It’s All Good This year, will be alive in all those who believe, page 12. Serving the in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960

CriterionOnline.com December 4, 2020 Vol. LXI, No. 10 75¢ Francis creates 13 Young woman’s new cardinals, struggles lead including first African American her to strive to be named to bring hope (CNS)—One by one 11 senior Churchmen, including two and healing U.S. citizens—Cardinals Wilton D. Gregory of Washington, the first African American cardinal, and Silvano to others M. Tomasi, a former Vatican diplomat—knelt Fourth in an occasional series before to receive their red (Editor’s note: In this series, The Criterion hats, a cardinal’s ring will feature young adults who have found a and a scroll formally home in the Church and strive to live their declaring their new faith in their everyday life.) status and assigning them a “titular” church By John Shaughnessy Cardinal Wilton in Rome. D. Gregory But with the At 29, Perry Langley has a heart for consistory on Nov. 28 people who are vulnerable or broken. occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, She also has an understanding that Pope Francis actually created 13 new being vulnerable or broken describes cardinals. most of us in some way, at some point Cardinals Jose F. Advincula of Capiz, in our lives. Philippines, and Cornelius Sim, apostolic Langley identifies with teenagers vicar of Brunei, did not attend the who struggle, knowing from personal consistory because of COVID-19 travel experience that “life for teens is just restrictions; however, they are officially plain hard sometimes.” cardinals and will receive their birettas and While she is single, her work rings at a later date, the Vatican said. with people whose lives have been In his homily at the prayer service, Pope shattered by divorce has developed Francis told the new cardinals that “the her deep compassion for them. scarlet of a cardinal’s robes, which is the And her recent decision to color of blood, can, for a worldly spirit, pursue a nursing degree reflects her become the color of a secular ‘eminence,’ ” desire to be there for others whose the traditional title of respect for a cardinal. pain and suffering can be physical, If that happens, he said, “you will no mental and emotional. longer be a pastor close to your people. You See LANGLEY, page 10 will think of yourself only as ‘His Eminence.’ If you feel that, you are off the path.” For the cardinals, the pope said, the red must symbolize a wholehearted following of , who willingly gave his life on the Photo: St. Joan of Arc parishioner cross to save humanity. Perry Langley’s story of faith and The Gospel reading at the service, transformation began as a teenager at Mark 10:32-45, included the account of a “Consumed” retreat that especially James and John asking Jesus for special touched and changed her. (Submitted honors. “Grant that in your glory we may sit photo courtesy of Andrea Kuhn Photography) one at your right and the other at your left” See CARDINAL, page 8 Supreme Court says N.Y. pandemic limits on houses of worship restrict religious freedom WASHINGTON (CNS)—In a 5-4 along with Justices Stephen Breyer, Because of this, they said, the decision issued just before midnight on Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. order was subject to strict scrutiny, Nov. 25, the Supreme Court issued an This summer, the court, in another which it failed, because there was no injunction which lifted the pandemic 5-4 decision with a different bench, evidence that synagogues and churches restrictions on congregation one that included Justice contributed to COVID-19 outbreaks and sizes at houses of worship Ruth Bader Ginsburg, less restrictive rules could have been imposed by New York upheld Nevada’s limits on used. Gov. Andrew Cuomo. congregation sizes, denying In a separate concurring opinion, The Diocese of Brooklyn, a request by a Nevada Justice Neil Gorsuch said: “It may be N.Y., and two Orthodox Jewish church for permission to unsafe to go to church, but it is always synagogues in separate filings have larger gatherings, like fine to pick up another bottle of wine, appealed to the nation’s high those permitted in the state’s shop for a new bike,” referring to the court, claiming the governor’s casinos, restaurants and other lack of restrictions on businesses in executive order violated their businesses. the same areas as the churches and free exercise of religion and Bishop Nicholas The justices in the majority synagogues. was particularly unwarranted A. DiMarzio said the governor’s order did Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas during a time when area not appear neutral and seemed A. DiMarzio said in a Nov. 26 statement businesses were open. to single out “houses of worship for that he was “gratified by the decision of Chief Justice John Roberts dissented, especially harsh treatment.” See SCOTUS, page 3 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

Court unsure of Trump’s plan to exclude Public Schedule of unauthorized immigrants in census Archbishop Charles C. Thompson ______WASHINGTON (CNS)—In oral groups stressing the administration’s arguments on Nov. 30, the Supreme action could leave several million people December 6–12, 2020 Court weighed in on President Donald uncounted and could cause Texas, J. Trump’s order to exclude immigrants California and New Jersey to lose seats December 6 – 10:30 a.m. December 9 – 9 a.m. living in the country illegally from the in the House of Representatives. The Mass at Mary, Queen of Peace Church Indiana Catholic Conference meeting 2020 census for purposes of redrawing number of House seats accorded to the in Danville at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara congressional districts. states are based on state population Catholic Center The justices, who heard the arguments numbers. December 6 – 4 p.m. in Trump v. New York by teleconference, Since the census started in 1790, its Seminarian Prayer and Dinner at December 9 – 1:45 p.m. questioned the scope of those who would practice has been to count all people Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ascension Annual Report meeting be excluded and also the length of time it living in the U.S. Currently, an estimated , Indianapolis at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara would take to undergo this “monumental 11 million unauthorized immigrants are Catholic Center task,” as Justice Samuel Alito described it. living in this country. December 7 – 7 p.m. Trump issued his order in July, and The point of counting everyone was Mass of Confirmation for youths of December 10 – 8:15 a.m. two federal courts have already found it raised by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, at Judicatories virtual meeting unlawful. who told acting Solicitor General Jeff Holy Spirit Church (first of two) During the 90-minute arguments, Wall, who was representing the Trump December 10 – 10 a.m. Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville administration: “A lot of the historical December 8 – 10 a.m. Leadership Team meeting at of Washington, who evidence and long-standing practice really Mass at Marian University, Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara is chairman of the cuts against your position.” Indianapolis Catholic Center U.S. Conference of Another factor in the day’s Catholic Bishops’ arguments was the Census Bureau has December 8 – noon December 10 – 3:30 p.m. (USCCB) Committee not yet determined how many people Mass for the Solemnity of the Catholic Community Foundation on Migration, issued could potentially be excluded from the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Advisory Board meeting at Archbishop a statement: “Denying census figures regarding congressional Virgin Mary at SS. Peter and Paul Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center the undocumented districts. Cathedral, Indianapolis and the states in Chief Justice John Roberts expressed December 12 – 10 a.m. which they reside frustration with this at the outset, and December 8 – 3 p.m. Mass of Confirmation for youths of Bishop Mario their rightful other justices similarly focused on if Indiana Bishops’ Province meeting Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, at E. Dorsonville representation in the case was even ready for them to at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Holy Spirit Church (second of two) Congress is counter take up, since the Census Bureau has Catholic Center, Indianapolis to the Constitution and makes people feel not provided the president with its invisible and not valued as human beings. report yet, given the bureau’s extended “The Church’s teaching is clear: deadline of Dec. 31. Human dignity is most sacred, regardless Last year, the Supreme Court ruled of legal status,” he said. “For that reason, 5-4 against Trump’s effort to add a Memory, not nostalgia, helps Christians we once again affirm the need to count citizenship question to the census. all persons in the census, as well as Critics said the question was intended work for God’s kingdom, pope says in the apportionment of congressional to frighten immigrants from taking part representatives.” in the population count and artificially VATICAN CITY (CNS)—For but knows how to see tomorrow.” The USCCB, along with other reduce population numbers in heavily Christians, memory involves remembering If one has been baptized into Christ, Catholic organizations, also filed Democratic areas, also to benefit God’s promises for the future; it’s not the pope said, then one must remember a friend-of-the-court brief in this Republicans. about “nostalgia, which is a real spiritual the sacrifice that Christ made for the case, arguing that excluding those After Trump issued his order on pathology,” Pope Francis said. salvation of all and live a life that without legal documentation from excluding unauthorized immigrants, the Nostalgia “blocks creativity and makes prepares for his promised coming again the apportionment base of the census chairmen of two USCCB committees us rigid and ideological people even in the and for the establishment of his kingdom. sends a message that these individuals described the action as “simply wrong social, political and ecclesial spheres,” he “We cannot live as believers in the are not equal members of the human and divisive.” They urged him to rescind said, while memory, which is “intrinsically world unless we manifest Christ’s very family, which contradicts the dignity it and make “efforts to protect and heal linked to love and experience,” is an life in us,” Pope Francis said. of all people and violates the our nation and all who are living in our essential dimension of human life. “This attitude helps us to overcome U.S. Constitution and the Census Act. country.” The pope sent a video message on the temptation of utopia, of reducing the New York challenged Trump’s census The court has put this case on a fast Nov. 26 to ’s national Festival of the proclamation of the Gospel to a simple order along with several other states, track and could possibly issue a decision Social Doctrine of the Church, a three- sociological horizon or to becoming cities, counties and immigrant activist on it before the end of the year. † day online event focusing on the theme, involved in the ‘marketing’ of various “Memory of the Future.” economic theories or political factions,” The title, Pope Francis said, is a call to he said. hope. “With the strength and creativity of How has your Catholic education “For us Christians, the future has a God’s life in us,” the pope said, Christians name, and this name is hope,” he said. will fascinate others and draw them to had an impact on your life? “Hope is the virtue of a heart that does the Gospel, as well as promote “projects not close in the dark, does not stop at the of a new, inclusive economy and politics As part of our coverage for the a daytime phone number where you past, does not just get by in the present, capable of love.” † upcoming Catholic Schools Week can be reached. † supplement in late January, The Criterion is inviting our readers to share their thoughts and stories Check your parish for opportunities about how their Catholic education has had an impact on their lives and their to receive the sacrament of families. Send your submissions to reconciliation during John Shaughnessy by e-mail at [email protected] or by mail The liturgical season of Advent are encouraged to consult their in care of The Criterion, 1400 began the weekend of Nov. 28-29. local parish for opportunities N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN Because of the ongoing to receive the sacrament of 46202. Please include your parish and COVID-19 pandemic, parishioners reconciliation. †

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is The Do you have something exciting or published weekly except Criterion newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of TheCriterion 12/04/20 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: January. Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1585 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1585 317-236-1570 Staff: Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Editor: Mike Krokos Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy E-mail______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Graphic Designer / Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Copyright © 2020 City______Executive Assistant: Ann Lewis Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Criterion Press Inc. State/Zip______New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367. Periodical postage paid 1400 N. Meridian St. at ­Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2020 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 3 Catholics in Oregon, San Francisco protest against worship limits SAN FRANCISCO AND SALEM, Ore. (CNS)— Mass safely, the state of California has put San Francisco The Knights organized the rally after Gov. Kate Brown Response came quickly to the Nov. 25 injunction issued and San Mateo counties into the purple tier, which bans announced a 25-person limit in churches statewide, by the U.S. Supreme Court putting on hold severe indoor worship altogether,” Archbishop Cordileone said regardless of the seating capacity of the houses of restrictions on congregation sizes at houses of worship in a Nov. 28 statement. worship. After protests from Portland Archbishop imposed by N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “The order lumps religious worship with non-essential Alexander K. Sample and other leaders, Brown on Catholics in Oregon and the archbishop of indoor activities such as gyms, movie theaters and Nov. 25 expanded church attendance to 25% of capacity, San Francisco cited the injunction in their protest of museums,” he said. “At the same time, the health order or 100 people, whichever is less. similar restrictions on publish worship in their states. allows for indoor retail at 25% capacity and permits The concession did not satisfy demonstrators. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone massage parlors, hair and nail salons, and tattoo parlors to “We want God!” they chanted, calling for churches to described as “blatant discrimination” a return by California operate indoors.” be open completely. to more severe COVID-19 restrictions He added, referring to the Nov. 25 Supreme Court Hundreds of Vietnamese Catholics attended. that closed churches in two of the injunction: “This is precisely the kind of blatant “We are here today to speak in one voice: Stop the three counties that comprise the discrimination to which the Supreme Court gave injunctive religious repression,” said Young Tran, a refugee from San Francisco Archdiocese. relief in New York. The government is demoting worship Vietnam and a member of Our Lady of La Vang Parish in On Nov. 29, the First Sunday to the same status as watching a movie: ‘nonessential.’ But Happy Valley, Ore. “It happened in our former country, of Advent, Catholic churches in worship is both a natural and a constitutional right. My a communist and a socialist country, and it’s starting to San Francisco and San Mateo people want to receive the body and blood of Christ; they happen here now.” counties had to be closed as of noon. need it, and have every right to be free to do so.” Allegiance is owed to God, not governors, said Kevin The two counties are among the Archbishop Cordileone also said in his Nov. 28 Mannix, a Salem Catholic, philanthropist and political 41 counties deemed to be in a “purple statement: “In order to discern what our faith and leader. Reminding the crowd that the pandemic is serious Archbishop tier” by California Gov. Gavin Newsom responsible citizenship call us to do at this time, then, I and that health measures should be followed, he suggested Salvatore in response to an “alarming surge” in will confer with my brother bishops, review our safety churches should at least be afforded the same treatment as J. Cordileone COVID-19 cases. These counties account protocols with infectious disease specialists, and consult grocery stores, which are allowed 75% capacity. for 94% of the state’s population. with the lawyers on the legal options we have available.” Mannix contended that recent state policy amounts to Every county in California is assigned to a tier based The same day that Archbishop Cordileone issued too much government control over individuals. He cited on its positive COVID test rate. The purple tier is the most his statement, more than 400 demonstrators huddled in the Nov. 25 U.S. Supreme Court case in which a 5-4 restrictive. With a curfew in place—and set to last until prayer outside the Oregon Capitol in Salem, Ore., to press majority ruled that New York limits on worshippers tread Dec. 21—all nonessential activity is limited between against state coronavirus limits on church attendance. too heavily on freedom of religion. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., including in-person dining. “We will not surrender one more centimeter of “We need to continue this,” said Ron Boyce, Oregon In updates announced on Nov. 28, San Francisco and religious freedom to any government,” said Father state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, after the San Mateo counties were added to the purple tier.a Theodore Lange, chaplain of the Oregon Knights of demonstration. “It just can’t be a one-day thing. It needs to “After weeks of demonstrating we can celebrate the Columbus. be an everyday thing. We aren’t going to back down.” †

an emergency application with the restrictions no longer applied. in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd SCOTUS U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 for He also said his order was not focused Circuit. The case could potentially return continued from page 1 an injunction against the governor’s on gatherings because they were religious to the Supreme Court for a final decision executive order limiting in-person but because they could potentially be on its merits. the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court congregations at houses of worship to 10 “superspreader” events. He also stressed A dissent filed by Sotomayor, who have recognized the clear First or 25 people, but allowing “numerous the order could even be seen as treating joined by Kagan, said these cases were Amendment violation and urgent need secular businesses to operate without any religious gatherings more favorably than “easier” than challenges in the summer for relief in this case. I am proud to be capacity restrictions.” plays and concerts which have similar risks. by churches in California and Nevada leading the Diocese of Brooklyn and The Brooklyn Diocese first went to federal The court’s unsigned opinion blocks opposing church attendance size because, fighting for our sacred and constitutional District Court in October to seek emergency the state from enforcing these limits on they said, the New York order treated right to worship.” relief from Cuomo’s new restrictions, attendance while the Brooklyn Diocese houses of worship more favorably than The bishop noted the governor’s announced on Oct. 6, on houses of worship and the synagogues continue their case comparable secular gatherings. † restrictions “were an overreach that did in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases in not take into account the size of our densely populated ZIP codes he identified as churches or the safety protocols that “hot zones.” He said the state was creating have kept parishioners safe. Catholics in three zones—red, orange and yellow—each Brooklyn and Queens have adhered to all with different restrictions, including on the COVID-19 safety protocols to attend Mass size of congregations. and receive the Eucharist. Our churches Some Catholic parishes in the have not been the cause of any outbreaks.” Brooklyn Diocese were in the red zone, God Writes Straight He stressed that the diocese took its meaning their churches were forced to plea to the nation’s highest court “because reduce capacity to a maximum of 10 we should be considered essential, for people inside at one time, and some were what could be more essential than safely in the orange zone, where only 25 people With Our gathering in prayer in a time of pandemic? at one time could attend Mass regardless “Now, with the benefit of the Supreme of their seating capacity. A yellow zone Court’s ruling,” he said, “we look forward designation meant a 50% capacity. Lines to continuing the fight in the lower courts On Nov. 20, Cuomo urged the Supreme to ensure that these unconstitutional Court not to get involved in the state’s restrictions are permanently enjoined once battle with two synagogues, saying and for all.” that because of “continued progress The Diocese of Brooklyn filed in containing COVID-19 spread,” the Crooked

The Office of Catholic Charities has the opportunity to see many people come through their doors who are vulnerable and in need. For some, their crooked lines have become overwhelming and we are their last hope.

Take a moment to watch this video from Theresa Chamblee, the Director of Social Concerns with Catholic Charities, as she shares about turning crooked lines into laughter, hope, security and peace.

12/18/20

12/18/20 12/18/20

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www.archindy.org/UCA Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

Opinion Be Our Guest/Gabriela Ross Divorce Ministry offers

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher support in new year Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus Catholics who have experienced When they are ready, participants are divorce often find themselves in need of invited to begin to share their own story in support and unsure where to turn. a safe and confidential environment. While the circumstances surrounding Editorial a divorce may vary, Who can come? there are common The support group is offered for experiences that merit Catholic individuals who are divorced or reflection, prayer are going through the process of divorce. and healing. Because Individuals of other faith traditions have family members and also found this group and benefitted from close friends are the support of compassionate leaders and intimately connected the wisdom of the Church. Therefore, to the individuals who people of all faith traditions are welcome are going—or have to attend. gone—through the Some individuals question whether process of divorce, it can be challenging this group would benefit them if it has to find the depth of support that is needed been many years since their divorce was for such a significant life event. finalized, or if they are currently in the In addition, many Catholics feel process of divorce. Regardless of the distanced from the Church following time frame since a person began filing a divorce and need to know how they for divorce or completed the process, may continue to fit in with their Church attending a support group may provide a Pope Francis greets the crowd as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio community. This is where “Divorce and new opportunity for further healing. overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Nov. 29. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Beyond” comes in. As a pastoral outreach of the Why is this ministry so important? archdiocesan Office of Marriage and During the coronavirus pandemic, Family Life, the Divorce and Beyond many have experienced a time of support group offers men and women a increased isolation. This has been place to grieve, to process and to pray as particularly difficult for those going ‘Come, Lord Jesus,’ fill our they begin their journey of healing after through divorce who have already divorce. experienced significant isolation. Intense Through the process of group feelings of loss and grief accompany hearts with expectation, meetings, participants come to see how the emotional roller coaster following God is still present in their lives and has separation or divorce. Current restrictions hope this Advent not forsaken them, even after divorce. have made it even more difficult to find The small group leaders are Catholic someone with whom to share one’s The season of Advent offers us a new to allow our expectation to ripen, but he individuals who have been through the experience, which can be a first step in beginning. never disappoints,” Pope Francis said. experience of divorce and have personally the healing process. A sense of isolation And the way 2020 has played out, “The Lord always comes, he is always benefited from a support group in the can worsen the process of denial and most of us are more than happy to begin by our side. At times, he does not make past. They are committed to walking with prevent someone from beginning the the Church’s new liturgical year. himself seen, but he always comes. He others going through this very difficult process of healing. In a few weeks, we will celebrate came at a precise moment in history and time of life and are convinced that Christmas, then a new calendar year. became man to take on our sins—the feast healing can be found within the Church When will the next group meet? But before we get to those important of the Nativity commemorates Jesus’ first community. The spring session of Divorce and dates, we mark a time of expectation coming in the historical moment.” The following questions and answers Beyond will be held for six consecutive and hope during Advent. Despite the highs and lows we face provide a window into the format of Wednesday evenings, starting on Jan. 20 As we move into the 10th month of in life—the times we see the light of Divorce and Beyond. and ending on Feb. 24, from 7-9 p.m. at dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in Christ shine brightly in some situations, the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference the U.S, expectation and hope may be the but at other times are overwhelmed by What is a typical support group like? Center, 1402 Southern Ave., in Beech furthest things from many people’s minds. disappointment and failure—we must A support group usually consists of Grove. The cost is $20, and scholarships But they could be at the forefront not let pessimism overwhelm us, the five to eight men and women who are are available. for many others as we move closer to Holy Father said, noting the ongoing divorced or are separated and working To register or for more information, go developing and fully implementing pandemic which “generates worry, fear through the process of divorce. A support to www.archindy.org/divorce. vaccines to prevent COVID-19. We all and discouragement in many people.” group will help participants to explore can no doubt agree that time cannot One way to respond to pessimism, some of the feelings that come with (For more information on the ministries come soon enough. the pope said, is to remember the words divorce, such as anger, denial and guilt. of the archdiocesan Office of Marriage Advent offers us a chance to reflect of Psalm 33: “Our soul waits for the The format enables participants to hear and Family Life, contact office director on our relationship with Jesus, the Lord: he is our help and our shield. Our from others who have experienced similar Gabriela Ross at 317-592-4007 or Christ Child born in a stable 2,000-plus heart is glad in him, because we trust in difficulties. [email protected].) † years ago in humility and love. his holy name” (Ps 33:20-21). Whether we realize it or not, we “That is, the soul awaiting, encounter Christ every day. It could be confidently waiting for the Lord, allows Letter to the Editor through a family member, co-worker, friend us to find comfort and courage in or even stranger. Our faith invites us to truly the dark moments of our lives,” Pope ‘Sight Unseen’ column helps reader see Christ in others, and to be Christ for Francis said. “And what gives rise to this others. Advent is an opportune time to slow courage and this trustful pledge? Where reflect on God’s omnipotence down our daily routine, be present to others do they come from? They are born and encounter Christ in everyone we see. of hope. And hope does not disappoint, I found interesting Brandon A. Evans’ years. Was he somehow saying the cross We can also fine-tune our routine by that virtue that leads us ahead, looking recent “Sight Unseen” column in the of Christ was or is insufficient? attending daily Mass or praying with a at the encounter with the Lord.” Nov. 20 issue of The Criterion about the Now as a Catholic, I realize that the celebration of it viewed online, where During a liturgy earlier in the day supposed contradiction of an omnipotent one thing the cross cannot do is make we can receive the Eucharist—our faith’s at St. Peter’s , the Holy Father God being unable to control the human someone follow it, much less carry it. greatest gift—physically or spiritually. recommended a traditional Advent heart, which is at the same time a This is a freedom God allows all out Partaking in reconciliation (if prayer to invite God to draw close concession God can allow because of his of his own omnipotence: the freedom to possible), adding more spiritual reading during this new liturgical year. own omnipotence. have everything but nothing, versus the or making extra time for prayer are “Let us make the traditional Advent It reminded me of St. Paul’s comment freedom to have nothing but everything. other ways to encounter our Lord during prayer our own: ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ that he “fills up in his body” that which this liturgical season. … We can say it at the beginning of is lacking in the cross (Col 1:24), which Sonny Shanks During his Angelus address on each day and repeat it often, before our was a verse that troubled me for many Corydon Nov. 29 at the Vatican, Pope Francis meetings, our studies and our work, reminded us that “the Lord comes before making decisions, in every every day, so that, with his grace, we important or difficult moment of our Letters Policy might accomplish good in our own lives: ‘Come, Lord Jesus,’ ” the pope lives and in the lives of others. Our said in his homily. Letters from readers are published in be informed, relevant, well-expressed and God is a God-who-comes, do not forget As we continue on our Advent The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic this: God is a God who comes, who journey, during this time of expectation commitment to “the responsible exchange of sense of courtesy and respect. continually comes. Our waiting will not and hope, let us remember those words: freely-held and expressed opinion among the Letters must be signed, but, for serious be disappointed by him!” “Come, Lord Jesus.” People of God” (Communio et Progressio, 116). reasons, names may be withheld. The pope reminded his listeners that May they fill our hearts and draw us Letters from readers are welcome and Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” The patience is required. closer to our Savior each day. every effort will be made to include letters Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianap­olis, “He will perhaps make us wait, he will from as many people and representing as IN 46202-2367. Readers with access to e-mail make us wait a few moments in the dark —Mike Krokos many viewpoints as possible. Letters should may send letters to [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Patience and hard work prepare us for the Lord’s coming

“Behold, I am sending my messenger straight in the wasteland a highway for wishing that any should perish but that according to the Law of Love. ahead of you; he will prepare your way. our God! Every valley shall be filled in, all should come to repentance. But the The need to prepare for Christ’s A voice of one crying out in the desert: every mountain and hill shall be made day of the Lord will come like a thief, coming brings us back to St. John the ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make low; the rugged land shall be made and then the heavens will pass away Baptist. St. Mark tells us that “John was straight his paths’ ” (Mk 1:2-3). a plain, the rough country, a broad with a mighty roar and the elements clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall will be dissolved by fire, and the earth belt around his waist. He fed on locusts The Second Sunday of Advent be revealed, and all people shall see it and everything done on it will be found and wild honey” (Mk 1:6). His message heightens our sense of anticipation together; for the mouth of the Lord has out” (2 Pt 8-10). was simple and self-effacing: “One at the same time that we are told to spoken” (Is 40:3-5). The Lord is patient with us. He is mightier than I is coming after me. I be patient. Christ will come again, St. Mark’s Gospel (Mk 1:1-8) willing to wait for us to acknowledge am not worthy to stoop and loosen the but God’s time is not our time. Our applies Isaiah’s words to St. John the our sins and to take appropriate action. thongs of his sandals. I have baptized responsibility is to wait patiently, Baptist, the prophet who preached But we dare not wait too long for he you with water; he will baptize you making sure that we are ready for the a baptism of repentance and who will come like a thief and take us by with the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:7-8). advent of grace in our lives which will prepared the way for the long-awaited surprise. John spent his entire life getting come when we least expect it. Messiah. John is a key figure in our Patience is never easy, but after ready for the coming of our Savior. The first reading, from Isaiah observance of Advent. He challenges many months of hardship caused by His methods of fasting and repentance (Is 40:1-5, 9-11), is both welcome and us to be transparent and penitent as a pandemic that has caused so much may be too severe for most of us, but unsettling. It assures us that we will we ready ourselves spiritually for the illness, loss of life, social unrest we understand why he has challenged be comforted, but it also challenges transforming grace of Christ. and economic uncertainty, we are us to live simply and wait in joyful us to do the hard work of preparing a The second reading, from the Second understandably impatient. We long hope for the return of our Redeemer. highway for the Lord: Letter of St. Peter (2 Pt 3:8-14), counsels for an end to this crisis. We hope for a We have been baptized with water and “Comfort, give comfort to my people, us to be patient at the same time that it return to some kind of normalcy in our the Holy Spirit, and our longing is for says your God. Speak tenderly to warns us that Christ’s coming will be daily lives. the fulfillment of the promises that Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that unexpected: As Christians, we know that the were made when we first surrendered her service is at an end, her guilt is “Do not ignore this one fact, only real source of hope and salvation ourselves to the One who is mightier expiated; indeed, she has received from beloved, that with the Lord one day is is Jesus. He has promised to return than we are. the hand of the Lord double for all her like a thousand years and a thousand to us and to bring us peace. But he Let’s wait patiently this Advent, sins” (Is 40:1-2). years like one day. The Lord does not has also warned us that his peace can but let’s also channel our impatience, “A voice cries out: In the desert delay his promise, as some regard be disturbing because it means we devoting it to the hard work of prepare the way of the Lord! Make “delay,” but he is patient with you, not must change our selfish ways and live repentance and new life in Christ. †

La paciencia y el trabajo arduo nos preparan para la venida del Señor

“He aquí, yo envío mi mensajero la soledad calzada para nuestro Dios. vendrá como ladrón, en el cual los La necesidad de prepararnos para delante de tu faz, el cual preparará Todo valle sea elevado, y bajado cielos pasarán con gran estruendo, la venida de Cristo nos regresa a san tu camino. Voz del que clama en el todo monte y collado; vuélvase llano y los elementos serán destruidos Juan Bautista. San Marcos nos dice desierto: ‘Preparad el camino del el terreno escabroso, y lo abrupto, con fuego[e] intenso, y la tierra que “Juan estaba vestido de pelo de Señor, haced derechas sus sendas’ ” ancho valle. Entonces será revelada y las obras que hay en ella serán camello, tenía un cinto de cuero a (Mc 1:2-3). la gloria del Señor, y toda carne a quemadas” (2 Pe 3:8-10). la cintura, y comía langostas y miel una la verá, pues la boca del Señor El Señor es paciente con nosotros; silvestre” (Mc 1:6). Su mensaje era El segundo domingo de Adviento ha hablado” (Is 40:3-5). está dispuesto a esperar a que sencillo y modesto: “Y predicaba, intensifica la sensación de expectativa El Evangelio de san Marcos reconozcamos nuestros pecados y a diciendo: Tras mí viene uno que es y al mismo tiempo que se nos dice (Mc 1:1-8) aplica las palabras tomar las medidas adecuadas. Pero no más poderoso que yo, a quien no soy que seamos pacientes. Cristo vendrá de Isaías a san Juan Bautista, el debemos atrevernos a esperar mucho digno de desatar, inclinándome, la de nuevo, pero el tiempo de Dios no profeta que predicó un bautismo de tiempo porque vendrá como un ladrón correa de sus sandalias. Yo os bauticé es el nuestro. Nuestra responsabilidad arrepentimiento y que preparó el y nos tomará por sorpresa. con agua, pero Él os bautizará con el es esperar pacientemente y camino para el tan esperado Mesías. Nunca resulta fácil ser pacientes, Espíritu Santo” (Mc 1:7-8). asegurarnos de estar listos para el Juan es una figura clave en nuestra pero después de muchos meses de Juan pasó toda su vida advenimiento de la gracia en nuestras observancia del Adviento ya que penurias causadas por una pandemia preparándose para la llegada de vidas, que sobrevendrá cuando menos nos desafía a ser transparentes y que ha causado tanta enfermedad, nuestro Salvador. Sus métodos de lo esperemos. penitentes mientras nos preparamos pérdida de vidas, malestar social ayuno y arrepentimiento pueden ser La primera lectura, de Isaías espiritualmente para la gracia e incertidumbre económica, demasiado severos para la mayoría (Is 40:1-5; 9-11), es a la vez una transformadora de Cristo. es comprensible que estemos de nosotros, pero entendemos por bienvenida y un mensaje inquietante. La segunda lectura, de la Segunda impacientes. Anhelamos el fin de esta qué nos ha desafiado a vivir con Nos asegura que recibiremos Carta de san Pedro (2 Pe 3:8-14), nos crisis; esperamos un retorno a algún sencillez y a esperar con alegría consuelo, pero también nos desafía aconseja ser pacientes y al mismo tipo de normalidad en nuestra vida el regreso de nuestro Redentor. a hacer la ardua labor de preparar un tiempo nos advierte que la venida de cotidiana. Hemos sido bautizados con agua y el camino para el Señor: Cristo será inesperada: Como cristianos, sabemos que Espíritu Santo, y nuestro anhelo es “Consolad, consolad a mi pueblo— “Pero, amados, no ignoréis esto: la única fuente real de esperanza que se cumplan las promesas hechas dice vuestro Dios. Hablad al corazón que para el Señor un día es como y salvación es Jesús quien nos cuando nos rendimos por primera de Jerusalén y decidles a voces que su mil años, y mil años como un día. prometió que regresará y nos vez a Aquel que es más poderoso que lucha ha terminado, que su iniquidad El Señor no se tarda en cumplir su traerá la paz. Pero también nos nosotros. ha sido quitada, que ha recibido de la promesa, según algunos entienden la ha advertido que su paz puede ser Esperemos pacientemente este mano del Señor el doble por todos sus tardanza, sino que es paciente para perturbadora porque significa que Adviento, pero también canalicemos pecados” (Is 40:1-2). con vosotros, no queriendo que nadie debemos cambiar nuestros caminos nuestra impaciencia, dedicándola a la “Una voz clama: Preparad en el perezca, sino que todos vengan al egoístas y vivir de acuerdo con la ardua labor del arrepentimiento y la desierto camino al Señor; allanad en arrepentimiento. Pero el día del Señor Ley del Amor. nueva vida en Cristo. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

December 8 online celebration, hosted by Parish in Indianapolis, 11 a.m. St. Mary Parish in December 17 Information: 317-574-8898 or Sisters of Providence virtual St. Mary Parish in Link: facebook.com/ New Albany, 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph Parish, 1401 www.catholiccemeteries.cc. † “Act justly, Love tenderly, New Albany, 10 p.m., Ministerio.Hispano2006. rosary followed by Mass. S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. Walk humbly” Monthly rosary, “The Apparitions Link: facebook.com/ Third Thursday Adoration, Taizé Prayer Service, of Mary to Juan Diego” Our Lady of Guadalupe stmarysnewalbany. interceding for women Events and retreats can be 7-8 p.m., silent and spoken play and songs. bilingual online celebration, experiencing crisis pregnancy, submitted to The Criterion prayers, simple music, Link: facebook.com/ hosted by St. Joseph Parish in December 16 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at by logging on to silence. Link: cutt.ly/Taize. stmarysnewalbany. Shelbyville, 4:30 p.m., rosary Calvary Mausoleum 5:45 p.m. www.archindy.org/events/ Information: 812-535-2952, followed by Mass. Link: Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., submission, or by mailing [email protected]. December 12 facebook.com/stjoeshelby. Indianapolis. Christmas Our Lady of Peace Cemetery us at 1400 N. Meridian St., Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 2 p.m. Information: and Mausoleum, 9001 Indianapolis, IN 46202, December 11 online Mass in Spanish, Our Lady of Guadalupe 317-784-4439 or www. Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. ATTN: Ann Lewis, or by fax Our Lady of Guadalupe hosted by St. Lawrence online Mass, hosted by catholiccemeteries.cc. Christmas Mass, 2 p.m. at 317-236-1593.

For a complete list of retreats as reported to Retreats and Programs The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/retreats.

December 15-18 Retreat via Zoom, offered 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Our Lady of Fatima Retreat by Oldenburg Franciscan Grove. Soul Healing with House, 5353 E. 56th St., Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Julian of Norwich, Indianapolis. Advent Days of Franciscan Sister Bernice 7 p.m. Fri.-3:30 p.m. Sat., Silence, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., includes Stenger facilitating, $25. Carolyn Berghuis presenting, breakfast and lunch, room to Information, registration: $175 includes meals and room. ANNIVERSARIES use throughout the day, access [email protected] or Registration: www.benedictinn. edding to common areas and grounds, oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ org/retreats-programs. W $35 per day, overnight stay programs. Information: benedictinn@ (depending on availability) benedictinn.org, 317-788-7581. additional $28, $9 dinner January 12 Robert and Barbara (White) Aemmer, when available. Information, Benedict Inn Retreat & February 1 Years members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish registration: Jennifer Burger, Conference Center, 1402 Mount Francis in New Albany, celebrated their 55th wedding 317-545-7681, jburger@ Southern Ave., Beech Grove. Center for Spirituality 55 anniversary on Nov. 13. archindy.org, www.archindy. Personal Day of Retreat, virtual “Mondays at the The couple was married in Our Lady of Perpetual org/fatima. Spiritual direction 9 a.m.-4 p.m., includes Mount,” 30-minute study by Help Church in New Albany on Nov. 13, 1965. available for additional private room for the day and Conventual Franciscan Father They have three children: Dana Kelly, Denise suggested donation, contact lunch, $40, spiritual direction Vince Petersen and Andrew Smith and Robert C. Aemmer. Georgene Beiriger, gbeiriger@ for additional $30 (must Hennessey on upcoming The couple also has six grandchildren. † archindy.org, 317-545-7681, be scheduled in advance). Sunday Scripture readings, ext. 105. Registration: www.benedictinn. and liturgical seasons, org/retreats-programs. posted on Monday mornings December 26 Information: benedictinn@ at m.facebook.com/pg/ Sisters of St. Francis, 22143 benedictinn.org, 317-788-7581. MountStFrancis. Main St., Oldenburg. Audubon Bird Count, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., January 20 February 3 meet at Michaela Farm, A Good Book and a Glass Benedict Inn Retreat & no experience necessary, of Wine virtual event via Conference Center, 1402 Wayne and Sharon (Schwegman) Halcomb, $10 for lunch. Information, Zoom, offered by Providence Southern Ave., Beech Grove. members of St. Michael Parish in Brookville, Years registration: center@ Spirituality & Conference Personal Day of Retreat, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 27. oldenburgosf.com or www. Center, 6:30-8 p.m., part one 9 a.m.-4 p.m., includes 50 The couple was married in Holy Guardian Angels oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ of four (Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and private room for the day and Church in Cedar Grove on Nov. 27, 1970. programs.html. 10) on Abounding in Kindness lunch, $40, spiritual direction They have two children: Craig and Douglas by Elizabeth Johnson, $25 for additional $30 (must Halcomb. for all four sessions, book not be scheduled in advance). The couple also has two grandchildren and two 2021 included, register by Jan. 16. Registration: www.benedictinn. great-grandchildren. † Registration, information: org/retreats-programs. 812-535-2952, provctr@ Information: benedictinn@ January 6 spsmw.org, www.spsmw.org/ benedictinn.org, 317-788-7581. Oldenburg Franciscan Center, event. 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Contemplative Prayer, January 22 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. 3-4:30 p.m., Franciscan Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Contemplative Prayer, Announcements for couples celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years of Sister Olga Wittekind 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. 3-4:30 p.m., Franciscan marriage are accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or call 317-236-1585. facilitating, freewill donation. A Quiet Day of Renewal, Sister Olga Wittekind Information, registration: self-guided retreat, 9 a.m.- facilitating, freewill donation. [email protected], 4 p.m., $20 includes private Information, registration: oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ room, $70 with spiritual [email protected], Dec. 9 webinar will address dealing programs. direction. Information, oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ registration: center@ programs. with grief during the holidays Providence Spirituality & oldenburgosf.com or Conference Center, Foley oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ Providence Spirituality & The next installment of the Catholic isolated or mourning the loss of a Room, 1 Sisters of programs. Conference Center, Foley Charities-Social Concerns Ministry loved one. Unopened presents, the Providence, Saint Mary-of-the- Room, 1 Sisters of Providence, webinar series “Grieving Gracefully in empty chair at the table or the loss of a Woods, St. Mary-of-the-Woods. January 23 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, a COVID World” will be offered online beloved tradition due to isolation or a Art and Soul Creation Guild, Mindfulness Retreat, St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Art from 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 9. loved one’s death can bring grief to the 9:30 a.m.-noon, annual Oldenburg Franciscan and Soul Creation Guild, Providence Sister Connie Kramer surface in unexpected ways. membership $30 per person Center via Zoom, 9:30- 9:30 a.m.-noon, annual will discuss identifying COVID-19- The webinar is free, although plus $5 for each additional 11:30 a.m., Franciscan Sister membership $30 per person related losses, coping skills for the registration is required to receive a link monthly session. Information, Olga Wittekind facilitating, plus $5 for each additional holidays and embracing a future full of to the webinar. registration: 812-535-2952, $25, $40 with CEUs. monthly session. Information, hope. To register, go to cutt.ly/grieving- [email protected], Information, registration: registration: 812-535-2952, Sister Connie is a grief specialist gracefully. For more information, contact www.spsmw.org/event. [email protected], [email protected], www. who recognizes that the holidays can Theresa Chamblee at tchamblee@ oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ spsmw.org/event. be the toughest time of year for those archindy.org or 317-236-1404. † January 7 programs. Providence Spirituality & Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center, Havlik January 24 Conference Center, 1402 Center at Providence Hall, Virtual “Mystics & Prayer” Southern Ave., Beech Grove. Archdiocese included in interfaith 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Coffee Talk via Zoom: Personal Day of Retreat, Mary-of-the-Woods, St. Mary- Caryll Houslander, offered 9 a.m.-4 p.m., includes documentary set to air on Dec. 27 of-the-Woods. Art and Soul by Oldenburg Franciscan private room for the day and Creation Guild, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Center, 10:45 a.m.-noon, lunch, $40, spiritual direction The Center for Interfaith denominations that exist in central annual membership $30 Amy Kistner presenting. for additional $30 (must Cooperation (CIC) of Central Indiana Indiana. The documentary includes per person plus $5 for each Information, registration: be scheduled in advance). will offer an interfaith documentary that Roman Catholicism and the additional monthly session. [email protected] or Registration: www.benedictinn. will air on WFYI-TV Channel 20 from Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Information, registration: 812- oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ org/retreats-programs. 4-5 p.m. on Dec. 27. The archdiocesan Office of 535-2952, [email protected], programs. Information: benedictinn@ The show, titled “To Know Your Ecumenism works with CIC, and www.spsmw.org/event. benedictinn.org, Neighbor—Celebrating Religious director Father Rick Ginther, pastor January 29-30 317-788-7581. † Diversity in Indiana,” will look of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in January 9 Benedict Inn Retreat & at the unique faith traditions and Indianapolis, serves on the CIC board. † Virtual Forgiveness Conference Center, The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 7 Prelate: Catholic social teaching can bridge divisions in society MIAMI (CNS)—Catholic social “Catholic teaching proclaims the unrest that besets our society today as it Catholic enough,’ ” he added. “But at teaching, “with its understanding of dignity of every human being, but faces the challenges of enduring racism, the same time, our newest Supreme natural law,” can bridge the divisions also acknowledges the reality of sin,” growing inequality and the intolerance Court justice [Amy Coney Barrett] has that exist in U.S. Archbishop Wenski said. of a ‘cancel culture.’ ” been criticized by others as being ‘too society between “Our police forces, our social When Irish novelist James Joyce Catholic.’ ” religious adherents services agencies, our schools, our described the as While Biden will be just the second and secularists, said courtrooms deal with the consequences “here comes everybody,” he did so Catholic among 46 men to serve as Archbishop Thomas of sin every day,” he added. disparagingly, Archbishop Wenski president, there are currently six G. Wenski of Miami “Today we see much anger in our said. “But the Church does welcome Catholics on the Supreme Court, and in his column for society. And much of that anger is seen everybody—saint and sinner, rich and 31% of those in Congress are Catholic the November issue in our streets and expressed in social poor, the learned and the unlettered.” despite Catholics accounting for of the Florida media,” the archbishop said. “We hear Much is being made of the election just a bit more than 20% of the U.S. Catholic, Miami’s warring slogans: ‘Black lives matter,’ of Joe Biden as president, since Biden population, noted Archbishop Wenski. archdiocesan ‘blue lives matter,’ ‘all lives matter,’ would be only “the second president in “This is quite an achievement Archbishop Thomas J. Wenski newspaper. and from those who identify as pro-life, our history who identifies himself as a considering that for much of our Archbishop ‘unborn lives matter.’ And they all do Roman Catholic,” Archbishop Wenski nation’s history, Catholics were Wenski portrayed matter—beneath these slogans there is said. looked on with suspicion as being the divide this way: “One side, the an argument about ‘who truly belongs On Nov. 7, the media declared Biden ‘un-American,’ and ‘anti-Catholicism’ secularists, holds for a radical autonomy to our society?’ and ‘who is shut out?’ ” president-elect, as lawyers for President remains a deeply entrenched bias in by which truth is determined not by the He added, “Catholic social teaching Donald J. Trump challenged vote totals American life,” he said. nature of things but by one’s own will. on the life and dignity of the human in some key battleground states. “As Catholics, we should not get The religious side—our side—holds person, on human solidarity, on the “Because of his [Biden’s] apparent caught up in internecine arguments that men and women are not self- common good and the necessity for dissent from Catholic teachings due to about ‘who is too Catholic’ and ‘who creators but creatures, that truth is not governments to respect the principle his support of certain anti-life policies is not Catholic enough.’ In any case, constructed but received, and that it of subsidiarity can make important of his party [the Democrats], he has Jesus will sort it out on Judgment Day,” must reflect the reality of things. contributions to addressing the social been criticized by many for ‘not being Archbishop Wenski said. † Beatified Italian teen inspires song from Long Island Catholic high school WASHINGTON (CNS)—Blessed of Rockville Centre. become yourself ... to be your own better to be an original and “not a Carlo Acutis, the Italian teen beatified Marino said on the show that teens saint. To be who God created you to photocopy.” in October, is not only responsible for can identify with Blessed Carlo, be.” After singing, Bryce said Blessed a medical miracle, he also has inspired someone “whose pictures are in color. Marino played guitar and sang Carlo was “a kid just like me. I’m aiming a song featuring his own quotations. There are pictures of him that look backup vocals to Holy Trinity for the kind of relationship he had with “Born an Original” had its television like home videos. It makes sainthood student Bryce Ridley’s lead, which God. It makes teens want to have a debut on Nov. 18 on “CFN Live,” seem real, like something they can do incorporates quotations from Blessed relationship with God as well.” He added a program on the Catholic Faith themselves.” Carlo. that Blessed Carlo “stayed after Mass Network, which serves New York, New Blessed Carlo spent four years “When my time comes, I’m sure and created the catalog he was known for Jersey and Connecticut. developing a database of every known I won’t have to fear,” the lyrics say. at age 11. That inspired me.” Blessed Carlo, noted Theresa eucharistic miracle. “Lord, you are my highway to heaven. Marino, campus minister at Holy “What makes a 15-year-old want In you I trust. Something extraordinary (A link to the Nov. 18 segment on “CFN Trinity Diocesan High School in to make a website about that instead awaits us, my hope comes from you.” Live” featuring the performance of Hicksville, N.Y., “was 15 when he of a celebrity?” Marino said. The The chorus says: “Born an original, “Born an Original” can be found on died” in 2006, making him a peer to blessed’s life, she added, gives teens that’s how I’m gonna stay till my Holy Trinity Diocesan High School’s students. The school is in the Diocese “permission, in a Catholic way, to dying day.” Blessed Carlo said it was website, bit.ly/33Aqa3Z.) †

Inspired by God’s Gift of Grace

This year our hearts were filled with both joy and sadness. We held our families closer at home. We prayed for our healthcare heroes, all while God showed us our strength and resiliency. In celebration of our Savior’s birth and His gift of Grace, Franciscan Health has never been more inspired to joyfully serve you, as we serve Christ through our mission of caring for the sick and needy. This Christmas season, we reflect on the year God ensured He would always be near. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS FranciscanHealth.org Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

entire ecclesial community: We will CARDINAL call certain of our brethren to enter the continued from page 1 , so that they may be united to the Chair of Peter by a (Mk 10:37), they said. But Jesus closer bond to our apostolic ministry.” reproaches them. Cardinal Gregory’s titular church is “We, too, pope and cardinals, must Immaculate Conception Parish on the always see ourselves reflected in this ancient Via Flaminia in the Grottarossa word of truth,” Pope Francis said. “It neighborhood of northern Rome. The is a sharpened sword; it cuts, it proves church was built in 1935 and became a painful, but it also heals, liberates and titular church for cardinals in 1985. converts us.” Cardinal Tomasi’s titular church is According to canon law, cardinals the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Prison, a are created when their names are made 12th-century church with a 16th-century public “in the presence of the College facade built on the site of an earlier of Cardinals.” While many Rome-based church that was constructed over the cardinals attended the consistory, more ruins of an ancient temple. members of the college were “present” Mexican Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi online. Esquivel, retired bishop of San Cristobal The pandemic also meant the de Las Casas, Mexico, told Vatican gathering was unusually small; each News on Nov. 27 that the new cardinals cardinal was accompanied by a are called to reconfirm their commitment priest-secretary and could invite a handful to making Christ the center of their of guests, so there were only about 100 lives and “to collaborate with the pope people in the congregation at the Altar of in his ministry as bishop of Rome, and Pope Francis places the red biretta on new Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington during a the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. so we are assigned a parish in this city, consistory for the creation of 13 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Nov. 28. Also missing were the “courtesy as a sign of communion between that (CNS photo/Vatican Media) visits,” a reception lasting several hours community and the one who presides in the early evening when the general over this local Church, which is the trustworthy” in his public was invited into the Vatican to pope.” role as a cardinal, greet the new cardinals. Maltese Cardinal , but his primary In addition to some Rome-based secretary-general of the Synod of ministry is still to cardinals, the congregation at the Bishops, was the first mentioned by the be the archbishop of consistory included the pastors or rectors pope on Oct. 25 when he announced he Washington. of the 13 Rome churches to which was creating new cardinals. As such, Of course, he said, the new cardinals are now associated. it fell to Cardinal Grech to address the he regrets that “my Cardinals are given a titular church in pope on behalf of the new cardinals. two sisters are not Rome, formally making them members “Convoked in consistory at such a here, and the many of the Rome diocesan clergy, which is serious time for all humanity because people I know and what the Church’s first cardinals were. of the pandemic, we want to turn our love from Chicago In fact, the formula for the creation thoughts to all our brothers and sisters and Belleville of cardinals, recited in Latin by Pope enduring hardship,” the cardinal said. [Illinois] and Atlanta Francis, says, “It chiefly concerns the He prayed that people would react to and Washington,” who Church of Rome, but it also affects the the pandemic as an “opportunity to were watching the rethink our lifestyles, our relationships, livestream instead. the organization of our societies and, One of Cardinal especially, the meaning of our lives.” Tomasi’s guests was New Cardinal Silvano M. Tomasi, a U.S. citizen and former papal Cardinal Grech also led the others in the pastor of his diplomat, carries his scroll after being made a cardinal by the recitation of the Creed and of an oath boyhood parish, San Pope Francis during a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica at the of fidelity and obedience to Christ and Rocco in Casoni di Vatican on Nov. 28. (CNS photo/Fabio Frustaci, Reuters pool) his Church and to Pope Francis and his Mussolente, a town successors. of fewer than 8,000 people in northern • Grech, 63. The new cardinals came from eight Italy. In the past 80 years, the cardinal • , an Italian who countries: Italy, Malta, the United States, told CNS, the parish has produced more is prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Brunei, the Philippines, Mexico, Rwanda than 100 priests and religious sisters, Causes, 72. and Chile. “and now also a cardinal. I hope it • of Kigali, Cardinal Gregory, like the other new will help to continue the flourishing of Rwanda, 62. cardinals coming from outside Europe, vocations from the parish.” • Gregory, 72. was tested for COVID-19 before flying to With the consistory, the College of • Advincula, 68. Rome and again upon arrival. Even after Cardinals now has 229 members, 128 • Celestino Aos Braco of Santiago, testing negative, he and the others were of whom are under the age of 80 and Chile, 75. required to quarantine for 10 days and eligible to enter a conclave to elect a • Sim, 69. were tested again immediately before new pope. Pope Francis has given the • Paolo Lojudice of Siena, Italy, 56. the consistory. Cardinal Gregory stayed red hat to 57% of electors. • , custos of the at the , where With Cardinals Gregory and Tomasi, Sacred Convent of Assisi in Assisi, 55. Pope Francis lives, and his meals were who was born in Italy but is a • Arizmendi, 80. Pope Francis kisses the hands of left outside his door. U.S. citizen, the number of U.S. • Tomasi, 80. Pope Benedict XVI at the retired pope’s In an interview with Catholic News cardinals rose to 16; nine of them are • , preacher of residence during a visit with new cardinals Service (CNS), the cardinal said he cardinal electors. the papal household, 86. after a consistory at the Vatican on Nov. 28. hopes Pope Francis will find him Entering the college on Nov. 28 were • , 80, former director of (CNS photo/Vatican Media) to be “supportive, encouraging and Cardinals: Rome’s Caritas. † Cardinal Gregory hopes for dialogue with President-elect Biden VATICAN CITY (CNS)—As Washington’s new The archbishop of Washington said “informed and reaffirm communion among them. cardinal and with a Catholic soon to be living in the Catholics” know the Church’s teaching on the sacredness One key, he said, is developing “the capacity to White House, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory said he of human life from conception to natural death, so he have civil disagreements—serious disagreements, you hopes to collaborate where possible while respectfully does not believe they would be confused by the Church know, really pointed disagreements—but done in such pointing out where President-elect Joe Biden’s policies cooperating with a Biden administration on other issues. a way that the focus is on the argument, not on the diverge from Catholic teaching. “It’s not a matter of confusion,” he said. “On my demonization of the people with whom we disagree.” In a Zoom interview from the Vatican’s Domus part, it’s a matter of the responsibility that I have as the Disagreements are part of “being a family, a family Sanctae Marthae, where he was in quarantine for 10 days archbishop to be engaged and to be in dialogue with of faith,” he said. “The difficulty is too many people as a COVID-19 precaution, the cardinal said he would him, even in those areas where we obviously have some want to throw out of the family of faith people with not prevent the new president, who goes to Mass every differences.” whom they have disagreements.” Sunday, from receiving Communion in the archdiocese. While some Catholics believe Biden should not “I’ve had a lot of time to do some prayerful “The kind of relationship that I hope we will have be allowed to receive Communion when he goes to reflection, some thoughtful moments in prayer,” is a conversational relationship where we can discover Mass, Cardinal Gregory said that for eight years as vice Cardinal Gregory said about his time in Rome. But he areas where we can cooperate that reflect the social president, Biden went to Mass and received Communion. also has been using the time to calmly write letters that teachings of the Church, knowing full well that there “I’m not going to veer from that,” he said. “ordinarily, I would do rather quickly.” are some areas where we won’t agree,” the cardinal The cardinal said there also is a need for dialogue As the first African American cardinal, he said he said. “They are areas where the Church’s position is within the Church among people who think differently. thinks Pope Francis’ choosing him is a sign that “the very clear,” particularly its opposition to the president- “Conflict within the Church is not a new reality; it goes Catholic Church says we have to be more inclusive, to elect’s support for legal abortion. back to apostolic times,” he said. “What seems to be new be more engaging with people of different backgrounds In deciding when to collaborate and when to criticize, is the capacity for people to broadcast the conflicts and to and races and ethnic traditions.” he said, “I hope that I don’t highlight one over the other. allow social communications to intensify the conflict.” For more than 60 years, going back to St. John XXIII, “I hope it’s a real dialogue, because I think that’s the Ordained to the priesthood in 1973 for the Archdiocese the have been sending that signal by expanding the mantra of Pope Francis—that we should be a Church of Chicago, Cardinal-designate Gregory spoke about the College of Cardinals, “and Pope Francis has, of course, in dialogue, even with those with whom we have some late Chicago Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin’s efforts to put that in hyperspeed, because he’s now appointed serious disagreements,” he said. promote a way for Catholics to find “common ground” cardinals from countries that have never had a cardinal.” † The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 9 Catholic hospitals receive state recognition for care of moms, babies By Natalie Hoefer Hospitals had to pass in four of the five areas to receive INspire Hospital On Oct. 1, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb of Distinction recognition. The eligible announced that Indiana’s infant mortality Franciscan Health and Ascension rate fell in 2019 to its lowest level in state St. Vincent hospitals in the archdiocese history. each passed in all five areas. Four Catholic-based delivery hospitals The recognition proves that the in the archdiocese were recognized on hospitals “provide what we say we’ll Oct. 29 for their help in achieving this goal. provide,” said Schnieders. “It makes all of On that day, Ascension St. Vincent us get our house in order—are we really Dunn in Bedford, Ascension St. Vincent doing what we say we’re doing.” Women’s in Indianapolis, Franciscan Health Indianapolis and Franciscan Health ‘Take away all the barriers’ Mooresville were announced among a list To prove a hospital’s success in the of facilities receiving the Indiana Hospital five key areas, “We had to look back at Association’s (IHA) new INspire Hospital our programs to see what we offered,” of Distinction recognition for their role in said Culver. “Sometimes it’s education, care for mothers and babies. sometimes it’s documentation, sometimes “It is paramount to … protect the lives of it’s prevention.” mothers and their babies,” said Joan Culver, One example she cited is Franciscan head of Franciscan Health’s Women and Health’s “Eat, Sleep, Console” program to Children’s Service Line Collaborative. help babies born addicted to opioids or other Julie Schnieders, vice president of drugs from the mother’s use while pregnant. Angela Bratina, third from right, administrative director of Franciscan Health Indianapolis’ Center for Ascension Indiana’s Women’s Service The program “is an evidence-based Women & Children, poses with nurses Christine Hunkele, left, Erin Neu, Melanie Boosey, Jennifer Line, agreed. method of care that helps new parents care Naessens and Stephanie Lee in front of a banner noting the recognition they helped earn for “Everyone in the state has their heart in for their infants who may be suffering from Franciscan Health from the Indiana Hospital Association as an INspire Hospital of Distinction in the the right place to help moms and babies,” neonatal abstinence syndrome [NAS],” area of care for mothers and babies. (Submitted photo) she said.” It’s part of who we are.” according to information on the health system’s website. ‘Clearly making a difference’ Reversing a dangerous trend Rather than send the baby to the neonatal The list of INspire Hospital of Indiana has historically been listed intensive care unit for treatment with Distinction recipients includes many among states with the highest infant withdrawal medication, “We try to keep secular facilities. What sets Franciscan mortality rates, according to an Oct. 4 mom and baby together,” Culver explained. Health and Ascension St. Vincent apart is Associated Press article. It noted that “We screen for withdrawal symptoms, but their distinct Catholic missions. from 2013 to 2017, “Indiana’s average continue to make efforts to keep mom and “A basic construct of our mission is that infant mortality rate was 7.3 per 1,000 baby together so mom can learn coping we respect all life,” said Culver. “And we compared to the national average of 5.9 skills and learn her baby’s cues, and feed want all moms and babies to get the care [during] the same time period.” and cuddle her baby as much as possible.” they need, and to do that in a financially The article reported that 2019 marked The program has led to a marked responsible way. We are there to provide the third year the infant mortality rate decrease in intensive care stays, fewer care whether they can pay for it or not.” declined in Indiana, making the number days in the hospital for affected newborns She is proud of the staff who helped “the lowest it’s been since record-keeping and significantly fewer infants requiring earn the recognition. [in the state] began.” medication assistance for NAS, according “We do this work because we’re Decreasing the infant mortality rate to the website. called,” Culver said. “But this recognition has been a state goal for several years, Schnieders noted services offered by helps our staff understand their work is said Schnieders. The most recent step Ascension St. Vincent delivery hospitals meaningful. They’re being noticed, and was the 2019 passing of the Indiana that contributed toward their INspire moms and babies are getting better care State Department of Health’s proposed recognition. because of what they are doing.” A statue of the Blessed Virgin holding the child Perinatal Hospital Services Act. “One I really like is, at the Ascension St. Vincent hospitals also offer Jesus stands outside of Ascension “It created defined levels of care for Indianapolis [Women’s] hospital, we care with a Catholic Christian mindset. St. Vincent Women’s Hospital in Indianapolis. delivery hospitals,” ranking them from have a community health worker who “If you think of how [St. Vincent The facility was one of four Catholic hospitals Level I to Level IV, with “level four goes several days a week to the [local] hospitals’ founding order] the Daughters in the archdiocese to earn the Indiana Hospital hospitals offering the highest level of Women’s Care Center so she can get of Charity started with treating the poor Association’s INspire Hospital of Distinction care and services,” Schnieders explained. moms in for care early,” she said. and vulnerable, it starts right there,” said status in the area of care for mothers and Ascension St. Vincent Women’s is one of The health worker offers mothers Schnieders. “We don’t let anything be a babies. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) the state’s two Level IV delivery hospitals. presumptive eligibility—short-term barrier in the care of mothers or babies.” When the Indiana Hospital Association coverage of health care services for She said she was “thrilled” when both Culver and Scnhieders said their (IHA) announced a program called those with limited incomes who are not she learned the hospitals in her area hospitals will apply. INspire Hospital of Distinction to currently receiving Medicaid. of responsibility received the INspire “It’s a really good idea,” said recognize Level III and IV delivery “She has helped women in 42 different Hospital of Distinction recognition. Schnieders. “If you take care of mom hospitals’ commitment to infant and zip codes get the help they need that is “What I try to do is get everyone to and keep her healthy, then the rest of the maternal health, Franciscan Health and closest to them and most convenient for roll the same way,” she explained. “If family stays healthy.” Ascension St. Vincent applied. them, even if it’s not an Ascension we all do the same thing, we’ll improve Culver agreed. “There were five key practice St. Vincent hospital,” said Schnieders. the quality and outcome of care. So, for “When you look at the impact we’ve all areas evaluated—infant safe sleep, “The word is out that if there’s food our staff and facilities to receive that made, it’s clear the infant mortality rate has breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and insecurity, if a mom needs a ride, she’ll recognition was really awesome.” improved,” she said. “We’re doing it as a cessation, perinatal substance use and help. We try to take away all the barriers This was the first year for the INspire city and a state to make a difference. And obstetric hemorrhage,” Culver explained. we can to help moms.” program. If it is offered again next year, we clearly are making a difference.” †

Vatican tells young people to ask for ‘words of wisdom’ for Christmas VATICAN CITY (CNS)—One present young people still overshadowed by the pandemic, we are proposing dicastery’s social media accounts @laityfamilylife, should ask for this Christmas is words of wisdom from that young people post on social media a memory, a it said. older people they know, a Vatican dicastery said. piece of advice or a ‘gift of wisdom’ they have received “Unfortunately, in many cases, because of the “Today, in the difficult circumstances of a Christmas from one of the elderly people with whom they have health regulations in force, visiting can only take place formed a bond in recent months,” said the Dicastery for remotely, via telephone, video calls and messaging. But Laity, the Family and Life. it is possible to participate in this campaign [by sharing] The invitation was part of a new campaign launched the wise words of grandparents and the elderly on social on Nov. 27 aimed at encouraging young people to reach media,” it added. out to their grandparents and other older people, not The latest campaign follows a similar effort the only to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness caused dicastery launched in July in which it “collected virtual by pandemic restrictions, but also to create new and hugs sent by many young people to both their own creative bonds. grandparents and to ‘adopted grandparents,’ ” it said. The unusual circumstances caused by the pandemic The effort was meant to encourage young people to means “there is an opportunity for young people to show kindness and affection to older people who may receive a special gift” for Christmas this year, the be feeling lonely. dicastery said in a news release. For other ideas and guidance, the dicastery has “Because of the pandemic, there are more elderly posted on its website, laityfamilylife.va, a free e-book people who live alone. We can create bonds with called The Richness of Many Years of Life, which offers each of them—this is a treasure waiting to be a toolkit in multiple languages “for the development of discovered!” a true pastoral ministry that reaches out” and involves The Vatican office asked that people reach out to the elderly as active participants in the Church. older people and ask for “the gift of their wisdom.” The e-book includes the proceedings of the first People can then take the advice, memories and nuggets international conference on the pastoral care of the of wisdom they collect and post them on social media elderly the dicastery held in January 2020 to promote a using the hashtag #aGiftOfWisdom. “renewed concern for the pastoral care of the elderly in “Some of the best posts will be shared” on the every ecclesial community.” † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

touched and changed her. for that deep LANGLEY “I went on a retreat as a teen that was intimacy with continued from page 1 called ‘Consumed,’ ” she recalls. “It was Christ.” on that first retreat that I met Jesus Christ Yet even with all her compassion, in the Eucharist for the first time and ‘God gives me there has sometimes been the challenge understood who he was. I knew without opportunities’ of finding a foundation that can help her a shadow of a doubt that he was truly Seeking that heal others and attain peace in her own present in the Blessed Sacrament, that he deep connection life, too. loved me, and that he wanted a personal with Christ She believes she has found it. relationship with me. has also led to “For me, it’s very simple: If God is “I left that retreat completely on fire her deepening who he says he is, we can trust that he for Christ, wanting to chase after him with concern for is more powerful than our sins, failings everything I had, which wasn’t much for others—a quality and the darkness that inevitably comes a 14-year-old kid. I jumped in head-first, first instilled in in life,” she says. “We can trust that he is and my heart was the Lord’s from then her by her parents the same God who offered himself on the on. Or should I say, the Lord continued as she was cross more than 2,000 years ago; the same to pursue me daily, and I found myself growing up. God who pulls us out of the mess and the coming back to him again and again.” “They muck of our lives, just as he did for me as During that time, she started were kind, a teenager.” participating in daily Mass more understanding, Then-high school student Perry Langley (in the second row in the white It’s where her story of faith and frequently. And every time she received patient, and they sweater) and members of the St. John the Apostle Parish youth group in transformation begins. Communion, she experienced “genuine advocated for Bloomington take part in an Antioch Retreat at their parish in 2008. Purdue joy and peace.” the downtrodden University students led the retreat. (Submitted photo) ‘I jumped in head-first’ “The burdens I was carrying began of society,” says “I grew up going to Mass every to feel that much lighter, even though Langley, now a member of St. Joan of Arc a desire to help people. He has allowed Sunday, but it wasn’t until I was a teen life still had its ups and downs,” she Parish in Indianapolis. “My mom spent me to use these gifts in a unique way: to that I really met Jesus says. “My youth minister time praying with me, talking to me about attempt to bring my clients hope and to Christ for the first time,” and youth group friends social justice issues in the faith, taking me encourage reconciliation and healing in she says. encouraged me in my to daily Mass, and educating me on who their lives through the sacraments.” “It was also in those walk with Christ, as we all God was in my life.” Langley now wants to bring hope and years that I really became a part of a small She has used her own gifts of faith, healing to others through a career as a struggled—just because faith community that was kindness and understanding to help people registered nurse. She plans to start her life for teens is just plain pursuing an authentic who are divorced. For more than three nursing education in January. hard sometimes. Trying to relationship with Christ.” years, she has served as an advocate in “Just as I experienced a call to work at navigate the pressure of That pursuit continued the archdiocese’s Metropolitan Tribunal, the tribunal, it is clear to me that God is being an honors student, for her when she attended which primarily helps Catholics in calling me in this direction. As providence extracurriculars, boys, friendships and the Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., central and southern Indiana seeking an would have it, nursing will play upon many like, can be trying. finding her new faith home at St. Thomas annulment. She works one-on-one with of the gifts that I use at the tribunal.” “What I know now and what I didn’t Aquinas Parish there. people, advising them in their cases. She considers a nursing career as realize then was that I probably was “It was there, at St. Tom’s, that I was “What I have found is that God gives another part of her journey to her ultimate struggling with some undiagnosed mental given the skills to have a consistent daily me opportunities to minister to very destination. health issues and didn’t have the language prayer life,” notes the 2014 graduate of broken people every day: people who “Our time on Earth is not a given, and to describe what was going on in my head Purdue. “I continued to go to daily Mass, have experienced grief, loss, judgment, we aren’t meant to be here forever,” she and my heart. By the grace of God, I have read my Bible, and spent time in the quiet and who often live in shame because says. “Heaven is our forever home, which received incredible healing since that time.” of our tiny campus chapel. of a divorce that they—usually—never means that our time here on Earth should She credits part of her healing to being “My relationship with Christ flourished imagined would take place. be spent with our eyes fixed on heaven, welcomed into the youth group at her and became intertwined with every aspect “While I have never experienced living our lives in a way that will help us parish at the time, St. John the Apostle in of my life. Even now, as a 29-year-old divorce personally, God has gifted me to get to our final goal: being with God Bloomington. One experience especially college graduate, I find myself still longing with a great capacity for compassion and forever in eternity.” †

“We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s all God’s work,” says Sister Theresa McGrath (center), 86, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio. In good times and bad, she and the religious shown here have devoted themselves to God’s work. They are among nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more. Please be generous.

Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at: Archdiocese of Indianapolis Mission Office 1400 North Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46202 Make check payable to Mission Office with Retirement Fund Religious Retirement on the memo line.

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Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 11

A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Advent, pandemic are both occasions for growth, conversion By David Gibson

Long months of the vicious COVID-19 pandemic preceded the arrival of this year’s Advent season leading to Christmas. Neither Advent nor Christmas in 2020 will escape the pandemic’s shadow. But Advent is a season for conversion, a hopeful, forward-looking period that keeps spiritual growth high in mind. The season asks where God is found. Is God present despite the pandemic’s ravages? It entails real pain and is stunningly disruptive. Yet, many attest that God-like developments occured in all kinds of homes and communities during this time. Conversion during Advent is, in particular, “a question of converting our idea of God,” Pope Francis says. It is a time “to welcome not a fairy-tale character, but the God who challenges us, involves us and before whom a choice is imposed,” he remarked on Dec. 15, 2019. How might a person’s idea of God need to grow? A speech Pope Francis gave in December 2018 described several ways the idea of God goes awry. “The Bible and the Church’s history show clearly” how believers “can frequently come to think and act as if they were the owners of salvation and not its recipients,” Pope Francis explained. He cautioned: Two girls wearing face masks pray during a Sept. 26 Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, Del. Neither Advent nor Christmas in 2020 will escape “Being Christian ... does not mean the pandemic’s shadow. But Advent is a season for conversion, a hopeful, forward-looking period that keeps spiritual growth high in mind. acting like an elite group who think they (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) have God in their pocket, but as people who know that they are loved by the shook believers and left them wondering Many early Christians apparently To hear God’s voice, Christians pray, Lord” despite their imperfections. if they had misunderstood a promise of expected the second coming of Christ reflect, participate in worship or consult Clearly, disturbing events in our God. We hear about this on Advent’s to occur quickly. But parents and Scripture and the faith community, for surrounding world can shake us and second Sunday in 2020. grandparents died as time passed, and example. But cannot an incarnate Lord leave us asking once again who God is A reading that Sunday from the Second some Christians began to wonder if God also speak within the world and through for us or, more simply, how life suddenly Letter of St. Peter (2 Pt 3:8-14) describes had delayed the promise of the second its ongoing events? could become painfully frustrating and a big issue that arose at that time and coming. Did this occur for the ancient Christian confusing. Has the 2020 pandemic often ultimately prompted many to refocus their Unsurprisingly, there were scoffers community or with today’s 2020 been such an event? understanding of God. The issue involved who began to suggest not only that God pandemic? Is God found and heard in the Early in Christian history a different Christ’s second coming in glory at the had delayed the second coming, but that context of disturbing current events? kind of event, but also one stemming from end of time, which is a key Advent theme there might be no second coming at all. The pandemic threatens and changes the early Christians’ immediate world, today. Some insinuated that God no longer was human lives. It does this in ways that feel intimately involved painful. Nonetheless, doors somehow are with this world’s life, left open for good outcomes. according to a note Suffering is no stranger during in the New American the pandemic. But the online, virtual Bible. methods that have emerged for fulfilling But God’s the demands of jobs, schoolwork or promise remained, essential shopping frequently have yielded the Second Letter surprising human rewards. of Peter affirmed. It Then there is the simple fact that so advised the Christian many now spend much more time at community that “with home in the company of family members the Lord one day or friends. How many of them find during is like a thousand this time that they are developing a years and a thousand renewed appreciation of each other and of years like one day.” their relationships? Moreover, “the Lord The pandemic “has enabled us, perhaps does not delay his for the first time in our lives, to recognize promise, as some the deeply interconnected relationship of regard ‘delay,’ but he all living things, and the urgent need for us is patient with you” to repent and change our lives,” Franciscan (2 Pt 3:8-9). Father Michael Perry, a priest born and raised It was a disturbing in Indianapolis who is minister general of the moment in time among Order of Friars Minor, observed in an Aug. 1 early Christians. homily in Assisi, Italy. It seems, though, “The call to repentance, conversion, that conversion and to open our minds, hearts and lives to a renewed faith followed new way of living together on this planet in its wake, as Peter is more urgent now than at any other urged Christians to turn moment in human history,” he said. to asking “what sort of Christians are called, Father Michael persons” they ought to stressed, “to seek the way back toward be and to focus their God, toward one another, toward energies on conducting ourselves and toward creation.” Children are seen helping prepare a family meal at their home. The coronavirus pandemic has led many people to spend themselves “in holiness more time with their family and close friends than in the past—a sign that this challenging time for society can also be an and devotion” (David Gibson served on Catholic News occasion for conversion. (CNS photo/Melissa Moon, Detroit Catholic) (2 Pt 3:11). Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Perspectives Pastoral Ministries/Madison Cipoletti For the Journey/Effie Caldarola Engaged couples: A business transaction or a welcoming home? Advent’s Imagine the scene: A young man perspectives I believe we as a Church been away, do they feel accepted and planning for a surprise proposal, all should consider when it comes to welcomed? call to dressed up, a ring in his pocket. A marriage preparation. To help us better welcome young young woman who When a young engaged couple couples to our communities, here are discipleship has dreamt of her reaches out seeking the sacrament of some practical thoughts to consider: wedding day since holy matrimony, how do we treat them? Parish staff: Who answers the phone During Advent, we pray about our she was a little girl, Are we treating them as a business or makes the first phone call to a couple call to be disciples. But what does hoping and waiting transaction with boxes to check, or seeking to get married? Do they take “discipleship” mean? for him to ask. are we recognizing that we could be the time to get to know the couple’s One of the most Down on one knee welcoming them back home forever? story, how they met, why they want to accessible and he goes and asks When I think about young couples get married and why at this particular enjoyable Jesuit the question. An who have drifted from the faith, but parish? Consider adding inviting and writers of the 20th exclamatory, “Yes!” seeking marriage in the Church, I see celebratory language to your parish century was a priest from his future bride the Father’s compassion in the parable website’s page about the sacrament of named Mark Link. follows. of the Prodigal Son as a perfect example matrimony. Again—it’s a big deal to Father Mark wrote Unfortunately, this story is happening to all members of the Church. commit your life to marrying someone, numerous books, less and less in the U.S. today. When the father “caught sight of especially in today’s culture. Make them and he’s well known In a recent report, census data is him, [he] was filled with compassion. feel celebrated! for his short, pithy showing that marriage rates in the He ran to his son, embraced him and Priests: We appreciate everything anecdotes that express U.S. dropped to an all-time low in 2019. kissed him” (Lk 15:20). No judgment, you do and know that you’re extremely truth in a simple way. (cutt.ly/2hkF7s7) no questions, no explanation needed, busy. But one small step you can take In his 1993 book, Challenge, Father Not only are young people less the father simply rejoiced at his son’s when you meet with a young couple Mark tells the story of two brothers, likely to get married, they are leaving return. if you don’t already, is to get to know Clarence and Robert, who had committed the Church in droves. Eighty percent The father provides us with a model the young couple, how they met, what their lives to Jesus when they were young. of those who leave the Catholic faith of mercy and joy that we should follow they like to do together, why they want Clarence grew up to become a political do so by the age of 23, according to a to welcome young adults who return to to get married and why in your parish. activist, Robert an attorney. 2009 Pew research study called “Faith the Church, whether for marriage, the This future family could lead to more “One day, Clarence asked Robert for in Flux: Changes in the Religious baptism of their child or Christmas. volunteers, ministries, vocations and some legal help in a civil rights matter,” Affiliation in the U.S.” When young adults return to the tithing in your parish. writes Father Mark. “Robert refused, Of course, serving in young Church, do they feel like they’re home? Parishioners: We are the family saying it could hurt his political future.” adult ministry, these statistics grab No matter where they’ve been, what of God! How are you greeting young What about Robert’s commitment to my attention and reaffirm some they’ve done or how long they’ve See CIPOLETTI, page 14 Jesus? “Robert said, ‘I do follow Jesus, but I’m not going to get crucified like he was.’ ” It’s All Good/Patti Lamb To which Clarence replied, “Robert, you are not a follower of Jesus; you are This year, Christmas will be alive in all those who believe only a fan.” This story gives me pause. Of course, I “The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs love most. No Christmas parties. Nativity plays and choir admire Jesus and hope that his teachings stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. performances have been cancelled. Hugs are prohibited. make an impact in my life. But am I a They were the worst behaved class in the whole school.” Masks are mandated to cover our faces, preventing us from disciple? Or merely a fan? Is there a line I That’s the beginning of one of my the simplest kind gesture of sharing a smile. Warm hugs and won’t cross? favorite childhood books, Miss Nelson is handshakes feel like things of the past. I’ve just read Jon Meacham’s brilliant Missing, by Harry Allard. I stumbled upon I thought back to this time a year ago. Apparently, those book about John Lewis, the civil rights it recently in the children’s section of a were the good old days, and how I regret taking them for activist who died this year at age 80. bookstore when shopping for a Christmas granted. Last , our church was packed so full In His Truth Is Marching On: John book for my godchild. that many were standing and those lucky enough to be in a Lewis and the Power of Hope, Meacham I distinctly remember the plot. Miss pew were packed in like sardines. The choir sang, the children introduces us to a man who heard Jesus’ Nelson was a mild-mannered and kind- put on a lovely Nativity pageant and we hugged at the sign invitation from a young age. He was natured teacher, and her disrespectful of peace. All those things that enriched the celebration of the just a little kid when he decided to be a students misbehaved and refused to learn. Eucharist are now simply not allowed. preacher, and his first audience was the As I glanced at the cover, a line from the This December, it feels like Christmas is missing, but it’s chickens he fed daily. When his mom book flashed into my mind. not. And seeing one of my favorite books in the bookstore that killed one of his congregation for supper, “Something must be done,” Miss Nelson said, as the day reminded me precisely why it’s not. Lewis would refuse to eat. students repeatedly talked over her and made poor choices. More than 2000 years ago, God looked down at his troubled This childhood experience didn’t lead to The next day, Miss Nelson didn’t show up. Instead, a world and said, “Something must be done,” so he sent his only vegetarianism, but it did lead to a Baptist substitute who looked like a witch took her place as teacher. Son to teach us about love, service and mercy. He allowed his seminary after high school, and eventually Miss Viola Swamp was strict and mean and gave the children son’s blood to be used to seal a new covenant. to what St. Teresa of Calcutta described in loads of homework. Miss Swamp showed up day after day. The “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so her own life as “a call within a call.” kids greatly missed Miss Nelson and regretted their wicked that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have Lewis entered seminary in 1957, just behavior. At the end of the book, Miss Nelson returns and the eternal life” (Jn 3:16). as the South was still reeling from—and students rejoice and treat her with the respect and dignity they By his life, death and resurrection, Jesus opened the gates resisting—the school integration decreed failed to give before. of heaven for us. Each December, we celebrate the birth of by the 1954 Supreme Court decision, That afternoon in the bookstore, my jaw dropped as I stared our Redeemer, who won the victory for us. That’s why we Brown vs. Board of Education. Lewis had at the cover illustration. proclaim “joy to the world!” grown up in an environment of racism— A thought occurred to me. While this year’s celebration may look different from years white-robed klansmen walked the streets, “Are we the kids in Room 207?” I asked myself. past, it’s every bit as meaningful and worthy of celebration in lynchings stalked the countryside. Is the current state of affairs in this world the way it is our hearts. Even without turkey and , Christmas is not He saw the abuse heaped on students because “something must be done?” missing. It’s alive in the hearts of all who believe. brave enough to integrate public schools, We’re living in a pandemic, forced to social distance, and and made his decision to pursue nonviolent even isolate in some instances, making this Christmas one (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna Parish in Plainfield, is a protest against a violent system. He like never before. Most of us can’t spend it with those we regular columnist for The Criterion.) † modeled this decision on the Gospel. For him, the Gospel was a social gospel. When we remember Lewis as a respected The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick member of Congress, where he spent the last years of his life, we forget the many Maintaining mental balance in a media-crazed society beatings he took. We forget the times he was drug from lunch counters and refused As I paged through the news on my are blessed with resilience, but to what strife, untruthfulness, invectiveness, service. We forget the mobs that gathered computer, I realized I had run through extent? Where is the breaking point?” discontentment and conflict. Many felt outside the buses that he and other Freedom a hundred postings within an hour During the walk I eventually took, they had reached their limits: Too much Riders rode to integrate travel. We forget the that touched on the jubilant people had flooded the streets and is too much was sinking them into decision Lewis made to board one of those election, the pandemic, horn-blowing cars raced up and down in depression and unrelenting anxiety. buses after a firebombing destroyed another. protest marches, the front of the Supreme Court and In the book Habits of the Heart, Lewis’ skull was fractured at the Edmund progress of vaccines, U.S. Capitol at the news of President-elect researchers point out freedom is Pettus Bridge. Yet his commitment to global conflicts, sports Joe Biden’s win. imperative to American life. But once nonviolence and love were unwavering. and ways for staying In talking with several elated people, achieved, most people do not know what Discipleship calls us to be, somehow, healthy. their joy was not so much over Biden’s to do with it. To do what we desire and indifferent to our own life, even if it’s just While I experienced victory but about a sense of relief. A be able to freely choose unhindered in the small opportunities we have each this media blitz, weight had been lifted. The air was is freedom’s beauty. But freedom also day to give generously of ourselves. I was struck by fresher, the sun brighter and the sky bluer. comes with the duty of responsibility and On Dec. 2, we celebrated the 40th my psychological What is this weight of which I speak? refraining when necessary; it has rules. anniversary of the killing of the four Catholic reactions to it: fear, jubilation, disgust, Although a new hopeful chapter in our Will disturbing news blitzes continue? missionary women in El Salvador, another anger, unbelief, sorrow, depression and country was being written, the jubilation Yes! Employing our liberty to refrain example of people who were “all in” for overall anxiety. Most of all was a strong was about more than this. The weight from it when necessary is our best use of Jesus. Remembering their discipleship, and desire to get away from it and go outdoors of too much being too much was lifted. freedom and maintaining mental balance. Lewis’, is a good way to honor Advent. for a quiet walk. News 24/7 is addictive. It also creates an The thought then occurred, “When is environment that engulfs us. (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for (Effie Caldarola writes for Catholic News too much too much? Undoubtedly, we We were inhaling too much Catholic News Service.) † Service.) † The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 13

Second Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, December 7 Thursday, December 10 St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Our Lady of Loreto Sunday, December 6, 2020 Church Isaiah 41:13-20 • Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 145:1, 9-13b • 2 Peter 3:8-14 Psalm 85:9ab-14 Matthew 11:11-15 Luke 5:17-26 • Mark 1:1-8 Friday, December 11 Tuesday, December 8 St. Damasus I, pope The second part of the Book of Isaiah In these relatively few words, the The Immaculate Conception of the Isaiah 48:17-19 provides the first reading for Mass on this entire reality of salvation is revealed. Blessed Virgin Mary Psalm 1:1-4, 6 Second Sunday of Advent. Something new is being proclaimed, Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Matthew 11:16-19 When this utterly different from the sadness and Psalm 98:1-4 book was written, dreariness of human life, totally unbound Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Saturday, December 12 God’s people were by the variances of earthly existence. The Luke 1:26-38 Our Lady of Guadalupe happy. Their long, news is good! Jesus, the Son of God, both Zechariah 2:14-17 dreary exile of conveys this Good News and brings its Wednesday, December 9 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab four generations in effectiveness into human life. St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (Response) Judith 13:18bc, 19 Babylon was about This reading quotes Isaiah’s prophecy Isaiah 40:25-31 Luke 1:26-38 to end. They were that God will send a representative to Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10 or Luke 1:39-47 looking forward to guide the people from death to life, from Matthew 11:28-30 returning to their the deadly effects of their sins to the Sunday, December 13 homeland. This bright realms of God’s forgiveness. God Third Sunday of Advent reading captures well the people’s joy and has been true to this pledge. He gives us Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 relief. It clearly shows their longing to Jesus. (Response) Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 return to their homeland. Mark then tells of John the Baptist, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 These verses also and importantly who went throughout Judea calling John 1:6-8, 19-28 convey well the sense that this happy people to repentance. John recognized circumstance occurred as a result of Jesus. Anyone can recognize Jesus, the God’s mercy and faithfulness to the Son of God. Too many people yield to an covenant. unrealistic assumption, to take the easy Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle It was not as if the people had earned way out or to dilute the requirement of God’s munificence in this regard, or that absolute conversion. they had been unusually loyal to the Church does not forbid worshipers covenant themselves. To the contrary, Reflection their sins had brought misery upon In Advent, the Church clearly, frankly from raising hands in prayer at Mass themselves. Nevertheless, God’s mercy and directly calls people to remember I am a practicing Catholic, and my Christian community gathered together endured. who they are as humans and importantly Q daughter is in the third grade at a for the sacred liturgy, for it expresses Isaiah insists that, upon returning to also to realize sin’s devastating results. Catholic school. In the intentions and spiritual attitude of their homeland, the people must go to Such was the message of John the my former parish in the participants and also fosters them” Jerusalem to the holy mountain where Baptist. Arizona, I used to (#42). stood the temple, and there proclaim These steps require frankness and have my hands raised But having your hands uplifted in aloud the goodness of God. humility. We first must admit our sin in prayer during prayer doesn’t seem to me to constitute For its second reading this weekend, and our human limitations. We must see Mass. But now that I a grievous violation of that canon of the Church presents a passage from the what sin and its estrangement from and live in Michigan, we universality. Second Epistle of St. Peter. Its theme rejection of God actually means. It is don’t do that, and it I think what you might do is just differs from that of the first reading. The the cause of eternal death, and often of bothers my daughter explain to your daughter that this is the first reading was wonderfully optimistic. misery, in earthly existence. when she sees my way you’ve been trained, the way you This reading is grim in its predictions of The ultimate message is not of doom, hands uplifted. Am I feel comfortable praying and the way dark days and of unwelcome possibilities gloom and impossible goals. While we doing it right or wrong? (Michigan) that helps you lift your mind and heart in the future. are limited and have sinned, while we to God—which, after all, is what prayer This is critical, however. Things are may be weak, while we may have made I am guessing that your question is. bad, but it does not predict everlasting quite a mess of things, this weekend’s A has to do with the posture of the death. Difficult times will not vanish, readings remind us that God’s mercy congregation while praying the Our Why is the pope approving of civil but God always will protect the faithful. is overwhelming and unending. So, we Father. Not infrequently, I have seen Q unions for homosexuals? Isn’t this In this reassurance, Peter parallels the have reason to hope. God will forgive and individuals lift their hands during still one of the deadly sins? (Indiana) message of the first reading. strengthen us. this prayer, and occasionally I have St. Mark’s Gospel furnishes the last The key to obtaining this mercy witnessed entire congregations do the First, to clarify: I have never seen reading. It is the beginning of the Gospel, is in truly dedicating ourselves to the same. A homosexuality mentioned as one as the first verse of the reading states, and Lord. God does not drag us kicking The U.S. Conference of Catholic of the seven deadly sins. In fact, many the very opening verse states its purpose. and screaming into heaven. We must Bishops has evidently been asked this people with a homosexual orientation It is the “Good News” about Jesus Christ, cooperate with God’s grace to be worthy question so often that, with regard to are celibate. The seven deadly sins are the Son of God. of heaven. Jesus will help us. † a congregational posture during the commonly listed as pride, greed, wrath, Lord’s Prayer, the envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. bishops now say Now, to the matter of Pope Francis’ My Journey to God on their website, recent quote: A documentary titled “No position is Francesco, released in Rome in prescribed in the October, quoted a comment the pope Roman Missal made in a 2019 interview with the Jesus, Our Lord and King for an assembly Mexican network Televisa. gesture.” There, the pope said, “Homosexual By Sandy Bierly I take that to people have a right to be in a family. mean that you They are children of God and have a are free to do as right to a family. Nobody should be Jesus is coming! you wish—and thrown out or be made miserable over The time is drawing near. praying with it. What we have to create is a civil Let us open our hearts, outstretched arms union law. That way they are legally To welcome Him. is, after all, one covered.” of the historic In saying this, Pope Francis was not Jesus comes in the silence postures of changing the Church’s moral teaching To our town. prayer. or its understanding of marriage. He comes to a manger so lowly, I am, Marriage is an indissoluble union Wearing a King’s crown. of course, between one man and one woman, familiar with a union open to the transmission of Jesus is not of this world. the distinction life; as a result, marriage between two The angels proclaim, between private people of the same sex is unacceptable, Singing Gloria in the highest, prayer and and Pope Francis has often affirmed To our newborn King. liturgical prayer, that. and I recognize In the quote in question, he was Jesus brings glad tidings, that the “General speaking simply of the need to provide And peace to all men. Instruction on the legal protection for the rights of non- He is our Savior, Roman Missal” married people living together in Our Lord and our King. says that “a a stable way—rights, for example, Let us welcome Him! common bodily involving inheritance, health care posture, to be decisions and visitation when one is ill. observed by all (Sandy Bierly is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany. An angel serves as the those taking (Questions may be sent to Father center of a wreath hanging in the large annual creche display of Larry and Amy Higdon, members of Holy part, is a sign of Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ Trinity Parish in Edinburg, photographed on Nov. 26, 2019.) (File photo by Natalie Hoefer) the unity of the gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., members of the Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

Grandmother of 10. Great- grandmother of eight. FORD, Catherine, 68, Christ the King, Indianapolis, Nov. 13. Rest in Wife of Joseph Ford. Mother of Sara Berscheit. Sister of Vatican Christmas Beth Shaw, Therese, Edward, peace James, John, Michael and Patrick Avelis. Grandmother of three. Please submit in writing to our office by 10 a.m. GARCIA, Jose G., 84, Thursday before the week of St. Louis, Batesville, Nov. 22. publication; be sure to state Husband of Gemma Garcia. date of death. Obituaries of Father of Monina Baker, archdiocesan priests serving Jaime, Joel, Joselito and our archdiocese are listed Joseph Garcia. Brother of elsewhere in The Criterion. Alejo, Manuel and Romulo Order priests and religious Garcia. Grandfather of eight. sisters and brothers are GERDES, Corwin, 82, included here, unless they are St. Teresa Benedicta of natives of the archdiocese or the Cross, Bright, Nov. 1l. have other connections­ to it; Father of Patty Charest, Gail those are separate obituaries Samay and Charles Gerdes. on this page. Grandfather of six. GILLASPY, Adriana C. AVIS, Mindy M., 41, (Briscoe), 89, St. Jude the St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Floyd Apostle, Spencer, County, Nov. 20. Daughter Nov. 3. Mother of John, of Francis Avis. Sister of Philip and Thomas Gillaspy. Shannon Main and Branden Grandmother of four. Great- Avis. Aunt of several. grandmother of two. BISCHOFF, Rick G., 63, HELLMANN, Dorothy T. St. Michael, Brookville, (Matkovic), 95, St. Jude the Nov. 21. Husband of Brenda Apostle, Spencer, Nov. 13. Bischoff. Father of Benjamin Mother of Maureen Anderson, and Derick Bischoff. Son Sharon Blattner, Jean of Phyllis Bischoff. Brother Marie Buffington, Annette of Nancy Busse, Sharon Meyers, Rita Shoup, Cecelia A is positioned in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Nov. 30. The tree is a 92-feet-tall spruce from near Kocevje, Cumberworth, Linda Gerty, Trueblood, Brian and Jerome Slovenia. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden) Cathy Graf, Pam McMillin, Hellmann. Sister of Joan Cindy Westerfield, Lisa Garbish and Patty Matkovic. Grandmother of 25. Great- JOHNSTON, James, 92, MCMULLEN, Janet M., SMITH, Laura (Anger), 76, TOUSSAINT, Joseph L., Wilson, Ken, Leroy, Paul and Our Lady of the Greenwood, 84, St. Jude the Apostle, Prince of Peace, Madison, 87, St. Matthew the Apostle, Steve Bischoff. grandmother of 36. Great- great-grandmother of three. Greenwood, Nov. 16. Husband Spencer, Nov. 15. Wife of Nov. 14. Sister of Frances Indianapolis, Dec. 24, 2019. COLLINS, Linda C., 71, of Mary Carolyn Johnston. John McMullen. Mother Anger. Husband of Gail Toussaint. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, HOOG, Ronald J., 84, Father of Lucia Begley, Mary of Cynthia Lane Slavens, Father of Joseph, Kevin, St. Peter, Franklin County, STAND, Theresa Oct. 10. Mother of Missy Vail. Jane Blackwell and James Colleen, Kevin and Michael (Margherone), 87, St. John Mark and Neil Toussaint. Sister of Janine Workman Nov. 20. Husband of Glenna Johnston. Brother of Patricia McMullen. Sister of Rebecca Grandfather of two. Hoog. Father of Julie the Apostle, Bloomington, Wiglesworth. Grandmother Lyster. Grandfather of seven. Holley and Carolyn McGuire. Nov. 9. Mother of June Blaire, WAGNER, Darlene of three. Great-grandmother Trammell, Darrel, Roger and Great-grandfather of seven. Grandmother of eight. Great- Ronald Hoog. Brother of David, Paul and Thomas (Esteves), 74, Our Lady of of one. MCARTHY, Robert J., 83, grandmother of 15. Great- Stand. Grandmother of four. Perpetual Help, New Albany, Shirley Roots. Grandfather of great-grandmother of two. COSSAIRT, Alice E., 93, 10. Great-grandfather of 19. St. Jude, Indianapolis, Nov. 19. Great-grandmother of three. Nov. 16. Mother of Nicole St. Joseph, Shelbyville, Husband of Sally McCarthy. SMITH, John J., 93, TANNER, Rosemary, 87, Robison and Debbie Steck. Nov. 6. Mother of Marjorie HOWARD, Elza, 89, Father of Kathleen Haberthy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Grandmother of four. Great- St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Matthew the Apostle, Herridge, Ann, Beth, Jim Christopher, Michael and Indianapolis, Nov. 7. Father Indianapolis, Sept. 25. Wife grandmother of one. † and Will Cossairt. Sister of Indianapolis, Nov. 2. Uncle Timothy McCarthy. Brother of of Susan Hopper and James of one. of L. Gene Tanner. Mother of Janice Crane, Margie Long, Joan Armbruster. Grandfather Smith. Grandfather of seven. Susan, James and Karl Tanner. Nick and Steve Runnebohm. of seven. Great-grandfather of one. Grandmother of 11. Religious leaders must offer example of respect, cooperation, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Conflict and violence in the Bartholomew of Constantinople. current pandemic, war continues to afflict many parts of world will never end if people do not fully understand “With profound gratitude to God, I have experienced the world, while new armed conflicts emerge to steal the their responsibility to each other as members of one this fraternity at first hand in the various encounters we lives of countless men and women.” human family, Pope Francis said in a written message. have shared,” he told the Orthodox patriarch. The many efforts by national and international “In light of this, the Christian churches, together with Cardinal , president of the entities to promote peace “are useful and other religious traditions, have a primary duty to offer Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian necessary, yet conflict and violence will never an example of dialogue, mutual respect and practical Unity, delivered the message to the patriarch cease until all people reach a deeper awareness cooperation,” he said in the message to Ecumenical in Istanbul on Nov. 30 during services to that they have a mutual responsibility as brothers mark the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, the and sisters,” he said. patriarchate’s patron saint. The cardinal led a With this in mind, he said, religious leaders Vatican delegation to Istanbul to take part in the have an important responsibility to offer the Divine Liturgy presided over by the patriarch. world a good example. St. Andrew’s charity, apostolic zeal and Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the perseverance are a “source of encouragement in Pope Francis strengthened relations between the Catholic these difficult and critical times,” the pope said. Church and the Ecumenical patriarchate, “Giving glory to God also strengthens our “even as we continue to yearn for the goal of faith and hope in the one who welcomed into eternal life the restoration of full communion expressed through the holy martyr Andrew, whose faith endured in time of participation at the same eucharistic altar. trial,” he said. “Although obstacles remain, I am confident that by Online Lay Ministry Formation The world is facing numerous trials right now, the walking together in mutual love and pursuing theological The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the pope said. “Together with the challenges posed by the dialogue, we will reach that goal,” he said. † University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program form those relationships. • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church CIPOLETTI Community: Consider connecting the young • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners continued from page 12 couple to a young adult group, or another young couple in the parish so they can build personal For more information, please log on to people at Mass? Many long for intergenerational connections to the parish family. Our office would be www.archindy.org/layministry relationships, and the parish family is a great place to happy to have a longer conversation with your parish about welcoming young couples into the fold. Please email us. Just like the young woman declared her “Yes!” to REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW the young man’s invitation to marriage, so too, we hope for the people of God to invite young couples into their If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on 25% Off All Advent! behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim parish families with great love and enthusiasm. of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance Shop our wide selection of wreaths, coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: candles, calendars & more! (Madison Cipoletti is the director of the archdiocesan Ethics Point Office of Young Adult and College Campus Ministry 1 Confidential, Online Reporting (While supplies last. In-store only.) www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 in the Pastoral Ministries Secretariat. If you would Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator 6935 Lake Plaza Dr Indpls, IN 46220 like to talk more with her about welcoming engaged 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 thevillagedove.com couples at your parish, she can be reached at 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 (317) 845-5487 [email protected]. For more information on the ™ [email protected] Gifts for Moments that Matter. Indianapolis-based ministry to young adults, visit indycatholic.org.) † The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020 Page 15

Court says Texas, Louisiana can block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood WASHINGTON (CNS)—The in Texas and Louisiana for working videos showed “Planned Parenthood “Patients should be able to go president of the Susan B. Anthony List, a tirelessly to disentangle taxpayer dollars had improperly changed how abortions to the provider they know and trust national pro-life organization, welcomed from the abortion industry.” were performed so that better regardless of their ZIP code and income the Nov. 23 federal appeals court The full 16-member 5th U.S. Circuit specimens could be preserved for level,” she said. “Accountability is decision allowing Texas and Louisiana Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, medical research.” coming, and we will fight back against to exclude Planned heard the case, and In a statement about the 5th any politician who doesn’t prioritize Parenthood from in an 11-5 decision Circuit’s ruling, Alexis McGill expanding accessible, affordable Medicaid funding. reversed an earlier Johnson, president and CEO of Planned quality health care.” “This ruling is a ruling by a three- Parenthood Federation of America, Texas Attorney General Ken huge victory in the judge panel of the accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of Paxton said in a statement: “Planned battle to stop taxpayer court. The case is “hurting ... people of color, women and Parenthood is not a ‘qualified’ provider funding of America’s expected to go to the people with low incomes” by forcing under the Medicaid Act, and it should biggest abortion U.S. Supreme Court. Planned Parenthood out of the Texas not receive public funding through the business—Planned According to Medicaid program. Medicaid program.” † Parenthood,” Marjorie the Associated Marjorie Dannenfelser, Ken Paxton Press, Texas and Employment Dannenfelser President of the Susan Louisiana’s efforts B. Anthonly List, said to stop Medicaid funding from going in a statement. to Planned Parenthood followed an “The core mission of Planned assessment of what was documented Parenthood is to destroy innocent human in videos secretly recorded by pro-life Ecclesiastical Notary life, the antithesis to real health care,” activist David Daleiden in 2015. she said. “We thank pro-life leaders A state inspector general said the The Tribunal is seeking a full-time Ecclesiastical Notary. Responsibilities include clerical duties, assembling marriage cases according to canonical and office procedures and interacting with clients on the telephone or in person.

For advertising rates call Qualifications include strong typing skills, experience using personal computers, Classified Directory (317) 236-1585. ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and well-developed interpersonal and organizational skills. A college degree or commensurate work Home Improvement experience is required. Call 317-236- D & S ROOFING Canon law requires that the person in this position be a baptized Catholic and, if 24-hour service! 1585 Rubber, torch downs, hot tar roofs, Special Care married, be validly married according to the laws and teachings of the Catholic reroof and tearoffs. • Any large or small repairs Church. TO ADVERTISE IN • Wind or hail damage repairs Call Dale for free estimates! The Criterion 317-357-4341 The position is an opportunity to work directly in Church ministry that serves Licensed • Bonded • Insured Trusted and Compassionate Care 47 years experience • References available people’s human and spiritual needs. Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and list Serving people with Autism & Developmental Disabilities of references, in confidence, to: Construction ∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) ∙ Residential, Community, Respite Ed Isakson and PAC Services Director, Human Resources ∙ Staff screened and trained Archdiocese of Indianapolis Kathy and Terry Huser 1400 N. Meridian St. (317) 255-5700 www.HuserSpecialCare.com Indianapolis, IN 46202 Career Opportunities Available E-mail: [email protected]

Employment Equal Opportunity Employer

Associate Director, Young Adult and College Campus Ministry Office and Events Coordinator, Office

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis is seeking a full-time Associate of Marriage and Family Life Director of Young Adult and College Campus Ministry (YACCM). The opening is for a full-time, lay minister to assist the Director in essential leadership duties The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis is seeking a full-time Office for outreach to the 18-39 demographic in central and southern Indiana. The and Events Coordinator to assist the Director of Marriage and Family Life Associate Director has an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the with administrative and professional support. Responsibilities include the ministry but also the authority to create and implement vision and practice that development and implementation of programs and events, including regular serves the young adults in our parishes, 15 colleges and universities, and young marriage preparation retreats, annual divorce ministry retreats, and Archdiocesan adult programs throughout the entire archdiocese. The Associate Director will events for marriage enrichment. Office administrative duties include overseeing assist the Director in the support and formation of Campus Ministry and parish the production and maintenance of electronic, social, and print media, and staff and volunteers. Specifically, the Associate Director will lead the expansion facilitating office communication with clergy, Archdiocesan agencies, parishes, of Emmaus Group (small group) ministry and the ongoing formation of Emmaus and individuals who are seeking information or resources from the office. Group Leaders, as well as assisting in the launch of a regional, Deanery Young Adult Ministry program. Applicants should be practicing Catholics with an enthusiasm for and deep commitment to their faith, especially Church teachings on marriage and family Since its inception in 2008, IndyCatholic and The Office of Young Adult and life. A bachelor’s degree in a related area is preferred. Initiative, organizational College Campus Ministry (YACCM) has seen the Lord work in tremendous ways ability, interpersonal skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel are among the 18-39 demographic in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. We are blessed all essential. Graphic design experience is preferred. The ability to communicate to lead a vibrant, ever-growing community of young adults around Central and verbally and in writing in Spanish is a plus. The position involves access to Southern Indiana with a mission to seek, find and invite young adults to authentic confidential information which must be safeguarded. Some evening and weekend life in Jesus Christ and to spiritually equip them to become lifelong, missionary work is involved. disciples. The Office of Marriage and Family Life exists to promote the vocation of marriage Candidates must be professed and practicing Catholics with a love for and and family life, to assist individuals facing difficulties in their marriage and family, understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church. A minimum of a and to accompany families on their mission to build the Kingdom of God. We bachelor’s degree in theology, religious education, or a related field is required. accomplish this mission through marriage preparation formation, retreats and Previous paid or volunteer ministerial experience with young adults and/or support groups for Catholics who are separated or divorced, opportunities for college students is preferred. marriage enrichment, and resources for family discipleship.

Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and list of references, in confidence, to: Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and list of references, in confidence, to:

Ed Isakson Ed Isakson Director, Human Resources Director, Human Resources Archdiocese of Indianapolis Archdiocese of Indianapolis 1400 N. Meridian St. 1400 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 Indianapolis, IN 46202 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Opportunity Employer Page 16 The Criterion Friday, December 4, 2020

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