WITNESSWITNESS Volume 12 Number 1 SUMMER 2012 Being Faithful Citizens in the Voting Booth

By Jason Hall health, to home, to work, to family, to culture—is ften, the tensions, distractions, and confusion false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic generated by partisan politics make it difficult to and fundamental right and the condition for all other O discern the appropriate Catholic approach to elec- personal rights, is not defended with maximum de- tions. In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the termination. (Christifideles Laici, no. 38) bishops of the United States give us some clear principles In an attempt to incorporate these teachings, two temp- to consider when making voting decisions. We must be tations present themselves. First, we might embrace an carefully discerning voters. We must not allow partisan loy- understanding of all issues as morally equivalent. However, alties, shallow political advertising, or economic self- this would be a failure of judgment. “The direct and inten- interest to be the determining factor in deciding for whom tional destruction of innocent human life from the moment we will vote. of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not How should we rate the importance of issues that divide just one issue among many. It must always be op- candidates and parties? Faithful Citizenship stresses the posed.” (FC, 28) The second temptation is to use the rela- importance of the virtue of prudence, the ability “to discern tive importance of big issues like abortion or euthanasia as our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right an excuse to ignore other issues which bear on the com- means of achieving it.” (FC, 19, quoting the Catechism of mon good. Though some issues involve difference of opin- the Catholic Church, 1806) The bishops also emphasize the ions as to the means of achieving a moral good, working importance of a conscience that is formed by right reason toward that moral good is the responsibility of all Catholics. and the teaching of the Church, which is absolutely neces- We may not all be able to be active in efforts to advance sary to the correct exercise of prudence. (FC, 17-18) every one of these principles, but we must do what we can Applying prudential judgment in light of well-formed con- and support others who are working on other issues. (FC, sciences, we learn that there are certain things that must 29) never be supported. These are actions or policies that are So, how do all of these principles apply in the voting “intrinsically evil.” The bishops list, as examples of intrinsic booth? The bishops will never endorse a specific candidate evils, abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, destructive re- or party, but they do have the pastoral responsibility to give search on human embryos, genocide, torture, racism, and us guidance. To conclude, let us summarize what Faithful the targeting of noncombatants in war. (FC, 22-23) Such Citizenship says specifically about voting. Our decision must things must always and everywhere be opposed, and can be made in light of a well-formed conscience, taking into never be justified as means to some greater good. account the “proper relationship among moral goods.” We Recognizing intrinsic evils as such, and understanding can never vote for a candidate who supports intrinsic evil, if the inviolability of human life, we come to see that we also our intent is to support that particular evil. (FC, 34) It is pos- have the responsibility of ensuring that the basic needs of sible, however, to vote for a candidate who holds unaccept- our neighbors are met. (FC, 24) These basic needs include able positions “for other morally grave reasons.” Those rea- “food, shelter, health care, education, and meaningful sons must truly be grave, however, and not merely a guise work.” Catholics must work to ensure that these needs are for partisan loyalty or an excuse “to ignore a fundamental met, however there may be legitimate disagreement as to moral evil.” (FC, 35) If we find ourselves confronted by a list the best means of achieving that end. (FC, 25) of candidates who all support intrinsic evil, we may choose The bishops then make clear, once again, that the duty not to vote in that race (an “extraordinary step”) or we may to work towards economic justice arises from the Catholic carefully deliberate which candidate is “less likely to ad- understanding of the sanctity of life and the dignity of each vance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pur- and every human person. As quoted in Faithful Citizenship, sue other authentic human goods.” (FC, 36) “In the end, Pope John Paul II taught very clearly on this point: this is a decision to be made by each Catholic guided by a Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made conscience formed by Catholic moral teaching.” (FC, 37) on behalf of human rights—for example, the right to WITNESS SUMMER 2012 2

Bringing the Catholic Voice to the Public Square Catholic Conference Board of Directors By Rev. Patrick Delahanty taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country…. Our staff’s goal is (CCC, 2240) to be faithful ser- Because this is a moral obligation, vants and not get in “ parish leaders can encourage members God’s way,” writes Ben to fulfill that obligation—”not get in God’s Warrell in his article way”—by making available voter registra- about the Gasper River Joseph E. Kurtz William F. Medley tion forms, sponsoring voter registration Archbishop of Louisville Bishop of Owensboro Catholic Youth and Re- events, and publishing this link to the treat Center which starts Kentucky State Board of Elections web- on page 3. site in bulletins so parishioners can reg- I found that an excellent expression of ister online: http://1.usa.gov/pSZggm. how God desires to come into our lives Not getting in God’s way and being and our challenge is to be open to that faithful servants doesn’t end on election coming and respond with our personal Roger J. Foys Ronald W. Gainer day. Those elected will be making deci- Bishop of Covington Bishop of Lexington “yes” of acceptance. sions. As Catholic we remain open to God In a presidential election year the can- working in us to help shape these poli- didates bombard us with ads touting cies so they work for the common good. themselves. Interest groups of all stripes Staff Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizens beg us to support a candidate that best speaks of this need for involvement: Executive Director further their interests, not necessarily the The Catholic community brings im- Rev. Patrick Delahanty common good for us all. All this chatter portant assets to the political dia- can get in God’s way, if we let it. Jason D. Hall logue about our nation's future. We Jason Hall’s front page article de- Policy Analyst bring a consistent moral frame- scribes a process for use by faithful ser- work—drawn from basic human Karen Chambers vants that keeps the door open to follow- reason that is illuminated by Scrip- Administrative Assistant ing God’s ways. ture and the teaching of the Suggestion. Reprint “Being Faithful Church—for assessing issues, po- Citizens in the Voting Booth” as a bulletin Related litical platforms, and campaigns. insert for the three weekends before the Ministries We also bring broad experience in voting on Nov. 6. This link to a page on serving those in need—educating the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Kentucky League for the young, caring for the sick, shel- website—http://bit.ly/Pyz9CV—hosts valu- Educational Alternatives tering the homeless, helping able material available for use in the par- women who face difficult pregnan- Harry Borders ish. The page also includes suggestions cies, feeding the hungry, welcom- Executive Director for homilies for Sunday, Nov. 4. ing immigrants and refugees, Many experience this campaign sea- Karen Chambers reaching out in global solidarity, son as tiring and just want to see it end. Administrative Assistant and pursuing peace. This weariness gets in God’s way and can To help Catholics live this challenge, lead to voter apathy. the Conference scheduled 19 events Few Catholics know what the Cate- found on pages 4 and 5 to bring the chism of the Catholic Church offers on Faithful Citizen community together to the obligation to vote in a section on the focus on issues with moral implications duties of citizens: facing Kentucky’s lawmakers in 2013. Submission to authority and co– Plan now to attend an event in your responsibility for the common good community and bring a carload of friends make it morally obligatory to pay with you. 3 SUMMER 2012 WITNESS Establishing a Niche in Challenging Times By Ben Warrell social media. Young people will create a Facebook page of their week and invite others who attended camp to hat an impact six join this page. Each day, I see campers sharing what’s years can make! As going on in their lives, the good and the bad and prayer W we begin our fifth requests for struggles of themselves or their families. summer of camp and our sixth We even have a group of campers who get together on year of having Gasper River Catho- Skype to pray the Rosary! lic Youth Camp & Retreat Center in The impact on our young people’s faith has been the Diocese of Owensboro, the re- tremendous as well. Our goal is to offer a place where sults of this ministry have been young people can encounter God and the Catholic amazing in several different areas. Church on a personal level. These young people (and The first is the impact the adults too) are so busy that they do not hear God’s call Ben Warrell camps and retreats are having on or His influence in their lives. When they unplug and our young people and their own personal growth. take the time to get away from the ordinary, extraordi- Camp is a leadership producing machine. Young nary things happen. You can’t respond to God’s call if people are placed in community and must find ways to you can’t hear it! work together to overcome various challenges — “Mass will never be the same for me again.” “I’ve Jacob’s Ladder, the Team’s Course, Rappelling, Zip-line, never felt love like this before.” “I had no idea my faith shooting the rapids in the river and just living in commu- could be fun.” “I want to share this with others.” All of nity. The skills that develop, especially self confidence these are camper comments from their end of the week and self esteem, are amazing. evaluations. I received an email from a father about his daughter. A young man who attended our Christmas/New “I was always worried about my daughter,” he wrote. Year’s Camp told us that he had never taken his faith “She’s been shy and didn’t have a lot of self confidence. seriously before; church was just somewhere he went After she returned from camp, I could see the change in for an hour a week. After his experience at camp, he her! It’s incredible.” posts scripture each day on his Facebook page that in- Another father remarked about the changes that he spires other friends. saw in his son, how he was more self confident, how he At camp, young people will celebrate mass every walked a little taller and how he seemed to believe in day, experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation and himself more. We hope to have each young person un- spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. In each instance, derstand their worth as a son or daughter of God and Jesus is made present to these young people. I had a how valuable they and their gifts are to the community. camper ask me once how to describe what they just Unity among our young people and their families has encountered in Adoration, expressing how powerful the been another benefit of the camp. Anytime a young per- experience was to him. I told him that it really can’t be son attends a diocesan event, they will encounter some- explained, it has to be experienced. one they met at camp. Whether it is Youth 2000, Na- And it’s not just young people that God is affecting tional Catholic Youth Conference, the Diocese of Owens- here. We have many adult volunteers who give up a boro Youth Conference, Christian Leadership Institute week of vacation to spend it here in service to God. or any other event, there will be a connection there. They feel that what they give is nothing compared to Even Bishop Medley has commented on this as he what they receive. travels around the diocese. Young people from Paducah We are blessed each year with amazing young adults will often ask to be roommates with a friend from to serve as summer staff. These young men and women Owensboro or Bowling Green whom they met at camp come from all over but have a desire to work long hours the year before. Communities are also created through with little pay to serve God and the Catholic Church. In fact, several summer staff have commented that they Ben Warrell is Director of the Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center for the Diocese of Owensboro. Continued on page 8. WITNESS SUMMER 2012 4

2013 CATHOLICS @ THE CAPITOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DIOCESE OF COVINGTON Saturday 9:30am— St. Patrick Bishop Jason Hall Bill Jones Nov. 17, 2012 12:30pm 110 E. 3rd St. Foys PH: 859-581-8974 Maysville PH: 606-564-9015 Saturday 9am— St. Joseph Heights Mtg. Rm. Bishop Fr. Pat Delahanty Bill Jones Jan. 19, 2013 Noon Sisters of Notre Dame Foys PH: 859-581-8974 1601 Dixie Highway Park Hills PH: 859-291-2040 DIOCESE OF LEXINGTON Saturday 10am— Jesus Our Savior Bishop Jason Hall Polly Duncan Nov. 10, 2012 1pm 315 Battson Oates Dr. Gainer Collum Morehead PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 606-784-4392 Saturday 10am— Sacred Heart Jason Hall Polly Duncan Dec. 8, 2012 1pm 703 Master Street Collum Corbin PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 606-528-5222 Tuesday 6:30pm— Pax Christi Bishop Jason Hall Polly Duncan Dec. 11, 2012 9pm 4001 Victoria Way Gainer Collum Lexington PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 859-245-8123 Saturday 10am— Mother of Good Counsel Fr. Pat Delahanty Polly Duncan Dec. 15, 2012 1pm 329 Poplar St. Collum Hazard KY PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 606-435-0171 Saturday NOON— Good Shepherd Bishop Jason Hall Polly Duncan Jan. 5, 2013 3pm 1050 Leestown Rd. Gainer Collum Frankfort PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 502-227-4511 Saturday 9:30am— St. Michael Bishop Fr. Pat Delahanty Polly Duncan Jan. 12, 2012 12:30pm 720 Washington Ave. Gainer Collum Paintsville PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 606-789-4455 Tuesday 6:30pm— Holy Family Bishop Jason Hall Polly Duncan Jan. 15, 2013 8:30pm 900 Winchester Ave. Gainer Collum Ashland PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 606-329-1607 Saturday 9:30am— St. Luke Bishop Jason Hall Polly Duncan Jan. 19, 2013 12:30pm 304 S. Main St. Gainer Collum Nicholasville PH: 859-253-1993 PH: 859-885-4892 5 SUMMER 2012 WITNESS

2013 CATHOLICS @ THE CAPITOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ARCHDIOCESE OF LOUISVILLE Saturday 10am— St. Catharine College Fr. Pat Delahanty Sr. Mary Schmuck Nov. 10, 12:30pm 2735 Bardstown Rd PH: 502-331-4545 2012 St. Catharine PH: 859-336-5082

Tuesday 7pm— St. James Jason Hall Sr. Mary Schmuck Nov. 27, 9pm 307 W. Dixie Ave. PH: 502-331-4545 2012 Elizabethtown PH: 270-785-6268 Wednesday 7pm— St. Aloysius Fr. Pat Delahanty Mark Bouchard Jan. 9, 9pm 212 Mt. Mercy Drive PH: 502-637-9786 2013 Pewee Valley PH: 502-241-8452

Tuesday 6:30pm— Mercy Academy Archbishop Fr. Pat Delahanty Mark Bouchard Jan. 15, 9:30pm 5801 Fegenbush Ln. Kurtz PH: 502-637-9786 2013 Louisville PH: 502-671-2010 Saturday 10am— Christ the Healer Fr. Pat Delahanty Sr. Mary Schmuck Jan. 26, 12:30pm 1610 West Stockton St PH: 502-331-4545 2013 Central Edmonton PH: 270-432-0686 DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO Tuesday 6:30pm— Lourdes Hospital Fr. Pat Delahanty Dick Murphy Dec. 11, 9pm 1530 Lone Oak Rd PH: 270-683-1545 2012 Paducah PH: 270-444-2444

Saturday 9am— Our Lady of Lourdes Bishop Fr. Pat Delahanty Dick Murphy Jan. 5, NOON 4029 Frederica St. Medley PH: 270-683-1545 2013 Owensboro PH: 270-684-5369 Saturday 9am— Sts. Peter & Paul Bishop Jason Hall Dick Murphy Jan. 12, NOON 902 E. Ninth St. Medley PH: 270-683-1545 2013 Hopkinsville PH: 270-885-8522 Saturday 9am— Holy Spirit Jason Hall Dick Murphy Jan. 26, NOON 4754 Smallhouse Rd. PH: 270-683-1545 2013 Bowling Green PH: 270-842-7777 WITNESS SUMMER 2012 6 Spiritual Ecumenism and Ecumenical Dialogue By Rev. Ronald Ketteler to dialogue, Blessed John Paul II stated: “If prayer is the ‘soul’ of ecumenical renewal and of the yearning for lessed John Paul II’s en- unity, it is the basis and support for everything the cyclical Ut Unum Sint Council defines as ‘dialogue.’” (UUS n. 28) (“That They May Be B The writings of Cardinal Walter Kasper, the President One,”1995), reinvigorated the Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Chris- Catholic Church’s commitment to tian Unity (PCPCU), have significantly contributed, both ecumenism. It identifies ecumen- in depth and in breadth, to ecumenical theology. ism (“the movement promoting In his theological reflections, Cardinal Kasper consis- Christian unity”) as “an organic tently integrated the theology of ecumenical dialogue part of her [the Church’s] life and within the broader perspective of “spiritual ecumen- work.” (UUS n. 20) ism.” The encyclical specifically In an address at the 2006 plenary assembly of the places the primacy of prayer as Rev. Ketteler PCPCU, Cardinal Kasper interpreted that seminal New the key component of “spiritual Testament passage on Jesus’ prayer for unity in John ecumenism.” (UUS nn. 21-27) It defines the concept of 17:21: spiritual ecumenism by quoting Unitatis Redintegratio “Significantly, Jesus’ words ‘that all may be (the Decree on Ecumenism, 1964): one’ (Jn 17:21) are not a mandate, much less “This change of heart and holiness of life, a command; they are a prayer, and ecumen- along with public and private prayer for the ism is nothing other than joining in this prayer unity of Christians, should be regarded as the of Our Lord and making it one’s own. That is soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and what the great master of spiritual ecumenism, can rightly be called ‘spiritual ecumen- Jean Paul Couturier (1891-1953), taught.” ism.’” (UUS n. 21) Cardinal Kasper considers the late Abbe Paul Coutu- As the "soul" of the ecumenical movement, “spiritual rier of Lyons, France (d. 1953) as “the father of spiritual ecumenism” encompasses conversion to the Gospel, ecumenism.” Historically the initial impetus of ecumen- fidelity to holiness, and prayer. (UR n. 8; see the Cate- ism was chism of the Catholic Church n. 821) Blessed John Paul “driven by a spiritual movement, by spiritual II developed an in-depth exegesis on the primacy of ecumenism, which is the power behind the prayer for Christian unity. Prayer must interpenetrate ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ started both the process of conversion to the Gospel as well as mainly by the Abbe Paul Couturier, the grand foster the desire for Christian unity. apostle and pioneer of spiritual ecumenism.” The late Holy Father emphasized that such a journey According to Father Couturier, Christ’s prayer for of the conversion of hearts must be guided by love and unity in the 17th chapter of John’s Gospel — “that all is “directed to God and at the same time, to all our may be one” (Jn 17:21) — was a “consecratory prayer of brothers and sisters, including those not in full com- Christ” which summoned Christians to gather in prayer munion with us.” (UUS n. 21) for a “unity that Christ wills, as he wills, and when he The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism wills.” calls for the unconditional need for interior conversion: In That They All May Be One (2004), Cardinal Kasper “The faithful should remember that they pro- judges that “the ecumenical movement is today at a mote union among Christians better, that in- turning point.” Consequently, ecumenical dialogue deed they live it better, when they try to live alone will not prove adequate unless the movement holier lives according to the Gospel. For the returns “to the very first impetus of the ecumenical closer the union with the Father, the Word, movement.” and the Spirit, the more deeply and easily will Concerning the primacy of spiritual ecumenism, Car- they be able to grow in mutual brotherly dinal Kasper states: “Ecumenical work, therefore, is a love.” (UR n. 7) spiritual task and can be nothing other than participa- In Ut Unum Sint the theme of ecumenical dialogue tion in the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.” [John 17:21] follows the section on the primacy of prayer. (UUS nn. He concludes: “Spiritual ecumenism is thus the heart of 28-39) With regard to the relationship of prayer for unity ecumenism.”

Rev. Ronald M. Ketteler, S.T.L., is Director of Ecumenism, Diocese of Covington Continued on page 5. 7 SUMMER 2012 WITNESS

Continued from page 4. of our faith in a positive and accepting way.” During the November 2007 consistory, Cardinal Accordingly, Cardinal Kasper upholds the indispen- Kasper delivered an address to the College of Cardi- sable role of ecumenical dialogue for the future. How- nals. That review, “The Current State of Ecumenical Dia- ever, theological dialogue will “only be fruitful if it is sus- logue,” notes several problematic developments which tained by an ecumenism of prayer, conversion of heart impact current ecumenical dialogues. and personal sanctification.” In a word, “spiritual ecu- Differing conceptions of ecclesial unity and ecclesi- menism” must suffuse theological dialogue. ologies revisit questions about the objectives and very Again, in his “Reflections on the Nature and Purpose goal of the ecumenical movement itself. of Ecumenical Dialogue,” Cardinal Kasper notes that In “Spiritual Ecumenism” Cardinal Kasper acknowl- ecumenism entails not only personal conversion but edges that over the decades of the ecumenical dia- also institutional renewal. From that standpoint, the logues “a basic consensus concerning the center of unity of the Church will be created as “the gift of God’s faith” has been achieved. Paradoxically this positive Spirit which has been solemnly promised to us.” Conse- development has “now reached the inner core of our quently, spiritual ecumenism and theological ecumen- differences: our institutional ecclesiological differ- ism must be ineluctably interlinked. ences.” Unresolved substantive doctrinal tensions lie Cardinal Kasper’s A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumen- ahead on the ecumenical horizon. ism (2007) is an invaluable resource for formation in More recently, the sphere of ethics is becoming the spiritual ecumenism. scene for new disagreements which encompass “the In “Harvesting the Fruits and the Future of Ecumen- questions related to defense of life, matrimony, the ism,” a presentation at a 2010 symposium at the Vati- family and human sexuality.” Such church-dividing is- can, Cardinal Kasper called for “a forward-moving ecu- sues undermine common public witness. menism, that is, through a spiritual dynamic of growth Nonetheless, in the light of these present chal- toward the fullness of life.” He closed with an exhorta- lenges, a common faith still grounds the possibility for tion: “Spiritual ecumenism is the true heart of ecumen- dialogue. This state of affairs of ecumenical dialogue ism. Let us go ahead with our sights set on Christ. In the does not justify polemics; rather, the ecumenical im- measure that we are united with Christ we will be united perative demands witness to “the richness and beauty among ourselves.” Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals n June 15, 2012, the Department of Home- There are many complex, legal decisions to be made land Security (DHS) announced that it will of- in applying for deferred action. The Catholic Conference O fer deferred action on a case-by-case basis to urges parish leaders, and others working with young youth who entered the U.S. before the age of 16 and people who may qualify, to urge them to see an attorney meet certain criteria. Deferred action is an administra- before filing any application with the government. tive discretionary decision against enforcement action, As we go to press the following agencies are assist- conferred under an Administration’s inherent authority ing in the filing of these applications. This list is not to implement immigration law and to employ prosecuto- complete. CCK will post updates at the website. rial discretion. Deferred action permits an individual to Catholic Charities of Louisville remain in the United States temporarily with legal 2911 South 4th St. status and to apply for work authorization, provided the Louisville KY 40208 person can demonstrate economic necessity. Deferred Contact: Aida Juric—Phone: 502.637.9786 Ext 128 action does not provide a path to permanent residence or citizenship. Maxwell Street Legal Clinic Under the memorandum, individuals who demon- 201 East Maxwell St. strate that they meet the criteria will be eligible, on a Lexington KY 40508 case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action for a pe- 859.233.3056 riod of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible NEW CLIENTS MUST CALL ON WEDNESDAYS to apply for work authorization. WITNESS SUMMER 2012 8

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Diocesan Camp Grows Leaders 2013 Catholics Continued from page 3. Needless to say, God can’t believe they get has more than fulfilled paid to see God working my prayers, hopes and @ the Capitol right in front of them! This dreams over the past sev- will also be our third sum- eral years. The Holy Spirit mer with a diocesan is moving here and mak- Schedule on seminarian on staff. Each ing exciting things hap- one has commented how pen in so many lives. their role as a part of the Our staff’s goal is to Pages 4 & 5 summer staff has con- be faithful servants and firmed in them their call not get in God’s way! I to be a priest! ask for continued prayers Summer camp is not for this place and the the only time of the year staff and all the guests that things are going on who come here for camps Plan Now to out here. God is having or for retreats. an impact on all our re- Please pray that God treat guests at other will continue to bless us Come and times of the year as well. and strengthen us to go Catholic Schools, facul- out from this place to be Please Bring ties, public schools, Bre- His hands and feet. scia University, Western If you’d like more infor- Kentucky University, mation about Gasper Your Pastor countless churches of all River Catholic Youth denominations, family Camp & Retreat Center, reunions and many busi- please visit our website at and Parish nesses have used the www.gasperriverretreatce facility to grow as a group nter.org or call our office or in their faith. at (270) 781-2466. Leaders