West Texas PERMIT NO. 44 SAN ANGELO, TX NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID US POSTAGE ANGELUSANGELUS LENT: It’s about more Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas than giving something up. Volume XXVIII, No. 2 FEBRUARY 2007 Pgs. 8-9 Midland woman retires to direct Catholic charity full time By Jimmy Patterson Hands, one of Midland’s Hardin’s role as E.D. is with- Editor leading charitable organiza- out pay. PO BOX 1829 BOX PO West Texas Angelus tions, founded by the Rev. “We try to help out our

Jim Bridges, pastor of St. clients with total need,”

DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO SAN OF DIOCESE ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE ADDRESS SAN ANGELO ANGELO TX SAN 76902-1829 Stephen’s. Hardin said. “We don’t really MIDLAND. Following a Hardin, a native of have any priorities in taking 40-year career in newspapers, Hudson, N.Y., refuses to take care of the poor. We kind of The Online Angelus Mary Hardin stepped down any credit for the running of follow Mother Teresa’s rule: Please stop by The Online from her advertising execu- the organization, giving it you take care of one person Angelus, updated Monday-Friday with tive position with the instead – all of it – to and then when you’re done, daily readings, events in the diocese, Midland Reporter-Telegram Bridges. Another thing she you take care of another.” Mary Hardin, right, and Fr. James reprints of stories in the Angelus, in January to assume the full- won’t take is a paycheck: (Please See HARDIN/6) Catholic News Service headlines, fea- time directorship of Helping Bridges of St. Stephen’s in MIdland. ture stories and any breaking news that may be occurring in the Diocese of San Angelo. You can find us at Pfeifer: W. Texas http://theonlineangelus.wordpress.com. YOUTH If your parish would like something posted on The Online Angelus, in the throes of please send the information to 2000 [email protected]. Father Solanus, originally from a drug epidemic Stories Welcome Midland, leads a We’re always looking for stories on discussion By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI West Texas Catholics at The Angelus. Sunday While it is somewhat easier to learn morning during The Present Situation of people in the diocese’s larger the Youth 2000 cities, sometimes the smaller towns retreat at St. The recent drug busts that netted some 50 and parishes seem to get overlooked. Stephen's in drug dealers in the rural communities of We want to try to include parishes of Midland. Story, Ozona, Big Lake, Rankin and McCamey—and all sizes in our coverage in The Photos/Pg. 4 perhaps others—have sparked comments by Angelus, but we often won’t know unless you tell us. PHOTO BY A Pastoral Message on the Drug Issue If you know someone who exhibits MARK STERKEL their faith in a special way in their day many that in these communities, and others, to day activities -- regardless where they live or what parish they attend -- Hungry Hearts: Conversion a lifelong process that the drug situation has reached epidemic please drop a note to proportions. From all reports that have been [email protected]. By Jimmy Patterson theory of Tom Zanzig (at received, there is evidence that many youth in Editor right), keynote speaker at the these communities are involved in heavy alco- Coming of Age annual Diocesan Conference hol or drug use and other delinquent behavior My first big failure with honesty SAN ANGELO. The deeper Day, Feb. 3, at the San Angelo that is detrimental to the well being of all the occurred at the ripe age of 7. A friend we dig into our faith, the hun- Convention Center. The con- people of these communities. In these commu- dared me to steal a pack of Sweet Tart grier we become for an even version process, Zanzig said, nities, linked to the drug situation, is domestic candies from the local convenience greater knowledge and under- is a lifelong process. store using a fake nickel if I wanted to (See ZANZIG/5) (Please See LETTER/11) avoid being banned from her jump standing of God. Such is the rope game at recess. I did it. / Pg. 13 From the Bishop’s Desk This is the fasting that I wish: A plan for Lent from Isaiah INSIDE ... Taken from Isaiah 58:6 Church has certain norms for fasting and Diocesan Briefs ...... 2 abstinence during the season of Lent, I National Black & Indian Collection...... 3 By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI propose here a plan of fasting as given ANGELUS Youth 2000...... 4 by the great prophet, Isaiah, that will Diocesan Dates ...... 5 The season of Lent is traditionally a truly help us to center our lives on Christ CENTERPIECE: Dioce-Scenes ...... 5 BioEthics with Fr. Thad Pacholczyk . . . . 6 time to center our lives more on the suf- and on loving our neighbor. Lent: More than Giving Something Up . . 8-9 fering and death of Christ, making more “This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: Lenten Coverage time for prayer, fasting and penance to releasing those bound unjustly, untying Family ...... 12 Pages 8-9 Just for Kids...... 13 prepare us for the greatest feast of the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the Coming of Age ...... 13 Christianity—the Resurrection of Christ The Back Page ...... 16 Bishop that we celebrate on Easter. While the (Please See PFEIFER/9) Michael Pfeifer Page 2 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus The West Texas Rwandan holocaust survivor to speak in S. Angelo Angelus By Becky Benes it, has changed my life forever. That book is Immaculee Ilibagiza “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Official Newspaper of the It was a cold, rainy and dreary Good Rwandan Holocaust,” by Immaculée March 8 in San Angelo Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Friday, 2006. My children were happily Ilibagiza. Immaculée is a survivor of the Presentation information: Immaculée will be POSTMASTER: Send all address playing in their rooms, the house was some- Rwandan Holocaust and she believes she the keynote speaker at the El Camino Girl changes to: what clean, the laundry was was left to tell the story of her people and her Scout Women of Distinction Award luncheon, WEST TEXAS ANGELUS washing and I was desperate spiritual experience to bring awareness and March 8th, 11:30 to 1p.m at First United P.O. Box 1829 Methodist Church in San Angelo; cost for this to escape. I searched the T.V. peace to our planet. event is $50. All proceeds support the El SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 to no avail, so I searched the The genocide began Easter weekend 1994, Camino Girl Scouts. She will also speak to the ______house for anything that could when the Rwandan President’s plane was public that evening at the First Baptist Church take my mind somewhere shot down. That very day the entire country from 7p.m. to 8 p.m. cost is free; however, there Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI will be a love offering for the Girl Scouts of Africa. else. shut down, businesses and schools closed, Fore more information, call Becky Benes, Publisher The only thing I found was tending the fields stopped and the business of 325-949-1450; [email protected] or Melinda a book. A book that was given to me as a killing ensued. The tribal Hutu extremists Springer at ECGS council: 325-655-8962. Jimmy Patterson “free gift with purchase.” A book about a began the slaughter of approximately Books are available at Trudo’s and Hastings. If you would like to send contributions to help Director of Communications tragedy in some far off place involving peo- 800,000 Tutsi tribal people in 91 days. underwrite this event, please send checks to El Editor ple I did not know. A book I had avoided for Camino Girl Scout Council, 304 W. Ave. A, San two months. A book that, since my reading (Please See IMMACULEE/10) Angelo, TX 769040 Kenneth Grimm San Angelo Standard Times Production Manager DIOCESAN BRIEFS ‘Courageous Love’ Member Courageous Love is a Bible Study on A letter from Bishop Pfeifer Catholic News Service Holiness for Women. You are invited to join a Catholic Press Association bible study for women that examines the FEBRUARY 2007 Texas Catholic News teaching of Sacred Scripture on women and Dear kind friends: the feminine pursuit of holiness for women of Pope Benedict XVI, in his first encyclical, God is Love (Deus Caritas Est),writes that Published the first Monday following all ages and walks of life. If you are interest- ”Love is the light – and in the end, the only light – that can always illuminate a world ed, please call the Our Lady of Guadalupe- the first Saturday of each month and Midland parish office, 432.682.2581, to grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working” (no. 39). delivered to all registered parishioners reserve your spot so we can order your study With a love that brings radiant light, Catholics in the United States help through the in the Diocese of San Angelo. book. This group meets Saturday mornings Collection to Aid The Church in Central and Eastern Europe to build parishes in at 10 am. many distant, unknown places. Your generous donations support seminaries, social Subscription rate for all others: service programs, youth ministry, pastoral centers, schools, church construction and $10 per year Job posting renovation, and the spreading of the Gospel message through the mass media. St. Stephen’s Parish in Midland is currently Your compassionate concern for the universal Church brings Christ’s light to people THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT recruiting for a full time Youth Minister. and places once covered by a pall of darkness. SAN ANGELO, TEXAS Qualifications: Bachelors Degree and 1-2 Spread the radiant light of love through your generous support of the Collection to years of paid experience working with youth Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe which will be taken up in the Diocese in a parish setting. For more information you Printed by the can log onto www.catholicjobs.com or contact of San Angelo on Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007. Thank you for your past gen- San Angelo Standard Times Dennis Robson, Pastoral Associate, erous assistance and pray for our sisters and brothers who are still striving to make A Scripps-Howard Company 432.520.7394 or email at [email protected] a new beginning in these former communist countries. coxmail.com. May God bless you and all your families. Submissions: Story suggestions, calendar items, Peter’s Pence Donation -- Sincerely in Christ and Mary, parish briefs and all other Bishop Michael Pfeifer has announced that Most Reverend Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, Bishop of San Angelo the 2006 diocesan collection for Peter’s submissions should be emailed to Pence to help the Holy See totaled [email protected]. $32,898.59, and the diocesan contribution for Kitchen. Volunteers are needed to cook, COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: 2006 for the USCCB Conference EDICTAL SUMMONS serve, decorate and entertain. We also need Case: Alldredge -- Vaughn No: SO 07/03 Third Friday of every month. Assessment and the ‘06 Canon 1271 boxes of chocolates. We will be feeding Contribution were $21,531 each, meeting between 60-100 people. Other needs: big The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese of Photos should be sent in jpeg format. 100 percent of the diocesan goal. pans of dessert to serve at the end of the San Angelo Nila Janan Vaughn and her where- meal, pre-packaged salads, help with the gro- abouts unknown. You are hereby summoned to appear before Letters to the editor are welcome, and World Day of the Sick cery etc. Every contribution helps make the On Sunday, Feb. 11, the Catholic Church event that much more wonderful. For informa- the Tribunal of the Catholic Diocese of San should be emailed to Angelo, 804 Ford St., San Angelo, Texas, 76905, throughout the world will celebrate the 15th tion contact Deborah Michalewicz at 657- [email protected]. on or before the 28th day of February, 2007. Mr. World Day of the Sick. The principle celebra- 4354 or 484-3365 or Rashda Khan at 949- Letters to the editor are printed at the Thomas C. Burke, MCL, JCL, to answer to the tion of this day will be held in Seoul, S. Korea. 1232. The Ambassadors of Peace and Love petition of James Russell Alldredge, now intro- discretion of the editor and identities of On this special day, the Church turns her is a group of a group of 2 Jewish, 2 Muslim duced before the Diocesan Tribunal in an action the writer are subject to eyes to those who suffer and calls attention and 2 Christian volunteers in San Angelo. styled James R. Alldredge and Nila J. Vaughn, verification. Please include name, especially to the incurably ill, many who are Petition for the Declaration of INvalidity of address and phone number when sub- dying from terminal diseases. There will be a Men's ACTS retreat Marriage,” said petition being identified as special ANOINTING OF THE SICK at the CASE: ALLDREDGE--VAUGHN; PROTOCOL mitting letters. St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in San 1:30 Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Angelo will be hosting a Men's ACTS retreat NO. SO. 07/03, on the tribunal docket of the Guadalupe Church and Shrine. Diocese of San Angelo. on Feb. 22-25 at Christ The King Retreat You may communicate with the Tribunal in per- Center in San Angelo. This is an unforget- son or in writing. Failure to communicate within Soup Kitchen Project table weekend experience to get away and the prescribed period of time will be considered The Valentine's Day Soup Kitchen project renew you faith with the Lord. Please register your consent for the tribunal to continue its pro- and the Ambassadors of Peace and Love are quickly due to the limited number of spaces ceedings in the above-named case. looking for volunteers to help with this year’s by calling Margie at Christ The King Retreat Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese of San lunch, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 11 am-1 pm., at Center (325-651-5352). Angelo on the 19th day of January, 2007. Wesley United Methodist Church Soup -- Thomas C. Burke, MCL, JCL, Ponens The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 3 Preparing to receive Christ worthily in the Holy Eucharist (Pt. 1) By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI Church teaching are among reasons to refrain from Christ is truly present. The priest, recalling the words receiving Communion, as the bishops clarify in this and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, consecrates the During their November, 2006 meeting, the U.S. statement. bread and wine, which are changed by the power of the Catholic Bishops published an important pastoral state- In this article, and in a subsequent article in the next Holy Spirit into the body and blood of Christ. This is ment on the necessity of preparing to receive Christ edition of the West Texas Angelus, I am sharing with you why the church has traditionally employed the word worthily in the Eucharist. The official title of this state- highlights of this important statement on the teaching of transubstantiation to describe the change that takes ment is “Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His the Church as regards what we should do to prepare to place. The substance (what something is) of bread and Supper: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the receive Christ worthily in the Eucharist. wine is totally changed into the substance of Christ’s Eucharist.” This statement stresses how all Catholics The celebration of the Mass is the center of the life of body and blood. While the appearance of bread and wine who are going to receive Communion should prepare the Church. The heart of the Mass is the eucharistic remain, the risen Lord Jesus is actually present, and so it well for the reception of the great gift of Christ’s Body prayer, for through this prayer Christ’s sacrifice is both is he who is actually received in holy communion—body and Blood in the Eucharist. It also outlines reasons when recalled and made present, and we give our thanks and and blood, soul and divinity. one should refrain from receiving Communion. praise to God. The consummation of the Mass, however, The Bishops point out that those who decide appropri- occurs in holy communion, when we eat and drink the WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING ately to refrain receiving Holy Communion, nevertheless body and blood of Christ. At each Eucharistic liturgy, UNITED TO CHRIST IN HOLY COMMUNION? participate in the Mass, because in hearing the word of Jesus speaks his healing word to us and gives to us his The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God and responding to it through acclamations, singing, life-giving body and blood—his very self. “the principal fruit of receiving the eucharist in holy and prayerful reflection, they can allow that word to help communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus.” This them to become worthy to receive the greatest gift Christ WHAT DO WE BELIEVE union encompasses at least three significant elements. has left His Church. ABOUT HOLY COMMUNION? Mortal sin, public scandal, and lack of adherence to Holy communion is a sharing in the eucharist in which Please See EUCHARIST/10

National Black and Indian Fr. George celebrates 30 years Father George Thirumangalam, CMI (order of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) celebrated Collection set for March 4 thirty years of having been ordained into the priest- By Bishop Michael Pfeifer the United States and in our hood on December 28, 2006. Diocese was overwhelming for Born in India in 1947, he was named Vargis. His Together we are the Church and this collection which was a big parents were Joseph and Annamma Chacko. He we help each other. We are espe- success and assisted so many of has one brother and a sister, and also has three cially the Church when we reach our sisters and brothers in a nieces and one nephew. out to help our brothers and sis- moment of crisis. He graduated high school in1963 and at that ters who are most in need and see Besides the continued assis- time joined the Carmelites as an aspirant to the in them the very face of Jesus tance needed for the hurricane priesthood. Three years later in 1966 he made his Christ. It is with much gratitude victims, there are dioceses that religious profession of the vows of chastity, obedi- Fr. George that I write to you for the past span the United States who every ence and poverty. While a student at the seminary from 1967 Thirumangalam, cooperation that you have given year count on the annual alloca- left, cuts his to the National Black and Indian tions from this collection so that through 1977 he completed studies in philosophy, economics, public administration, and government. 30th anniver- collection. Much of your financial they can continue the Church’s sary cake. assistance was given to work of evangelization, and Ordained December 28, 1976, he continued his studies and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Archbishop Alfred Hughes in developing programs that help Serving as ushers were three members of the our people with their education, Theology and graduated from the seminary in 1977. Knights of Columbus, they included Jerry Engler New Orleans and other bishops He attended graduate school and took a Masters their spiritual development and and Phillip Martinez of Brownwood and Arley where there was so much devas- Degree in English Language and Literature. In tation caused by the hurricanes their total human development. Maguinness of Brady. 1981 he took a position as a professor of English Some members of the local clergy association were and flooding. The financial assis- I ask everyone in our Diocese at the University of Kuriakose.He would serve in tance to the hurricane area cer- to be as generous as possible to on hand to lend support of the solemn occasion. that capacity for 18 years; at the same time, he Following the service, a meal prepared by tainly helped—but it will be a this 2007 National Black and served as pastor of a parish of neo-Catholics from decade or more before the evan- Indian collection that will be Robert Silvera was served to some 100 people. 1982-1987. From 1987 through 1999 he was a Father Joseph of Eldorado told the parishioners gelization ministry, liturgies and taken on Sunday, March 4. As I chaplain to a community of religious sisters (nuns). programs are back to normal. express my gratitude for your present that he and Father George were from the In 1999 he arrived in the United States where he same community; he added however, that he was In this letter, I encourage you to past assistance, let us make this joined the Diocese of San Angelo May 9, 1999. be generous to the National Black collection another good one, only three years old when the ordination occurred. After a six-week’s crash course in Spanish Father At the end of the meal Anna Alfaro presented and Indian collection that will be knowing that we are sharing in George was assigned as priest of St Patrick’s Parish taken up in our Diocese on March rebuilding the efforts of the Father George a framed copy of all his stops dur- in Brady. He served there until May1, 2001 at ing his priesthood. She also read and presented 4, 2007. This collection began in Church that has suffered so very which time he was assigned to St. Joseph's Parish the Church in 1885, and is the much. Most of all, let us ask him with a poem by an author unknown entitled in Stanton. He returned to Brady Jan 2, 2004. “The Hands of Holy Orders” oldest national collection and has God’s blessings for the success of He returned to Brady January 2, 2004. been serving the American Indian this collection and on the people The poem which recited in part the many sacra- Several area priests joined and assisted Father ments the priest dispenses with his hands, and Black communities without and many ministries who benefit George in offering the Mass. They included Father from your generosity. Part of it read.” We wish we could take you by even one year of interruption. As Joseph Vathalloor from the Eldorado Parish Our the hand and stand in the busiest intersection in I pointed out already, the collec- Lady of Guadalupe, Father Baskar Morugubi, St town and shout to the world, look everyone… this tion last year played a big part in Joseph’s in Rowena, Father Romanus Akamike of is our beloved priest in whom we are well being able to allocate special Your brother in Christ and Mary, St. Joseph’s in Eden, Father Michael Udegbunam pleased…. grants to the areas affected by the Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer from The Sacred Heart Church in Menard.Also Thank you for faithfully loving and serving us. hurricanes and flooding. The Bishop of San Angelo assisting in the service was Deacon Charlie Evans We are so proud that you are OUR beloved priest.” generosity of people throughout of Brady. Page 4 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus YOUTH 2000

Father Terry reads scripture to the youth during the Youth 2000 retreat January 27, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland.

Bishop Pfeifer dialogues with youth in the diocese about religious beliefs and young people. Youth, bishop have dialogue 560 youths experience Youth 2000 MIDLAND. Over 550 also from parishes in Hobbs, about religion youths representing 26 N.M., for the powerful parishes were on hand Jan. weekend of spiritual trans- By S. Adelina Garcia, OSF 26-28 at St. Stephen in formation. Midland for the Youth 2000 One young adult leader Sunday, January 7, 2007 young people gathered at Christ The King Retreat retreat, a weekend featuring said the most intense Center in San Angelo to meet with Franciscan Friars of the moments for her came when Bishop Michael Pfeifer on the National Renewal from New York. teenagers spoke to the crowd Study on Youth and Religion (religious The retreat also featured the professing they did not want beliefs and practices of young people). Rev. Fr. Solanus, an to attend the event, but had S. Adelina Garcia gave an overview of ordained Franciscan priest come away changed because the study to those present and then gave whose home parish is St. of the messages they had an opportunity for feedback. The after- noon gave Bishop Pfeifer an opportunity Stephen’s in Midland. received. to listen to what the young people had to “The building at St. “As one youth said, ‘I was say on the study. Stephen’s that had once been transformed, I felt unworthy, Holy Communion is The youth present affirmed many of a basketball gym was spiri- I bowed with reverence and offered, above, and the findings of the study. The adults met time spent in prayer, tually transformed into a wept,’ ” Robson noted. at left, at the Youth separately and expressed their concerns sanctuary with the actual San Angelo Bishop 2000 Retreat at St. in the area of youth catechesis and youth presence of the body, blood, Michael Pfeifer led a cele- Stephen’s in ministry. All expressed thanks for the Midland in January. opportunity to share their ideas with the soul and divinity of Jesus bration of the Eucharist as bishop. Both Bishop Pfeifer and the staff Christ,” said Dennis Robson, the weekend concluded and of the Office of Education and Formation Director of Religious he and seven other priests were pleased with the feedback and will Education at St. Stephen’s. were on hand to lead the take that into consideration in the min- “From all the amazing Sacrament of Reconciliation. istry to the youth. speakers and their phenome- Several Franciscan priests The day ended with Sunday Liturgy nal messages to the lively and brothers were also pres- presided by Bishop Pfeifer. Parishes rep- resented were St. Ann-Midland, Holy music it was truly a life- ent at the retreat, which nor- Family-Abilene, Our Lady of Lourdes- changing experience for all.” mally visits hosting parishes Andrews, St. Patrick-Brady, St. Ann- Youths came from every other year. Sonora, St. Mary-Odessa and St. Mary- throughout the diocese and Photos by Mark Sterkel Brownwood. The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 5

DIOCESAN DATES 5-8 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the Bishop’s Calendar King Retreat Center – Convocation of Priests DIOCEIOCE-SCENESCENES 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan D -S FEBRUARY 8 -- ABILENE, St. Francis – Pastoral Center–Staff Mass at 8:30 Bishop Michael Pfeifer, at right in Pastoral Visit with the Pastor and a.m.; Staff Meeting at 11 a.m. photo to left, blessed a new altar and People of the Parish at 6:30 p.m. 13-16 -- Private Lenten Retreat pulpit at Our Lady of Guadalupe in a 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan 18 -- ABILENE, Holy Family – special Mass January 6. The Altar Pastoral Center – Presbtyeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. was donated by Luis and Irene López, Council meeting 10:00 a.m. to 20 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the in memory of their parents Juan and 12:30 p.m.; 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. King Retreat Center – Lenten Luisa López, and Inez and Leonor –Sacred Heart Cathedral – Retreat for Diocesan Pastoral Staff Valenzuela. It was hand-carved by Workshop on Marriage for Priests at 10:00 a.m. Luis’ nephew Mario Lopez from by Father Robert Ruhnke, C.SS.R. 20 -- SONORA, St. Ann – Meet Juarez, Mexico. The Ambo (Pulpit) 10 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred with the Pastor and All People of was donated anonymously in memo- Heart Cathedral – Scout Awards the Parish for Dialogue on the Life ry of Fr. Bill Meagher, OMI, and for- Mass at 5:00 p.m. of the Parish at 7 pm mer Pastor of Our Lady of 11-13 -- AUSTIN, Texas 21 -- SAN ANGELO, St. Mary -- Guadalupe. The donation for the Conference of Churches Soup and Sermon at noon. refinishing of the chairs above was 15-- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan 22 -- MIDLAND, Our Lady of made by Ricardo and Cristina Nieto Pastoral Center – Personnel Board Guadalupe – Lenten Night of and Family. meeting at 12:30 p.m. Prayer with the Priests, Sisters, 16 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Deacons and Wives of the Pastoral Center – Staff Mass at Midland/Odessa Deanery at 7 p.m. 8:30 a.m. and Staff Meeting at 11 24 --MIDLAND, St. Ann – a.m. Meeting of the Diocesan School 18 -- MERKEL, Our Mother of Commission at 9:00 a.m. Mercy – Mass at 11:30 a.m. 25 -- SWEETWATER, 20 -- SAN ANGELO, Holy Angels Immaculate Heart -- Mass, 10:30 a – Presentation to RCIA at 6:30 p.m. .m. After Mass Meet with Pastor 22 -- AUSTIN – Give Opening and all people of the Parish for Prayer for Texas Legislature Dialogue on the Life of the Parish 24 -- SAN ANGELO, United 26 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Methodist Church – Ecumenical Heart Cathedral – Day of the Program – “Pilgrims on a Common Unborn Mass at 12:00 noon Journey” 27 -- BIG LAKE, St. Margaret – 25 -- SAN ANGELO, Rite of Meet with the Pastor and People of Election at Sacred Heart Cathedral the Parish for Dialogue on the Life Christmas Play at 2:30 p.m. of the Parish at 7:00 p.m. 27 -- BIG LAKE, St. Margaret – 28 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan On 17 December our Church, Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. Pastoral Center – Meet with St. Margaret of Scotland hosted a 28 -- SAN ANGELO, Mass at Diocesan Legal Team at 11:00 a.m. dramatic musical "He is Born - Newman Center at 12:00 noon 29 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Child Divine". The musical was Heart Cathedral – Chrism Mass at performed by the parishioners 11:00 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. Presbyteral under the direction of our Music MARCH Council Meeting Director, Mrs. Maryla Buck. The 1 -- SAN ANGELO, St. Margaret 30 -- SAN ANGELO -- American musical turned out to be a great – Lenten Night of Prayer for the Cancer Society at 11:00 a.m. success. The audience was Priests, Sisters, Deacons and charmed by the story and Wives of the San Angelo Deanery Necrology – March enveloping music. We would like at 7 p.m. 11 -- Rev. Leopold J. Bujnowski to thank Mrs. Buck for creating 2 -- WALL, St. Ambrose – Meet (1976) such a masterpiece and hope that with the Pastor and All People of 11 -- Deacon Albert Libertore (‘77) she will continue sharing her cre- the Parish for Dialogue on the Life 21 -- Deacon Frank Trudo (1992) ativity and musical gift with us on of the Parish at 7:00 pm 26 -- Rev. Serran Braun (1999) future occasions. 4 -- MERTZON, St. Peter – Mass 26 -- Deacon Audon Saldivar at 9:45 a.m. (2000) ZANZIG: Conversion is a lifelong process of learning, relearning (From 1) saying, ‘You’re doing great, but you can go even deeper.’ ” hungers, issues, needs; 7. Share your personal experiences Zanzig worked through a graphic that showed the model as your own; 8. Encourage their response to their awaken- “We can often forget who we are,” Zanzig said. conversion is cyclical in nature. Hunger leads to searching ings; 9. Pray for -- and perhaps with -- them, and 10. Give “Conversion is a relearning of what God has taught us which leads to awakening which leads to our response to up illusions of power and control. Trust them. from early in our spiritual life.” that awakening. In concluding, Zanzig said, “The goal of Christian conver- Zanzig called our yearning for a deeper understanding a Zanzig also outlined 10 principles for ministering to sion is not simply that we follow Jesus as we might a guru. “hunger,” or “a recurring sense that no matter how fully someone on a search, an outline that works well for young Rather it is the deep and profound transformation of who we we have said yes to God, no matter how good life is, there people seeking God. The 10 points to nurturing the seek- are as people that involves four steps: inspiration, imitation, is always a sense that something’s missing. That hunger, er’s conversion include: integration and identification.” he said, is often expressed through questions and doubt. 1. Get in touch with the real hungers of those who seek; JUST A MINUTE: Zanzig also recommended that in our busy Zanzig noted that some of history’s top spiritual authors 2. Look for conversion on many levels, not just religious; 3. days, perhaps the best way to pray is to block out prayer times and scholars have professed to experiencing that hunger Help them name their operative hungers, then share what 1 minute at a time, at points during the day that would nurture most when they have come from or are currently in a par- you see in them. 4. Explore ways they might search that are routine. “You can get a lot prayed about in just one minute,” he said, exhibiting just how much can be prayed about in a minute ticularly dark chapter in their lives. life giving and within reach; 5. Lift up, name and celebrate by observing several moments of quiet that were 60 seconds in “Hunger,” the Wisconsin native said, “is God’s way of their awakenings; 6. Tell them stories related to their length. Page 6 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus

Making Sense of BioEthics Pacholczyk: Final analysis shows rape no justification for abortion recall once hearing a story about a you, his 14-year-old daughter?’” The girl al assault represents, ultimately, a mis- ceived, she and her child need our loving philosopher who visited with a group and her classmates unanimously replied, guided response to a situation that needs assistance all the more. Sometimes in cer- Iof junior-high students at a private “No”. He pursued the same line of logic a to be handled with much greater sensitivi- tain bioethical situations, an apparently school in the Midwest. bit further, asking if it would be accept- ty and compassion. A kind of unexamined compassionate response may be offered He had a discussion able if, instead of 14 years old, she were emotionalism and anger can arise in these which is, in fact, profoundly unethical. In with them about ethics, only 2 years old, or 2 months old. Again, situations, directed towards the child, tragic situations like sexual assault, it can and offered a few argu- they said, “No.” Finally, he asked, “So even though the child conceived in rape be difficult to perceive the right lines, and ments to suggest that how could I say that I’m going to let is an innocent bystander, and a victim of to think with reason rather than emotions. direct abortion was abortion happen because of rape? If I per- the same awful set of circumstances as Oftentimes we may be tempted to always unethical and mit abortion because of rape, I am killing the mother. He or she clearly ought not be imagine that a child conceived by rape unjust. A 14-year-old a child in the womb for a crime commit- treated as some kind of surrogate for the would only serve as a reminder to the girl put up her hand and ted by his or her dad. Is that right?” His rapist. The real malefactor and culprit is mother of the original traumatic event she asked him if he would coherent and dispassionate approach always the rapist and never the child. The had suffered, and that she would be “bet- Fr. Pacholczyk make an exception for helped the students appreciate the need to perpetrator of the crime needs to be ter off” without that reminder. rape in his position scrutinize their own assumptions and apprehended and punished to the full Interestingly, however, in a study pub- against abortion. He put the ball back into move beyond emotionalism when impor- extent of the law, and insofar as sentenc- lished in March of 2000, that conclusion her court by asking her to carry out a tant ethical or bioethical issues are being ing for such crimes may be too lenient in was found to be invalid. David C. kind of “thought experiment.” He asked debated. certain regions or locales, our legal sys- Reardon, Julie Makimaa, and Amy Sobie her to consider the hypothetical case that Rape is always a grave and uncon- tem must vigorously work to correct it. sifted through nine years worth of testi- her own father became a rapist: “If your scionable crime, a tragedy of enormous Women who have suffered the indignity monies gathered by the Elliot Institute dad goes out and rapes somebody, and we proportions. If a woman becomes preg- of rape deserve better, and trauma ought and Fortress International to get a true convict him of that rape in a court of law, nant following sexual assault, abortion is not be layered with even more trauma. picture of the effects of abortion on a do you think it would be right for us to sometimes offered as a path to fixing the Our first obligation is to reach out in love woman who had suffered from the trauma then say, ‘O.K., because your dad is rape. But the decision to encourage a sec- and acceptance to the woman who has guilty of that rape, we’re going to kill ond trauma after the first trauma of sexu- been victimized, and when a child is con- (Please See BIOETHICS/10) Embajadora de Dios por el mundo HARDIN: Midland woman por Marilyn H. Fedewa -La Mística Ciudad de Dios refleja la más clara y sublime enseñanza y espiritualidad católicas que yo he leído de retires to lead Helping Creo con todo mi corazón que la Venerable Sor María siempre. Me ha ayudado mucho en la comprensión de vivió de forma desbordante la heroicidad de virtudes y Nuestra Señora y también en muchas otras áreas reli- Hands charity organization que a ella se le pueden atribuir muchos milagros tanto en giosas. (R.Grosh de Pennsylvania). vida como después de su muerte. (Criterios estos para -Las revelaciones maravillosas de María de Ágreda se han (From 1) declarar santa a una persona, según el papa Juan Pablo II convertido para nosotros en la fundación de una vida cris- en la constitución apostólica “Divinus Perfectionis tiana renovada. Estos volúmenes maravillosamente Under Bridges’ direction, Helping Hands has experi- Magister” del 25 de enero de 1983). escritos han profundizado el conocimiento de nuestra fe enced phenomenal growth in its short existence. In Y, puesto que soy una americana, puedo también ates- católica más allá de lo que nuestras palabras puedan 2000, 726 families were helped with rent, utilities, med- tiguar que el lugar de sor María en la historia americana expresar. (D.y E. Witting de Missouri). ical and transportation at a cost of more than $68,000. es destacado. Ella es la “Dama azul” que se apareció -La Venerable María de Ágreda está siendo un instrumen- In 2006, Helping Hands provided funding in excess of sobrenaturalmente a los americanos jumanos para predi- to de profundización en mi conversión. Ella aumentó mi $405,000 for 1,251 families for the same needs. During carles el evangelio de Jesucristo. Sus más de 500 biloca- fe en general y mi dedicación a la Virgen María. the same period, food, clothing and furniture needs ciones se recogen en muchos textos históricos del sudeste (B.Cadman de Londres). were met for 740 families in ‘00 and 4,738 families last americano. -Ningún otro libro, excepto la Biblia, ha contenido tanta year, at a cost of $214,000 and change. Sin embargo, además de los criterios formales para verdad para que otros puedan leerla.(M.Cioffoletti de “Fr. Bridges is Helping Hands,” Hardin insisted. “He proclamarle a una persona santa, creo que la esencia ver- California). created it in 1998 and bailed us out financially three or dadera de la santidad agredana consiste en la inspiración -Creo que es innecesario decir que la Ven.María de Ágre- four years when he actually ran out of money.” que la Venerable transmite para ayudar a todos a progresar da es una persona santa y que muy pronto lo reconocerá la Hardin said working with the poor is not always easy significativamente en el amor y conocimiento de Dios. La Iglesia. (C.Tucker de Michigan). and said those most heartfelt workers often have to estima más grande y el agradecimiento más profundo a -Me es imposible expresar en palabras cómo la obra de “become poor” in order to know where those in need sor María en América hunden sus raíces en la lectura y María de Ágreda me ha acercado más a Dios (A.Busceme are coming from. meditación de la Mística Ciudad de Dios. Esta biografía deTejas). “Father has lifted us up spiritually on those times devota y ferviente llena los corazones que tienen hambre -Uno mis rezos a los suyos para que la canonización de when we get down,” Hardin said. de aprender más sobre la Madre de Dios, para así conver- sor María sea pronta; será una forma de reconocer el tra- Helping Hands is itself helped by as many as 30 vol- tirse más ellos mismos a Dios. En América y en todo el bajo extraordinario que Dios ha realizado a través de ella. unteers at a time. Additionally many high school stu- mundo los nuevos convertidos y los católicos ya veteranos (A.Elliott de California). dents will help at the store to earn community service consideran esta obra como un regalo precioso y eterno de Hoy la Mística Ciudad de Dios nos ayuda a todos a hours. Dios. Incluso Mel Gibson leyó la Mística Ciudad de Dios abrir nuestros corazones y nuestras almas a Dios y así pro- Financial help comes from collections, grants, such as para preparar su película sobre la pasión de Cristo. fundizar en nuestra fe. Ésta es la herencia de santidad que from FEMA and Abell-Hanger, and merely from people En los cuatro años que lleva mi página web en la red, sor María nos ha dejado, y la que me ha empujado a pro- walking in the door giving a donation. muchas personas de los Estados Unidos la han visitado. mover su causa tan extensamente como me sea posible en “People see what we are doing -- we publish every- Ellos me escriben alabando la obra de sor María, como la América a través de mis escritos. thing we do financially, and we remain 100 percent vol- rica herencia que nos ha legado a perpetuidad. Sus testi- Primero publicado en el boletín #47, Convento de la unteer,” Hardin said. “I think people like to see that monios rezuman agradecimiento porque a través de ella Concepción, Ágreda, España Por Marilyn H. Fedewa when they contribute to us to help the poor, that reviven la importancia que tiene la Madre de Dios, www.cambridgeconnections.net/Maria.html every penny will go to the poor -- and not to a aumentan su fe y se sienten más cerca de Dios. salary.” The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 7 NATION/WORLD Youth activist expands message to reach adults too If we all take a

By Carol Zimmermann Craig Kielburger, with a young vil- Catholic News Service lager in Africa. step, a giant WASHINGTON -- Craig Kielburger, "There are a lot of factors why young leap for mankind the longtime youth activist who has people care," Kielburger told Catholic worked to improve conditions for News Service in a Jan. 12 phone inter- Catholic News Service young people around the world, is view from his home in Toronto just now taking his message to a broader days after returning from the site of a In an address to Congress on May 25, 1961, President audience: adults. future water project in Kenya. He said John F. Kennedy issued a bold challenge to the Maybe that's because Kielburger, his own generation came of age when American people. "I believe that this nation should com- who started the group Free the 24-hour news and the Internet were mit itself to achieve the goal, before this decade is out, part of everyday life. of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely Children, an international organization to the earth," said the president. "I believe we possess all to fight child labor, when he was just "We are truly a global generation," he said, noting that many young peo- the resources and talents 12, has run into adulthood himself at  EDITORIAL necessary," he added, but age 24. But as he puts it, it has more ple see what's wrong in the world and want to act. Over the years, young said an urgent time sched- to do with the fact that young people ule needed to be set to properly manage and marshal have a lot of ideas, but "they don't live people continue to be the main force behind Free the Children, but at the those resources. in isolation." Eight years later, the goal was realized with Neil He is convinced that to tackle the The Catholic brothers, who have led same time, the group also gets plenty of calls from educators and youth lead- Armstrong's "one small step for man, one giant leap for overwhelming problem of world pover- Free the Children for 12 years, primarily mankind." ty young people need support, coopera- through the support of youth volunteers ers wondering how to inspire youths. Last Wednesday on Washington's Capitol Hill, another tion and also a fair amount of inspira- and their donations, have seen their ini- To get to youths who do not realize challenge was set before the U.S. people-- this time by a tion from their parents, youth leaders tial vision of wanting to improve child they can make a difference and should, Catholic priest who was born and raised in Lincoln, Ill. and educators. They also need to do labor conditions mushroom into huge Kielburger calls on the grown-ups. Saying that society is judged by how it treats its poor, simple things on an everyday basis to undertakings: building more than 450 He realizes adults can be over- Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities make tangible changes around them. schools all over the world and providing whelmed by all the problems in the USA, launched an ambitious campaign to cut poverty in That's the message behind the new health care clinics and services in world and might want to protect and America by half. And he set a goal: the year 2020. book written by Craig and his brother, remote areas of Africa, China, Latin shelter their children from violence Using words very much reminiscent of President Marc, "Me to We: Finding Meaning in America and Sri Lanka. and hardships, but he also sees danger Kennedy's, Father Snyder said: "We must marshal the a Material World," published in 2006 The organization has set up alterna- in that. "Young people see the prob- strength and the collective will of our nation to take on by Simon & Schuster. tive income projects for those in lems anyway and if they close their this tragedy that affects 37 million people who are living poverty, sponsored entire villages, and eyes to them, they might close their in poverty in one of the wealthiest nations in the world." The book includes plenty of anec- We say, let's do it. And we believe Jesus, who repeat- dotes, including some from famous peo- provided systems for clean water and hearts too," he warned. sanitation. The group also runs a He advises adults to help young edly reached out to those at the bottom of society's ple such as Oprah Winfrey and retired social pyramid and urged us to "love our neighbor," Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu of youth leadership training program. people acknowledge the troubles that The brothers, who frequently speak exist and then give them simple ways commands us to do so. South Africa about what it means to Surely, if 1960s technology could get a man safely to make a difference in someone's life. It at youth conferences and gatherings, to help, including writing letters to soldiers far from home or collecting the moon and back, the minds and spirits of our new also is loaded with suggestions on have long relied on young people to millennium are sufficient to cut poverty in half. Father everyday actions that can make a differ- help them with their work and have food and volunteering at shelters. "Yes, we live in a world with pover- Snyder and the Catholic Charities' campaign even gave ence for a neighbor or a stranger on the succeeded despite a perception that us more than twice as long to accomplish the goal. street and ultimately change the attitudes today's young people are not con- ty, violence and fighting," he said, but The first step is raising awareness that we are in, as of those doing the good deeds. cerned with the global issues of pover- in that environment parents cannot Father Snyder claims, a "moral crisis" because of the ty and social justice. afford to raise "passive bystanders." need in our land of wealth. And that first step may prove the most difficult. But this month another Catholic organi- zation which has long labored in this quest, the Catholic Capitol Believers Congress more religiously diverse Campaign for Human Development, unveiled a new pub- Although the 110th Congress is religiously diverse, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien lic awareness campaign series called "The Poverty Line." 90 percent of its members are Christians. Catholic News Service Expect to see a lot of these well-done pieces. We hope Catholic Charities, with its established affili- CHRISTIAN WASHINGTON -- With one Muslim and two Buddhist members, the 110th ates around the country including our diocese, and 90% 155 Catholic Congress is the most religiously diverse ever. CCHD keep their foot to the pedal as they encourage 67 Baptist Catholics remain the largest denominational group in Congress, with 155 government and the private sector to move toward the 62 Methodist members -- 25 in the Senate and 130 in the House. But there are fewer goal. But what can the common Catholic do? Plenty. A visit to the Catholic Charities USA Web site, 43 Presbyterian Catholic Republicans in both houses since the 109th Congress and many 37 Episcopalian www. catholiccharitiesusa.org, will lead to a list of "20 more Catholic Democrats. things you can do to address poverty." The first step is to 15 Mormon In the last Senate, Catholic members were nearly evenly split between the 104 Other Christian pray for those whose lives are impacted by poverty. 8% parties, with 11 Republicans and 13 Democrats. Now there are 9 Catholic Don't skip the first step. But don't stop there. The Republicans and 16 Catholic Democrats in the Senate. remainder of the steps urge us to get informed, get % 43 JEWISH 2 In the House at the start of the 109th Congress, there were 129 Catholics -- organized and get involved. Other good resources are 57 Republicans and 72 Democrats. Although the total number of House found at the Catholic Campaign for Human OTHER BELIEFS Catholics in the 110th Congress is nearly the same at 130, the current group Development Web site, www.povertyusa.org. 2 Buddhist includes 42 Republicans and 88 Democrats. In Catholic Charities' bold initiative, there may not 1 Muslim Even Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., a Muslim who was sworn in as a mem- come an obvious historic moment when the goal is 6 No affi liation/ ber of Congress using a Quran once owned by President Thomas Jefferson, achieved. But whenever even one individual or family not stated was raised a Catholic. He became a Muslim while in college at Wayne State steps out of poverty, we believe it is one giant leap for ©2007 CNS University in Detroit. mankind. Page 8 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 9 Lent/Easter 2007 Calendar (But If you have to give something

FEBRUARY 21 up, try these ideas on for size) Ash Wednesday By Bob Zyskowski lane and extend it to every situation within FEBRUARY 25 LENTLENT ’007’007 The Catholic Spirit our families and workplaces. Waiting in line, 1st Sunday of Lent waiting on hold on the phone, waiting at a So, you’re looking for something to “give traffic light are all good times to say some MARCH 4 up” for Lent again, are you? Here are a few extra prayers, to start a conversation with 2nd Sunday of Lent ideas to take us beyond giving up candy or God, to listen to what the Lord has to say to desserts. Ash Wednesday this year is Feb. us. MARCH 11 21. Let’s not curse. We can vent in our minds 3rd Sunday of Lent It’s not just about giving something up if that’ll help get over a bit of anger, but MARCH 18 Let’s give up looking for a pat on the keep it internal. Let’s not give voice to our 4th Sunday of Lent back. This Lent, let’s do at least one thing anger, but instead give ourselves time to each day for someone who will never be think of something constructive to say. MARCH 25 able to repay us. When we get good at that, Let’s not pile on. When someone is being 5th Sunday of Lent we can try doing something each day for taken to task, rather than joining in hitting an MARCH 26 someone who will never even be able to easy target let’s think about how we might The Annunciation of the Lord thank us. help solve the problem we face. Let’s give up trying to be comfortable Let’s not talk about people we have HOLY WEEK all the time. Instead of seeking comfort, issues with. Let’s talk with them. Beats let’s find something to be enthusiastic about stewing and conjuring up questionable rea- APRIL 1 and put God’s gifts – our brains, our talents, sons for whatever it is that is troubling us. PALM SUNDAY our resources – to work on behalf of that Let’s not argue over small things. Let’s APRIL 5 activity, organization or program. save our passion and our energy for things HOLY THURSDAY Let’s give up trying to one-up others. that really matter. And let’s argue about There’s a Hindu proverb that goes like this: those things until others understand why we APRIL 6 “There is nothing noble in being superior to are so passionate. GOOD FRIDAY some other person. True nobility comes from Let’s not be bitter. Rather than holding APRIL 7 being superior to your previous self.” Let’s onto hurts, let’s decide to have a forgiving HOLY SATURDAY find something we can improve about us. spirit. Think of being bitter like taking poi- Let’s give up taking care of No. 1. son and expecting someone else to die. APRIL 8 Instead of thinking about how everything When we’re bitter, we only hurt ourselves. EASTER SUNDAY and anything impacts us, let’s worry first Let’s not be crabby. Let’s be able to about how others are going to be affected – remember Lent 2007 as the time when peo- April 15 by proposed new laws, by policies, by ple started noticing what a great, upbeat, Divine Mercy Sunday trends, by economic shifts – by our own pleasant attitude we seem to have every day actions and behavior. of our lives. May 17 Let’s give up being practical. Instead, ––– let’s be kind. Blessed Mother Teresa once Bob Zyskowski is associate publisher of The Ascension of the Lord said, “Kind words can be short, but their The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the May 27 echoes are endless.” Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Let’s give up being in a hurry. Let’s Pentecost Sunday show patience – start in a store checkout Guidelines for the Lenten Season Este es el ayuno que a mi me agrada: Un plan de profeta Isaias por el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer go de Pascua. Aunque la Iglesia el hambriento y recibas en tu casa al By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI ing obliges all Catholics from age 18 through 59. recommended. Abstinence on all Fridays of the year is PFEIFER: Doing right ‘will tiene ciertas normas para el ayuno y pobre sin techo; en que vistas al que Abstinence refers to the eating of meat of warm blood- also highly recommended. The Peace Pastoral of the La temporada de la Cuaresma es abstinencia durante la temporada de no tiene ropa y no dejes de socorrer With Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007, we begin the ed animals (e.g., beef, lamb, chicken, pork). Under the American Bishops, stating that prayer is incomplete bring light from the darkness’ tradicionalmente el tiempo para cen- la Cuaresma, yo les propongo, aquí, a tus semejantes. Lenten season, which prepares us to celebrate the great- present law, it does not include egg or milk products, without penance, urges Friday abstinence as something (From 1) est feast of Christianity, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ meat broth or gravies. The rule of abstinence binds all all American Catholics should offer for the sake of trar nuestras un plan de ayuno dada por el gran “Entonces brillará tu luz como el on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. Catholics 14 years of age or older. On days of absti- world peace. vidas más en el profeta, Isaías, que verdaderamente amanecer y tus heridas sanarán oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with sufrimiento y nos ayudará centrar nuestras vidas pronto. Tu rectitud irá delante de ti The time of Lent is to be observed by Catholics as a nence, those who are eating in a school cafeteria may eat Parents and teachers should see to it that even those the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; special season of prayer, penance and doing works of meat if it is served to them and there is no other main who are not bound by the laws of the fast and abstinence Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning la muerte de en Cristo y en amar a nuestro próji- y mi gloria te seguirá. Entonces, si charity. I share with you here the pastoral guidelines dish to choose. because of age are brought up in an atmosphere that is your back on your own. Cristo, hacien- mo. me llamas, yo te responderé; si gri- that hopefully will assist us during the season of Lent. The substantial observance of the laws of fast and conducive to a sense of penance. “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and do mas tiempo “¿Eso es lo que ustedes llaman tas pidiendo ayuda, yo te diré: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in particular, are the abstinence is a serious obligation. Those whose work or The faithful should be clearly and positively encour- your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication para rezar, ayu- ‘ayuno’, y ‘día agradable al Señor’? ‘Aquí estoy.’ Si haces desaparecer most important penitential days of the liturgical year. health impairment make the observance difficult would aged to receive the Sacrament of Penance during Lent. shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be They are days of both fast and abstinence. All Fridays in be excused from fasting and abstinence. The individual There should be adequate time scheduled for nar y peniten- Pues no lo es. El ayuno que a mí toda opresión, si no insultas a otros your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will cias para me agrada consiste en esto: en que ni les levantas calumnias, si te das Lent are days of abstinence. conscience can decide if there is a proper cause to Confessions before Easter. Communal penance services answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I The rule of fasting states that only one full meal may excuse. For more pastoral guidance on this point one should not be scheduled for the last days of Holy Week. el obispo prepararnos rompas las cadenas de la injusticia y a ti mismo en servicio del hambri- am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false Pfeifer be taken per day. Two small meals, “sufficient to main- may contact the local pastor. A more serious reason All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your para la fiesta desates los nudos que aprietan el ento, si ayudas al afligido en su tain strength,” are allowed but together they should not should be present to excuse from the Ash Wednesday Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then light más grande de yugo; en que dejes libres a los necesidad, tu luz brillará en la equal another full meal. Eating between meals breaks and Good Friday penance. shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall la cristiandad—la Resurrección de oprimidos y acabes, en fin, con toda oscuridad, tus sombras se conver- the fast but drinking liquids does not. The rule of fast- Self-imposed fasting on the other weekdays of Lent is (Please See LENT/15) become for you like midday;” Cristo que celebramos en el domin- tiranía; en que compartas tu pan con tirán en luz de mediodía.” Page 10 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus BIOETHICS: Almost all abortions IMMACULEE: Catholic survivor story miraculous (From 2) It was a time when Immaculee’s dad sought help that occur are unrelated to rapes from the local authorities, who were his friends, but During those 91 days, Immaculée and seven other who were also Hutus. Instead of help, they sent (From 6) women hid in a 3x4 bathroom in a house that was extremist to slaughter the Tutsis in his garden. searched regularly. The following 91 days were filled with unjust tor- of rape. They wrote a book that debunks the argument that abortion “I heard the killers call my name. They were on the ture, jeering, slaughter and death. The Passion and is necessary or helpful after sexual assault. Co-author Amy Sobie other side of the wall, and less than an inch of plaster Crucifixion. has summarized it this way: “The vast majority of the women (and and wood separated us. Their voices were cold, hard, Immaculée’s time in the bathroom was her time on their children) who responded advanced the view that abortion is and determined. ‘She’s here . . . we know she’s here the cross; she meditated, prayed, questioned and NOT a good solution to sexual assault pregnancies and that it often somewhere. . . Find her—find Immaculée.’ ... ‘I have fought away the demons in her mind. She called out leads to further physical and emotional trauma for the women. killed 399 cockroaches,’ said one of the killers. (silently) from the depths of her soul, just as Jesus Conversely, none of the women who carried to term expressed ‘Immaculée will make 400. It’s a good number to did “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” regret that they had chosen to give birth or a wish that they had cho- kill’ ... I believe God spared my life, but I’d learn (Matthew 27:46). She came to the realization that we sen abortion instead.” during the 91 days I spent trembling in fear ... that are all God’s children and that forgiveness and love In the final analysis, rape is unable to ever justify abortion, even being spared is much different from being saved ... were the only response to the horror surrounding her, though in every one of the more than 55 countries that now have and this lesson forever changed me. It is a lesson just as Jesus knew, “Father, forgive them, they know abortion on demand, the initial step taken was intense lobbying for that, in the midst of mass murder, taught me how to not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). She also experi- the availability of abortion in so-called ‘hard cases’ — especially love those who hated and hunted me—and how to ences the surrender of her soul. She thirsted for God rape and incest. Of all abortions performed, 99.96% occur for rea- forgive those who slaughtered my family,” Imaculee to fill her spirit with love and forgiveness and she sons unrelated to rape, so the very rare exception has been carefully writes in her book’s introduction. surrendered her life and her soul to God. Jesus said, employed to provide cover for all other cases. Playing the emotional For me, Immaculée’s story was and is the perfect “I thirst.” . . . When Jesus had taken the wine, he card has been largely successful in the public arena, reminding us of modern day Easter story. It is a story of friends and said, “It is finished.” (John 20:28-30). the urgent need for a more level headed and dispassionate discus- family who throughout their lives loved, supported Coming out of her confinement in the bathroom, sion of the real goods that are at stake. As former abortionist Dr. and cherished each other. They helped feed, educate Immaculée experiences freedom and a new life, res- Bernard Nathanson once put it, “If a part of a human community and raise each other’s children, and they celebrated urrected from the depths of hell. She was born anew, were not at stake, no woman should be required to undergo the each other’s successes despite an underlying current left to share the Good News of forgiveness and hope, degradation of bearing a child in these circumstances, but even of prejudice among the tribes. This is the embodi- spreading the message of peace and oneness with all degradation, shame, and emotional disruption are not the moral ment of the spirit of Jesus’ ministry and Palm people throughout the world. The Resurrection. equivalent of life. Only life is.” By respecting the life of the vulner- Sunday. Immaculée’s story has inspired me to say, “Yes” to able and innocent child, we steer clear of the grave error in reason- When Immaculate arrives home with her family, God, to spread the message of love, hope and peace; ing that tries to suggest that evil can justify further evil. True com- the children want to discuss the increasing unrest and to raise the awareness of the global injustices; and to passion invites us to suffer with, to be present to, and to aid the vic- negative propaganda against the Tutsi people spread- make a difference in the lives of others. This new tims of sexual assault, by offering them our unconditional love, ing throughout their country, yet her father only awakening and awareness within me inspired the acceptance, and support, rather than short-circuiting the situation in wants to celebrate and embrace his family at supper. idea for Immaculée to come to San Angelo to share favor of easy and inauthentic “solutions.” This was to be their Last Supper. her poignant and powerful message. Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuro- After the death of the President, thousands of Tutsis It is with humble thanks to the El Camino Girl science from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a gathered in Immaculée’s family’s yard seeking Scout Council who said, “Yes!” to the idea and to the priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of refuge, hope, and direction. This was a time of delib- many donors who have graciously given their time Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in eration, prayer and agony. Jesus’ agony in the and money to support her visit. Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org. Garden. EUCHARIST: Faithful encouraged to receive communion frequently and worthily (From 3) with Christ in receiving holy communion, upon those who receive it worthily, the nates in the reception of holy communion. so we are also united with one another. Catholic Church encourages all of the Participating in the “Because the loaf of bread is one, we, faithful to receive it frequently and worthi- SHOULD WE EVER REFRAIN One Sacrifice of Christ though many, are one body, for we all ly. “It is clear that the frequent or daily FROM RECEIVING COMMUNION? Jesus, our great high priest, lovingly partake of the one loaf” (l Cor.l0:l7). reception of the blessed eucharist increases In virtue of our membership in the offered his own life on the cross as a holy union with Christ, nourishes the spiritual Catholic Church, we are ordinarily free to sacrifice to the Father for our sins. As the Sharing in Jesus’ Resurrection life more abundantly, strengthens the soul receive holy communion. In fact it is spotless “Lamb of God, who takes away and Divinity in virtue and gives the communicant a most desirable that we receive the Lord’s the sin of the world” (Jn.1:29), Jesus In holy communion we receive the risen stronger pledge of eternal happiness.” body and blood, so that holy communion established the everlasting covenant— and glorified Jesus, who once died upon stands out clearly as a participation in the “the new covenant in my blood” the cross for us. Thus, we are nourished WHO MAY RECEIVE sacrifice actually being celebrated. (Lk.22:20)—with the Father. here and now on Jesus’ own risen life and HOLY COMMUNION? Indeed, we should all cherish the grace so become a new creation in him (see 2 Through baptism and our shared faith in given to us in the eucharist. We should Communion With One Another Cor. 5:17). Holy communion, then, antici- the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we become strive to receive holy communion regular- The reception of holy communion is an pates and is a pledge of our own bodily members of the visible church under the ly, gratefully and worthily. act of the church as the body of Christ. resurrection, when we will share fully in apostolic authority of the pope and bishops. We may find ourselves in situations, While we each personally receive holy the heavenly banquet of everlasting life. The celebration of the eucharist expresses however, where an examination of our communion, it is not a private devotion. As Jesus stated: “Whoever eats my and enacts this communion in Christ. conscience before God reveals to us that Rather, the reception of holy communion flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, With few exceptions, only those who we should refrain from partaking of the is an integral part of our worship as a and I will raise him on the last day…[For] are members of the Catholic Church may body and blood of Christ. Moreover, we community of faith. whoever eats my flesh and drinks my receive holy communion at a Catholic should be cautious when making judg- Likewise, the term communion accentu- blood remains in me and I in him” Eucharistic liturgy. Being baptized and ments about whether or not someone else ates the fact that in receiving holy com- (Jn.6:54,56). sharing in the church’s faith are therefore should receive holy communion. [As this munion we are united to Jesus and thus to Because the reception of holy commun- conditions for full participation in the is a rather lengthy article, it will be con- one another. As we become one body ion is able to have such a profound effect sacrament of the eucharist, which culmi- tinued in the next edition of the Angelus.] The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 11 LETTER (From 1) from the Odessa records department. influence of drugs or alcohol when they us inspiration, guidance and direction to From 2000 until 2005, there was an committed their crime. While much, if not deal with the current drug crisis. To deal violence. In one school, all 9th graders increase in the arrests for drug crimes. most, of the drugs come from Mexico, the with this critical issue the Church can indicated they had experienced or knew The police narcotics division points out greater Fort Worth area serves primarily offer support to the family, work towards someone who had experienced domestic there is a relation between the economy as a drug distribution and shipment point building community, refer people to agen- violence. Recent information received and drug usage. When the economy is for West Texas. The Houston area is cies that can help and teach parenting from the other cities and towns of the 29 doing well, people are more prone to buy another big distribution hub for our area. skills, communication skills to adults and counties that make up the Diocese of San drugs. The most prevalent drugs in the According to the U.S. Department of counseling. Angelo indicate that we are dealing with area are: cocaine, both power and crack; health and Human Services, approximate- In our Catholic schools, our drug pre- the tip of a huge iceberg of evil, a serious heroin and marijuana. Most of this comes ly 40% of adults will use an illegal drug vention curriculum should include basic drug problem throughout West Texas. from Mexico. Also, LSD seems to be at some time in their lives. This leads to messages of our faith about being chil- Sadly, this is an issue that many peo- making a comeback. In Midland County, involvement in crime, high-risk sexual dren of God and respecting life. Along ple are not willing to address or feel help- there have been 1,400 arrests for drug behavior, accidents and injuries. High at- with the curriculum, there must be a less to take any action to help resolve. violations for 2006. Of those arrests, the risk groups like teenagers and young strong commitment on the part of pastors, However, as responsible citizens and greatest offenders at 9% of the total were adults are more likely than others to have principals, teachers, the entire parish Christians, we are called to be more 19 years of age. About 30% of all arrests problems. What drives the terrible evil of community as well as the students them- proactive and to take a community stance were young adults between 18-21 years the drug business is greed and unscrupu- selves. based on the Gospel of Christ against this of age. For those over 25, the number of lous people who play on the dimension of Jesus said, “I have come that you evil that is having a serious detrimental offenders drops off. In the age range 30 to peer pressure among youth, fast money might have life and have it in the fullest.” effect on families and especially on our 45, the number of arrests is still substan- making, addiction, and manipulating of We, as Church, are called to directly youth in West Texas. When I travel the tial and fairly flat. the emotions of youth who are experienc- address the problem of drug abuse in our Diocese to celebrate Confirmation, I As regards the seriousness of the drug ing family problems. Another major fac- society for it directly conflicts with the always meet with the youth alone before problem, one of our Church leaders points tor in the horrible drug culture is the idea of living our life in Christ to the Mass. As I ask them about the prevalence out that Coleman County and the city of influence of gangs, particularly among fullest. The Catholic Church is very clear of drugs, usually about 75% say they Coleman have had a drug problem for a youth with family or acceptance issues. about its position on this matter. The know other youth who use or push drugs. long time. He indicates that the manufac- These figures are very disturbing and Catechism of the Catholic Church states The report from the San Angelo drug turing of meth is easy and extensive, and indicate that we, as a community need to that “Life and physical health are pre- statistics indicate that for the city of San several labs have been raided in the past do more to give our youth the tools they cious gifts entrusted to us by God” Angelo from November 2005-November few years. need to make responsible decisions to [No.2288], and that “the use of drugs 2006, 58% of narcotics arrests were youth A Church official states that the drug resist using drugs and alcohol. While inflicts very great damage on human and young people, ages 14-26; 40% are situation in Mitchell County is very bad, much is being done in some of our com- health and life.” [No.2291] The ages 27-50. It is very disturbing that the centered mostly in and around Colorado munities to educate our youth about the Catechism goes on to state that “The pro- 14-26 year age group covers a 12-year City. He points out that meth and crystal danger of drug abuse, it is obvious that duction of and trafficking in drugs are span—half that of the 27-50 year age are the two types of drugs that are distrib- education alone is not working. Perhaps scandalous practices. They constitute group, but represents 50% more arrests uted in and around the area. This official one of the primary shortcomings in our direct co-operation in evil, since they than the older group. Information from goes on to say that the local churches are drug education program is similar to a encourage people to practices gravely the city of San Angelo also indicates that trying to make people aware of the dan- methodological problem that we have contrary to the moral law.” [No.2291] during 2005, marijuana and meth ger of drug abuse, but points out that ser- addressed in our catechetical program in The recent United States Catholic accounted for 98% of the drug seizures. mons do not convince a drug addict to the past—namely that the focus on drug Catechism for Adults tells us that the During 2006, 80% of the drugs seizures give up the use of drugs. Some time spent education must do more than impart Fifth Commandment is a commandment were marijuana and 14% were meth, rep- in jail or prison can awaken them to the information; it must strive to promote for- that promotes a culture of life, and that it resenting 94% of the drug seizures for the realities. Students in local schools are mation—a change in attitude and lifestyle forbids other sins that are harmful to our year. warned of the consequences of drug of young people to empower them to health and total human well-being such as The drug culture has infiltrated practi- abuse and the authorities are on the look make appropriate life choices. I am con- the use of drugs or the abuse of alcohol. cally all cities and towns of our Diocese. out for any presence of drugs in the facili- vinced that a formational approach like The words “Thou shall not kill” ring loud Texas Ranger Brooks Long who covers ty. we use in our catechetical process holds and clear when we see the devastation several counties points out that illegal Church representatives from the the key to success in drug education and death caused by those who prey upon drugs are relatively easy to attain but they Abilene area point out that crystal meth is efforts. Catechesis—religious education— others in the sale of illegal drugs. are very expensive because of the manu- more common among the Hispanic com- needs to connect faith with lived experi- The Challenge of Adolescent facturing process, so the more common munity. It is cheap, easy to obtain and ence. Catechesis provides us with one of the drug that is being produced and offered is purchase from outside sources. They go most important aspects of youth catech- methamphetamine, commonly known as on to say that marijuana is still the most Our Catholic Faith esis; and that is to help youth improve meth. The components for creating meth widely used drug. In 2005 in the city of Offers us Guidance and Hope their life decision-making skills to are readily available in most homes. Abilene, there were over 1,270 investiga- What can we do to address this critical empower them to make wise choices Because of its low manufacturing cost, tions associated with potential drug viola- situation? Already, some steps have been when it comes to morals and moral deci- meth is becoming the preferred drug and tions. taken. I have personally attended meet- sions. The document, “Renewing the is very addictive. Youth are also the pre- The reports from Fort Stockton area ings and have asked the Pastors and Vision” tells us that we must foster the ferred target for those who sell meth. As sadly point out that illegal drugs are ram- Pastoral Councils of the parishes of the total personal growth of each person— an example, a packet of meth sells for pant in this area. Cocaine is widely used, affected communities to meet with par- physical, emotional, intellectual and spiri- approximately one fourth the cost of a and most drugs are from Ojinaga Mexico. ents, youth, school officials, law enforce- tual. It also tells us that effective ministry packet of cocaine. The Ranger points out Deacon Bob Leibrecht, who heads the ment, government, church leaders, busi- promotes collaboration with leaders, that people using meth experience rapid criminal justice ministry for the Diocese nesses, media, and other agencies to focus agencies, and congregations in the wider radical changes in their lifestyles, often of San Angelo, points out that in the on how all of us as people of faith pray- community to not only share information, leading to hallucinations, belligerence, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 54% of the ing and working together can combat this but to promote total formation and devel- and violent aggression. Meth can kill in prison population has been charged with evil, and hopefully to make our communi- opment. Our Catholic teaching and cele- just a few years. drug offenses. Within the Texas Dept. of ties drug free. It was very encouraging to bration of our faith in the Eucharist and A report from one of our priests from Criminal Justice, 25% of the population is see large numbers of citizens from differ- the Sacraments of Confirmation and the south side of Odessa points out the incarcerated for drug/alcohol offenses, ent communities at recent meetings. Reconciliation offer us the direction and following facts from information acquired and another 50% say they were under the Our Catholic faith and teaching offers (Please See PASTORAL/14) Page 12 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus FAMILY From the Easy Chair Without love, we can do nothing, be nothing By Jimmy Patterson move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your friends, even love give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over of your dog or your cat. And we talked about love of again stand wowed by the youth of today. so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. yourself and how if it is not handled properly it becomes You hear so many stories filled with the darkness in Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is pride and that can easily be a destructive kind of love. Iteenagers, but I'll go out on a limb and venture a not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not I told them love of self can and often does stand in the guess and say that most of them are seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does way of love of others who are more important. pretty good people. Like adults, they not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdo- Happened to me. While it's great to have your hopes and just want to know they are heard and ing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, dreams, I told the kids not to be so all-consuming in that their opinions are valid. believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. their desire to achieve those hopes and dreams that they The other night at our Bible study When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a forget love of others. If you want to be a writer, for we focused on love. Aside from being child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put example, don’t put all your focus on writing a book if the most powerful emotion in the aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as your family stands the chance of suffering while all you world, aside from love being what in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know par- do is sit and work on the computer at night. Bad thing. makes the world go around, aside from tially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So And they understood, and even more so I think they the word love being used in tens of Patterson faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of appreciated hearing from an adult who is flawed; from thousands of songs, and why we do these is love. an adult who has messed up his share of times and not most everything we do in spite of not having nearly Breathtakingly beautiful in scope and meaning, Paul's an adult who is better or above them. enough of it, "love" was also the focus of the second words in 1st Corinthians are as valid or more so today We are all on the same level. Being God's children, we reading. In fact, that weekend's reading happens to con- than they were almost 2,000 years ago. all deserve respect, honesty, effort, forgiveness ... and tain some of the most beautiful and meaningful words So, we talked about love that night, the teenagers and love. We have to be equal in those regards or young peo- ever written: I. And we talked about how love is the most important ple will turn us off faster than anyone with an ounce of If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not thing you can have or hope to have. We talked about the sanity can flick off "The Maury Povich Show." have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. different kinds of love and it was nothing new to any of Kids can see a fake a mile away. The key then is real And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all these guys, who ranged in age from 14 to 18, both male mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to and female. Familial love, romantic love, love of God, Please See PATTERSON/16 Bill & Monica Dodds God shows up in unexpected ways! By Bill and Monica Dodds was that giving and receiving care feel called to pray for the needs of Catholic News Service are both vocations. your parish. You may want to pray The model that FSJC uses is the about what you read in the newspa- Nobody likes being sick. Nobody scene at the foot of the cross where per or what you hear on the news. likes being frail. Nobody likes being Mary is "Our Lady in Need." A Ultimately, your example of stead- in chronic pain or disabled. Nobody widow losing her only child, she has fast faith in the midst of suffering likes being dependent on others. no one primarily responsible for tak- can be a lasting gift to family and Nobody likes ing care of her in her later years. friends. What younger person, hav- being a "care From the cross, so close to death, ing witnessed the grace-filled final receiver." That's the Lord asks St. John the apostle to days of a parent or grandparent, can- a term the two meet that need. And he asks his not be attracted to that same faith?" of us have mother to accept John's help. begun to hear In every parish, there are those The World Day of the Sick and to use more who -- because of poor health, a Since 1992, the Catholic Church and more. Last chronic condition or the frailty of has celebrated World Day of the fall we visited age -- are in need. Sick on Feb. 11 (the feast of Our parishes Today the Lord asks others to be Lady of Lourdes) under the sponsor- throughout caregivers. He asks those who need ship of the Pontifical Council for western Bill & Monica Dodds help to accept it. Health Care Ministry. Washington Each vocation has its challenges. It was established to: state in our work with the Friends of Each has its blessings. Each has its 1. Remind people to pray for those St. John the Caregiver, a Catholic duties. who are sick. organization that promotes care for The U.S. Catholic bishops talked 2. Invite Christians to reflect on family caregivers. about the vocation of care receiver and respond to human suffering. We spoke to general audiences, to in their 1999 document "Blessings 3. Recognize and honor all who caregivers and to extraordinary dis- of Age." They noted: work in health care and serve as Answers tributors of the Eucharist who bring "Even if you are frail or home- caregivers. Communion to the sick and home- bound, your service to others can Pope Benedict XVI has chosen 1. Genesis; 5. Revelation; bound. And we listened to what continue. You may now have the Seoul, South Korea, to host World 2. Psalms; 6. Acts; members of each group had to say time to admire a child's drawings or Day of the Sick 2007. This year's 3. Job; 7.Isaiah; about their family, their ministry, praise a report card. You may be theme is "The Spiritual and Pastoral 4. Luke; 8. Exodus. their care receivers. able to speak more honestly with Care of Patients With Incurable What we said, and what we heard, family members or friends as they Illnesses." deal with sensitive issues. You may The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 13 JUST 4 KIDS Jesus amazes people with words of wisdom Jesus was in the synagogue on the ers of Israel, but only Naaman, who Sabbath day. Someone handed him lived in Syria. a scroll, which contained a passage When the people heard these from the prophet Isaiah. Jesus words, they no longer praised the unrolled the scroll and read out loud. gracious words of Jesus. Instead "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, they felt insulted and became very because he has anointed me to bring angry. They rose up not as a group, glad tidings to the poor. He has sent but as a mob that wanted to hurt me to proclaim liberty to captives and Jesus. They tried to take him to the recovery of sight to the blind, to let top of a nearby hill and throw him off READ MORE ABOUT IT Some of the plant-based and herbal the oppressed go free and to pro- it, but the Spirit protected Jesus, and Luke 4 medicines discovered so many years claim a year acceptable to the Lord." he walked through the crowd of peo- Q&A ago still are used today because of their Jesus rolled the scroll back up and ple without being noticed, and he left 1. What did Jesus say after he read effectiveness. Some of the medical handed it to the attendant. Then he in safety. from the scroll? practices used today may seem strange looked at the people in the syna- After leaving the synagogue, Jesus 2. Who did the unclean spirit say to the people of the future. gogue and said to them, "Today this went to Capernaum, which is in Jesus was? Let us always pray to God for good health. Scripture passage is fulfilled in your Galilee. BIBLE ACCENT hearing." Once again he amazed the people If someone was sick during the time Everyone was amazed by what there with his words of wisdom. of the Old Testament, there was no clin- PUZZLE Jesus said, and how politely and A man with an unclean spirit chal- ic or hospital to go to. There were no Choose the Books of the Bible from respectfully he spoke to them. They lenged Jesus by saying: "What have doctors as we know them today either. the titles below that correctly answer the also asked each other, "Isn't this the you to do with us, Jesus of Most medicines they had at the time following statements. Not all names in were made from herbs and other plants the list will be used. son of Joseph?" Nazareth? Have you come to destroy and certain oils. Olive oil and sometimes Psalms -- Exodus -- Timothy -- Luke -- Jesus, knowing the thoughts and us? I know who you are -- the Holy honey were used as salves to treat Revelation -- Noah -- Genesis -- Acts -- questions of the people, said: "Surely One of God." wounds, and wine was one of the few Isaiah -- Job -- Esther you will quote me this proverb, Jesus said to the spirit in the man: painkillers available. 'Physician, cure yourself.' ... Amen, I "Be quiet! Come out of him!" The By the time of the New Testament 1. The first book of the Old Testament. say to you, no prophet is accepted in spirit threw the man on the ground, there were practicing doctors, but their 2. A book of songs and poems. knowledge of medicine and biology was 3. This book has the shortest title. his own place." Then Jesus reminded but came out of the man without still very basic. Luke was a doctor. 4. One of the Gospels. them of the prophet Elijah who was harming him. Archeologists have discovered some 5. John's vision. not sent to help a widow in Israel, but The story quickly spread of this evidence that some doctors were sur- 6. Stories about the first Christians. one who was in Sidon. And also of miracle about the power and authori- geons who treated broken bones and 7. An important prophet. Elisha, who did not cleanse the lep- ty of Jesus. even head injuries. 8. The story of escape from Egypt.

Coming of Age It not only pays to be honest ... it’s also cool, too By M. Regina Cram teacher had the personality of a bowl of oat- Unfortunately, it wasn't the cheating that I mistake; why should I pay the penalty? Catholic News Service meal. He often stepped out of the classroom swore to avoid, it was the humiliation of admit- I agonized as students argued for more during tests, providing ample opportunity for ting to it. points. After what seemed an eternity, I sheep- y first big failure with honesty answers to fly across the room. One day I suc- That geometry teacher missed a great oppor- ishly approached his desk. occurred at the ripe age of 7. A friend cumbed to the temptation, snatching answers to tunity to reinforce the value of honesty. If any- "This is going to kill me," I mumbled, "but Mdared me to steal a pack of Sweet Tart several difficult problems. I aced the test. thing, he made cheating seem like a better you gave me 10 points too many." candies from the local convenience store using But after several sleepless nights, I knew option. Mr. Chemistry gazed at me for a long time. I a fake nickel if I wanted to avoid being banned what I needed to do. I mustered the courage to Fortunately the lesson didn't stick. What did could see the cogs in his brain turning, looking from her jump rope game at recess. I did it. speak with Mr. Oatmeal after class. I was shy stick occurred two years later in high school for a way to maintain the integrity of the mark- A vague sense of guilt gnawed at my insides and embarrassed but I managed to explain what chemistry. I'd just taken my final exam and I ing system while reinforcing a kid's gritty hon- for months afterward. Deep down, I worried I'd done. needed an A to make high honors that year. I esty. whether little kids could be arrested and thrown He never said a word. He took out his mark- knew the material, studied hard and scored a 95 He slowly picked up his red pen, marked a in jail. Years later when the store went out of ing book, crossed out "93," wrote "63" in its on the exam. I was ecstatic, until the next day. dramatic X on the incorrect answer and said, business, I was sure it was my fault. place, closed the book and returned to his work. As the teacher reviewed the test, I realized in "I'll have to take 10 points off." Then he circled Honesty. Is it all it's cracked up to be? Is That was it. No acknowledgment that it took dismay that one of my answers was wrong but a funny doodle at the bottom of the page, cheating really that bad? Sometimes you hear guts to come clean. Not even a rebuke for hav- had been marked correct. I'd done the calcula- smirked a little and added quietly, "But I'll give that nice guys finish last. So the real question ing cheated in the first place. Just a silent cross- tion properly but had transposed the digits you 10 points for artwork." is, Does it pay to be honest? out. when I wrote the answer. That day, Mr. Chemistry made it cool to be When I was 15 I was tempted every day to I was mortified walking out of that class- Surely that could justify keeping the 10 honest. I still think it's cool. And I still add a cheat in geometry class. It didn't help that my room. I thought, "Man, I'll never do that again!" points, couldn't it? Besides, it was the teacher's doodle to my work just in case. Page 14 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus PASTORAL (From 11) However, to promote positive youth new ways of living. Youth should be ence of drugs in the lives of our citizens, development at the community level, par- invited to help identify needs and plan- especially our youth. grace to combat this evil of drugs. We ents need to go beyond the confines of ning as the community creates opportuni- CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS need to open the doors to our youth to their own homes. Parents need to take ties for youth to serve in the community. ORGANIZATIONS. Church involve- help us deal with this situation. responsibility for the welfare for not only They need to be seen as positive and con- ment is one of the greatest and healthiest The local level is where we must begin their own children, but for all the youth in tributing members. We need to open the factors in overcoming the drug epidemic. to address the drug situation, and I the community as regards overcoming the doors for the youth to assume more Churches that show concern for their strongly encourage each parish to develop drug issue. The recent meetings with rep- meaningful roles in decision-making for youth and involve them in the life of the a pastoral plan and practical steps to com- resentatives of the communities where the the schools and to participate in commu- church community, give them good reli- bat the evil of drugs. This is an issue that drug arrests have occurred strongly indi- nity-coordinating groups and task forces. gious education and formation and pro- needs to receive much more direct atten- cate that parents have to make some hard This draws positive attention to youth as vide programs and activities for service tion at a parish level by our pastors and decisions. They first must be educated resources, not problems. Our youth can by youth, can inspire and motivate many pastoral councils, all pastoral leaders, in themselves and commit themselves to be also help by asking adults to become of our youth not to fall into the drug trap our preaching, teaching, and in our prayer directly involved in eradicating drugs. involved in helping to work together to and destroy their lives. and worship. They have to ask questions of their youth. overcome the evil of drugs. Here there is Church leaders need to preach and They have to listen, but they also need to a need for collaboration not confronta- speak out on the evil of drugs, how they How to Address the Situation be aware of and discover what activities tion. When a clear majority of the youth demean the sacredness and dignity of To address this drug epidemic, the com- their children are involved in. They have experience the involvement of the com- each person made in the image and like- munities involved can have a more pro- to talk to their children. They truly need munity, especially our families, churches ness of God and stress practical reasons ductive effect on the lives of our young to know who their children’s friends are. and schools, and see the strength that the why young people should not become people as all elements--schools, churches, Most important—parents must make time community offers, then there is new hope, involved in drugs. In all of this, we need city and county government, law enforce- for their children—quality time. By the and this will impact the overall communi- more prayer for God’s guidance and heal- ment, businesses, media, and other agen- time the law enforcement officials ty health. ing. Our churches need to establish prayer cies—work together to overcome this become involved, it is too late; a child is  SCHOOLS play a large role in mak- sharing groups based on Scripture involv- evil. already into drugs. Parents need to take a ing our communities strong and in work- ing youth and adults to pray and work To change the pattern of drug use and pro-active role and be responsible for the ing to overcome the drug epidemic affect- together on solutions. Churches can the influence of drugs in our communi- conduct and environment for their chil- ing so many of our communities in West work together with the non-sectarian ties, especially in the lives of our young dren; and this is not a responsibility that Texas. When our schools work to devel- community organizations in everything people, there is a need to look at this situ- they can ignore. It is important that par- op good programs to help our students to from advocacy to sharing facilities, joint ation through the wide-angle lens of com- ents volunteer to help not only with activ- become the best they can be, and to offer programming and community-wide task munity. This is a time to break new ities in which their own children are the knowledge, information, and specific forces. In dealing with this critical issue, ground in our understanding of how com- involved, but also in which children of ways on how to deal with drugs, to this there is a need to sponsor diverse social munities working together impact positive other families are involved. While fami- extent, our communities will become and religious activities that would reach youth development and help to create a lies are important to the individuals who healthier and more effective in carrying beyond the ecclesial, ethnic, and social better world. Communities, especially live in them, the influence of family care out the goals to combat the influence of borders. faith communities, do make a difference and support does not necessarily carry drugs. It is encouraging to know that  LAW ENFORCEMENT is a major in the lives of our youth. If our commu- beyond the family borders. Each individ- most of our schools have drug programs factor in counteracting the terrible influ- nities unite their energies and resources ual does better when the community as a like DARE, Red Ribbon Week, Shattered ence of drugs. Sheriff Shane Fenton says and renew their commitment to work whole is working together to become Dreams, and random drug testing. But, that one of the things that the department together, we can overcome the drug epi- more healthy. Parents need to advocate more is needed. Schools can have a major tries to do is build relationships with stu- demic and make the world a better place and support youth-serving organizations influence in overcoming the epidemic of dents and the wider community. They do for our youth to live. and school supported extra-curricular drugs, as schools are where the majority this by visiting schools and by going to activities with financial help and volun- of structured activities of youth take the various sports events and other activi- Recommendations for the teer hours. place. ties that the schools sponsor. They also Entire Community Families need to link with other fami- GOVERNMENT LEADERS. To have the DARE program and they take lies and community leaders. When fam- overcome the drug situation, there is a students on jail tours to open their eyes to To Combat the Evil of Drugs ilies link with other families and all areas need for government officials at all levels the result of what can happen if you use of leadership of the community to to develop a clear and positive youth drugs. Another thing they do is to allow Here are some recommendations for become involved in making it a better development policy that provides a vision students to see how the drug dogs work. community leaders to work and develop place to raise children, we see differ- of what community organizations and All of these activities enable the law together a community effort and plan to ences, and are we able to overcome the families can do to help youth in their enforcement to be exposed and involved eradicate drugs. Many of these recom- evil of drugs. To overcome the evil of communities, especially to prevent the with the children as much as possible and mendations come from the recent meet- drugs, it is necessary for families and drug culture from growing. Recent meet- to build a rapport with them. The Sheriff ings that have been held in various com- community leaders to work together to ings have stressed that county funds for points out that one of the most important munities of the Diocese to address this get our children involved in community some projects should be retargeted for things that the community can do is to be critical issue. activities, programs, and plans. It is most programs of prevention and for rehabili- aware of things that indicate drugs are PARENTS AND FAMILIES. The important for community leaders to tation services because most of those who being used in an area and to give them place to begin to address the diabolical become directly involved in this effort as go to rehabilitation cannot afford to go tips to apprehend drug users and drug drug situation is in our families. Parents volunteers, coaches, chaperones, and oth- outside of their community for treatment. pushers. There is a great need to work who are the first teachers and mentors of ers in leadership roles bring together our There is an urgency to create coordinating with other religious and non-religious their children have a serious duty to lead youth for positive action and programs. task forces on youth activities and to use sectarian community organizations in by example—no abuse of drugs in their  YOUTH. The youth themselves have governmental power and influence to everything from advocacy to sharing own lives and moderation in the use of much to offer to help our communities convene and empower other groups to facilities, joint programs, counseling, and alcohol. Parents play a major role in the overcome the evil of drugs, and to help become involved in solutions and to community-wide efforts. development of their children and need to other youth who are caught in a dragnet encourage direct involvement of youth. LOCAL BUSINESS can also help educate themselves about this evil and be of drugs. The youth need to be involved Local governments must recognize how very much in overcoming the drug cul- directly involved with their children in this discussion. It is necessary that we to be most effective in empowering com- whenever the school or community is try- invite youth to be in contact with other munities to function optimally for youth Please See SOLUTIONS/15 ing to educate against all types of abuse. youth—with their peers, and to offer them and propose ways to overcome the influ- The Angelus FEBRUARY 2007 Page 15 CONCLUSIONS

(From 14) that youth preferred coke to marijuana. However, today excellence as they learn how to abstain from making meth is quickly taking the place of coke. Nina points out poor choices. A strong dimension of this program is the ture. They can give parents and other employees time to that kids who live in domestic violence situations invari- peer participation. Teenagers who often perhaps will not attend functions and builds communities’ strength ably turn to alcohol to escape their problems. She also listen to their parents are listening to other teenagers, through mentoring, coaching, leadership on committees, said that they are very often victims of sexual abuse. hearing about the evils and negative consequences of and a variety of other activities. Our businesses can help Nina states that she works with counseling services and using drugs. to develop schools/business partnerships and provide that she has a number of programs and a great deal of The Middle School at Wall also has introduced another funding that begin to make both groups aware of the information available and will work with other commu- fine program to combat drugs called H-TEAM. H- needs, challenges and resources of the other as we work nities as funding allows. Her organization works from TEAM stands for “Hawk Teens Educating on Alcohol together to overcome the drug culture. From a recent donations and she has hopes that she will be able to find Misuse.” Hawk is the school mascot. This is a group of meeting, it was pointed out that there are three main leaders in the area’s surrounding towns who could begin students committed to being alcohol, drug, and risky things that the community needs to implement: (1) kids and organize and maintain a program similar to what she behavior free. The teens involved want to set a good need to be more active after school; (2) the cities needs is doing. She said that it has been her experience that example for their peers and have fun and enjoy life free to be unified on working on common goals to overcome when you support the kids and give them the correct of alcohol and drugs. The group’s purpose is to make drugs; (3) the cities need some sort of rehabilitation information, that they will normally make the right their school and community a better and safer place to facilities for those who have used drugs. choice. After Nina spoke at a recent meeting she invited live. The young people do this through educating their the teenagers who were with her to come up and say a peers and the community on the dangers of underage Programs that are Combatting few words to everyone. She said that these teens attend drinking and other risky behaviors. The Drug Situation various workshops where they learn information that H-TEAM began with a small grant from Johnson and To combat the evil of drugs, it is important that the they can pass on to their peers. They study topics cover- Johnson which helped send students to Youth Leadership community work together to establish more programs ing drugs, smoking, alcohol, sexual abuse, and rape. Power Camp sponsored by MADD (Mothers Against that can be used in our communities, especially in our These teens then go to various places, schools and other Drunk Driving). This camp empowered the 7th graders schools and in our Church communities to counteract the organizations, and give presentations to other students. to become leaders through the wealth of information drug problem. While the schools are using some pro- Another fine program that is helping students to be they learned about the effects of alcohol and the resource grams to help educate students, much more needs to be informed about the evil of drugs and to overcome drug connections given to them at the camp. H-TEAM has done to prevent the spread of drugs, and to encourage use is MASH (Movement Against Stupid Habits). This is grown in membership each year, and currently has over young people with practical and moral reasons not to a student-led organization at Wall High School whose l00 students in the middle school as members. become involved in drugs. mission is to reduce and eliminate underage drinking, One program that is being very effective in combating drug abuse, and other risky behaviors among youth. This Conclusions the drug situation is Friends for Hope in Big Lake, program works to educate youth in school and in the This is a time for all elements of the community, espe- Texas. This program was founded by Nina Hallmark. wider community of the extreme risks and dangers of cially the efforts of the Church, to sponsor teams and The program is beginning its 8th year. The program was drug use and consequences resulting from negative other activities for youth, and to invest directly in youth originally developed to work with domestic violence but habits and poor choices. service organizations and programs that have proven to over the years, Nina has been called on more and more Activities of MASH include making speeches and be effective in preventing drug use. This is also a time to work with drugs and alcohol abuse. She said that announcements to various church and school-affiliated to support academic, sports and work-readiness pro- drugs usually start with alcohol. Without exception she organizations (such as Parent Open House Night, foot- grams that motivate youth and provide developmental said that every domestic violence situation that she has ball games, Knights of Columbus and Catholic opportunities. This is a time for parents to assume their ever seen involves drugs and alcohol. She indicates that Daughters meetings) and inform parents of the laws and rightful role as first educators and role models for their you cannot fully address the drug problem for young consequences of providing alcohol to minors. Those children, working together to promote a culture of life people without addressing the alcohol problem. Nina involved in this program also urge parents and communi- and happiness for their children. Most of all, this is the has a number of teenagers with her who belongs to a ty members to be better role models for their children. time for prayer to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit group called STAR which is an acronym for Students Youth involved in this program proudly boast that to grant us forgiveness, respect for life, wisdom and Taking Action for Respect. Three years ago through the MASH has become the largest on-campus organization. courage, as we seek to build up new love and apprecia- STAR kids Nina discovered that the number one prob- Students want to be part of this effort, which is very tion for all and work together to protect our greatest lem with youth was alcohol and the number two problem morally uplifting. The students involved in this program asset—our youth. was drugs. Regarding the drug problem they discovered develop their own personal self-esteem and level of

LENT: Directions for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday

(From 8) prayers for these churches. to the altar of repose. Adoration of the HOLY SATURDAY The liturgical directions of the Blessed Sacrament continues until mid- The entire celebration of the Easter receiving Communion at least once a Sacramentary and the Lectionary must be night. For pastoral reasons, one other Vigil takes place at night. It should not year, ordinarily during the Easter Season. faithfully observed regarding all the spe- Mass may be celebrated during the day. begin before nightfall; it should end Funeral and Nuptial Masses are not cial Holy Week Liturgies before daybreak on Sunday. allowed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday GOOD FRIDAY According to the rubrics for the Easter or Holy Saturday. The Funeral Rite out- PALM SUNDAY The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Vigil, no Eucharist may be celebrated side of Mass, however, can be held either It is strongly recommended that the should be celebrated around 3:00 p.m. prior to the Easter Vigil. If a pastor feels in church or at the chapel on those days, Blessing of the Palms with procession be For pastoral reasons, this celebration may that pastoral reasons an additional Mass with a memorial mass later. celebrated at least once at the principal be moved to a later time. is needed AFTER the vigil, he may con- A Special Collection is taken up on Ash Sunday liturgy. Other paraliturgical celebrations are sult the Bishop for permission. Wednesday to aid the Church in Central suggested and recommended at the dis- and Eastern Europe which continues to HOLY THURSDAY cretion of the pastor (Viacrucis, 7 rebuild after decades of communist domi- The Mass of the Lord’s Supper must be Palabras, Pesame a maria, etc.) nation. Please be generous and offer celebrated in the evening with procession Page 16 FEBRUARY 2007 The Angelus The Back Page ‘Because I Said So’ Religious Searching Pushing OK of premarital sex to new lows By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Playing the "endearingly" overbearing mother of three young women, Diane Keaton's trademark charm and self-deprecating exuberance can be observed at full throttle. But despite her strenuous efforts, "Because I Said Volume of most popular religious-themed Internet So" (PG-13 -- Universal/Gold Circle) remains a searches during last four weeks of 2006. mediocre and unfunny comedy about Daphne (Keaton), who, desperate to find a match for her CHRISTMAS SONGS 51% unlucky-in-love caterer daughter, Milly (Mandy Moore), tries to match up the girl with Jason (Tom BIBLE 38% Everett Scott), a handsome if rather shallow archi- tect whom she has pre-interviewed after secretly Mandy Moore, left, and Tom Everett Scott, in “Because I Said So.” % taking out a personal ad on Milly's behalf. YMCA 36 Musician Johnny (Gabriel Macht) has observed are the others) blithely discuss their sexual experi- the interview process, and suggests he might woo ences at every opportunity. It's no doubt a telling irony SALVATION ARMY 35% Milly, but Daphne rejects him as an unreliable that we're meant to think Daphne's an old-fashioned musician who would break her daughter's heart. gal at heart because she's obsessed with the creaky LDS.ORG (LATTER DAY SAINTS) 25% Still, Johnny pursues Milly on his own, and she black-and-white version of "A Farewell to Arms" with quickly responds to his decent and sincere manner Gary Cooper and Helen Hayes. BIBLE GATEWAY 20% (and the fact that he's raising a young son on his On the plus side, the film displays Keaton's own), but Daphne pushes Jason's case so deter- comic prowess and appealing performances from CHRISTMAS MUSIC 20% minedly that Milly finds herself not only dating the Moore, Macht and Collins, while there are minimal two men simultaneously, but engaging in a sexual expletives, a reasonably moral tie-up and an ISLAM 19% relationship with both as well! absence of graphic sex. But all these fail to balance It soon becomes clear that Daphne's fervor has its a script (by Karen Leigh Hopkins and Jessie roots in not wanting Milly to end up as lonely as Nelson) that is morally -- and dramatically -- askew SAINTS 18% she herself is. Fairly late in the film, Daphne meets at almost every turn. Joe (Stephen Collins), Johnny's equally nice dad, The film contains several nongraphic sexual ONLINE BIBLE 17% and Daphne begins to soften. encounters, permissive sexual mores, much sexual Director Michael Lehmann's appalling chick flick banter, innuendo and other questionable elements, Source: www.hitwise.com pushes the contemporary acceptance of premarital sex casual acceptance of porn and an instance of pro- ©2007 CNS to new lows, as the permissive Keaton character and fanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting her three daughters (Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo classification is O -- morally offensive. PATTERSON: Love spilling forth from eight pens ... surely a good thing

(From 12) least differently, about that person." paper and stuck it in his pocket. Another And seeing all these people sitting and And so they started. And I sat and wrote girl put hers in her purse. writing and listening and sometimes talk- ness. There's no sense in trying to make a love letter to Karen, my wife. I was fin- "So?" I asked. ing that night -- about love -- made me yourself out to be something you're not. If ished in a few minutes. I wrote a half "I wrote to my sister," one said. feel really good. Just for a few moments they see you've got your own set of prob- page. I figured I better do what I was ask- "It made me feel differently about my there were eight kids in a classroom and lems but can still sit there, admit it and ing them to do. If I don't, I'm just fakin' it. parents," said another. And then we talked there was love moving in and out of their take the time to share something valuable So I finished my letter and I looked up, for a few minutes and we said a prayer pens. with them, maybe they'll be more likely thinking I would have a room full of peo- and went home. And that had to be a good thing. to open up. They may not talk more often, ple staring back at me, waiting for me to but they may hear more. finish. Toward the end of the lesson I gave But that's not what happened. each of them a sheet of paper and I told I looked up and they were all sitting them to write a love letter. It could be to there ... writing. And writing. And writ- their boyfriend, their girlfriend, their par- ing. Some of them wrote for five minutes ents, sister, brother or pet hamster. It did- longer than I. Some for 10 minutes n't matter. I said, "Just write a letter to longer. I didn't stop any of them. And they someone you love and tell them how sure didn't look like they were sitting much you love them and why you love there writing something like, "Geez, this them. I don't want to see it. You don't is is soooo goofy." I looked at their eyes have to read it out loud when you're done. as they wrote. And there was a connection When you're finished with it, you can between their eyes and their paper. throw it away or you can give it to Whatever it was they were writing, they whomever you've written. Just write it. meant it. Maybe it'll make you feel better, or at Finally, the last person folded up his