A Pilgrimage to Jesus Through Mary

OCTOBER 12, 2012 VOLUME 48, NUMBER 19

INSIDE: Page 2: Diocesan Pro-Life Mass Page 5: Dinner casts net for seminarian support Page 6: A look at the Second Vatican Council Page 19: World Mission Sunday A PILGRIMAGE TO JESUS THROUGH MARY Solemn Pilgrimage Gathering Renews Young at National People’s Shrine Prepares Faith Too By Jen Reed Diocese for The Catholic Witness Year of Faith Teenagers Rebecca Cole, By Jen Reed Andrea DeJesus and Emeli The Catholic Witness Sosa stood at the base of the steps leading up to the magnif- In the Basilica of the Na- icent Basilica of the National tional Shrine of the Immac- Shrine of the Immaculate Con- ulate Conception in Wash- ception in Washington, D.C., ington, D.C., the Blessed bright-eyed and smiling from Mother seems to hold her ear to ear. children in her mantle. “I absolutely love this ba- Encircled by some 70 cha- silica!” Rebecca exclaimed, pels and oratories that grace as she looked up at America’s the nation’s preeminent Mar- Catholic Church, home to nu- ian shrine, one can almost merous chapels that give hon- feel Mary’s loving embrace or to Mary and her role in the as they sit in the pews of the faith of various ethnic commu- Great Upper Church or kneel nities. in adoration in the Crypt “I’ve been here before, but Church. have never attended a Mass All the while, Mary leads here, so I’m really looking for- the pilgrims in this holy ward to the day,” she said as sanctuary directly to her Son, morning sun splashed over the Jesus. grand basilica. And so it was fitting that, Rebecca, Andrea and Emeli, as the Church prepared to Girl Scouts from Troop 10968 enter into the Year of Faith in Harrisburg, were among a on Oct. 11, diocesan faithful number of Scouts who offered came on pilgrimage to the service to the diocesan faithful shrine, led by Bishop Joseph on pilgrimage to the basilica P. McFadden. Sept. 29. “As we gather in this beau- They were the first people tiful basilica, we come to to greet the pilgrims arriving honor Mary as our Mother. by car or stepping off of bus- It was from the cross that es chartered from across the Jesus gave Mary to us to be diocese, handing out program our Mother,” the bishop re- books and offering assistance marked in his homily, cel- and hospitality. ebrating Mass for the bus- For pilgrims, the sight of so loads and carloads of faithful many youth willingly giving who assembled there as a of their time and talents was community of faith. an encouraging sign. Just as Mary “accompa- “Young people are embrac- nied the Lord throughout his ing the faith. They’re taking human life on this earth as time out of their schedules to he accomplished the saving connect to the Church,” said work that his Father had sent Rich Groff, Youth Minister at him to do,” Bishop McFad- Holy Trinity and St. Peter Par- den said, “she accompanies ishes in Columbia and Direc- us as we make our pilgrim- tor of Religious Education at age through this life, moving St. Joseph Parish in Mechan- toward our eternal destiny icsburg. “It’s so important that with God our Father, his Son we affirm these young people Jesus Christ, and the Holy in all the good they’re doing, Spirit, the source and giver and in their faith.” of all life.” Affirmations certainly came The pilgrimage offered in the form of expressions Catholics an opportunity to of gratitude to the Scouts, renew their relationship with said Boy Scout Matthew Jesus and to commit them- McKenna, who remarked that selves to live their faith more EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS the Scouts were there as part Bishop Joseph P. McFadden stops to pray in the Chapel of Our Mother of Perpetual Help during the fully. diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washing- of their call to service. The day offered the Sac- ton, D.C. The bishop led the diocese in the pilgrimage on Sept. 29 in preparation for the Year of Faith, “The Boy Scouts are all More GATHERING, page 10 which began Oct. 11. More PILGRIMAGE, page 9 2 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Faith and Life

Bishop McFadden Leads Faithful in Prayer at York Abortion Clinic

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS A stop sign by Planned Parenthood in York sends the message of the pro-life community as they’re led in prayer by the bishop.

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness More than 300 faithful gathered for early morning Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph P. McFadden at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in York on Satur- day, October 6. This month marks Respect Life observances, and Bishop McFadden led a solemn procession on a mile-long journey to the Planned Parenthood clinic where everyone gathered around him in earnest prayer and recitation of the rosary. In his homily, Bishop McFadden thanked all present for their daily devotion to promoting a culture of life. “There is a sadness to us coming together today that we must pray for a society to respect life…. God has placed a conscience in all of us and it never leaves us. Abortion is the Father Paul CB Schenck, Diocesan Director of Respect Life Activi- worst sin – it is the complete rejection of life…. ties and chairman of the National Pro-Life Action Center in Wash- Let us also ask God to makes us good witnesses ington, D.C., reaches out to Planned Parenthood supporters, invit- – that is so important today.” ing them to reconsider their ideas about abortion.

Clergy, Knights of Columbus and lay faithful make their peaceful message clear. Parishes nationwide participate in the annual 40 Days for Life Campaign, which calls the pro-life community to prayer, vigil and community outreach. Visit Pro-life faithful gather to pray for a culture of life during Holy Mass celebrated by www.40daysforlife.com. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden at Immaculate Conception Church in York. OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 3

Local Church News Fight Continues for Religious Liberty From the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Conflicts with religious liberty have dominated the news this year. The coercive Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate re- Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, quiring private health plans including religious institutions to cover con- Once again we have come to the month of October which is designated as “Respect Life traception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs received the most at- Month” in the United States by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This month tention, but a church-state conflict over religious childcare ministries here has been celebrated every year since that dark day of January 22, 1973 when the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania is also important. upheld the lawful killing of children in their mothers’ wombs. This decision that has allowed the Under the current law, the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW) infanticide of millions of children since its proclamation has also ushered in an era of a deeper and has blank-check authority to regulate all aspects of a church’s pre-school deeper lack of respect for all human life in many corners of our world. We see this in the increasing teaching ministry, including curriculum. Senate Bill 1134 and House Bill instances of violence and abusive behavior which has risen dramatically in our neighborhoods to 2504 would correct this overreach. the point where many people no longer feel safe even in their own homes. We see an escalation in “Church-affiliated childcare facilities do not object to regulations relat- the introduction and passage of legislation in various States that will permit individuals to terminate ing to the health and safety of the children enrolled,” said Dr. Robert J. O’Hara, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference their own lives or the life of another because of illness, sickness or frailty brought on by the aging (PCC), “but we do object to direct or indirect regulation of our program process. We see medical science encouraging the destruction of babies in the womb because of a content, lesson plans, and staff qualifications. Simply put, we want to pur- genetic defect that they believe make these children burdens on society. The experimentation in ge- sue our religious mission without unwarranted government intrusion.” netic engineering, which carried out ethically has the capacity for great good in dealing with some Unfortunately, religious liberty advocates will have to continue their of the chronic illnesses and diseases of the human person, is often being conducted in unethical fight into the New Year. Advocates can show their support by sending ways by creating and destroying the embryos of children all in the name of scientific advancement. messages to their legislators with the Catholic Advocacy Network at During this month, I want to remind every Catholic of the clear and certain teaching of the www.pacatholic.org. Catholic Church that every human life has its origin in God and consequently has value and worth and is to be respected from the moment of conception until natural death. This teaching requires us to protect human life at every moment and to be actively engaged in promoting a culture of life in our society and our world. LARC Day of Dialogue I am heartened by the number of individuals, both Catholic and Non-Catholic, who are actively engaged in the Pro-life movement. Their presence outside abortion clinics protesting the killing “Engaging the Word of God Ecumenically” inside, their participation in prayer vigils for life, their active involvement in supporting unwed mothers in carrying their children to term and their support of pro-life legislation aimed at ending October 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. infanticide in our society is an encouraging witness that should stir the conscience of every Catholic Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg man and woman. Every Catholic should be an active advocate in promoting respect for human life This year’s speaker is Rev. Dr. Martin Marty, an internationally and fostering it in our society. known speaker and author who was an ecumenical observer at the It is important that we insist that our public officials should clearly state their positions on the Second Vatican Council. The theme for the Day of Dialogue dur- various human life issues confronting our society. The protection and respect for human life is a ing this Year of Faith is “Engaging the Word of God Ecumenically,” foundational issue for every human society. Every Catholic is entitled to know what their public inside Vatican II from one who was there and the effects of the docu- officials believe about that issue and all conscientious Catholics are further entitled to judge their ment Dei Verbum on ministry then and now. officials on that basis. Cost is $25 for a single registration. Contact Father Paul Fisher at 717-657-4804, ext. 265 or [email protected], or visit www. I ask every parish to set aside time during this month for group recitation of the rosary to pray hbgdiocese.org for more information. for the end of the sin of abortion in our country and in countries around the world. I also ask that on the Second Sunday of October a special blessing be given to all infants and children at the Sunday Mass to highlight the great gift that God gives us in our children. May the Blessed Mother, who welcomed Jesus into her womb and opened the way to salvation for all of us, assist us with her prayers and help us to proclaim the Gospel of life in our homes, our parishes and our community. Save The Date:

Sincerely Yours in Christ, Catholic Charities Come and See Dinner Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden Bishop of Harrisburg Mark your calendars now for the annual Catholic Charities Come and See Dinner. The event will take place on Monday, November 19 at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg. A reception and auction begins at 5 p.m. followed by a demonstration at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The guest presenter will be Father Leo Patalinghug, an accomplished writer and popular conference speaker, who will provide an entertaining demonstration that evening. Father Leo is the author of Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life. He has been featured in various national media outlets and also competed on the Food Network’s hit show “Throw Down with Bobby Flay,” where he defeated the world renowned chef in a steak fajita cooking competi- tion. For more information, contact Christopher Meehan, Catholic Charities Director of Development, at 717-657-4804 or cmeehan@ hbgdiocese.org.

October 14 – Senior Adult Ministry Mass, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.; Homilist at Diocese of Allentown Red Mass, 8th Annual 5K Run and Walk Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, 3 p.m. October 15 – Diocese of Harrisburg Red Mass, St. Patrick Cathe- dral, Harrisburg, noon; Finance Council Meeting and Dinner, Cardi- nal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. October 16 – Deans Meeting – Diocesan Center, Harrisburg, October 13 10:30 a.m.; Solemn Closing of Forty Hours, Sacred Heart of Jesus On the grounds of the Former State Hospital Church, Lewistown, 7 p.m. Registration at 8 a.m., Race at 9 a.m. October 17 – Presbyteral Council/College of Consultors, • Cash prizes for top runners Diocesan Center, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. • Awards for runners by age group October 19 – Recite the Rosary with Catholic school students • Refreshments and door prizes • Strollers and pets welcome via the wide area network, 10 a.m. • Honorary race starter Valerie Pritchett of ABC 27 October 20 – Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Hanover, 10 The Shelter Shuffle is sponsored by Catholic Charities to benefit a.m.; Bishop McDevitt Class of 1972 30th Reunion, Ceolta’s Pub, the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, the only emergency shelter in the greater Harrisburg area to assist homeless families of Harrisburg, 5 p.m. all ages and genders. The shelter is located at the St. Samuel Center October 21 – Confirmation, St. Bernard Church, New Bloomfield, in Harrisburg. 10:30 a.m.; Holy Infant Parish Capital Campaign Kickoff, Entry fee is $15 on or before October 5, $20 after October 5. Free registration for those collecting more than $50 in sponsorships. For Newberrytown Fire Hall, 5 p.m. more information, visit www.cchbg.org or contact Chris Meehan at October 21-26 – Annual Priest Workshop, Hunt Valley, Md. 717-657-4804 or [email protected]. 4 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Catholic Commentary I Am Catholic Moral Teaching By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC Special to The Witness and Responsible Citizenship Several years ago, I found myself a new teacher on a faculty of a middle-sized Catholic school in the northern section of the state of Pennsylvania. After a successful school year beginning, I By Father Paul CB Schenck carefully planned my presentation to parents at back to school night. After my talk, one of the Special to The Witness parents came up to me, extended his hand, and said with a grin from ear to ear, “Hi, I am Seamus O’Hare! What are you?” In response, I asked, “Pardon?” I had NO idea as to what reference he The two-party system in American politics tends to divide the country in halves, asked the question. He repeated with as much energy as he had creating a polarized electorate and an “us against them” way of thinking. Heavily said before, “What are you?” “Hmmm, ahh, I AM Catholic!” Ever since I was asked that question and experienced a loss for biased news reporting seems to exacerbate the situation. Sadly, this sharp con- words as to how to answer it, I have re- troversy sometimes enters the Church, igniting suspicions and pitting Catholics flected over the meaning of “am” and the against each other. Partisan politics has tried to pit “social justice Catholics” importance of personal identity. I am a/ Thoughts from against “right to life” Catholics, an ______. How many words can a Catholic a strained and contrived divi- be used to replace the blank line? Each sion which actually doesn’t ex- substitution describes an aspect of one’s Evangelist ist in Catholicism. Father Paul personality, talents, gifts or ministry. Each one describes a nuance of the total. Sister Geralyn Catholic Social Doctrine em- CB Schenck Each one is as individual to a person as Schmidt, SCC braces both issues of the sanc- that person’s shadow or fingerprint. Each tity of human life and of social LIFEGIFT one is a piece to the puzzle that creates a justice. In Church teaching, wonderful work of art! these two concerns with human So what does being “Catholic” mean? For me, it speaks of the wellbeing are complimentary, not mutually exclusive; universality of the Church, her relationship to all people. (CCC, the one is reliant on the other. To listen to some political no. 838) The Church invites all people, no matter their social or cultural background, their gen- der or orientation, their employment status, mental ability, or the place which one calls “home.” commentators (not to mention candidates), one must be Roland Rolheiser, in The Holy Longing, puts it this way, “We are called to stand shoulder to chosen over the other. Not so. For Catholics, these two shoulder, hand in hand, precisely with people who are very different from ourselves and, with concepts, the sanctity of every human life and the just them hear a common word, say a common creed, share a common bread and offer mutual for- treatment of all people are inseparable, one necessary giveness to bridge our differences to become a common heart.” (Doubleday, 1999) This reality is leads to the other; they are two parts of a whole. echoed by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) in the document entitled This being the case, there is an essential progression beginning with the sanctity Go and Make Disciples. In fact, this is the one of three goals cited by the USCCB as part of the of human life and eventuating in matters of social justice such as fair wages, hous- New Evangelization and the Year of Faith. ing, education, health care, immigrant rights and so forth. In their instructive docu- Being a Catholic also correlates with the idea and the deep meaning of “Church.” In a nutshell, the Catholic Church possesses the fullness of the faith, the Sacraments, and apostolic succession. ment, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the Bishops write: (United States Catechism for Adults, pg. 138) Then, living as a Catholic means being a member “The right to life implies and is linked to other human rights—to the basic goods of the Church. The word “being” is a verb, something that one does actively. The USCCB, in Go that every human person needs to live and thrive. All the life issues are connected, and Make Disciples, describes it this way, “…to bring about such an enthusiasm for their faith for erosion of respect for the life of any individual or group in society necessarily that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.” So as members of the Church, diminishes respect for all life. The moral imperative to respond to the needs of our the faithful are gathered around Jesus Christ and live in Holy Spirit. neighbors—basic needs such as food, shelter, health care, education, and meaning- Such a life is rooted in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, long ful work—is universally binding on our consciences and may be legitimately ful- suffering, fidelity and mildness. Such a life experiences the fiery love of the Heart of Jesus that is rooted in the Mass and the Eucharist. Blessed John Paul II describes it this way, “the presence of filled by a variety of means. Catholics must seek the best ways to respond to these Jesus in the tabernacle must be a kind of magnetic pole attracting an ever greater number of souls needs. As Blessed Pope John XXIII taught, “[Each of us] has the right to life, to enamored of him, ready to wait patiently to hear his voice and, as it were, to sense the beating bodily integrity, and to the means which are suitable for the proper development of of His heart.” (Mane Nobiscum Domine; Stay with Us, Lord; Apostolic Letter, 2005) In short, life; these are primarily food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, and, finally, the Jesus gives himself completely to us in order to transform us. The more we are aware of the necessary social services”. awesomeness of this, the more the grace takes root and an intrinsic change takes place within us. Plainly stated, without the right to human life, there are no other human rights. This conversion is not solely for us, but rather unites us with the Body of Christ and in turn What right to education does an aborted child have? What right to health care does with one another in a profound manner. Pope Benedict says it this way: a euthanized elder have? What right to mental health care does a suicide have? The Eucharist celebrated obliges us, and at the same time enables us, to become in our turn, bread broken for our brothers and sisters, meeting their needs and giving ourselves. For this The Bishops quote Blessed John Paul II, perhaps the foremost Christian philoso- reason, a Eucharistic celebration that does not lead to meeting people where they live, work pher of modern times: and suffer in order to bring them God’s love, does not express the truth it contains. In order to “Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights— be faithful to the mystery that is celebrated on the altars we must, as the Apostle Paul exhorts for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture—is false us, offer our bodies, ourselves as a spiritual sacrifice pleasing to God. (cf. Rom. 12:1) in those and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condi- circumstances that ask us to make our “I” die and that constitute our daily “altar.” The gestures of tion for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.” sharing create communion, renew the fabric of interpersonal relations, impressing them with free All moral claims are not equal in magnitude – some are more important and giving and with the gift, and permit the construction of a civilization of love. (Address, Sunday Eucharist and the Witness of Charity, June 16, 2010) imperative than others. For illustrative purposes, let’s make a comparison between The flame of love, the fire of conversion reaches out to the world and changes society. This is the right to life, and the rights of immigrants. In its twin decisions, Roe v. Wade and the third aspect of the New Evangelization and Year of Faith. “To foster gospel values in our so- Doe v. Bolton, the US Supreme Court has ruled that abortion is legal for nearly any ciety, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common reason throughout all nine months of pregnancy. More than one million preborn good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of children, and even some babies during delivery, are aborted every year. Imagine Jesus Christ.” It should be our mission to instill every aspect of our society and American culture firing squads mounted on bluffs in the Southwest desert shooting Mexicans ille- with the tenets of Christianity, thus changing society and the world for the better. gally crossing into the US and killing over a million a year. Who could legitimately So, if someone like Seamus O’Hare walked up to you, smiled and said, “What are you?” How champion the cause of undocumented aliens, arguing for education, health care and would you answer? employment rights, while approving of such a lethal policy? Their legitimate hu- (Sister of Christian Charity, Geralyn Schmidt, is the Wide Area Network Coordinator at the man rights necessarily rest upon their fundamental right to their lives. Diocese of Harrisburg and a member of the IT Department. An educator for 28 years, she is The Church does not presume to instruct individual Catholics which candidate responsible for Professional Development Programs for every age learner. In addition, Sister to vote for, but it does propose that Catholics and all conscientious citizens take blogs for Powerful Learning Practices, a company providing in-service opportunities for edu- into consideration this hierarchy of morality as they judge their public officials. cators. Through her presentations, she challenges her audiences to be the individual God has In the words of the Bishops: called them to be.) Two temptations in public life can distort the Church’s defense of human life and dignity: The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between differ- The Catholic Witness ent kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional de- OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG struction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed. Most Rev. Joseph P. McFadden The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dis- Publisher missing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and Jennifer Reed other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, Telephone Managing Editor the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering 717-657-4804 ext. 201 from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious FAX Staff moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act. 717-657-7673 Chris Heisey: Photojournalist The political divisions perpetrated by opposing parties may be incompatible Email: [email protected] Emily M. Albert: Photojournalist with the unity within Catholicism, but so is moral equivalency. Catholics must Website: www.hbgdiocese.org Susan Huntsberger: respect the logical progression from the right to life to the other human and civil Yearly Subscriptions: Circulation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant rights, while doing all they can to advance both. $8.17 per family, derived from (Father Paul CB Schenck is Diocesan Director of Respect Life Activities and diocesan revenues from the parishes. The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly Other subscriptions: $24.00 except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing chairman of the National Pro-Life Action Center in Washington, D.C.) Association, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals Moving? Send us the address label postage paid at Harrisburg, PA. from The Catholic Witness plus your Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship online at NEW address including zip code +4. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Please allow three weeks for the The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. change. http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/ OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 5

Local Church News Dinner Offers Seminarians Opportunity to Express Gratitude for Benefactors

JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS More than 400 people – clergy, religious and lay faithful – fill the Cardinal Keeler Center’s dining room for the annual Fishers of Men Dinner, which raises funds for seminarian formation. By Jen Reed them,” said Father Meluskey, who lives The Catholic Witness at St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle, which currently has five seminarians in for- For Donald Bender, the efforts that mation. he and his fellow diocesan seminarians Seminarian Ben Allen, a native son put forth at the annual Fishers of Men of St. Joseph Parish in Berwick, said he Dinner are a precursor for how – God very much looked forward to serving willing – they will one day minister as guests that evening because it allowed priests. him to put faces to the names of those “It’s all about being a servant and be- who have supported him along the way. ing there for the people,” Mr. Bender “The dinner allows us to give back in reflected as he compared the seminar- some small way, because the people do ians’ service and hospitality at the din- help us so much,” said Mr. Allen, who ner to their eventual priestly ministry. is in Pre Theology II at St. Charles Bor- “Our call is to take care of the people romeo Seminary in Philadelphia. in whatever it is that they need,” he said “We spend so much of the year in as he awaited the arrival of the dinner’s class and away from the diocese, so attendees at the Cardinal Keeler Center it’s great to come back and be with the in Harrisburg Oct. 5. The annual event people,” he said. raises funds for the Bishop Joseph T. Mr. Allen first started giving serious Daley Seminary Scholarship Endow- thought to the priesthood three years ment Fund to provide financial assis- ago. tance for seminarians in formation. After serving dinner and offering hospitality to dinner guests, diocesan seminar- “I had been looking to do what God The evening’s atmosphere was one ians stood at the conclusion of the evening to sing the Salve Regina with attend- wanted me to do,” he remarked. “As far of celebration and affirmation for the ees. as I can tell, he wants me to be a priest, diocese’s 41 seminarians – a number seminarians. Currently, the average an- event tonight. Parents of seminarians and there are so many ways I hope to not seen in this diocese since 1971. It nual cost for each seminarian’s educa- didn’t know other parents of seminar- serve the people.” was also an occasion at which the semi- At the conclusion of the evening, tion is upwards of $40,000. ians, there was no sociability that was narians and the people of the diocese Bishop Joseph P. McFadden offered shared appreciation for one another. Father Andre Meluskey, who is now promoted. As seminarians, we knew his heartfelt gratitude to the people for Seminarians served as greeters, wait- retired from active ministry in the dio- each other, but we didn’t know the their generous and continuous financial ers and bartenders, serving more than cese, said that the dinner is marvelous workings of the diocese,” he remarked. support of the seminarians, who lined 400 dinner guests as a way to thank program for both the seminarians and “So I see this event as so multi-lay- the walls of the dining room as the them for their financial and prayerful the people who support them. ered. It’s a fabulous gift to the men who bishop spoke. support during their time of formation. “In my seminary days, which were are studying, and a valuable gift to the “We come together to celebrate that “I love being in the seminary, but I in the 1950s, we had nothing like this laity in our diocese who are supporting the Lord is calling many young men in love coming back to the diocese to see this diocese to open their lives to the the people, especially at this event,” possibility that he is calling them to be said Mr. Bender, a native of Assump- priests,” he bishop remarked. tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish You Can Support Our Seminarians “We know that for the young men in Lancaster who is in Theology II at The Diocese of Harrisburg’s 41 seminarians are grateful for the generous financial before us, it’s a difficult time,” he said. St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa. and spiritual support given from the people of the diocese. Prayers, cards, letters and “The young men who are being called “These are the people who really financial donations sustain the seminarians throughout their years of priestly forma- are asked to proclaim the Gospel of Je- love us, who pray for us every day, who tion. sus in all of its fullness in a world that, You can become a member of the St. John Vianney Association, which works to think about us, and who are there when promote vocations to the priesthood in our diocese and offers an avenue for contribu- in many ways, has rejected the Gos- we need them,” he said. “Their support tions to the Bishop Joseph T. Daley Seminary Scholarship Endowment Fund. Mem- pel,” Bishop McFadden said. – from care packages to financial sup- bers of the association receive regular newsletters about vocations in our diocese. “But the great hope for all of us is that port and cards of prayer – help us in so Individual financial contributions may also be made to the seminary scholarship God always prospers in difficult times. many ways.” fund. For information about how you can contribute, or to learn more about the St. God loves a great challenge,” he said. Now in its fourth year, the Fishers of John Vianney Association or the annual Fishers of Men Dinner, contact the Diocesan “God is calling these young men to be Men Dinner is one of the diocese’s pre- Office of Vocations at 717-657-4804, [email protected] or www.hbgdio- his instruments of peace to the world. miere fundraisers, and garners monies cese.org/vocations. That is the great gift we have here in that are critical to the education of its the Diocese of Harrisburg.” 6 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Faith and Life Mother Church Rejoices By Rev. Joshua R. Brommer, STL was something of a novelty. Typically, ecu- Special to The Witness menical councils were convened to com- bat heresies, crises, and problems in the He says he never thought of the idea Church: the Council of Nicaea was called before it came to him “like a flash of heav- in 325 to respond to the heresy of Arian- enly light.” For Pope John XXIII, the affa- ism, which denied the full divine nature of ble and avuncular successor of Saint Peter, Jesus Christ; the Council of Trent was con- convening what we know as the “Second vened over decades Vatican Council” was not the result of in the sixteenth careful calcula- century to respond tion and prolonged to the Protestant planning. Instead, Illuminations reformation; and, this deeply spiritual the First Vatican man, filled with on Vatican II Council sought to gifts that come with Father Joshua R. respond to the er- rors of modernism being the Bishop Brommer, STL of Rome, speaks and those question- of “an unexpected ing the authority of illumination” which seems to have its ori- the pope. Vatican II gin only in God. is unique because Pope John XXIII won the hearts of the there was not a pressing problem assailing world when he assumed the role of the Vic- the Church when it was called. No doubt ar of Christ on earth, having been elected this relatively peaceful climate contributed pope on October 28, 1958. Almost eighty to the clearly optimistic tone of Pope John years old, few expected this pope to make XXIII and also a measure of uncertainty waves, let alone call the Catholic bishops among those who gathered to reflect on the of the world to Rome for an ecumeni- immense amount of work compiled by the cal council. Therefore, despite some allu- pre-conciliar committees. sions in his public speeches and indirect In an article written for one of the local references, three months later, on January papers, Father Keeler writes that “Pope 25, 1959, the Holy Father surprised many John announced ‘the Church’ would be when he announced a Council to Cardinals the dominant theme of the Council.” This gathered at Saint Paul Outside the Walls “theme” truly pervades the sixteen docu- in Rome. Something profound had driven ments which would be the Council’s be- PHOTO COURTESY OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES him to make this decision between Octo- quest to the Church. These documents reiterate anew the doctrine of the Church: Pope John XXIII with Bishop George L. Leech, center, and then-Father William H. ber 28 and January 25. Attentive to both Keeler in Rome. Bishop Leech, the fifth Bishop of Harrisburg, submitted no less the promptings of the Holy Spirit and his from Her nature and essence to how the Church worships and receives the revela- than “thirty suggestions for consideration” by members of the Second Vatican responsibilities as Supreme Pastor of the Council, noted Father Keeler, who became the seventh Bishop of Harrisburg. Universal Church, the Council moved from tion of God; from the relationship of the inspiration to actual event. Catholic Church to the Orthodox Churches that these men would lead the Church as communion, and the work of evangelization On October 11, 2012, we celebrate the and the Protestant communions to the re- Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. takes flesh. In his letter announcing the Year fiftieth anniversary of the opening of this lationship of the Church to the modern The optimism of the Council pervades the of Faith, one can hear the echoes of those first Council. Fifty years ago, bishops from world, this “theme” would permeate the teaching of these two successors of Saint lines of Sacrosanctum Concilium as the Holy throughout the world processed one after entire work of the Council. Pope John Peter. Blessed John Paul II never ceased to Father issues “a summons to an authentic the other into the grand nave of Saint Pe- XXIII wanted to stress to the contemporary remind the Church that there is nothing to and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one world that the Church, founded by Christ ter’s basilica in Rome. Among them was fear in following Christ faithfully as we enter Savior of the world.” Pope Benedict writes, and rooted deeply in the teaching of Christ the fifth Bishop of Harrisburg, the Most the springtime of evangelization. As a most “Reflection on the faith will have to be inten- and His Apostles, is still relevant and still Reverend George L. Leech. A young Rev- effective teacher of the Second Vatican Coun- sified, so as to help all believers in Christ to erend William H. Keeler (now Cardinal has a voice to speak to all of humanity. cil, Pope John Paul II brought to birth some The challenge continues for the Church to acquire a more conscious and vigorous ad- Keeler) had accompanied his bishop to of the most important work envisioned by the herence to the Gospel, especially at a time of Rome, and seminarians Edward Lavelle speak with this voice to respond effectively Council: the Code of Canon Law (1983) and to the “joys and hope, sorrows and anxiet- profound change such as humanity is current- and David McAndrew (now priests of the the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992). ly experiencing.” Such a renewed adherence Diocese of Harrisburg) were among the ies of people today.” Thus would begin to These references are sure guides as the to the Gospel will have wonderful effects not vast crowd witnessing this historic proces- unfold a kind of creative tension between Church rereads the documents of the Coun- remaining unwaveringly faithful to Christ only in individual hearts and in the commu- sion. Once in their places, Pope John XXIII cil to see that they “have lost nothing of their while preaching effectively and relevantly nal life of the Church, but also to the world set the tone announcing, “Gaudet Mater value or brilliance.” Yet, as Blessed John Paul to an increasingly secularized world that is since it spurs on believers to “to profess the Ecclesia!” “Mother Church rejoices!” II explains, “They need to be read correctly, not only hostile at times to the Gospel, but, faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, The tone, joyful and optimistic, cap- to be widely known and taken to heart as im- more accurately, has grown indifferent to with confidence and hope” by giving public tured the essence of a sincere hope and portant and normative texts of the Magiste- the Gospel. witness to what they believe. The first Pen- expectation Pope John had in calling the rium, within the Church’s Tradition ... I feel This would be the work of the Council. tecost “demonstrates with utter clarity this council. He wanted the Council to be like more than ever in duty bound to point to the a new Pentecost, breathing divinely in- And, from the first lines of its first docu- public dimension of believing and proclaim- ment, the Second Vatican Council wanted Council as the great grace bestowed on the ing one’s faith fearlessly to every person. It is spired courage into the Catholic world to Church in the twentieth century: there we find to be faithful to the vision of this “domi- the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes us fit for proclaim the Good News of Jesus with a sure compass by which to take our bearings nant theme.” The first document, Sacro- mission and strengthens our witness, making renewed vigor and relevance. The Pope in the century now beginning.” sanctum Concilium, is the constitution on it frank and courageous.” wanted this Council to be “an encounter Pope Benedict XVI has taken up this mis- the Sacred Liturgy. Before speaking of any Fifty years after Pope John XXIII con- with the face of the risen Jesus.” Far from sion begun by his predecessor. Not long after breaking from the enduring Tradition of the reform in how the Church worships, this vened the Second Vatican Council because document announces the four “aims” of the his election to the Chair of Saint Peter, he ar- Church, the Council was called to articu- ticulated his vision for our understanding of of a flash of inspiration, Pope Benedict XVI late the unchanging Truths of the Faith in a Council: (1) “to impart an ever increasing the Council, “If we interpret and implement encourages believers to rediscover the rich- way that better reached the hearts of mod- vigor to the Christian life of the faithful; (2) it guided by a right hermeneutic, it can be ness of the Council’s teaching and the joy of ern men and women, inviting them to share to adapt more suitably the needs of our own and can become increasingly powerful for knowing Jesus Christ. Far from a pleasant more deeply in the life of the Church. times those institutions that are subject to the ever necessary renewal of the Church.” history lesson or academic exercise, return- In the echo of Pope John’s voice through- change; (3) to foster whatever can promote Admitting that confusion and misunderstand- ing to the documents of the Second Vatican out the rotunda over the grave of Saint Pe- union among all who believe in Christ; (4) Council and carefully studying them with to strengthen whatever can help to call the ing has crept into the popular understanding ter, the Council set to work. Since calling new eyes during this Year of Faith presents an whole of humanity into the household of of the Council, Pope Benedict invites the the Council in 1959, many committees of opportunity to recapture the fervor and pride the Church.” To put it simply, the Council Church to read anew the documents of the bishops and theologians throughout the of being Catholic Christian, reclaiming the world set to work preparing the outlines seeks to bring about genuine conversion, Council in light of the unbroken continuity of careful reform, deep communion, and ef- Christ’s Gospel. In many ways, the Holy Fa- treasure that is already at hand, and renew- and texts that would be discussed at the ing the commitment to sharing that treasure Council. These texts would be presented fective evangelization. This is not new to ther challenges every member of the Church 1962; it is the mission of the Church in to purify their understanding of what the Sec- effectively with all men and women. In this to the bishops for discussion and debate. light, once again the words of Blessed John Father Keeler tells us that Bishop Leech, 2012; the mission of the Church in every ond Vatican Council teaches, and in doing so, XXIII from October 11, 1962 sound forth in like many of the other bishops, submitted age. to discover anew the joy and enthusiasm of the Church with hope and optimism, “Gaudet no less than “thirty suggestions for con- Fifty years after its opening, the docu- believing. Mater Ecclesia!” sideration by members of the Council.” ments of the Council still retain their rel- It is this joy and enthusiasm of believing that (Father Brommer is the Administrative As- Thousands of pages of work went into for- evance and power. Along with Bishop inspired Pope Benedict to call the Church to sistant to the Bishop and Liturgy Coordina- mulating the vision and scope of this ex- Leech and Father Keeler, a young Polish enter this Year of Faith. Like the Council, the tor for the Diocese of Harrisburg. His series traordinary exercise of the Church’s teach- bishop and a young Bavarian priest worked “dominant theme” of this Year is the Church. on the Second Vatican Council will appear in ing office. to help craft the teaching of the Second It is in the Church that humanity continues The Catholic Witness throughout the Year of In the history of the Church, this process Vatican Council. Providence would see to encounter the Risen Christ and through the Church that the call to conversion, reform, Faith.) OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 7

Catholic Art and Media

his billboard towering above the south bridge Tof Route 83 North in Harrisburg spreads a powerful message for the sanctity of human life. The sign was purchased for the month of October by members of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey, who contributed more than $2,000 to the parish’s pro-life group. Father Michael Rothan, pastor, brought the idea to his parishioners, encouraging them in a recent homily to “go beyond what we think our limitations are” and do a great deed during the Year of Faith and the 40 Days for Life campaign. The billboard, he told them, “might change thousands of minds every day.” “True pro-life advocacy begins far before conception, and endures along the life of that child after they’re born,” he said. The story behind twins Rose and Lily is one of blessing and inspiration. The girls are Father Ro- than’s nieces. His sister believes that it was his blessing of her marriage and prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe that led to her pregnancy after several years of trying to conceive. CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Holy Family Radio Expands Local Programming, Seeks Continued Financial Support By Jen Reed in Marysville and St. Bernadette Parish in The Catholic Witness Duncannon. The show will examine current events through the Catholic lens, and More than a year after it first came on will air every other Thursday from noon-1 the air from its studio in Shiremanstown, p.m. Holy Family Radio continues to broadcast All these programs and more help to a variety of faith-based programming to its transmit the Catholic message to those who listeners every day. are tuned in at 720 AM or who listen online At 720 AM on the radio dial, listeners at www.yourholyfamilyradio.com. The sta- can hear both local and EWTN-based pro- tion also offers podcasts and a phone app. gramming aimed at spreading the Good “This is the kind of station that educates News. both Catholics and non-Catholics alike in The daytime station extends into several diocesan counties, and has added new pro- what we believe and what we stand for,” grams of interest to its listeners. said Doug Neatrour, the station’s general Just recently, it connected with Knights manager. “We plan to continue in these ef- of Columbus Council 11008 from the Ca- forts to spread the Gospel.” thedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg And this is where listener support is so to produce “Knight Talk,” a bi-monthly critical. program that will provide updates on the Local stations require on-air talent, vol- activities of local Knights, the joys of unteers and a budget to stay on the air. Holy Knighthood and the impact that the frater- Family Radio is blessed to have a number nal organization has on the local commu- of volunteers who offer their skills in pro- nity. duction, radio technology and on-air news. “Never before has the area Knights of And, the station is extremely apprecia- Columbus been able to spread our news tive of the financial contributions offered JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS and the joys of Knighthood in such a com- by benefactors. Finances are a constant prehensive way to the local Catholic com- Doug Neatrour, general manager of AM 720 WHYF, at the controls for Holy concern, and the station requires continued munity,” said Eric Failing, Grand Knight of support to spread the Good News. Family Radio. Council 11008. “The opportunity presented to us by Holy Family Catholic Radio allows “We have been blessed with so many us to express our charity, unity, fraternity, people who have contributed their time in and patriotism in new and exciting ways.” volunteering to help and in offering their fi- “Knight Talk” airs weekly on Tuesdays nancial blessings,” said Betty Girven, Holy at noon. Family Radio’s Board President. Holy Family also airs “Pro-Life Spot- “We continue to ask for people who are light” on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. It’s hosted interested in spreading the Good News of by Lori Peters from the Carlisle Area Fam- Christ through radio to offer their gifts, and October 14: Part 2 of a wide ranging discussion with Father John Trigilio is fea- ily Life Center. The show focuses on peo- we pray that God will bless them in their ple, issues and organizations in the pro-life tured this week on Catholic Perspective. He explains how certain individuals, in- generosity,” she said. movement. The station continues to promote itself in cluding Hollywood movie producers, have exploited some of the Catholic Church “This station has been a blessing,” said various ways, including through parish bul- beliefs and traditions out of proportion. The discussion will include the most recent Ms. Peters, “and it helps keep people ful- letins and ads on the Truth and Life Chan- controversy regarding a papyrus fragment discovered by a Harvard professor that ly informed about important issues in the nel, but relies heavily on word of mouth. Church. seemed to allege that Jesus may have had a wife. “It has been a fast year since we went on There’s also “Talking Rocks” from Trin- the air last August, and we’re continuing to On the topic of marriage, Father William Weary visits and offers a teaching mo- ity High School in Camp Hill that airs Mondays from 12:30-1 p.m. with encores get our name out there,” said Mr. Neatrour ment. The topic this week for his perspective on the faith is Matrimony. “This has been a tremendous year of Father John Bednarik shares with all the story of his vocation to the priesthood. at noon on Saturday, and a weekly steward- ship-based program, “Reflections from the growth for me spiritually,” he said. “I con- He began his walk down a religious path coming from a devout Catholic family and Heart” at noon on Fridays with an encore tinue to call this my dream job. Coming spending many years as a missionary on an island in the Caribbean. Sunday at 3:30 p.m. here allows me to grow in the business I’ve You can hear all this along with religious news and event coverage for the Dio- Currently, the station is developing a loved for so long, but it also allows me to cese of Harrisburg. program with Father John Trigilio, pas- grow in the faith. I’m constantly learning tor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish something about my faith every day.” Catholic Perspective is produced in cooperation with the Office of Communica- tions of the Diocese and WHFY AM 720. The program is heard Mondays at noon and Sundays at 3 p.m. on WHYF AM 720 and on Sunday mornings on WLAN-AM Can You Provide the Station with a Tower Site? 1390, Lancaster at 7:30 a.m.; WHYL-AM 960, Carlisle, at 8 a.m.; WHVR-AM 1280, Hanover, at 8 a.m.; WKOK-AM 1070, Sunbury, at 6:30 a.m.; WIEZ-AM Holy Family Radio is seeking land for its 342-foot tower. Utilizing the 670, Lewistown, at 8 a.m.; WWSM-AM 1510, Lebanon, at 7 a.m.; and WWEC- tower would allow the station to remain on the air longer during the day, and FM 88.3, Elizabethtown, at 9:30 a.m. It is also available on line at www.OldiesRa- extend their coverage area. The station is seeking someone to gift or lease 10 dio1620.com at 6:30 a.m. and at www.WISL1480.com on Sunday at 11 a.m. or for acres of flat and preferably marshy land within a five-mile radius of the Camp download at www.hbgdiocese.org. Hill area. If you can help, call the station at 717-525-8110. 8 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Faith and Life Religious Liberty and the American Soul

By Most Reverend man nature, and if “nature’s God” is kicked out of Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. the public conversation, then our rights become the Special to The Witness product of social convention. But social conventions can change. That means the definition of who is and The philosopher Hans Jonas once said that three who isn’t “human” can change. things have distinguished human life from other American public life needs a framework that is animal experience since early prehistory: the tool, friendly to religious belief because society can’t sup- the image and the grave. The tool imposes man’s port its moral claims about freedom and rights with knowledge and will onto nature. The image—man’s rational and secular arguments alone. In fact, to the paintings and other art—projects his imagination. It degree that our society encourages a culture of un- implies a sense of beauty and memory, and a desire belief, it undermines its own grounding. It causes its to express them. own decline by destroying the moral coherence of a But the greatest difference between humans and public square in which all are respected and treated other animals is the grave. Only man buries his dead. as equals. Only man knows his own mortality. And knowing In the American tradition, people have a right to that he will die, only man can ask where he came bring their beliefs to bear on every social, economic from, what his life means and what comes after it. and political problem facing their community. For The grave then is an expression of reverence and Christians, that’s not just a privilege. It’s not just a hope. When Christians and other people of good right. It’s a demand of the Gospel. Believers can’t will talk about “the dignity of the human person” be silent in public life and be faithful to Jesus Christ and “the sanctity of human life,” they’re putting into at the same time. Actively witnessing to our con- words what we all instinctively know—and have victions and advancing what we believe about key known for a very long time. Unique in nature, and moral issues in public life are acts of truth telling. unlike any other creature, men and women possess They’re vital to the health of every democracy. And something elevated and sacred that demands our again, they’re also a duty—not only of our religious special respect. faith, but also of our citizenship. When we violate that human dignity, we do evil. Today, people of faith are facing a multitude of When we serve it, we do good. And therein lies one threats to religious liberty that demand our active of today’s many American ironies. We now live in witness and opposition. Consider these efforts: a society that speaks persuasively about protecting One state would have forced Catholic parishes to the environment and rescuing species on the brink be restructured according to a congregational model of extinction. But then it tolerates the mass killing of The Justice Department has argued that a federal unborn children, and contemplates the killing of the agency can redefine and override who a Christian sick and elderly in the name of their “dignity.” church considers a “religious minister” according to Modern critics of religion like to point out that their faith God is absent from the U.S. Constitution. And of State immigration laws forbid clergy to give sac- course that’s true—but not because God was unwel- ramental and pastoral care to immigrants who lack come. In effect, God suffused the whole constitu- residency documentation tional enterprise. Nearly all the Founders were reli- Catholic charities in some jurisdictions have been gious believers, and some were quite devout. Their driven out of adoption and foster care services be- writings are heavily influenced by biblical language, cause they refused to place children with same-sex morality and thought. America’s founding could couples or unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex cou- thus afford to be secular in the best sense, precisely ples because Americans were so religious. One jurisdiction prevents churches from rent- The Founders saw religious faith as something ing public schools for weekend worship services, separate from government but vital to the nation’s although non-religious groups can rent the same survival. In his Farewell Address, Washington fa- In October, the Catholic Church observes Respect Life Month, a pe- schools for numerous other uses mously stressed that “religion and morality are in- riod particularly highlighted by special liturgies and events that promote Catholic humanitarian services have been dis- dispensable supports” for political prosperity. He human life in all its stages, and that call our attention to numerous life criminated against in the awarding of government added that “reason and experience both forbid us to issues. Each year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pub- grants because they refuse to provide or refer for expect that national morality can prevail in exclu- lishes its Respect Life Program, which includes a series of pro-life arti- contraceptive and abortion services The Department of Health and Human Services sion of religious principle.” For John Adams, John cles. . For additional information on the USCCB’s Respect Life Program, Jay, James Wilson, John Witherspoon, Alexander (HHS) preventive services mandate requires almost Hamilton, Charles Carroll, George Washington and visit www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/ all private health plans to cover contraception, ster- most of the other Founders—including Thomas Jef- ilization and abortion-inducing drugs. For the first ferson and Benjamin Franklin—religion created virtuous citizens. And only virtuous citizens time in our history, the federal government will force religious institutions to fund and facilitate could sustain a country as delicately balanced in its institutions, moral instincts and laws as the coverage of drugs and procedures contrary to their moral teaching, and purport to define which United States. religious institutions are “religious enough” to merit an exemption. To put it another way: Unlike their French revolutionary counterparts, the framers of Ameri- It’s important for our own integrity and the integrity of our country that we stand up today ca’s Constitution saw religious liberty as freedom for religion, not freedom from religion. against these and other attacks on our religious freedom. History affords many examples, both The American Founders therefore also presumed the existence of natural law and natural rights. These rights are inalienable because they are guaranteed by the Creator, by “nature’s before and since America’s founding, where restraints on religious liberty presaged the denial of God,” to use the words of the Declaration of Independence. Such ideas seem to be out of fashion other human rights. By standing up for religious liberty now, we can begin to renew the soul of in much of legal theory today. But these same ideas are very much alive in the way we actually America and strengthen our nation’s commitment to all the rights and freedoms we enjoy as chil- reason and behave in our daily lives. dren of God. In so doing, we may also discover in our own lives what it means to be fully human. Most of us assume that we have basic rights that come with the special dignity of being human. These rights are inherent to human nature. They’re part of who we are. Nobody can take (Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. is the Archbishop of Philadelphia and serves them away. But if there is no Creator, and nothing fundamental and unchangeable about hu- as a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.) ‘Beginning Experience’ Weekends for Annual Pro-Life Those Suffering the Loss of a Spouse Contests for Students The Beginning Experience Team for the [email protected]. The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation is once again calling for en- Harrisburg Diocese has booked two upcom- The weekend is led by persons who have tries for its Pro-Life oratory and essay contests. ing weekends, Nov.9-11 2012, and April 26-28 lost a spouse through death or divorce and are The oratory contest is open to high school juniors and seniors. Stu- 2013. The weekends will take place at Camp trained in facilitating a weekend. Each Begin- dents must write and deliver an original 5-7 minute pro-life talk on Hebron, located at 957 Camp Road in Halifax. ning Experience Team is certified by the Inter- abortion, euthanasia or stem-cell research. Contestants compete in re- Beginning Experience weekends are an ap- national Beginning Experience Organization. gional contests first; the top two contestants in each region then com- proved Roman Catholic program designed for A number of persons have indicated interest pete in the state contest in Harrisburg in April. The winner of the state those suffering the loss of a spouse through in attending a weekend. Please get your appli- contest will compete in the national contest at the National Right to death, divorce or separation. Hundreds of per- cation in so that the team can adequately plan Life Convention. Students interested in competing should contact the sons have been helped to move towards suc- for those who want to take advantage of this Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation by March 1 at lifelines@paprolife. cessful, productive, happy lives by attending program of support, healing and encourage- org or 717-541-0034. The essay contest is open to students in grades 7-12. Students must one of these weekends. ment. A weekend is often most helpful after write a pro-life essay about abortion, euthanasia or stem-cell research. Check the diocesan Web site at www.hbgdio- about six months following a loss of a spouse Word limit is 500 for grades 7-9, and 750 for grades 10-12. Essays must cese.org and visit the “Marriage and Family” or marriage. Many have attended a weekend af- include a cover page with the student’s name, address, phone num- link in the “Family Life” menu, or check www. ter a much longer period has elapsed and found ber, grade and school. Winners will receive cash prizes. Students who beginningexperience.org. Information can also the weekend most helpful. Grief has no sched- are interested in submitting entries to the essay contest must do so by be obtained by contacting the Harrisburg Be- ule. Please contact the Team to explore when a March 1 to [email protected] or 4800 Jonestown Road, Suite 102, ginning Experience Team at 717-512-2718 or weekend might be most helpful to you. Harrisburg, PA 17109. OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 9

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine spend time with them. The Lord loves Pilgrimage us, and he wants us to love him. In order to do that, we have to spend some Continued from 1 Manna~~~Trust time with him in prayer,” he said. about community service, so we’re Encouraging them in living their here today to help people in any way give us food... faith, Bishop McFadden acknowl- we can,” said Matthew, a member of ...manna came... edged the challenge of living as a Troop 78 from St. Francis Xavier Par- ...morning sky carried hoarfrost flakes disciple of Jesus in a world that rejects ish in Gettysburg. him. ...gathered daily Among the busloads of faithful who “As the world rejects him, it will gathered for the pilgrimage were sev- ...gathered monthly reject us. That’s why it’s so important eral groups of college students. ...gathered yearly to support each other,” he said. “The In a unique afternoon session, manna came Lord didn’t send his disciples out one Bishop Joseph P. McFadden met with by one; he sent them out in pairs and these students and young adults in give us meat... as a group.” the basilica’s Byzantine Ruthenian ...quail came by twilight... “To find happiness in life is to live the Chapel. During the intimate gathering, ...fluttered by sunset... values that the Lord calls us to live,” he spoke to the young men and women ...snared in even’ time the bishop said. “It’s not an easy path, about human dignity, Christian love, ...fire roasted but the Lord says, ‘If you hang onto and a life of prayer. He also answered quail came the cross and follow me, I will get you their questions about vocation discern- through, and you will find happiness.’” ment, the Year of Faith and the gift of The session with college students was His word He spoke our faith. the first meeting that Bucknell Univer- “The challenge for each one of us His Body He gave sity student Jack McLinden, a native is first to love ourselves,” the bishop His Blood He poured of Cleveland, had with the Bishop of told the students, several of whom trust in the manna Harrisburg. wore sweatshirts bearing their school’s trust in the quail “I was amazed by his generous spirit, name: Bucknell, Millersville, Franklin trust Him to spend time with us to address our and Marshall, and the Catholic Uni- questions, to share his thoughts with versity of America. Trust...for He feeds. us,” Jack said. “I was blown away by “A lot of times, we look for love in the level of care he showed to the youth other places, but we have to under- (Written by Father in this diocese.” stand that our worth and our value Samuel E. Houser, A junior majoring in Religion and don’t come from outside. Our worth pastor of St. Patrick Classics, Jack said he was particularly struck by the bishop’s response when and our value come from the fact that Parish in York.) God has given each of us life,” he asked about discernment of a religious said. vocation: “Knowing your vocation is He spoke about Christian love, as like finding the right fit. It’s like find- reflected in Paul’s First Letter to the ing the right girl or guy,” the bishop Corinthians (13:4-7), and cautioned remarked. “And the Lord is a great against casual use of the word “love.” matchmaker. If you feel you are being “It’s a very deep word, because the called, pray about it and listen to your love that the Lord teaches us is a love heart.” that looks to add value to things.” Jack said that attending the diocesan He also counseled the young adults pilgrimage with his peers was an ap- to enter into a relationship with the propriate way to prepare for the Year of EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Faith. Lord. In a prayerful presentation of the living rosary, Casey Bird portrays Christ in the “If you love somebody, you want to Luminous Mystery, the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. More PILGRIMAGE, page 12

A Boy Scout receives Holy Communion from Bishop Joseph P. McFadden during the Mass, celebrated on the Feasts of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. 10 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine

Gathering

Continued from 1 rament of Penance, with priests of the diocese hearing confessions. A prelude concert and an introduction from shrine staff served as a welcome to the magnificent space known as America’s Catholic Church. Following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, pilgrims took advantage of free time to tour the basilica’s chapel and shops and pray for an increase in faith during Eucharistic Adoration. The celebration of the Luminous Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary concluded the grace-filled day. The pilgrimage took place on the Feast of the Archangels, Mi- chael, Raphael and Gabriel, an appropriate day, the bishop pointed out, because of Gabriel’s prominent role in announcing to Mary God’s plan for her. In his homily, Bishop McFadden focused on two of the many titles given to the Blessed Mother: Mary, the Woman of Faith, and Mary, the Model Disciple – titles that merit close examination during the Year of Faith. “Her whole disposition in her life was to be pleasing to the God who had given her life, and she sought to be faithful to him. It was at the Annunciation that Mary demonstrated her faith when she was asked by God to bear his Son and bring him into the world,” he said. Her “fiat” allowed God to bring about salvation to the world, the bishop pointed out. “As the Woman of Faith, Mary calls out to us to be men and women of faith. She assures us that God’s plan of salvation continues to this day, and that it will be brought to completion,” Bishop McFadden remarked. During the course of her life, Mary underwent many challenges: she suffered as so many people turned against her Son, and she stood at the foot of his Cross, the bishop pointed out. “It is her faith that should encourage us in our faith,” he said. “One of the hopes of our Holy Father during this Year of Faith is that all of us will take the time to look once again at the basic tenets of our Catholic faith. It is his hope that like Mary, we will study the Sacred Scriptures to get to know what our God has done for us, and that we will grow in our relationship with him as he has revealed himself in and through Jesus Christ,” Bishop McFadden said. As the Model Disciple, Mary shows us what it means to be a disciple of the Lord. She listened to the word of God, offered loving EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS A pilgrim prays in one of the numerous chapels honoring Mary at the Basilica of the National service to those around her, was a faithful spouse and mother, and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. More GATHERING, page 11

Diocesan Knights of Columbus, who presented an Honor Guard during the pilgrimage, await the start of the entrance procession for Solemn Mass.

Diocesan faithful gather in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on pilgrimage Sept. 29 OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 11

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Incense rises toward the domes of the basilica as Mass concludes during the diocesan pilgrimage during the years, she continues to pro- Bishop McFadden prayed “that Mary Kingdom of God in our homes, our Gathering claim the message of her Son calling us will help all of us to approach the parishes and our communities,” he to repent from our sins and to turn to upcoming Year of Faith as an oppor- said. “Finally I pray that all of us will Continued from 10 the Lord and place our faith and trust tunity to grow in our knowledge and experience a new Pentecost, whereby accompanied the disciples as they be- in him. She encourages us to know understanding of our faith and the great the Holy Spirit that overshadowed the gan to build Jesus’ Church. and understand the great love that God gift that God has given to us in his Son Blessed Mother at the Annunciation by “Mary invites us to follow her Son has for us and his desire that we be his Jesus.” Gabriel will stir into flame the gift of and to share in the work of building his people. She warns us of the dangers “I ask Mary to help us to commit faith that he has given us, so that we Kingdom here on earth by living the that will befall the world unless we turn ourselves to living the Gospel values may be true witnesses of the Gospel values that he teaches us,” the bishop away from evil and open our lives to that Jesus teaches us and to work each and draw others to Mary’s Son, Jesus remarked. “In her many apparitions the love that Jesus gives us.” and every day to help building the the Savior of the world.”

Above: Faithful pray the rosary as the “Pilgrimage Players” present the Luminous Mysteries in a prayerful rendition of the living rosary.

Left: Boy Scout leaders spend time in prayer prior to the start of Mass in the basilica’s Great Up- per Church. 12 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012 Pilgrimage to the National Shrine

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The “Pilgrimage Players,” a group of youth from throughout the diocese, spend a moment in prayer before presenting the living rosary. Casey Bird of St. Francis Xavier Par- encouraged them to pray and meditate various dramatic elements. Pilgrimage ish in Gettysburg portrayed Jesus. on the mysteries. “I think there is a greater understand- “It’s like walking in his footsteps,” he “I stressed that in presenting the ing of the mysteries when you can see Continued from 9 said. “Now, when praying these myster- living rosary, they would be leading them happening while you’re praying “This pilgrimage has definitely ies, I can visualize how they happened. prayer, not putting on a play,” he said. the rosary. You can think about the renewed me with a sense of peace, a It’s a different way of telling about the The youth took that solemn task to miracles while watching and praying,” sense of direction,” he reflected. “Being life of Christ.” heart. she said. able to spend time with my community Casey is no stranger to portraying “It’s one thing to hear about the Mr. Groff remarked that the “Pil- of faith here has renewed us all in the Christ; he has taken on that role in his stories surrounding the mysteries, but grimage Players” – many of whom faith.” parish’s re-enactment of the Stations of it’s a lot different to act them out and had never been to the basilica – were The pilgrimage concluded with an the Cross during Lent. feel like you were there,” said “Pilgrim- humbled by the privilege of leading inspirational re-enactment of the Lumi- “It’s been great to focus now on age Player” Ruby Baker of Holy Trinity prayer there. nous Mysteries of the Rosary, brought Christ’s public ministry and the mira- Parish in Columbia. She and fellow “Our young people have such en- to life by a group of nearly 20 teens cles he worked,” Casey said of his latest parishioner Victoria Kraft say they’ve thusiasm and an openness to channel from several diocesan parishes. experience. been introduced to the Luminous Mys- their creativity and their talents,” he From the basilica’s main altar, the For the “Pilgrimage Players,” the teries – promulgated by Pope John Paul said. “They’re very much a vital part of “Pilgrimage Players” prayerfully acted opportunity to present the prayerful re- II in 2002 – in a whole new light. our Church today, so to allow them to out the Baptism of the Lord, the Wed- enactment of the Luminous Mysteries “We’ve brought a great deal of re- play such a role is a wonderful way to ding Feast at Cana, the Proclamation of has brought them to a deeper under- spect and prayerfulness to this presen- engage them in their spirituality.” the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and standing of them. tation,” Victoria remarked, “and as a He said the presence of so many the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. As the youth rehearsed in the weeks result, I’ve grown to respect and under- young people at the pilgrimage was “a They presented the mysteries in full leading up to the pilgrimage, director stand the mysteries a whole lot more.” wonderful sign of life in the Church.” costume, accompanied by narration and Rich Groff, Youth Minister at Holy Molly Grab, also a member of Holy “It’s a great sign of hope,” he said, hymns to help bring the rosary to life as Trinity and St. Peter Parishes in Colum- Trinity, who portrayed Mary, comment- “and certainly God’s graces are flowing Bishop McFadden led the congregation bia and Director of Religious Education ed on the ability of the living rosary to in the Church today with these young in prayer. at St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg, combine the prayers of the Church with people.”

Boy Scouts Paul Buchheit and Matthew McKenna of Troop 78 from St. Francis In an afternoon session in the Byzantine Ruthenian Chapel, Bishop Joseph P. Xavier Parish in Gettysburg await the arrival of pilgrims to provide them with pro- McFadden speaks to college students about vocation discernment, prayer life gram books and hospitality. and the Year of Faith. OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 13

Local Church News

The names of the following deceased Norman Hertzog, William Rovito, persons have been submitted by their Margaret Russell, Shirley Surowiak, parishes: Margaret Yadlosky, Robert Zulick, Sr. ABBOTTSTOWN – Immaculate Heart of STEELTON – Prince of Peace: Mary Mary: Jo Monaco. Kolish, James Murlin, Jr., Donna Sassani. Alveda King to Headline ANNVILLE – St. Paul the Apostle: WAYNESBORO – St. Andrew: Ellen Celebrate Life Banquet Patricia Reich, Shirley Marie Wickham. Mulcahy. Dr. Alveda King, niece of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will BERWICK – Immaculate Conception YORK – St. Joseph: Hubert “Pickle” be the keynote speaker at the Celebrate Life banquet November 13. The banquet, BVM: Dorothy Valunas; St. Joseph: Eisenhart; St. Patrick: Anthony Arcuri, which will be held at the Hotel Radisson Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, in Marcus Cragle. Camp Hill, benefits the life-saving and inspiring work of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Richard Noll. Federation Education Fund. BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – St. Rita: Eva Alveda King, a gifted speaker, says her famous uncle would not have supported Chase, Monty Lyon. Sister M. Aquina legal abortion. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of peace, justice, and most of all a man of God,” the mother of six said. “Were he alive today, he would be working CARLISLE – St. Patrick: Carmen Sts. Cyril and Methodius Sister M. to secure peace and justice for those in the womb and healing for a nation that is still Dorand, Dorothy C. Porto, James Sterner. Aquina died at Emmanuel Center in pained by over 50 million missing lives.” Danville Sept. 19. She was 93. The Director of African-American Outreach for Priests for Life, Alveda King sees COAL TOWNSHIP – Our Lady of Hope: the pro-life movement as the continuation of the civil rights struggle. She is also a Martha M. Kalinoski, Dorothy A. Morris. Born Irene Ann Kolodzej in West Leissenring, Pa., she received a bach- spokeswoman for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, which is made up of women who have had abortions and who speak of their profound regret in an effort to COLUMBIA – St. Peter: George A. elor’s degree in education from Mary- Seibert, Sr. help other women avoid similar tragedies. wood University in Scranton and a The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation Education Fund has made tremendous CONEWAGO – Sacred Heart: Thomas E. master’s degree in education with a strides in educating Pennsylvanians about the devastation caused by abortion and Klunk. concentration in reading from Boston about the compassionate support available in the state for pregnant women and their College. families. More than a quarter of a million Pennsylvania teenagers have received life- DALLASTOWN – St. Joseph: Anthony saving and life-changing information as a result of the Federation’s innovative Inter- Jay Alfano, Gertrude Altland. She entered the Congregation of the net outreach program. Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in To reserve a seat at the banquet or to arrange for your parish to reserve a table, GETTYSBURG – St. Francis Xavier: Danville in 1941. In more than 50 years please visit www.paprolife.org or call the Federation at 717-541-0034. Madeline Gleeson, Evelyn Keilholtz. of education ministry, Sister Aquina HANOVER – St. Vincent de Paul: taught grades K-6 in Connecticut, New Year of Faith Concert Catherine A. Peiffer, Dwight E. Shrader. Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania at St. Patrick Church, York and South Carolina. She also served as HARRISBURG – Cathedral Parish of St. As part of the Year of Faith, St. Patrick Church in York is hosting a concert with Patrick: Allen Rozman, Sandra Seitzinger; superior/principal. After leaving full- Michael Russell O’Brien who will perform two shows Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Holy Family: Lance Harris, Mamie Pease; time teaching in 1998, she ministered and Sunday, Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. St. Catherine Labouré: Joseph Rasimas; as a teacher’s aide, library assistant This will be Michael’s first appearance in the York-Harrisburg area and he is ex- St. Francis of Assisi: Theresa Howard; St. and teacher of remedial reading. She cited about coming here! Michael is a wonderful Catholic entertainer and shares his moved to Maria Hall in 2004. music and faith story. Michael has performed at more than 80 Catholic Conferences Margaret Mary: Lois Forney, Kathleen and 800+ cities from major city arenas to small town churches across North America. McFadden. Sister Aquina was preceded in death View Michael’s Video at www.stpatrickyork.org (Michael O’Brien). Concert tick- by her parents and six siblings, includ- LEWISTOWN – Sacred Heart of Jesus: ets are specially priced at $8 and can be ordered by downloading the form on the ing Father Alfred Kolodzej, O.F.M., William Rupp. website or Deacon Michael DeVivo at [email protected] or 717-347-7350 or Cap. The funeral Mass was celebrated Donna Giberti at [email protected] or 717-818-5105. Tickets will also be sold LYKENS – Our Lady Help of Christians: in Maria Hall Sept. 22. before each show, unless sold out. John Zilinski. In addition, the parish is hosting the Catholicism Series: “A Journey to the Heart of the Faith” each Sunday and Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. in the church in a wide-screen MCSHERRYSTOWN – Annunciation format through Dec. 4. See website for details. BVM: Anthony Brady. On Jan. 26, 2013 the parish will be hosting “Discovering the Divine Mercy Mes- sage” by Brother Chris Alar, MIC from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in MECHANICSBURG – St. Elizabeth Ann Stockbridge, Mass. Many more activities for Lent 2013 and beyond to be announced. Seton: Nevada Flynn, Bernadette Lucas Werntges; St. Joseph: Raymond Babineau; Please pray for the following clergy St. Francis Xavier Parish St. Katharine Drexel: Angelo Antonicelli. who died in October during the past 25 years: Seeking Historic Missal Stands MILLERSBURG – Queen of Peace: Deacon Leo Beaston, 1989 St. Francis Xavier Parish in Gettysburg has a mystery on its hands that possibly can Catherine D. Griech. be solved by another church in the diocese. The parish recently learned that the Cha- Msgr. Francis McCullough,1990 NEW CUMBERLAND – St. Theresa: pel of St. Brigid in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Father Walter Halaburda, 2000 in Washington, D.C., contains two wooden missal stands honoring the Sisters who Madeline Wild, Lorraine Yakoboski. served as nurses during the Civil War. The two stands represent the only two Catholic NEW FREEDOM – St. John the Baptist: Father Edward J. Barrett, 2001 churches that served as hospitals during the Civil War – St. Mary’s in Fredericksburg Richard Noll, John Vito. Father John Suknaic, 2004 and St. Francis Xavier in Gettysburg. Of significance to St. Francis Xavier is the plaque on one stand stating that the stands were carved from wooden pews that were PALMYRA – Holy Spirit: Emil Suchy. Father Bernard Quinn, 2006 in St. Francis Xavier during the time it served as a hospital. The stands were contrib- Deacon Edwin Fitzpatrick, 2008 uted to the Shrine in 1924 by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. SHAMOKIN – Mother Cabrini: David St. Francis Xavier Parish has reason to believe that a third stand was carved and Barvitskie, Catherine Buzzie, Father Stephen Sheetz, 2009. given to St. Francis Xavier Church at the same time period. Some of the more senior Michel (Mick) Cunningham, parishioners have faint recollections of seeing such a stand among the collection of furniture in the basement of the church. However, after a complete search, it cannot be found. It is hoped that the stand was given to another church and can be returned to St. Francis Xavier where it will be cherished. Diocesan Cemeteries July of 2013 will be the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with a po- HARRISBURG MECHANICSBURG/ Manager Mike Rugalla tential Mass to be held on the Battlefield. It would be a very special event if a very YORK Holy Cross Cemetery Phone: 570-672-2872 special missal stand carved from a pew from St. Francis Xavier of 1863 would be on 4075 Derry Street Gate of Heaven Cemetery Fax: 570-672-3268 the altar for that special Mass. 1313 York Street [email protected] Harrisburg PA 17111 Anyone with possible information should contact the parish at 717-334-3919. Mechanicsburg PA 17055 LANCASTER Mount Calvary Cemetery St. Mary Cemetery St. Anthony Cemetery 500 South 13th Street St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg Violet Hill Ranck Mill Ave. and Grofftown Rd. Harrisburg PA 17104 York PA 17402 Lancaster PA 17602 to Host “Life: Is Your Child Prepared?” Resurrection Cemetery St. Patrick Cemetery St. Mary Cemetery As parents of faith, we want our children to reach their full potential as the people 116 South Oak Grove Road Violet Hill New Holland Pike, Route 23 God created them to be. We want them to be prepared to meet life’s challenges, which Harrisburg PA 17112 York PA 17402 Lancaster PA 17601 requires that they possess character traits such as confidence, independence, produc- Manager Ed Scholly Holy Saviour Cemetery tivity, and security. How does that happen? ...Come find out! St. Joseph Cemetery On two dates this fall, Dr. Patricia McCormack, IHM, will share the expertise she Phone: 717-545-4205 3420 Susquehanna Trail (Old St. Joseph’s) Fax: 717-545-4523 York PA 17402 has gained from years of study and classroom experience, as well as the “best prac- 440 St. Joseph Street tices” of hundreds of parents. Dr. McCormack is an educator, author, and nationally- [email protected] Manager Tom Brlansky Lancaster PA 17601 Phone: 717-697-0206 renowned speaker. Her insight, wit, and warmth make each presentation engaging LEBANON St. Joseph Cemetery (Mechanicsburg) and informative! 170 Charles Road Holy Cross Cemetery 717-764-9685 (York) Sessions will be held at St. Joseph Church Oct. 17 from 7-9 p.m. (emphasis on P.O. Box 127 1810 Jay Street [email protected] pre-K through grade 5) and Nov. 11 from 7-9 p.m. (emphasis on middle and high Bausman PA 17504 school). You are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Childcare will be offered Lebanon PA 17046 ELYSBURG Manager Patrick Eichelberger in Brindle Hall. No charge, but free-will donations are welcome. Manager Patrick Eichelberger All Saints Cemetery Phone: 717-394-2231 We greatly appreciate your RSVP so that we may plan handouts and childcare Phone: 717-273-7541 172 All Saints Road Fax: 717-394-2664 accordingly. Please contact Mary Vukelich at 717-766-9433 if you wish to attend. [email protected] Elysburg PA 17824 [email protected] 14 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Catholic Sports Report

McDevitt’s Mike Esworthy - the only Mid-Penn Conference Class AA player to qualify for state regional play.

York Catholic’s Matt McKim belts a drive on the second hole.

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS

McDevitt’s Stu Ingraham Diocese Well holes a tricky side-hill Represented at District par putt. 3 Golf Championships

By Chris Heisey over par to capture sixth place in Class AA The Catholic Witness tournament. Briarwood’s old style green complexes require a solid short game to ne- Thomasville’s Briarwood golf course in gotiate the slopes and Esworthy is an able the lowlands west of York is a course that features rolling landscape to challenge the scrambler. Teammate Stu Ingraham just golfer’s ability to judge depth and control missed qualifying by a single stroke as he ball trajectory. The District 3 champion- followed a poor first day of play (81) with a ships were held on Oct. 5 and 6 as the best solid rebound (76) on the second day. Only 72 golfers teed it up in perfect warm and the top-eight advance to state regional play. relatively calm wind in the 36-hole compe- The Crusaders had a terrific regular sea- tition. son behind the play of Ingraham and Es- Bishop McDevitt’s Mike Esworthy was worthy as they helped propel the team to the only diocesan player to advance to the an undefeated (25-0) record and Mid-Penn Eastern Regional State championship as Capital division title. Fourteen diocesan he posted a fine two-day total of 154 – ten players qualified for district play.

Fighting Irish Tennis Holds Serve For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the York Catholic Fight- ing Irish girls’ tennis team has won the York-Adams Division II team championship. Not only did the team win another league crown, it finished the year with an unblem- ished record. Leading the Fighting Irish is senior Anna Spoden who won the York-Adams Class AA singles championship this past week. The seasoned southpaw has only lost one out of 39 sets this season as District 3 play opens this week.

ROBERT J. CHADDERDON, ELBE PHOTOGRAPHY OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 15

and cookies, jams and jellies also many varieties of biscotti. The Café dishes up Fresh made Clam Chowder, Ministrone and Chicken Corn Noodle Soups. Meatball subs, Hamburger B-B-Q and Hot Dogs with kraut round out the hot foods. Call 717-867-1525 for more information. The Sacred Heart Home and School Association in Compiled by Jen Reed The Saint Columba Parish Council of Catholic Conewago welcomes you to our annual Sacred Heart Christmas Women in Bloomsburg holds its meetings on the first Monday of Craft Show and Bazaar Nov. 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the historic every month at 7p.m. in the Maximillian Kolbe room. The next meeting grounds of the Conewago Chapel. Hand Crafted Art and Craft Spiritual Offerings is scheduled for Nov. 5. Any interested woman may contact President here vendors, Independent consultants, homemade baked goods, Silent As part of the America Needs Fatima program, t Becky Flynn at [email protected]. The council’s first meet- Auction, raffles, great food and of course, Santa! There will be a $1 will be a public rosary at Mary, Gate of Heaven Church in Myerstown ing was Sept. 10. In attendance was guest speaker Anne Hasting, Oct. 13 after 8:30 a.m. Mass. donation at the door for a local person in need. We still have a few president of the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Council of Catholic Women, spaces remaining for quality crafters. Contact the school office Mon. - Rosary Rally: Come and join us and be a part of our nation in who came to advise the new group. Officer elections were conducted. Fri. between the hours of 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for more information. prayer for one hour on Oct. 13 at noon at St Ann’s Byzantine Catholic A second meeting was held Oct. 1 to further discuss the direction of the Church in Harrisburg. For any other information, please call Cathy group and brainstorm ideas for activities. Events & Fund-Raisers at 717-761-3384. We need to have public reparation for the sins of “Sanctity of Life: A Catholic Perspective on End abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, cloning and gay of Life Issues” will be presented by Carolanne Hauck Nov. 14 at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish marriage. Come join us and stand up for your faith! 7 p.m. at St. Peter Parish Center (lower level) in Columbia. She will in Middletown is hosting their monthly second Sunday all-you- Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will be the principal celebrant address advance directives, nutrition and hydration during the end of can-eat breakfast buffet Oct. 14 from 8 a.m.-noon. Cost $8.30 per of the Red Mass Oct. 15 at noon at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. life process, and Hospice care options. Light refreshments after the person. Kids 4-10 $5. Ages 3 and under eat free. If you have any Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will be presentation. No RSVP required. For information, call the parish at questions, you can call Connie Egenrieder at the parish office. 717- the homilist. A reception will take place after the Mass in the Cathedral’s 717-684-7070. 944-5288. social hall. For additional information, visit www.saintthomasmoresoci- A Chinese Auction will be held Oct. 14 at Our Lady of Hope ety.com. Fall Festivals & Christmas Bazaars Church Parish Hall in Coal Township. The doors will open at 11 Mass in the Croatian language will be celebrated Oct. 21 at a.m., and the auction will begin at 3 p.m. The kitchen will be serving Sacred Heart Parish Council of Catholic Women in many delicious foods such as potato cakes, pierogies, haluski and 12:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Williamstown is participating in the Lykens Fall Festival being held Church in Steelton. BBQ. There will be many prizes which will include theme baskets and at the Lykens Glen Oct. 13. We will have Halushki available for $6 per certificates form local businesses. Donation is $2. Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated by Father quart, eat there or take home. We will also have candy and desserts Walter Sempko Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Laboure Church in for sale. Lebanon Catholic School will have a fundraiser at Friendly’s Harrisburg. Confessions are heard after Mass. in Lebanon Oct. 18, all day long. Twenty percent of the day’s sales will Divine Redeemer Parish in Mount Carmel will host its be donated to the school. For information, or to receive the voucher A pro-life Mass will be celebrated Nov. 3 at 8 a.m. at Our Lady Autumnfest celebration Oct. 13 from a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Divine Mercy you need to present to your server, call 717-273-3731 or visit www. of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Harrisburg by Father Paul Fisher, Hall and parking lot. Homemade foods, refreshments, baked goods, lebanoncatholicschool.org. pastor. crafters, games and entertainment. St. Patrick Parish in Trevorton will hold a pig roast Oct. Mass with prayers for healing will be celebrated Nov. 6 at St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Harrisburg will hold rd 19 from 3-7 p.m. All-you-can-eat. Adults $10, children 12 and under 7:30 p.m. at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland by Father Dwight its 3 Annual Oktoberfest Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., rain or $4. Best Pie Contest: winner awarded a $50 gas card, Fall games and Schlaline. For information, call Mary Ann at 717-564-7709 or Loretta at shine, at 4020 Derry Street, Harrisburg. Festivities include a delicious Haunted House for children. Menu: Roast Pork, Mac-n-Cheese, Baked 717-737-7551. Bavarian Breakfast from 7-11a.m., a German Smorgasbord Grille from Beans, Homemade Cole Slaw and Applesauce, Dessert & Beverage. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., including a traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner Call 570-797-8251 for info. Retreats & Pilgrimages (takeout available), a German Beer Garden and tailgate party featuring a live broadcast of the Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma football game at 2 The Council of Catholic Women of Holy Name of Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of Europe: Join Sister p.m. Children’s activities and games from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. include a Jesus Parish in Harrisburg will hold a spaghetti dinner Oct. 20 Eileen McGowan of St. Joan of Arc in Hershey from June 26-July 8, Halloween costume parade with prizes at 1p.m. Theme basket raffles from 4-7 p.m. in the social hall. Dinner includes salad, bread and bev- 2013. From Lisbon to Madrid, visit some of the important sites in the available from local merchants as well as crafts with beautiful home- erage. Take-outs available. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children 6-12. Christian faith such as a rosary and candlelight procession at Our Lady made items for sale. Music provided by “The Polka Quads” from 1-4 Dessert is $1. Tickets for a raffle can be purchased during the dinner. of Fatima Shrine and the Camino Pilgrim’s Way where you can do some p.m. Contact the parish office, 717-564-1321, for more information or of this famous walk in Santiago de Compostela. Travel along the way of St. Rose of Lima School in Thomasville will hold St. James to Burgos. Cross into France to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine visit www.sclhbg.org. an open house Oct. 21 from noon-2 p.m., and Oct. 25 from 6-7:30 and the birthplace of St. Bernadette. Tour the Basilica of Our Lady of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Marysville p.m. Informative tours and appetizers/refreshments. The school the Pillar in Saragossa before ending in Madrid with a visit to the Prado will have an indoor craft fair and bazaar Oct. 27 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. offers all-day PK 3 yr olds and 4 yr olds, Kindergarten thru Grade 6 Museum. The trip will include visits to many other sites, a professional Vendors and crafters are needed. Tables are $10 each. No food ven- programs. Extended Care until 6:00pm daily. Tuition Assistance & tour escort and driver, first class accommodations, daily breakfast, and dors permitted. If interested, call Margaret Gorman at 717-582-9034 Scholarships available. Weekly Spanish Instruction PK4 thru Grade 6, five dinners. The cost, including trip insurance, is $2,468 per person Monday-Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Enrichment Programs & Computer Classes. 15:1 Student-To-Teacher double occupancy plus airfare of approximately $1,200. A $200 discount St. John the Baptist in New Freedom will hold a vendor Ratio. School Bus service from most school districts. For more will be available for those who book and deposit by Nov. 15. For more night Oct. 27 from 6-9 p.m. in the parish hall. Come shop for the holi- information or schedule a tour, call Principal, Peg Rizzuto at 717-792- information, or to book this tour, contact Cecile Mortel at 717-798-0303 days. Wine tasting, beer sampling and light hors d’oeuvres. Vendors 0889. Visit us at http://www.stroseschoolpa.org. or [email protected]. can display their wares for $20 per table. Contact Michelle Manfredi at Join Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School at Join in a pilgrimage to celebrate and learn about the 717-235-3525, ext. 232, or [email protected]. Friendly’s at the High Pointe Commons parents for a fundraising event spiritual journey of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Italy. St. John Neumann Parish in Lancaster will hold its Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. A percentage of all sales during that time will Sulpician Father John Kemper and Msgr. William King will join with holiday craft bazaar Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 9 benefit the school. Kids may come in costume. expert guides to lead this faith-filled journey Sept. 6-15, 2013. Father a.m.-noon. Handcrafted items, Christmas decorations, ornaments, Lebanon Catholic School’s Athletic Association will Kemper is Director of Saint Mary’s Spiritual Center (Mother Seton’s angels, Santas, floral decorations, chance tree and more. Raffle will host a spaghetti dinner Nov. 3 from 4-7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. House) in Baltimore, and Msgr. King is pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann feature handcrafted items, gift certificates, theme baskets and items Cost is $7 and includes salad, bread and drink. Desserts available for Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg. This trip begins at the sites in Tuscany donated by parish members. Kitchen open Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. for purchase. Take-outs available. (Livorno and Pisa) where Elizabeth Ann Seton found consolation in breakfast, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for lunch, and from 5-7 p.m. for dinner. Election Day Spaghetti Dinner will be held at St. Paul Mass and the Eucharist while mourning the death of her husband. This For more information, call the parish at 717-569-8531. the Apostle Parish in Annville Nov. 6. Lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and led her to embrace the Catholic faith and in turn to follow God’s call sponsored by the Corpus Christi Council of dinner from 4-7 p.m. Cost is $8 for large, $5.50 for small and includes to found the Sisters of Charity. The pilgrimage will also visit Florence, Holiday Craft Fair, Catholic Women, will be held Nov. 3 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Corpus spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, Italian bread, dessert and Assisi and Rome, with daily Mass and spiritual reflections, ending with a Christi Parish Center, Chambersburg. There will be a variety of unique choice of coffee, tea or orange drink. Carry-outs available, bring your private Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica. For program details, registration, hand sewn items, crafts, jewelry, home decor, baked goods, A & B and general information, visit www.illume.com/trc/vor. own container. Sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women. Religious Shop and much more. Enjoy a warm lunch and a decadent Divine Redeemer Parish in Mount Carmel will be hold- dessert from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy at ing an “Election Day” Dinner Nov. 6 from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Divine Education, Enrichment & Support 717-352-7354. Mercy Hall. Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner with all the trimmings: Mashed Theology on Tap will be held Oct. 11 at Ceolta’s in Harrisburg, The CCW of Assumption BVM Parish in Lebanon will Potatoes, Vegetable, Roll, Beverage, and Dessert. Tickets are $8 and with guest speaker Father Michael Rothan on faith and science. The hold their Christmas bazaar Nov. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parish may be purchased by calling Diane Dallazia at 570-373-3415, Phyllis series is for adult Catholics. Come for good food and drinks while talk- center. Fall and Christmas crafts, themed baskets, jewelry, baked Ficca at 570-373-5936, or at the door. “Eat-In” or “Take-Out.” ing about the faith. Session begins at 6:30 p.m. For info, or to RSVP, goods, candy, harvest table, chance booth and more. Lunch includes USO-style dinner show will serve as benefit for Lebanon go to the Theology on Tap-Harrisburg group on Facebook or www. beef BBQ, egg rolls, soup, hotdogs and sauerkraut and more. stjosephmech.org/ministries/adult-education/theology-on-tap. Catholic School Nov. 10 at All About You Catering in Lebanon. Recep- A Thanksgiving and Christmas bazaar sponsored by the tion at 5 p.m. with a cash bar, World War II canteen-inspired dinner at Father Paul CB Schenck, Director of the Diocesan Respect Annunciation BVM School Home Association will be held Nov. 3 from 6 p.m., musical performance by the Hershey Symphony Big Band at 7 Life Office and Chairperson of the National Pro-Life Action Center on 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free childcare, home crafts, filled baskets, raffle items, p.m. Silent auction and raffles. Tickets are $50 per person. Reserved Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., will speak at Immaculate Heart of baked goods and vendors. seating for 10 is available for $500. Honor American soldiers by Mary Parish in Abbottstown Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the parish social hall. sponsoring a floral arrangement at each table. Order deadline is Nov. The topic of his talk will be “How A Catholic Should Vote: Becoming a St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Lancaster will host its Annual Christmas Bazaar, “Frosty Frolic,” Nov. 10 from 8 a.m.-2:30 1. Contact Lori Kostow at 717-273-3731, ext. 327. Faithful Citizen.” For information, contact Bernadine Filliben at 717-259- nd 9006. p.m. in the cafeteria at Resurrection Catholic School. The bazaar is The Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary will host its 22 annual unique in that all items for sale were either made or donated by parish- Share the Spirit Gala at the West Shore Country Club Nov. 10. The Defend Life Lecture Tour featuring Patricia Bainbridge, ioners or local businesses. Items include food, crafts, holiday decora- Gala will begin at 6 p.m., and includes cocktails, dinner and dancing, Chairman of Human Life International, will come to the Cardinal Keeler tions, gifts, wreaths, jewelry and sweets/desserts. There is also a silent auction and raffle drawing. Entertainment by Pentagon. Black Center in Harrisburg Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the Children’s Shopping Room, and raffles for prizes including themed gift tie attire is optional. This year’s proceeds will benefit The Birthplace at content, no one under 16 will be admitted. Contact Jean Scicchitano at baskets, a handcrafted coffee table, photographs, gift certificates, etc. Holy Spirit Hospital. This year’s event is sponsored by the Rocco and [email protected] or 717-657-4804. Musical entertainment will be provided by accordionist Cody McSherry Nancy Ortenzio Foundation. Tickets are $135 and are available by Holy Spirit Hospital’s Pastoral Care Department is throughout the day. Parking available at the school and in the parking calling the Holy Spirit Hospital Auxiliary office at 717-763-2796. offering a free Bereavement Support Group/Lecture Series from 1-2:30 lot at the corner of Orange and North Ann Street. p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays until Oct. 17; and from Oct. 31- St. Patrick Parish in Trevorton will hold a Chinese Auction Gift fair and holiday bazaar. Share the Love Nov. 10 Nov. 11. Doors open at 10 a.m., auction starts at 2 p.m. Admission is Dec. 5. Sessions will be held in the Holy Spirit Hospital Pastoral Care from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Center, on Table Rock Department. To register, call 717-763-2118 or 717-972-4255 $3. Breakfast sandwiches, varied foods, desserts, hourly raffles, kids’ Road, Gettysburg. Fair Trade gifts, coffees, teas, chocolates, holiday grab bags, theme craft items, gift certificates and more. A Health Fair for Healthy Living will be held Oct. 20 from gifts, baked goods, holiday craft items, and religious articles. Original 9 a.m.-noon at the Rev. Andrew J. Fontanella Parish Activity Center at packaging and gently used gifts available as well as local vendors on St. Anne Parish in Lancaster will be holding a fund 87 Marsh Drive in Carlisle. All ages are welcome. Presentations: Dr. hand. Visit our Fair Trade Cafe and sample from a wide selection of raiser by raffling off an original 60 year old Howdy Doody Mari- Terry Robison: “Living Well After Fifty”, “Nutrition for Health”, Jeannette organic and fair traded coffees and teas. Enter our raffle to win one of onette. Originally made and sold by Peter Puppet Playthings in Kole: “Zumba”. Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank donor drive, Holy our themed gift baskets. Call 717-677-7466 or visit www.sfxpccw.org. the early 1950’s, this vintage collectible is in very good condition. This Howdy Doody Marionette has a composition head, hands Spirit Hospital, Curves, HACC, Masland Associates, First Choice Rehab The annual Christmas Bazaar at St. James Parish in Specialists, and more. Free food samples, health screenings, demon- and shoes and a wood-block body along with a trapezoid shaped Lititz will take place Nov. 16 from 4-8 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 8 a.m.-7 control called a “untitrol” made of cardboard. Proceeds will benefit strations, information booths. Sponsored by the Saint Patrick Church p.m. In addition to beautiful crafts, wreaths, floral arrangements and Healing and Caring Ministry. the St. Anne’s Church library, which opened at the parish one knitted items, there will be fun activities for people of all ages including year ago. The library was dedicated to the memory of William H. Vatican II class: Holy Infant Parish in York Haven will offer a a white elephant sale, children’s room with Santa, bake sale, basket and A. Rosella Springer, two long time parishioners. The puppet seven-session class started Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The class will explore the raffle, silent auction, 25 cent bingo, grab bag, fish bowl and a raffle for has been donated by their son Bill. The drawing will take place issues facing the Council, the personalities involved, and several of the fabulous prizes. St James Café will be open Friday evening with a deli- on Nov. 11 at the annual parish banquet. For ticket information most important documents to come out of Vatican II. Classes will be cious new menu. Saturday’s menu includes light breakfast options, our or other questions, contact the parish office at 717-392-2225. held at Holy Infant Church. If you have any questions, please call the famous soups, sandwiches, homemade pierogies and salads at lunch parish office at 717-266-5286. and a ham/turkey dinner in the evening. For more information, please St. James Parish in Lititz will host “I Believe! A Journey call the parish office at 717-626-5580. Parish, School & Organization News through the Creed and the Heart of the Catholic Faith” presented by Dr. St. Paul the Apostle Parish Council of Catholic Shining Light Thrift Shop, a ministry of the Cathedral Par- Marcellino D’Ambrosio, co-founder of The Crossroads Initiative. Mass Women in Annville present a Holiday Bazaar Nov. 17 from 8 ish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg, needs the following: volunteers to work at 9 a.m., followed by breakfast, two sessions, lunch (bring your own), a.m.-2 p.m. The Craft Corner features: Hand crafted wooden articles, in the shop and with businesses, microwaves, TVs, small appliances, and two additional sessions. Catechetical credit toward certification jewelry, sewn, crocheted and knitted items, Christmas Decorations, VCRs, DVD players, electronics, alarms clocks, radios, hats and will be offered. Cost is $25. To register, call 717-626-0244 or e-mail wreaths, ornaments and more. The Sweet and Bake Shoppe special- gloves for winter, men’s coats and shoes, etc. For donation informa- [email protected]. izes in homemade chocolates and confections as well as cakes, pies tion, call Marianne at 717-234-2436. 16 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

World and National News Pope, Opening Synod, Cardinal Wuerl: Says Christ is the Answer Evangelization Should Be to Humanity’s Questions Relevant, Rooted in Tradition

By Cindy Wooden By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Catholic News Service

To evangelize means to help people understand that God himself has responded Catholic efforts to reach out to lapsed members must show them the relevance to their questions, and that his response – the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ – is of faith today, but “must do so without losing its rootedness in the great living available to them as well, Pope Benedict XVI said. faith tradition of the Church,” Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington told “Our role in the new evangelization is to cooperate with God,” the pope told Pope Benedict XVI and bishops from around the world gathered at the Vatican. the more than 260 cardinals, bishops and priests who are members of the world Cardinal Wuerl, appointed by the pope as relator of the world Synod of Bish- Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization. “We can only let people know what ops on the new evangelization, introduced the synod’s work Oct. 8 with a global God has done.” overview of the challenge of evangelization today, and laid out the values that In a 21-minute, off-the-cuff reflection during morning prayer at the synod’s he said must be the foundation of the Church’s outreach. opening session Oct. 8, Pope Speaking in Latin, the cardi- Benedict spoke of the impor- nal addressed the pope, synod tance of prayer in the Church’s members, experts and observ- push for a new evangelization, ers for more than 45 minutes. the meaning of evangeliza- The cardinal said a “tsunami tion, and sharing the Gospel of secularism” has washed through both proclamation and across the world, leaving in charity. its wake a tendency to deny The pope examined the use God’s existence, or to deny of the word “evangelion,” the that God’s existence is rel- Greek term that is the root of evant to human thinking and the English word “evangeliza- action. tion,” and which is itself trans- Yet, without God “the very lated as “Gospel.” understanding of what it In the Book of Isaiah, he means to be human is altered,” noted, the Hebrew equivalent he said. of the word describes “the A key task of the new evan- voice that announces a victory, gelization is to help people see that announces goodness, joy that human dignity and human and happiness,” transmitting rights flow from the fact that the message that “God has not human beings are created in forgotten his people,” and that God’s image, he said. The new evangelization, ini- he intervenes with power in CNS/PAUL HARING history to save them. A photographer takes photos during the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the new evange- tiated by Blessed John Paul II In the New Testament, the lization celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 7. and enthusiastically embraced pope said, “evangelion” is the by his successor, is a project good news of the incarnation of Christ, the coming of God’s son into the world aimed at reviving Christian faith in increasingly secular societies. to save humanity. “Whatever we hope to achieve in this synod and whatever pastoral goals we For the people of Israel suffering under Roman rule, it was truly good news that set for re-proposing Christ to this age, we must do so firmly rooted in the bibli- God spoke to his people and came to live among them, the pope said. News of Je- cal vision of man created in the image and likeness of God, as part of a creation sus’ birth was the answer to those who questioned whether there really was a God; that reflects God’s wisdom and presents a natural, moral order for man’s activi- whether he knew his people and the circumstances of their lives; and whether he ties,” Cardinal Wuerl said. had any power to change their situation. The cardinal told the synod that too many Catholics do not know the Church’s People today have the same questions, the pope said: “Is God a reality or not? basic prayers or teachings, don’t understand why it’s important to go to Mass, Why is he silent?” and rarely go to confession. When Christians evangelize, they must remember that their “faith has content,” The Church must reach out to them, he said, sharing the faith and educating and that what they believe and seek to share with others is outlined in the creed, them with the contents of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. he said. They must use their intelligence to reflect on the tenets of their faith and Cardinal Wuerl told the synod members that Christians are not called to scold use their mouths to proclaim it. others, but to share the good news of salvation in Christ, lived out in his body, Because faith isn’t an abstract notion, Christians also must live their faith and the Church. share it with the world through acts of charity and love, the pope said. “The new evangelization must speak about God’s universal salvific will and, “Being tepid is the greatest danger for Christians,” he said. “We pray that faith at the same time, recognize that Jesus has provided a clear and unique path to becomes like a fire in us and that it will set alight others.” redemption and salvation,” the cardinal said. “The Church is not one among The synod formally opened Oct. 7 with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square. many ways to reach God, all of them equally valid.” During his homily, Pope Benedict said that the “Church exists to evangelize” The teaching of the Church, he said, is what verifies the truth of what people by sharing the Gospel with people who have never heard of Christ, strengthening the faith of those who already have been baptized and reaching out to those who preach as they try to share the Gospel with others, and the Church is the means “have drifted away from the Church.” through which God distributes his grace, particularly through the sacraments. “At various times in history,” he said, “divine providence has given birth to a Cardinal Wuerl told synod members that as they spend the next three weeks renewed dynamism in the Church’s evangelizing activity,” as happened, for ex- looking at almost every area of Church life and at a variety of opportunities and ample, with the evangelization of the Americas beginning late in the 15th century. barriers to new evangelization, their task would be to respond with “boldness or “Even in our own times, the Holy Spirit has nurtured in the Church a new effort courage, connectedness to the Church, a sense of urgency and joy.” to announce the good news,” the pope said. At a news conference following his speech, Cardinal Wuerl was asked if the The modern effort to proclaim salvation in Christ to the modern world found synod would examine and acknowledge ways, such as the clerical sex abuse “a more universal expression and its most authoritative impulse in the Second crisis, in which the Church has alienated Catholics. Vatican Ecumenical Council,” which opened 50 years ago Oct. 11. The Church is always called to reflect on herself,” the cardinal said. “Every The pope said the synod is dedicated to helping people strengthen their faith and member of the Church is called to ask, ‘Am I living out the faith to the fullest?’” to helping those who have drifted away “encounter the Lord, who alone who fills The synod members must ask themselves: “How well are we proclaiming existence with deep meaning and peace; and to favor the rediscovery of the faith, Christ?” he said. “It’s not a matter of words; it’s also a matter of actions, it’s a that source of grace which brings joy and hope to personal, family and social life.” matter of how we respond to others, it’s also a matter of our prayer life.” OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 17

World and National News Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico ordained as Tenth Bishop of Erie By Anne-Marie Welsh Special to The Witness Live television coverage of the ordination of Bishop Lawrence Thomas Persico revealed a humanity that is already endearing him to the northwest Pennsylvania flock he will now shepherd. The microphone he was wearing picked up private comments he made during the nearly three-hour long ceremony which required a considerable amount of choreography as he knelt, stood, sat and prostrated himself on the floor of St. Peter Cathedral in Erie while those present prayed for him. When Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia and the principal consecrator at the ordination, gently turned the crosier in Bishop Persico’s hand so that it faced in the correct direction, Bishop Persico flashed a big grin, leaned toward the archbishop and admitted, “I’m new at this!” It was all part of a joyous day on which the tenth man in the 159-year history of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie became its new bishop. The planned welcome remarks by Most Rev. Don- ald W. Trautman, now bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Erie, had to be given by Vicar General Msgr. Rob- ert Smith, as the bishop emeritus was suffering from a severe case of laryngitis. Reading from the hand-written message, Msgr. TIM RORHBACH, DIOCESE OF ERIE Smith said, “Our new bishop comes in Christ’s name, Bishop Lawrence T. Persico of the Diocese of Erie receives the miter from Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Arch- sent by the bishop of Rome to be the bishop of Erie. bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop Perisco was ordained the Tenth Bishop of Erie on Oct. 1. We welcome him with open arms and open hearts.” Bishop Trautman read the last paragraph of the through the ages.” Persico offered Communion to his family members, message in a hoarse whisper, thanking his co-workers In his homily during the rite of ordination, Arch- then discreetly left the cathedral to bring Communion and urging all to “give your new shepherd the same bishop Chaput mentioned not only St. Thérèse but to the invited guests who had had to watch the ordina- loyal and faithful assistance you gave to me.” Quot- also the entire communion of saints. tion by video in an auditorium next door to the cathe- ing St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he concluded, “Catholics know that the reality of the world is dral due to space constraints. When he appeared at the “And now, brothers and sisters, I must say goodbye— much more than we can see with our eyes,” he said. door there was an audible gasp of surprise and grati- encourage one another, live in harmony and may the “We are surrounded by the angels and saints in the tude from the assembly of mostly employees of the heavenly court where they constantly worship God.” God of love and peace be with you.” Diocese of Erie, school principals and deacon wives. A warm and enthusiastic standing ovation lasting He reminded the bishop-elect that included in the The former vicar general of the Diocese of Greens- more than a minute and a half ensued. communion of saints are his mother and father, his After Bishop-elect Persico was presented for or- deceased sister, the former bishops of the Diocese burg and until a week ago, the pastor of St. James Par- dination, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic of Erie, the laity who have loved and served God in ish in New Alexandria, Pa., Bishop Persico opened nuncio to the United States, read the apostolic man- the diocese and the religious women who have sac- his remarks at the end of the liturgy by recalling his date. During personal comments before the mandate rificed their lives in service of the church of Erie as “first visit to this magnificent cathedral.” He attended however, the archbishop noted that the ordination was well as the priests and deacons. the installation Mass of Bishop Trautman in 1990 be- taking place “on the beautiful feast of St. Thérèse of “The Church universal celebrates the presence of cause he had been enlisted to drive Bishop Anthony the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church and God in this ordination celebration,” he said. Bosco and Bishop William Connare from his diocese on the eve of the opening of the Year of Faith an- The ordination rite was then continued with the for the event. nounced by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.” laying on of hands, first by Archbishop Chaput as “What stands out the most in my mind was that (While St. Peter Cathedral in Erie does not have principal consecrator and Bishop Trautman and from where I was seated I was unable to view the cer- a statue of St. Thérèse, the nuns of the diocese’s Bishop Lawrence Brandt of Greensburg as co-con- emony,” he said. “I am delighted I had a better view Carmelite monastery had their own statue of the secrators. (Bishop Brandt was a priest of the Diocese of this ceremony!” Little Flower refurbished for the occasion. At Bish- of Erie until he was named bishop of Greensburg in After thanking the many people who had supported op Persico’s ordination she stood at the door to the 2004.) The other 25 bishops present then followed him in his life as well as those who were present at cathedral, next to a large bouquet of red roses.) suit, including Archbishop William Lori of Balti- the ceremony, Bishop Persico paused and concluded, Referring to the saint’s autobiography, Archbishop more, a seminary classmate of Bishop Persico. Viganò described how “upon prayerful reflection, she After Archbishop Chaput prayed the prayer of or- “Finally, I ask you—the people of this beloved Dio- came to understand that the Church had a heart and dination and presented Bishop Persico with the book cese of Erie—to pray for me that I may be a good that such a heart appeared to be aflame with love.” of Gospels, the ring, the miter and the pastoral staff, shepherd and servant after the heart of Jesus so that Turning to the bishop-elect, he said, “May your faith- he was seated in the cathedra and greeted with en- together we may be effective in helping to build the ful episcopal ministry to the people of God and to thusiastic applause in his first moments as the new kingdom of God here in the Diocese of Erie.” the community at large in Erie stoke the fire of that bishop of the Diocese of Erie. (Anne-Marie Welsh is the Director of the Office of love which has enkindled the life of the church down In another personal touch during the Mass, Bishop Communications for the Diocese of Erie.) Pope Adds Two Saints to List of Church ‘Doctors’ By Francis X. Rocca Spanish flags, and German nuns in tra- gence, deep sensitivity and recognized Chrysostom and Augustine, and theo- Catholic News Service ditional habits. spiritual authority. The Lord granted logians such as Sts. Thomas Aquinas, In his homily, Pope Benedict said her a prophetic spirit and fervent capac- Bonaventure and John of the Cross, Pope Benedict added a 16th-century that St. John, “a profound expert on the ity to discern the signs of the times.” but also St. Therese of Lisieux, who Spanish priest and a 12th-century Ger- sacred Scriptures,” knew how to “pen- The doctors of the Church, saints was honored by Blessed John Paul II in man abbess to the roster of doctors of the universal Church. etrate in a uniquely profound way the honored for particularly important con- 1997, despite her lack of scholarly ac- The pope proclaimed the new doc- mysteries of the redemption worked by tributions to theology and spirituality, complishment. tors, St. John of Avila and St. Hilde- Christ for humanity.” come from both the Eastern and West- St. Hildegard is the fourth female gard of Bingen, at Mass Oct. 7 in St. Noting St. Hildegard’s knowledge of ern church traditions. doctor of the Church, joining Sts. Peter’s Square, where the thousands in medicine, poetry and music, the pope The 35 doctors include early Church Therese, Catherine of Siena and Teresa attendance included pilgrims waving called her a “woman of brilliant intelli- fathers such as Sts. Jerome, John of Avila. 18 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Local Church News

Foundations of Faith

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Close to a thousand diocesan educators gathered at Trinity High School, Camp Hill, for the annual education conference on Sept. 27. This year’s keynote speaker was Msgr. Daniel Kutys, the Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Philadel- phia. Speaking on the topic, “The Catholic School and Building the Foundation of Faith,” Msgr. Kutys, above, reminded the educators that “Catholic schools have a very serious role to play in our society – every teacher is a teacher of religion in a Catholic school…. As teachers we must be unselfish, which is a common theme in the Gospel and as teachers that is what we are called to be – unselfish.” Bishop Joseph P. McFadden celebrated Holy Mass after the keynote address, and following Mass he presented the Frederick Noel Distinguished Educator Award to Missionary Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Sister Mary Ann Lawrence, left, – first grade teacher at Good Shepherd School in Camp Hill – for her long tenure and tireless to devotion to her students and school.

Daily Masses during Priests’ Workshop The annual Priests’ Continuing Education Workshop will be held Oct. 21-26 in Hunt Valley, Md. During this time, daily Masses will be celebrated by visiting, retired and religious order priests in the following churches:

Adams Deanery Lebanon Deanery Cumberland/Perry Deanery Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joan of Arc, Hershey Good Shepherd, Camp Hill Mount Carmel Abbottstown M-W-F, 9 a.m. M-T-W-TH-F, 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. M, 7 a.m. M-T-W-TH-F, 9 a.m. T-TH, 6:45 a.m. T-F, 8 a.m. St. Patrick, Carlisle Northern Deanery M-T-W-TH-F, 8:30 a.m. Our Lady of Hope, Coal Township St. Joseph, Bonneauville St. Joseph, Berwick M-T-TH, 7 a.m. M-T-TH-F, 8 a.m. M, 8:30 a.m. Franklin Deanery W, 7 a.m. T-TH, 7:30 a.m. St. Rita, Blue Ridge Summit South Lancaster Deanery F, 6:30 a.m. M-F, 9 a.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lancaster Annunciation BVM, McSherrystown M-F, 8:30 a.m. M-W-F, 8:15 a.m. St. Columba, Bloomsburg Immaculate Conception, Fairfield T-TH, 6:30 a.m. M-T-W-TH-F, 7:30 a.m. M-F, 8 a.m. St. John Neumann, Lancaster M-F, 9 a.m. at parish Dauphin Deanery Christ the King, Benton North Lancaster Deanery T-W-TH, 12:05 p.m. at M-TH, 9 a.m. Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Eph- Lancaster Regional Hospital Holy Name of Jesus, Harrisburg rata M-T-W-TH-F, 6:30 a.m. St. Joseph, Danville M-F, 7 and 9 a.m. York Deanery TH, 6:15 p.m. St. John the Baptist, New Freedom Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Northumberland Deanery M-F, 9 a.m. Harrisburg Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lewisburg Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, M-F, Noon M-T-F, 9 a.m. Elysburg St. Patrick, York M-T-TH, 7 a.m. M, 6:30 a.m. St. Margaret Mary, Harrisburg St. Monica, Sunbury W-TH, 5:15 p.m. T-W-TH-F, 8:30 a.m. (Communion Service) St. Patrick, Trevorton F, 8:30 a.m. M, 6 p.m. W, 7 a.m. T-TH, 7:30 a.m. St. Joseph, Dallastown St. Francis of Assisi, Harrisburg W-F, 9 a.m. Mother Cabrini, Shamokin T-F, 7:30 a.m. M-T-W-TH-F, 8 a.m. English only M-F, 8 a.m. Immaculate Conception, Berwick St. Joseph, York St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg T-TH, Noon Holy Angels, Kulpmont M-F, 6:45 M-T-W-TH-F, Noon W-F, 7 a.m. M-T-W-TH-F, 8 a.m. M-TH, 8 a.m. M-TH-F, 12:30 p.m. Confessions F, 8:30 a.m. OCTOBER 12, 2012, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - 19 World Mission Sunday ~ October 21 We’re All Missionaries From the Pontiﬁcal Mission Societies in the United States Do you know the date of your Baptism? On that day, you became a missionary, called by Our Lord to share your faith with those around you – and to be part of the Church’s mission to the world. We are not all able to travel to foreign lands as St. Francis Xavier, co-patron of the missions, did. However, we can all make an effort in our daily lives – through prayer and sacrifice – to support those Bishop of Harrisburg men and women who are called to leave their homeland to preach the Good News of the Lord in foreign lands.

One Sunday for the Whole World Every year, something special happens Missionaries on the next-to-last Sunday of October: the Church reflects on its deepest identity as Pray and Give Generously on the Church in Mission. World Mission Sunday was established of Faith World Mission Sunday by Pope Pius XI in 1926. He saw the day as a way to “foster understanding of the October 21, 2012 greatness of the missionary task, encour- The Society for the Propagation of the Faith | Pontifical Mission Societies age zeal among the clergy and the people, and offer an opportunity to make the So- ciety for the Propagation of the Faith ever more widely known and encourage offerings for the missions.” On World Mission Sunday, Catholics of Bishop of Harrisburg the world unite at Mass to recommit ourselves to our vocation, through Baptism, to be missionaries. The Church’s missionary activity begins with the proclamation Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, unfathomable riches of Christ known” by bold and yet humble of faith: “Jesus is Lord!” He is our com- witness to the difference He makes in our lives. mon hope – a hope that saves. On World This year, the Church’s annual celebration of World Mission Our profound communion with Christ through our life in the Sunday takes on special significance because it occurs during the Mission Sunday, we are called in a special Church should result in a deepening of faith that is transformed way to be “missionaries of faith” through opening weeks of the Year of Faith, while the Synod on the New into love. The Pontifical Mission Societies support the missionary Evangelization is taking place in Rome. These three moments evangelization efforts that take place in 1,150 dioceses throughout prayer and participation in the Eucharist, are intrinsically connected because all of them are about faith: and by giving generously to the collection. knowing our faith and sharing it so that we can bring it to bear on the world. Through their efforts the love of Christ touches the hearts every society where the Church has taken root, as well as in places of countless people in every region of the world. I commend the As we pray and respond on World Mis- where Christ has yet to be proclaimed, or where faith in Him has Pontifical Mission Societies to your prayers and ask you tobe sion Sunday here at home, we are sharing grown cold. generous in your support for their missionary outreach. in those celebrations taking place in every It is most fitting that the Sunday Mass is the setting for our By participating in the missionary work of the Church, my prayer parish, seminary, school and convent all Diocesan celebration of World Mission Sunday, because it is is that each of us will grow in our ability to proclaim Christ by our participation in Holy Mass that nourishes us, strengthens us and lives. Thank you for your concern for the Missions. May the Lord over the world. sends us out on mission to witness to Christ. Through the Church’s abundantly bless you for your willingness to spread the gospel. In a world where so much divides us, proclamation of God’s Word and our reception of the Body and World Mission Sunday rejoices in our uni- Blood of the Lord, we are fortified to live as missionary disciples and take up the work to which Christ calls us. Sincerely yours in Christ, ty as missionaries. And it provides an op- Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has reminded us that portunity to support the life-giving pres- only Christ can truly fulfill the hopes of all humanity because ence of the Church among the suffering He alone can “heal, purify and fill all people with His presence.” Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden If others are to come to know Christ deeply, we must make “the Bishop of Harrisburg and the poor in more than 1,150 mission dioceses.

4800 Union Deposit Road l Harrisburg l Pennsylvania 17111-3710 A Year of Faith (717) 657-4804 l FAX (717) 652-7547 This year, World Mission Sunday is [email protected] l www.hbgdiocese.org celebrated as we begin the Year of Faith, which Pope Benedict XVI prays will bring “renewed energy to the mission of How Our Gifts Make a World of Difference the whole Church, to lead men and wom- For More en out of the desert toward friendship with • $15 is a week’s support of a home. “I wanted to be like them, to touch the Christ Who gives fullness of life.” young man in a mission seminary – lives of others with God’s great love,” she Information Noting that the Year of Faith is a “good like John Simwinga, a student at explains. opportunity to intensify the witness of St. Dominic’s Major Seminary about the in Lusaka, Zambia. In • $100 covers the cost of a desk charity,” the Pope is also calling all Cath- between studies, he and textbook for five of the 300 Missions: olics to be part of a greater Prayer Move- volunteers at the Cheshire children in a catechism class at a parish on the Galápagos More information about the ment focused on the Person of Jesus Christ Home where children with Islands off Ecuador. work of the Pontifical Mission and faith in Him. This Prayer Movement disabilities receive an Societies can be found on the 4800 Union Deposit Road l Harrisburg l Pennsylvania 17111-3710 – to which we are all called – places an education, three nutritious • $75 assists Father Diocesan website, meals a day – and an endless (717) 657-4804 l FAX (717) 652-7547 www.hbgdiocese.org (World emphasis on the World Mission Rosary, l Dominic Sarkar at St. supply of the love of our [email protected]. www.hbgdiocese.orgJoseph’s Parish in Sriman- Missions), or on the national inaugurated by Archbishop Fulton Sheen. gal, Bangladesh. He visits Pontifical Mission Societies Praying this Rosary, Archbishop Sheen • $25 is a month’s help for the 10,000 Catholics spread website: said, would “aid the Holy Father and his over 10,000 square miles www.onefamilyinmission.org. formation of a religious Sister in Society for the Propagation of the Faith by the Pacific Islands. Sister – celebrating the Or contact: Sacraments, while Father Robert F. Sharman supplying him with practical help, as well Merieti Riiki says her vocation providing concrete help for Diocesan Director as prayers, for the poor mission territories was inspired by the dedication the poor there, the workers Office of Pontifical Missions of the world.” And when you had finished and commitment of missionary and their families from the 4800 Union Deposit Road Sisters on her Pacific Island country’s tea estates. Harrisburg, PA 17111 praying the World Mission Rosary, he 717-657-4804 ext. 240 added, you have “embraced all continents, CNS/NANCY WIECHEC all people in prayer.” 20 - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, OCTOBER 12, 2012

Faith and Life Beautiful Renovations Blessed by Bishop McFadden at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Danville

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness ummer was a busy time at Saint Joseph’s Church in Danville, as an ex- Stensive remodeling project was completed. Bishop Joseph P. McFad- den made a pastoral visit to the church on Sept. 30 to bless the new doors, organ and sound system as well as the presidential chair in the sanctuary. In addition to these new items, the church was completely repainted and new pendant lighting was installed, giving this beautiful old church a bright and spacious feel. The striking mural behind the altar depicting Christ’s crucifixion was cleaned by a professional conservator, making the depiction more visually bold in presentation. All the exquisite marble was cleaned, and the wooden floors and pews were also refinished. The planning and fund-raising for the project began several years ago when Father Steve Fauser was pastor there, and he returned for the joyous celebration with more than 500 faithful parishioners. After Bishop McFad- den celebrated Holy Mass, Father Tri Luong, current pastor, thanked all those who generously gave of their time, talents and financial support to finish the extensive renovations. Bishop McFadden expressed his gratitude to the parishioners in his homily and told them that this church is “sacred space” and that they help make it sacred by gathering to celebrate the Eucharist. “We are not to make a luxurious life for ourselves. We are to give like Jesus does – Jesus became poor so that we could be rich…. True love tries to build up.”

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Bishop Joseph P. McFadden celebrates Holy Mass in the restored St. Joseph Church Guest violinist Matthew Shade and parishioner Mary Bernath, playing the flute, in Danville. Behind the altar is the striking mural of Christ’s crucifixion. provide music during the Mass.

Accompanied by the congregation on the steps of St. Joseph Church, Bishop Joseph P. McFadden blesses the church’s new doors.