Faith and Farming Study Droughts, Derecho, COVID-19 and Trade with China Make 2020 a Tough Year

THE CATHOLIC MIRROR Vol. 54, No. 9 September 18, 2020 Diocese conducts campaign planning Faith and farming study Droughts, derecho, COVID-19 and trade with China make 2020 a tough year

Clergy and parishioners will be By Kelly Mescher Collins asked for feedback on proposed Staff Writer diocesan capital campaign Patrick Gannon was driv- The Diocese of Des Moines is ing home to the family farm north launching a planning study to determine of Colfax when the Aug. 10 derecho the level of support for a diocesan-wide blew through. capital campaign. “I didn’t even know it was Representatives from the Stei- going to rain,” said Gannon, a mem- er Group, a Catholic development and ber of St. Mary/Holy Cross Parish fundraising firm, will be conducting the in Elkhart. “I was in Newton and it study through mid-November. They are was really black to the west. I said seeking feedback on a variety of po- to some folks, ‘It must be raining in tential campaign elements including an Des Moines.’ There was only a 20 endowment for Catholic schools, sup- percent chance of rain.” port for seminarians and priests, a faith After leaving Newton, formation fund, and individual parish Gannon and his grandson encoun- needs. tered high winds and trees blowing “Bishop Joensen wants to hear on the highway, forcing them to cir- from as many people as possible, so cle around to different roads to find we can gauge their interest in address- an unblocked route home. ing these urgent needs,” said Maureen “It was a little scary,” Gan- Kenney, Director of Stewardship for the non said. diocese. In his more than 40 years During the 12-week study, of farming, Gannon has experienced Farmers have long-depended parishioners will have a variety of op- a number of weather events -- this on God, as their work is filled portunities to provide their input. While was his first derecho. with many uncertainties, result- some will be personally interviewed, His corn crop and pine ing in a deep faith. Patrick and others will have the option to complete trees bore the brunt of the more than Diane Gannon’s trees, corn crop a mail survey or fill out a survey online. 70 mph winds. and grain bins took a hit from “We will be providing more “It just flattened the corn the derecho. This grain bin was information about how to participate in to where it was not mechanically blown off its foundation and the the coming weeks. Details will be pub- roof ripped off by the strong lished in parish bulletins and provided Continued on page 3 winds. The Gannons attend St. Mary / Holy Cross Parish in Continued on page 9 Elkhart. Blessings in disguise Next weekend’s Hybrid and at-home religious education models offer opportunity to evangelize the family Christ Our Life Conference held in-person, online

Bishop William Joensen has encouraged people to participate in the Christ Our Life Conference -- either online or in-person -- the weekend of Sept. 26-27. For those attending in-person, face masks will be required in all common areas. Watch Bishop Joensen’s Jill Gerling, coordinator of faith formation at All Sains Parish in Stuart and St. John Parish in Adair, shows the short interview with conference space for good social distancing when religious education begins. co-founders Marilyn Lane and Ellen Miller at Facebook.com/DMDio- for religious education in the coming es indicate some are doing family-based cese or on the diocesan homepage By Anne Marie Cox Staff Writer weeks. formation, many are offering online or at DMDiocese.org. Learn more and Like schools, the pandemic is at-home catechesis and many are moving buy tickets at ChristOurLifeIowa. forcing changes in faith formation. to a hybrid model with some in-class time Close to 12,000 children and com. A survey of the fall religious edu- teens will be gathering in parishes and cation ministry in the diocese’s 80 parish- Continued on page 7 homes across central and southwest Iowa 2 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Archangelic Attitudes September 29th is the make us seem like one more hu- remain wide open in our ongo- fast love of the Lord never ceas- annual Feast of Saints Michael, man society set against itself. We ing pandemic with permission for es, his mercies never come to an Raphael, and Gabriel. The arch- By don’t want to resemble the Midi- general absolution from sin under end; they are new each morning” angels are not fictional superhe- Bishop anites of the Old Testament, who, appropriate circumstances. When (Lam. 3:17, 21-23, cited in EG n. roes; they are real persons without William when the men of Gideon broke we know peace in God’s sight, we 6). bodies but with distinctive shares Joensen their jars and blew their horns, find ourselves spending less time Adapting Pope Francis’ in God’s appointed mission. wielded their swords against stewing about what’s wrong with original predecessor, St. Peter, There is no rivalry or competition one another instead of their real the world, and more time praying we might ask ourselves, “Am among them. We pray to them for When we imitate Mi- enemy (Judges 7:16-22). Jesus about how we might anoint oth- I always ready to give a reason protection, healing, and sustained chael, we are courageous enough does not further bend the bruised ers we accompany on our pilgrim for the [joy] that is in me?” (cf. joy the Gospel is meant to instill. to “call things by their proper reed, or quench the smoldering way with a word of encourage- 1 Peter 3:15). When people en- As with anyone upon whom we name,” as St. John Paul II en- wick (Matthew 12:20). We must ment, gestures of empathy and counter me, what sort of spiritual set our hearts and devotion, we joined, allowing us to be sifted mingle mercy with justice, and benign longsuffering that convey “vibe” do they perceive: someone not only receive grace; we be- and measured by the good God befriend our own frail nature in to them that “God has healing in who is bitter? Cranky? Cynical? come somehow more like the has established and bestowed. our neighbor and ourselves. And store for you!” We ponder and Or someone who lifts spirits, is persons we love. This is my hope We are bold enough to claim that that’s where the ministry and ex- are poised like St. Gabriel, ready quick to laugh at herself, himself, in these contentious, sometimes there is such a thing as “human ample of St. Raphael is vital. to announce good news to others, quick to inject joy into situations, murky and mysterious times: that nature” and that our choices and When Raphael enters just as God commends us to do. focus on the good in one another each of us will become more like actions either contribute to our the house of the blind Tobit, the “Rejoice!” is the angel’s and confirms that God is present the archangels. flourishing or our downfall, de- angelic guest says to the man on greeting to Mary (Luke 1:28). among us, within us—the basis of Thanks to the friendly pending on whether we respect the brink of despair, “Take cour- Gabriel found joy when announc- all joy? And is there any great- prompting of Jeff Pierick and his the natural law God has inscribed age! God has healing in store ing joy to others. In his message, er source for regular renewal of men’s group in West Des Moines, in minds and hearts. for you!” (Tobit 5:10). Rapha- “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope joy within us than our reception I have rejoined the many faithful Yet the sword of God’s el ministers healing of physical Francis notes that wherever the of the Eucharist--however many praying the St. Michael prayer on word wielded by Christians in the sight and rescues from despair. first disciples went, “there was precautions we observe these a regular basis. Saint Michael, cause of truth cannot be a slash- He reconciles body and spirit, great joy” (Acts 8:8). The Holy days--where we become like the warrior and protector, bat- and-burn affair, dividing and uniting Tobit in his own person, Father continues, “There are Mary in Gabriel’s presence when tles against the “wickedness and further polarizing human soci- restoring his household, bestow- Christians whose lives seem like the priest or minister holds out the snares of the Devil,” who seeks ety, our country, and our Church. ing blessings and peace. We imi- Lent without Easter,” even as he host and announces, “The Body to deceive and seduce us with his We cannot lay proprietary claim tate Raphael when we are agents understands “the grief of people of Christ!”? lies and lead us to destruction (see to the “Truth” (capital “T”) as a of encouragement, when we seek who have to endure great suf- We are definitely not Rev. 12:7-9). Michael wields the way of separating the good guys to make peace with God, quieting fering.” Yet, “slowly but surely angels. But as we ardently pur- sword of truth that exposes lies, from the bad guys, deflecting at- our own self-recrimination some- we all have to let the joy of faith sue truth, we also want to heal, to distills light from darkness and tention away from the fact that times spun outward in our harsh slowly revive as a quiet but firm bring hope and joy to our weary liberates us from the many grey we are all sinners seeking to be attitudes toward those around us trust, even amid the greatest dis- world. We cultivate archangelic shades of moral relativism. Our saved. Sometimes I wonder if our and our world. The Sacrament tress.” When happiness seems attitudes, imitating Saints Mi- culture is rife with spin doctors own bickering and finger-point- of Reconciliation continues to be elusive, we imitate Gabriel and chael, Raphael, and Gabriel—and whose words are slippery and ing within the Church, let alone made available by our dedicat- the author of the Book of Lam- not just on their feast day, but in peeled off from reference to reali- the wholesale denunciations by ed parish priests throughout the entations: “I call to mind, and every time and season. ty. various “Catholic” organizations, Diocese, and the gates of mercy therefore I have hope: the stead- Actitud de los Arcángeles

El 29 de septiembre es corazones y nuestra devoción, no de cortar y quemar, dividiendo y veces se nos escapa en actitudes Lamentaciones: “Esto reflexionó la fiesta anual de Santos Miguel, solamente recibimos gracia; nos polarizando aún más a la sociedad hostiles hacia aquellos que nos en mi corazón, y por eso esperé: el Rafael y Gabriel. Los arcánge- convertimos de alguna forma en humana, a nuestro país y a nues- rodean y hacia nuestro mundo. amor del Señor no se ha acabado, les no son superhéroes ficticios; las personas a quienes amamos. tra Iglesia. No podemos reclamar El Sacramento de Reconciliación ni se agotarán sus misericordias; son personas reales sin cuerpo, Eso es lo que yo espero en estos propiedad de la “Verdad” (con sigue estando disponible por parte se renuevan cada mañana.” (Lam. pero con un papel específico en tiempos de contención, en veces “V” mayúscula) como una for- de nuestros dedicados sacerdotes 3:17, 21-23, mencionadas en EG la misión encargada por Dios. turbios y misteriosos: que cada ma de separar a los buenos de los parroquiales en toda la Diócesis, no. 6.) No hay rivalidad ni competencia uno de nosotros sea más como los malos, desviando la atención de la y las puertas de la misericordia Adaptando al predecesor entre ellos. Les oramos pidiendo arcángeles. realidad de que todos somos peca- continúan abiertas de par en par original del Papa Francisco, San protección, alivio y el constan- Gracias a la amable in- dores que buscamos la salvación. en medio de nuestra existente Pedro, podemos preguntarnos a te gozo que debe infundirnos el vitación de Jeff Pierick y su grupo A veces me pregunto si nuestras pandemia con el permiso de otor- nosotros mismos, “¿estoy siempre Evangelio. Como cualquier per- de hombres en West Des Moines, propias querellas y acusaciones gar la absolución general de los listo para dar respuesta al [gozo] sona a quien confiamos nuestros me he unido a los muchos fieles dentro de la Iglesia, más allá de pecados en circunstancias apropi- que hay en mí?” (cf. 1 Pedro que rezan regularmente la oración las denuncias generalizadas de adas. Cuando conocemos la paz 3:15). Cuando la gente se encuen- de San Miguel. San Miguel, el varias organizaciones “católicas” ante los ojos de Dios, nos encon- tra conmigo, ¿qué tipo de “vibra” THE CATHOLIC guerrero y protector, quien lucha nos hacen parecer más como una tramos gastando menos tiempo espiritual perciben: alguien que contra la “perversidad y acechan- sociedad humana enfrentada a sí contemplando lo que está mal está amargado? ¿Malhumorado? zas del Demonio” quien busca misma. No queremos parecernos con el mundo, y más tiempo oran- ¿Cínico? O alguien que eleva los confundirnos y seducirnos con a los madianitas del Antiguo Tes- do sobre cómo podemos ungir a espíritus, que no tarda en reírse de MIRROR sus mentiras para llevarnos a la tamento quienes, luego de que los otros para que nos acompañen en sí mismo/a, que rápidamente in- destrucción (ver Ap. 12:7-9). hombres de Gedeón destruyeran nuestro peregrinar con palabras yecta gozo en las situaciones, en- Miguel carga con la espada de la sus jarrones y sonaran sus cuernos, de ánimo, gestos de empatía, y focándose en el bien de unos con Bishop William Joensen verdad que expone las mentiras, levantaron sus espadas unos con- una benigna tolerancia que nos otros y que confirma la presencia Publisher produce luz de la oscuridad y nos tra otros en vez de hacerlo contra llame a decirles que “¡Dios te de Dios entre nosotros, dentro de [email protected] libera de los muchos tonos gris sus verdaderos enemigos (Jueces curará dentro de poco!” Delib- nosotros – la base del gozo? ¿Ex- del relativismo moral. Nuestra 7:16-22.) Jesús no quiebra la caña eramos y tenemos la gracia como iste acaso dentro de nosotros una Anne Marie Cox cultura está repleta de autores del resquebrajada ni apaga la mecha San Gabriel, listos para anunciar mayor fuente de constante reno- Editor engaño cuyas palabras son astutas que todavía humea (mateo 12:20.) la buena nueva a los demás, tal vación de alegría que la recepción [email protected] y transformadas de la referencia a Nosotros debemos asociar la mi- y como Dios nos manda a hacer- de la Eucaristía – a pesar de las la realidad. sericordia con la justicia y acoger lo.“¡Alégrate!” es el saludo del muchas precauciones que obser- Kelly Mescher Collins Cuando imitamos a Mi- nuestra propia frágil naturaleza ángel a María (Lucas 1:28). Ga- vamos en estos días – en donde Staff Writer guel, tenemos el suficiente val- con nuestro prójimo y con no- briel encontró el gozo al anunciar nos hacemos más como María en [email protected] or de “llamar a las cosas por su sotros mismos. Y es allí en donde gozo a los demás. En su mensaje presencia de Gabriel cuando el propio nombre,” como lo definió es vital el ministerio y el ejemplo “El Gozo del Evangelio,” el Papa sacerdote o el ministro sostienen San Juan Pablo II, permitién- de San Rafael.Cuando Rafael en- Francisco hace nota en cuando la hostia y anuncia, “¡El Cuerpo The Catholic Mirror (ISSN donos enfrentar el escrutinio y las tra en la casa del ciego Tobías, el los primeros discípulos partieron de Cristo!”? 0896-6869) is published medidas que el buen Dios ha es- invitado angelical dice al hombre, “llenos de gozo” (Hechos 8:8). Definitivamente no monthly for $20 per year by tablecido e impartido. Tenemos la quien está ya al límite de la deses- El Santo Padre continúa, “hay somos ángeles. Pero al buscar the Diocese of Des Moines, suficiente resolución para recon- peración, “¡Ten confianza, que cristianos cuya opción parece ser arduamente la verdad, también 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, ocer que existe eso llamado “na- Dios te curará dentro de poco!” la de una Cuaresma sin Pascua,” queremos sanar, traer esperan- Iowa 50309. Periodicals post- turaleza humana” y que nuestras (Tobías 5:10.) Rafael le sana de aunque él entiende “las personas za y alegría a nuestro desgasta- age paid at Des Moines. decisiones y acciones contribuyen la vista física y le rescata de la que tienden a la tristeza por las do mundo. Cultivamos actitudes POSTMASTER: Send changes tanto para nuestra superación o desesperación. Reconcilia cuerpo graves dificultades que tienen que de arcángeles, imitando a santos to THE CATHOLIC MIR- como para nuestro colapso, de- y espíritu, uniendo a Tobías a su sufrir.” Pero aún así “poco a poco Miguel, Rafael y Gabriel – y no ROR, 601 Grand Ave., Des pendiendo de si respetamos la propia persona, restaurando su hay que permitir que la alegría solamente en su día pero en todo Moines, Iowa 50309. ley natural que Dios ha escrito hogar, otorgándole bendiciones y de la fe comience a despertarse, momento y en toda temporada. PHONE: (515)237-5046 en nuestras mentes y en nuestros paz. Nosotros imitamos a Rafael como una secreta pero firme con- EMAIL: mirror@dmdiocese. corazones.Pero aún así, la es- cuando somos agentes de inspir- fianza, aún en las mayores angus- org pada de la palabra de Dios que ación, cuando buscamos hacer las tias.” Cuando la felicidad parece DIOCESAN WEBSITE: portan los cristianos en la causa paces con Dios, silenciando nues- escaparse, nosotros imitamos a www.dmdiocese.org de la verdad no debe ser asunto tra propia recriminación que en Gabriel y al autor del Libro de las 3 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Droughts, derecho, COVID-19 and trade with China make 2020 tough year for farming Cont. from page 1 “You could tell that it harvestable,” Gannon said. “We was going to be a lower yield have around 1,000 acres of corn even before the storm came and we destroyed 300 acres of through. Of course, it depends it, which would be about 60,000 if you have early beans or late bushels. We have federal crop beans as far as how bad the insurance and they came out and drought is going to affect them,” said, ‘You’re not going to be able Splendore added, predicting that to harvest it.’” soybean bushels per acre would The 60,000 bushels of be about half the size. “My guess corn would typically be valued at is 20-30 bushels to the acre. Nor- about $180,000. mal around here is 45-65 – that’s Three grain buildings an average yield.” on Gannon’s property were also John Freund of Ss. Pe- destroyed by the high winds. ter & Paul Parish in Atlantic, Yet, he feels fortunate said the drought will negatively compared to many farmers he impact harvest. knows. Their machine sheds “We’ll pobably be at 50 were lifted off the foundation by to 55 percent of yields from last the derecho. year,” Freund said. “There’s increased “And it didn’t just Photo by Lanette Freund costs of production,” he added. fly off, it just dropped on their John Freund, of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish in Atlantic, said crops have been negatively “We won’t cover our production equipment,” he added, noting impacted by the drought. This is his cornfield outside of Atlantic. the combine and tractor damage. costs this year.” “The John Deere store is really Freund’s family farm- “When they shut ev- or sell these pigs,’” Gannon said. without their faith. busy trying to restore equipment ing operation also has feed lot erything down, you can imagine “But I always come back to the “A lot of people say to get through harvest.” cattle, which took a direct hit what it does to cash flow,” Fre- fact that God never lets you have farming is the biggest gamble in John Splendore, of St. from COVID-19, due to the clo- und continued. “Animals get too more than you can handle. And I the world, but if you have faith Patrick Parish in Perry, was out sure of restaurants and drop in big - you can’t stop feeding them. always think, ‘We’ll be OK. God it’s not – it averages out every of town driving truck for Hy- travel. So then they become unmerchan- will take care of us.’” time,” Gannon added. Line, a poultry breeder based in “It’s been a huge cap- able to hotels and restaurants.” Farmers were already Farming and faith go Dallas Center, when the derecho ital drain on our industry....” The beef industry feeling the pinch even before hand-in-hand, said Freund. hit. Freund said. “Beef is a meat of quickly shifted from 40 percent COVID-19, droughts and the “It’s in our prayers ev- “Most farmers have celebration or travel. There’s no retail to 75 percent retail when derecho because of trade dis- ery day,” Freund said. “You have federal crop insurance and that’s travel and people are scared, and restaurant and travel sales nose- putes with China, leaving “pric- to thank the good Lord for the going to help considerably,” when they don’t move they don’t dived, he said. es... fairly pressured,” Splendore blessings that you had, like last said Splendore, who added that spend money on beef. We hav- “It’s a huge shift for any said. year, and also asking for help on breaking even is a best-case sce- en’t shown a profit of any lot of industry and we had to do that “I guess my faith gives years like this.” nario. cattle since mid-March.” overnight, and you know that me the strength not to worry Food production is not Before the derecho, the Typically, cattle pro- doesn’t happen overnight,” Fre- about different problems that on farmers alone - God is their drought had already been weigh- ducers have a two week window und added. might arise,” Splendore contin- co-creator. ing on farmers throughout west- to market the animals, Freund Pork producers also ued. “I think it’s God’s will and “We just borrow his ern Iowa. said. COVID-19 threw every- thing off. struggled with product overflow. he’s going to take care of all resources to produce something Stories emerged of farmers who things. I might still suffer a lit- so we can survive,” Freund con- felt forced to euthanize because tle bit, but we’re all gonna get tinued. “We borrow his land and Tune in to there was no market for their an- by and he’ll lead us in the right his weather to produce for the imals. direction.” rest to eat, so we have to be good Making it Personal with “You look at the devas- The three men agree - stewards of it. He gives us all the tation and you think, ‘I’m not go- they don’t know how they’d han- tools - we’ve just got to put it to- Bishop Joensen ing to have money for these crops dle the ups and downs of farming gether.”

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Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas

El Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas es un empleado de Polk County Victim Services. Ella ayuda a víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del clero durante el proceso de la queja y buscando servicios de apoyo y consejería. Pueden comunicarse al 515-286-2028 o en Get your tickets today: [email protected]. iowansforlife.org • 515-255-4113 4 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Transitional deacon accepts gifts of chalice, paten

During a memorial Mass for Carlo Salvo, his chalice and paten were presented to Deacon Reed Flood. Salvo, a founding parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs, was a man of faith, family, friendship and served his country with distinction during World War II. “I know Carlo will be very pleased that Deacon Reed will very soon be offering Mass with his chalice and paten,” said Father Dan Kirby, pastor of St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk and a friend of Salvo. Pictured with him are: Diann Potter-Madison, Mike Salvo, Deacon Reed Flood, Nancy and Steve Salvo.

Priest serves those highly vulnerable to coronavirus

He limits his outside exposure to fellow priests and humble men lies in the southeast (and pre- was not always able to cover his By Stanley Asjes minimize the chances of bring- and women of good spirit who dominantly Catholic) region of tuition. Staff Writer ing the virus to those he serves. work to implement the services Nigeria. Since arriving in the Nonethless, he feels blessed of stewardship in this time of He grew up at a time “Every term, Des Moines diocese last year, during the health crisis to be at COVID-19, I remain grateful.” when there were few priests to I will be Father Bede Inekwere has limit- Bishop Drumm Retirement Cen- “It is such a blessing serve his community. among those ed his time outside of the Bish- ter. to have Father Bede’s presence His mother had a large sent home op Drumm Retirement Center in “During this unprece- on campus,” said April Young, role in his vocation. for school Johnston. dented time of pandemic when director of mission integration “My mother used to fees,” he The Nigerian-born people are spiritually disillu- and chaplain at Bishop Drumm take me to prayer groups. She said. “While priest, who arrived in 2019, sioned; I was closer to them in Retirement Center. “Particularly used to advise me on the need to my class- serves as chaplain at the retire- emergencies, I do counselling not this year, I know it has brought serve God and humanity through mates were at ment center, where he ministers only to patients and residents, but great consolation to the residents priesthood,” said Father Bede. school receiv- Father Bede to a population highly vulnerable also staff that needed both emo- and their families to have him “Based on my mother’s advice, ing lectures, I Inekwere to COVID-19. tional and spiritual supports,” he available to visit and minister the I was challenged to go to junior had to spend He also serves the front- said. sacraments.” seminary in the 1979 academic more weeks at line healthcare workers who are Father Bede is grate- Father Bede Inekwere year.” home, doing farm work pending taking care of the patients and ful for his co-workers at Bishop comes from 6,000 miles away. He described the hard- when my fees will be completed residents at the retirement center. Drumm and the people of Des He was born in Umuakagu, a ships he faced in seminary. As before I return to the seminary.” Moines who he serves: “To my town in the state of Imo which the son of a humble farmer, he Despite the difficulties, Father Bede persevered through 15 years of formation, being ordained for the Diocese of Okig- we on Sept. 9, 1995. He served in parishes for nine years, until he was sent to the Catholic Uni- versity of Leuven in Belgium. After receiving a master’s degree in religious studies, he completed his studies in south- ern California, receiving his doctorate with special interest in comparative religion from the University of the West. After a short stint in the Diocese of Fresno, Father Bede felt called to join the Clinical Pastoral Education Training Program in Davenport. “When I was in Fresno, I had a dream,” he explained. “I was sitting beside the sick people, praying for them, comfort- ing them, and supporting them, and I knew it was another call.” That program soon led him to Unity-Point Health in Des Moines. He began serving here in 2019. www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 5 Meet our newest seminarians These two seminarians started classes at St. Pius X Seminary at Loras College on Aug. 26. Please keep them in your prayers as they study and discern God’s will for their lives. By Stanley Asjes

seminary, but one was a priest and the other one Dominic Hguyen was a father of three. They both told me about grew up in Vietnam their experience in seminary. At that moment, I before his family thought, ‘Oh man, sounds like nothing could go moved to Iowa in wrong!’ But I was dating somebody at the time, 2010. He attended so then I thought, ‘Eh, maybe, maybe not.’” Hoover High School The Valley High School graduate was in Des Moines, and again confronted with God’s call at NCYC 2019. completed an un- “The keynote speaker that night had dergraduate degree talked about vocations,” he said. “I really took in mechanical engi- that to heart during adoration, and there was a neering at Iowa State change in my heart where I thought, ‘Yes, God, University earlier this you are worth losing whatever it is I might lose.’ year. I sat on it a couple months to make sure I wasn’t He received just going off on a whim or something.” his calling early on His parents, Kenneth and Lori Dale, at 7 or 8 years old. were thrilled with their son’s decision to join “I still re- seminary. member when I “We were happy that he was choosing prayed with a nun Liam Dale, of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des to discern the priesthood at seminary,” said Lori . who was my aunt and she taught me how to pray,” said Hguyen. Moines, said it was parish youth group events “It is the perfect path for him.” “I felt the calling coming up at that moment. And then, day by day that pulled him into taking his faith seriously. At first, she was concerned: “By senior when I was growing up, the call inside me is still there.” Through the youth group, Dale found year, he started attending 6:30 a.m. Mass every Immigrating to the United States put Hguyen into a new himself at National Catholic Youth Conference morning before school, which for a parent of a place with a new culture and a new language. 2017. He remembered his prayer during Eucha- teenager, made me concerned that something bad In the midst of this huge adjustment, “I felt like my voca- ristic adoration at the event: “God, please, I’ll do was happening at school. Why does a teenager tion had maybe changed to marriage,” he said. whatever you want.” need so much time in church? Well, one day he However, at the invitation of his pastor, Father Joseph Ly “Then I started listing off things, like said, ‘I want to be a priest.’ What a relief! All was Quy Chu, Hguyen attended an Andrew Dinner, which is an oppor- ‘Would I lift up a car for God? Yes, sure, I’d lift well, very well indeed!” tunity for young men to talk with priests and the bishop about what up a car.’ Eventually I got through the list and “Obviously, he’s got a lot of years yet the priesthood is like. The idea of priesthood remained on Hguyen’s I thought, ‘Would I be a priest? Yeah, I’d be a to discern what God wants, and we pray that he mind while he kept in touch with Father Ross Parker and began to priest.’ I felt peace with that, then I thought, ‘wait answers that call, whatever it is,” said Father attend discernment retreats. a minute, no I do not want to be a priest.’ I’m Chris Hartshorn, pastor at Sacred Heart in West Hguyen has begun the two year pre-theology program of going to go back track on that and kind of put it Des Moines. “Hopefully, priesthood is that call St. Pius X Seminary at Loras College, where he will complete the on the back-burner,” he said. for him, God willing, and it will take root in his prerequisite philosophy classes before beginning major seminary. “Then I went to Oklahoma my junior heart and he’ll continue to grow.” year summer,” said Dale. “There, I met two very, very good examples of men who had gone to

Support our Seminarians On Sunday, Sept. 13, a special collection was held for the Seminarian Fund which provides support for the education of these men and others discerning priesthood within the Diocese of Des Moines. The high cost of education is often a major impediment for men looking to enter seminary. This fund allows the diocese to ease the financial burden of seminary formation. To contribute, visit: dmdiocese.org/giving/special-collection-giving

Dowling graduate Sister Mary Esther makes final profession

By Kelly Mescher Collins “And I reember my Staff Writer dad bending down and saying, ‘Maybe you’ll be a sister.’” Growing up, the de- Dowling graduate sire to be a bride of Jesus was Sister Mary Esther (formerly “the most romantic idea,” she known as Laura Downey) pro- said. fessed her final vows with the “When I was 13 I Dominican Sisters of Mary, went to a Eucharistic weekend Mother of the Eucharist on July conference, and really recog- 22. nizing Jesus in the Eucharist Sister Mary Esther and knowing that this is Jesus graduated from Dowling Cath- and he loves me so deeply, and olic High School in 2007. I want to love him back,” she Her brother is Father said. James Downey, who currently Watching her sisters serves as parochial vicar at Our courageous actions “for the Lady’s Immaculate Heart and sake of God” inspired her to do St. Luke Parishes in Ankeny. more. In a video on the Do- “Community life is minican Sisters’ website, Sister family life -- you’re like family, Mary Esther said she grew up and that brings me a lot of joy watching her parents pray and doing things with them,” Sister going to church with them. Mary Esther said. “They instilled in us Sister Mary Esther that God has a beautiful plan for said she is filled with gratitude your life,” she said. and joy She recalled meeting a sister when she was 7 -years old. Sister Mary Esther with her brother Father James Downey 6 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Around the Diocese An annual donation impacts positive change

Sept. 27 Sunday Teri Klein Participate in this year’s Catholic Charities Annual Appeal Priesthood Sunday and John Thank you for your life & Jayne of service to our parish commu- Klein. By Beth Gibbins A client at the nity. The fourth Sunday of Sep- They have Contributing Writer Thanksgiving food pantry tember is a special day set aside to 6 children event last year wrote, “Thank honor the priesthood in the United (1 de- you for your help not only ceased), States. It is a day to reflect upon and Who would have imag- today, but every day you are 20 grand- affirm the role of the priest as cen- ined the significant disruption here for us.” These are a few tral to the life of the Church. children and 8 and loss in central and southwest of the many comments re- This event offers an op- Iowa communities and the world ceived from clients. portunity for all parishioners to great grandchildren. Cards of con- as they continue to experience “We are grateful to honor their parish priest(s) by ex- gratulations will reach them at 1106 pressing their support and appreci- Montague St., Dunlap, IA 51529. COVID-19? Through Catholic our donors who extend the ation for service to the Church, and Marvin was ordained a permanent Charities donors’ generous con- opportunity to offer these ser- in particular to their parish. Parish- deacon to the Des Moines Diocese tributions, the organization con- vices,” said Debra Powers, ioners are invited to leave a card by Bishop Maurice Dingman in tinues to make a positive change Catholic Charities Develop- with words of gratitude and tribute April, 1974. in helping people in our commu- ment Director. for their priest(s). nity in the midst of a pandemic. Meeting the needs in This nationwide event is Oct. 10 Saturday Catholic Charities con- our community. coordinated and sponsored by the Rosary and Chaplet nects people with life-changing “As a social minis- US Council of Serra Internation- of Divine Mercy Rally - experiences that inspire poten- try, Catholic Charities offers “Only through your al, an organization of lay men and tial and growth. With four fa- excellent programs which serve women whose mission is to foster Prayers for Our Counry generous spirit and support can cilities located in Des Moines a variety of people in need of and affirm vocations to the ministe- DES MOINES - St. An- we continue to advance our rial priesthood and vowed religious thony and St. Joseph Parishes invite and Council Bluffs, it offers essential services,” said Barbara mission and impact positive life in the USA. you to join us in praying the Rosa- services in health, education, Decker, J.D., who joined Catho- change,” said Powers. More than 7,700 Serrans ry and the Divine Mercy Chaplet employment, housing, advocacy, lic Charities as executive direc- Debra Powers, devel- nationwide, including the Serra for our country - that America will and food assistance. Programs tor in 2018. opment director, can support Club of Des Moines and the Serra once again be healed and united un- include Counseling, Emergen- “Throughout the pan- donors in a review of the annual der one God, indivisible, with lib- Club of Council Bluffs, collaborate cy Family Shelter, Food Pantry, demic, our staff has adapted to appeal. She is available to re- erty and justice for all. This event with their bishops, parishes, and Refugee Services, Domestic Vi- ensure our programs and ser- spond to the interests and needs vocation directors to fulfill this mis- will be held at the Diocesan Shrine olence, Sexual Assault, and Hu- vices remain open despite finan- of those who want to support sion. Through this ministry, Serrans of Our Lady of Mount Carmel & Divine Mercy at St. Anthony Cath- man Trafficking. cial and logistical challenges,” Catholic Charities. Contact her work to further their common Cath- Examples of positive she said. “We thank them for olic faith. olic Church Grotto (Edison & SW at 563-275-9643 to set up a giv- 1st Street). Please plan to meet at the impacts are illustrated by clients. their exceptional contributions ing plan, sponsor an event, or 60th Wedding Anniversary Grotto at noon. A small procession A recent client of a as we continue to assess and in- personalize a contribution. Celebration of a few parishioners will begin Financial Empowerment class novate to find the best ways to To donate online and The family of Marvin and at the church carrying a statue of offered through our Domestic provide quality services to the read more about Catholic Char- Mary down to the Grotto where we Dolores Klein of Dunlap is hosting Violence and Sexual Assault Diocese of Des Moines.” ities, Diocese of Des Moines, go will be assembled waiting to pray. a card shower in honor of their par- program said the course was to www.catholiccharitiesdm.org. th (To all those participating we will ents 60 wedding anniversary on follow the health and safety guide- “very accommodating and I en- Will you invest in our pro- Saturday Sept. 5. They were mar- lines set by the Des Moines Dio- joyed the opportunity to learn grams and services? Beth Gibbins is the marketing di- ried in Earling at St. Joseph Cath- cese. Masks are encouraged.) other ways to improve myself Last year was our first rector for Catholic Charities in olic Church. Their family includes and my situation,” and “this annual appeal, and it was an ex- the Diocese of Des Moines. Bill Klein, Ann Klein-Gredys class was 100 percent helpful for citing beginning for a new fund- (Pat), Paul & Jodi Klein, Gene & my future.” raising initiative.

Bishop Drumm offers a sense of comfort in a safe, uplifting and supportive environment which includes: • Daily socialization opportunities with great friends and neighbors No rent until • On-site programs and events * to stay active November! • Room service with chef- prepared meals

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Independent Living Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Bishop Drumm 5837 Winwood Drive | Johnston, Iowa 50131 homeishere.org www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 7 Religious education programs serve 12,000 students across diocese Continued from page 1 weeks at church then two weeks el of formation. After considering the number of mation. at home, or a later Wednesday Julie Williamson, direc- children in the parish program “I’ve told my staff my session for two weeks at home tor of religious education, found and the space available, Ger- two words for this year are fluid- and then two weeks at church. a family-based curriculum. ling created a limited in-person ity and flexibility,” said Primmer. The two weeks on, two weeks off From an educational schedule of every other week “I’ve had to put into practice now will work if they have to quaran- hub called The Pastoral Center, meetings for the youth, with an more than ever what I teach and tine a particular class without Williamson found Faith Stories, online component available on preach; that is that there is the el- disrupting the entire program. a new program of 15 sessions the other weeks. ement of mystery in our faith. I The at-home lessons that families will do, two per “I’m hoping with this online have to live, walk and model liv- include movies that focus on month. Parents and children will component, parents will become ing in mystery.” themes, discussion questions and work together to read the story, more active in their role as cate- Overall, there are at a take-home packet of hands-on ask questions and discuss how chist in their children’s lives, as least three changes that can be material. God appears in daily life. parents are God’s first teachers,” seen as blessings, said John Gaff- “We see this as an op- Catechists will check in she said. ney, diocesan director of Evan- portunity to evangelize the par- on groups of four to six families Our Lady’s Immaculate gelization and Catechesis. Catechist Elizabeth ents as well so we are planning offering them support, encour- Heart Parish in Ankeny is going One benefit is the shift Williams teaches at St. to send parent “Cliff Notes” so if agement and connection to the with two separate models. to include at-home learning Thomas Aquinas Parish they are not sure of something, parish. The at-church sessions meet in strengthens the domestic church, in Indianola. they can refer to the notes,” said The plan relies on the smaller groups on alternating he said. JoAnn Sayre, director of reli- help of parents. weeks, (week A & week B). Another is that an em- and some at-home time. This will gious education, in the parish’s “Our focus is helping The at-home sessions will be phasis on adult faith formation is require more effort on the part of Return to Learn plan. the parents feel confident in their led by parents. A catechist will in synch with the new Directory parents, which catechetical lead- Ss. Peter & Paul Parish faith and sharing that, praying check in at least monthly to be for Catechesis and direction from ers say may be a blessing in dis- in Atlantic had recently begun a with their kids,” Williamson a resource, make sure they are the U.S. bishops. guise. collaborative effort with parishes said. accessing the links to the lessons Lastly, the new reli- St. Thomas Aquinas in, Anita, Griswold, and Cum- Jill Gerling agrees on the parish website, ask if there gious education programs are Parish in Indianola is among berland/Reno, offering children’s about the pandemic possibly are any questions that need staff attracting new volunteers and re- those going with a hybrid mod- activities and faith formation af- presenting an opportunity for support and assist with any other lying on more seasoned veterans el. Parents can choose at-home ter school on days when the stu- parishes to invite parents to play needs a family might have that at the same time. materials for their child, or dents were dismissed early from a more active role in their chil- would help them be successful “Catechetical leaders have their child attend an ear- school. Now, that’s on hold as the dren’s growth in faith. She’s the with content implementation, new and old are all on the same ly Wednesday session for two parish pivots to an at-home mod- coordinator of faith formation for said Tom Primmer, director of page,” Gaffney said. “It means All Saints Church in Stuart and religious education. we have to lean on each other as St. John Parish in Adair. Both models have two age and a community to get through this “I think my dream for this is developmentally appropriate together not only to survive but Welcome to Kitchen Table Faith, to get families involved a little lessons per month for youth and to thrive. There are lots of oppor- more,” said Gerling, director of families to be supported with in tunities for growth.” where families grow together religious education in Stuart. their efforts in lifelong faith for-

“Kitchen Table Faith,” a dedi- By Anne Marie Cox cated website). Staff Writer Parish Connections—a If catechists look close final activity or project for enough, they’ll see the pandem- households to complete and ic offers an opportunity, accord- connect back with the parish ing to Father Tim Fitzgerald, community. pastor of Ss. John and Paul Par- The parish is partner- ish in Altoona. ing in this project with St. Jo- “What looks like ca- seph Educational Center, which lamity is really grace cleverly serves 24 parishes in the Des disguised,” he said in a diocesan Moines metro area. Director Zoom meeting with faith forma- Tom Quinlan, who will prepare tion leaders. “It’s an opportunity the Sunday gospel reflections, for us to really transform faith also is drawing in national pre- formation in our parishes.” senters to provide a message of For 18 years, this par- hope and faith for parents and ish has been practicing house- all adults on a monthly basis. hold-centered faith formation, The parish and SJEC which involves everyone—par- are inviting leadership of all ents and other adults, teens and parishes in the Des Moines dio- younger children—in a common cese to check out Kitchen Table experience. This season, the in- Faith and consider using all or tergenerational faith formation part of it, adapting it for their is going online as Kitchen Table own use. Faith, linking households and “Use what we’re pro- catechists through the internet. viding and make it your own,” Kitchen Table Faith’s Quinlan encouraged parishes. “menu” for each month, web- “Kitchen Table Faith is flexible based and interactive, will in- so parishes can add their own clude: videos and their own flavor, so Main Dish (essentials customize it.” for each household)—a live “It’s not without haz- session Sunday or Wednesday ards or risks,” said Father Fitz- evening, recorded for further gerald. “We’re fully aware of access; an adult session with a that as well. But I think it offers featured national presenter; and the great advantage of taking reflections on the Sunday gospel the technology seriously and in passages. a flexible method. It can reach Side Dishes and Des- a wide array of households in a serts—a monthly range of ac- parish and to invite all members tivities and resources for the of the parish into an interactive household to customize its process. That’s really the center menu of faith formation for of intergenerational faith forma- the month. Suitable to vari- tion: A means to draw adults, ous ages, interests and abili- teens and young children into a ties, these are many ways to process of listening, praying and explore the Catholic tradition growing together.” and Christian discipleship. These too are web-based (on 8 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Knights’ leader focuses on service, veterans and families

By Dan Russo members for decades of service, which Witness Editor led to the creation of a Hall of Fame and the first induction ceremony in- volving Knights from across the state. CEDAR FALLS — Paul Lee, a mem- “Service through the Knights ber of St. Stephen the Witness Catholic is not just about those who are called Church and Student Center in Cedar to leadership roles,” he said. “It’s also Falls, made history in June 2019 when someone who has been active for 35 he was elected state deputy for the years and has run your local pancake Iowa Knights of Columbus. breakfast or Easter egg hunt. It takes all The husband and father re- of those pieces to put the body of Christ cently reflected on the Knights’ activ- together.” ities in 2019-2020, just before begin- The third initiative this year ning the second half of his two-year has been an effort to remind members term as leader of the organization. and others that the Knights are called to At age 33, Lee was the young- be an organization for families. est person and the first African Amer- The Knights have held food ican to be elected to the top position drives, fundraisers for people with in- in the international Catholic fraternal tellectual disabilities and other proj- organization’s Iowa branch, which has ects. Since the COVID-19 pandemic about 32,000 members statewide and has begun, many Knights councils about 1.9 million globally. have involved family members in ef- “Our mission this year has forts to deliver food and other supplies truly been one of service,” Lee reflect- to those in need or to call people who ed. “Not just service externally, but may be isolated. also service internally.” In the coming year, Lee and Lee and the other state officers other Knights state leaders plan to fo- worked with local Knights councils in cus on “lifting up the voice of everyone reaching out in service to communities, and leaving no neighbor behind.” including those outside the Catholic Church. Reprinted with permission from The A second initiative in the past Witness, a newspaper of the Archdio- year has been to recognize veteran cese of Dubuque.

Be in the know. Get news, information, Bishop Joensen’s reflections, Iowa Knights of Columbus State Deputy Paul Lee, left, helps a group of livestream Masses and much more. Knights of Columbus in Perry at a Knight’s home. They then moved on to help an elderly neighbor remove debris after the derecho last month. Job #: 40116-2018 Color(s): 4C Size: 9.75" x 7.75"Facebook.com/DMDiocese Bleed?: Y Folded Size: NA Misc: Catholic Mirror

catholic regional conference

September 26 & 27, 2020 • Wells Fargo Arena • Des Moines, Iowa

World-Class Speakers:

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC

Sr. Miriam James, SOLT

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

Mirjana Soldo

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

Jon Leonetti

Steve Angrisano

Doubting Thomas 1602–1603 Caravaggio

All-Weekend Pass: $25 Adults $15 Student/Youth Learn about our safeguards: In-Person and Livestream tickets www.ChristOurLifeIowa.com/covid-precautions ChristOurLifeIowa.com 866-319-0616 The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 9 Comprehensive campaign planning study Continued from page 1

through our various social me- moves into a major fundraising based in Omaha, Nebraska, has dia platforms,” Kenney said. campaign. directed a number of success- A fact sheet that out- “We are very excited ful diocesan-wide campaigns lines each of the proposed about the study and hope peo- throughout the country, includ- campaign goals will be avail- ple will take the time to share ing a $53 million campaign able for all participants. The in- their thoughts,” Kenney said. in the nearby Archdiocese of formation collected during the “We are one Catholic family Omaha, Nebraska. The firm is study is confidential and will and need to make this decision currently directing efforts for be used to recommend how together.” the Archdiocese of Seattle and the diocese should proceed if it The Steier Group, the Diocese of Nashville.

Got a story idea? We are looking for people and stories of faith, hope and inspiration! Tell us your idea and we may feature it in an upcoming issue of The Catholic Mirror. Email [email protected] or [email protected] 515.309.3536, 12345 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325

Victim Assistance Advocate The diocese’s Victim Assistance Advocate is a staff member at Polk County Victim Services. He helps victims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy through a complaint process and in seeking support and counseling services. He can be reached at 515-286-2024 or [email protected].

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[email protected] to learn more. This is a solicitation of insurance. Wellmark Medicare supplement insurance plans are not affiliated with any government agency. To be eligible, you must reside in the service area of the plan. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. W-2019530 08/18 10 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 DMACC students celebrate first year of Catholic club a wider community of young DMACC, said he was By Kelly Mescher Collins Catholic college students in the immediately drawn to Staff Writer Des Moines metro area. It’s been the club’s approach, and a win-win for both schools, said has already made lots Des Moines Area Com- Caleb Chemlka, Viking Catholics of new friends. munity College student Kabrina president. “The idea Brady, a member of St. Catherine “Grand View is more of of meeting other of Siena Parish in Des Moines, a smaller school so we have trou- like-minded Catholics was inspired by the faith, friend- ble getting students engaged in was really appealing,” ships and Bible study at the New- certain activities, and especially Priest said. man Catholic Student Center on activities of faith,” Chmelka said. Participat- the Drake University Campus. “We have an opportunity here at ing in prayer activities “I really just wanted to Grand View to expand our club, together, such as the see the same sense of communi- and [DMACC] really gave us rosary, Eucharistic ad- ty at DMACC,” Brady said. “And some perspective on things we oration, Mass and con- then really encourage people can do to better our faith com- fession also drew him to deepen their faith, because I munity.” in. think a really important part of The two clubs hold a “That’s what our faith is finding others who combined Bible study once a set it apart for me,” share the same belief.” month, and also share fun oppor- Priest added. She helped launch the tunities for fun and fellowship, The three all Catholics of DMACC club last including hiking excursions, agreed they are at a fall with a vision of creating “a bonfires, bowling, rock climbing time in their lives when community of Catholics and be and more. many of their peers are The Catholics of DMACC Club in Ankeny have their own events the light of Christ at DMACC.” “We do a lot of fun fel- apt to stray from their and have also partnered with Viking Catholics at GrandView Uni- They hope to help oth- lowship opportunities to build up faith. versity and the St. Catherine Catholic Newman Center at Drake ers find a community of fellow relationships,” Brady added. “I think [the University for social events, Bible studies, Masses and more. believers who can share their The two clubs also join club] really keeps me Catholic faith and build friend- the Catholic Newman Center at grounded,” Chmelka really helps college students like sofDMACC.wordpress.com, find ships. St. Catherine of Siena Parish on said. “We know now me stay active in my faith and @CatholicsofDMACC on Insta- Catholics of DMACC the Drake University Campus, that college can be a troubling continue to grow in in this time gram or email partnered with Grand View Uni- which attracts many students. time, especially in matters of of my life.” [email protected] or versity’s Viking Catholics to build Nathan Priest, faith, and having a group of peo- vice-president of Catholics of ple…for these fellowship events Learn more at Catholic- call 641-891-1912. Students head back to school

St. Malachy Catholic School fourth graders accept personal protective equipment from the local hospital, Greater Regional in Creston. Pictured are Kynzlee Sed- don, Hadley Purdum, Ryder Baird, Mason Johnson and Matthew Warner.

Students at St. Augustin Catholic School in Des Moines watch a livestream of Mass.

St. Albert Catholic School third grader Ares Rathbun take Seventh graders Mackenzie Ayala and Da- some time to read. vid Austin, of St. Joseph Catholic School in Des Moines, practice map skills by creating their own maps of Grandview Park. School is back in session for While schools are open for tion., Bishop said. in-person learning at all 16 Diocese of in-person learning, parents were also “Our goal was to open all Dio- Des Moines Catholic Schools. provided the option of high-quality re- cese of Des Moines schools for in-person Many parents across the dio- mote learning for their student. To date, learning,” Bishop said. “For some fami- cese have responded favorably to the approximately 10 percent of students lies however, the remote learning option re-opening plan and several Diocese of have opted into remote learning. In the may be necessary for medical or other Des Moines Catholic Schools have ex- event that schools are directed to close reasons. We wanted to give families op- Aiden Tunink, Andrea Perla and Justin perienced enrollment growth as a result, again, all students will be able to quickly tions that would best meet their needs Carrillo participate in adoration at St. said Donna Bishop, diocesan superin- pivot to remote learning that continues during these unprecedented times.” Patrick School in Perry. tendent of schools. their rigorous and personalized educa- The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 11 OPINION 12 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 The crosses we bear are calling us to be saints

On Sept. 14 we celebrated the in the cross, but also share in the glory of saints we were made to be, and a time feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Marriage and Family Life the resurrection. when God’s transformative grace is being I feel like this feast day should God does not desire our suffer- gratuitously offered. have a special observance during 2020, ing, but because death has been defeated Lord, let your kingdom break when all of our crosses have felt a bit we can know that in any suffering we will into this world! Let us be transformed by heavier! still “conquer overwhelmingly through your grace, make us agents of peace, unity In so many ways, through the By Adam Storey him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). and love. And let us all become the saints pandemic, natural disasters, racism, and None of what I’ve said makes the you have called us to be! the violence and division that we see in cross easy to bear. our country, we all have been carrying a is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). It does however give me hope, heavy load for some time now. I think we can celebrate the cross and it’s primarily hope that comes from Adam Storey is the diocesan director of It’s not fun, so why would the because it is through the cross that death is knowing that the cross does not have the Marriage and Family Life. He can be Church have a feast day dedicated to the defeated and that God’s reign breaks into final word. reached at [email protected] or cross? How can St. Paul say “The message the world. And Jesus loves us so much that This is a painful time for sure, 515-237-5056. of the cross is foolishness to those who are he invites us to participate in his saving but I am convinced that this is also a time perishing, but to us who are being saved it work. That means we are called to share when God is inviting us to become the A Wisconsin pilgrimage

My husband, Kevin, and I re- tures a first-class relic of the saint in the stories and the sacrifices made. I thought cently headed to Wisconsin on a trip that Guest Column main church, venerated in the side altar about Father Matthias Wernerus who in the end gave me a greater appreciation next to the Blessed Sacrament. An outdoor worked long hard hours in the sun to pro- for the gifts of our Catholic Church. shrine entrenched with artistic symbolism vide a place of prayer and to honor Our We started at Dickeyville Grotto, offers information about the saint’s life. Lord at Dickeyville. I considered the task built in the 1930s. You’ll see an impres- Lastly, we visited the Shrine to of building Holy Hill and the manpower sive array of devotional themes in artful By Donna Our Lady of Guadalupe on the bluffs of required to haul load after load of building displays painstakingly hand-constructed the Mississippi outside La Crosse. The materials and priceless stained glass uphill Marie Seuferer of beautiful rocks, shells, stalactites, fos- theme of the shrine emphasizes the sanc- to create the masterpiece. sils, glass, and coral. above while picnicking on the grounds tity of human life. The Guadalupe shrine I thought about Adele Brise who Then we went to Holy Hill Ba- below. is a world-class Catholic pilgrimage site, dedicated her life to educate and catechize silica and National Shrine of Mary Help On to the only Church-approved a large complex expertly laid out among the youth in her time, as requested by Our of Christians. Holy Hill sits prominently Marian apparition site in the entire United stately native trees. Lady. atop the highest elevation in the Milwau- States, The National Shrine of Our Lady Reminiscent of an old-world And then the martyrdom of St. kee basin amid mature native forest. The of Good Help is home to an 1859 appari- Spanish mission, colors taken from the Philomena and the agonies of Our Lady double-spired upper church is an architec- tion of Our Lady. The Apparition Chapel, miraculous Guadalupe image are used in who suffered the most at the crucifixion. tural beauty with stained glass soaring to located in the crypt, marks the apparition textiles throughout the shrine. When I reflect on these collec- towering ceilings. site and provides veneration of relics. The Large displays of colorful tive measures taken to secure the common Attached to the main church is Fathers of Mercy offer daily Mass and blooms direct you into the experience as message, it strengthens my resolve as a the Shrine Chapel which features a carved confession. The rural setting is beautifully you scale up to the main church elevated Catholic to faithfully use and humbly ap- statue of Our Lady formerly displayed at serene. high on the bluff. The ascent itself moves preciate the gifts that we have been given the 1876 World’s Fair. Crutches left be- Kevin and I went to the Nation- your senses heavenward as you encounter in our holy Catholic Church. hind attest to decades of miraculous heal- al Shrine of St. Philomena in Briggsville. many outdoor devotional areas. ings. Visit the bookstore, outdoor Stations St. Philomena is an early Christian vir- Visiting the various religious of the Cross, and hiking trails. Enjoy a gin-martyr whose bones were discovered sites, I could not help but think about the Donna Marie Seuferer is a parishioner at worms-eye view of the towering church in the Roman catacombs. The shrine fea- many people involved -- their individual St. Bernard Parish in Osceola.

Seeking the spiritual side of homeostasis

If you follow these articles that I Let’s Get would have to find our way back to bal- Our minds cannot fully comprehend God. write, then, most likely, you have noticed Psyched ance. He is beyond our reasoning ability. that I’m sort of a “word” guy. This is one of the intended ways He is a matter of faith, not a mat- Since my profession revolves God created man. And as soon as the ter of fact. Such a purposed design of per- around communication, as do many oth- unusual circumstance would pass, we fect homeostasis given for us from God. ers, I have come to realize the importance learned to go back to “normal” as quickly While our humanity seeks the of every word we use. I deeply enjoy ety- By as possible. shallows of comfort and pleasure, our mology. (That’s a fun google search). Deacon Randy Kiel In short: throughout the vast ma- spirituality yearns for the depths of stabil- The power of our words is im- jority of our human history, significant ity and mystery. This is the yearning for measurable for its effects upon others. “Homeostasis”- now that’s a mouthful- is change was almost invariably a threat to Christ himself. Whether written or spoken, our words can a word that was coined less than 100 years man’s well-being and needed to be man- Therefore, let us be thankful that create a smooth path of communication or ago, describing a phenomenon as old as aged or removed immediately in order to we worship a God who never changes. a calamitous crash of misunderstood con- humanity. It comes from the Greek, mean- return to homeostasis, the status quo. Regardless of what differences cepts. ing, “man’s sameness”, referring to any Currently, we are experiencing may come to the world as we know it, God We have all had to learn new vo- process that living things use to actively many possible threats to our homeostasis. remains constant. Regardless of what we cabulary in our lifetime, especially with maintain fairly stable conditions neces- Eventually, we will normalize because may have done in the past or will do in the increase of technology. While many sary for survival. normalization is what the human mind the future, God remains constant. He will words have been added to our vocabulary Since the creation of man, ho- continually pursues. Our future will not be never see any of us any differently than as list, many other words seem to disappear meostasis – a kind of dynamic stability – known as the “new normal” but more as his loved ones. from our local vernacular. has been essential to our well-being. For “finally normal.” Now, that is good news for this I can remember when “groovy” example, if we get too hot, we have bodi- Naturally, it will be somewhat change of seasons. was a new word. I, for one, am glad that ly mechanisms such as sweating to cool different because change begets change. word is gone. While there is no perfect us down. And if those don’t work, we’ve Our spiritual nature seeks ho- form of communication, it is not only learned to move into the shade, find cool meostasis as well. This is why the deepest healthy, but wise for us to hold our own water to pour over ourselves, and/or drink. sense of peace and stability available to communication styles in check for contin- Sociologically, homeostasis has also man is through Christ. Deacon Randy Kiel is the founder of ual improvement and growth. served us well throughout history. The It is he who puts the world into Kardia Counseling and serves Holy Trin- But, as we all must admit, to ability to create and maintain stable fami- balance and order, calms the storms of ity Parish in Des Moines. change a pattern of anything is hard to do. ly and working groups made it more likely life, and sets our souls to rest. It is he who Why is change so hard? that people would be able, over time, to takes us from a state of sin to a state of When we attempt to break any prosper and grow. grace. homeostatic condition, we will always If the system was thrown off bal- Many may wrestle to accept this cause some form of psychological alarm, ance by some form of threat, be it drought, because it truly is mysterious to us all how whether that be stress, fear, or even panic. disease, invasion or anything else, we he works. OPINION www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18 13

Ask a Priest Mystical experience and everyday people class was at a conference. At first, Burrows con- Guest Column fesses, they continued their joking around, but Q. I saw in the news re- this come to an end? the hours were long and the silence eventually cently that Cardinal Timo- A. I don’t own a wore her down. Sitting alone, bored and irritated, thy Dolan praised President crystal ball, but I suspect a mystical experience graced her, uninvited and Donald Trump and remarked we’ll have major restrictions unexpected. And it came upon her not as a vision “We need you now more than for quite a while. The rea- or an ecstasy, but as a moment of searing clarity. ever.” Church leaders who son is that without a vaccine At a certain moment, sitting alone, she saw her- By Father promote individual candidates that can prevent people from self with absolute clarity for who she really was, Ron Rolheiser worry me. It almost sounded getting Covid-19, opening up in all her immaturity and in all her goodness. It like the Cardinal was giving a the economy also opens up changed her life. From then on she knew who she campaign speech for the Presi- the public to increased risk of What kinds of things help induce mys- was – beyond ego, wound, immaturity, peer pres- dent. Could you comment? infection. Large numbers of ticism in our lives? I was asked that question re- sure, ideology, and all affectation. In that moment A. It’s received a people have already died. No- cently and this was my immediate, non-reflected, she knew her deepest self purely (and the only lot of publicity, and not all body likes this situation, but answer: whatever brings tears to your eyes in ei- thing that was extraordinary was its extraordinary of it has been good. Bishops, those are the facts. As im- ther genuine sorrow or genuine joy; but that re- clarity). cardinals, priests, and deacons portant as the Mass and sac- sponse was predicated on a lot of things. So, what kinds of things might induce have a privileged role in pro- raments are to Catholics, they What is mysticism? What makes for mystical ex- mystical experiences in our lives? The short an- claiming the gospel. And the don’t restrict us from personal perience? swer: anything that takes you beyond your ego, gospel often has many chal- prayer, good works, and com- In the popular mind mysticism is mis- your wounds, your affectations, and the powerful lenges for us all. Whether passion. Those are what the understood badly. We tend to identify mysticism social pressures within which you breathe, that church leaders like or agree teaching of Jesus was most with what’s extraordinary and paranormal, and is, anything that helps put you in touch with who with a particular candidate about. While we have to “fast” see it as something for the spiritual elite. For you really are and makes you want to be a better or not is not the issue. Those from the Eucharist at this time, most people, mysticism means spiritual visions person. And this can be many things. It might be leaders are given the responsi- we still can live fervent Chris- and ecstatic experiences which take you outside a book you read; it might be the beauty of nature; bility to speak about issues, not tian lives. Let’s focus on what of normal consciousness. it might be the sight of a newborn baby, a crying candidates. The bishops them- we CAN do. Mysticism can be that sometimes, child, a wounded animal, or the face of someone selves in the conclusion to though normally it has nothing to do with visions, suffering; or it might be what you feel deep down “Faithful Citizenship,” http:// Q. Will Jesus Christ come altered states of consciousness, or states of ecsta- when you receive an expression of love, bless www.usccb.org/issues-and-ac- back to Earth? sy. Rather it has to do with a searing clarity of someone, express genuine contrition, or share tion/faithful-citizenship/ de- A. One of the acclamations mind and heart. Mystical experiences are experi- helplessness. It can be many things. scribe a better approach. This in the Eucharistic Prayer ences that cut through all the things that normally Several years ago while teaching a is what that document says: used to say: “Christ has block us from touching our deepest selves, and course, I assigned the students a number of books “The Church is in- died. Christ is risen. Christ they are rare because normally our consciousness to read, among them Christopher de Vinck’s, Only volved in the political pro- will come again.” That accla- is cut off from our deep, true, virginal self by the the Heart Knows How to Find them – Precious cess but is not partisan. The mation was eliminated when influence of ego, wound, history, social pressure, Memories for Faithless Time. This is a series of Church cannot champion any the English version of the ideology, false fear, and all the various affecta- autobiographical essays within which de Vinck candidate or party.” Roman Missal was published tions we don and shed like clothing. Rarely are simply shares very warmly about his marriage, “The Church is en- about six years ago. How and we ever in touch with our deepest center, with- his children, and his home life. At the end of the gaged in the political process when Christ will come again out filters, purely; but when we are, that’s what semester a young woman, with de Vinck’s book but should not be used. We has befuddled us beginning makes for a mystical experience. in her hand, said to me: “Father, this is the best welcome dialogue with politi- with the very early believ- Mysticism, as Ruth Burrows defines it, book I’ve ever read. I’ve always fancied myself a cal leaders and candidates; we ers. They assumed that the is being touched by God in a way that’s beyond very free, liberated person and I’ve slept my way seek to engage and persuade return of Christ would come words, imagination, and feeling. God, as we through several cities, but now I realize that what public officials. Events and during their lifetime. We still know, is Oneness, Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. I want is what this man has. I want sex to take me photo ops cannot substitute for live with the mystery, but con- So any time we are genuinely touched by one- home. I want a home. I want the marriage bed. I serious dialogue.” sidering that God is not bound ness, truth, goodness, or beauty, without anything know now what I need!” “The Church is prin- by the constraints of time and distorting that, we’re having a mystical experi- Reading Christopher de Vinck’s book cipled but not ideological.” space, it’s not up to us. We ence. What might that look like? had triggered a mystical experience inside her, live our lives in the confidence Ruth Burrows describes a mystical ex- not unlike the one described by Ruth Burrows. Q. The corona virus pan- that God is always with us and perience which radically changed her life when Reading The Story of a Soul by Therese of Li- demic has affected most of that we can pray to Jesus at she was eighteen years old, a senior at a private sieux generally does that for me. the world. Here in the Unit- any time, for any need. high school for young women operated by an or- So, here’s my counsel: seek out what ed States, the federal and der of nuns, on a retreat preparing for graduation, does that for you. It doesn’t have to bring tears state governments have is- and not very mature. She and one of her friends to your eyes, it just has to point you with searing sued warnings and imposed Got a question for “Ask a were not taking this retreat very seriously, pass- clarity towards home! restrictions on public gather- Priest” and its author, Father ing notes to each other and pulling pranks during ings. Even when some of the John Ludwig? Send it to com- the conferences. At a point, their antics were dis- restrictions have been lifted, [email protected]. turbing enough that the nuns pulled them out of Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, Church leaders, acting out the group and had them sit in silence in a chapel, teacher, and award-winning author. He can be con- of caution, have maintained chaperoned by a teacher, whenever the rest of the tacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com. those restrictions. When will

Watch Bishop Joensen’s reflections ...plus, his Wednesday Mass livestreamed at 12:10pm on Facebook We welcome Letters to the Editor

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www.DMDiocese.org 14 www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 Oregon’s fire: Most churches safe, for now, offering shelter Deacons celebrate 10th anniversary

A neighborhood in Phoenix, Ore., is seen Sept. 9, 2020, after the Alme- da fire swept through the area. (CNS photo/Adrees Latif, Reuters)

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) stood on her front porch the night of -- While the foothills of Oregon’s Cas- Sept. 8 and watched the small towns of cade Mountains have been ablaze, cre- Phoenix and Talent incinerate just a few ating red apocalyptic skies and leaving miles south. five small towns in ashes, most of the “It was terrifying,” said Bro- churches in the Archdiocese of Portland phy, who lives in an area where residents have not burned and many have offered are to be ready to leave at a moment’s shelter to thousands of evacuees. notice. One Sacred Heart parishioner in On Sept. 9, two deaths in Mar- Phoenix lost her mobile home to flames ion County and one in Jackson County not long after gathering up photographs were reported, but Oregon Gov. Kate of her husband, who died two years ago. Brown said she feared that many more Brophy said she expects that many more Deacon Community XIII celebrated its 10th anniversary of ordination on lives were lost. parishioners will report being suddenly Aug. 14, when 13 men were ordained the permanent diaconate. Pictured Ann Brophy, pastoral associ- homeless. here are the deacons and their wives during the Rite of Candidacy in ate at Sacred Heart Church in Medford, 2007 at Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri.

Derecho Relief Fund was established and special weekend collection held

Save the Date Iowa Catholic Radio’s Fall 2020

The interior of St. Pius X Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is seen after the Aug. 10 derecho windstorm. A rubber covering on the roof was blown off causing water damage. (CNS photo/courtesy Michael Becker via The Witness) Care-A-Thon In response to recent local and Donations will provide direct global disasters, Bishop William Jo- relief to those with the greatest need. ensen asked all parishes in the Diocese If funds collected meet the needs in Live on Air of Des Moines take up a special collec- southwest Iowa, the diocese will con- tion at all of their Masses Aug. 29-30. tact neighboring dioceses impacted by September 28 - October 2 On Aug. 10, a straight-line the derecho, including the Archdiocese windstorm, called a derecho, hit Iowa of Dubuque and Diocese of Davenport, with hurricane-force winds. The storm to share these relief funds. caused severe damage to crops, busi- Funds will also be collected at Your support helps us connect people to nesses and homes. The derecho caused Mass for those impacted by the tragic Christ through the airwaves. an estimated $4 billion in damages. explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. The blast The Diocese of Des Moines is killed hundreds and injured thousands working with the Des Moines Catholic on Aug. 4, when 2,750 tons of am- Charities to help individuals and fam- monium nitrate detonated at the city’s Support our Care-A-Thon by calling ilies most severely affected. A Dere- port. The U.S. Conference of Catholic cho Relief Fund has been established Bishops has asked Catholics to offer a 515-223-1150 or by going to for this work of mercy, and Bishop response of prayer, fasting, almsgiving Joensen is asking individuals and fam- and advocacy. Donations can be made IowaCatholicRadio.com/donate ilies to prayerfully consider making a at www.dmdiocese.org/giving. Funds donation during the collection at one of collected will be sent to Catholic Relief the Masses or online at www.dmdio- Services for distribution. cese.org/giving www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 15 Faithful Citizenship Bishops of Iowa help community form their consicence

A properly-formed Care of Creation conscience “…We live in a com- The bishops’ role in mon home which God has en- politics is to help members of trusted to us … It is no longer the community to form his or enough, then, simply to state her conscience. that we should be concerned • In forming our con- for future generations. We science, we should: need to see that what is at stake • Approach any decision to is our own dignity. Leaving an be made with an openness inhabitable planet to future to the truth and what is generations is, first and fore- right. most, up to us.” (Laudato Si, • Study Scripture and #232, #160) (Legislative ex- Church teaching on the ample: Adequate funding for subject. enforcement of environmental • Examine the facts/back- laws; support of energy effi- ground information from ciency programs.” a variety of sources. • Enter a time of prayerful Economic Concerns discernment about God’s Government should will. give the needs of the poor and • Be courageous and act vulnerable preferential consid- upon our convictions. eration. (Legislative example: Protection of food assistance programs; measures to in- Legislative Principles: crease the availability of af- How do candidates react? fordable housing.) The Iowa Catholic Conference – comprised of the Health Care four bishops of Iowa – laid out Health care is a hu- key legislative principles for man right (Compendium of the the upcoming election. Social Doctrine of the Church, The intent is to serve #166) and essential to protect- an educational purpose and not ing human life and dignity, ex- to endorse or oppose any can- pecially for those who may be didate or political party. vulnerable, such as the elderly, the poor, or those with disabil- Human Life and Dignity ities. (Legislative example: Human life should Support additional funding for be protected from conception mental health services; oppose until natural death as a basic additional work reporting re- requirement of a just and mor- quirements for Medicaid.) al society. It should be recog- nized that God created each Immigration person as male and female. Persons have the right Every person is entitled to ba- to find opportunities in their sic human necessities, such as homeland. While sovereign good, housing, clean water and nations have the right to con- air, education, health care, and trol their borders, the Church productive work for fair wag- recognizes that persons have es. the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. Abortion The human dignity and hu- The unborn have a man rights of undocumented right to be protected against migrants should be respected. the violence of abortion. (Leg- (Legislative example: Oppos- islative example: A state con- ing additional law enforce- stitutional amendment to clar- ment of federal immigration ify that the Iowa Constitution laws.) does not grant a right to an abortion.) Religious Liberty Education Government should Parents have the right recognize the First Amend- to choose the kind of education ment right of religious groups, best suited to the needs of their including religious minorities, children. Public policy should to practice their faith and still assist parents in exercising that participate fully in public life. right. (Legislative example: (Legislative example: Support Education Savings Accounts) the Religious Freedom Resto- ration Act.) Racism Racism, both indi- To learn more about Faithful vidual and systemic, is an evil Citizenship and voting dis- which edures in our society cernment visit IowaCatholic- and should be condemned. Conference.org and DMDio- Policies should be promoted cese.org. that will combat racism and its effects in our civic and social institutions. (Legislative example: Addressing racial pro- filing by law enforcement.) Reach 35,000 households by placing an ad in The Catholic Mirror. Contact Kelly at [email protected] to learn more. www.dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror September 18, 2020 DSM. Sep2020 9.75x15.25.qxp_Layout 1 9/4/20 1:16 PM Page 1 It’s Much More than a Tootsie Roll When you see Knights in yellow vests that read “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities,” you should smile. When these Knights are holding their bright cans and collecting donations around town, they are helping to recognize the dignity of every person. For every donation, each donor is o ered a piece of candy by the Knight present, most commonly a Tootsie Roll. Because of these little gifts of appreciation, the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” has frequently referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It is a popular and successful fund-raisers conducted by Knights of Columbus councils. The campaign, which stretches back decades, is about more than just candy — it is about serving those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Councils’ participation in this campaign as well as many other fundraising endeavors last year contributed to the $185 million and volunteered over 75 million hours last year helping various causes. The Knights of Columbus not only conducts the “Tootsie Roll Drives” in their e orts to help people with intellectual and physical disabilities, but has also partnered with the Special Olympics since its founding along with other programs. So the next time you see a Knight in a yellow vest asking for donations outside a grocery store, and you receive a Tootsie Roll, remember it’s more than a “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It’s a chance to provide Scan to learn more people with intellectual and physical disabilities more about the Knights resources to live a happy life.

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Walker Bormann Jeromy Brockelsby Dan Ginther Donnie Kenkel Assistant General 402-651-7613 515-460-3411 712-579-9066 Agent Council Bluffs, Carlisle, Altoona, Council Bluffs, 563-219-5800 Glenwood, Red Oak Elkhart and Atlantic, Stuart, Eastern Iowa & Shenandoah Des Moines Greenfield & Neola

Rob Ryan Pete Seuntjens Steve Tatz Welcome New Agent 515-490-8753 712-880-0044 515-201-6568 Gregory Waddle WDM, St. Francis Harlan, Earling, Serving 515-218-3550 Peace of mind & Sacred Heart, Audubon, Dunlap Des Moines All Saints, Grimes, Clive, & Logan Councils including St. Augustin, Be confident in the protection you provide for your family. Johnston & Ankeny Perry, Waukee St. Anthony’s Be confident in their future. & Urbandale and Christ the King

L I F E I N S U R A N C E • D I S A B I L I T Y I N C O M E I N S U R A N C E • L O N G - T E R M C A R E I N S U R A N C E • R E T I R E M E N T A N N U I T I E S Neil Pfeifer BORMANN AGENCY General Agent Mike Bormann Northeast Nebraska, General Agent Southwest and 563-689-6801 West Central Iowa [email protected] 402-379-0180 [email protected]