It’s All Good Columnist Patti Lamb reflects on what it means to be “normal” in today’s world, page 12. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 CriterionOnline.com December 6, 2013 Vol. LIV, No. 10 75¢ In clearest statement Sean Gallagher Photo by to date, Gospel mandates pope prays for victims of sex abuse

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—In his clearest public reference as pope to the subject of clerical sex abuse, urged bishops to support abuse victims while also reaching out to priests who have “fallen short of their commitments.” The pope made his remarks on Dec. 2 to bishops from the Netherlands making their first visits “ad limina apostolorum” (“to the threshold of the Apostles”) since they met with Blessed John Paul II in 2004. Speaking in French, the pope brought up sex abuse near the end of his talk, in a section devoted to bishops’ care of priests under their authority. “Like fathers, find the necessary time to welcome [your priests] and listen to them, every time they ask. And do not forget to William E. Lori of Baltimore gives a presentation on Nov. 29 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Albany on the relationship of go out to meet those who do not approach religious liberty and the Church’s ministry of charity. Archbishop Lori grew up in the New Albany Deanery faith community. you. Some of them unfortunately have fallen short of their commitments. In particular, I want to express my compassion and assure my prayers to all victims of sexual abuse Archbishop Lori relates connection and their families. I ask you to continue to support them along their painful path of healing, undertaken with courage,” the between religious liberty and charity pope said. It was Pope Francis’ most explicit By Sean Gallagher Archbishop Lori is chairman of the “Is there any way the Church could reference to clerical sex abuse, in public or in U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad be the Church and not respond, not a statement released by the Vatican, since his NEW ALBANY—Thanksgiving is Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. only with prayers and personal concern election in March. a time that finds many people traveling His presentation took place just days but also with practical assistance?” According to a 2011 report by a around the country to celebrate the after the U.S. Supreme Court chose to Archbishop Lori asked. “Who would Dutch government commission, as many as holiday with friends and loved ones. take up two cases that challenge the ever want to endanger such an operation 20,000 children may have been abused in the Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori Health and Human Services (HHS) in the face of such great need? country’s Catholic institutions between 1945 did just that by coming to his hometown Administration’s abortifacient, sterilization “Yet as the Church has struggled and 1981. of New Albany to spend Thanksgiving and contraceptive mandate. against the Health and Human Services’ In his remarks to the pope, with his parents, Francis and Margaret He explored his topic in light of so-called preventive services mandate, Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, Lori, who are members of St. Anthony of Pope Francis’ “unmistakable emphasis … on this question has come to the fore.” president of the Dutch bishops’ conference, Padua Parish in Clarksville. the role of the Church in serving the poor.” He went on to note that the Church said the conference had established an On the evening of Nov. 29, Archbishop Lori described the challenges is “looking for every legal avenue to independent foundation to assist victims. Archbishop Lori travelled to Our Lady of of those in need in Baltimore, how he provide good health insurance to our “We are determined to recognize the Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany, the lives close to them and how the Church employees that is also in accord with problems of the victims, to compensate them parish of his youth, to give a presentation there serves them in, among other ways, a the Church’s teaching while robustly for damages and help them to heal as much titled, “The Defense of Religious Liberty homeless shelter for women and in a soup carrying forward our ministries of as possible,” the cardinal said. and Service to the Poor.” kitchen that are close to his home. See LORI, page 3 See ABUSE, page 2 The best present in life is encountering Christ, Pope Francis says at the beginning of Advent VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The best present in and met with a group of young men he life is encountering Jesus—an encounter that will confirmed during the evening Mass. last a lifetime, Pope Francis said. The pope apologized to parishioners for A Christian’s whole life “is an encounter with any inconveniences caused by his visit, be it Jesus: in prayer, when we go to Mass, when we do “excessive organization, security, fear; please Haring CNS photo/Paul good works, when we visit the sick, when we help know that I don’t agree. I’m on your side,” the poor, when we think of others, when we’re not he said. self-centered, when we are amiable,” he said in a Some news reports said a beefed-up police homily given at a Rome parish on Dec. 1. presence was also due to protests calling for “We always encounter Christ in these things more affordable housing. The pope later met and the journey of life is exactly this: walking to with some of the activists. encounter Jesus,” he said. In his homily, the pope asked the congregation Beginning Advent for the first time as pope, if it were true that Church life ended with the Pope Francis visited the parish of San Cirillo sacrament of confirmation, saying he’s heard it’s Alessandrino in a neighborhood on the outskirts also known as the “sacrament of adieu” because of Rome. it’s often the last time people go to Church. A child walks away after greeting Before celebrating Mass, he met with the Encountering Christ is not a one-time event, Pope Francis during his visit to the sick, children who recently received their first “we encounter him every day,” he said. Parish of San Cirillo Alessandrino Communion, and—accompanied by their However, some people, especially those in Rome on Dec. 1. At right is parents—children baptized in the past year. He who lived a life of sin, may think, “How can I Cardinal Agostino Vallini, papal vicar also heard confessions from a few parishioners See PARISH, page 2 for Rome. Page 2 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Pope Francis to launch prayer campaign to end global hunger Criterion staff report 164 countries later. blood and to teach us your Law of Love. The prayer vigil marks the beginning of a yearlong, Through His death and resurrection, we have been Pope Francis has called for people around anti-hunger campaign called “One Human Family, formed into one human family. the world to pray together at noon their local time on Food For All,” which is being organized by Caritas, the Jesus showed great concern for those who had no Dec. 10 for an end to hunger. international Catholic relief organization, and Catholic food—even transforming five loaves and two fish into a Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin Relief Services. More information and resources can be banquet that served five thousand and many more. is asking Catholics throughout found at www.crs.org. We come before you, O God, conscious of our faults the Archdiocese of Indianapolis The objective is to unite the voices of the Catholic and failures, but full of hope, to share food with all to join the Holy Father’s call to community around the globe to end the scandal of world members in this global family. respond to the needs of the poor hunger. Pope Francis’ call to prayer has also resonated Through your wisdom, inspire leaders of government and vulnerable by praying and with other religious leaders, and people from many faith and of business, as well as all the world’s citizens, to working to end hunger. traditions are expected to participate. find just and charitable solutions to end hunger by The global wave of prayer will Please consider praying the following prayer at noon assuring that all people enjoy the right to food. begin at noon on the Island of on Dec. 10. Thus we pray, O God, that when we present Samoa and will progress around O God, you entrusted to us the fruits of all Creation ourselves for Divine Judgment, we can proclaim the world in each time zone so that we might care for the Earth and be nourished ourselves as “One Human Family” with until it reaches the island again with its bounty. “Food for All.” Pope Francis some 24 hours and more than You sent us your Son to share our very flesh and We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN. †

tried to find most of all were the biggest need good health, who need healing,’ ” the confirm. With the help of the Holy Spirit PARISH sinners,” he said. pope said. and the sacraments, “you will have more continued from page 1 While those who believed they were “When we sin, Jesus comes and forgives strength for this journey.” without sin would admonish Jesus for us” in confession, he added. Don’t be afraid, he told them, encounter Jesus?” he said. keeping company with sinners, Jesus would “Do you want to met Jesus in your life?” because “the most beautiful present is “But, you know, the people Jesus tell them, “ ‘I have come for those who he asked the young men he was about to encountering Jesus.” † ABUSE continued from page 1 Pope Francis also urged the bishops to promote Church teaching on marriage and euthanasia through dialogue with the rest of society in the Netherlands, whose population is approximately 30 percent Catholic. “In your society, strongly marked by secularization, I encourage you to be present in public debate, everywhere man is involved,” he said. Pope Francis said the Church “is sent everywhere to awaken, reawaken, sustain hope! Your support is critical to Hence the importance of encouraging your faithful to seize occasions for dialogue, and be present in the places where the future is decided, so they can contribute to debates on the great social questions, for example, of family, marriage, the end of life.” our serving ministry needs The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2001, and permits physician-assisted suicide. Cardinal Eijk told the pope that Catholics in the Netherlands have been steadily United Catholic Appeal Goal diminishing in number, and predicted that a “third of the Catholic churches in our country $6,000,000 will be closed by 2020 and two thirds by 2025.” † $5,000,000 Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary $4,000,000 $3,000,000

hosting open house on Dec. 14 and 15 $2,000,000 The public is invited to a Christmas is the site of the former Carmelite $1,000,000 Open House at Bishop Simon Bruté Monastery of the Resurrection.

College Seminary, 2500 Cold Spring Road, Refreshments will be served, and $0 $ Raised to date Annual Appeal Goal in Indianapolis, just one mile south of the seminary will be accepting free-will $3.3 million $5.7 million Marian University, from 2-4:30 p.m. on donations to help support seminarians Dec. 14 and 1-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. raising money for a pilgrimage to the These open houses will include a Holy Land in May. 12% tour, conducted by seminarians, of the For more information, call The United Catholic Appeal archdiocese’s seminary building, which 317-924-4100. † United Catholic supports three ministry areas Appeal Participation where the needs are greatest:

Participating • Catholic education and faith Households (12%) Men’s Day of Discernment with formation Total Number of • Education for seminarians Archbishop Tobin set for Dec. 21 Households (73,000) and deacons and retirement benefits for priests The archdiocesan Vocations Office The day will include Mass, lunch, a • Care for people most in need is hosting a day of discernment with Holy Hour, conferences and fellowship. Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin for Catholic The deadline to register for the day of men age 18-50 who are open to the discernment is Dec. 12. Give online at www.archindy.org or possibility of the priesthood. The event will For more information or to be held at Bishop Simon Bruté College register, log on to www.archindy. by returning your pledge card. Seminary, 2500 Cold Spring Road in org/heargodscall/events.html, or call Indianapolis, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 21. Liz Escoffery at 317-236-1490. † Archdiocese of Indianapolis

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is published weekly except the The Do you have something exciting or last week of December and newsworthy you want to be considered the first week of January. The 12/6/13 Phone Numbers to be printed in The Criterion? E-mail us: 1400 N. Meri­dian St. Criterion office:...... 317-236-1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1454 [email protected] 317-236-1570 Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Circulation:...... 317-236-1425 Staff [email protected] Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1425 advance notice! Editor: Mike Krokos Price: $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy Periodical postage paid at Name______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Indianapolis, IN. Postmaster Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Copyright © 2013 New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Criterion Press Inc. City______1400 N Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46206 Business Manager: Ron Massey State/Zip______Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Executive Assistant: Mary Ann Klein Postmaster: Graphics Specialist: Jerry Boucher Send address changes to: New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] Print Service Assistant: Annette Danielson Criterion Press Inc. Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meridian St. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46206. Periodical postage paid at ­Indianapolis, IN. Indianapolis, IN 46206 Copyright © 2013 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46206 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 3 Laity plays key role in defending religious liberty, archbishop says

By Sean Gallagher their own sphere in advocating for religious freedom, not only for NEW ALBANY—Archbishop William themselves, but for all people? E. Lori grew up as a member of Our Lady A. “It’s very important. of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany. “The development of a truly just and Sean Gallagher Photo by He was taught in the parish’s school by humane society is principally the work Franciscan sisters from Oldenburg. of the laity. Their involvement in the And it was there that he first began to political process, their involvement in discern a call to the priesthood. He was the community, their role in establishing ordained in 1977 for the Archdiocese of strong and loving families and their Washington, and became an auxiliary willingness to speak out as citizens and bishop of that archdiocese in 1995. believers is critical. As the bishop of Bridgeport, Ct., he “What I and my brother bishops are helped lead efforts more than a decade doing is simply trying to foster that ago among the U.S. bishops to respond because the bishops will not win this. The to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. And laity will win this. And that’s my daily since 2011, he has been the bishops’ prayer, hope and preoccupation.” primary spokesman on religious freedom Q. The Year of Faith just ended on Linda Loesch, left, a member of St. Mary-of-the-Knobs Parish in Floyd County, takes a photo on matters, chairing the U.S. Conference of Nov. 24, the Feast of Christ the King. Nov. 29 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany of Conventual Franciscan Father Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for How do you think that what the Church Ken Birch of Mount St. Francis, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and Ralph Nordhoff, a member Religious Liberty. has done in the Year of Faith, in seeking of St. Michael Parish in Bradford. Last year, he was appointed the 16th to renew people’s faith, is a way also to archbishop of Baltimore. help us to defend the freedom that we Q. Are you encouraged by some of A. “That’s all right. That she used On Nov. 29, Archbishop Lori returned have to practice it? these more recent judicial decisions it is fine. to his home parish to give a presentation on A. “The Year of Faith is a jumping off involving challenges to the Health and “It’s actually had a bit of attention. religious liberty and the Church’s ministry point. We should go from the Year of Faith Human Services Administration’s People remember that. They may not of charity. to a life of faith. abortifacient, sterilization and remember the more abstract points. But In the reception that followed, “And Pope Francis is leading the way. contraceptive mandate? The dioceses they certainly remember a very concrete Archbishop Lori reconnected with some I think he’s telling us, ‘First things first.’ of Erie and Pittsburgh recently gained explanation like that.” relatives and childhood friends. And the first thing is opening one’s mind relief from the mandate, as have various Q. When you were growing up here He later was interviewed by and heart to Christ and the Gospel and businesses, including one owned by the in New Albany, even when you were The Criterion about the effort to defend falling in love with God. Grote’s, a Catholic family, in Madison. discerning a call to the priesthood, I religious liberty, as well as how his “Then, once that’s happened, the things A. “Yes. It’s very encouraging. suspect it would have been hard for you experience growing up in New Albany laid the Church believes and teaches make “Just to concentrate for a moment on to have foreseen being at the center of a the foundation for his current contribution sense. And the more that we embrace the decision in the Erie and Pittsburgh struggle for religious freedom here in the to that effort. our faith, the deeper our relationship cases. Judge [Arthur J.] Schwab wrote United States. The following is an edited version of with God and with others in the Church a magnificent opinion. It articulates A. “When I was growing up here, we that interview. becomes and the more we will value our the issues in a very thoughtful manner. would say the prayers after Mass for the Q. You work with bishops on a religious freedom. It could not be more encouraging. conversion of Russia. Father [Charles] regular basis on religious liberty issues. “Those who practice their faith cherish Kudos to Bishop [David A.] Zubik, Wagner would scurry down the steps and, You’ve talked in the halls of Congress their religious freedom. And that is why Bishop [Lawrence T.] Persico and before you knew it, we were saying those and with other advocates of it. What’s the defense of religious freedom is also Cardinal [Timothy M.] Dolan for what they prayers. And we always thought of the it like for you to come here and see the connected with the new evangelization.” did. Kudos also to those who defended the countries behind the Iron Curtain, as it was support of rank-and-file Catholics on Q. It seems like what is getting most case for us. It’s very encouraging. called, as those whose religious freedom this issue? of the publicity in the effort to defend “The thing that perhaps could not have was being denied. A. “Coming here to Our Lady of religious liberty is the attempt to attain been predicted is how well the for-profits “Little did we ever think in those Perpetual Help is a wonderful experience legal remedies in the judicial system, would do. When we were thinking about days [that our religious freedom would for me because it’s my home parish. I’ve to have regulations changed or to have that a year and a half to two years ago, be threatened]. In 1954, for example, been with those with whom I grew up and laws passed. How important is the work the experts would say that the for-profit the words ‘under God’ were added to others who are friends and acquaintances being done to change hearts across the companies wouldn’t have a chance. the Pledge of Allegiance, thanks to the of my mom and dad. And also family country so that people don’t just see this “It turns out that they have a very Knights of Columbus. And the Church was members. Plus the Knights of Columbus, as a political issue but as a human issue? good chance. Now it’s always dangerous strong and growing and more acceptable who could not be a more supportive group A. “Of course, we have to act decisively business to predict what the high court and assimilated into society. Little did of people to be with. to address immediate threats. And that’s might do, but it’s moving in a direction that we imagine when John Kennedy was “It’s a real joy to be able to share things what garners the attention. is at least encouraging.” inaugurated as the first Catholic president that we all hold near and dear together and “But you’re absolutely right. The more Q. Judge Diane Sykes, in her majority [that our religious freedom would to do it in that context. But as I go around, important and more fundamental struggle opinion that gave relief from the be threatened]. I’m often speaking to groups like this. I’m is to proclaim the Gospel robustly so that mandate to the Grote family, used the “We thought everything was coming not as close or as interconnected to them people will be drawn into the Gospel, analogy that you used in your testimony up roses. So, it would have been nearly like this one. into the Church and, both as believers before Congress in February 2012 about impossible for me to imagine this. But the “It’s always heartwarming to see the and as citizens, be equipped to defend our a Jewish kosher delicatessen being Oldenburg Franciscan sisters who taught care, the concern, the thoughtfulness religious freedom. forced by the government to sell pork. me instilled in me a big interest in history. and the commitment of so many, many “So, that is job one. It’s evangelization. Like you, she used this analogy to “And reading history just as a hobby— Catholics. Not enough. We wish that there It’s who we are. That’s what we do. And show that a business owner’s faith can I’m not a professional historian or have a was a groundswell. There isn’t. But we’re what we are asking for is, as Pope Francis affect how he or she runs that business degree in it—made me very interested in working on it.” said in such eloquent simplicity, the and that the government should not this subject. That has helped me a lot as I Q. How important is it for lay freedom to proclaim the Gospel in its interfere in this. However, she did not have tried to articulate some of the issues Catholics to take a leading role within entirety—faith, worship, service.” cite your testimony. that we’re now facing.” †

In fact, he said, religious liberty and the ministry of “imposing steep fines on schools, hospitals and charities LORI charity are closely interrelated. that choose not to act against their convictions. These fines continued from page 1 “The same Gospel that impels the Church to offer would greatly burden these ministries and their ability to compassionate care to others also constrains it from acting serve those who rely on them. service.” in ways contrary to human dignity,” Archbishop Lori “As you can see, our struggle against the HHS mandate In trying to show that the effort to defend religious said. “And just as the Church is enjoined by the Gospel is not about the small print,” Archbishop Lori said. “It liberty is tied closely to the Church’s ministry to those in to work toward integral human development, so too, it is is about protecting the Church’s ability to serve the poor need, Archbishop Lori recalled an address given in 2009 by called to conduct that work with integrity, without moral in dignity and truth, in proclaiming and acting upon the the future Pope Francis in which he said that the Church, compromises that would undermine the very basis of its Gospel, as Pope Francis has said, ‘in its entirety.’ ” in caring for the poor, must treat them like subjects, not works of mercy, charity and justice on behalf of those most Henrietta Celestin, a member of Our Lady of as objects “ ‘targeted by paternalistic and interventionist in need.” Perpetual Help Parish, was one of about 100 people who action of the state and other organizations.’ He noted that the HHS mandate seeks to drive a wedge attended Archbishop Lori’s presentation on the night “When we view those we are privileged to serve not as between the Church’s faith and worship, on the one hand, after Thanksgiving. objects of our largesse but rather as subjects,” Archbishop and its service to those in need on the other. Celestin moved to southern Indiana from New Orleans Lori said, “then the importance of religious liberty becomes “But that’s not what it means to be Catholic,” after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005. clear. Subjects—human beings—have rights and liberties. Archbishop Lori said. “As Pope Francis has said, we can’t She previously worked as a nurse at Chateau de Notre Objects—commodities, statistics and trends—do not.” be ‘part-time Christians.’ We must ‘live out our faith at Dame, a retirement facility operated by the Archdiocese He also noted that, because the people whom the Church every moment of every day.’ ” of New Orleans, and later at Guerin Woods, a retirement serves in its ministry of charity are human subjects, the In addition, he warned that the mandate could pave the facility operated in southern Indiana by the Sisters of Church must seek their “integral human development,” way for future restrictions of religious liberty. Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. So she is very which includes nurturing their relationship with God and “It serves notice that, from now on, this is how the familiar with the Church’s ministry to those in need. protecting their “transcendent dignity.” federal government will regard Church ministries,” “All of this is very, very disturbing,” said Celestin of the “As we seek to meet the immediate needs of the poor Archbishop Lori said. “Only those that pertain to worship, possible negative effects of the HHS mandate on Church- and vulnerable, as we seek to promote efforts that bring the government will tell us, are fully religious and thus run charities. “When you’ve worked for the [Church] and about authentic human development,” Archbishop Lori deserving of full religious liberty. Those that serve the you’ve worked with people who accept and embrace life said, “we do no one a favor by compromising religious common good would henceforth be regarded as quasi- and death on God’s standards, not on man’s standards, it’s freedom, by acquiescing to the creation of a society religious institutions that are not fully deserving of hard to fall into whatever this is.” where more and more the government can privatize religious liberty exemptions.” religious faith or otherwise discourage it by promoting an Finally, he noted that the mandate endangers the (To hear a recording of Archbishop Lori’s presentation, aggressive secularism.” Church-related ministries that serve those in need by log on to www.CriterionOnline.com.) † Page 4 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013

Opinion

Be Our Guest/John Garvey A partnership between generations A recent ad for a Swiss watch shows nation’s largest for cities its size. a well-groomed father getting out of a The city kept promising larger and Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Bosler, Founding Editor, 1915 - 1994 first-class Pullman car and putting his arm larger retirement benefits for employees. Most Rev. Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Publisher Mike Krokos, Editor around his 8-year- It even paid bonuses out of the retirement Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus old son, also nattily fund in years when it made good money in attired in khakis, the market, even as it ratcheted up the tax Docksiders and a burden on its ever-shrinking population. sport coat. “You When the stock market turned south, the Editorial never actually own fund became incapable of paying out what a Patek Philippe,” it had promised. the ad said. “You As a result, more than half of the merely look after Motor City’s $18 billion in debt is it for the next unfunded retirement benefits for public generation.” employees, who now stand to lose It was a little everything in the city’s bankruptcy. To put rich for my taste. But there were some it in Burke’s terms, the retiring generation

CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters things I liked about the ad. It showed took on a debt their children could a father in a positive light—something not pay. one rarely sees on Madison Avenue or in Federal entitlement spending is, sadly, Hollywood. The fathers there are typically going in the same direction. Never mind absent, unconcerned or inept. the new health care law. Even without The ad also invoked a laudable concern that, entitlement spending accounts for for the next generation. Edmund Burke, in nearly two-thirds of the federal budget— his Reflections on the French Revolution, twice what it was in 1960. wrote that society is “a partnership not Most of this is for Social Security and only between those who are living, but Medicare—programs whose beneficiaries A copy of the apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the between those who are living, those who are defined by age, not need. We call Gospel”) by Pope Francis is seen during a news conference at the Vatican on are dead and those who are to be born.” them insurance programs, but they’re Nov. 26. In his first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Francis lays out It was incongruous to see Burke’s not. Today’s workers pay for today’s a vision of the dedicated to evangelization, with a focus on sentiment used to sell watches. But at retirees and ask the next generation to society’s poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged and unborn. least it showed we haven’t forgotten about support them. it entirely. So does the environmental But we’re asking too much of the next movement, a political effort you might not generation because people are living ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ associate with an instinctive conservative longer, costs are rising and birthrates are like Burke. In his 2013 inaugural address, falling. We aren’t leaving our children ast week, we reported that Church “must be poor and for the poor.” President Barack Obama made a typical fancy watches. We’re leaving them debts LPope Francis wrote a 50,000-word Perhaps not enough publicity has been appeal for sustainable energy, saying, they cannot pay. apostolic exhortation called given to all that the Catholic Church “Our obligations as Americans are not just Both of our major political parties have “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the does for the poor—locally, nationally to ourselves, but to all posterity.” been equally guilty of making promises Gospel”), released on Nov. 26. That’s and internationally. How is it that we can invoke this our children are being asked to keep, but about 224 pages in book form, so it People can be attracted to the Church intergenerational covenant to sell watches probably cannot. Both are equally afraid gives us a lot to contemplate. by witnessing the ways it serves the poor. and to prevent possibly ruinous climate to acknowledge the problem. Basically, though, Pope Francis is This doesn’t mean just handouts, the change over the next few centuries, but Unrealistic and false promises do not stressing that we must evangelize by pope said. “It means working to eliminate ignore it in the face of certain fiscal ruin fulfill our duties of social justice. Surely emphasizing and practicing, in the the structural causes of poverty and to over the next two or three decades? our noble desire to care for the old and first words of the document, “the joy promote the integral development of the Detroit’s bankruptcy is a social tragedy the sick can take a better form. But these of the Gospel [that] fills the hearts and poor. This means education, access to that resulted in part from unrealistic false promises persist as politicians keep lives of all who encounter Jesus.” health care and, above all, employment.” promises made to present workers at the putting the next election ahead of the We can’t do that if we’re always Some challenges in today’s world expense of future city taxpayers. As the next generation. severe, the pope said. “An evangelizer can be seen from the subtitles in the city’s economy and population declined, must never look like someone who has pope’s exhortation—no to an economy it failed to trim back its government (John Garvey is president of The Catholic just come back from a funeral.” The of exclusion, no to the new idolatry workforce, maintaining one of the University of America in Washington.) † Gospel is the Good News about Jesus, of money, no to a financial system so it should be proclaimed joyfully. which rules rather than serves, no to the Death Penalty in America That means that we must emphasize inequality which spawns violence. the positive, whenever possible, and Pope Francis also laments the divisions Earlier this year, Maryland became the 18th state to abolish the death penalty.

not get bogged down in arguments among Catholics. Under the heading “No Alaska, Hawaii and the about so-called social issues. That to warring among ourselves,” he says, District of Columbia do not doesn’t mean, though, that we must “Some are even no longer content to live allow the death penalty. ignore those issues, and the Holy Father as part of the greater Church community There is capital punishment for federal and military doesn’t. “A human being is always but stoke a spirit of exclusivity, creating 202 crimes. sacred and inviolable, in any situation an ‘inner circle.’ Instead of belonging to Pennsylvania and at every stage of development,” the whole Church in all its rich variety, 147 Public support has fallen. Ohio Percent who favor death he wrote. they belong to this or that group which 161 penalty for those convicted Here in the United States, the Church thinks itself different or special.” North of murder: Carolina 413 must defend its teachings about those Perhaps surprisingly, the pope 80 social issues. The U.S. Department of devotes 25 paragraphs to the preaching 727 Florida California 127 71 64 65 Health and Human Services’ (HHS) of the homily. He wrote, “The homily Arizona 60 mandate—requiring Church-related is the touchstone for judging a pastor’s 198 300 Alabama institutions to provide employee health closeness and ability to communicate Texas coverage that includes abortifacients, to his people. We know that the faithful contraception and sterilization—was attach great importance to it, and that both Allows capital punishment State has more than 100 thrust upon the Church. they and their ordained ministers suffer inmates on death row And the current highly organized because of homilies: the laity from having 1994 1999 2004 2009 2013 campaign for redefining traditional to listen to them and the clergy from Sources: Criminal Justice Project and Gallup © 2013 Catholic News Service marriage to include same-sex couples having to preach them! It is sad that this is requires the Church to defend its the case.” teaching that, although homosexuals He then gives suggestions for better must not be discriminated against, homilies, based on careful study of the they also have no right to change the Scriptures and respect for the principle Letters Policy definition of marriage as between a man of brevity. It strikes us that preachers and a woman. could profit by emulating Pope Francis in Letters from readers are published in from readers as necessary based on space Engaging in those battles, although this regard. The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s limitations, pastoral sensitivity and content commitment to “the responsible exchange of necessary, is not going to attract more The pope often stresses the (including spelling and grammar). In order to freely-held and expressed opinion among encourage opinions from a variety of readers, people, especially the young, to the importance of mercy when it comes to the People of God” Church. That’s why Pope Francis says, sexual morality, and he does so again frequent writers will ordinarily be limited to (Communio et Progressio, 116). one letter every three months. Concise letters “I invite all Christians, everywhere, in this exhortation. He warns against Letters from readers are welcome and (usually less than 300 words) are more likely at this very moment, to a renewed overemphasizing certain teachings at the every effort will be made to include letters to be printed. personal encounter with Jesus Christ, expense of more essential truths. from as many people and representing as Letters must be signed, but, for serious or at least an openness to letting him There’s a great deal more in this many viewpoints as possible. Letters should reasons, names may be withheld. encounter them.” exhortation, but the basic message is that be informed, relevant, well-expressed and Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” Jesus had a love for the poor, and we must respond joyfully to the God of temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Pope Francis has demonstrated that love proclaimed by the Gospels. sense of courtesy and respect. Indianap­olis, IN 46202-2367. Readers he has, too. He said before, and he The editors reserve the right to select the with access to e-mail may send letters to repeats in the exhortation, that the —John F. Fink letters that will be published and to edit letters [email protected]. The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 5 St. Pius Parish closes, merges into St. Charles Borromeo Parish

By John Shaughnessy St. Pius Parish has been made to the Congregation for the Clergy at the Vatican. She knows the pain and the sadness that “The appeal is now with the ‘At one Mass, I told the people at St. Pius that Catholics feel deeply when their longtime congregation, and we will await the people of St. Charles want them to feel parish is scheduled to be closed and their decision on the appeal,” said welcome, just as the people of St. Pius would do merged with another parish. Father Stanley Pondo, vicar judicial for Yet Franciscan Sister Linda Bates also the archdiocese. “Based upon previous if the situation was reversed. My hope is that the witnessed a promising moment for the experiences with them, we anticipate a negative feelings and reluctance will go away, and future following a decision sometime in the spring.” they will feel comfortable being one faith family. I recent Sunday Mass As the appeal process unfolds, the believe it will happen, but it’s going to take time.’ at St. Pius Church transition continues. St. Pius Parish had in Ripley County— its closing Mass on Dec. 1, followed by the parish that a meal in the parish hall. On Dec. 15 —Father Frank Eckstein, sacramental minister closed on Dec. 1 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, the and is merging with 10:30 a.m. Mass will mark the merger of St. Charles the two parishes. Following that Mass, Borromeo Parish the current members of St. Charles Parish conflicting emotions that St. Pius the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in Milan. will welcome their newest members parishioners have had to deal with (RCIA) program. Standing by a with a luncheon. concerning the closing and the merger. “We’ve treated them as a sister parish,” table at the back “St. Charles has been very open to “While we regret the loss of the parish Prickel said. “We know they’re hurting. Sr. Linda Bates, O.S.F. of the church, accepting and welcoming the folks who and wish it wasn’t happening, we view You just make sure you listen to people Sister Linda greeted want to come over from St. Pius,” said the merger similar to a marriage when and let them get their frustrations out. We the St. Pius parishioners and gave them a Sister Linda. “Many of the people already two families come together,” he said. sent all of them a postcard, welcoming form that offered them the opportunity to know each other because the two parishes “St. Charles has been right there with us. them and listing all our Mass times.” be a lector, an usher or an extraordinary have had religious education classes They’re very supportive. They’ve reached St. Charles is also working with St. Pius minister of holy Communion at St. together at St. Charles for years. While out to us. That part of it is OK. But the so the lay duties during the Dec. 15 Mass, Charles, or to join the St. Charles’ men’s their children have religious ed, the parents loss of our parish will take a long time for signifying the merger, are shared. club or the women’s solidarity. sit together and drink coffee together.” people to overcome.” “It will be our first Mass together,” “The thing that really struck me was Those connections provide hope for One of the plans that brings St. Pius Prickel said. “We want them to that a number of people filled out the the merger and the future, but there is parishioners some measure of solace is the feel welcome.” forms right there, instead of taking them also the reality of pain in the present, says archdiocese’s offer that St. Pius Church That hope is shared by home,” said Sister Linda, who became Tony Lonneman, who served as the most can still be the site of special Masses for Father Frank Eckstein, who has the administrator of St. Charles Borromeo recent parish council president at St. Pius. funerals, marriages and feast days for the served as the sacramental minister at Parish on Dec. 1. “They are ready to be “It’s difficult, maybe more difficult foreseeable future. both parishes for the past 12 years. parishioners at their new parish. I was for some than others,” he said. “We’ve “It’s still our hope that our kids can “At one Mass, I told the people at really impressed by that.” got a lot of parishioners who are fourth go to the church for these occasions,” St. Pius that the people of St. Charles want St. Pius Parish was one of the and maybe even fifth generations of Lonneman said. “We want St. Pius them to feel welcome, just as the people 12 parishes in the Batesville Deanery that the church. They’re descendants of the to still be a part of the community in of St. Pius would do if the situation was was selected earlier this year to be merged original family—the Volz family— some fashion.” reversed,” says Father Eckstein, a retired with a nearby parish—the result of the that donated the property and built the The members of St. Charles Parish priest who will continue to celebrate the “Connected in the Spirit” planning process church. It’s the original church. It was want the parishioners of St. Pius to feel sacraments at St. Charles Parish. that involved Catholics in southeastern 150 years old in 2009. The church has welcome at their new home, according “My hope is that the negative feelings Indiana during the past two years. been well-maintained, and it’s in very to Joe Prickel, parish council president and reluctance will go away, and they will While many members of St. Pius have good condition.” at St. Charles. He said the two parishes feel comfortable being one faith family. accepted the merger, others haven’t. Lonneman paused before sharing have long had a connection through I believe it will happen, but it’s going Indeed, an appeal of the decision to close another comment that showed the sharing religious education classes and to take time.” † SECURITY + CONTROL She might never know your name, but she’ll know your giving spirit. For 50 years your charity of spirit has helped the needy, suffering and hungry of Indianapolis. 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Society of St. Vincent de Paul t Not available in all areas. Remote video and fire monitoring requires purchase of additional equipment. Remote access not 3001 E. 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46218 available with all smartphones. License #: MI 3601206217. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit www.comcast.com/ xfinityhome. ©2013 Comcast. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Page 6 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013

Events Calendar December 7 from God: Miracles and 17th Ave., Beech Grove. Information: 317-632-0619 or Carols, Holy Rosary Choir Information: 317-574-8898 or St. Michael Church, Their Meaning,” 7-9 p.m. Ave Maria Guild Christmas [email protected]. and St. Joseph of Arimathea www.catholiccemeteries.cc. 145 St. Michael Blvd., Information: 765-647-5462. Party and Pitch-In Society, 6 p.m., no cost. Brookville. First Saturday Luncheon, noon. Information: December 13-14 Information: 317-636-4478 or December 20 St. John the Evangelist Devotional Prayer Group, Helpers of God’s Precious 317-888-5098. [email protected]. Northside Knights of Parish, 126 W. Georgia St., Mass, exposition of the Infants, Terre Haute. Mass Columbus Hall, 2100 E. at Carmelite Monastery, St. Mary Church 415 E. Indianapolis. Christmas St. Michael Parish, Blessed Sacrament, rosary, 71st St., Indianapolis. Catholic confession, meditation and 59 Allendale, 7:30 a.m., prayer Eighth St., New Albany. City Sidewalks, Christkindl 145 St. Michael Blvd., petitions, 8 a.m. Information: in front of Planned Parenthood, Louisville Orchestra concert, Village, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Brookville. “The Signs Business Exchange, Mass, 765-647-5462. 30 S. 3rd St., 9:30 a.m., prayer 7 p.m. free-will offering. Sat. noon-9 p.m. Information: from God: Miracles and breakfast and program, at St. Patrick Adoration Chapel, Information: 812944-0417. 765-561-2924 or Their Meaning,” 7-9 p.m. “Neighbor-Love and [email protected]. Information: 765-647-5462. St. Matthew Church, 4100 E. 1807 Poplar St., 10 a.m. December 12 Citizenship,” Joe Hogsett, 56th St., Indianapolis. Advent U.S. Attorney for the Southern December 8-11 St. Paul Catholic December 14 Catholic Community organ recital, Travis Person, St. Roch Parish, Family Life Most Holy Name of Jesus Center, 1413 E. 17th St., of Richmond, 701 N. District of Indiana, presenter, organist, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Center, 3603 S. Meridian St., Church, 89 N. 17th Ave., Bloomington. Lessons and “A” St., Richmond. 6:30-8:30 a.m., $15 members, Information: 317-257-4297. Indianapolis. Single Seniors Beech Grove. Advent Carols, 7-9 p.m., reception, Charismatic prayer $21 non-members, donate meeting, 1 p.m., age 50 December 7-8 Mission, “God, Are You 6 p.m., free-will offering. group, 7 p.m. Information: canned goods for St. Vincent St. Lawrence Parish, Information: 812-339-5561 or and over. Information: On-Line?” Dominican [email protected]. de Paul Food Pantry. 4650 E. 46th St., Indianapolis. Father William Garrott, [email protected]. 317-784-4207. 64th Anniversary weekend, presenter, 6:45-9 p.m. each December 18 Reservations and information: Sat. 5 p.m. Mass; Sun. 8 a.m., evening, rosary, mission St. Mark the Evangelist Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Calvary Cemetery, www.catholicbusiness 10 a.m., noon English Masses; talk, reconciliation, free-will Parish, Media Center, 1 Owens Hall, St. Mary- Mausoleum Chapel, exchange.org. 6 p.m. Spanish Mass. offering. Information: 541 Edgewood Ave., of-the-Woods. Christmas 435 W. Troy Ave., Indianapolis. Information: 317-546-4065. 317-784-5454. Indianapolis. Hope and Fun at the Woods, Christmas Memorial Healing Survivors of Suicide 1-5 p.m., cookie-making, Mass and Blessing of the December 28 December 8 December 9 support group, 7 p.m. sleigh rides, sing-a-longs, Trees, 2 p.m. Information: St. John the Evangelist Scecina Memorial High School, Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Information: 317-851-8344. fun with the alpacas, $5 per 317-784-4439 or Church, 126 W. 5000 Nowland Ave., House, 5353 E. 56th St., person. Information or to www.catholiccemeteries.cc. Indianapolis. Christmas music Indianapolis. Advent register: 812-535-2952 or Georgia St., Indianapolis. concert, 3 p.m., no charge. dinner and concert, December 13 [email protected]. December 19 Rosary procession, following Information: 317-356-6377 or 6-9 p.m., $40 per person. The Slovenian National Home, Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 12:10 p.m. Mass, pray and [email protected]. 2717 W. 10th St., Indianapolis. Mausoleum Chapel, Information: 317-545-7681 or December 15 process through the streets [email protected]. Slovenian Christmas party, Our Lady of the Most 9001 N. Haverstick Road, St. Michael Parish, dinner and dance, 5 p.m.- Holy Rosary Church, Indianapolis. Christmas of downtown Indianapolis. 145 St. Michael Blvd., December 10 close, $5 donation for food, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis. Memorial Mass and Information: faithful. Brookville. “The Signs St. Paul Hermitage, 501 N. bring a side dish to share. A Festival of Lessons and Blessing of the Trees, 2 p.m. [email protected]. †

Retreats and Programs includes lunch. Information: 317-788-7581 or SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral to host [email protected]. Gaudete Sunday concert on Dec. 15 December 6-8 December 12 Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, The concert will also feature The 5353 E. 56th St., Indianapolis. “From Center, 1402 Southern Ave., 1347 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis, Couriers—a musical group consisting Darkness to Light: A weekend retreat Beech Grove. Visio Divina: Birth of will host a Gaudete Sunday concert at of Paul Gabonay, John Kirby and for those who grieve,” Father Jim Farrell, 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. Father Noah Casey. Mary Weber and Marilyn Hess, presenters, Christ, Benedictine Sister Angela Jarboe, presenter, 6:30-9 p.m., $30 per person The concert will feature the Guest flautist Jeannie McNew will $159 per person. Information: 317-545-7681 Cathedral Choir under the direction also perform. or [email protected]. includes dinner and reflection guide book. Information: 317-788-7581 or of Andrew Motyka, and will include All are invited to attend this free December 7 [email protected]. the choirs of Holy Cross Parish concert. A free-will offering will be Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference and St. Philip Neri Parish, both in collected, with proceeds benefiting Center, 1402 Southern Ave., December 13 Indianapolis. relief efforts in the Philippines. † Beech Grove. Advent Thomas Merton Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Oldenburg. Retreat, Benedictine Sister Julie Sewell, Friday Night Film Series, “Les Misérables,” presenter, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mass and 6:30-9 p.m., free-will offering. Information: Morning Prayer, 9 a.m., $55 per person 812-933-6437 or [email protected]. † Mass of consolation to be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Dec. 20 A Mass of consolation will be The goal of the Mass of consolation Youth Chorale to present Christmas celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual is to provide some spiritual comfort to Help Church, 1752 Scheller Lane in those who find themselves experiencing program at Saint Meinrad on Dec. 14 New Albany, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20. loss or significant stress at this time in The Kentucky Youth Chorale will well as tour performances both regionally While Christmas and the holiday their life. present a free Christmas concert in the and internationally, the Kentucky Youth season are generally times of merriment The Mass will include reflection on Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church in Chorale will perform a variety of and good cheer, the fact that some the mysteries of our faith, and offer a St. Meinrad at 7:30 p.m. CST on Dec. 14. Christmas music during its concert at people are struggling with losses consoling message while respecting The Kentucky Youth Chorale is Saint Meinrad. and stresses cannot be ignored, Mass one’s need to cope with the grief and loss directed by Julie White, recent recipient Selections will include “Ave Maria,” organizers noted. It is not healthy or in their life. of the Kentucky Governor’s Awards in “The First Noel,” “Carol of the Bells,” advisable to simply laugh away or “put This Mass is open to all. For more the Arts. “Ubi Caritas” and “Sound the Trumpet,” on hold” the sense of loss or grief that information, contact Tom Yost at Students from area schools—including among others. exists in people’s lives. [email protected] or call 812-945-2374. † schools in southern Indiana—audition The program is free and open to for this select group, which is a musical the public. Parking is available in the ambassador for western Kentucky and Guest House and student parking lots. the state. The singers range in age from For more information, contact 8 to 16. Mary Jeanne Schumacher at

Known for their performances with 812-357-6501. For updates on the day of Submitted photo the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, as the performance, call (812) 357-6611. †

Children’s art, poetry and prose entries sought for ‘Try Prayer! It Works!” contest Family Rosary, a ministry of Jesus in the temple. Holy Cross Family Ministries in “The Presentation in the Temple Easton, Mass., has announced shows us that faith is important,” said it is seeking entries for its Congregation of the Holy Cross Father 2014 “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest. John Phalen, president of Holy Cross In this national competition, children in Family Ministries. “It helps us understand kindergarten through 12th grade enrolled the significance of accepting Christ on in a Catholic school, religious education faith and trusting in his word.” program, parish, home school or other All entries must be postmarked by Adoption: A loving option organization are encouraged to express Feb. 1, 2014. A group of approximately 100 people gathered on Nov. 17 in the parish hall of St. Paul Parish their faith through art, poetry and prose. For details or to download in Tell City for an Adoption Awareness gathering. Catholic Charities Tell City partnered with This year’s theme—“Lord, I believe. an application, log on to St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities in New Albany to present the material. Katie Owens, director of Help my unbelief” (Mk 9:24)—is based www.FamilyRosary.org/TryPrayer. Adoption Services at St. Elizabeth’s, dispelled some of the myths surrounding adoption, and on the fourth joyful mystery, which For more information, call Holy Cross shared information on how adoption has evolved through the years. High school youths in the focuses on the presentation of the child Family Ministries at 800-299-7729. † Tell City Deanery were invited in an effort to educate the youths on the option of adoption. The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 7 Author’s book connects sports and faith—thanks be to ‘God’ Reviewed by Mike Krokos Like most parents, the father in the story has his flaws, makes mistakes and does Author John Shaughnessy has an things he regrets. He tries to overcome his ‘For me, God loves to tell and interesting image of God. flaws and mistakes as a father so he can share stories. He’s more than The God who has created each of us still be a part of his child’s life. With the willing to stand alone in a crowd, in his image and likeness and loves us help of his friend “God,” he slowly realizes but he loves when we stand with unconditionally has a great sense of humor. how he can make that happen. him. He accepts us, but he also He’s also a big sports fan. “He begins to understand that the And he loves rooting for us whatever time he has with his child is precious reaches out to us in a giving, challenges we face, whether it be as and slipping away with each year,” creative and sometimes funny way a parent, child or wherever we are on Shaughnessy says. “He begins to to help us become better than we our life journey. understand what a gift it is to be a father. think we can be.’ In his latest book, When God Cheers, He just desperately hopes that the time Shaughnessy shares the story of a father he has left with his child—and the —Author John Shaughnessy trying to reconnect with his daughter bond he wants with his child—hasn’t during a magical basketball season, and already been lost.” the role that a fan named “God” plays in When God Cheers has a similar theme helping both of them realize how precious to the author’s two other books, One More their relationship is. Gift to Give and The Irish Way of Life, “I grew up in a family where family, Shaughnessy notes. faith and sports are important. Those three “The individuals involved each have things have continued to be important a dream. Yet the only way their dream for me, my wife and our three children,” has a chance of becoming possible is says Shaughnessy, assistant editor of through their connection with other The Criterion. people, including people who start out “At its heart, When God Cheers is the as strangers,” he says. “There’s also this story of a relationship between a parent element: Most of us need and want to be Shaughnessy will have a book signing at Bookmamas on Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m. and child—how we lose each other part of something bigger than ourselves.” sometimes, and how we try to find our way The author’s image of God is a back to each other.” refreshing and unique one, and he shares Published by Corby Books in many qualities to form that image. looking at sports. to discover what really matters in life. Notre Dame, Ind., the book contains short “For me, God loves to tell and share “One of the main characters of Sports and faith are the two areas where chapters. At 134 pages, it is a quick and stories. He’s more than willing to stand When God Cheers believes that God cares he has always been taught to believe that enjoyable read. alone in a crowd, but he loves when we about sports. He also shares his thoughts anything is possible.” When God Cheers—a combination of stand with him,” Shaughnessy says. “He on what would lead God to cheer at a fiction and non-fiction—includes sports accepts us, but he also reaches out to us sporting event,” he said. “Those beliefs (Mike Krokos is editor of The Criterion, stories woven throughout it which are true. in a giving, creative and sometimes funny shape his rare approach to sports—and newspaper of the Archdiocese of The main story of the relationship between way to help us become better than we think the way he cheers for people. If nothing Indianapolis. When God Cheers is the father and daughter is fictional, we can be. else, some interesting conversations could available for $16.95 at Holy Family Books Shaughnessy notes, though he has used “I also believe that God has a great come from discussing whether God cares and Gifts in Carmel, Ind., The Celtic some real-life elements as part of the story. sense of humor. And I like to think that he about sports, and how and why God Cross Catholic Gift Shop in Indianapolis, One chapter includes one of the author’s has an amazing singing voice, along the would cheer.” the Village Dove in Indianapolis and all-time favorite sports memories with lines of Tony Bennett, the great singer. A cradle Catholic, Shaughnessy is also Bookmamas in Indianapolis. To order his now grown daughter, Katie, but you’ll God would at least be that good.” a lifelong sports fan. His intent in the When God Cheers, visit the website, have to read the book to experience the An underlying theme of the book, book “was to tell a good story about the www.actapublications.com, or call magical moment yourselves. Shaughnessy notes, is its different way of season-long journey of a father struggling 800-397-2282.) †

A Historic German Christmas Village at St. John’s in conjunction with the Christmas Festival on Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis

December 13-14 St. John’s is located at “Christ Child Village” 126 W Georgia Street, Indianapolis, IN www.stjohnsindy.org Join in for these Christmas activities in the St. John Christkindl Village: + Outdoor Live Nativity + Beer & Gluhwein GARDEN + Holy Hour of Adoration -Fri: 7pm + Christmas Caroling -Fri: 8:15pm-10pm + Great German foods + Tour St. John’s -Fri: 5-6:30pm; Sat: 1-5pm + Christmas Tree & Wreath Sales + Kids’ Activities + Christmas Ornament Making + Mass at 5:30pm -Sat evening Christmas Activities at other areas of + Free Skating in Rink + Artisan vendors + Pictures with Santa (@ the Omni) Event Times: Fri (Dec 13) 5-9pm| Sat (Dec 14) 12-9pm -all activities to take place during regular event time unless noted otherwise. To Donate: www.archindy.org/UCA Page 8 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 College students encouraged to choose a life of holiness By John Shaughnessy about “Vocations Flowing from the Eucharist,” the archbishop focused on The college student’s question to the Gospel of John, and the “unique Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin came from understanding of vocations” it provides. He the heart—and a place of uncertainty. referred to a point in John’s Gospel where During a question-and-answer session two disciples follow Jesus, and Jesus turns John Shaughnessy Photo by with the archbishop at the National and asks, “What are you looking for?” (Jn Catholic Collegiate Conference (NCCC) 1:38) in Indianapolis on Nov. 21-23, the student “That’s the dynamic of vocation I’d seemed to be struggling with his choices like to consider with you today because it in life, asking, “What can we do to know appeals to the person who is searching,” what God wants for us?” the archbishop said on Nov. 23. “Jesus asks The archbishop nodded, thought about you and me, ‘What are you looking for? the question and started his answer by What do you think you need? What do you encouraging the young man to embrace “a want to be? What will make you happy and life where you can choose holiness.” whole and help you to flourish?’ ” Elaborating, the archbishop advised, As people consider those questions, the “Now holiness is not walking around sad. archbishop stressed that they follow the It’s really a life in holiness. There are a lot example of Christ on Holy Thursday and of offers that are given to young people Good Friday. today that aren’t worth risking your life “On the night he was betrayed, when for. Really, when you make your choice in his life was doomed to failure—by most life, you’re taking the most precious thing people’s standards—Jesus took bread, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin leads a prayer service during the National Catholic Collegiate you have and betting on it. You’re saying broke it, gave it to his disciples and said, Conference in Indianapolis on Nov. 23. this is the way I think I will flourish as a ‘This is my body, which is given up for man or a woman. you’ (Lk 22:19). yes, this is the body of Christ. But yes, I it’s been great to be able to share it with “There are a lot of propositions that if “Jesus is not a hopeless victim. He am the body of Christ.’ My call is to help everyone here. Even though we’re from all you think it through, they’re not worth it. chooses. And he gives the sign of the others understand what it means that God different places, it’s the fellowship of being That phrase, ‘Whoever has the most toys broken bread—the sign of his broken lives in our world.” together.” when they die wins.’ No. body—for you. He made the supreme That combination of searching and Elizabeth Burns traveled from the “I think it’s really important to talk gesture of liberty—giving his life away. understanding marked the three days University of South Carolina to attend the about it with someone who cares about ‘This is my life, and I give it to you. I of NCCC for many of the participants. conference. you and wants to help you find your give it to my father, and I give it to my Conference organizers said “this event was “I went to the National Catholic Youth way. If they care about you, they’ll be brothers and sisters, for the mission of created for young adults as a mile marker Conference when I was in high school,” respectful and not try to steer you in a the Church.’ ” along the journey from an adolescent to an said Burns, a member of the Diocese direction you’re not really called to. Think Making that connection between adult experience of the Catholic faith.” of Charleston, S.C. “This is a different about what would make you holy, what vocation and the Eucharist, God wants us “It’s helped me reignite my faith,” experience. In high school, the focus is would help you belong, what’s worth to follow that same spirit of living our lives said Isidro Avila, a 20-year-old college on getting people pumped up—on fire for risking your life for.” for others, the archbishop said. sophomore from the Diocese of Laredo, God. Now, the focus is on keeping on fire.” The archbishop’s advice flowed from a “Whatever particular vocation we Texas. “I’ve never been to one of these Burns said it was difficult to take two talk he had given earlier to the 400 college ultimately say yes to in this life, we say yes conferences before, so I wanted to see days off from her college classes, but it students from across the country who in order that God may live in us and send what it’s all about. was worth it. attended the conference. us out, broken and poured out, for the life “More than anything, it’s been the “I did it because God is the most Given the assignment of speaking of the world,” he said. “We say, ‘Amen, liturgy that has reignited my faith. And important part of my life.” † Pope, cardinal council begin work on reorganizing Roman Curia VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis and the eight “in depth” at the curia and ways of restructuring it, not at The next meeting of the council with the pope is members of his international Council of Cardinals have “small touch ups.” scheduled for Feb. 17-18, Father Lombardi said. The begun their discussions on specific ways to reorganize the “The idea is not small or marginal changes, but that of a meeting will be right before a likely gathering of the entire Roman Curia, looking first at the Congregation for Divine consistent revision of the apostolic constitution, to the point with Pope Francis on the eve of the Worship and the Sacraments, the Vatican spokesman said. that a completely new constitution on the Roman Curia is Feb. 22 consistory at which Pope Francis plans to create Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the spokesman, told expected,” he said. new cardinals. reporters on Dec. 3, “They have to start somewhere,” After the cardinals’ first meeting in October, Pope Francis may use the gathering of the entire but declined to provide more information about why Father Lombardi had made a similar point, telling reporters College of Cardinals as an opportunity to inform them of the congregation responsible for liturgy was the first to the cardinals were moving clearly in the direction of an the council’s work that far, Father Lombardi said. be examined. apostolic constitution to replace “Pastor Bonus.” The The pope has asked his eight cardinal advisers for Spanish media have reported that Cardinal Antonio 1988 document was Blessed John Paul II’s constitution on counsel on the Vatican’s finances, which is likely to be the Canizares Llovera, congregation , will conclude his the structure and responsibilities of the curia. theme of the February meeting, Father Lombardi said. five-year appointment on Dec. 9 and could be named the Father Lombardi said given the depth of what the The reorganization of the Roman Curia and improved next archbishop of Madrid. council is trying to do, “I wouldn’t expect any conclusions relations between local bishops and the Vatican were key Pope Francis and the Council of Cardinals, named in in a brief period of time.” topics at the meetings of the College of Cardinals preceding April, held their first full meeting in October and looked When Pope Francis named the cardinals to advise the election of Pope Francis in March. primarily at the role of the Vatican secretary of state—since him, Father Lombardi said, he did not choose them as The eight members of his council are: Archbishop was about to take over from continental representatives; however, their positions have Cardinals Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, retired Cardinal —and revisions to the Synod allowed them to attend meetings of different bishops’ archbishop of Santiago, Chile; of Bishops because the synod office needed to release a conferences and to continue collecting suggestions and of Mumbai, India; of Munich and preparatory document and questionnaire for the October concerns from bishops in their parts of the world. Freising, Germany; Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of 2014 gathering. While the council does not include the head of any Kinshasa, Congo; Sean P. O’Malley of Boston; Father Lombardi, who spoke with council members Vatican congregation or council, he said, officials of the of Sydney; , president of the commission during their morning break on the first day of the Dec. 3-5 Roman Curia responded to an invitation to send their ideas governing Vatican City State; and Oscar Rodriguez meeting, said they emphasized that they were looking and questions to the council. Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. † What was in the news on Dec. 6, 1963? Pope Paul VI closes the second session of the council, and announces a trip to the Holy Land By Brandon A. Evans to Fontainebleau, France.” now on permissible in English.” • 2nd council session comes to a close • Third session set: Liberality is keynote of final This week, we continue to examine what was going on • More power is accorded to bishops council week in the Church and the world 50 years ago as seen through • U.S. bishops meet: Steps are taken to bring English • Novitiate dedication set at Lady of Grace the pages of The Criterion. into the Mass • Parish men challenged by bishop Here are some of the items found in the Dec. 6, 1963, “VATICAN CITY—Preliminary steps to change parts • Kennedy stamp issue of The Criterion: of the Mass from Latin to English have been taken by • Orthodox prelate praises council • Pope Paul VI announces the hierarchy of the United States at a meeting here, • Editor comments from Rome: The second session— plans for historic trip to Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan of Atlanta said in an its disappointments and accomplishments Holy Land interview. Legislation permitting these changes, approved • The Catcher in the Rye defended by nun-teacher “VATICAN CITY— overwhelmingly by the Fathers of the Second Vatican • Matt Talbot cause progress reported Pope Paul VI closed the Council, was solemnly promulgated by Pope Paul VI at • Urges nuns stress public relations second session of the ecumenical council Wednesday with the closing public assembly on December 4. Archbishop • 4 of 10 teachers are lay persons a dramatic announcement that he will make an historic Hallinan told this correspondent that the American Bishops • Unanimity is hailed as session highlight pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The visit, planned for next voted full use of the concessions granted in the new • President Johnson asks prompt action on civil month, will be the first time a pontiff has set foot on decrees, which allow the vernacular language in the parts rights bill Holy Land soil since St. Peter left Palestine and established of the Mass that are said aloud up to the Offertory, with • Urges Catholic schools to add a ninth grade the papacy in Rome. Vatican sources said the pope would one exception, the Collect. In addition, the Bishops agreed • College founds Kennedy medal travel by plane—the first pontiff to do so. It probably would to English for the Offertory, Sanctus, the Lord’s Prayer, • LaFarge memorial planned in Israel be by chartered airliner. Pope John XXIII did some flying, the Agnus Dei, the Domine non sum dingus, and the • 30,000 take part in rights march but not as Supreme Pontiff. … It also will be the first time Communion antiphons. Asked how the decrees would affect a pope has left Italy since the time of Pius VII, who died in the administration of the sacraments, Archbishop Hallinan (Read all of these stories from our Dec. 6, 1963, issue by 1823. Pius VII was taken prisoner by Napoleon and carried said that the entire rite, as for instance in Baptism, is from logging on to our archives at www.CriterionOnline.com.) † The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 9 Pilgrimage to Ferdinand ‘started Advent season off right’ By Natalie Hoefer tower reaches to a height of 235 feet, According to Sister Barbara, the about St. Joseph’s, so I really wanted to and its interior is adorned with Italian members of the monastery have been see the church. It was just beautiful, just FERDINAND AND JASPER—On a marble altars, Swiss stained glass and involved in the opening ceremonies of as he wrote about it.” cold, dark night in Ferdinand, Ind., the Austrian mosaics. the Christkindlmarkt and the festival Paul Neuendorf, a member of tradition proceeded as it had for the last A quick stop was made at the itself since it began in Ferdinand in 1997. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary 15 years, just as it had in Germany since Providence Home geode grotto “We’ve worked with the Parish in Indianapolis, looked forward the 1500’s. two blocks from St. Joseph Church. [Christkindlmarkt] organizers in to seeing Ferdinand and the Monastery The event carried tones of Advent: Father Phillip Ottavi was director of Germany to make sure we’ve got it as Immaculate Conception. people waiting on a hillside on a dark, St. Joseph’s Providence Home, a care close to the traditional one as possible,” “My mom grew up in Jasper,” he said. cold evening, when finally, piercing facility for mentally disabled men, said Sister Barbara. “So I’ve been in this area many times, the night, came a procession of when a cache of geodes—rocks with The monastery not only served as the but I’ve never been to Ferdinand.” candle-bearing children to the strains of bumpy, rough exteriors but beautiful, location for the welcoming ceremonies, He was able to enjoy the trip an Alleluia chorus and a bell choir. crystal interiors— was discovered in a dinner and tours. The sisters also sold more knowing that Noemi Teodosi, At the entrance of Monastery nearby creek. their own handmade crafts, as well his Filipino fiancé of a few weeks, Immaculate Conception of the Sisters of He worked with a crew of Providence as fresh-baked goods, including such was unharmed by the devastating St. Benedict, trumpets blew, the doors Home residents over a span of 10 years traditional German treats as Springerle typhoon that struck the country on opened and the Christmas Angel came constructing the geode grottos and rock and Hildegard cookies. Nov. 8. forth in brilliant light, singing a song gardens that now cover four city blocks Father Hall again led the pilgrims “She lives in Manila, so she was OK,” of welcome. in Jasper. in the recitation of the rosary on the Neuendorf said. It was there that he “Ye men and womenfolk who once In addition to visiting the colorful hilly ride home, with a second Mass at proposed to her in October. were children too,” she sang, “be a child booths of handmade Christmas crafts, Our Lord Jesus Christ the King Church. As for Rita Whalley, a member again today and do rejoice … .” quilts, homemade baked goods and He called on the pilgrims to “always be of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in So began the 16th Christkindlmarkt antiques at the Christkindlmarkt in prepared for the coming of Christ,” but Indianapolis, the trip was a surprise. in Ferdinand, enjoyed by 45 members of Ferdinand (in the Diocese of Evansville) also to “be not afraid.” “[Fellow parish member] Pat Vesper the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as part the next day, many pilgrims toured For Jim and Patty Smith of St. Patrick was supposed to go, but she had to go to of a Nov. 15-16 pilgrimage to start the Monastery Immaculate Conception. Parish in Terre Haute, the pilgrimage Arizona to help her brother. Advent season. The Benedictine community spanned a special date. “So she said, ‘Please go and enjoy it As the chartered bus wound its way there was begun in 1867 by sisters “We were married on Nov. 15 in for me.’ So I went and have been praying through the hills of southern Indiana, from Covington, Ky., to teach the 1975,” Jim shared. for her and her family. Father John Hall led the pilgrims German-speaking children of the area. But celebrating their 38th anniversary “The monastery was absolutely praying the rosary, calling them to The original portion of the current was not the couple’s primary purpose beautiful,” Whalley said. “I loved the prepare their hearts for the coming of the monastery was completed in 1886. for attending. paintings of Sister [Gregory] Ems [a Christ Child. The current domed church was “We like short trips,” said Patty. Benedictine sister of the monastery in Father Hall celebrated Mass for completed in 1924. “Carolyn [Noone, event planner for the first half of the 1900s]. Her life-size the group at Our Lord Jesus Christ “It’s wonderful to have you all the archdiocese], does a wonderful job painting of the Blessed Mother was the King Church in Paoli, where he here with us at the monastery,” said planning and finding interesting Catholic just breathtaking, and she never had an serves as administrator. He also serves Benedictine Sister Barbara Schmitz, places to go. The fact that it was our art lesson.” as administrator of Our Lady of the prioress of the community. “We love to anniversary was just icing on the cake. Whalley felt blessed to be on Springs Parish in French Lick and as share our buildings and our lives so you “I especially wanted to see St. Joseph the pilgrimage. pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish know a little more about us.” Church,” Patty added. “I loved reading “I think this was a good idea to start in Martinsville. Archbishop [Emeritus] Buechlein’s the Advent season off right, to do it in Father Hall, dean of the Bloomington column [“Seeking the Face of the prayer,” she said. † Deanery, shared stories of the region and Lord”]. He always wrote so lovingly his time there over more than 20 years. The group stopped at historic St. Joseph Church in Jasper, Ind., in the Diocese of Evansville, the home parish of Archbishop Emeritus Daniel M. Buechlein as a youth. The current Romanesque church structure of the 176-year-old parish was completed in 1880. Its clock

Above, Monastery Immaculate Conception of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Ind., in the Diocese of Evansville sits on top of a hill in the southern Indiana town in this Nov. 16 photo. Photos by Natalie Hoefer Photos by For all 16 years of the existence of Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt, the monastery has served as the site of the opening ceremony.

Above, among the many handmade crafts, quilts and baked goods pilgrims from the archdiocese admired at the Christkindlmarkt in Ferdinand, Ind., was the wooden Nativity scene pictured above. The pilgrims visited the Christkindlmarkt as well as other churches and the Benedictine Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand on Nov. 15-16.

The Christmas Angel welcomes all, including 45 pilgrims A stained-glass window depicting from the Archdiocese of Christ the Good Shepherd, Indianapolis on Nov. 15, to the Alice Susemichel, a member of installed in 1898, illuminates 16th annual Christkindlmarkt St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis the interior of St. Joseph in Ferdinand, Ind., in the and a participant on the Church in Jasper, Ind., in the Diocese of Evansville. The opening archdiocesan pilgrimage to Diocese of Evansville on Nov. 15. ceremony in Ferdinand follows Ferdinand, Ind., prays on The church was one of the stops traditions started in Nuremburg, Nov. 16 after receiving on an archdiocesan pilgrimage Germany, more than 500 years Communion at a Mass held for to Ferdinand, Ind., and the ago, including the proclamation of pilgrims at Our Lord Jesus Christ Father John Hall gives a homily to archdiocesan pilgrims at Our Lord Jesus Christ the Christkindlmarkt on Nov. 15-16. the Christmas Angel. the King Church in Paoli. King Church on Nov. 16 in Paoli, for which he serves as administrator. Page 10 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Advent penance services are scheduled at archdiocesan parishes

Parishes throughout the archdiocese from 10-10:30 a.m. Confessions are also have scheduled communal penance heard from noon to 1 p.m. each Friday. services for Advent. The following is a list of services that have been reported to Indianapolis North Deanery The Criterion. • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. deanery service at

St. Lawrence Shemitz CNS photo/Gregory A. Batesville Deanery • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. deanery service at • Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at All Saints, St. Lawrence Yorkville • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. deanery service at • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for St. Maurice, St. Lawrence Decatur County and St. John the Evangelist, Enochsburg, at St. John the Indianapolis South Deanery Evangelist, Enochsburg • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Jude • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Teresa Benedicta • Dec. 11, 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas of the Cross, Bright • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd • Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Nativity of Bloomington Deanery Our Lord Jesus Christ • Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Martinsville • Dec. 18, 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul, • Dec. 23, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Bedford Greenwood, Greenwood • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Agnes, Nashville Father Joseph V. Davanzo, pastor of Christ the King Church in Commack, N.Y., chats with a penitent • Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude the Apostle, Indianapolis West Deanery before administering the sacrament of reconciliation on March 25. Spencer • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at Mary, Queen of Peace, • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Apostle, Danville Charlestown Terre Haute Deanery Bloomington • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Michael the • Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. for St. Paul, • Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary, Archangel Sellersburg and St. Joseph, Clark County Terre Haute Connersville Deanery • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Susanna, Plainfield at St. Paul, Sellersburg • Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. at Annunciation, Brazil • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Malachy, • Dec. 22, 4 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Benedict, Hungary, Cambridge City Brownsburg Starlight Terre Haute • Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Rushville • Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m. for St. Anthony and • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, • Dec. 17, 6 p.m., following 5:15 p.m. Mass Holy Trinity at St. Anthony Seymour Deanery Greencastle † for Richmond Catholic Community at • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel the • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. for Our Lady of St. Mary, Richmond Archangel Providence, Brownstown, and • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. for St. Rose of Lima, • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More, St. Ambrose, Seymour, at St. Ambrose, Advent resources Knightstown and St. Anne, New Castle at Mooresville Seymour St. Anne, New Castle • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Monica • Dec. 15, 2 p.m. for Holy Trinity, are available on Edinburgh, and St. Rose of Lima, archdiocesan Web site Indianapolis East Deanery New Albany Deanery Franklin, at Holy Trinity, Edinburgh • Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at St. Rita • Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at St. Mary, New Albany • Dec. 15, 4 p.m. for American Martyrs, During the season of Advent, • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle, • Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Scottsburg and St. Patrick, Salem at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Fortville Floyd County St. Patrick, Salem will have a special web page at • Dec. 16, 7 p.m. for Our Lady of Lourdes, • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, • Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Bartholomew, www.archindy.org/advent. St. Bernadette and St. Therese of Clarksville Columbus The page contains various Advent the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) at • Dec. 11, 7 p.m. St. Mary, Navilleton • Dec. 23, 7 p.m. for St. Ann, resources, including links to the St. Bernadette • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Michael, Bradford Jennings County; St. Mary, North Vernon; daily readings, past reflections • Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at St. Mary • Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Lanesville and St. Joseph, Jennings County, at from Archbishop Emeritus Daniel • SS Peter and Paul Cathedral: Confessions • Dec. 15, 3 p.m. at Holy Family, St. Joseph, Jennings County M. Buechlein, penance service will be heard in the Blessed Sacrament New Albany schedules, images of past Criterion Chapel from 4:30-5 p.m. each Saturday • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Tell City Deanery Christmas issue covers and links of during Advent. On the Sunday mornings Help, New Albany • Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. at St. Meinrad, interest to other Advent websites. † of Advent, confessions will be he heard • Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Michael, St. Meinrad

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Online Lay Ministry Formation If you are a victim of Report sexual misconduct by a person The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the ministering on behalf of the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) sexual Church, or if you know of anyone to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: who has been a victim of misconduct such misconduct, please contact • Courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church from CDU the archdiocesan victim • All 12 classes for a Certificate in Lay Ministry available online now assistance coordinator: • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners • Employees also receive reimbursement upon course completion Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-1410 For more information, please log on to www.archindy.org/layministry 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 [email protected] A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2013 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. A ‘culture of encounter’ can further ecumenism, says pope By David Gibson

Pope Francis silently blessed more than 5,000 media via Reuters professionals on March 16, 2013. His silent blessing came at the end of an address to journalists from around the world who covered his election as pope three days earlier. Recognizing that many of them were “not members of the Catholic Church,” while others were “not believers” at all, Pope Francis said he wanted to bless them cordially, Romano CNS photo/ L’Osservatore but silently. He meant in this way to show respect for “the conscience of each” one of them. He also demonstrated his belief that each “is a child of God.” Today, Pope Francis is well known for his cordial, warm approach to people who do not share all his beliefs. He does not focus only on how others differ from him. He pays close attention to whatever unites him with them. The fact that people differ from each other in significant ways does not render their resemblances insignificant. Pope Francis suggested as much in a May 22 homily. He expressed hope that, “little by little,” a “culture of encounter” could be built up in our world. The pope’s approach to people who do not fully share his faith is friendly and respectful. Speaking on March 20 to Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and other delegations in Rome for his inauguration as pope, he said: “The Catholic Church is conscious of the importance of promoting friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions. I want to repeat this: promoting friendship and respect between men and women Pope Francis leads a meeting with religious leaders at the Vatican on March 20. Since his election on March 13, the pontiff has sought to of different religious traditions.” foster a “culture of encounter” among people of differing religious traditions in order to build up mutual respect and friendship. In his May 22 homily, he pointed out that the Lord has redeemed everyone with the blood of Christ, all of us, family members sometimes punish each other with silence “In dialogue,” Bishop Madden noted, “we encounter one “everyone, not only Catholics.” Even atheists were included and indifference. Sometimes parishioners, accenting another exactly as we are,” in this way starting a “journey among the redeemed. “They, too. It is this blood that makes particular but different dimensions in the life of faith, stop of mutual discovery leading to greater respect and love.” us children of God.” speaking with each other. In the interview published by the Jesuits, Pope Francis Something that unites all people is their “possibility of The fact is that people can easily lose sight of what was asked about “the future unity of the Church” in light doing good,” Pope Francis said that day. After all, everyone unites them, while clearly recalling their points of division. of his conviction that Christians need to know each other is created in God’s image and likeness. For hundreds of years, the members of separated better and recognize whatever the spirit sows in others as Noticing and encountering the good that others do is in Christian communities recalled what divided them, while gifts for all. He responded: everyone’s best interest, the pope indicated. Dividing walls largely losing sight of what united them. The contemporary “We must walk united with our differences. There is no otherwise erected between people harms the world. ecumenical movement changed that. other way to become one. This is the way of Jesus.” People share a measure of unity, too, in the gifts they Christians reintroduced themselves to each other, and Walking together is a way to encounter others and for receive from God, gifts they can share. have sought to build a new culture of encounter. others to encounter us, Pope Francis has suggested more Pope Francis made that point in the interview with “What we have in common vastly outweighs our than once. When he responded in a September letter to him published on Sept. 19 in leading Jesuit publications differences,” said Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden of questions raised by Eugenio Scalfari, a well-known Italian around the world. Asked about the ecumenical movement’s Baltimore in an August 2013 speech to the assembly of the atheist, he said he hoped to “seek the paths along which we promotion of unity among the world’s divided Christians, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. may walk together.” he responded: “We share a common faith ... a common hope … and a The pope’s letter was friendly and respectful. He told “In ecumenical relations, it is important not only to know common call to Christian charity,” Bishop Madden, chair of Scalfari that the incarnation, “the Son of God coming in each other better, but also to recognize what the Spirit has the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and our flesh and sharing [our] joys and sorrows,” testifies sown in the other as a gift for us.” Interreligious Affairs, noted. “to the astonishing love of God for all people, and to the Of course, what often rules the day in human Differences indeed matter, he said. But “we cannot let inestimable worth he sees in them.” relationships is not what unites, but what divides people. our differences win the day.” For example, points of conflict sometimes prompt Dialogue is a key to ecumenism and a big factor in the (David Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial friends to reject each other. Due to misunderstandings, culture of encounter encouraged by Pope Francis. staff for 37 years.) † Church teaching on ecumenism is rooted deeply in sacred Scripture

By Fr. Lawrence E. Mick with those who were sometimes described as “heretics.” several decades have taken clear actions based on the In the “Decree on Ecumenism,” the bishops at the council’s views on ecumenism. Every pope since the One of the more striking changes in Catholic thinking council called for a new approach, urging Catholics to council has reaffirmed the importance of ecumenical stemming from the Second Vatican Council is the shift “gladly acknowledge and esteem the truly Christian dialogue. Most Catholics today have a more positive in how the Catholic Church views and deals with other endowments from our common heritage which are to be attitude toward Christians of other traditions. Christian communities. found among our separated brethren.” This shift has been fostered by recognizing how much Before the council, common attitudes and official It declared that “the restoration of unity among we share. As St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians reminds rules focused on the differences between the faith all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the us, there is “one body and one Spirit, as you were also traditions and the danger to Catholics from associating Second Vatican Council.” called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, This concern is a response to the prayer of Jesus as one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all recounted in the Last Supper discourse in St. John’s and through all and in all” (Eph 4:4-6). Gospel: “that they may all be one, as you, Father, are Paul’s letters often speak of the Church as the body in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the of Christ, and we become members of that body through world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17:21). baptism. Since we share that fundamental sacrament By presenting Jesus’ desire for unity among his with most other Christians, we recognize them, at least followers as a central theme of his teaching right before in broad terms, as members of the same body. his death, John highlights the importance of unity for the As Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians: “As a body is fundamental mission of the Church—to bring others to one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the CNS photo/Giancarlo Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo believe in Christ. body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in The continued separation of Christians into separate one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether and sometimes competing communities is a significant Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all hindrance to the witness we should be giving. As the given to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor 12:12-13). Pope John XXIII leads the opening session of the council fathers said, “Such division openly contradicts It is that same Spirit who prompts us to pray for and Second Vatican Council in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican the will of Christ, scandalizes the world and damages the work toward unity. on Oct. 11, 1962. Basing their teachings on Scripture, the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature.” bishops at the council taught that promotion of Christian While some Catholics have not fully embraced the (Father Lawrence Mick is a priest of the unity was a priority for the Church. teaching of the council, Church leaders over the past Archdiocese of Cincinnati.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Perspectives From the Editor Emeritus/John F. Fink Faith, Hope and Charity/ The parallel annunciations in Luke’s Gospel David Siler God’s love: (Second of four columns) Aaron. So John, too, was a priest. “Therefore, the child to be born will be There are parallel annunciations in called holy, the Son of God” (Lk 1:35). The greatest Last week, we reflected on Luke’s Gospel—to the priest Zechariah With that knowledge, Mary accepts Matthew’s Gospel’s account of Jesus’ and to the young girl Mary. The her role in salvation: “I am the handmaid gift of all genealogy and his archangel Gabriel tells Zechariah that of the Lord. May it be done to me birth. This week, Elizabeth will bear a child, and he tells according to your word” (Lk 1:38). During this season of gratitude and of we’ll start to look at Mary that she will. Luke then tells us about Mary’s visit gift giving and receiving, I am reminded Luke’s Gospel, which In Zechariah’s case, Gabriel says that to Elizabeth. This was no easy journey of the greatest gift of all—God’s love, uses early Christian his son will be the messenger referred since the usual route for caravans care and personal traditions about the to by the prophet Malachi, “Lo, I am from Nazareth to Jerusalem, and on concern for every birth of both John sending my messenger to prepare the to Ein Karem, was through Jericho, one of his creations. the Baptist and Jesus, way before me” (Mal 3:1), and “I will in order not to go through Samaria— And God’s abundant always making the send you Elijah, the prophet, before about 120 miles, a trip of at least five and inexhaustible point that Jesus is the day of the Lord comes” (Mal 3:23). days. Mary and Joseph’s later trip to mercy. greater than John. Gabriel doesn’t say that John should be Bethlehem was about the same distance. It is not During this season of Advent, the identified with Elijah, but that he will go When Mary encounters Elizabeth, uncommon for the Gospel readings at Mass tell us about before the Lord “in the spirit and power John leapt in his mother’s womb, and people served by our John, placing him among figures from of Elijah” (Lk 1:17) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. staff and volunteers the Old Testament. His parents were In Mary’s case, Gabriel says that Some theologians have taken that to at Catholic Charities aged, as were Abraham and Sarah when her son “will be called the Son of the indicate that both were thereby cleansed to have an extremely deflated opinion they had Isaac, or barren as was Hannah Most High, and the Lord God will give of original sin. of themselves. before God answered her prayers and him the throne of David his father” Elizabeth says to Mary, “Blessed It is often with great shame that they she bore Samuel, or Manoah’s wife (Lk 1:32). John will be the prophet are you who believed that what was come to our shelters, soup kitchens, before she gave birth to Samson. preparing the people for the coming of spoken to you by the Lord would be crisis relief programs and any of our John’s father, Zechariah, is a priest of the Son of God. fulfilled” (Lk 1:45), in contrast to many programs. The most obvious looks the division of Abijah, and his mother, When Mary asks how this will Zechariah’s disbelief, for which he was of shame can be found on the faces Elizabeth, is from the tribe of Aaron. In happen since she doesn’t have a sexual stricken dumb. of people who come to us for the first Old Testament times, the priesthood was relationship, Gabriel tells her that the We are then given the story of time—those who have never had to ask tied to the tribe of Levi and the sons of Holy Spirit would come upon her. John’s birth. † for help, and we’ve seen an increasing number of “first-timers” over the past few Its All Good/Patti Lamb years due to the economy. The food, shelter, clothing or any of If you don’t fit the world standards, you’re in good company the services we offer are just one way that we demonstrate the mercy of our great Recently, I had lunch with an old Everybody’s got something.” Instead of berating ourselves for not God to those who are suffering. college friend when she came to town She explained that if we sit back and fitting the mold that society imposes, I’m Perhaps more importantly is the for a conference. Over quesadillas and observe children long enough, we will learning that we should embrace God’s loving, personal concern shown to them fried ice cream, we find that each one of them has some sort love for us, however broken we may through a face that might be a bit brighter brought each other of idiosyncrasy. She said that the same consider ourselves. God uses us in such than their own at the time they visit us. up to speed on our goes for adults. She went on to tell me different—and often unexpected—ways. We all need to be reminded from time to lives and families. that if I knew more about my college But as long as we’re right with God and time that no matter our circumstances, no I mentioned that friend from out of town, I’d discover do our best to serve him, it’s all good. matter how we have failed ourselves or one of my children some ways that she and her family aren’t In fact, the more “normal” we are those around us, God’s mercy is available was struggling in a functioning so “normally.” by Earth’s standards, the more cause in unlimited supply. particular area, and “I’m not sure where your friend lives,” we have to examine ourselves. When Another aspect of our ministry can be opened up about my said the professional, “but you and I we have problems or struggles, we demonstrated by the story of Zacchaeus fears and concerns. live on Earth, and there is no normal or are more inclined to go to God, to found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19. All I really wanted perfect here.” make time to talk to him and ask for Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore fig tree was someone to listen and tell me that it Amen to that, I thought. I believe help and guidance. in order to get a glimpse of Jesus. It is would be OK. that everyone struggles with something, God Calling, one of my favorite reads, probably no coincidence that the tree was Instead, with the best of intentions, my whether it’s cancer or a disease, weight, contains a passage which explains that a sycamore fig. Its fruit is sour until it is friend, a successful pharmaceutical sales depression, guilt, debt, unhealthy a relationship blooms as a result of our pierced, at which time it becomes sweet. representative, dispensed a diagnosis relationships, resentment, anxiety or repeated interaction with God. A certain Jesus asked to come to Zacchaeus’ and even recommended a particular addiction—just to name a few. Some peace comes from that relationship. And house to stay. Somehow in that brief medication. At one point, she said admit their struggles and others do that peace sustains us in times of trouble encounter with Jesus, his once-sour something like, “Maybe after you have not. But each of us is amiss in one way and doubt, when everything is abnormal heart was pierced by the love of Jesus [the child] evaluated, you can take proper or another. and seemingly wrong. The key is to and became sweet. Zacchaeus had an action to get [the child] back to normal.” But there’s someone who understands develop the relationship so that when life immediate and profound experience of Whoa, Nelly. Check, please. our discontent better than anyone else. throws us curve balls, we do not abandon the mercy of God through his Son. My friend’s advice prompted Jesus can relate to not fitting the mold. our faith, but embrace it and allow God Our own encounters with Jesus, me to seek counsel from a qualified Recall the Christmas story. He was to use us. especially in the Eucharist, can pierce our professional. I relayed the situation and conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a A young woman named Mary did own hearts and make us more open to my concerns to this expert, asking how I young virgin and raised with the help of embrace her faith more than 2,000 years God’s love and mercy for us. In turn, they could get my child “back to normal,” to a stepfather. Jesus, the Messiah, wasn’t ago. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. allow us to serve others by offering them quote my friend. exactly the poster child for normal. This their own encounter with Jesus. The professional chuckled and said, gives me great hope. When we find that (Patti Lamb, a member of St. Susanna Each of us can “pierce” another’s “Normal? Please.” we don’t fit in by the world’s standards, Parish in Plainfield, is a regular heart with the love of Jesus—simply She continued, “Look around. we’re in good company. columnist for The Criterion.) † through the gift of our time, attention and heartfelt concern. Spirituality for Today/Fr. John Catoir Hearts are mended, mercy is given and mercy just might be received when we The power of confirmation and its sacramental grace share the kind of love that says, “I will look past anything that you have done or I’ve been thinking a lot about the should be delayed until the age of So this “new” Rite of Christian failed to do, I will not judge you, but I sacrament of confirmation lately. reason to guarantee a higher level of Initiation of Adults is more a journey will see you with the eyes of God.” Catholics know that there are seven comprehension. Over the centuries, of faith than a program. It restores the At Catholic Charities, we see people sacraments instituted by Christ to give the sacramental rites have evolved. unity of the three sacraments into a single first because of material poverty, but we grace. However, there Bishops and priests had always anointed rite of initiation. There is a baptism, a also seek to see their poverty of spirit. is no mention of a rite children and prayed over them in order confirmation and a eucharistic service. We are all called as Catholics to act in the called the sacrament to strengthen their Christian faith, but not At a Mass, the entire community offers a same way. of confirmation in with the same words. loving welcome to the new Catholics that People in poverty may be getting the early records of The present rite of confirmation consists now share in our faith. exactly what they deserve due to the life the Church. of two ritual acts—the laying on of hands The power of the sacrament of choices they have made. I would not say There definitely and the anointing with the chrism oil. Both confirmation rests in its sacramental grace, the same, however, of children or the was the laying on of practices are rooted in the Scriptures. which helps us cope with the challenges disabled. God’s justice goes far beyond hands, and anointing The reforms called RCIA, or Rite of we have to face in life, challenges human justice. God does not give us what with oil, but it is very Christian Initiation of Adults, which beginning in our spiritual infancy and we deserve, but rather the very essence of difficult to distinguish were mandated by the Second Vatican running through our lives until our arrival God’s self—love. No matter what! confirmation from the rite of baptism in Council, are now the norm of what takes at home in heaven. Throughout our In the same way, as followers of God’s the early Christian community. place when an unbaptized adult joins the journey on Earth, we can call on this grace Son, our Redeemer, we are called to offer In the first century, the full rite Church. The council fathers wanted a whenever we feel the need. this same justice to our neighbors—a of Christian initiation included three better experience for adults who wanted to The sacrament of confirmation will justice that moves way beyond what may sacraments—baptism, confirmation join the faith. supply the strength and fortitude needed be deserved to what is freely offered by and the Eucharist. This is still done They ruled that entering the Church for the storms of life. It helps us to keep our loving Creator. in the Eastern-rite churches. In the should involve a more complete faith the faith as we strive to bring the light of West, however, the practice of uniting experience, which includes not only Christ into our darkened world. (David Siler is executive director of the the three did not survive beyond the evangelization and orientation but also archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic 13th century. a rousing acceptance by the eucharistic (Father John Catoir writes for Catholic Charities and Family Ministries. E-mail Theologians argued that confirmation community. News Service.) † him at [email protected].) † The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 13

Second Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings Monday, December 9 Friday, December 13 Sunday Readings The Immaculate Conception of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr the Blessed Virgin Mary Isaiah 48:17-19 Sunday, December 8, 2013 Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Psalm 1:1-4, 6 From the earliest days of Christianity, • Isaiah 11:1-10 John the Baptist has been a favorite figure. Psalm 98:1-4 Matthew 11:16-19 • Romans 15:4-9 His absolute commitment to the most basic Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 • Matthew 3:1-12 dedication to God has made him a model Luke 1:26-38 Saturday, December 14 for the devout. St. John of the Cross, priest Indicating the importance of Advent and John clearly was on a mission. Gospel Tuesday, December 10 and doctor of the Church the message of these readings, the Church testimony is plentiful. Travel in ancient this weekend celebrates the Second Sunday Palestine was understandably rare. After Isaiah 40:1-11 Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 of Advent, rather all, travel was very difficult and time- Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13 Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 than the great consuming. It was unpredictable and risky. Matthew 18:12-14 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13 Feast of the Immaculate Very few would have traveled for diversion Conception. This feast or leisure. Wednesday, December 11 Sunday, December 15 will occur this year on That John journeyed far and wide St. Damasus I, pope Third Sunday of Advent Dec. 9. evidenced his sense of mission, and he This weekend’s encountered many people. Isaiah 40:25-31 Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 first reading again John was not hesitant or vague in Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10 Psalm 146:6-10 is from Isaiah. This confronting people. He chastised his Matthew 11:28-30 James 5:7-10 prophet was unhappy listeners, in effect, for their differences of Matthew 11:2-11 with the turn of events opinion. Self-interest drove them too much. Thursday, December 12 of his time. As was so often the case with Their lack of true devotion to God only the ancient Hebrew prophets, Isaiah saw the strengthened the reign of sin in the land. Our Lady of Guadalupe misfortunes facing his people as the result of Thus, their personal failings contributed Zechariah 2:14-17 their own disloyalty to God. to the burdens weighing heavily upon the or Revelation 11:19a; His words, however, were neither entire society. 12:1-6a,10ab menacing nor hostile. Rather, they were He challenged the people to purge (Response) Judith 13:18bc, 19 reassuring. They declared the prophet’s firm themselves of this self-interest and humbly Luke 1:26-38 belief that, despite the sins of the people, to turn to God. God would not forsake them. Furthermore, or Luke 1:39-47 in due time, God’s holy will would be Reflection vindicated. Wrongs would be righted. Errors As we progress through Advent, the would be corrected. Justice and peace Church calls us to make ourselves worthy would prevail. of receiving God. Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans supplies Frankly, it places before us our own the second reading. In this reading, St. Paul sins and the sins of all humanity. John repeats the basic message given earlier himself was stark and direct, absolutely and Purported miracle may lead by Isaiah. It is a testimony to God’s love. completely committed to God. His words Throughout history, St. Paul maintains, God are sharp and unequivocal. To realize our to Archbishop Sheen’s beatification guided the Chosen People to righteousness personal sinfulness, and the sinfulness of and ultimately to union with himself. Paul the world, believing such admission is About 10 years ago, I read an article not attend. sees God as the source of all patience essential to any effort to become holy, the Qin our Catholic newspaper about the I am torn. I worry that by not going, and encouragement. Human failings Church calls us to a thorough examination possibility of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s the hurt feelings may damage family notwithstanding, God’s love is constant. of conscience. becoming a saint. Since then, though, I relationships for a long time. In the eyes of The Apostle also counsels the Christians Using the words and example of John have heard nothing the Catholic Church, would it be wrong for in Rome to accept each other in love and the Baptist, the Church also urges us to further. Could you tell us to attend? (Greenville, S.C.) good will. After all, he insists, Christ put first things first. Following worldly me where that process accepted them. Christ was a visible and self-interests will lead nowhere—certainly stands now? I think The situation you present is, effective instrument on Earth of God’s not to God. it would be great if it Aunfortunately, becoming more common mercy and goodness. Advent’s purpose is not just to plan for happened. I remember, today. Many faithful Catholics are wrestling For its third reading, the Church this a memorial of Christ’s birth. It primarily as a child, watching with the decision that confronts you, and weekend offers us a reading from the calls us to make our hearts fitting dwelling his show on television. reasonable minds may differ as to the Gospel of St. Matthew. The central figure is places for the Lord. To be fitting dwelling I wish there could be best solution. John the Baptist, mentioned in Luke as the places, we must rid ourselves of sin. reruns. (Severn, Md.) The challenge of Christians always is to child of Elizabeth and Zachariah. Elizabeth Isaiah and Paul both remind us that God follow the scriptural mandates, even when to of course was the “kinswoman,” probably a will empower us in our quest for holiness. In June 2012, Archbishop Fulton do so might be countercultural. Clearly the cousin of Mary. Therefore, John was related God wants us to live. He loves us with a AJ. Sheen was declared “venerable” teaching of the Church is that homosexual to Jesus. perfect love. † by the Vatican. This means that he is “marriage” is morally unacceptable and not a considered to have lived a life of “heroic true marriage. virtue” and is worthy of imitation. The next Referencing several Biblical passages, My Journey to God step on the road to sainthood is beatification, the Catechism of the Catholic Church which requires one miracle through that concludes, in #2357, that homosexual acts person’s intercession. are “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to The Vatican is currently reviewing an the natural law.” Illinois case from 2010 where an infant When faced with whether to attend a gay The Miracle boy, apparently stillborn, was revived after wedding, one is called to give public witness not breathing for more than an hour when to one’s beliefs. CNS Wiechec photo/Nancy his mother prayed to Archbishop Sheen to In May 2013, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Cup intercede with God for her son. of Providence, R.I., advised the faithful of By Thomas J. Rillo The media-savvy Sheen won the hearts his diocese as follows: “Catholics should of many Americans with his television examine their consciences very carefully show, “Life Is Worth Living.” It ran from before deciding whether or not to endorse The cup is raised to my hands 1952-57 and, at its peak, had 10 million same-sex relationships or attend same-sex The hands of the minister raise it up weekly viewers. With only a blackboard and ceremonies, realizing that to do so might I press my lips to the rim and sip a statue as props, Sheen spoke with drama harm their relationship with God and cause The blood of Christ becomes my strength. and humor of the values that should guide significant scandal to others.” The Miracle of the Cup faith-filled living. Notice that the bishop’s caution does not In 1952, he received an Emmy as qualify as an absolute prohibition, but it I do not fully know just how it happens “Most Outstanding Television Personality.” would seem to me that one’s presence at such As mysterious to me as the miracle at Cana He also served for many years as the a ceremony might well be viewed by others That the wine consecrated by the celebrant national director of the Pontifical Society for in attendance as an endorsement. Becomes fuel for my hungry and needy soul. the Propagation of the Faith, spreading the Here, I think, is what you might do: The Miracle of the Cup message of the Gospel through missionary You and your husband might explain to his efforts across the globe. sister—in the most kind and gentle way I know that someday in heaven I will know Father Robert Barron, creator of possible—that, as much as you love her, That all of the mysteries will be explained Thomas J. Rillo is a member the current award-winning television your deeply held religious beliefs make you That if I have unconditional and strong faith of St. Charles Borromeo documentary series “Catholicism,” has uncomfortable with attending the ceremony. The blood of Jesus will sustain me until then. Parish in Bloomington and called Sheen “the patron saint of media and Your absence, notable as it will be, will The Miracle of the Cup a Benedictine oblate of evangelization.” give witness to others of your moral stance. Saint Meinrad Archabbey in But since the reception will be held sometime The cup is raised to my hands on high St.Meinrad. A chalice is seen My sister-in-law is gay, and she and her later, your presence instead at that event And my sincere faith is enough to believe near the altar during Mass at Qpartner have been together for 23 years. might serve to preserve family harmony and That the blood of Christ is my lifeline the Basilica of the National They are planning on getting married soon a continuing relationship with those involved. Until I meet him face to face with the Father. Shrine of the Immaculate and, sometime later, having a reception. The Miracle of the Cup Conception in Washington. Although we love them both, we do not (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth believe in gay marriage. My husband thinks Doyle at [email protected] and that, given our moral position, we should 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013

McLANE, John C., 63, St. Luke the Evangelist, Indianapolis, Nov. 16. Son of Joann McLane. Brother of Beth Ann Clark, David Rest in peace and William McLane. MILLER, Courtney James, 35, Please submit in writing GARNER, Jane, 97, St. Agnes, Nashville, Nov. 20. to our office by 10 a.m. St. Malachy, Brownsburg, Nov. 5. Father of Reanna and Storm Reuters CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Thursday before the week of Mother of Kelly Garner. Miller. Son of Susie Adams. publication; be sure to state GOTTEMOELLER, Charles Brother of Michelle Lang. date of death. Obituaries of Joseph, 90, St. Mark the Grandson of Mary Williams. archdiocesan priests serving Evangelist, Indianapolis, Nov. 25. MYERS, Daniel B., 81, our archdiocese are listed Father of Daniel and Timothy The Criterion Our Lady of Lourdes, elsewhere in . Gottemoeller. Brother of Mary Jo Indianapolis, Nov. 11. Father Order priests and religious Applegate. Grandfather of two. sisters and brothers are of Bobby, Fran, Gerry, Hanque, included here, unless they are HARDIN, Lenard Jack, 90, John, Julie, Matt and Tiz Myers. natives of the archdiocese or St. Rose of Lima, Franklin, Grandfather of two. have other connec­tions to it; Nov. 11. Husband of Joyce NIERSBACH, William, 86, those are separate obituaries Hardin. Father of Sonia Leerkamp on this page. and John Hardin. Grandfather of St. Mary, Richmond, Nov. 19. Rite of Acceptance six. Great-grandfather of seven. Husband of Mary Elizabeth BIERCK, M. Joan, 89, Niersbach. Father of Gretchen , 86, Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 22. HOLDAWAY, Eugene Murray and William Niersbach. Pope Francis gives a copy of the Book of the Gospels to a young Japanese woman on Nov. 23 St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Mother of Linda Frazier and Grandfather of four. Great- during the rite of acceptance into the catechumenate and a meeting with the catechumens in Gregory Bierck. Grandmother of (Little Flower), Nov. 21. Grand- grandfather of four. St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The rite, which is a part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of five. Great-grandmother of three. father of three. Great-grandfather of three. SAVAGE, Glenna Mae (Milam), Adults, was celebrated at the end of the Year of Faith. BOARDMAN, Eric M., 80, St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, 37, Our Lady of Lourdes, KIRBY, Michael B., 77, Indianapolis, Nov. 12. Father of Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 18. Mother of Theresa and Providence Sister Bernice Kuper taught in Austin Boardman. Stepfather of Nov. 12. Father of Kevin Kirby. Michael Savage. Grandmother of Christopher Dail. Son of John Grandfather of one. Great-grand- two. Great-grandmother of two. Catholic schools, served as novice director and Patricia Gilliland. Brother of father of one. SCHEIBLE, Anthony John, Providence Sister Bernice Kuper died on In the archdiocese, she taught at St. Patrick Tina Shepherd, Chris Boardman LABUS, Theodore H., 85, 90, St. John the Evangelist, Nov. 26 at Mother Theodore Hall at St. Mary- School in Terre Haute from 1953-59, and in and Peter Speziale. Grandson of St. Pius X, Indianapolis, Nov. 23. Indianapolis, Nov. 16. of-the-Woods. She was 91. Indianapolis at Nativity School from 1959-60 Lucille Morand. Husband of Eleanor Labus. Father SHARPE, Mary Jeanne, 89, The Mass of Christian Burial was and the former Ladywood-St. Agnes School celebrated on Nov. 30 at the Church of the BURKHART, Maurice George, of Mary Teter, Mark, Peter and St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis, from 1970-71. Immaculate Conception at the motherhouse. 69, St. Mary, Greensburg, Theodore Labus. Grandfather of Oct. 6. Mother of Janet Engle, She also served as the community’s director Nov. 25. Brother of Anna 13. Great-grandfather of three. Burial followed at the sisters’ cemetery. of novices from 1961-69, director of formation Debi King, Peg Martin, Patty Anna Bernice Kuper was born on Aug. 22, Buening, Lucy Meyer, Mary LASLEY, Evelyn (Cassidy), 67, from 1961-69 and in administration in the order Tokarek, Greg, Rick and Ron 1922, in Jasper, Ind. Summers, Dottie and Norman St. Paul, Tell City, Nov. 23. Wife from 1971-78. Sister Bernice ministered as Sharpe. Grandmother of 10. She entered the Sisters of Providence of Burkhart. of Roy Lasley. Mother of Grover pastoral associate of St. John the Baptist Parish Great-grandmother of eight. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Jan. 6, 1940, and Lasley, Greg and Ronald James. in Newburgh, Ind., in the Evansville Diocese DENNY, Rosemary, 83, professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1948. Sister of Alice Cassidy, Carmelite STRACQUALURSI, Toni L., St. Mary, New Albany, Nov. 21. Sister Bernice earned a bachelor’s degree from 1980-93. The following year, she retired Sister Eulalie Cassidy and James 57, St. Gabriel, Connersville, Mother of Kathy Ransdell. Sister in Latin at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to her community’s motherhouse where she George. Grandmother of two. Nov. 18. Mother of Ashley of James Steinert. Grandmother of in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, and a master’s assisted in the vocations office. two. Great-grandmother of two. Great-grandmother of one. Sallor. Sister of Becky Yoder. She is survived by a sister, Dolores Habig of Grandmother of two. degree in education at the University of FAIN, LaVonne, 88, St. Jude, MANNING, David E., 80, Notre Dame in northern Indiana. Jasper, Ind., and several nieces and nephews. Indianapolis, Nov. 21. Mother of Our Lady of the Greenwood, TURPIN, Ron, 76, Our Lady During 73 years as a Sister of Providence, Memorial gifts may be sent to the Joyce Renick, David and Gregory Greenwood, Nov. 15. Father of of the Most Holy Rosary, Sister Bernice ministered in Catholic Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Fain. Grandmother of nine. Great- Lorinda Chivington and Steven Indianapolis, Sept. 3. Brother of education for 21 years in schools in Illinois, Providence Road, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, grandmother of six. Manning. Grandfather of two. Marilyn Korfhage. † Indiana and Oregon. St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876. †

Like thousands of senior religious, Retirement Sister of Divine Providence John Margaret Walsh, 76, has spent her life Fund for serving others. Today, she and some 34,000 elder Catholic sisters, brothers, Religious and religious order priests benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift provides funding Please give to those who for prescription medications, nursing have given a lifetime. care, and more.

To donate: National Religious Retirement Office/IND 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make your check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Or give at your local parish December 7–8.

www.retiredreligious.org The Criterion Friday, December 6, 2013 Page 15 Parishes to host Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations Special to The Criterion St. Margaret Mary Parish 2405 S. Seventh St., Terre Haute Masses and special events for the • Dec. 11—11 p.m. rosary followed by feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe are mañanitas (serenade). scheduled at the following parishes in • Dec. 12—7 pm Mass followed by a Maung CNS photo/David central and southern Indiana. fiesta /reception. Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin will be the principal celebrant for a Spanish Mass at St. Mary Parish midnight on Dec. 11 at St. Mary Parish, 317 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis 317 N. New Jersey St., in Indianapolis. • Dec. 11—9 p.m. procession, 9:45 p.m. folkloric dances, 11 p.m. mañanitas St. Andrew Parish (serenade) with a music band, midnight 235 S. 5th St., Richmond Mass with Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin. • Dec. 8—10 a.m. mariachi band. • Dec. 12—Noon English Mass, 7 p.m. Spanish Mass. St. Paul Catholic Center 1413 E. 17th St., Bloomington St. Monica Parish • Dec. 11—11:30 p.m. Mass followed by 6131 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis mañanitas (serenade), dinner and fiesta. • Dec. 11—9 p.m. rosary, 10:20 p.m. “Tamara” live performance, 11:45 p.m. St. Anthony Parish serenade with mariachi. 337 N. Warman Ave., Indianapolis • Dec. 12—6 p.m. rosary and procession, • Dec. 11—6 p.m. Mass, 10:20 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Representation of the folkloric dances, 11:45 p.m. mañanitas Apparitions, 7:15 p.m. Mass, 9:15 p.m. (serenade). reception. • Dec. 12—6:30 a.m. mañanitas (serenade), 7 p.m. Mass, 8:30 p.m. St. Philip Neri Parish procession. 550 N. Rural St., Indianapolis New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, left, celebrates Mass alongside other prelates at the Basilica of • Dec. 11—8 p.m. folkloric children’s Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City on Nov. 17. Bishops and church leaders from the Americas St. Bartholomew dance, 8:30 p.m. Representation of the gathered on Nov. 16-19 at the basilica to discuss the new evangelization in the Americas. 1306 27th St., Columbus Apparitions, 10:30 p.m. mañanitas • Dec. 11—10:30 p.m. procession, (serenade) with mariachi, 12:30 a.m. St. Michael Parish 10:45 p.m. rosary, 11:30 p.m. narrative refreshments. 101 St. Michael Drive, Charlestown Multicultural Nativity scenes history, midnight mañanitas (serenade), • Dec. 12—4:30 p.m. Mass with mariachi, • Dec. 11—7 p.m to midnight, rosary and followed by refreshments 7 p.m. Mass, 8 p.m. folkloric dance, mañanitas (serenade). exhibit on display at Catholic • Dec. 12—6 p.m. Mass followed by 9 p.m. reception. • Dec.12—7 p.m. Mass, 8 p.m. reception. Center on Dec. 15-16 dinner. St. Patrick Parish St. Mary Parish The archdiocesan Office of Multicultural St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish 950 Prospect St., Indianapolis 415 E. Eighth St., New Albany Ministry will host an exhibit of Nativity scenes 6000 W. 34th St., Indianapolis • Dec. 11—6:30 p.m. rosary and serenade • Dec. 11—7 p.m to midnight, rosary and from various countries in the Assembly Hall • Dec. 11—9:30 p.m. folkloric dances, with singer Vickie Davis, 8:30 p.m. mañanitas (serenade). at the Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center, 11 p.m. mañanitas (serenade), midnight Representation of the Apparitions, • Dec. 12—7 p.m. Mass, 8 p.m. reception. 1400 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis, from Mass (misa de gallo), refreshments 10 p.m. Mass, midnight mañanitas 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16. (to go). (serenade). St. Joseph Parish Nativity scenes from Kenya, Togo, Alaska, • Dec. 12—7 p.m. procession and • Dec. 12—6 a.m. Mass, noon 125 E. Broadway St., Shelbyville Mexico, Peru, Italy and other countries bilingual Mass, 8:15 reception, 8:30 p.m. procession, 6:30 p.m. rosary, 7:30 p.m. • Dec. 12—5:30 p.m. folkloric dance, will be displayed. raffle, 8:45 p.m. folkloric dance. Representation of the Apparitions. mañanitas with Zenaida Gonzalez, This year’s event will also include live 7 p.m. Mass. Nativity scenes featuring people from Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish St. Ambrose Parish Vietnam, Burma, Mexico and other nations. 335 S. Meridian St., Greenwood 325 S. Chestnut St., Seymour St. Lawrence Parish For more information, contact the Office • Dec. 11—7 p.m. Spanish Mass. • Dec. 11—noon mañanitas (serenade), 6944 E. 46th St., Indianapolis of Multicultural Ministry at 317-592-4068 • Dec. 12—5 p.m. mañanitas (serenade), 5 p.m. mañanitas with mariachi. • Dec. 12—4:30 a.m. mañanitas or 317-236-1474, or e-mail mgutierrez@ 6:30 p.m. bilingual Mass. • Dec. 12—8:45 a.m. school Mass, 6 p.m. (serenade), 6 p.m. mañanitas (serenade), archindy.org or [email protected]. † bilingual Mass, 7 p.m. reception. 7 p.m. Mass, 8:30 p.m. Aztec dance. †

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2013 WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Submitted photo by Rolly Landeros Submitted photo by

The football team of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis poses with the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 5A trophy after its 42-18 victory in the state championship game on Nov. 29 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL Submitted photo by Joe DeFabis Submitted photo by

The football team of Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in Indianapolis poses with the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2A trophy after its 56-6 win in the state championship game on Nov. 30 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. CARDINAL RITTER JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL Cardinal Ritter, Cathedral win state football titles

By John Shaughnessy football championship with a 42-18 victory over forced kids to focus and be the next man up. They all Westfield High School on Nov. 29 in the Class 5A game came together and formed a pretty strong bond that The joy of a state championship season will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. allowed them to succeed.” savored for a long time by the football programs The mood was set for Ritter’s convincing win Dan Fesenmeier, a senior at Cardinal Ritter, was of Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School and shortly after the team participated in a pre-game Mass, named the Class 2A Mental Attitude Award winner. Cathedral High School, both in Indianapolis. according to head coach Ty Hunt. Jake Purichia, the Raiders’ quarterback for the past The feeling is even more satisfying considering the “After Mass, we talked about the commitment level four seasons, finished his high school football career challenges that each team had to overcome during the they displayed during the offseason and throughout the with a state record of 142 touchdown passes. season, according to their head coaches. season,” Hunt said. “We had a couple of bumps in the Hunt seemed to sum up the championship feeling The Raiders of Cardinal Ritter—the archdiocesan road during the season with losses, but they continued for players, coaches and fans at both Cardinal Ritter interparochial high school for the Indianapolis to get better each week. With each week, they displayed and Cathedral. West Deanery—earned a 56-6 win over that they were going to excel.” “There is a great amount of exultation, and a feeling Tipton High School on Nov. 30 for the Class 2A That sentiment was echoed by Cathedral head coach of pride for the seniors,” he said. “The senior class championship of the Indiana High School Athletic Rick Streiff. deserves a lot of credit for staying together and believing Association. “This team was special in many ways because of the in each other and their coaches. The Irish of Cathedral—a private Catholic obstacles they had to overcome,” Streiff said. “Many “It’s a great relief that it all paid off in the end. I told high school—won its fourth straight state injuries and tough losses in the regular season really them, ‘This is something you will always remember.’ ” † Submitted photo by Joe DeFabis Submitted photo by Joe DeFabis Submitted photo by Submitted photo by Rolly Landeros Submitted photo by Rolly Landeros Submitted photo by

Cardinal Ritter quarterback Jake Purichia Cardinal Ritter senior Kyree Hollis shows his Cathedral’s defense puts the pressure on Terry McLaurin of Cathedral High School lunges across the goal line for a touchdown, joy after scoring one of his three touchdowns Westfield High School as the Irish earn the in Indianapolis races past defenders from one of three touchdowns he scored on in the Raiders’ 56-6 win on Nov. 30 in the Class 5A state championship with a 42-18 win Westfield High School as the Irish surge to a Nov. 30, during the team’s 56-6 win in the Class 2A state championship game. on Nov. 29. 42-18 win in the Class 5A state championship Class 2A state championship game. game on Nov. 29.