was happy, as she is expecting her fifth 2 million sick and 100,000 people dead Apparently, however, it wasn’t our time to move. When that child this month and her husband will soon be deployed again. who were alive three months ago, yet the realtor didn’t work out, we took a six-month pause to catch our It seems as if both of our prayers were answered in God’s stats are often treated like a box score. breath. perfect timing. God is good. All the time—even when his After 9/11, there was a rush of sympathy Thinking the third time would be a charm, we enlisted the timeline looks different from ours. for New York. This time, there was a rush help of another acclaimed realtor. Prayer ensued. I requested I circled back to the May 1 entry in my God Calling of discussion about how fast to open up, another house blessing (as if the first one 15 years ago had devotional: and other hot spots are getting far less worn off) and our deacon kindly acquiesced. This time, “Delay has to be—sometimes. Your lives are so linked up national attention. however, I changed my prayer up a bit. with those of others, so bound by circumstances that to let We really aren’t asked to sacrifice My prayer went something like this: “Please, God, let this your desire have instant fulfillment might in many cases cause much these days for greater goods. We buyer be the one. But let your will be done, God, not mine.” another, as earnest prayer, to go unanswered. … Delay is not have historically long wars, but it never (Admittedly, I still put holy water on the front doorknob.) denial—not even withholding. It is the opportunity for God to really touches us unless we have family No buyer. No sale. We embraced God’s will, thanking work out your problems and accomplish your desires in the serving. We run up mountains of debt, him for our wonderful home and our beloved neighbors. We most wonderful way possible for you.” but don’t feel it should fall on us to pay it repainted, redecorated and settled in. I share this not to brag, but to witness that God is glorified back. Fast forward to May 1. I was mowing the yard, and I in all things. I’m learning that God’s plans are bigger than The pandemic has exposed lots of noticed a car circling the street. The driver pulled up alongside mine, and he doesn’t disappoint. social weaknesses, like the inequalities me, so I shut off the mower. of our health care system and our Nutshell version: “Sorry to bother, but I wondered if you (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna Parish in Plainfield, is a educational system and even our access might be willing to sell your house,” she said. regular columnist for The Criterion.) † to the Internet. Those who are weakest are the most vulnerable once again: Unable to afford not to go to work when the pandemic is in full flower. Unable to The Theology of Technology/Brett Robinson afford to stay home when they are called back to work while the risk is still great. We are embodied creatures, and part of Christ’s mystical body In thinking about the common good, we place ourselves firmly within the Recent events have shifted a lot more right now because we have been passing a ship or train. It has taken on a much moral and social teachings of the Church, attention to our bodies. Temperature checks, through an age of “weightlessness” that more ephemeral meaning now. When which in turn goes back to what Jesus masks and compulsive hand-washing have comes with spending lots of time online. we communicate online, we don’t send taught: “Do to others whatever you would reminded us that we We have lost the weight and physicality a physical message (like a letter or a have them do to you. This is the law and are biological creatures of books, personal letters, newspapers, photograph), we send ourselves (minus the prophets” (Mt 7:12). subject to the laws of magazines, even ourselves! As students our bodies). I don’t know what the lasting effects nature. It all feels a and parents sit through countless Zoom As I write this, I wonder about all of the of this pandemic will be: Whether we bit heavy—and not meetings, there is the sensation that one selfies, photographed memories and passing will rush backward to our old normal as just because of all the is there but not really there, a ghost on a thoughts that have been taken up into the quickly as possible, or whether we will quarantine weight gain! screen. cloud for all the world to see. Images, learn new lessons from these few months There’s an existential As Canadian philosopher impressions and ideas, but no bodies. of sacrifice. I for one am hoping that in heaviness, or perhaps Marshall McLuhan used to say, when Our identity is rooted in our our isolation, we’ve learned something groundedness, in communication happens at the speed of relationship to our body. Formed from about fellowship. remembering that we light, everybody becomes a nobody. Every the “humus” of the Earth, we humans are are dust and to dust we shall return. body becomes a “no body.” fully embodied and enfleshed souls made (Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief Remembering that we are embodied The word “communication” used to for heaven. To be made in the image and of Catholic News Service, can be reached at creatures might seem especially jarring mean the physical transport of goods on See ROBINSON, page 12 [email protected].) † The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Page 9

The Most Holy Trinity/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, June 8 Friday, June 12 1 Kings 17:1-6 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16 Sunday, June 7, 2020 Psalm 121:1b-8 Psalm 27:7-9c, 13-14 • Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:27-32 • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Tuesday, June 9 Saturday, June 13 • John 3:16-18 St. Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the St. Anthony of Padua, priest and Church doctor of the Church This weekend, the Church celebrates strength given through and in Jesus of the 1 Kings 17:7-16 1 Kings 19:19-21 the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Holy Spirit. Psalm 4:2-5, 7b-8 Psalm 16:1b-2b, 5, 7-10 The first reading is from the Book of For its third reading, the Church on Matthew 5:13-16 Matthew 5:33-37 Exodus. In modern this feast gives us a selection from versions of the Bible, St. John’s Gospel. It is an insight into the Wednesday, June 10 Sunday, June 14 Exodus is second in identity of Jesus and the union between 1 Kings 18:20-39 The Most Holy Body and Blood of the sequence of Old the Lord and believers. Psalm 16:1b-2a, 4-5, 8, 11 Christ (Corpus Christi) Testament books. Jesus explains that the Messiah is from Matthew 5:17-19 Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a As its name God and of God. Thus, the Messiah’s Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 suggests, in general words are not just the comments of Thursday, June 11 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Exodus recalls another human being. Rather, they are St. Barnabas, Apostle John 6:51-58 the journey of the from God. The Son is one with the Father. Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 Hebrews through To hear the Son is to hear the Father. Psalm 98:1-6 the Sinai Peninsula Also, Jesus says that the Father sent Matthew 5:20-26 toward the land that God had promised the Son into the world of space and time, them after their escape from Egypt. The to be with humanity, to redeem humanity, message of Exodus is emphatic. The in an act of divine love. Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle Hebrews’ escape succeeded only because Finally, Jesus insists that the mission God provided guidance for them, and of the Son is not to condemn the world, they followed this guidance. but to give everlasting life to the just and God never tires of forgiving our sins, Otherwise, they would have been at the truly humble. Anyone who accepts the the mercy of the elements, the pursuing Son wins eternal life. no matter how bad they may be Egyptians and the harsh realities of the I am a teenage Angelus in St. Peter’s Square and pointed sterile and forbidding desert. They would Reflection Qgirl who would out that the endless mercy of God is at the have been easy prey for all manner of All three readings unite in their like some advice. I heart of the Gospel. perils. common message about the love of God. have committed a “Each time we go to confession,” Pope Also essential to the story is the Moses faces God fully aware of the serious sin. I knew Francis said, “we receive the love of God communication between God and Moses, Hebrews’ disloyalty to God. Moses relies that it was wrong, there, which conquers our sin. It no longer the great prophet who, in God’s name, led upon God’s love, however, to show mercy that it was considered exists. God forgets it. When God forgives, the Hebrews in their flight from Egyptian despite the people’s sins. a mortal sin which he loses his memory, he forgets our sin, he slavery. In this story, Moses climbs a high Paul reassures the Corinthian would separate forgets. God is so good with us!” mountain, Mount Sinai. Mountaintops Christians that they can withstand any me from God, but I know that you are sorry for your sin; were often seen as earthly places closer pressure put forward by the pagan culture I decided to do it all you need now is to go to the sacrament than lower sites to the heavenly God. around them if they commit themselves anyway. Now I truly of penance, and then you will start over Jerusalem’s temple was built on a together and completely to God. regret it. They say that with the Lord—fresh and forgiven. mountain, for example. In the Gospel, Jesus the Lord declares if you die in mortal sin, then you will be Moses admitted to God the people’s that the Son of God is in the world as lost forever. This thought scares me and It seems odd that genital intercourse unfaithfulness and sin, yet he implored Messiah and God’s gift because of God’s makes me think that I cannot be forgiven Qis automatically excluded in the merciful God to save them. endless and perfect love. because I went against God. How can I theological views of heaven—since St. Paul’s Second Epistle to the With these emphases upon God’s love, handle this? (Location of origin withheld) Christian hope envisions the fulfillment of Corinthians is the source of the second the Church this weekend celebrates the all things and, therefore, the redemption reading. Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The I remember back in 2015 when Pope of our bodies. If God’s love redeems all Calling the Christians of Corinth to Lord Jesus revealed the Trinity. While AFrancis, in a homily during Mass in things, then shouldn’t it redeem sexual piety was a particular challenge for Paul pre-figurements and suggestions of the his chapel, spoke to your situation. He life? Do you personally believe that there since Corinth justifiably was known Trinity occur in the Old Testament, said that God is willing to forgive all our will be sexual intercourse in heaven in a throughout the Mediterranean world knowledge of the Trinity comes from the sins, always and without exception, and physical, sensual and pleasurable way, as of the first century as being a virtual New Testament. that the Lord rejoices when someone asks we understand it here on Earth? (Texas) cesspool of vice and licentiousness. Humans did not deduce the Trinity. him for pardon. A rich commercial center, on the Through and by Jesus, God revealed the “God always forgives us,” said Pope You are correct that, in the view of route between East and West, it also Trinity. This revelation by God was a sign Francis. “He never tires of this. It’s we Amost theologians, there will be no was a center of greed and exceeding of his unlimited love for humanity. He who get tired of asking for forgiveness. genital intercourse in heaven. That view competition. gives us this knowledge so that we might But he does not tire of pardoning us.” is based, in large part, on the words of The great Apostle urged the Christian understand and return this miraculous And I remember, too, in 2019 when the Jesus in such verses as one in the Gospel Corinthians to rely on Jesus, and the love. † pope spoke to a crowd gathered for the of Matthew. There the Sadducees, trying to trap Jesus, asked him about a woman who had seven different husbands and they My Journey to God By Tom Yost wondered whose wife she will be in heaven. In the verse in question, Christ replied, “At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the Who Do You Say That I Am? angels in heaven” (Mt 22:30). To answer your question: No, I don’t think “that there will be sexual intercourse in heaven Jesus asks his disciples – “Who do you say that I am?” in a physical, sensual and pleasurable way, as we understand it here on Earth.” It is a timeless question for people I believe that there will be infinitely of all ages at various moments of our life. more gratifying delights in store for us— In faith, I humbly reply – “You are who you say you are.” beyond our present imagination and based on our union with the divine. Psalm 16:11 You are my Good Shepherd. says: “You [Lord] will show me the path You know me better than I know myself. to life, abounding joy in your presence, You watch over me, protect me, and search for me when I wander. the delights at your right hand forever.” And I do wander. Once C.S. Lewis, in commenting in his book Miracles on the joys awaiting us in You are my Vine. I cling to you. heaven, compared it to a small boy who, I bear good fruit attached to you. on being told that the sexual act was the I wither and die apart from you. highest bodily pleasure, asked whether you ate chocolates at the same time. You are my Bread of Life. “The reason why lovers in their carnal The world’s “menu” is not as appetizing as it seems. raptures don’t bother about chocolates,” You alone satisfy my “hunger.” said Lewis, “is that they have something better to think of. ... We are in the same You are my Way, Truth, and Life. position. We know the sexual life; we do You guide me on my path. You reveal what is true. not know, except in glimpses, the other You alone give me life eternal. thing which, in heaven, will leave no room for it.”

(Tom Yost is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany, where he serves as its pastoral associate. Photo: A (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth fresco of the Good Shepherd is seen during the unveiling of two newly restored burial chambers in the Christian catacombs of Doyle at [email protected] and St. Domitilla—believed to be the world’s oldest Christian cemetery—in Rome on May 30, 2017.) (CNS photo/Carol Glatz) 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020

hearing and seeing law enforcement overkill in situations.” UNREST Guynn views racism in today’s world as more subtle continued from page 1 and complicated than in the past. “The law itself in many cases has instituted racism eight minutes despite his pleas that he couldn’t breathe. where people are treated differently. It’s lopsided in how it “Are we willing to fight to restore the reverence and treats certain people, and that’s been accepted by society. honor that God deserves as he is present in humanity? To “It’s not an easy answer, the whole situation dealing me, that’s the fundamental question.” with race—even in the Church. I’m a devout Catholic, Sister Gail finds hope in the way went to Saint Meinrad to be a priest. But there was a time that many people have answered when they used to rope off areas where blacks could sit that question through the recent in church, and blacks had to wait for whites to go to the peaceful protests against racism across Communion rail first.” Indianapolis and the country. As someone who met with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “If you look at the multicultural and other national and local civil rights leaders in the 1960s, representations in all the protests— Guynn shared some thoughts on how the civil rights leader people of all ages and backgrounds— focused on non-violent approaches to combatting racism. you see hope. As people become “The thing about non-violence, it’s very easy to be violent, A makeshift memorial stands near the spot where, according to a enlightened about the problem, the and it’s very hard to be non-violent. It takes a specific type of police report, Dreasjon Reed was killed in an exchange of gunfire Sr. Gail Trippett, spirit of God rises up within them to training and behavior and attitude to be non-violent. with an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer on the northwest C.S.J. find a solution. And that’s where I see “He [King] said, ‘Think and process before you react.’ side of Indianapolis on May 6. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) the hope.” When you’re angry, you’re motivated by a negative At the same time, her recent conversations with stimulus. He didn’t want hotheads as part of his marching While staying away from the crowd, the priest said, he members of Holy Angels and St. Rita reflect the pain and group. He would eliminate hotheads from his group. He’d went near the gathering of protesters “a few times just to fear that is prevalent in black communities. tell us, ‘You have to think through the process. Are you in pray.” He recalled witnessing their anger and frustration. “There is profound sadness that we are in the same solidarity with why we’re marching, or do you just want “[Reed] wasn’t the first African- place as we have been—as far as the dignity of persons— to be part of the happenings?’ American killed by police,” said for almost 400 years now toward black and brown people. “It’s training, a lot of training. He was opposed to Father McCaslin, noting that the “Some of the older people remember the same any kind of violence like burning and throwing things protesters’ reaction to Reed’s death indignities from their past. It’s especially difficult for at the police. It doesn’t solve anything. They burn down likely built “upon the hurt and anger [black] men raising their sons now because they worry a grocery but don’t care about the end effect—now you and frustration” they already felt. about their safety, and they know their sons don’t have to don’t have a grocery in your neighborhood.” Father McCaslin sees a connection do anything wrong and their life can be taken for it.” Guynn worries that the violence that struck between those emotions and the feelings She says that pain and fear have become intensified Indianapolis and other cities across the country could be that drove the protests on May 29-30. in recent months by the way the coronavirus crisis has more intense in the future. “People want answers for what disproportionately impacted black lives—a reality she “What we need to be prepared for now is [to] listen happened,” he said. “I think that’s Fr. John McCaslin connects to the fact that the jobs that “many African- to the verdict [against the Minneapolis police officers], a lingering wound right there. It Americans and Hispanics have don’t let them shelter-in- whether the other officers are arrested, charged, taken to happened in a community that feels place in their homes.” court and serve time. like, ‘How do we get this stop?’ For Sister Gail, it’s another concern as she continues her “If the decision is they’re innocent, it’s going to be “I think as a community we’re hurt.” efforts to promote a fair world “for all people,” including terrible.” improved health care, a living wage and racial equality. A call for change “If we look at everything we do, we have the Reasons to hope In 1963, Marvin Johnson became the first black child responsibility to think about, ‘How do we honor God in For 23 years, Tim Nation has led the Peace Learning to ever graduate from the former St. Andrew the Apostle every moment?’ And when I look at our young people Center in Indianapolis, working to build peace in the School in Indianapolis. who are out protesting, they understand that, and they community through programs for schools, groups and Now at age 71, he is president of the parish council at have the courage to try to create the kind of world they businesses. St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. want to live in.” For the past year, Nation has also He wishes he could say there has been a dramatic been a member of the Race and Culture change in the country involving the issue of race during It’s not an easy answer’ Committee at St. Thomas Aquinas that time span, but he can’t. For him, the death of Floyd At 72, Charles Guynn has been around life and law Parish in Indianapolis, trying to help and the aftermath of violence in the country seem like enforcement long enough to know certain realities about fellow parishioners understand racial pages from his childhood. being a black person, being a police inequities in society and how their “The same attitudes have been with us in society for so officer and being in confrontational Catholic faith can help address them. long,” he says. “It’s frustrating when you see the incidents situations. “The average black person in that are happening today because of police brutality and “I have a background in law Indianapolis is two to six times more injustices in the justice system. Nothing really changes in enforcement,” says Guynn, 72, likely to be suspended or expelled terms of attitudes or solutions.” a member of St. Rita Parish in from school, to live in poverty, to be Johnson believes that if change will ever come Tim Nation Indianapolis who trained police arrested or the victim of a police-action regarding race, “we will need structural changes in officers on race relations for several shooting,” he says. “We wanted to help society”—changes that have their foundation in the years. “Officers are human beings. our parishioners learn about these injustices and help our Christian principles that have been so much a part of his If they have racist tendencies or community and country become more racially just.” Catholic education and faith. tend to be heavy-handed, it comes Nation says he felt a “profound sadness” as he “I would really hope that people would recognize that Charles Guynn with them when they join the police watched the peaceful protests in Indianapolis during every person has value. force. That doesn’t disappear when the days of May 29-30 dissolve into the violence and “We have people of faith at every level of government, they put on their uniform. looting that occurred on those two nights, leading to every level of business, every income level, every side of “The knee on the neck, he wasn’t trained to do that. He two deaths—including Chris Beaty, a 2000 graduate of town. We have a lot of people in influential positions who brought that with him. The reaction is that people are tired of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. could make change, but they are afraid to represent their “I support the sentiments of the people who peacefully Christianity. When we get to the conference room or the protested, but then the violence and deaths that happened planning sessions, very seldom are the decisions based on are really unfortunate. It was sad to see the destruction Christian principles. that took place. I think there were people who took “If we go into these political meetings and business advantage of the chaos to loot and steal.” meetings with the thought, ‘Who is going to get hurt, Nation still sees reasons to hope. who is going to get left behind,’ there would be less of “I see our governor [Eric Holcomb] and our mayor these violent situations where something goes wrong. [Joseph Hogsett] paying attention more than they were “That’s what I would like to see, but I don’t see it otherwise. For change to happen, it will need to be in happening any time too soon.” † policies and laws, changes in law enforcement. So much Online Lay Ministry Formation of the frustration is around economics—living wages, ability to put food on the table. That’s been exasperated A Prayer for Racial Healing The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the by COVID-19 and high unemployment. Things have University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: gotten worse for a lot of people of color. God our Father, we praise and worship you. We “I also have hope in the younger generation. They’re ask for forgiveness • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program going to help straighten things out, but it will take time.” for our judgmental nature, our unconscious bias. • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church His faith helps him through these tough times, too. We pray that our • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners “It helps with hope. Hope is important in these times. faith in you helps us to overcome all racial divisions. And it also helps knowing there have been dark times For more information, please log on to before in our society and our world, and faith brings light Jesus, our Savior, you were constantly judged by www.archindy.org/layministry to that darkness. It helps me keep moving forward.” others. Help us to follow you by denying ourselves, and carrying the cross of our brothers and sisters ‘How do we get this to stop?’ who are treated unfairly. Before the death of Floyd, Indianapolis had already REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW experienced protests earlier in May in reaction to the death Holy Spirit, open our hearts and our minds to the If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on of Dreasjon Reed, a 21-year-old black man who was fatally needs of others. Instill faith, hope and love, so that behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim shot near the intersection of 62nd Street and Michigan we may spread God’s kingdom on Earth. Guide us in of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance Road. According to an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police honesty and truth, as we learn about one another. Fill coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: Department (IMPD) report, Reed’s death occurred during us with forgiveness and love. That we all may be one. Ethics Point an exchange of gunfire with a black IMPD officer after a 90 1 Confidential, Online Reporting www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 mile-an-hour car chase on May 6. Amen. Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator The protests took place at the intersection, just several 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 hundred feet from the grounds of St. Monica Parish. 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 Parish pastor Father John McCaslin said protesters and Written by the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish [email protected] police alike parked in the parish’s parking lot on both Race and Culture Committee days of the protests. The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Page 11

‘I knew I was protected’ St. John pastor keeps prayerful watch over parish during unrest By Sean Gallagher covered by clear plexiglass. The heat of the fire severely warped the “A beacon of light in Indianapolis.” plastic covering. If it had not been there, That is how Father Rick Nagel has Reith said, the stained-glass window could described St. John the Evangelist Parish have been shattered, allowing fire and in Indianapolis, the faith community he smoke into the interior of the church. has led since 2011. “We all were very thankful,” she On the night said. “Had it gotten in, we would have of May 30-31, been in big trouble. We would have had however, Father a much different situation. God was Nagel had to put definitely watching over us on that one.” all of his faith— and, admittedly, ‘I knew I was protected’ all of his “German Because he expected violence in the stubbornness”—to city for a second night, Father Nagel work to keep that cancelled the Mass scheduled for light shining while 6:30 p.m. on May 30—the first weekend darkness swirled Mass for the parish in 10 weeks. Fr. Rick Nagel around the historic In its place, he quickly organized Firefighters from Station 13 of the Indianapolis Fire Department use a hose on May 31 to clean faith community in a livestreamed praying of the Divine debris off the parking lot of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis after a car had been the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Mercy Chaplet. More than 1,200 people burned there the previous night during violence that marked the end of protests related to the That was the second of two nights in viewed the prayer service. death of George Floyd. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Fire Department) which peaceful protests in Indianapolis “First, we prayed for victims of racial descended into violence. The protests violence,” Father Nagel said. “We’re Sacrament, rosary in hand.” Greenwood and a homeless man living were in response to the May 25 killing of certainly aware of that injustice. We also After unsuccessfully trying to near St. John cleaned the walls by the George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, prayed for peace in our city and nation.” persuade the priest to go indoors, middle of Sunday morning. by a white police officer in Minneapolis. It was a hopeful way for Father Nagel Duckett, a member of Our Lady Father Nagel joyfully celebrated Two people were killed in to start his nightlong vigil over his parish. of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Sunday Mass with his parishioners at 8 Indianapolis and more than 100 “People were looking for a way to Indianapolis, received a blessing from and 10:30 a.m., after such liturgies had downtown businesses incurred millions pray and make sense in the midst of it,” Father Nagel and began to ride away. been suspended for more than two months of dollars of damage in the unrest. he said. “They saw what happened the Then he heard shouting and turned because of the coronavirus pandemic. Father Nagel kept vigil all night on night before, and it was pretty clear it around to see four protesters approaching “It was so good to be back together May 30-31, staying outside, watching was going to happen again. It was good Father Nagel, who had peacefully asked to worship and gather as the body of over his parish while fires burned, for all of us to pray together.” them to leave the parish property. Christ,” he recalled. windows were shattered and shops were As day turned into night in the city “One of the men stepped up to The last Mass of the day began at 7 p.m. looted in the surrounding neighborhood. and a peaceful protest once again became confront Father [Nagel], and appeared The congregation was small because a He kept the light of St. John shining violent, Father Nagel continued praying to be an instant away from striking him strict curfew in the city was set to begin through his efforts to protect its as he walked on the parish grounds. when I began shouting ‘Don’t touch an hour later. Police were out in force on buildings from violence, but perhaps “I credit the Holy Spirit and the him. He’s a Catholic priest,’ and ran into the streets as the Mass began. more importantly through prayer and Blessed Mother [for keeping me safe], the scene,” Duckett wrote. “One of the “You could hear the sirens,” Father the peaceful and sometimes profound because I was praying through them group members had the sense to call off Nagel said. “You could hear the conversations he had with protesters. through the night,” he said. “I was very his companions from the confrontation helicopters overhead. I told them, ‘You’re “I saw the very best of humanity and aware that it was the vigil of Pentecost. and the young men walked on. small, but mighty.’ We prayed for peace the very worst of humanity in a few I had to trust that the Holy Spirit was “ … This was single-handedly one in our city, for a change of heart in all the hours,” Father Nagel said. present in a very particular way. of the most Christ-like acts I have grave injustices in our society.” “I knew that I was protected.” witnessed from the priesthood in my St. John parishioner Alexandra ‘God was definitely watching over us’ He also knew of that protection by a life; a pastor standing guard over his Makris was in the congregation. The Not expecting any violence in the flood of text and social media messages parish and Our Lord in the Eucharist violence of the city, Father Nagel had been away from letting him know of the prayers of many while hell was swirling around him.” previous two nights St. John on the night of May 29-30, the people for him and the parish. Father Nagel takes a more modest had at first made her first night of unrest in Indianapolis. “The people were amazing,” Father view of his witness that night. anxious about going He returned the next morning after Nagel said. “They took to prayer. I felt “Any of my brother priests would have to the liturgy. learning that a car in St. John’s parking like I was surrounded by a great army of done the same thing,” he said. “We love our “There’s been a lot had been burned by a protester the prayer warriors and faithful people.” holy mother Church. We love the Eucharist, lot of fear lately,” night before. Many of those people offered to which is inside. We’re always going to she said. “I’ve After the car was towed away, come to St. John to help Father Nagel. stand by it and protect that which we love.” definitely been Father Nagel called his friend Rita He politely declined, however, telling While Father Nagel had a handful of feeling some of that Reith, a battalion chief and the public them that the police were blocking off combative confrontations on the night fear, too. … But I information officer for the Indianapolis access to the area and because many of of May 30-31, most were positive. In Alexandra Makris was tired of letting Fire Department. His request for advice them were parents of young children many, he learned of the pain protesters evil have control on what cleaning material to use in who needed to stay out of harm’s way. had experienced from racism. over me in that way. Going to Mass is a clearing away the debris left from the fire “That was one of the greatest gifts good thing, especially on Pentecost.” quickly turned into a trip to the parish by ‘One of the greatest gifts’ of the whole night,” he said. “I learned Makris has loved St. John Parish since firefighters from the nearby Station 13. Owen Duckett came to the parish so much. You could see the brokenness, she was a student at Indiana University- “They cleaned it all up,” Father Nagel without contacting Father Nagel. heartache and deep wounds of the Purdue University Indianapolis and was said. “It was a bright light in the middle He wrote about his experience in a people. Lord, show us how you want us received into the full communion of the of all of this.” Facebook post, saying that, while he to be a voice for that injustice.” Church there. She is proud of how her “St. John is in their district, and knew it was dangerous, he felt “a very parish is an active part of the broader they feel very strongly about the strong draw within myself” to go. Father ‘You’re welcome here, too’ community, a pride that has only increased businesses and community members Nagel recalled the encounter in his The nightlong vigil ended peacefully. by the way that it and Father Nagel that are in their district,” said Reith of conversation with The Criterion. Father Nagel was unharmed and the responded to unrest that surrounded it. the firefighters of Station 13. “It’s their Duckett parked his car in a location only damage done to the parish was “You can close off and be suspicious, neighborhood.” far from St. John and went the rest graffiti spray-painted by protesters on or you can open up,” Makris said. “And She also noted how close St. John of the way by bicycle. There he saw the wall of its courtyard and parking lot. St. John is a great example of how came to being severely damaged by the Father Nagel in the parish’s parking lot, After Father Nagel posted photos of the to open up so it can show people the previous night’s fire. The car was parked “doing the unthinkable—standing guard graffiti on Facebook, parishioners from Church. We’re not going away. You’re under a stained-glass window that was over his parish and the most Blessed St. John, Our Lady of the Greenwood in welcome here, too.” †

Vatican official: Racism is a ‘spiritual’ virus VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Much like the coronavirus saying, “I can’t breathe.” He appears to lose consciousness or Special Care pandemic, racism is a “spiritual” virus that has spread die and was later declared dead at a hospital. Classified throughout the world and must be eradicated, said Archbishop Archbishop Paglia told CNS that just as people were Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. called to self-isolate in order to care for one another, racism Directory “I would compare [racism] to COVID-19, but it is a can only be defeated by people caring for each other. Trusted and Compassionate Care virus of the spirit, a cultural virus that, if not isolated, “Today we must start a revolution of brotherhood. We Serving people with Autism & spreads quickly,” Archbishop Paglia told Catholic News are all brothers and sisters. Brotherhood is a promise that Developmental Disabilities

Service (CNS) on June 1. is lacking in modern times,” he said. “In my opinion, ∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) The Italian archbishop commented on the May 25 death the true strength that supports us in our weakness is ∙ Residential, Community, Respite of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, brotherhood and solidarity. And just as it defeats the Call 317-236-1585 and PAC Services and the subsequent protests throughout the United States. coronavirus, it also defeats racism.” to advertise in The ∙ Staff screened and trained

Floyd, 46, was arrested by police on suspicion of forgery. The fight against racism, he added, is done “not with Criterion Kathy and Terry Huser Once he was handcuffed, a white officer pinned him down on violence but in the style of Martin Luther King, Jr.: with (317) 255-5700 the street, putting his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes. words, with culture, with faith, with humanism. It is www.HuserSpecialCare.com Career Opportunities Available A now widely circulated video shows Floyd repeatedly fought the same way we fight against the coronavirus.” †

Page 12 The Criterion Friday, June 5, 2020 Knights ‘praying for years’ for founder’s upcoming beatification

WASHINGTON (CNS)—Father for Catholic men has become the largest indicates the outbreak Michael McGivney, the founder of the lay Catholic organization in the world may have been the Knights of Columbus, may be an ideal with 2 million members and sponsors a result of a coronavirus. prospective saint for the current age, said wide range of educational, charitable and Anderson praised Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the religious activities. Father McGivney’s international fraternal order. The initial work on his sainthood modesty and “We’ve been praying for years for this cause began in 1982 on the Knights’ “dedication to charity to occur, and finally this day has arrived,” centenary. His cause was formally opened and unity and the he told Catholic News Service on May 27. in Hartford in 1997, and he was given the way he embodied First, he’s a pro-life hero. The miracle title “servant of God.” In March 2008, the good Samaritan” recognized by the Vatican paving the way the Catholic Church recognized the priest after founding the for his beatification occurred in 2015 and heroically lived the Christian virtues, so Knights of Columbus, involved a U.S. baby, still in utero, with a he was given the title “venerable.” originally a service life-threatening condition that, under most His beatification ceremony will be held organization to help circumstances, could have led to an abortion. in Connecticut sometime this fall—like widows and orphans He was found to be healed after his all other events, scheduling is uncertain in New Haven. At family prayed through the intercession of because of the COVID-19 pandemic—“and the time, Father Father McGivney. “The Vatican likes to sometime after that, we’ll be looking for McGivney, the son Jeffrey Rentegrado leads the rosary with other members of the Knights of be the one to discuss more details than another miracle,” Anderson said. of Irish immigrants, Columbus in the Philippines alongside a portrait of the Knights’ founder, that,” Anderson said. Generally, two miracles attributed to who was born in Father Michael J. McGivney, in 2019. Pope Francis recently approved a The Vatican announced early on May 27 the candidate’s intercession are required Waterbury, Conn., miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney, clearing the way that Pope Francis, who met with the board for sainthood—one for beatification and was an assistant for his beatification. (CNS photo/Spirit Juice, courtesy Knights of Columbus) of directors of the Knights of Columbus in the second for canonization. pastor at St. Mary February, had signed the decree recognizing Father McGivney, who will be the first Parish. He is buried in New Haven. Vatican Council. He created a universal the miracle through the intercession of American diocesan priest to be beatified “Father McGivney did not want to be call to holiness that gave the laity a way Father McGivney. Once he is beatified, he and has long been a hero of working-class the leader of the Knights of Columbus,” to be more faithful Catholics. He provided will be given the title “Blessed.” Catholics, can be viewed as a martyr of a Anderson observed. “He was at first the a mechanism for them to go into society Father McGivney (1852-1890), ordained pandemic. When he died from pneumonia group’s secretary and then the chaplain.” and make a difference.” a priest for what is now the Archdiocese complications at age 38 in 1890, it was Further, Father McGivney’s legacy of Hartford, Conn., founded the Knights during an outbreak of influenza known as also includes “the empowerment of the (The Knights have set up a new website of Columbus at St. Mary Parish in New the Russian flu in Thomaston, Conn. Some laity” through service projects, Anderson for Father McGivney’s sainthood cause: Haven, Conn., in 1882. The fraternal order recent evidence, according to the Knights, said. “His work anticipated the Second www.fathermcgivney.org.) †

much embodied creatures. totems of the new tribalism rather than a some embodied practices. Go for a long ROBINSON The natural result of such a forgetting prudent precautionary measure for limiting walk, plant a garden, stretch, run, lift, continued from page 8 is to seek identity in a group. This the spread of disease. We even see it in the pray on your knees. You might even feel explains much of the social dynamic Church, as traditional groups square off the passing threads of online tribalism likeness of God is an astonishing reality! online, a retribalization of humanity. We against more progressive groups in wars of fading away as you recall your true When we spend much of our time have returned to the chaotic dynamics of words (and images) online. identity as a member of Christ’’s body, engaged in activities that require very tribal living and the rancor online stems What gets lost in all of this is the reality the Church. little of our bodies (sitting at a computer in large part from the tribal warfare that that we are all part of the mystical body for eight hours, for example), we tend comes with trying to assert one’s identity of Christ. Christ is the head and we are (Brett Robinson is director of to forget the ground that supports our as part of a new collective. the members. Our identity is grounded in communications and Catholic media identity, our bodies. That is, until a That spills over into daily life as being part of a body, and having a body. studies at the University of Notre Dame pandemic reminds us that we are very physical symbols like masks become Take a moment this week to engage in McGrath Institute for Church Life.) †

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