September 18, 2020 In This Issue

Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926 Special Pages Keener photos The Eucharist: The Source and Summit page 7 – 10

2 Bishop’s letter: Continuation of in-person instruction

Coronavirus update

3 Anniversary couples honored with certificates

Cemetery Visitation update

(above left) On the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, Bishop Roger Foys celebrated Mass for all those who died in the attack as well as for all those who have died from the COVID-19 pandemic and also for the police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors and nurses. (right) A vigil candle and an icon of Our Lady of Sorrows wrapping in her mantel the twin tow- ers of New York’s World Trade Center was set in the sanctuary during the Mass.

Moving? Wrong address? because we may have Call the circulation desk, Sacrifices of 9/11 and pandemic are a call to to change,” he said. (859) 392-1570 In the early days of the pandemic, Bishop Foys recalled examine conscience, live differently Pope Francis addressing the people of Laura Keener Bishop’s Schedule ...... 3 the world from the balcony in St. Peter’s Square before an empty Editor piazza, trying to make sense of the pandemic. He said, “This pan- Commentary ...... 4 In the quiet, peaceful moments before Mass, a single candle demic is not a punishment from God but, perhaps, it’s a call for us People and Events ...... 11 glowed, Friday, Sept. 11, before an icon of Our Lady of Sorrows as to live differently.” Of all the words he has ever written and said, Did You Know? ...... 11 she wrapped her mantel around the twin towers of New York’s those are some of the most important, Bishop Foys said. Classifieds ...... 12 World Trade Center as smoke billowed from its top floors. The “God doesn’t exact punishments like this, but he does call us to Shopper’s Guide ...... 14 Oratory of St. Paul at the Diocese of Covington Curia was prepared live a different way,” he said. “During this pandemic, in our country for a memorial Mass on the 19th anniversary of the worst terrorist News Briefs ...... 15 and our own diocese, we hear from people how they have the right attack on United States soil. not to wear a mask or follow other restrictions. ‘I don’t care about Instead of the green vestments for Ordinary Time, Bishop Roger your rights. I don’t care about your well-being. I have the right to do Foys, celebrant, and Father Jordan Hainsey and Father Michael what I want,’” he said. Norton, concelebrants, wore purple vestments — the color of “Nineteen years, what have we learned? Where are the flags? Missed an edition? Current and back penance and sacrifice. The Mass was being offered for the preserva- Where is the patriotism? Where are the churches filled with people issues of the Messenger are available tion of peace and justice for all those who died as a result of the begging God to lift this scourge from us — begging God to make us online at covdio.org/messenger. Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as well as for all those have died from one nation under God?” he said. COVID-19 and for all police officers, firefighters, emergency medical Bishop Foys asked the Curia members present to pray especially technicians, nurses and doctors. for the police. “What has happened to the reverence and the esteem “Everyone here remembers where you were on that day when to which we held those first responders that day? I can remember the planes hit the New York towers and the Pentagon and the empty seeing the firefighters, police, EMTs and first responders, how field in Pennsylvania,” Bishop Foys said as he began his homily. many of them gave up or risked their lives for others. And now, 19 Bishop Foys described the days following the terrorist attack as years later, these very same people are vilified — they are the days of “renewed enthusiasm and patriotism” with churches filled. enemy. I have heard them being described as a cancer on our nation; “But the enthusiasm and patriotism and the coming together of our police men and women! Who defend us! Where is our fault in all our nation as one, our churches filled with prayers to the almighty, of this? Are we afraid to examine our consciences?” have passed,” he said. “Today we remember those 2,996 people who died and the people The terrorist attack on our nation was and is, Bishop Foys said, who are still suffering from their injuries. May that remembrance “horrific and there can never be any justification for it. It was crim- call us to change the way we live. If it does not, those 2,996 people inal, it was sinful.” died in vain and all those policemen and women, firefighters, EMTs But he said, the terrorist attack, like the current COVID-19 pan- and first responders risked their lives in vain.” demic, is an opportunity that calls for an examination of con- Bishop Foys ended his homily imploring for God’s mercy. science “as a nation and as individuals.” “We offer this Mass for all those who have died in Nine-eleven, “What is it in our nation, in our life, in our lifestyle that would for all those who were injured, for all those who have died of the cause someone to do something so horrific?” he asked. coronavirus and for all the police, firefighters, EMTs, doctors and Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading, Bishop Foys said, “Jesus, nurses. We pray also for all those who are hard of heart and do not in the Gospel message, said, why remove the splinter from your accept this pandemic for what it is; who will not take the precau- brother’s eye when you have a beam in your own? Remove the beam tions we are called to make — if not for our own sake but for the first from your own eye. sake and safety of others,” Bishop Foys said. “Nine-eleven was a “When we point out someone else’s fault we don’t have to do any- dark day in the history of our nation. Unfortunately, we have made thing, we don’t have to change. But when we look into our own con- it darker by our behavior since then. God have mercy on us.” sciouses and our own hearts for our own faults … it’s more difficult 2 September 18, 2020 Messenger

Coronavirus Report (as of Monday, Sept.14) Monday, 14 September 2020 Positive Cases My dear Friends, Active positive cases: 4 Recovered positive cases: 12 In the reopening plan for Catholic schools, I announced that, during the week after Labor Day, the Total ever positive cases: 16 four Kentucky bishops would evaluate the experiences of our schools as they welcomed students back to classrooms for in-person instruction. I met with the three Kentucky bishops virtually on Friday, 11 September, 2020. Self-quarantined Symptoms/pending testing: 2 Every day during those first four weeks of school, Kendra McGuire, associate superintendent of Schools and Laura Keener, Contacts: 22 COVID coordinator, have kept me informed of every contact, close contact and positive case of COVID-19 that has been Close Contacts: 91 reported from our schools. On Thursday, 10 September, 2020, I met with the principals of all of our elementary and high Returned to class after schools to learn from them how their school communities — students, teachers, staff and parents — were holding up quarantine/self-quarantine: under the COVID-19 protocols. I cannot minimize the amount of work and the sacrifices our school communities are From Sept. 9– Sept. 14: 64 students undertaking, and I commend them for their perseverance. Despite the trials and tribulations it was their unanimous (including 25 from St. Henry District High School and 23 from opinion to continue with in-person instruction. St. Paul School) Total ever: 215 students Likewise, the other three bishops are affirming our plan to cautiously move forward in offering in-person instruction at

Catholic schools in Kentucky’s four dioceses. Schools reporting: (25 of 39 schools) Each of our Catholic schools is unique. So, while following the general guidance offered by each diocese — which is based Bishop Brossart High School upon the school protocols from the Centers for Disease Control, the Kentucky Department of Public Health and the local Blessed Sacrament health departments — school re-entry plans employ a variety of models, schedules, use of facilities, and so on. We support Covington Catholic High School our principals in their efforts to create sustainable models and recognize that principals will need to make adjustments to Holy Cross protect the safety and health of their school community. These adjustments include changes to instructional models and Holy Cross District High School schedules, including periods of non-traditional instruction as conditions change and when students or teachers need to Holy Family enter quarantine. Newport Central Catholic High School In our Diocese of Covington, Mrs. McGuire and Mrs. Keener work closely with the Northern Kentucky Health Department Notre Dame Academy and the public health departments in other counties to help streamline the process of reporting and contact tracing in an St. Henry District High School effort to mitigate the spread of the virus in our schools. Our Return to School Requirements document continues to be St. Agnes updated based upon feedback from our public health partners. We greatly appreciate their partnership and counsel. St. Augustine, Covington St. Cecilia In closing, I would like to extend my profound thanks to our principals, staff, teachers and parents, as well as the staff St. Edward of our Department of Catholic Schools and the members of the Diocesan COVID-19 Task Force. I know that everyone is St. Henry working double time on all kinds of extra tasks to keep everyone safe. St. Joseph, Cold Spring St. Joseph, Crescent Springs As always, I thank you for your commitment to Catholic Schools and for cooperating with your principal and school staff St. Mary during this health care crisis. Know that I pray for you each day. Please pray for me. St. Patrick St. Paul Yours devotedly in the Lord, St. Pius St. Therese St. Thomas

St. Timothy Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D. Sts. Peter and Paul Bishop of Covington Villa Madonna Academy

Thatcher photos

(above left) In preparation for his Sept. 11 virtual meeting with Kentucky’s bishops, Bishop Roger Foys gathered principals, Sept. 10, from all high school and elementary schools to learn how the school communities were holding up under the COVID-19 protocols. (above center) Kendra McGuire, associate superintendent of Catholic Schools, clarifies elements included in the Diocesan Return to School Requirements. (above, right) Matt Grosser, principal, St. Mary School, Alexandria, was one of several principals that asked questions, raised concerns and shared what has gone well so far this year with the COVID-19 protocols in place. Messenger September 18, 2020 3

“The marriage vows say I take you for better or Anniversary couples honored with certificates worse … in good times and in bad times … this is cer- tainly a bad time for everyone,” Bishop Foys said. Messenger staff report at these couples who have given themselves to each other “These couples are being asked to sacrifice celebrating … The annual Anniversary Vespers, normally held in late all these years … and it gives me a chance to thank them it’s these sacrifices that married couples make together. September, has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Bishop for their example and for the depth of their faith, and their It’s one of the sacrifices that everyone is making right Roger Foys said it is one of the most well-attended services faith in each other.” now.” of the year, but it simply wasn’t safe to invite that many Three or four years ago, Bishop Foys started inviting Couples celebrating one, 25, 50 and above years are people to celebrate together this year. couples married one year to the celebration along with being mailed certificates from Bishop Foys, and their “I miss that gathering,” said Bishop Foys, “because it those celebrating milestone anniversaries. He said it gives names are printed here in the Messenger. speaks to the whole idea of the sacredness of marriage the newlyweds the chance to observe couples who have For resources on Marriage and family life please visit and the fact that these couples have taken their vows really faithfully lived their marriage vows and be inspired by https://covdio.org/catechesis-and-evangelization/ seriously and have lived all these years together. I can look their commitment.

Cathedral Basilica of the David and Linda Hahn, 25 Ted and Cherae Wright, 25 Immaculate Heart of Mary Dave and Deborah Gindele, 50 Rick and Peggy Hampton, 50 Assumption, Covington Michael and Cynthia Hemsath, 25 Jack and Janice Wurtz, 25 Parish, Burlington Dale and Linda Holocher, 50 Gary and Kathy Menne, 50 Oakley and Eva Farris, 70 Robert and Kristin Holt, 25 Derek and Lindsey Boschert, 1 John and Virginia Neal, 72 Kenneth and Rita Kopp, 50 Harvey and Charlotte Rohmiller, 50 George and Mary Donovan, 60 Oscar and Michelle Hurm, 25 Michael and Cynthia Cason, 1 Gary and Patricia Eglian, 60 William and Lynn Lockhorn, 50 Charles and Joyce Tappan, 50 Albert C. and Mary E. Czarnecki, 25 Jeff and Stephanie Dan and Joan White, 50 Joseph and Virginia Watkins, 50 Kaitlin and James Collins, 1 Jordahl, 25 Richard and Lois Mike and Mary Jo Whelan, 50 Ronald and Amy Hoehn, 1 Robert and Holly Vallandingham, 50 Gregory and Jackie Durrett, 25 Klosterman, 25 All Saints Parish, Walton Derek and Michelle John and Maria Martini, 25 Steven and Bernard, 25 William and Kathryn Farwick, 60 Robert and Kathryn Stevie, 25 Deborah Greg and Lori Fahey, 25 Edward and Mary Baker, 50 Langguth, 25 Frank and Pamela Sutthoff, 25 Michael and Jennifer Henry and Sandra Brock, 50 Robert and Woolf, 25 Ryan and Madelyn Basford, 1 Heather Lucas, 25 Blessed Sacrament Parish, James and Mary Ehrenfels, 1 Matthew and Rebecca Braunwart, 1 Ft. Mitchell Rajiv and Anita Jacob and Katie Brinker, 1 Menon, 25 Quintin and Emily Hauser, 1 Ronald and M. Diane Becker, 60 Michael and Meredith Cook, 1 Jeff and Stacy Greg and Susan Turner, 1 Bernard and Connie Dressman, 60 Douglas and Courtney DePaoli, 1 Meyers, 25 Mother of God Parish, Frederick and Pamela Freihofer, 60 Robert and Kelly Covington Todd and Andrea Feebeck, 1 Robert and Joan Trame, 60 Newman, 25 Paul and Margie Klee, 71 Ben and Meghan Smith, 1 James and Anita Ward, 60 David and Jerome and Susan Berling, 60 St. Agnes Parish, Ft. Wright Christina Noll, 25 John and June Farrell, 50 John and Elizabeth Herold, 60 Alvin and Mary Appel, 72 Robert and Helen Farrell, 50 Douglas and Cheryl Ralph, 25 Gregory and Suzanne Jerome and Barbara Hoffman, 60 Joseph and Eva Lukens, 50 Bennings, 50 Eric and Katie Ronald and Marjorie Marshall, 60 Richard and Mary Lou Schihl, 50 Schlinger, 25 Ronald and Carol Collins, 50 Tony and Nancy Gallo, 60 (Continued on page 6) Joseph and Cathy Schreiber, 50 Dan and Karen Schlipf, 25 Timothy and Kelsey Chandler, 1 David and Joan Crotty, 50 William and Marlene Grant, 60 Tom and Jackie Weber, 50 Timothy B. and Mary Seaman, 25 Scott and Megan Martin, 1 Lawrence and Margaret Huelsman, 60 J. Gregory and Diane Wehrman, 50 Kevin and Christina Sprecher, 25 Frank and Linda Pohlgeers, 1 Jerry and Marita Maher, 60 Thomas and Elizabeth Alcorn, 25 Gary and Traci Stegman, 25 Brian and Samantha Trapani, 1 David and Anita Vilter, 60 Bishop’s Dan and Julie Batson, 25 Matthew and Angela Stegman, 25 Divine Mercy Parish, Bellevue Lawrence and Sandra Buck, 50 Schedule Rodney and Susan Black, 25 Kurt and Jennifer Summe, 25 Arnold and Kathryn Garbutt, 50 Francis and Regina Cole, 50 Eric and Shannon Bosley, 25 Peter and Marlo Thelen, 25 Edward and Janet Ulsas, 50 James and Anna Foltz, 50 Thomas and Stephanie Broering, 25 Kevin and Jennifer Tierney, 25 Chris and Jamie Burkart, 25 Brady and Cindy Burns, 25 Harley and Donna Hafer, 50 Sept. 18 Sept. 23 Gregg and Wendy Vonderhaar, 25 Timothy and Heather Hopper, 25 Individual meeting, 9:30 a.m. COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Joe and Tamara Cahill, 25 Allan and Jean Hale, 50 Chris and Amy Wagner, 25 Luke and Bridget Dischar, 1 Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Kevin and Angela Fieger, 25 Philip and Donna Kloenne, 50 Neil and Susan Winter, 25 Paul and Courtney Kleier, 1 Mass, Society of St. Vincent Directors meeting, 9:30 a.m. Gary and Poppi Brookover, 25 Bradley and Anna Torline, 1 de Paul, St. Augustine Parish, Individual meeting, 10 a.m. Wiley and Ana Carr, 25 Kirby and Charlotte Wood, 1 Covington, 10 a.m. Kurt and Jennifer Cheek, 25 Sept. 25 Holy Cross Parish, Covington Installation of pastor, Father COVID-19 Briefing, 9:30 a.m. Jeffrey and Kristene Durrough, 25 Eric Boelscher, St. Joseph An and Nhung Tran, 72 Sept. 26 Brian and Tara Fischer, 25 Parish, Crescent Springs, Frank and Suzanne Groneck, 60 5 p.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Michael and Tonya Hardcorn, 25 Donald and Joyce West, 60 4:30 p.m. We praise you, O God, Raymond and Susan Hicks, 25 Sept. 20 William and Anna Wainscott, 50 Mass, Cathedral Basilica of Sept. 27 we bless you, Creator of all things, David and Mary Holten, 25 Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Jeff and Melissa Guidugli, 25 the Assumption, Covington, who in the beginning made man and woman Sean and Amy Kelter, 25 10 a.m. 10 a.m. John and Mary Hackett, 25 that they might form a communion of life Gary and Melissa Krumpelman, 25 Investiture of Papal Honors, Charles and Michele Schuler, 25 Sept. 21 and love. Thomas and Geri Loos, 25 COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Vespers, Cathedral Basilica, Patrick and Vickie Thomas, 25 Covington, 2 p.m. We also give you thanks John and Becky Martin, 25 Sept. 22 Jay and Cheryl Davis, 1 for graciously blessing our family life Louis and Pamela Masur, 25 COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Brinton and Jennifer Haubner, 1 so that it might present an image of Pete and Minda Michels, 25 Episcopal Council meeting, Adam and Morgan Hicks, 1 Christ’s union with the Church. David and Amy Reed, 25 11 a.m. PJ and Erin Tharpe, 1 Therefore look with kindness Philip and Emily Stinson, 25 upon us today, Holy Spirit Parish, Newport Michael and Josie Webster, 25 The annual Cemetery Visitations, and as you have sustained our communion Timothy and Betty Deaton, 50 James and Sheila Wermeling, 25 Charlie and Barbara Feldman, 50 which normally take place during the month amid joys and struggles, Christopher and Carmen Woolums, 25 of September, have been restructured due to Lou and Kathleen Lucia, 50 renew our Marriage covenant each day, James and Kaitlin Collins, 1 the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. J. Joseph and Charlene Mason, 50 increase our charity, Eric and Elizabeth Flum, 1 Stephen and Barbara Saner, 50 Instead of public prayer services, Bishop Roger and strengthen in us the bond of peace, Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish, Foys will hold private ceremonies at each Christopher and Karol Tuke, 25 so that we may forever enjoy your blessing. Erlanger cemetery to honor the dead in November. Erich and Megan Black, 1 Through Christ our Lord, George and Mary Donovan, 60 In the publication before the Feast of All Souls, Kristofor and Alissa Meek, 1 H. Walter and Jinny Steigerwald, 60 the Messenger will publish a list of names of Zach and Kelsey Washburn, 1 Richard and Nanette Zirkelbach, 60 the dearly departed from the last year. Rick and Jean Dames, 50 4 September 18, 2020 Messenger

Mystical experience and everyday people What kinds of things help induce mysticism in our touched by God in a way that’s beyond words, imagination, that is, anything that helps put you in touch with who lives? I was asked that question recently and this was my and feeling. God, as we know, is Oneness, Truth, Goodness, you really are and makes you want to be a better person. immediate, non-reflected, answer: whatever brings tears and Beauty. So any time we are genuinely touched by one- And this can be many things. It might be a book you read; to your eyes in either gen- ness, truth, goodness or beauty, without anything distort- it might be the beauty of nature; it might be the sight of a uine sorrow or genuine joy; ing that, we’re having a mystical experience. What might newborn baby, a crying child, a wounded animal or the IN EXILE but that response was pred- that look like? face of someone suffering; or it might be what you feel icated on a lot of things. Ruth Burrows describes a mystical experience which deep down when you receive an expression of love, bless What is mysticism? radically changed her life when she was eighteen years someone, express genuine contrition, or share helpless- What makes for mystical old, a senior at a private high school for young women ness. It can be many things. experience? operated by an order of nuns, on a retreat preparing for Several years ago while teaching a course, I assigned In the popular mind graduation, and not very mature. She and one of her the students a number of books to read, among them mysticism is misunder- friends were not taking this retreat very seriously, pass- Christopher de Vinck’s, Only the Heart Knows How to stood badly. We tend to ing notes to each other and pulling pranks during the Find them – Precious Memories for Faithless Time. This is identify mysticism with conferences. At a point, their antics were disturbing a series of autobiographical essays within which de what’s extraordinary and enough that the nuns pulled them out of the group and Vinck simply shares very warmly about his marriage, his paranormal, and see it as had them sit in silence in a chapel, chaperoned by a children and his home life. At the end of the semester a something for the spiritual teacher, whenever the rest of the class was at a confer- young woman, with de Vinck’s book in her hand, said to Father Ron Rolheiser elite. For most people, mys- ence. At first, Burrows confesses, they continued their me: “Father, this is the best book I’ve ever read. I’ve ticism means spiritual joking around, but the hours were long and the silence always fancied myself a very free, liberated person and visions and ecstatic experi- eventually wore her down. Sitting alone, bored and irri- I’ve slept my way through several cities, but now I realize ences which take you outside of normal consciousness. tated, a mystical experience graced her, uninvited and that what I want is what this man has. I want sex to take Mysticism can be that sometimes, though normally it unexpected. And it came upon her not as a vision or an me home. I want a home. I want the marriage bed. I know has nothing to do with visions, altered states of con- ecstasy, but as a moment of searing clarity. At a certain now what I need!” sciousness, or states of ecstasy. Rather it has to do with a moment, sitting alone, she saw herself with absolute clar- Reading Christopher de Vinck’s book had triggered a searing clarity of mind and heart. Mystical experiences ity for who she really was, in all her immaturity and in mystical experience inside her, not unlike the one are experiences that cut through all the things that nor- all her goodness. It changed her life. From then on she described by Ruth Burrows. Reading the Story of a Soul mally block us from touching our deepest selves, and they knew who she was — beyond ego, wound, immaturity, by Therese of Lisieux generally does that for me. are rare because normally our consciousness is cut off peer pressure, ideology and all affectation. In that So, here’s my counsel: seek out what does that for you. from our deep, true, virginal self by the influence of ego, moment she knew her deepest self purely (and the only It doesn’t have to bring tears to your eyes, it just has to wound, history, social pressure, ideology, false fear and all thing that was extraordinary was its extraordinary clari- point you with searing clarity towards home! the various affectations we don and shed like clothing. ty). Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher and Rarely are we ever in touch with our deepest center, with- So, what kinds of things might induce mystical experi- award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School of out filters, purely; but when we are, that’s what makes for ences in our lives? The short answer: anything that takes Theology, San Antonio, Texas. a mystical experience. you beyond your ego, your wounds, your affectations, and Mysticism, as Ruth Burrows defines it, is being the powerful social pressures within which you breathe, Character defined There was an old saying among computer program- closest thing I can imagine that is close to the current sit- This time has also allowed me and my staff the oppor- mers years ago that said “garbage in, garbage out.” That uation with the pandemic would be a global conflict of tunity to redo some things at St. Anne Retreat Center. The meant if you put bad data into a computer, the results some type. We haven’t experienced that since World War 2020–2021 schedule for retreats was going to be the busiest would be bad. The same thing can apply to us as well. II and, hopefully, we won’t see that type of conflict again. since I came here four years ago. Retreats were stacked What we watch on tele- It would be easy to give in to negativity because of the from August until April. Of course, that was greatly vision, the things we read impact of COVID-19. It would be easy to let the social impacted by COVID-19. Instead of fretting about it, we VIEWPOINT in books, magazines or on unrest and political bickering drive you even deeper into decided to make the Retreat Center even more beautiful. the internet, what we lis- a state of confusion and depression. But I believe that St. We’ve undertaken a number of projects to give the ten to on the radio can Paul in his letter to the Romans, gives us something to Retreat Center a make-over of sorts. have a profound influence think about in a more enlightening way. He says “All The outside gathering areas have been reconfigured to on our thoughts. Our things work for good for those who love God, who are allow more space. We’ve moved benches, cleaned up the thoughts then impact the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 28:28) Think landscaping and added more flowers and plants. We’ve words we use when com- about that for a moment. He doesn’t say all things are moved the offices to the first floor to be closer to the municating with others good. Of course a pandemic is not good. But he is saying retreats once they resume and have created new gather- and even our own self. that a pandemic can work for good if we seek the will of ing spaces for people while they’re on retreat. We’re The thoughts we have and God in our lives and respond to this difficulty accordingly. painting, adding signage and making sure we’re ready to the words we use then Like many, I’ve had an opportunity to reassess what’s go once we resume. influence our actions, how important in my life. The pandemic has given me time to We miss the people who come here on retreat — the we treat others and again step back and see how God has been working in my life. high schoolers and adults that make this place special. Deacon David Profitt our own self. All of this — It’s given me the chance to appreciate more the conven- But we’ve decided that our character demands that we thoughts, words and ience that life has given to me, yet at the same time, has use this time to reenergize our commitment to making St. actions — then make up the character of who we are as allowed me to see how insignificant some of that conven- Anne Retreat Center the best facility it can be. We contin- humans. ience can be. It’s allowed me the opportunity to place ue to ask for prayers that we can accomplish what we Character is most accurately determined in times of things like sports in proper perspective. Professional hope to get done. crisis. Like most of you, this current time is one of the games don’t seem so important to me now. I really don’t Deacon David Profitt is director of the St. Anne Retreat most difficult I’ve ever experienced. It’s difficult because think about what would happen if they have to cancel the Center. it impacts all of us directly. There have been hurricanes, NFL or NBA or college football for that matter. Games are tornados and other natural disasters but these impact a just that — games. They are not life and death as we’ve so specific group of people in a defined geographic area. The often built them up. Messenger September 18, 2020 5

It’s never too late to The times demand we revive share in God’s blessings The readings for the twenty-fifth Sunday in the spirit that won WWII Ordinary Time — Cycle A are: Isaiah 55:6-9; Catholic News Service the rationing of meat and sugar, tires and gasoline, coal Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A; and Matthew 20:1-16A. Wednesday, Sept. 2, was the 75th anniversary of V-J and firewood, nylon and silk, dairy and coffee, jams and Most of the preaching I have heard on the Gospel peri- Day and the end of World War II. On that Sunday morn- jellies and a host of other items. They accepted all this cope for this Sunday has focused on the last part of the ing in 1945, Japan’s leaders, on the deck of the battleship because these were the ways they could support the war story: the peculiarity of the wages the landowner pays the USS Missouri, signed official surrender papers. effort, these were the ways they could help the nation workers, and the dialogue between the landowner and the Emperor Hirohito’s announcement nearly three weeks achieve its common goal, these were the ways they could men who were first to be hired to work in the landowner’s before that Japan would accept the conditions of surren- help save the country and their countrymen. vineyard. The first part of der had touched off celebrations of exuberant joy and They had learned to do without during the Great the story, though, is also heartfelt relief in every Depression and when the war came, they shouldered that interesting. city, town and hamlet in burden as well. In order to feel the full this country. Our national Contrast that with today, when people have marched significance of this part of sacrifice of blood and on state capitols carrying assault rifles because they have the story, let us recall how treasure, the loss of so been told to wear a mask that will protect them and the Jews reckoned their many lives and human potential, had finally been reward- everyone they come into contact with from a deadly day. The twenty-four hours ed with victory over our enemies’ despotism and totali- virus; when people have used peaceful protests against of the day were divided tarianism, over their unimaginable cruelty. racism as permission to burn and loot. Where is that spir- into eight periods of three Today, we look back across the decades and can only it of self-sacrifice that sustained our nation during the hours each, called “watch- marvel at the nation’s sacrifice in the service of a com- most deadly war in the history of the planet? es.” There were four day- mon goal, of a common good. We scan the landscape Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. As light watches and four around us today and see a pandemic that has claimed the Catholics we believe we and our neighbors are united as night watches. The first lives of 190,000 of our fellow citizens and neighbors. We the one body of Christ. So, to love our neighbors is to love daylight watch began, not see protesters and counter-protesters clashing in the ourselves. The Church encourages us to always keep as streets willing to shoot and kill rather than talk and lis- our goal and our guide the promotion of the common Father Stef Bankemper strictly at six a.m., but at sunrise, and ended at nine ten. good, which in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of a.m., when the second watch began. The second watch What happened to that spirit of cooperation and sacri- the Church is defined as: “The sum total of social condi- ended at noon, the third at 3:00 p.m., and the last watch fice that brought us victory in World War II? Like today, tions which allow people, either as groups or as individu- ended, again not strictly at six p.m., but at sunset, when the that too was a time when the world was convulsed in als, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” workday ended and the night watches began. anger and hatred. That too was a time when the chal- As a nation, we have it within us to sacrifice our per- It makes sense that the landowner goes out at dawn, the lenges we faced were monumental. But how did our sonal desires in favor of the common good, to be united beginning of the workday, to find workers for his vineyard; grandmothers and great-grandfathers respond? in pursuit of a common goal. Our nation has done it it is even understandable that he goes out again in the mid- Millions put their lives on the line to preserve freedom before. We need only look to the example set by the dle of the morning, in case he missed someone. But at noon? and more than 400,000 Americans died doing so. Our sol- Americans young and old, rich and poor, our grandmoth- Three in the afternoon? And still again as the workday was diers, sailors and Marines, our WAVES and WACS, perse- ers and our great-grandfathers, who won World War II. drawing to a close? Was his vineyard that large? Was there vered through hardship and pain and fear and the emo- This unsigned editorial is from Tennessee Register, that much work? tional toll of war to fulfill our common national purpose: newspaper of the Diocese of Nashville, Tenn., and has been The vineyard, in the Old Testament, was sometimes used to help save the world. provided by Catholic News Service. The views or positions as an analogy for Israel: For the vineyard of the Lord of And their families and friends back at home did their presented in this or any guest editorial are those of the hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his part too, even as they anxiously awaited a letter from a individual publication and do not necessarily represent the pleasant planting. (Is 5:7) But we know that God’s plan was remote island in the Pacific or some small village in Italy views of Catholic News Service or of the U.S. Conference of not limited to Israel. Jesus commands His apostles, “Go into or France that would let them know their loved one was Catholic Bishops. all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” still alive and whole. Without complaint, they accepted (Mk 16:15) If the whole world is God’s vineyard, then, yes, there is that much work. Jesus needs a lot of workers for His vineyard. Life has gone to the dogs Are you at work in the Lord’s vineyard? What are you August 26 was National Dog Day. It sounds like anoth- garbage was dumped over the walls, the dogs managed to doing to care for and/or extend it? Have you been standing er made-up celebration to me, but that’s ok. I don’t mind. survive. But their survival depended on more than just idle all day, waiting for someone to hire you? Jesus wants We need things to celebrate these days. And I surely food. For a dog, survival is about belonging to a pack. and needs you to get to work. His vines need tending; His didn’t mind celebrating National Peach Pie Day either! And as the packs increased, they dominated the lands vineyard needs to be extended. Jesus wants His Gospel to be If a person meets me for the first time, chances are I beyond the walls. When criminals were shown the door heard (and seen) by everyone. will tell you about my lit- out of the city, they quite literally had gone to the dogs Is there another reason the owner of the vineyard went tle dogs, Murphy and and to a much less desirable life. out time after time seeking workers? I am leaving the strict Trudy. While not with me Psalm 59:14-15 compares our foes to dogs; “Each bounds of the story, here, but perhaps the “owner of the now at the monastery, the evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling vineyard,” Jesus, also wants everyone to have the chance to two of them have been my about the city. They roam about for food, and growl if work in the vineyard. No, He is not trying to get you to pay faithful friends for fifteen they do not get their fill.” The psalm continues to sing Him for the privilege of whitewashing His fence; there are and ten years. I took care praises to God, our fortress, who shows us steadfast love. real benefits to working in God’s vineyard. St. Paul wrote to of them and they took The fortress provides safety—even from a vicious pack of the Corinthians, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I care of me. They “helped” dogs (Occasionally, I hear the coyotes running the hillside may share in its blessings.” Perhaps the owner goes out take care of me after sur- at night. Blood-chilling!). Dogs were not looked upon again and again to make sure all get a chance to share in the geries refusing to leave highly in biblical times. blessings for which Paul hopes. my side. They instinctive- So, some questions I am thinking about: Which side of Perhaps you think it is too late for you? It is never too ly knew I needed attention the wall am I on today? Is my pack surviving or is it thriv- late to start working. The translation we have has the vine- when I was sad, were ing? Am I relying on God, my fortress, or trying to be the yard owner “going out about five o’clock”; literally, he went always willing to enjoy a lone wolf so to speak? out “at the eleventh hour,” a phrase with which we are walk, and traveled to the Murphy and Trudy give me some answers. Stay with Sister Eileen O’Connell, familiar. No matter how late it is, there is time for your con- University of Notre Dame the pack. Put faith in the one who takes care of you. And O.S.B. tribution. several times to visit a that one is excited when I just show up. Unconditional I have referenced one American literary classic (did you friend (of course, Murphy love. Maybe I have gone to the dogs! know it?); let me reference another. Let us not be like the cat, is an Irish fan!). We were a pack. AND they get super Benedictine Sister Eileen O’Connell is a professed mem- the goose and the rat, refusing to help grind the wheat and excited for me doing nothing more than showing up. ber of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery, make the flour, and so not being allowed to eat the bread Unconditional love is grand! Villa Hills, Ky. Her reflection is available on the communi- (which classic?). Let us be women and men who hear their So why is something ‘going to the dogs” an idiom with ty’s blog “Reflections from the School for the Lord’s master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into a negative connotation? A little research traces this back Service,” online at stwalburg.blogspot.com. the joy of your master,” the joy of a large harvest. (Matt to ancient China. City walls not only kept out the enemy, 25:23) As we pray in Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation I: but also kept out the dogs which were banished by law. As “Help us to work together for the coming of your Kingdom, until the hour when we stand before you, Saints among the Saints in the halls of heaven…” Father Stef Bankemper is pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, Ky. 6 September 18, 2020 Messenger

(Continued from page 3) Matthew and Olivia Hays, 1 Christopher and Allison Roch, 1 Daniel and Traci Zimmerman, 25 St. John the Evangelist Parish, Joseph and Tracy Butts, 25 Covington William and Janet Rolf, 60 Antonio and Alana Rodriguez, 1 Jacob and Lena Samad, 1 Kyle and Chelsie Vogelpohl, 1 William and Carol Federle, 25 John and Betty Barton, 60 Daniel and Marsha Bell, 50 St Barbara Parish, Erlanger Theodore and Ann Schumacher, 1 St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Gary and Michelle Giesman, 25 Ken and Sandra Demaria, 50 James and Sue Fischer, 50 Bernard and Linda Kaiser, 60 Trevor and Katherine Sorrell, 1 Flemingsburg Robert and Donna Hicks, 25 John and Catherine Fischer, 50 James and Margaret Morgan, 60 Robert and Katherine Stevenson, 1 Tom and Guyneth Moore, 50 St. Joseph Parish, Thomas and Tara Knipper, 25 Camp Springs Eric and Karen Gassmann, 50 Frederick and Virginia Sloan, 60 St. Benedict Parish, Covington St. Francis Xavier Parish, Ron and Pam Koeninger, 25 William and Melrose Guthier 72 Tevis and Theresa Gray, 50 Donald and Mimi Trenkamp, 60 Adam and Allison Volpenhein, 1 Falmouth Todd and Susan McHugh, 25 Edward and Elizabeth Schack, 70 Gary and Mary Jeanne Hampton, 50 David and Ann Marie Bickel, 50 Charles and Rose Sinning, 1 Charles and Bonnie Meyn, 25 St. Bernard Parish, Dayton Ronald and Linda Heiert, 50 Dave and Judy Hurley, 50 Edward and Violet Bishop, 50 St. Henry Parish, Elsmere Elaine and Audie Nicolletta, 25 Derrick and Elena McBride, 1 Stanley and Judi Wagner, 50 Michael and Renee Knapke, 50 Adrian and Linda Dowell, 50 Edward and Eileen Kuhn, 73 Daryl and Tracie Orth, 25 Sts. Boniface and James Parish, Kevin and Pam Ellis, 25 Garren and Amy Parker, 25 Mark and Kathy Koenig, 50 Eugene and Mary Jo Galbaugh, 50 Ludlow Gary and Sandra Albers, 60 Jerome and Elaine Makin, 25 Daniel and Maureen Randle, 25 Charles and Sharon Scheper, 50 Frank and Vickey Nether, 50 David and Virginia Knochelmann, 60 Robert and Linda Amon, 50 St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring Patrick and Deanna Richardson, 25 Daryl and Blanche Tepe, 50 Dennis and Linda O’Toole, 50 Terry and Cindy Bowlds, 50 Robert and Susan Barth, 50 Donald and Lisa Wilder, 50 Christopher and Elizabeth Penn, 50 Dennis and Judith Crowder, 50 Joseph and Agnes Schaiper, 76 Walter and Marguerita Riddle, 25 St. Catherine of Siena Parish, John and Rita Braun, 72 Paul and Patricia Heck Riedel, 25 Christopher and Theresa Boehmer, 25 Donald and Ann Reckers, 50 Ft. Thomas Raymond and Ann Miller, 50 Donald and Florine Flora, 70 Joshua and Sharon Roberts, 25 Andrew and Marilyn Collins, 25 Charles and Joyce Tappan, 50 William and Mary Joyce Bankemper, 60 Chester and Judith Nowak, 50 Charles and Mary Gerhardstein, 70 Brian and Robin Schnieders, 25 Charles and Jennifer Fedders, 25 William and JoAnn Zerhusen, 50 Dennis and Janis Desmond, 50 Hartmut and Anne Parnitzke, 50 Mark and Mary Kaye Stoeber, 25 Michael and Kristy Flesch, 25 Greg and Julie Althaver, 25 William and Diane Detzel, 50 Randall and Rebecca Verst, 25 Gregory and Cynthia Fuller, 25 Charles and Margaret Baker, 25 Michael and Michele Beck, 25 “Among the many blessings Michael and Christine Whelan, 25 Joseph and Holly Nienaber, 25 Eric and Catherine Benson, 25 Greg and Mary Meyer, 25 Donald and Angela Wimsatt, 25 Michael and Judy Nienaber, 25 Mark and Kelly Camm, 25 Donald Greis and Maureen that God has showered upon us in Christ Joseph and Melissa Wittrock, 25 Manuel and Nancy Porras, 25 Joseph and Tammi Connett, 25 O’Sullivan, 25 is the blessing of marriage, Joseph and Nancy Stratman, 25 Carl and Krista Crone, 25 Phil and Ellen Wira, 25 David and Emily Bertsch, 1 Nicholas and Elizabeth Bunker, 1 Brian and Molly Williams, 25 Jeff and Barbara Duell, 25 St. Cecilia Parish, a gift bestowed by the Creator Stephen and Danielle Cunningham, 1 John and Lisa Bessler, 1 Thomas and Michele Handrich, 25 Independence from the creation of the human race…” Timothy and Cheryl Brookbank, 1 Jeff and Natalie Henn, 25 Ronald and Cecilia Dennis, 60 Joseph and Casie Grzelak, 1 — USCCB, “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan” (2009) Ryan and Jenna Longshore, 1 Steven and Gwen Hovekamp, 25 Ralph and Theresa Kordenbrock, 60 Justin and Ashley Hargett, 1 Stephen and Brooke Muck, 1 Pete and Shelly Klocke, 25 David and Nancy Bass, 50 Rob and Sandra Himmelsbach, 1 Dennis and Karen Peters, 50 Don and Judy Griffin, 60 Daniel and Beckie Middendorf, 25 Russell and Marie Connors, 50 Roger and Diane Keller, 1 St. Augustine Parish, Augusta Robert and Mary Ann Ryan, 50 John and Charlene Holtz, 60 Frank and Lisa Miller, 25 Paul and Laura Bray, 25 Matthew and Laura Lewin, 1 Charles and Jennifer Jett, 25 Edward and Arlene Sparks, 50 Robert and Margaret Kaufman, 60 Joseph and Holly Nienaber, 25 David and Nancy Burns, 25 Steven and Emma Neltner, 1 St. Augustine Parish, Lee and Tammy Bilz, 25 Roy and Donna Rauen, 60 Charles and Shannon Schadler, 25 Ronald and Lois Gilbert, 25 Bradford and Amy Pittman, 1 Covington Charles and Angela Falck, 25 Elwood and Pat Schneider, 60 Joe and Ruth Schworer, 25 Jeff and Donna Humbert, 25 Matthew and Celeste Shepelak, 1 John and Vivian Klaine, 77 Peter and Michelle Klocke, 25 Ken and Rita Arrington, 50 Gary and Traci Stegman, 25 Thomas and Julia Martin, 25 Jason and Sarah Tuuri, 1 John and Betty Barton, 60 Lawrence and Lisa Knaley, 25 Thomas and Linda Benke, 50 Mike and Lisa Thiele, 25 Jason and Heather McNabb, 25 St. Joseph Parish, Gerald and Mary Margaret Bey, 60 Kenneth and Judy Pieper, 25 Robert and Joan Blankenship, 50 Mark and Karla Weber, 25 Fredrick and Tracy Nowak, 25 Crescent Springs Robert and Diana Goetz, 50 Mark and Sandy Powers, 25 Thomas and Carol Breitenstein, 50 Jack and Kathryn Beers, 1 Michael and Carol Pollard, 25 Obie and Rosemary Henderson, 78 David and Carolyn Hall, 50 John and Erica Williams, 25 James and Patricia Doller, 50 Corey and Jill Evans, 1 Douglas and Missy Robinson, 25 Paul and Charlotte Schwarte, 71 Alvin and Dorothy Trame, 50 Christopher and Jessica Appelman, 1 George and Sharon Everett, 50 Derek and Jenna Leistner, 1 Christopher and Bobbie Sims, 25 Albert and Nancy Dahlenburg, 60 Thomas and Katie Luning, 25 Mitchell and Felicity Kriege, 1 Theo and Gemma Hall, 50 Richard and Dana Parrott, 1 Dean and Jean Skinner, 25 William and Carolyn Walsh, 60 George and Rosemarie Starr, 25 Christopher and Bethany Carl and Sally Heck, 50 Timothy and Karyn Pickrel, 1 Mike and Lisa Thiele, 25 Gordon and Dorothy Air, 50 Christopher and Karol Tuke, 25 Lombardi, 1 Max and Kathy Ladnow, 50 Adam and Lauren Reynolds, 1 Kermit and Lauri Watkins, 25 Michael and Debbie Barnes, 50 Austin and Gabriela Bauer, 1 John and Sue Lamping, 50 Eric and Louise Canter, 50 Jerry and Peggy Moellman, 50 Fred and Iluminada Gouge, 50 Ron and Fran Nieporte, 50 Glenn and Fran Jones, 50 Gerald and Susan Schmidt, 50 Mike and Mary Koenig, 50 Larry and Cathy Schultz, 50 John and Martha Lange, 50 Ronald and Judy Schumacher, 50 Kenneth and Janice Schmidt, 50 Joseph and Marsha Wermes, 50 Donald and Judith Seither, 50 James and Betty Wietholter, 50 William and Margaret Tenkman, 50 Chris and Jan Ampfer, 25 Donald and Sharon Thelen, 50 Donald and Marina Branch, 25 Jerome and Rebecca Banschbach, 25 Dennis and Kelly Burkhardt, 25 (Continued on page 12)

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Scratching the surface of an ‘inexhaustible mystery’ Under the direction of Bishop Roger Foys, the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization has teamed up with the Messenger to produce this and four subsequent special sections on the Eucharist. Long-term readers of the Messenger will recognize these articles since they were published previously. However, they have been re-structured by themes and re-designed as “pull-outs” in the hope that you will consider collecting them and keeping them for future reference. This series on the Eucharist covers a variety topics, but, of course, with limited space and the fact that this is an exploration at the very center of theology, we are only scratching the surface here. I hope that reading these short articles inspires you to explore more and to take every opportunity you are given to meet our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our faith is born from and expressed in theology (speech about God). Theology, in turn, remains, as St. Anselm once defined it, a matter of “faith seeking understanding.” What we believe, we try to understand further; when we understand further, we believe more deeply. To grow in the faith means to engage in this cyclical process of seeking God. The reason we want to grow in faith is so that we can love God all the more. Not long ago a Pew Research study reported that “Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their Church that the Eucharist is the body, blood of Christ.” This particular study noted that “ … nearly seven-in-ten Catholics (69 percent) say they person- ally believe that during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine used in Communion ‘are symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.’ Just one-third of U.S. Catholics (31 percent) say they believe that ‘during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus.’” This, understandably, caused shock waves to resound throughout the Church for anyone who was paying attention. However, there is reason to believe that we shouldn’t panic — yet. In this case, hopefully at least, things don’t seem to be as bad as they first appear. One factor to consider is sample size. The Disciple Maker Index, administered by the Catholic Leadership Institute, has currently surveyed 131,845 Catholics around the country about multiple themes connected with parish life. (By contrast, the PEW survey was based on 1,835 Catholics in a total sample population of 10,971.) When asked about doctrines of the faith, 72 percent of the DMI respondents strongly agreed with the statement “I personally believe the Eucharist really is the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” Another 19 percent agreed with that statement. That’s almost 120,000 Catholics claim- ing they do agree with what the Church teaches, compared to the 569 respondents highlight- An image of Melchizedek, portrayed in a mural in the Blessed Sacrament chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of the ed in the PEW results. Assumption. The book of Genesis (14:18-20) identifies Melchizedek as the king of Salem. According to tradition, the word “Salem” Also, when considering the PEW survey, it has been pointed out that phraseology may have be corresponds to “Jerusalem.” Another possibility, however, proposes that the word “salem” is another form of the an issue. The word “actually,” used in the Pew study, may have been interpreted as referring Hebrew word for peace, “shalom.” Melchizedek, then, would be a king of peace, an ally with Abram. To celebrate a successful battle, Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine in thanksgiving for a victory. He says, “Blessed be to a physical change, which would explain why few Catholics chose that response. If so, they God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.” Melchizedek is a type of Christ and this offering of bread were correct, in that the Church does not teach that there is a physical change in appearance. and wine foreshadows the Eucharist. Long before the word “coronavirus” was part of our daily speech, our Catholic churches weren’t exactly over flowing with people on a weekly basis. With the exception of Christmas and, maybe, Easter, most people weren’t worried about arriving early to Mass so that they could find a seat. There are many factors and explanations for this that could be explored. But The Eucharist: I think it’s fair to say that the general long-term trend in the Eastern and Northern parts of our country has been a steady decline in numbers. The Source and Summit Now, in the post-pandemic-of-2020 world, there is, understandably, anxiety among those who care for souls what Mass attendance numbers will look like when all of this is over, and what 8 The Truth is ‘Out There’ the long-term effects will be on the sacramental life of the Church. Being forced away from Deacon Timothy Britt the sacraments, even if it was only for a short time, could easily cause confusion for the faith- ful, or even, God forbid, a notion that the sacraments are not needed for salvation. For believ- 9 The Eucharist ‘in the ers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church does not mince words about this and affirms that Beginning’ “the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation.” (n. 1129) Alma Burnette There’s a story about an evangelical Protestant preacher who once said, “If I truly believed what you Catholics say you believe, you would have to pull me away from the tabernacle. If I 10 Real Presence of Christ believed that my Lord was physically present in the church building I would never leave.” Now, in the Eucharist of course, we can’t just stay in front of the tabernacle any more than Peter, James and John Father Jeffrey VonLehmen could stay up on the mountain with Jesus after he was transfigured (Mt. 17:1-10), but the mes- sage remains the same and the point is well taken. For us believers there is kind of a paradox: Study Questions People don’t go to Mass because they don’t believe in the Real Presence, and they don’t believe in the Real Presence because if it were true, then wouldn’t the churches be full? Like everything else in our lives, “it’s complicated.” But, here is one thing we can be sure of: Catholic theologians and teachers, as well as parents and Godparents, will always have work to do in communicating belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, since the notion and reality of transubstantiation remains “an inexhaustible mystery.” You have to start somewhere and these editions of the Messenger are the perfect place. THE MESSENGER • SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 — David Cooley, Co-director and Office Manager, Office of Catechesis and Evangelization 8 September 18, 2020 Messenger

Incarnation at Christmas and cretely through the umbilical cord of the Holy Spirit. Real Presence in the Eucharist in the death and resurrection Demonstrating the importance of this sacrament, a Father Jeffrey VonLehmen of Jesus on Good Friday and Catholic visionary once said, “If I had a choice between a In the Gospels Jesus says, “This is my body” and “This is Easter. vision and the Eucharist, I would choose the Eucharist.” my blood.” What does that mean to each of us? The Spirit dwells in us so we might experience God, Truly the Eucharist is a real, interpersonal encounter who wants a real relationship with us. We need a body-and- between God and the worshiping community precisely How is Jesus present in the Eucharist? blood relationship with God in Christ. Yet we can only because Christ is body-and-blood present. Our human Most of us, at one time or another, find ourselves either begin to understand the body and blood of Jesus when we experiences of love and relationships tell us that any lover asking that question or trying to explain the mystery for understand true love in relationships involving friends, seeks concrete union with the beloved. someone else. Catholics believe that the Body and Blood of family and marriage. The love expressed in the Eucharist is as old as Jesus are present in consecrated bread and wine. We do Christmas. It is like the love between a mother and her not say the Eucharist is like the Body and Blood of Jesus, Sacrifice and Life infant in the womb. It is the love of God in Christ for his but that it is the Body and Blood of Jesus. Think in terms of word associations. When I say people not yet fully born into the reign of God: “ ... the In the Gospels, Jesus says, “This is my body,” and “This “green” someone might think of grass. When I say “blue,” bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world, ... is my blood.” That is strong language. It is language one might think of the sky. In our culture, when someone Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” (John 6:5l-56)

The Different Modes of Christ’s Presence In order that they should achieve a deep- er understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist, the faithful should be instructed in the principal ways in which the Lord is present to his Church in liturgical celebra- tions. He is always present in a body of the faithful gathered in his name (see Matt 18:20). He is present, too, in his Word, for it is he who speaks when the Scriptures are read in the Church. In the sacrifice of the Eucharist he is present both in the person of the minister, “the same now offering through the min- istry of the priest who formerly offered himself on the cross,” and above all under the species of the Eucharist. For in this sacrament Christ is present in a unique way, whole and entire, God and man, sub- stantially and permanently. The Sacred Congregation of Rites, instruction on the Worship of Eucharistic Ministry, states that this presence of Christ under the species “is called ‘real’ not in an exclusive sense, as if the other kinds of presence were not real, but par excellence.” (Sacred Congregation of Rites, instruction on the Worship of Eucharistic Ministry, no.9)

Christians have sought to understand for many centuries. The Body of Christ In the Eucharist, we proclaim the mystery of faith. And it says “blood,” we probably think of something terrible, of There is no doubt that a body-and-blood relationship is a mystery! But the mystery of the kingdom of God and violence or loss of life. When we hear about body and blood exists between a mother and her child. But they don’t the Eucharist is meant to be obvious although it cannot be as sacrifice, as in the sacrifice of the Mass, we think some- think of each other as body and blood. They think about reduced to human logic. Sometimes, what is most obvious body or something has been killed. But in the ancient the human relationship between them, whether or not it is is most overlooked. Hebrew mentality, if an animal was sacrificed to God, the a mutually loving relationship. It’s the same way in the I invite you to look at the obvious — our ordinary people did not think the animal was killed to appease an Eucharistic celebration. We have a body-and-blood rela- human experiences — to help make sense of the Eucharist angry God. Instead, they thought of blood as the presence tionship with God in Christ. In this encounter, we no and Real Presence. Why does it make sense for Catholics to of life. Sacrifice was not so much giving up their best lamb longer get stuck on the elements of bread and wine, Body believe in what traditionally has been called transubstan- or the first and best part of their crop. Sacrifice meant and Blood. This is because we experience persons instead tiation (the changing of the whole substance of the bread communion of life. of things, relationships instead of magic. Real reverence and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ)? Why is it This brings to mind the wonderful image of an infant in has to be for the person of Christ and for all people for important to say that the Eucharist is a concrete encounter the mother’s womb. The infant is being nourished through whom he died — the two are inseparable. That is why peo- of the community with Jesus and not just a spiritual thing the umbilical cord by the body and blood of the mother. ple are called the body of Christ. between an individual and God? In our own human expe- The baby is receiving life! The mother’s body is making all We cannot have reverence for the Body and Blood of rience, we can discover why real presence and the body- kinds of changes and sacrifices for the infant in her womb, Christ — the person of Christ — if we knock down those and-blood presence of Christ are important to us and to and the mother is very conscious of the communion she for whom he died out of love. For this reason, people are God. has with her infant. The bond between mother and baby is the body of Christ. Scripture always says it so well: “Amen, truly a body-and-blood relationship. I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, Flesh and Blood Relationships The bond between God, our loving parent, and us is just you did not do for me.” (Matt 25:45) “If anyone says, ‘l love We often think of spiritual as invisible. But who wants as strong and concrete. God wants a body-and-blood rela- God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4:20) In an invisible relationship with a loved one? tionship with us, and this concrete relationship is made speaking of the condemnation of the unjust steward, Consider this example. A father leaves work early on a possible in Christ. God so loved the world that he sent his Matthew’s Gospel says, “So will my heavenly Father do to weekday, drives five hours to another city to be present at only Son. Christ’s sacrifice in becoming one like us in the you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his his son’s college basketball game, and then drives home Incarnation and in his passion on the Cross establishes a heart.” (Matt 18:35) the same night. The father arrives home about 5 a.m., communion of life, a real presence in which we are It is simple: we must have reverence for one another. We catches an hour of sleep, and then goes to work. assured that God desires us as much as we desire him. cannot help but want a community of compassion, mercy, He does this often. Perhaps it would be enough to tell his The bread and wine are not simply like the body and peace and justice. We recognize that we all come form the son over the phone that he is thinking about him and blood of Christ they are the body-and-blood presence of same womb of God, the love of God poured out into our cheering and praying for him. But think how much more Christ. This is because our relationship is that concrete, hearts through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit signed it means to the child that his father is not just there in spir- that real, that wonderful! Jesus is God revealing God’s self and sealed in the body-and-blood relationship we have in it — he is there in flesh. He is providing real presence for to us. Neither God nor we want an invisible relationship — Christ. his son. What a big difference! we want the real thing! Father Jeffrey VonLehmen is pastor at St. Patrick Parish, When we love someone, we want a concrete relation- We can increase our understanding of God’s presence Taylor Mill. ship, and the loving Spirit of God always seeks a body-and- during the Eucharistic prayer and Communion by think- blood relationship with us. That’s what we celebrate in the ing about being in the womb of God where we are fed con- Messenger September 18, 2020 9

‘In the Beginning … ’ The Eucharist prefigured in the Old Testament Dr. Alma Burnette not the ones who offer. “In the beginning when God created The manna in the wilder- Elohim (…) the heavens and the earth.” ness is explained in John 6. Genesis 1:1 The manna is related to the In the center of this verse, in Hebrew, is an unleavened “Bread of the untranslatable word, which is two Hebrew Presence,” also translated letters — the “aleph” and the “tav” — the first the “Bread of the Faces” and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In (plural), which was com- Greek the letters are the Alpha and the manded to be on a table in Omega. It serves the grammatical purpose of the Holy Place in the being the direct object pointer. These two let- Tabernacle (and the future ters form a concept rather than an actual Temple) perpetually. It fore- word. They represent all the words of God by shadowed Christ’s presence which all things were spoken into existence, as the bread, the visible yet including the Eucharist. These two letters are invisible face of God peppered throughout the Old Testament, sea- (Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus soning its meaning. The rabbis teach: 24:5-7; Numbers 4:7; John When the Messiah comes he will explain 14:9). the meaning of the aleph and the tav. And he The Passover feast is a did in Revelation: “I am the Alpha and the monumental foreshadowing Omega, the first and the last, the beginning of the Eucharist. In this arti- and the end.” (Rev. 22:12) The same concept is cle, I will only touch on in John 1:1. details normally not covered When God made man, he made him out of elsewhere. For instance, the the earth’s pre-created dust and breathed life way the blood of the lamb into the lifeless form, bringing man into was strategically smeared being by his previously spoken words, “Let us on the doors: they poured make man in our image.” the blood, not in a basin as During the Mass the priest says, “Blessed are you, Lord, flesh of our flesh; Abraham receiving from Melchizedek translated, but in a dugout hole in the threshold of the God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread and wine; Jacob clothes himself in Esau’s clothes door. They dipped the hyssop into the blood, applied it to bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands (Incarnation) and receiving the inheritance which includ- the two side posts and on the lintel (top) of each door. By have made. It will become for us the bread of life. … ed grain for bread and plenty of wine, that Esau, the first observation, one could see the result of the smearing as an Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your son (Adam) sold; Joseph depending on Pharaoh’s bread upright version of the Paleo Hebrew letter TAV. This letter goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and maker and cupbearer for deliverance. One died, one lived means: the finish, the covenant, the mark, the sign and the work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.” — death and resurrection in the Eucharist. Later Joseph signature (Exodus 12:13). The Hebrew letter looks like two The priest is exercising his ordained authority to bring reveals himself to his brothers after placing a cup into the crossed sticks — a cross, a cross with blood on it in the life to the lifeless bread and wine, previously made by grain. This led to their confession, reconciliation and the same location as the blood on Jesus’ cross. human hands, fulfilling Christ’s previous words, “This is salvation of the world through grain for bread distribu- The Last Supper Jesus had with his disciple was proba- my body. … This is my blood.” tion. bly not the Passover meal itself. The reason: the Passover Just as the lifeless form of the first Adam, became a liv- Moses is a type (a prefiguration) of Christ. Both were lambs had not yet been sacrificed; Jesus had to die with the ing soul so the lifeless form of the bread and wine become born at a time when oppressors were killing Hebrew Passover lambs to fulfill the typology, which began with the body, blood, soul and divinity of the second Adam, babies. Both had unusual first cribs. Both of them were his birth (all Passover lambs during the second temple Christ. raised by a man who was not their natural father. Both period had to be born in Bethlehem). The meal celebrated In Genesis 2 God causes a deep sleep to fall on Adam, were God’s appointed delivers. Both were intercessors. the evening before the Passover lambs were sacrificed was and from his side comes forth Eve. Adam exclaims, “This Both offered their own lives to save the people. Both fasted probably the Todah sacrificial meal (Leviticus 7:12-15, 22). is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.” God allowed 40 days and nights. Both gave up great riches to serve. “Todah” in Hebrew means “thanksgiving”; in Greek the Christ to die, a deep sleep for his body, and his side, too, was Both, at their first appearance, were rejected by their own word is “Eucharistia.” It could be any time of the year as opened (pierced) for the Church to come forth. St. Paul people. Both proclaimed commandments. Both provided often as desired and was often eaten on the evenings sur- writes, “Because we are members of his body we are of his food and drink. The list could go on and on. rounding the actual Passover night. The Todah meal was flesh and of his bone.” (Eph 5:30) How so? By the Eucharist There are many Eucharistic connections between the to give thanks for individual or family deliverance from being consumed at the Mass, the marriage supper of the first Exodus in the Old Testament and the second Exodus peril or death. The Passover meal was a collective Todah Lamb. brought on by Jesus. meal designated for all Israel to eat together on one specific In Genesis 2 and 3 the two trees planted in the middle of Moses’ first public miracle was changing water to night, once a year, to celebrate a national deliverance. the garden foreshadow the Eucharist. It was a rabbi who blood. Jesus’ first public miracle was changing water to The Todah meals had lamb, unleavened bread, cups of once explained it to me. wine, a forerunner of the greater miracle of changing wine, prayers and hymns (the Hallel psalms are Todah The fruit of the trees was manna. The tree of life had wine to his own blood. Moses was the first priest to repre- psalms). The Todah sacrifice is considered the greatest of unleavened manna and the tree of the knowledge of good sent all the people. In this new position, he proclaims the the animal sacrifices because it added suffering of one’s and evil had leavened manna, both heavenly bread.” Torah to the people. Jesus, the High Priest, proclaims and own life (see Psalm 69:30). The Todah is a subcategory of Evidence of this is found in Genesis 3:19: “In the sweat of also fulfilled the Torah during his three-year ministry — the peace offerings (Leviticus 7:12-15), the only sacrifice your face shalt thou eat bread …” the same number of years it takes to read through the non-priests are permitted to share in its sacrificial meal. The word “fruit” means more than apples, oranges or Torah reading cycle in synagogues. After proclaiming the The Todah offering was listed in the passage about the sev- figs. It means “the product of,” like “fruit of the womb.” Torah, Moses threw the blood of the sacrifice on the people enty-four being called to go up the mountain with Moses Adam and Eve never prepared food before disobeying God. saying, “Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord (Exodus 24:1-11). While there, they beheld God as they ate The couple only ate from the trees, not from anything that has made for you.” The priest during the Mass lifts the con- and drank. So too, on the night before the official Passover, grew from the ground, such as grain. Now, after the disobe- secrated host and wine and says, “Behold the Lamb of God the Twelve Apostles were called to go up with Jesus to an dience, Adam would work to obtain bread, and since, it did who takes away the sins of the world ... ” upper room. There they beheld God (Jesus) as they ate and not require work before, it had to be a product of a tree — Moses publicly consecrates Aaron, which began the drank. From that night on his body, blood, soul and divini- the tree of life. priesthood (Kohanim succession) that continues to this ty sacrifice would be called the Eucharist — Todah in With this understanding, the text in John 6:5 and day. All Kohens must trace their authority back to Aaron’s Hebrew. Romans 5 becomes more clear. Death came into the world consecration. Only these men and the other Levites were If the Lord’s Supper was the Todah meal and not the by the first Adam eating outside of the will of God, from permitted to offer sacrifices and other priestly duties for yearly Passover meal, we have an explanation as to why the tree of knowledge of good and evil (the Law); life comes the people. This is what Jesus did with the institution of the first Christians, who were Jews, immediately began into the world by eating according to the will of God, the Twelve for apostolic succession. Only they and those celebrating this sacrificial meal weekly, and sometimes Christ’s flesh and blood — the Eucharist, the fruit of the they ordain have the authority to offer the Mass, announce daily, instead of once a year. The ancient rabbis believed tree of life we call the Cross. Both are heavenly bread. The forgiveness, etc. that after the Messiah comes all sacrifices except the Jews prophesized that when the Messiah came he would The Levitical men, while serving as priests, though Todah would cease. They were correct! Today, at the end of elevate the meaning of the manna. most were married, had to be celibate for the weeks they the Mass, the congregation exclaims, “Thanks be to God” Eucharistic prefiguration continues throughout served as priests (five non-consecutive weeks per year, see — in Hebrew, “Todah laEl.” Genesis: the blood of Able “cries out” … fulfilled in I Samuel 21:1-5; Leviticus 15:18, 22:4). Priests ordained in The foreshadowing of the Eucharist continues in the Hebrews 12:24 where Jesus’s blood speaks; Noah planting the New Testament serve year-round. Peter, a married Jew, rest of the Old Testament. The following observations are a vineyard and grain after the flood and being permitted to probably abstained (I Corinthians 7:5-7) before offering the only brief reflections and barely scratch the surface. eat clean animals … animals originally only for sacrifice sacrifice of the Mass. The lay priesthood does not have to now allowed by eating to become bone of our bone and be celibate because they are the receivers of the sacrifice, (Continued on page 10) 10 September 18, 2020 Messenger

of life discourse” in John’s Gospel, many of his disci- for them to swallow than it was for those who left; it was The Truth is ‘Out There’ ples said, “This saying is hard;” (aka, This teaching is simply that they believed in him. They trusted their friend. Deacon Timothy Britt “out there”) “Who can accept it?” and many of them The truth was out there, but Jesus was close enough to There is a show on T.V. called “The X Files.” It’s about returned to their former way of life and no longer accom- touch. Jesus said it was true and so they came to recognize two F.B.I. agents who investigate strange and unexplained panied him. that Jesus himself was present — body, blood, soul and events, like ghosts and UFOs. The show’s tagline is “the Even today, many find our teaching on the Eucharist divinity — in the Blessed Sacrament. A hymn that I truth is out there.” too out there. It is a stumbling block too confounding to get remember from my youth encourages us to “Look beyond I always thought of that tagline as saying that there was around or over. Two people can look at the same thing and the bread you eat; see your Savior and your Lord. Look beyond the cup you drink; see his love poured out as blood.” The truth is out there, but Jesus is close enough to touch. Moreover, in the Blessed Sacrament we actually become a part of him. And so it happens that the truth that is somewhere out there is actually very close by. It has been placed on our hearts and written on our minds. Deacon Timothy Britt is assigned to St. Mary Parish, Alexandria, Ky.

What does the Eucharist mean to you? What people are saying around the Diocese. Janet Schmidt, 2nd grade teacher at St. Joseph School, Crescent Springs “I enjoy watching the children’s faces light up when we discuss the sacraments. They know deep in their hearts that this is a special time in their lives. When we discuss the parts of the Mass and especially the Consecration; they are listen- ing like little sponges because they know it is an honor and privilege to receive Holy Communion. The children have a deep, inner yearning to learn more about the Eucharist. When COVID -19 forced us to go to remote learning, we did not know when we would be able to celebrate First Holy Communion. One student who is dedicated to her faith said, ‘The Holy Eucharist is worth waiting for. It will be great whenever we get to have our First Communion.’ On the day of First Holy Communion, it was obvious that the Holy Spirit was hard at work! The First Communicants walked a rational explanation for all the mysteries that the agents into church with a deep sense of maturity and confidence. were investigating. The answers the agents were searching see two entirely different things. Like an optical illusion, for, basically the truth, would eventually be found because some of us might squint and strain and still not see what This was their day, and although it was a different kind of it was “out there” — somewhere. is said to be right before our eyes. The plate of what used First Communion Day — they had true joy and excitement to be bread and the cup of what used to be wine for some Of course, there is another way of looking at that behind their masks and a deep love for our Lord. It touched continue to appear to be nothing more than bread and expression “out there.” It’s something that people say, my heart more than any other First Communion Day in my sometimes, when they’re talking about something or wine. Like Pontius Pilate, we ask, “What is truth?” while teaching career. someone who is unconventional, unorthodox or eccentric. truth himself stands before us. It’s what people mean when they say that the truth is Following Jesus’ introduction of himself as bread for I attend Mass whenever I can. It is my life-line. It is my stranger than fiction or when they ask, “is this guy for the life of the world, as he watched so many followers walk connection to my God and my Catholic Faith. When my away, Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” real?” parish celebrated our first “in-person” Mass since COVID- To which Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we As Catholics we cannot deny that the truth that we pres- 19, I made sure I got to church early so that I would have a ent to the world is “out there.” Jesus himself did not deny go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and seat for Mass. I was yearning to receive Holy Communion. I it, or at least he expected that some people would find the know that you are the holy one of God.” truth too hard to accept. Following what we call “the bread It wasn’t that what he was telling them was any easier masked up and social distanced, and was so excited to be at Mass. When I received Holy Communion, I cried — I literal- ly cried out of pure joy! Finally, I was reunited with my dear of loaves and fishes miracle, which prefigured Jesus mul- friend and savior Jesus. After Mass, I just sat there and In the Beginning tiplying himself in the Eucharist. cried and thanked God that we were able to have Mass (Continued from page 9) All this is followed by Isaiah’s prophecies and his vision again — and receive Holy Communion. COVID-19 made me First, let’s consider the two great harvests of Israel — in chapter 7, the chapter where a coal of fire is taken from realize, more than ever, that I truly love receiving Holy the fiery altar of God and is touched to Isaiah’s lips. The the spring harvest of grain and the fall harvest of mostly Communion and attending Mass. I will never take that for grapes and olives — bread, wine and oil. In Leviticus 23:12- fiery coal is a prefiguration of the Host. This allusion is granted again.” 13 God unites bread and wine, priests who anoint with oil referred to in Church liturgies, especially in the Orthodox and the sacrifice of the lamb. Liturgy of St. James where Communion is described as Next, David is a type of Jesus starting with his birth in “receiving the fiery coal,” due to its cleansing of Isaiah to Bethlehem (House of Bread), and his being chosen by God prepare him for his mission. Study Questions for the dual role of king and priest — a priestly-king in the Another pre-Eucharistic episode is found in the vision order of Melchizedek, the one who brought bread and of Ezekiel eating the scroll with the written Word of God wine to Abraham (Heb 7:17 quoting Psalm 110:40). There on it — a scroll made edible (Ezek 2). This vision is experi- How is Jesus present in the are also many Eucharistic images written by David in the enced in the two parts of the Mass. In the first part, the Eucharist and why is this so Liturgy of the Word, we hear the written Word through psalms, such as Psalm 23, which contains the Eucharistic important? prophecy: “Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- the proclamations, we see the written Word before our eyes, and then we prepare to partake of the Word through ence of my enemies.” It is interesting to note that this What are some prefigurations psalm follows Psalm 22 — the passion psalm. the homily. In the second part, the Liturgy of the of the Eucharist in the Old Now comes Elijah in the wilderness. (I Kgs 19:6) While Eucharist, we eat the Word of God — the Word made flesh, in the wilderness, Elijah was awakened by an angel and the Word made edible. Testament? found prepared for him bread in the shape of a cake and a Dr. Alma Burnette is a parishioner at St. Paul Parish, jar of water. The bread in the shape of a cake is like the Florence. She has a master’s degree in theology and a Ph.D. What does it mean to say that host of the holy Eucharist. The jar of water foreshadows in Biblical studies. She is a writer, speaker, teacher and Moses and David are a “type” the water turned to wine at Cana. graphic designer. She is currently the president of Word of Christ? After the prophet Elijah comes Elisha, who miraculous- Truths Ministries and a media assistant at Holmes High ly feeds a hundred men with a small amount of food, a type School. Messenger September 18, 2020 11

Oct. 7 commemorates Our Lady of Did you know? the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Victory, a title marking her special intercessory power through the holy rosary. The feast day was instituted by Presidential debates and feast days Pope Pius V after a miraculous victory The 2020 presidential and vice-presidential debates are of the Catholics in Europe against the quickly approaching, when Republican nominee Turkish invasion in 1571, attributed to President Donald Trump will face off against Democratic the soldiers praying the rosary before nominee former Vice President Joe Biden. The vice-presi- going into battle. dential debate will feature Vice President Mike Pence and Oct. 7 — The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Oct. 15 honors St. Teresa of Avila, a doctor of the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. 9-10:30 p.m. EST (vice presidential) Church and contemplative. She was a reformer of the Catholics have a duty to society to participate in the Patron: Our Lady of the Rosary Carmelite order in the 16th century and founded half a public square through political engagement and civil dia- Oct. 15 — Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing dozen monasteries. A proponent of constant prayer and logue. The debates are scheduled, interestingly enough, on Arts in Miami, 9-10:30 p.m. EST interior reform, she is also the author of the well-known the feast days of several major saints in the Catholic Patron: St. Teresa of Avila work “Interior Castle.” church. On their feast days, Catholics are given an oppor- Oct. 22 — Belmont University in Nashville, Oct. 22 marks the feast of St. Pope John Paul II, the sec- tunity to pray for their intercession and the success of the 9-10:30 p.m. EST ond longest-serving pope in modern history, who was debates, that the candidates may engage in respectful and Patron: Pope St. John Paul II instrumental in the end of Communist rule, canonized honest discussion. That way, Catholics can understand hundreds of saints and beatified thousands and was a where the candidates stand on the issues which will deter- Sept. 29 marks the feast of the archangels who are peacemaker between the Catholic Church and other reli- mine their vote. named and venerated in the Church — Michael, who gions. He led the Church into the 21st century while fought against Satan and the evil angels at the fall; Gabriel, upholding teachings on the right to life, celibate clergy, Here is the schedule: who announced to Zachariah the birth of John the Baptist contraception and more. He is known as having travelled Sept. 29 – Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and to Mary the birth of Jesus Christ in the book of Luke; on 129 pastoral trips to various countries, influencing the 9-10:30 p.m. EST and Raphael, who accompanied Tobias on his journey in faith of thousands. Patrons: Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael the book of Tobit.

Archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel Our Lady of the Rosary St. Teresa of Avila Pope St. John Paul II

Youth Rosary Day, Oct. 10, 11 a.m., Our Newsworthy Lady’s Farm, Falmouth. Rosary at 11 a.m., Four students from the Diocese of Covington were named semifinalists Happy Birthday to Father Jason Bertke, pastor, St. Paul Parish, Mass follows. in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, out of Florence, Oct. 1; Deacon Nicholas Schwartz, St. Paul Parish, Florence, All college-aged students in school or the approximately 16,000 semifinalists. Oct. 1; Deacon Barry Henry, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, work force are invited to join The Catholic Newman Center at Northern Kentucky Villa Madonna Academy: Jackson Bond and Emily Richardson; Oct. 8; Father Verne Hogan, retired, Oct. 8; Deacon David Klingenberg, Divine Mercy Parish, Bellevue and St. Bernard Parish, University for virtual Bible Study, Tuesdays, Covington Catholic High School: Pete Williams; Bishop Brossart High at 7 p.m.; Book Study at 8 p.m.; and in-person Dayton, Oct. 9; Deacon Hudson Henry, St. Joseph Parish, Crescent School: Trey Spoonamore Mass, Thursdays, at 7 p.m. at St Joseph Church, Springs, Oct. 10; Deacon Thomas Nolan, St. Timothy Parish, Union, These students will continue in the competition for one of the 7,600 Cold Spring. E-mail Donna Heim, campus min- Oct. 11; and Father Eric Boelscher, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Crescent National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be ister, at [email protected] to receive weekly Springs, Oct. 14. offered next spring. information. 12 September 18, 2020 Messenger

(Continued from page 6) Dennis and Patricia Bush, 50 Jim and Christina Sharp, 25 Kermit and Lauri Arnold and Deborah Wesselman, 50 Watkins, 25 Tim and Lynn Beirl, 25 Paul and Joyce Butsch, 50 John and Karen Steffen, 25 Charles and Margaret Baker, 25 Frank and Marianne Geiger, 50 Chris and Anne Vandergriff, 25 Tom and Susannah Thomas and Sharon Corsmeier, 25 Will and Diane Bolden, 25 Wermeling, 25 John and Janet Hammer, 50 Dave and Lynnda Volmer, 25 William and Kasey Curee, 25 Chad and Jennifer Boydston, 25 Mark and Gabriella Steven and Meredith Briede, 25 Ronald and Karen Lange, 50 Dave and Michelle Waymeyer, 25 Bartruff, 1 Milton and Daisy Griffith, 25 Joseph and Theresa Ciaramitaro, 25 Kirk and Nancy Pflum, 50 John and Lillian Weimer, 25 Michael and David and Julie Keyser, 25 Douglas and Kim Etler, 25 Daniel and Vickie Schabell, 50 Greg and Cathy Wieland, 25 Katelyn Kleier, 1 Jerome and Elaine Makin, 25 Andrew and Cheryl Goetz, 25 David and Joyce Van Horn, 50 Dean and Sandra Windgassen, 25 St. Paul Parish, Donald and Brenda Malott, 25 Ralph and Susan Hamberg, 25 James and Carole Vater, 50 Jake and Brooke Dawn, 1 Florence Michael and Maria McMain, 25 Thomas and Jennifer Helson, 25 Jaime and Lisa Abuan, 25 Nate and Rachael Mutsch, 1 John and Rosemary Thomas and Patricia Mueller, 25 Speicher, 73 Dan and Mary Pat Lewis, 25 Rick and Cathy Blank, 25 Tom and Kimberly Runyan, 1 Mark and Melissa Nagel, 25 Steve and Christy Broering, 25 Michael and Erin Walerius, 1 James and Barbara Kenneth and Johannah Osborn, 25 David and Beth Machlitt, 25 Carter, 60 Howie and Heidi Godbey, 25 Nicholas and Molly Rabe, 25 Jay and Tracy Sanborn, 25 St. Patrick Parish, Maysville John and Rosemary Jim and Stacy Shumate, 25 Matthew and Jill Goepper, 25 John and Kathy Bess, 1 Speicher, 73 Larry and Stacy Ramler, 25 David and Teresa Goodwin, 25 Vincent and Cheryl Ryder, 25 Brian and Deanna Stouffer, 25 St. Patrick Parish, Taylor Mill James and Barbara Art and Shirley Grimme, 25 Carter, 60 Marc and Sandra Tagher, 25 Mark and Barb Urban, 25 Kevin and Sarah Colwell, 50 Bill and Mary Heck, 25 Robert and Christopher and Barbara Stegman, 25 Timothy and Theresa Wood, 25 James and Barbara Ellison, 50 Richard and Marlene Hedger, 25 Barbara Brown, 50 Ryan and Emily Belcher, 1 Justin and Terri Fiser, 1 John and Arlene Finn, 50 Steve and Melissa Hollingsworth, 25 Patrick and Sandy Andrew and Colleen Gish, 1 Kevin and Maria Kanter, 1 John and Mary Hoffman, 50 Dellecave, 50 Mark and Theresa Kramer, 25 Joseph and Meghan Glynn, 25 Frank and Helene Kilala, 1 Mark and Mary Reitzes, 1 Milton and Catherine Mains, 50 Dennis and Ruth Dressman, 50 Kevin and Kim Loesch, 25 Christopher and Natalie Kallmeyer, 25 Jacob and Kylie Lauver, 1 Mark and Laurie Shields, 1 Leonard and Jean Schultz, 50 John and Carol Halenkamp, 50 Marty and Julie Meersman, 25 Michael and Michelle Kent, 25 Howard and Jill Lee, 1 St. Mary of the Assumption David and Joyce Van Horn, 50 Louis and Kathy Herzog, 50 Wayne and Ann Merkley, 25 Jeff and Kelly LeCount, 25 Adam and Elizabeth Nields, 1 Parish, Alexandria Paul and Linda Washnock, 50 Terrill and Judy Kidwell, 50 Tim and Marcy Moore, 25 Orlando and Nelisa Nuestro, 25 Ryan and Teresita Norber, 1 Dan and Martha Witt, 72 Thomas and Jacqueline Weber, 50 Vincent and Mary Lauer, 50 George and Kathleen Neltner, 25 Joe and Sharon Pusateri, 25 Kyle and Pamela Shepherd, 1 Ray and Mary Bezold, 50 Mark and Diane Balsley, 25 James and Carol Poole, 50 Mike and Greta Riley, 25 Scotty and Pamela Strunk, 25 Gabriel and Christine Sudbeck, 1 Jerry and Linda Braun, 50 David and Melinda Cramer, 25 Robert and Patricia Ross, 50 Joseph and Amy Schneider, 25 Anthony and Dina Velkly, 25 (Continued on page 13)

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(Continued from page 12) St. Pius X Parish, Edgewood Wilhelm and Rose Ann Rick and Jennifer Mariani, 25 Deane and Patricia Cox, 50 Larry and Stacy Ramler, 25 Kossenjans, 25 Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, William and Theresa Averbeck, 60 Temple and Tammie Neace, 25 Charles and Suzanne Frick, 50 Brian and Kim Shea, 25 California Daniel and Marcia Keller, 60 Andy and Tina Linneman, 25 Christopher and Cynthia James and Carole Ginney, 50 Michael and Carrie, 25, St. Hilaire, 25 Robert and Ethel Huck, 60 Bill and Barbara Griggs, 60 Jeff and Katherine Martini, 25 Niehaus, 25 Dave and Joan Ives, 50 David and Katy Sullivan, 25 Steve and Marlene Lutkenhoff, 50 Jerry and Rita Hindman, 60 Tim and Michelle Merman, 25 John and Fran Nunan, 25 Tom and Marianne Kurtz, 50 Ray and Marsha Townsend, 25 Paul and Elaine Rauch, 50 Bernard and Patricia McGrath, 60 Frank and Lisa Miller, 25 Matt and Joan Queen, 25 Paul M. and Charlene Melihercik, 50 Jason and Tami Wallace, 25 John and Angela Bezold, 25 Leo and Virginia Knipper, 60 Jeffrey and Jody Montelisciani, 25 Gayle and Marilyn Vater, 25 Donald and Patricia Quinn, 50 Christopher and Kelly Wathen, 25 J.D. and Carrie Cooper, 25 Robert and Mary Lee Zumbiel, 60 Mark and April Romer, 25 Patrick and Dianne Downey, 1 Joe and Cheryl Rachford, 50 Jason and Robin Welch, 25 Matthew and Carla Martin, 25 N.J. and Virginia Arlinghaus, 50 Mark and Kelly Schutzman, 25 David and Constance Feldkamp, 1 James and Fran Racke, 25 Lawrence and Margo Bowman, 50 David and Kathleen Sullivan, 25 St. Thomas Parish, Ft. Thomas Stephen and Margaret Reis, 25 Patrick and Diane Brady, 50 Ed and Laura Tranter, 25 Thomas and Beverly Messmer, 60 “Indeed, as Pope John Paul II Matthew and Stacey Sanning, 25 Ronald and Linda Christensen, 50 Joseph and Kelly Webster, 25 Daniel and Patricia Beimesche, 50 never tired of reminding us, Scott and Renee Schoulties, 25 Thomas and Theresa Currin, 50 Gregory and Amie Wells, 25 Mark and Sandra Hasson, 50 Scott and Amy Williams, 25 Jeffrey and Christy Schultz, 25 Joseph and Marsha Geraci, 50 Joseph and Linda Klare, 50 the future of humanity depends on marriage Jackie and Rachael Wachter, 25 William and Harriet Hancock, 50 William and Elizabeth Wulfeck, 25 James and Terri Mitsch, 50 Nichlolas and Alexis Reis, 1 Richard and Sherry Himmler, 50 Thomas and Carol Zanin, 25 Carl and Barbara Roller, 50 and the family.” Raymond and Monica Twehues, 1 Rainer and Mary Susan Trevor and Jennifer Browning, 1 Jerome and Ruth Schnieders, 50 Jaeschke, 50 Nathan and Tessa Burk, 1 St. Philip Parish, Melbourne Paul and Mary Beth Stegeman, 50 James and Dorothy Kleman, 50 Stephen and Morgan Donoghue, 1 — USCCB, “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan” (2009) Simon and Sally Jewell, 60 Robert and Jean Anderson, 25 David and Patricia Meier, 50 Alex and Allison Henn, 1 Gary and Irene Doering, 60 Shaun and Jenny Broering, 25 Richard and Mary Jo Rechtin, 50 Daniel and Melissa William, 25 Tom and Karen O’Conner, 50 Adam and Caitlin Hohman, 1 Earl and Margaret Greis, 50 Ken and Elizabeth Broomall, 25 Thomas and Catherine Schramm, 50 John and Erica Williams, 25 Christopher and Elizabeth Penn, 50 Christopher and Christine Dennis and Helen Lutz, 50 Gerald and Tricia Casebolt, 25 Robert and Judith Wiltse, 50 Matthew and Jenny Zurad, 25 Thomas and Cynthia Ryan, 50 Lonneman, 1 David and Mary McGrath, 50 William and Stephany Feldman, 25 Sean and Sondra Barclay, 25 Ryan and Audrey Averdick, 1 Gregory and Karen Schnelle, 50 Daniel and Brooke Merrell, 1 Kenneth and Agnes Schultz, 50 Greg and Margie Hegge, 25 Aaron and Maureen Bickford, 25 John and Jacquelyn Deis, 1 Richard and Regina Schweer, 50 Jakob and Emily Pindela, 1 Gerald and Mary Jo Tiemeier, 50 Kenneth and Jennifer Kruse, 25 Jim and Holly Brinkman, 25 Evan and Abby Haag, 1 Donald and Suzanne Shields, 50 Matthew and Emily Rolf, 1 Randall and Lisa Cropenbaker, 25 John and Suzanne Lorenz, 25 Paul and Anne Marie Davis, 25 James and Haley Haggard, 1 William and Virginia Steimer, 50 Jason and Erin Tate, 1 Steve and Gina Heeg, 25 Thomas and Sandy Morrison, 25 Christopher and Jennifer Eubank, 25 Jonathan and Lisa Heinrichs, 1 James and Rosemary Swingos, 50 Dean and Cheryl Wahlrab, 1 Brian and Melissa Hurd, 25 Douglas and Julie Ossege, 25 Allen and Anna Humphrey, 25 Christopher and Elizabeth Hill, 1 Thomas and Jacqueline Weber, 50 Thomas and Carol Walker, 1 Douglas and DeAnn Kiefer, 25 James and Lucie Schriefer, 25 Ron and Melissa Inabnit, 25 Todd and Jenifer Kinster, 1 Joseph and Margaret Weil, 50 Zachary and Sara Wright, 1 Chris and Melissa Mairose, 25 Tyler and Kelsey Combs, 1 Mark and Julie Kubala, 25 David and Carrie Kotte, 1 John and Theresa Wiseman, 50 St. Therese Parish, Southgate Daniel and Robin Nelson, 25 Gregory and Carrie Fassler, 1 Michael and Carol Lense, 25 Chad and Stephanie Reed, 1 Robert and Sandy Blanchet, 25 Howard and Juanita Bittner, 60 Garren and Amy Parker, 25 Christopher and Linda Fleischman, 1 Gregory and Laura Melcher, 25 Howard and Wendi Stroupe, 1 Charles and Anna Maria Bradley, 25 Bob and Nancy Schneider, 60 Joseph and Loretta Smith, 25 Joseph and Jessica Kues, 1 Dan and Beckie Middendorf, 25 Kevin and Maria Gracia Ward, 1 Barry and Tina Brake, 25 John and Sandra Ranson, 50 Christopher and Heather Joering, 1 St. Timothy Parish, Union Douglas and Nancy Moore, 25 James and Ruth Eliassen, 25 Kevin and Jeanne Barth, 25 St. William Parish, Andrew and Angie Kremer, 1 Warren and Jacqueline Laird, 71 Steven and Barbara Otten, 25 Williamstown Michael and Michelle Frisch, 25 Sean Michael and Tonya Ann Ronald and Allison Martini, 1 Gerald and Shirley Beatrice, 60 Victor and Laura Pastrana, 25 John and Mary Becker, 60 Mike and Christine Gallagher, 25 Duffy, 25 William and Karyn Starks, 1 James and Diana Doll, 60 Todd and Mary Beth Paul, 25 Orville and Mary Ann Daley, 60 Kenneth and Sonja Hueker, 25 Gary and Sheila Feldmann, 25 Barton and Elizabeth Wilson, 1 George and Mary Egan, 60 Peter and Cindy Pavek, 25 John and Margie Jump, 50 Edward and Jacqueline Sedor, 60 Chris and Anne Payton, 25 Brian and Sunshine Amon, 25 Thomas and Jayne Volz, 60 Charles and Mary Perry, 25 Harold and Lori Barnes, 25 Gerald and Tammy Auton, 50 Stephen and Colleen Gary and Sherry Brockman, 25 Robert and Diane Caiati, 50 Pfeiffenberger, 25 Kenneth and Pamela Henke, 25 Paul and Debbie Cappel, 50 Matthew and Angela Pilon, 25

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Common good, not greed, must motivate search for vaccine, pope says Junno Arocho Esteves conflicts.” seats and stay a safe distance from one another. Catholic News Service “Others simply are not interesting themselves in the “Please move back so that you aren’t crowded here. VATICAN CITY — The common good — and not politi- suffering of others; they pass by and go their own way. Each one (return) to your seats so we can avoid infections,” cal or economic gain — should be at the heart of the race They are devotees of Pontius Pilate: they wash their he said at the start of the audience. to find a vaccine for COVID-19, Pope Francis said. hands,” he said. After the audience, the pope put on a mask before get- During his weekly general audience Sept. 9, the pope The general audience was in the San Damaso courtyard ting in his car to leave the courtyard. Continuing his series of talks on “healing the world,” highlighting Catholic social teaching, the pope reflected on the importance of love and the common good, especially in a time of crisis. The Christian response to the pandemic, he said, “is based on love,” which is difficult, especially when it means “loving the enemy,” which is “the highest summit of holi- ness.” “Many times, a caress does more good than so many arguments — a caress of forgiveness and not many argu- ments to defend ourselves. It is inclusive love that heals,” the pope said, departing from his prepared remarks. Love, he continued, not only makes families and friend- ships flourish, but also “social, cultural, economic and political relationships,” thus allowing for the growth of a “civilization of love.” “Without this inspiration, an egotistical, indifferent, throwaway culture (that) casts out those who we don’t love, prevails,” he said. Pope Francis said the coronavirus pandemic highlights how “each person’s true good is a common good” and that “a virus that does not recognize barriers, borders or cul- tural or political distinctions must be faced with a love without barriers, borders or distinction.” “If the solutions for the pandemic bear the imprint of selfishness, whether it be by people, businesses or nations, we may perhaps emerge from the coronavirus crisis, but certainly not from the human and social crisis that the CNS photo/Paul Haring virus has brought to light and accentuated,” the pope said. Pope Francis signs a card for a nun as he leads his general audience in the San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican Sept. 9, 2020. “Therefore, we must be careful not to build on sand! To build a healthy, inclusive, just and peaceful society we said that “we see partisan interests emerging” in the of the Apostolic Palace, a small space with seats for about must do so on the rock of the common good,” he said. search for a vaccine, and some people “are taking advan- 500 people. While attendees were required to wear masks, “Common good is a rock.” tage of the situation to instigate divisions: by seeking eco- they bunched up at the railings to try to get closer to Pope nomic or political advantages, generating or exacerbating Francis, prompting him to urge them to return to their

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Wales. In a Sept. 11 statement, the Bishops’ Conference of England population’ and the ‘whole number of persons’ in each state — have National/World and Wales said, “We mark the tragic loss of the lives of so many included every person residing in the United States at the time of unborn babies with deep sadness and regret. It is hugely disap- the census, whether citizen or noncitizen and whether living here pointing that so many mothers felt that they could not continue with legal status or without,” the judges said. Democratic leaders, with their pregnancies, and we look forward to a time when women the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and immigration advocates Oregon’s fire: Most churches safe, for are given the genuine support they need to have children no matter took issue with the president’s memorandum on the census and pre- now, offering shelter what their circumstances,” the statement added. dicted that it would meet legal challenges and would not likely become policy. PORTLAND, Ore. — While the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Court sides with Trump on right to Mountains have been ablaze, creating red apocalyptic skies and Catholic bishops of California launch leaving five small towns in ashes, most of the churches in the end TPS Archdiocese of Portland have not burned and many have offered WASHINGTON — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit yearlong anti-racism initiative shelter to thousands of evacuees. On Sept. 9, two deaths in Marion sided Sept. 14 with President Donald Trump’s plan to end a particu- LOS ANGELES — The Catholic bishops of California have County and one in Jackson County were reported, but Oregon Gov. lar immigration protection status that would have allowed people announced a yearlong initiative to address personal and systematic Kate Brown said she feared that many more lives were lost. Ann from six countries that have suffered disasters to remain in the racism, both in the church and wider society. After a Sept. 9 Zoom Brophy, pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Church in Medford, United States. The court said the president was within his rights to conference with African American Catholic leaders from their stood on her front porch the night of Sept. 8 and watched the small revoke what’s called Temporary Protected Status, popularly known state, the California bishops released a statement pledging to “begin towns of Phoenix and Talent incinerate just a few miles south. “It as TPS, from a journey aimed at converting our hearts to more fully understand was terrifying,” Salvadoran immi- the extent and nature of the sin of racism in ourselves, our church said Brophy, who grants. TPS grants a and our nation. This journey is intended to offer tangible change.” lives in an area work permit and a The meeting and announcement occurred on the feast of St. Peter where residents reprieve from Claver, which many dioceses — including all in California — are to be ready to deportation to cer- observed as a day of prayer and fasting to end racism. St. Peter leave at a tain people whose Claver was a 17th-century Spanish Jesuit who ministered to moment’s notice. countries have expe- enslaved Africans in the Caribbean. The California initiative will One Sacred Heart rienced natural dis- unfold in three phases: listening, dialogue and action. Listening ses- parishioner in asters, armed con- sions at the parish, diocesan and statewide levels “will be designed Phoenix lost her flicts or exceptional to understand the impact on individuals of racism in our nation, mobile home to situations, to our society, and our church so we can address it and eliminate it flames not long remain temporarily wherever we can,” the bishops wrote. after gathering up in the United States. photographs of The ruling also is her husband, who Federal bill hopes to decrease veter- expected to affect died two years TPS holders from ans’ suicide rate ago. Brophy said Haiti, Honduras, she expects that WASHINGTON — Legislation in Congress intends to direct more Nicaragua, Sudan many more money to local initiatives to stop what the bill’s backers call an “epi- and Nepal. “He’s parishioners will CNS photo/Carlos Barria, Reuters demic” of suicide by veterans. The Veterans Mental Health Care ended it but what it report being sud- A melted basketball backboard in the Bear Creek neighborhood of Phoenix, Ore., Improvement Act of 2019 is meant to blunt what first-term U.S. Rep. means is that denly homeless. is seen Sept. 10, 2020, after wildfires swept through the area. Michael Waltz, R-Florida, a former Green Beret, said is a “stub- there’s this six- born” suicide rate that results in 20 to 22 veterans on average com- Vatican: Educational alliance needed month wind-down period,” said Ashley Feasley, director of policy mitting suicide each day. “We’ve moved as a country from a manda- for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee tory service to all-volunteer service,” said Waltz, who fought in to confront pandemic challenges Services. “It doesn’t affect people’s status this year. They still would Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. and retired be allowed to stay here and get a driver’s license and work authori- with the rank of lieutenant colonel. “Everybody who signs up VATICAN CITY — The Vatican Congregation for Catholic zations they have now.” knows that they’re heading into harm’s way and doing it voluntari- Education called for an alliance between Catholic and non-Catholic ly,” but given veteran suicide rates, he added, “we can’t sustain that educational institutions in order to confront the challenges stem- Judges block Trump’s order to going forward from a recruitment standpoint.” Waltz said he is co- ming from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter sponsoring the House version of the bill based on his own military published Sept. 9 in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, exclude some from census count experiences. “I’ve struggled with my own issues with TBI (traumat- the congregation said the pandemic has emphasized “the need for WASHINGTON — A panel of federal judges said President ic brain injury), with survivor’s guilt with the Green Berets that I an increasingly communal and shared educational pact that — Donald Trump acted unlawfully with his order this summer to lost,” he told Catholic News Service in a Sept. 9 phone interview. drawing strength from the Gospel and the teachings of the church exclude immigrants without legal documentation from being count- “As leaders, we need to begin talking about it.” — will contribute a generous and open synergy to spread an ed in the 2020 census for the redrawing of congressional districts. authentic culture of encounter.” The letter was signed by Cardinal The federal judges in New York granted an injunction on the order Giuseppe Versaldi, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Sept. 10, prohibiting Commerce Education, and Archbishop Angelo Zani, the congregation’s secre- Secretary Wilbur Ross, who tary. As many schools and universities begin a new academic year, oversees the U.S. Census many continue to rely on remote learning to prevent the spread of Bureau, from following the the coronavirus among faculty and students. In its letter, the con- president’s July 21 memoran- gregation said that although digital platforms have allowed for edu- dum. The panel said Trump’s cation to continue, they also have brought to light “a marked dispar- order violated laws about how ity in educational and technological opportunities.” the census is conducted and

the process for redrawing con- British bishops note ‘tragic loss of gressional districts based on life’ as abortions increase census numbers, emphasizing that people in the United States MANCHESTER, England — Catholic bishops said they were dis- illegally qualify to be counted appointed by figures showing abortions in England and Wales were in the states where they live. at their highest recorded level. The statistics released Sept. 10 by the “Throughout the nation’s histo- Department of Health revealed that 109,836 abortions were per- ry, the figures used to deter- formed in the first six months of 2020. The figures represent an mine the apportionment of increase of nearly 4,300 over the same period of 2019, a year that Congress — in the language of saw 200,608 abortions, the highest number recorded in England and the current statutes, the ‘total

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needed is “friendship and benevolence rather Pope to take his post-pandemic pleas to global stage than hatred and fear.” Catholic social teaching, the cardinal said, Cindy Wooden Pope Francis that ‘everything is connected.’” has firm biblical, theological and anthropological founda- Catholic News Service The cardinal said acceptance of the idea that the econ- tions and can be “continually updated” to respond to new VATICAN CITY — When he addresses, via video mes- omy is not everything is the only explanation for why so needs and situations. sage, the U.N. General Assembly Sept. 21, Pope Francis is many national and local governments ordered lockdowns When speaking about the economy, he said, the two expected to speak about using the coronavirus crisis as an to prevent the spread of the coronavirus; “It shows that the most recent papal social encyclicals are key: Pope Benedict opportunity to rethink economic, political and environ- priority isn’t the economy but the person.” XVI’s 2009 “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) and mental policies in a way that will benefit Pope Francis’ 2015 “Laudato humanity and the earth. Si’, On Care for Our Common Since COVID—19 was officially recognized Home.” as a pandemic in early March, the pope has “Benedict spoke of an econ- been urging individuals, organizations and omy in which room must be governments to recognize the inequalities the made for the logic of gift, the pandemic has highlighted in economics and principle of gratuitousness, access to health care and education, as well as which expresses not only soli- the ways current patterns of production and darity, but even more deeply consumption have damaged the environment. human fraternity,” the cardi- Pope Francis began a series of general nal said. “Francis relaunched audience talks Aug. 5 about the principles of the theme of integral human Catholic social teaching that can help the development in the context of world recover from the pandemic and move an ‘integral ecology,’ one that is forward in a way that is better for human environmental, economic, beings and for the environment. social, cultural, spiritual.” He spoke about transforming “the roots of “Today the pandemic is giv- our physical, spiritual and social infirmities ing a tremendous shock to the and the destructive practices that separate us entire economic and social sys- from each other, threatening the human family CNS photo/David Wallace, Reuters tem and its supposed certain- and our planet.” Adam Cadena, a United Food Bank volunteer, takes emergency food bags and places them in boxes at ties at all levels. The problems During a news conference Aug. 26 in Rieti, the United Food Bank warehouse in Mesa, Arizona, in this April 16, 2020, file photo. In an interview, of unemployment are and will Italy, to launch a celebration marking events in Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said putting a priority on the human person is be dramatic; the problems of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, Bishop needed for economic recovery from the coronavirus. public health require the revo- Domenico Pompili replied to a comment about lution of entire health and edu- interreligious cooperation by saying that Pope Francis However, he said, for the Catholic Church, it is not cation systems; and the role of states and relations was preparing a new encyclical on “human fraternity,” a enough to be concerned about a person’s physical health. between nations are changing,” Cardinal Parolin said. phrase used for a document on interreligious dialogue and “The integrity of the human person must be cared for,” “The Church feels called to accompany the complicated cooperation signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and Sheikh which means caring for the person’s spiritual, political journey that lies before us all as a human family,” he said. Ahmad el—Tayeb, grand imam of al—Azhar. and economic health as well, he said. “She must do so with humility and wisdom, but also with The Vatican confirmed Sept. 5 that the pope was writ- Especially since St. John XXIII’s teaching about peace- creativity.” ing the encyclical and said he would sign it Oct. 3 in Assisi. making in the face of the nuclear arms race, Cardinal In other words, he said, “there are solid principles of In a long interview published Aug. 27, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, Catholic social teaching has emphasized the reference, but today courageous creativity is more urgent Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, was asked what princi- interdependence of nations. than ever so that the dramatic crisis of the pandemic does ples of Catholic social teaching could help the global econ- The pandemic revealed “our common weakness, our not end in a terrible tragedy, but opens spaces for the omy recover from the pandemic and its lockdowns. shared fragility,” he said. “However, instead of fostering human and ecological conversion that humanity needs.” “The priority is not the economy as such, but the cooperation for the universal common good, we see more Italian readers may get more hints about what Pope human person,” he responded to Carlo di Cicco, former and more walls rising around us, exalting borders as a Francis is thinking when the founder of Italy’s Slow Food assistant editor of the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore guarantee of security and practicing systematic violations movement presents a book based on three long conversa- Romano. of the law, maintaining a situation of permanent global tions he has had with the pope about the meaning of “inte- The interview was posted on Riparte L’Italia, the online conflict. gral ecology.” magazine of an economic and social think tank. “As Pope Francis recalled in Nagasaki (in November), The book, “TerraFutura” (“FutureEarth”), is sched- “COVID—19 not only provoked a health crisis but arms spending reached its peak in 2019, and now there is a uled for an early September release and will recount the impacted multiple aspects of human life: the family, poli- serious risk that, after a period of decline, including due to dialogues Carlo Petrini, a self-described agnostic, had with tics, labor, businesses, commerce, tourism, etc.,” Cardinal pandemic-related restrictions, it will continue to Pope Francis about caring for the Earth and for all the peo- Parolin said. “The broad and interconnected character of increase,” he said. ple who live on it, promoting justice for individuals and the the pandemic constantly reminds us of the observation of But, he said, the pandemic demonstrates that what is preservation of nature. San Francisco Catholics urged to speak up about ‘punitive’ limits on Mass Catholic News Service ful way.” able and consistent,” Archbishop Cordileone said. SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco’s archbishop is calling In his memo, he noted that San Francisco Mayor London “They cannot be so restrictive as to effectively ban public on all parishes in the archdiocese to each gather parishioners Breed announced that, effective Sept. 14, she would possibly worship. San Francisco is the most restrictive county in the to participate in eucharistic processions to U.N. Plaza next to ease some restrictions on attendance for indoor religious entire country when it comes to public worship, but the state City Hall Sept. 20 “to witness to the city that faith matters.” services in houses of worship and “in the more distant future of California is not much better, with its limit of 100 people Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said Sept. 13 that three possibly make other adjustments.” for an indoor worship service.” parishes are each organizing a procession that he hopes all The city has been allowing just 12 people to gather for an He called it government “overreach” into “the life of the parishes will join. outdoor Mass, and in some churches where a Mass was being Church and an infringement of our right to worship as pro- After reaching the plaza, the entire group, he said, will livestreamed, 12 people could be there. In both settings, partic- tected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.” process together to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the ipants of course must be masked and socially distant. He reminded the priests he has worked behind the scenes Assumption for the celebration of multiple outdoor Masses. Archbishop Cordileone took issue with several points of “to partner with the city to protect our own people’s health Participants will be wearing masks and following “proper Breed’s announcement. and that of our neighbors, and to demonstrate a determina- social distancing,” he added. “First, the mayor announced that ‘houses of worship will tion to adhere to sound principles of public health.” “We can’t be silent any longer” about ongoing “punitive” be able to allow’ 50 people at religious services outdoors start- Archbishop Cordileone said among his efforts, he present- restrictions on in-person Mass attendance, the archbishop ing Sept. 14. However, the civil government has no right to dic- ed city officials with data “showing Masses can be conducted said. He made the comments in a memo to all the priests of tate to the Church whether or not it may ‘allow’ worship,” the safely.” the archdiocese. archbishop said. He said three infectious disease specialists reviewed data “Believers are being singled out for uniquely punitive “Civil government has the authority to issue regulations on over 1 million public Masses celebrated over the last 14 treatment,” he said. to protect the public good that apply to everyone equally, weeks and concluded that for churches following health pro- “We cannot simply standby while our people are treated including the Church. We do not dispute that,” he continued, tocols, such as opening windows, sanitizing properly, closing with this lack of compassion for their needs, and this lack of and the state has the authority to issue a building code for off every other pew and socially distancing, “no outbreaks of respect for their rights,” Archbishop Cordileone wrote in the church construction, for example, but it has “no authority” to COVID-19 have been linked to church attendance.” memo. tell the Church how to arrange its liturgical space. “I have done my best to make the case that the Mass is safe, He has formed “a strategy committee consisting of both “Similarly, the civil government can issue regulations to and the data show that, but it has been to no avail,” chancery staff and others, both clergy and lay, to advise me on protect public health that apply to everyone, the worshipping Archbishop Cordileone said. how we can best make our voice heard in a peaceful but force- community included, but those regulations have to be reason-