50¢ March 4, 2007 Volume 81, No. 9 www.diocesefwsb.org/TODAY Serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend TTODAYODAY’’SS CCATHOLICATHOLIC
Diocese to inactive Catholics: Looking for someplace ‘You can always come home’ new this
BY DON CLEMMER spring break? Find some peace FORT WAYNE — “We announce today the begin- ning of a public effort to draw back to Christ and the in God’s kingdom church the many Catholics — and there are many — Pages 10-11 who have stopped the practice of their faith,” Bishop John M. D’Arcy announced at a Feb. 21 news con- ference at the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center in Fort Wayne. By making heavy use of the media, in what the bishop called a “full court press,” the dio- ‘We are daughters of cese hopes “to reach those who have forgotten about God and have placed him on the back burners of God, and inherently their life,” and “be a welcoming church to those who need us.” valuable and This initiative, made possible in part by a beautiful $60,000 grant from Our Sunday Visitor, is to be part of the celebration of the Sesquicentennial Jubilee because of that’ Year of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. A similar news conference was held in South Bend on Edith Stein conference Feb. 26. hosted at Notre Dame Going into other details on the campaign, Bishop D’Arcy explained that he has asked every parish to Page 3 have a parish mission over a three-year period. He also noted that many fallen away Catholics feel a need to speak with someone, but also feel a need for anonymity. “There may have been a reason why they left the ‘Especially when it church,” Bishop D’Arcy said. “It may have been an error on our part.” Or, he added, they might find cer- comes to God, I DON CLEMMER tain aspects of the church or its teaching troubling. believe in keeping Bishop John M. D’Arcy speaks at the Feb. 21 news conference in Fort Wayne announcing the To serve these people’s needs, the diocese has campaign to call and welcome fallen away Catholics back to the full practice of their faith. inaugurated the 1-800-MERCY4U phone line for an open mind’ The news conference included information on the Wells of Hope program, the 1-800- Second installment MERCY4U number, Mercy Day and the aggressive media campaign by the diocese to pro- HOME, PAGE 20 mote this initiative. of Real Lent series Page 9 Youth inspired MARKED FOR THE JOURNEY to be Christ’s heroes
becoming heroes. BY KAY COZAD The youth and chaperones retired to gen- der-specific cabins on the grounds for a NORTH WEBSTER — In this good night’s sleep and were treated in the Sesquicentennial Jubilee Year, the youth of morning to a hearty breakfast provided by the diocese have already had an opportuni- Catering Kitchen. Epworth Forest kitchens ty to celebrate their faith together. On provided all other meals. Friday, Feb. 16, over two dozen teens from Saturday was a full day with a variety of around the area gathered for the first annu- speakers from several diocesan locals. Our al diocesan-wide youth retreat weekend, Lady of Good Hope pastor Father Mark held at Epworth Forest. Gurtner addressed compassion in heroes, The retreat, “Be a Hero,” was hosted by St.Vincent School teacher Nate Proulx the Office of Youth Ministry, says director advised the youth on reckless vs. risking for Cindy Black and designed as a spoof on Christ and Indiana-Purdue Universities at American Idol, a popular television pro- Fort Wayne (IPFW) teacher Bob Sedlmeyer gram. “We asked, ‘What does it mean to be spoke on the burdens heroes carry. Teen a hero?’ and agreed Jesus Christ is the one witnesses included Laura Schmidt, Reid DON CLEMMER true hero,” she says. Leazier and Whitney Soberalski, all from Katie Zoch receives a mark of ashes at Ash The fun-filled and inspiring weekend St. Vincent de Paul Parish. began on Friday evening with teachings Skits were interspersed throughout the Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of the from Black on the characteristics of a hero. day to bring the talks to life and later in the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, Feb. Krista Gensen, parishioner at Queen of day, four area priests offered those in atten- Angels, Fort Wayne, followed with a teen dance the opportunity for reconciliation 21. Catholics worldwide began the season witness. The evening drew to a close with the teens praying over each other to rid of Lent by being marked with this sign of themselves of all that held them back from HEROS, PAGE 20 repentance. 2 TODAY’ S CATHOLIC MARCH 4, 2007 TODAY’S CATHOLIC
Official newspaper of the New evangelization welcomes Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend P.O. Box 11169 Fort Wayne, IN 46856 all to hear the word of God PUBLISHER: Bishop John M. D’Arcy celibate commitment takes on its full valid- Many young students from the University EDITOR: Tim Johnson ity only if it is accompanied by prayer — of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and ASSISTANT EDITOR: Don Clemmer that prayer in which we tell the Lord we Holy Cross College. STAFF WRITER: Kay Cozad belong totally to him. He is our portion and our cup and our inheritance. He is our A meeting with vicars Editorial Department NEWS “land.” We also tell him that he is suffi- We have six new vicars — Father cient, and more than sufficient. This makes Thomas Jones, CSC, Father Terry Fisher, PAGE DESIGNER: Francie Hogan &NOTES the priesthood a way of love, an adventure FREELANCE WRITERS: Ann Carey, Father William Sullivan, Father David of love if you will. Carkenord, Father Daryl Rybicki, and Michelle Castleman, Elmer J. Danch, BISHOP JOHN M. D’ARCY This was a great day with the priests, Father David Voors. The vicar is important Michelle Donaghey, Bonnie Elberson, which had been postponed because of the because he helps the bishop give pastoral Denise Fedorow, Sister Margie weather. We also spoke about vocations to care to a certain region. Canonically, they Lavonis, CSC, Jennifer Ochstein, the priesthood, and we saw a beautiful have been called deans, but they also are Theresa Thomas, Kristi Ward A time to evangelize video entitled “Fishers of Men.” On top of called vicars forane. They gave me excel- The word is overused, so perhaps we do that, Cindy Black, our director of Youth lent advice on how their office can be used Ministry spoke to our priests, as did Linda Business Department not understand it or do not really hear it. to enrich the pastoral ministry of priests Furge, director of the observance of our and laity. We will work to see that the vicar BUSINESS MANAGER: Kathy Denice But the mission of Christ is our mission, the mission of the church. It is to preach the jubilee. Cindy set out for our priests her visits each parish to strengthen the priest, to AD GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Mark Weber word of God “in season and out of season,” approach to youth ministry, and also her make sure he is in good health — physical- BOOKKEEPING/CIRCULATION: Kathy Voirol as St. Paul put it. The church, as Pope Paul love and respect for the priest. ly, emotionally and spiritually — and also [email protected] VI said, “must first be evangelized in order to see that the people are being well served. that she might evangelize.” It simply means Advertising Sales preaching the Gospel. This has been my joy A weekend to remember Tess Steffen (Fort Wayne area) these past few weeks, as always, with each I was off early on Saturday morning to Still Catholic (260) 456-2824 day full of his mission. Indeed, it must Elkhart because I wished to celebrate Mass I had a wonderful visit to St. Joseph Judy Kearns (South Bend area) always be for bishops and priests but, in a at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and visit with Hospital, Fort Wayne. This was done at the (574) 234-0687 sense, for all of us. Father Philip DeVolder, who has been invitation of Sister Carole Langhauser, Web site: www.diocesefwsb.org/TODAY unable to offer Mass because of a serious PHJC. The two young men, Chad Towner back pain. He has been out for several and Kirk Ray, who are leaders of the hospi- Published weekly except the last A new evangelization months, and he had a serious infection. I tal, greeted me and we had lunch with Sunday in June, second and fourth Not new in content, but “new in method, wanted to be close to the parishioners when Sister Carole. I recall when the Poor weeks in July, second week in August new in expression and new in ardor.” There their local pastor was not so visible. Handmaids, who had served at St. Joseph and last week in December by the is also a document in the church on media This also enabled me to attend the first Hospital with distinction and dedication for Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, which says that the church would be “guilty half of the semi state basketball game. It generations, with great reluctance deter- 1103 S. Calhoun St., P.O. Box 390, Fort before the Lord” if it did not use modern was at North Side gym in Elkhart, and the mined that it was necessary to sell this Wayne, IN 46801. Second-class means of communication. This is why, with spirit was extraordinary. Alas, the Lady beloved hospital. However, I recall quite postage paid at Fort Wayne, IN, and Indians of Saint Joseph’s High were beaten well that, as part of their agreement with additional mailing office. the help of a grant from Our Sunday Visitor, you will be see- the for-profit company, they POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ing spots on television, newspa- insisted that that campus would Today’s Catholic, P.O. Box 11169, Fort pers and billboards. On Ash remain a Catholic hospital. What Wayne, IN 46856-1169 or e-mail: Wednesday in Fort Wayne and in In the afternoon, I led the Rite of Election in St. Matthew does this mean? It means that [email protected]. South Bend a few days later, I the Ethical and Religious explained all this to the media. Cathedral Parish. Next week, it will be held at the Directives of the United States SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Domestic in There are also missions. This Conference of Catholic Bishops advance, one year $20. Bundle rates week I will be at the small parish are observed. It means that there available on request. Single copy 50¢. of Blessed Sacrament, Albion Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. will be excellent sacramental and a larger, urban parish, St. care. Father Daniel Chukwuleta MAIN OFFICE: 915 S. Clinton St., Fort Joseph, Fort Wayne. Next week, I This is a diocese where you do everything twice. visits every Catholic patient on a Wayne, IN 46802.Telephone (260) regular basis — sometimes 456-2824. Fax: (260) 744-1473. will be at the large parish of St. Charles Borromeo, Fort Wayne, every day. Also, he offers Mass BUREAU OFFICE: 114 W.Wayne St., South daily at 4:15 p.m. and on Bend, IN 46601.Telephone (574) 234- and the following week in a 0687. Fax: (574) 232-8483. smaller parish, St. Patrick, Sunday morning at 10 a.m. It Walkerton. also means that some sisters are after a great year. News deadline is the Monday morn- I also had a most blessed meeting with still present and visible at the hospital. ing before publication date. our presbyterate; that is, with all our priests. After Mass at St. Vincent’s, I met with I toured the hospital. What a special joy. Advertising deadline is nine days Here my emphasis was on prayer and the members of the staff and also with Father I went to the obstetric ward, and a woman before publication date. teachings of our Holy Father Pope Benedict DeVolder. He is an extraordinary priest, and came out to meet me. Her name was XVI. In the annual talk he gives to the curia I ask you to keep him in your prayers. I Juanita. She said, “Bishop, please come in LETTERS POLICY: Today’s Catholic wel- in Rome — that is, to the various officials was impressed with the excellent staff and and see my first grandchild.” The baby was comes original, signed letters about who assist him — he referred to a visit to with Father Bill Sullivan, who is acting as less than two hours old. What a gift for the issues affecting church life. Although Bavaria, the place of his birth. It brought administrator, as well as Father Wilson bishop. we cannot publish every letter we him to the theme of the priest as a man of Corzo and Father Jay Steele, CSC, who This hospital will remain in the middle receive, we strive to provide a bal- have been a great help at St. Vincent’s, the of our city. Its tradition is to serve the poor. anced representation of expressed God. He spoke of celibacy and he said the reason sometimes given for it; namely avail- mother church of Elkhart. Indeed, this is one of the guidelines of the opinions and a variety of reflections I drove down the bypass then to South on life in the church.We will choose ability, is quite insufficient. Are we to say Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives that the young mother with several children Bend. The next day, I offered Mass at — to continue a special effort to give to letters for publication based on read- Corpus Christi Parish. It was the 25th er interest, timeliness and fairness. is less in her devotion to her family than the those in need. Thus, the spirit of the Poor Readers may agree or disagree with priest is to his parish? The pope says that anniversary of their Perpetual Adoration of Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who built and the letter writers’ opinions. Letters such a reason can lead to egotism or hard- the Blessed Sacrament. It was a joy to cele- maintained this great institution, is being must not exceed 500 words. All let- ness of heart. He then places celibacy in the brate Mass in observance of this occasion, continued. ters must be signed and include a context of a prayer that he says, “We senior especially on the first Sunday of Lent. A wonderful few hours at our Catholic phone number and address for verifi- priests used to say when we received ton- In the afternoon, I led the Rite of hospital. I am grateful that the spirit of the cation.We reserve the right to edit sure.” I recall saying this prayer also, and I Election in St. Matthew Cathedral Parish. Poor Handmaids remains strong in this hos- letters for legal and other concerns. think we used to say it when we put on the Next week, it will be held at the Cathedral pital. cassock. It is “Dominus Pars Hereditatis mei of the Immaculate Conception in Fort So far, I have not been called to the Red Mail letters to: Today’s Catholic, Wayne. This is a diocese where you do Sox spring training site. Maybe it is best, P.O. Box 11169, Fort Wayne, IN et Calecu meae.” “The Lord is my portion and my cup.” The pope recalls that the everything twice. because I am quite busy. If they want me to 46856-1169; or e-mail: What a joy to see St. Matthew’s filled [email protected] Levites of the old law, the priestly tribes come and throw batting practice, I will be were the only ones not to receive a portion with the presence of so many people who ready. are preparing for baptism or entrance into ISSN 0891-1533 of land, their portion was the Lord. See you all next week. USPS 403630 I reflected on this with our priests — our full communion with the Catholic Church. MARCH 4, 2007 TODAY’S CATHOLIC 3 Notre Dame’s Edith Stein Conference focuses on feminism in a Catholic perspective
BY DIANE FREEBY woman.” Pia deSolenni, a theologian who zine emphasizes self-discovery, AND ANN CAREY In other words, according to the writes and lectures on issues like character development, social conference’s missions statement, feminism, culture and society, responsibility, modest fashion and woman’s inclination toward mater- spoke on “Renewing the Feminine love for God and the church. NOTRE DAME — “Love is pow- nity draws her to all living and Image.” She told the largely student The message girls and women erful. It brings clarity and truth. In personal things, and to a more spe- audience that “We are desperately should be getting, Lee said, is that redefining feminism, we are cific, contemplative knowledge. imperiled of losing the context of “We are daughters of God, and reminded by the first papal Gifted with the capacity for carry- authentic feminine sexuality.” inherently valuable and beautiful encyclical ‘God is Love,’ to keep it ing life, as the continuation of Eve The “brokenness of today’s cul- because of that.” simple.” called “mother of all living,” she is ture is seen everywhere,” she said, Wendy Shalit, who at age 23 Those were some of the open- also responsible for preparing the and is evidenced by our contra- wrote “A Return to Modesty: ing comments from the student “restoration of life.” cepting and divorcing society in Discovering the Lost Virtue,” told the organizers of the Edith Stein To this end, some 25 women which adults seem to be afraid of story of how she was motivated to Project held Feb. 23-24 at the and men from all parts of the making a commitment. research modesty after being repulsed University of Notre Dame. country were invited to speak on Women “have to make a con- by the lack of privacy in the co-ed In seeking to redefine femi- various topics throughout the two- scious decision about how we bathrooms at her college. In her nism, conference organizers chose day conference. Speakers included want to be treated as women,” she research, she came to realize that to focus on a uniquely Catholic Notre Dame students and alumni, said, explaining that today’s cul- women and men are made in the perspective on healing; healing on as well as national figures like ture tends to define sexuality as image of God, and “Modesty is about an individual level for those who Deirdre McQuade, director of “doing, not being,” even though protecting what is precious, what is have been victimized by real vio- planning and information for the PHOTOS BY DIANE FREEBY our sexuality is integrated into inside, what’s unique about us.” lence, and on a cultural level for U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro- Annamaria Scaperlanda, a senior who we are as a whole person. Economist Jennifer Roback all who are negatively impacted by Life Activities. philosophy major at the DeSolenni also touched on the Morse, author of “Love and a society where eating disorders, Moral theologian Janet Smith University of Notre Dame, did the inappropriate sexualization of Economics: Why the Laissez-Faire pornography, sexual assault and talked about how contraceptives initial research into Catholic femi- women in the media, and this Family Doesn’t Work,” talked attacks on women’s sexual health change women and men biologi- nism that resulted in the Edith theme was further developed by about “dumb sex,” which she said are common concerns. cally and emotionally, negatively Stein Conference. Brandi Lee, founder and editor-in- included casual sex, living together This is the third year for the impacting the natural hormones chief of True Girl magazine. Lee without marriage and having a conference, a product of research that attract members of the oppo- created a culture of recreational explained that she founded the baby without a father in the pic- done by Notre Dame senior site sex to one another. This results sex, resulting in a multitude of magazine, which has a target audi- ture. “Smart sex,” she said has two Anamaria Scaperlanda. The tone of in relationship problems between problems, including high incidence ence of Catholic girls ages 12 to purposes: procreation and spousal the conference is reflected in the the sexes, as well as physical prob- of sexually transmitted diseases, 18 and a circulation of 5,000, unity. St. Thomas Aquinas had this words of its patron saint, Edith lems for the woman, ranging from emotional trauma and at-risk fami- because other publications for girls figured out centuries ago, Roback Stein: “The capacity for empathy increased risk for depression and lies, said Smith, who is the Father and women are focused on physi- Morse said, and now science is with others and their needs and the certain cancers. Michael J. McGivney Chair of cal perfection, Hollywood celebri- catching up, for the results of capacity and docility for adaptation Furthermore, the separation of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major ties and what it takes to attract and “dumb sex” are wreaking havoc are more developed in the nature of sex from babies and marriage has Seminary in Detroit. please a man. Lee said her maga- on individuals and society. Speakers share stories of healing and faith Rachel’s Vineyard offers a Nolan and Cathy continued to BY DIANE FREEBY message of hope and healing, pro- date when she enrolled at viding retreats throughout the year Northwestern University and then NOTRE DAME — It is God’s to women in need. Beth Bauer, married. Cathy and Denis experi- infinite mercy that ultimately who helps women with this heal- enced spiritual and relational ups saved Bernadette Roy as she ing, said it takes on average five and downs early on, separating for exclaimed in the session, Trauma to 15 years for a woman to deal a short time. and Healing After Abortion: with the painful reality of her During their separation, Nolan Neither Do I Condemn You. abortion. made some choices she would later Her story began like many Those interested in learning regret, including turning to a birth other women. Roy came from a more may visit Rachel’s Vineyard control device that could also work large Catholic family, the fourth of online at rachelsvineyard.org . as an abortifacient. But as she and eight children. She married her “We want to take something Denis reconciled, Nolan buried the high school sweetheart and by Satan intended for evil and turn it shame and moved ahead into a life 1973 had two children. There into good,” Bauer said, “to glorify of prayer, joy and family having were problems in the marriage, God by helping other women and seven children in a row. God was and Roy found herself divorced men suffering from abortion.” clearly working in their lives. and single. She made some poor In another session, The “God’s way is not to hide our choices, “hooked up” and became Healing of the Feminine: A Case shame,” explained Nolan. “God’s pregnant. Bernadette Roy shares her jour- in Point, Cathy Nolan illustrated Cathy Nolan, wife and mother of way is to name it, to entrust it into “I went to Planned ney of healing after suffering that the glorification of God eight children currently works at his hands and to teach us that he Parenthood,” recalled Roy. “They from an abortion. Beth Bauer of through prayer brings healing. She the Women’s Care Center. She loves us more than anything we talked about termination because Project Rachel followed with her shared her faith journey and spoke of her personal faith jour- can do.” there could be complications.” offered a plan for other women to ney and how prayer and journal- Today, in addition to praying Ashamed to tell anyone else, talk on “Trauma and Healing begin their own healing. ing lead to healing. with other women and teaching Roy made her decision without after Abortion: Neither Do I Nolan, who took a 20-year sab- them how to use journaling as a any more input. She made the Condemn You.” Beth discussed batical between her junior and springboard to conversation with decision alone to abort her baby. the many healing resources avail- senior year at Saint Mary’s Nolan. “By my junior year, every- Jesus and Mary, Nolan continues “God kept calling me out,” able to those who survive the College to be a co-creator with thing was changing. Sexuality was her pro-life calling on the front said Roy. “I was working, doing horror of abortion. God and begin a family, went on up for grabs.” lines at the Women’s Care Center. some repairs in a friend’s home, to complete her master’s degree in As Nolan described the terror “God wants us healed and not when her curly-haired little girl Catholic Church. theology. She was invited to be a she experienced when a male full of shame and brokenness,” jumped in my lap and hugged me. “I received an annulment,” said member of the Mariological acquaintance made an attempt at said Nolan. “God wants us recre- Her mother told me how her Roy. “I went to confession 20 Society of America because, rape, she also revealed the discon- ated in his image. daughter was usually so shy times about my abortion.” She according to the society’s presi- nect many of her generation around others. I just cried and then remarried in the church and dent, “she encompasses the appeared to be experiencing, cried. I went home and cried that became more involved in the faith unique combination of a scholar’s between their behavior and what entire night. The next morning, I she had once abandoned. intellect and a mother’s heart.” they were after in their hearts. The Edith Stein Conference was spon- put on my face and tried to return Roy recalled the night she truly Nolan chronicled her journey Depressed and confused, sored by the Notre Dame to my life.” began to heal. “I went to dinner from obedient daughter in the Nolan dropped out of college her Departments of Psychology, The pain continued. One day, with five church friends, and one 1950s to a questioning college junior year and went home. Nolan Theology and Philosophy; the Roy visited her former in-laws. broke into tears as she revealed student during the confusion of ended up marrying the one guy Center for Ethics and Culture; the Her former father-in-law was she had once had an abortion. I the 1960s and 70s. who showed genuine care and Center for Social Concerns; touched by her visible pain, and realized that at a table of six “When I entered Saint Mary’s, compassion by coming by to visit Campus Ministry; and the Our he gently brought her back to the friends, two of us had abortions.” the rules were strict,” recalled and see how she was doing. Denis Sunday Visitor Institute. 4 TODAY’ S CATHOLIC MARCH 4, 2007 YOU CAN LEND A HAND HIGHLIGHTS
PROVIDED BY QUALITY DINING St. Louis Academy took home the grand prize of $250, the traveling trophy, 500 tickets to an additional Komets’ game and a school visit by Komets mascot, Icy D. Eagle, for the second year at You Can Lend a Hand Night. In the photo are, front row from left, Jessica Van Horn, Noah Van Horn, Taryn Van Horn and back row, Jake Van Horn, Tiffany May, Jarrett Lortie, Mercedes Matter, You Can DENNIS FECH Bishop Dwenger’s fine arts addition is quickly taking shape. The goal Lend A Hand Program Coordinator Kelly Van Horn and is to have the new space ready for occupancy following spring break in Nathan May. In South Bend cheerleaders and music stu- early April. The inset photo shows interior construction in the fine dents performed at the University of Notre Dame arts addition of Bishop Dwenger High School. Women’s Basketball game against De Paul. Bishop Dwenger High School’s Pope denounces trend fine arts addition takes shape
BY DENNIS FECH dents and a multi-purpose room order to begin construction of a toward ‘designer embryos’ can be used by the school’s show new classroom wing in late choir, dance team and other spring. Dwenger has experienced BY JOHN THAVIS including pressure to legalize FORT WAYNE — The first groups within the school. Over nearly 15 years of steady growth abortion, new forms of chemical phase of Bishop Dwenger’s the past few years, Bishop in its enrollment. Currently more abortion introduced under the pre- expansion effort is moving Dwenger has experience tremen- than 1,070 students attend VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope text of “reproductive health,” and towards completion. The 42,000 dous growth in the fine arts cur- Dwenger making it one of the Benedict XVI denounced the the continuing politics of demo- square-foot addition will house riculum. More and more students three largest Catholic high high-tech trend that encourages graphic control. new band and choir rooms as are pursuing the academic honors schools in the state. parents to seek the “perfect child” In richer countries, he said, well as space for campus min- diploma, which requires a mini- The additional classrooms are through genetic selection. biotechnological engineering aims istry, the service coordinator, mum of two semesters of either needed to meet the needs of the In a speech Feb. 24 to more to establish “subtle and extensive maintenance and Saints Alive. visual or performing arts. Over current students and staff. A than 350 Catholic medical profes- methods of eugenics in the obses- The goal is to have the new space 300 students are taking visual number of teachers do not have sionals, the pope said so-called sive search for the ‘perfect child,’ ready for occupancy following arts at this time with another 150 their own classrooms and three “designer embryos” represent one through artificial procreation and spring break in early April. or so in the performing arts. of the current rooms in use are of many contemporary attacks on various forms of diagnosis that Once complete, the new band Once the band and choir move below the minimum size for a human life. allow selection.” room will accommodate approxi- into their new space, the existing high school classroom. The attacks have increased to He said this kind of genetic mately 100 students for both music room will be converted Dwenger is now reaching out the point that the Christian con- selection is part of “a new wave of class and rehearsals. Individual into three art classrooms. The to all of its parents, alumni and science has been lulled, and even discrimination” aimed at unborn. practice rooms will allow stu- school currently offers several friends in an effort to bring the good people sometimes seem par- The pope also warned against dents to work on private lessons classes in both two and three- campaign to a close. The school alyzed in the face of collective increasing pressure to legalize as well as prepare for the annual dimensional art. The curriculum is confident it will reach its goal social pressure against the right to euthanasia. In addition to such Indiana State School Music is expected to expand with the that will help insure the future of life, he said. direct attacks on life, he said, Association (ISSMA) competi- addition of the new classrooms. the school for many years to The pope listed a number of efforts are multiplying to legalize tion each year. Ample storage Bishop Dwenger High School come. If anyone wants to learn ways in which human life is “alternative” forms of cohabitation will be available for a music has raised nearly $6.7 million more about the current campaign, threatened in poorer nations today, that are closed to procreation. library, uniform and instrument towards an $8 million goal in its they may contact the school’s storage. ONE Family Committed to the development office at (260) 496- A separate choir room will Future Campaign. The goal is to 1706 or e-mail dfech@bish- Love accommodate another 90 stu- raise an additional $1.4 million in opdwenger.com. never dies. The Memorial Tear™is a tear drop, to be worn in memory of someone loved. There is a rose inside as a symbol of the love that never dies. (I Corinthians 13:8, 13) Available in necklace or lapel pin. Sterling Silver or 10K gold
AQUINAS 2306 Mishawaka Avenue South Bend 46615 (574) 287-1091 MARCH 4, 2007 TODAY’ S CATHOLIC 5 Sister Thea Bowman lived a full Pope says Christ on cross helps life of hope, love and justice. Christians recognize sin, God’s love
BY MAY LEE JOHNSON remembered receiving a standing BY CINDY WOODEN Pope Benedict asked Catholics ovation after her presentation as during Lent to keep their hearts keynote speaker. At the close of and minds focused on Christ’s he always had a song in her the meeting, she invited the bish- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — crucifixion, because it is the best heart and a prayer in her soul ops to stand, linked arm in arm, Contemplating Christ on the way “to understand fully what sin Sfor social justice for all races and sang with much enthusiasm, cross, Christians recognize the is, how tragic its seriousness is, and creeds in the Catholic Church. “We Shall Overcome.” seriousness of their sins and the and at the same time how incom- Bertha Bowman was born Dec. At 46, Sister Thea was diag- power of God’s love, Pope parable the Lord’s power and 29, 1937. She attended a nosed with terminal bone cancer, Benedict XVI said. mercy are.” Methodist church but went to which spread to her brain. “Only by turning our gaze to Keeping their eyes on Christ, Holy Child Jesus School in This didn’t slow her down, as Jesus, dying on the cross for us, he said, people also should allow Canton, Miss. At the age of 9, she she continued to minister from her can this basic truth be known and themselves to feel that he is was so touched by the sisters who wheelchair. Her prayer was “to contemplated: God is love,” he watching them. taught her that she received her live until I die.” said Feb. 25 before praying the “The one we have pierced parents’ permission to become a Sister Thea had lived a full life Angelus with visitors in St. with our sins never tires of pour- Catholic. of hope, love and justice. A holy Peter’s Square. ing out on the world an inex- With a beautiful voice, brilliant woman of our times, she loved The midday appearance was haustible torrent of merciful mind and dynamic personality, God. She loved her faith. She went Pope Benedict’s last public love,” he said. Bertha, who would become Sister home to be with her loving God engagement before he and top Pope Benedict prayed that Thea Bowman, a Sister of the like a shooting star in 1990. Vatican officials began their humanity would come to under- Third Order of St. Francis of “Sister Thea Bowman — Shooting weeklong Lenten retreat in the stand “that this is the only source Perpetual Adoration, intended to A personal witness Star” contains selected writings evening. from which to draw the indispen- make the world a better place. And and speeches and is published by The pope asked the people in sable spiritual energy needed to she did. Today’s Catholic contributor the square to accompany him Saint Mary’s Press Christian build that peace and happiness “Many people considered Sister May Lee Johnson remembers per- with their prayers, and he prom- for which every human being is Brothers Publication, Winona, Thea Bowman to be a prophetic sonally meeting Sister Thea ised to pray for them as well. looking.” voice in the church,” Holy Cross Bowman when she visited South Minn. Brother Roy Smith, from the Bend in the early 1980s. University of Notre Dame, said. Johnson had never really met “Some saw her as having a or spoken with a black sister, so Cragan’s Irish Imports prophetic voice in calling the when her friend Brother Roy church, the people of God to bring Smith called her to say Sister Thea about justice and peace to all of would be speaking at Notre Dame, about leaving the Catholic Church St. Pat’s Day Headquarters God’s people.” Johnson went to the lecture. at the time, discussed her concerns After a career in higher educa- Johnson said she thought it with Sister Thea. tion, she turned her immense ener- would be interesting to meet her Sister Thea responded that she Authentic Gifts gy and love into teaching others and hear what she had to say about would never allow the undervalu- the beauty of a multicultural blacks and Catholics. ing of African-Americans and Irish Music world. Johnson had no idea what to women in the church and society She loved music, and had a expect, so she had dinner with her. stop her from doing her part. Goods Food candid and uncompromising per- “When I saw her decked out in Later, Johnson found this quote sonal acceptance of all people. She her native African dress, I was in some notes she had taken years was singer, dancer, liturgist and shocked,” Johnson said, “but she ago: “I like being black. I like evangelist, and she spent her life greeted me with a warm smile and being myself, and I thank God for preaching the good news as a big hug, and I quickly knew I was making me my black self and Open Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-5 woman and as a Franciscan sister. in good company.” that’s when I decided to become At the U.S. Conference of After the two talked a few min- fully functioning, to the church 1643 Edison Plaza • South Bend • 243-1400 Catholic Bishops in 1989, she was utes, Johnson, who was thinking and the world.” TODAY’SCATHOLIC welcomes you!
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