Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 27 No. 2 March 2011 Pure Reality Rally off ers a Christian vision for relationships between men and women And the T-shirts off er a challenge

(NTC photo/Joan Kurkowski-Gillen) Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Rally speakers offer a Christian take on the holiness of marital love, the integrity of body, mind, and spirit

Christine Aubert played a testimony with 1,100 young people Evert; Stephanie Balser, a member part of the pro-life movement attending the Pure Reality Rally of the -based Th eology of before she was ever born. Her held Feb. 12 at the Metro Center in the Body Evangelization Team; ultrasound image, taken at eight Arlington. Sponsored by the Youth Steve Pokorny, associate director weeks gestation, became a pivotal for Life offi ces of the dioceses of of the Offi ce of Family Life for moment in her father’s conversion. Fort Worth and Dallas, the event the Archdiocese of San Antonio; (CNS photo/Lisa A. Johnston) As a young man, Chris Aubert is an opportunity to help young and Aubert who lectures on the believed abortion was a woman’s people strengthen their moral abortion issue from the male The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, March 9 choice and stood by as two former convictions in regard to chastity perspective. Fort Worth Msgr. John Shamleff er places ashes on the forehead of a child during Ash Wednesday girlfriends terminated pregnancies. and the Culture of Life. and Dallas Bishop in 2010 at St. Joseph's Church in Clayton, . The observes the His opinion quickly changed Th e rally began with a concelebrated a start of Lent by marking baptized Christians with a public and communal sign of penance. after viewing the grainy picture praise and worship concert closing Mass with the teens. of a perfectly formed daughter in by Joe Languell and featured Fifteen-year-old Christine This year Ash Wednesday is March 9. (CNS photo/Lisa A. Johnston) utero. Th e skeptic turned pro-life presentations by nationally- Aubert, who attended the rally with advocate and father shared his recognized chastity speaker Jason SEE PURE, P. 20 PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH 2011 ShepherdOur Speaks Growing closer to Christ during the season of Lent Dear Brothers and Th ere are many things that we can do desire to understand its true content: what during the season of Lent to bring about does the biblical text say in itself? Without Sisters in Christ, penance, conversion, and atonement for this, there is always a risk that the text will n these days, we fi nd ourselves in sin. One way is certainly through fasting become a pretext for never moving beyond the early Sundays of Ordinary Time and abstaining from meat. Ash Wednesday our own ideas. Next comes meditation Ibetween the end of the celebration of and Good Friday are both days of fast and (meditatio), which asks: what does the the Christmas season and the beginning abstinence, and all Fridays during Lent are biblical text say to us? Here, each person, of the season of Lent. Th is time is called days of abstaining from meat. While these individually but also as a member of the Ordinary Time, not that there is something are days in which fasting and abstinence is an community, must let himself or herself less important or less interesting than other obligation, we can also fast during other days be moved and challenged. Following times and seasons in the Liturgical Year, as a way of doing penance and mortifi cation. this comes prayer (oratio), which asks the but because the season is governed by the Fasting is a powerful way of not only doing question: what do we say to the Lord in Sundays that are counted by the ordinal penance, but curbing the desires of the fl esh response to his word? Prayer, as petition, numbers, that is the third, sixth, fourteenth and increasing in virtue and self-control. intercession, thanksgiving and praise, is the Sunday, etc. It is during this time that we Another way we can grow closer to primary way by which the word transforms continue to journey with the Lord and Christ during the season of Lent is through us. Finally, lectio divina concludes with ponder the mysteries of his life and saving an increase in prayer and in practicing contemplation (contemplatio), during mission, and work to allow the grace of the many rich devotions the Church has which we take up, as a gift from God, his Christ to illuminate our hearts and minds as provided for us over the centuries. Prayer own way of seeing and judging reality, and Bishop Kevin Vann we continue on our pilgrimage of faith as the is the way we off er our hearts to God, and ask ourselves what conversion of mind, Body of Christ, the Church. Th e color for in preparation for his public ministry. After the more that we take the time to pray, the heart and life is the Lord asking of us? In Ordinary Time is green, which is the color the legalization of Christianity in the Roman deeper our relationship with Christ will be. the Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul tells of hope because we await in joyful hope the Empire the 40 day penitential season of Lent It is important to remember that ultimately us: “Do not be conformed to this world, coming of the Lord and always live our lives became much more universal and is even prayer should be from the heart, and that but be transformed by the renewal of your with great hope in the promises of Christ. mentioned in the disciplinary canons of the even the shortest spontaneous prayer from mind, that you may prove what is the In a few short weeks, we will once again Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Since this the heart can be very powerful. In fact, our will of God, what is good and acceptable begin the season of Lent which is quite a bit time, the 40 days of Lent and its penitential everyday lives can be fi lled with prayer, if we and perfect” (12:2). Contemplation aims later this year due to the lateness of Easter. focus has been universally observed in the are open to the Holy Spirit and simply talk at creating within us a truly wise and Lent is a time that is set aside by the Church Church. to God throughout our day. In the words of discerning vision of reality, as God sees to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Ash Wednesday, celebrated on March St. John Chrysostom: “It is possible to off er it, and at forming within us “the mind Christ’s death and Resurrection during 9 this year, begins the season of Lent with fervent prayer even while walking in public of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). Th e word of God Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum of the sober reminder: Remember that you or strolling alone, or seated in your shop,… appears here as a criterion for discernment: Holy Th ursday, Good Friday, and Easter. are dust and to dust you shall return.” while buying or selling,…or even while it is “living and active, sharper than any Lent is given to us as a time to examine our Ash Wednesday reminds all of us of two cooking.” two-edged sword, piercing to the division lives, to seek a deeper and more profound important things. First, it is a reminder Finally, reading and praying with of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, conversion to Christ, and to make reparation that God created us “out of the dust of the Sacred Scripture can be another very and discerning the thoughts and intentions for sin through prayer and almsgiving. As ground” (Genesis 2:7) and that we were powerful and fruitful Lenten devotion that of the heart” (Heb 4:12). We do well also Th e Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the created by God and are called to live in the can signifi cantly deepen our relationship to remember that the process of lectio Second Vatican Council states, "Th e two goodness and grace of Christ. We do not live with Christ. One way of praying with and divina is not concluded until it arrives at elements which are especially characteristic this life for ourselves, but for others and are contemplating with Scripture that has been a action (actio), which moves the believer of Lent — the recalling of baptism or the called to live a life of faith, hope, and love. part of the Church’s life for centuries is lectio to make his or her life a gift for others in preparation for it, and penance — should be Secondly , it reminds us that we will all at divina. Pope Benedict XVI on his recent charity (Verbum Domini, 86). given greater emphasis in the liturgy and in some point suff er death and will face our Apostolic Exhortation on the Word of God in liturgical catechesis. It is by means of them own particular judgment before Christ of the Mission of the Church, Verbum Domini As we approach the season of Lent and that the Church prepares the faithful for the how we lived our lives and cooperated with highlighted and encouraged lectio divina as enter into it, you will certainly be in my celebration of Easter, while they hear God's the graces that were given us. It is a call to an effi cacious way of encountering Christ prayers, that your Lenten journey will be word more frequently and devote more time a deeper and more profound conversion to through Scripture. Here the Holy Father fruitful and help us all to grow in holiness. to prayer" (109). Christ and to turn away from our sinfulness teaches us this wonderful way of praying and Th e observance of the season of Lent and vices. meditating upon Sacred Scripture: goes back to the very early times of the Th e practice of Ash Wednesday actually Church when the early Christians recognized developed from the practice of public Th e documents produced before and that there needed to be some sort of penance penitence that was common in the earlier during the Synod mentioned a number +Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD and preparation before celebrating the times in the Church when those who were of methods for a faith-fi lled and fruitful Diocese of Fort Worth Paschal Mysteries at Easter. Th e earliest practicing public penance would cover approach to sacred Scripture. Yet the observances of this time of prayer, penance, themselves with ashes and sackcloth as a way greatest attention was paid to lectio and fasting in the second and third centuries of doing penance for sin. Ash Wednesday divina, which is truly “capable of opening varied in both the East and the West and is a little, but profound way at the very up to the faithful the treasures of God’s in many places started only as two or three beginning of Lent that we profess that we are word, but also of bringing about an days, and even as 40 hours in preparation for sinners and are in need of Christ’s redeeming encounter with Christ, the living word of Easter. Eventually, the practice transitioned grace, and is a witness and a reminder to all God”. I would like here to review the basic into a preparation time of 40 days, mirroring that Christ is our Savior and the universal steps of this procedure. It opens with the the 40 days that Christ spent in the desert call to conversion and holiness. reading (lectio) of a text, which leads to a CONTENTS North March 2011 Texas Features Departments catholic Msgr. Hubert Neu had served 4-5 Briefl y PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann nearly 60 years as a priest 6 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina By Jenara Kocks Burgess 8-9 Voices EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez David Mills makes the case for ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau authenticity of the four Gospels 10 Vocations 8 WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner By David Mills CIRCULATION: Rita Garber 11 Catechesis Eff orts to protect human life are REGULAR COLUMNISTS: 13 moving ahead with fresh energy 12 Features Denise Bossert By Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore Jean Denton Kathy Cribari Hamer TCC among voices telling states to 18-19 Word to Life Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley 22 heed needs of poor as they make cuts David Mills By Nancy Frazier O'Brien 22-24 Spanish Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Lucas Pollice Father John Rausch Bookmarked Bishop Vann yet? Father Kyle Walterscheid Contributors: f you haven't been reading Bishop Vann's blog, you've been missing a lot. face right now, beginning on Page 13. Michele Baker I've always said our bishop gives a whole new dimension to the word peri- Columnist David Mills gives us some of the arguments made to reinforce our Jenara Kocks Burgess patetic. It means always on the move. With 28 counties and more than 80 belief that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the only truly John English churches, it takes a lot of movement to tend to the needs of a far fl ung fl ock. I authentic versions of Jesus' message. The other pretenders to that authority, he Juan Guajardo And with responsibilities at the national level, as liaison of the U.S. to the says, generally tend to make fewer demands of us. David is on Page 8. Kathy Cribari Hamer Catholic Health Association and as part of the committee dealing with how Angli- Joan Kurkowski-Gillen cans are and will be coming into the Roman Catholic Church under the provisions If you're wondering what the Church is saying to those who are cutting many Donna Ryckaert of Pope Benedict's Anglican Personal Ordinariate, keeping up with Bishop Vann is basic budget items, threatening the basic safety net for the poor and working Kristin Zschiesche an adventure. His blog tracks his travels in and outside the diocese, and he covers and middle class people, the Catholic News Service article on Page 21 will a lot of ground teaching and keeping us informed about feast days and church his- help answer your questions. The article leads off with creative thinking from the Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas tory. Like I said, if you're not reading him at least occasionally, you're missing out. Texas Catholic Conference. How about that? 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort You can simply click on Bishop's Blog on the diocese's home page: www. Thanks for reading us. Please visit us on the Web for updates and fresh news at Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. fwdioc.org. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is www.fwdioc.org/ntc. (You could bookmark us too.) published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, And if this issue seems like it has a lot of pro-life emphases (even more than Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Jeff Hensley Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 usual) that's because there's a lot going on. The center section begins with for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Editor Chanacee Ruth-Kilgore outlining some of the challenges and opportunities we Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the following month as the date of issue. The Law of Fast and Abstinence in the Diocese of Fort Worth To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. org/ntc The United have celebrated their are chronically or especially appropriate acts of mortifi cation The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must States Conference of 18th birthday until seriously ill individuals that these acts be and works of charity. exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. Catholic Bishops has one has celebrated who cannot fast or performed on Fridays The bishops of the determined that the his/her 59th birthday. abstain. Th e Church in place of the Friday have following practices Abstinence from meat still calls for these fast. urged Catholics to shall prevail in the i s to b e ob s er ve d on t he individuals to No one can be consider abstaining United States: Fast Fridays of Lent by all participate in acts of dispensed from the from meat on Fridays and Abstinence are to who have celebrated penance and works of necessity of doing “as a tangible sign of be observed on Ash their 14th birthday. charity. Th ese can be penance. Catholics our need and desire Wednesday and Good The Church performed throughout are strongly urged to do penance for the Friday by all those who recognizes that there the week; however, it is to practice voluntary cause of peace.” PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011

Vatican officials express hopes for Egypt’s future Father John Harvey, OSFS, founder of Courage, VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican’s Mubarak’s parliament, a suspension group for celibate homosexuals, dies at 92 ambassador to Egypt said he hoped the of the constitution with the promise ELKTON, Maryland (CNS) — Oblate the country country’s future would include greater of establishing a committee to rewrite Father John F. Harvey, who founded and world to social justice and greater freedom for it, and the promise of elections in six an organization for celibate Catholic offer a voice of all of the country’s people. months. homosexuals that now has more than compassion.” In an interview with Vatican Radio Cardinal , 100 chapters worldwide, died Dec. 27 Born in Feb. 11, Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald of the Congregation for Eastern Briefly at Union Hospital in Elkton. He was 92. Philadelphia in said he hoped the Supreme Council of Churches, told Vatican Radio Feb. 14 His funeral Mass was scheduled for 1918, Fr. Harvey the Armed Forces, which is running that he hoped the patient commitment Dec. 31 at St. Anthony of Padua Church entered the Fr. Harvey Egypt, would follow the direction of to nonviolence and democracy that Nation, World, Church in Wilmington, Delaware, followed by Oblate novitiate constitutional reform and “will also motivated the protesters would interment in the Oblate Cemetery in after high school and made his first respond to the other demands of the continue to inspire changes in Egypt Elkton. profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1937. population with regard to social justice for the good of all of its citizens, An Oblate of St. Francis de Sales He was ordained June 3, 1944, at the and with regard to political liberties including the Christian minority. for 73 years, Fr. Harvey founded Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in as well.” “These changes could signal Courage, a spiritual support group Philadelphia by Auxiliary Bishop Hugh Archbishop Fitzgerald, the Vatican situations of difficulty, but they also for homosexual men and women, in Lamb of Philadelphia. in Cairo, said that even before can represent seeds of hope for a new 1980 at the request of Cardinal Terence Fr. Harvey had written more President Hosni Mubarak resigned situation,” the cardinal said. Cooke of New York and served as its than 45 articles in professional Feb. 11, the Egyptian leader had given Egypt’s 8 million to 10 million national director until his death. theological and psychological journals his vice president the task of studying Coptic Orthodox and up to 250,000 Today, Courage has chapters in on questions of human sexuality and various articles of the constitution with Coptic Catholics have a right to express the United States, Canada, England, counseling. a view of amending them in response their opinions and hopes in the process Ireland, Poland, Mexico, Slovakia, In addition to the members of to protesters’ demands for greater of rewriting the nation’s constitutions, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the his religious community, Fr. Harvey is democracy. he said. Philippines, and New Zealand. survived by his sister, Margaret Smith, “Fr. Harvey’s commitment to and many nieces and nephews and Mubarak’s promises of reform “I certainly think they should be (CNS photo/Karen Bonar, The Register) were not enough for protesters, and he listened to, and I also hope that their Archbishop Paul S. Coakley accepts the apostolic mandate naming him head of the Archdiocese pastoral care in the Church was grandnieces and grandnephews. was forced to hand over power to the opinions will be accepted. I also hope of Oklahoma City during his Feb. 11 installation Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Edmond, tireless,” said Oblate Father James J. In the Diocese of Fort Worth, the military and step down. that in the constitution there are those Oklahoma. Looking on at right is his father, John Coakley Jr., wearing a red tie. Archbishop Greenfield, provincial of the Oblates’ diocesan liaison for the DFW Courage As Mubarak left the capital and fundamental principles that affirm Coakley, formerly bishop of Salina, Kansas, succeeds Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran. Wilmington-Philadelphia province, in group is Father Jim Gigliotti. To find the military took over, the nuncio the dignity of men and women, the Oklahoma City Catholics urged to become a statement. “Even in his later years, out about upcoming meetings, call his travel would take him all over (817) 963-6335. told Vatican Radio, “We are still in an freedom of all and civic coexistence ‘agents of new evangelization’ uncertain position, but the people are with respect for others and respect for very happy — they are rejoicing — the law,” Cardinal Sandri said. EDMOND, Oklahoma (CNS) — As chief live on the Eternal Word Television and we hope that this euphoria will “I really hope the wisdom that the teacher of the faithful, new Archbishop Network. More than 30 archbishops Bishops' Pro-Life Catholic Pakistani produce a moment of solidarity for the Egyptians have and that they showed Paul S. Coakley didn’t hesitate to begin and bishops attended, as well as more Office hails House cabinet minister not people in this country.” during the demonstrations, which instructing his people. than 200 priests and deacons from Committee move afraid of death threats The Supreme Council of the Armed were conducted in a peaceful way and In his homily after being installed the archdiocese and from the Kansas WASHINGTON (USCCB) — The OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) — Pakistan’s Forces announced Feb. 13 a series in which they expressed their desire Feb. 11 as the fourth archbishop of dioceses of Salina, where he served Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the minister for minorities refuses to of steps needed for a democratic for change, will enlighten their future Oklahoma City, Archbishop Coakley as bishop for six years, and Wichita, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stop speaking against his country’s transition, including the dissolution of steps,” he said. urged them “to become agents of a where he had been a diocesan priest. welcomed the approval in committee blasphemy law even though he is a new evangelization.” The new evangelization of the Protect Life Act H.R. 358. primary target for assassination. “The call for a new evangelization “challenges us never to be satisfied Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Pitts “I have been told by pro- is a challenge and an opportunity for with a superficial faith, a comfortable (R-) and Rep. Dan Lipinski Taliban religious extremists that if Former Vatican Ambassador Glendon the Church today to find effective ways faith, a faith that has little to do with (D-) and 123 co-sponsors, I will continue to speak against the of announcing Jesus Christ and making the way we live our lives between discusses making a difference in any vocation the Protect Life Act would apply blasphemy law, I will be beheaded,” him known and loved at a moment in Sundays,” Archbishop Coakley said. “It longstanding federal policies on said Shahbaz Bhatti, the first Christian PRINCETON, New Jersey (CNS) — wonder whether even if they somehow history and in the midst of a culture summons all of us to put out into the abortion funding, and conscience to hold a cabinet post in Pakistan. When discerning the possibility of survived with their principles intact that no longer considers God relevant deep and cast our nets in obedience to rights on abortion, to the Patient Bhatti, a Roman Catholic, said he a vocation to political life, many whether ... things are so hopeless in to its pursuits and concerns,” he said. Jesus Christ, to become his witnesses Protection and Affordable Care Act does not feel any fear. question whether they will truly be the country or in the world that they “The word of God must be and to be amazed at the abundance of (PPACA) passed last March. On Feb. 15, “As a Christian, I believe Jesus able to make a difference in the world. won’t be able to, as they say, ‘make a proclaimed to all the nations,” he the catch that the Lord will provide,” the full House Energy and Commerce is my strength,” he said. “He has But according to Mary Ann Glendon, difference.’” continued. “Jesus Christ is the good he said. Committee approved H.R. 358 in a bi- given me a power and wisdom and focusing on one’s immediate impact Such concerns, she explained, are news, for which every human heart is Archbishop Coakley drew laughter partisan vote (33 to 19), and rejected motivation to serve the suffering often misses the bigger picture. nothing new for those with political searching, and we are its witnesses. when he directed his comments to the three amendments that would have humanity. Glendon, professor of law at aspirations. Drawing upon the lives of But if we are to be credible witnesses, youth of his archdiocese. weakened the bill. “I follow the principles of my Harvard University Law School and Roman political philosopher Cicero and we ourselves have to be fully “Do not be afraid to let Jesus into "The committee's action is an conscience, and I am ready to die and former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, 18th-century statesman Edmund Burke evangelized.” your lives. Let Jesus ‘friend’ you,” important step toward authentic sacrifice my life for the principles I spoke to a packed crowd of students, as examples, Glendon demonstrated Archbishop Coakley’s installation he said, referring to Facebook. “His health care reform that respects believe,” he said. professors, and members of the that the path to bringing about true took place before more than 1,200 friendship is so much deeper and more the dignity of all, from conception Bhatti was in Ottawa Feb. 7, surrounding community on the topic change in the world is often bumpy. people at St. John the Baptist Church faithful than others who may ‘friend’ onward," Deirdre McQuade, USCCB meeting with Canadian cabinet of politics as a vocation on the campus At the time of each man’s death, in Edmond, the largest Catholic and then ‘defriend’ you just as quickly. pro-life spokeswoman, said. ministers to raise awareness of his of Princeton University Feb. 7. The Glendon added, each may have church in the archdiocese, and aired Jesus will never ‘defriend’ you.” talk was sponsored by the Aquinas considered himself a failure for his Helen Alvare, a former USCCB pro- campaign to reform the blasphemy Institute, Princeton’s Catholic campus inability to achieve the political goals life spokeswoman, spoke at a Feb. 9 law, which has been used to persecute chaplaincy. that he had set out to accomplish. French Senate rejects euthanasia on demand hearing on the Protect Life Act before Christians and other religious Throughout her career, Glendon Centuries later, however, history PARIS (CNS) — The French Senate has on the amendment, Catholic pro-life the House Energy and Commerce minorities. said, she has seen many promising remembers both men as being greatly rejected legislation that would have groups conducted a vigil and protest, Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. Pakistan’s blasphemy law students change their minds about influential for the writings they left permitted any adult to request a “quick during which about 700 people Alvare focused her remarks on was imposed in 1986 by General a career in politics, often expressing behind. and painless death.” pretended to be dead. the conscience protection aspects of Muhammad Zia ul-Haq, the former concerns that they will either be forced “I think the message here is that Under the draft Bioethics Law In a Jan. 25 letter to Senate the legislation, saying that conscience military dictator and president, who, to give in to political corruption to just because one doesn’t see the amendment, French citizens would have members, the spokesman for the French protection should not be seen as “a Bhatti said, wanted to use religion as succeed or risk being ineffective if they results of one’s own vocation in one’s been entitled to seek medical help to bishops’ conference, Bernard zero-sum game between conscience- a “political tool to divide the Pakistani stick to their values. own lifetime, doesn’t mean that those die when “in a terminal state, or with Podvin, said the idea of “relentless driven health care providers and the nation.” “Many wonder whether they efforts were in vain,” Glendon said. a serious and incurable illness causing therapy” for the dying repelled French patients they serve, particularly the Bhatti is virtually the only public would have to compromise their Thus when discerning one’s physical or psychological pain.” people, but added that “things affecting most vulnerable women.” figure now speaking against the law principles so much in order to get into vocation, she concluded, the question The right would have applied when the most intimate, ultimate, and sacred “The nation can and should both since the Jan. 4 assassination of the a position where they could have some of whether one can make a difference the pain “cannot be alleviated or is sphere and existential vulnerabilities” respect conscience-driven health care governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. influence, that they might become “is probably the wrong question.” considered unbearable,” enabling doctors should not be legislated on. providers, and deliver to the most Taseer had protested the death a different kind of person, that they Instead, she said, “we shouldn’t worry to bring about the patient’s death “as the Several bishops spoke against the vulnerable Americans the health care sentence given to a Christian mother of might lose their moral compass along too much about whether we are going outcome of a deliberate act.” legislation and urged Catholics to write their human dignity requires,” she told five, Asia Bibi, who was found guilty of the way,” Glendon said. “And many to see that difference." During the Senate’s Jan. 26 debate to their senators. the subcommittee. blasphemy. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 5

San Antonio executive Al Notzon appointed new chair of National Review Board WASHINGTON (CNS) — Archbishop National Timothy M. Dolan of New York, Review Board president of the U.S. Conference of since 2009 Catholic Bishops, has appointed Al J. and “related Briefly Notzon III of the Archdiocese of San that to the Antonio to chair the National Review Committee on Board. the Protection Diocesan, State He will succeed Diane Knight, the of Children and Al Notzon former director of Catholic Charities in Youth and to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, at the the bishops as a whole.” He also said close of the spring USCCB meeting in he looked forward to working with Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC June and hold the post until June 2013. Notzon over the next two years. Fr. Angel Infante, TOR, holds the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance as Alberto Serna, of St. In making the appointment, “The bishops of the United States Michael in Bedford, reaches out. Archbishop Dolan thanked Notzon “for greatly appreciate the prayers, advice Second annual Spanish-language men's retreat graciously and generously agreeing to and support of the NRB as we continue draws more than 350 to strengthen their faith accept the responsibilities of chairing our efforts to fulfill our promises to the National Review Board” and said reach out to victims/survivors, assure Approximately 360 men from audience to realize that they were he looks forward to working with him the safety of our children and young around the diocese gathered at St. made uniquely (and well) by God and over the next two years. people, and foster the holiness of our Bartholomew’s Parish Jan. 22 for the are cared for by the same God, even Notzon retired after 35 years as ,” he added. second annual Spanish-language though people sometimes forget this executive director of the Alamo Area Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, all-men’s retreat, titled “Hombres a because of the ways they are seen Council of Governments, a Texas Washington, chairman of the Semejanza de Jesús,” (Men in the image by others and the negative way they association of local governments. He Committee on the Protection of Christ), hosted by the Diocese of sometimes see themselves. was appointed to the Archdiocese of of Children and Young People, Fort Worth. The second talk, presented by Father San Antonio’s review board in 2003 also welcomed the news of the Photo Courtesy of Leo Hanus Although only a day long, the Ángel Infante, TOR, of All Saints Parish in and currently serves as its chairman. appointment commenting, “I look Leo Hanus, co-chair for the Denton Hike for Life, presents a check for $8,500 to Randy Bollig, retreat featured a Mass celebrated by Fort Worth, focused on the parable of the The National Review Board, which forward to continuing our collaboration executive director for Loreto House, a crisis pregnancy center located in Denton. Father Hector Medina, of St. prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke. Notzon joined in 2008, was established with the members of the NRB under Matthew Parish in Arlington, Adoration After a Holy Hour in which the Hike for Life in Denton raises $8,500 for in June 2002 as a consultative body Mr. Notzon’s leadership. They make an of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and 360 men in attendance had time to Loreto House crisis pregnancy center that reviews the annual report of enormous contribution to the Church worship, three talks, and two plays. meditate and pray before Christ in the the Secretariat of Child and Youth in helping the U.S. bishops to foster Gustavo Muñoz, a speaker from St. Blessed Sacrament, Muñoz finished The Denton Hike for Life, held Oct. 16, 2010, in South Lakes Park raised $8,500 Protection on the implementation a safe environment for children and Monica Parish in San Antonio, started the retreat with a final talk on the for Loreto House. According to its mission statement on its website, Loreto House of the Charter for the Protection of outreach to victims.” with his talk on the importance of difficulty of forgetting one’s past is a "Catholic Life Center and a Sanctuary of Hope for any woman, of any faith, Children and Young People and the Notzon holds a bachelor’s knowing oneself. He told the men that mistakes and moving forward in a new who is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy." recommendations that emerge from it. degree in economics from St. Mary’s they were created by God in his image life in Christ. The retreat was a major Approximately 100 hikers participated in the hike. Hike for Life Texas, which The National Review Board then offers University in San Antonio and has done and likeness, and lovingly adopted blessing for all who attended, and is organized and supported by the Knights of Columbus, raises money for crisis its assessment to the president of the graduate work in economics, law, and as his children. He encouraged the their families at home. pregnancy centers throughout the state. Leo Hanus and his wife Lorraine served as USCCB. urban planning. chair couple for the event. Leo serves on Loreto House's board of directors, and is Archbishop Dolan thanked Knight, Details regarding the National Faith leaders bring personal testimony to a past state deputy for the Knights of Columbus, and Lorraine volunteers at Holy who was appointed to the NRB in 2007, Review Board, its functions and other dialogue on death penalty Family Thrift Store which supports Loreto House. for the “excellent and collaborative members, can be found at http://www. This year’s Hike for Life is scheduled for Oct. 15. manner” in which she had led the usccb.org/ocyp/nrb.shtml. HOUSTON (CNS) — Religious leaders, a guilty one. I found the occasion including Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of instructive and alarming.” Texas Catholic Conference to sponsor Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day April 6 in Austin Galveston-Houston, brought personal Citing Evangelium Vitae (The testimony and the beliefs common to Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II’s 1995 The Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day, sponsored by the Texas Catholic Life an d family life issues — “Our foundational principle to protect their faiths to a recent dialogue on the encyclical indicating a preference for Conference (TCC), the official association of the 15 Bishops of Texas, will be held the life and dignity of all human persons calls us to work to end abortion, death penalty. a “nonlethal means of punishment as April 6 this year at the state capitol in Austin. euthanasia, destruction of human embryos, cloning, and assisted suicide. Cardinal DiNardo said the care more in keeping with the common A major function of the TCC is to be the public policy arm of the Bishops of Marriage and the family are central social institutions that must be supported and support brought to families and good and dignity of the human Texas before the Texas Legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state and strengthened.” communities victimized by murders is person,” the cardinal emphasized agencies.Catholics from around the state will be led by Bishop Kevin Vann, Immigration — “We recognize the historic and present-day contributions “an essential element and dimension of the need for catechesis on the Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of immigrants in Texas by supporting their ability to work in a healthy our religious convictions.” death penalty with parishioners and of San Antonio, Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin, Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, environment in order to provide for their families and continue their valuable “The humanizing attitude we seminarians. and Bishop Michael Mulvey of Corpus Christi. participation in the community.” can bring to the manner of punishing Cardinal DiNardo, who is chairman “Legislative Advocacy Days are an opportunity for Catholics around the Education — “We recognize parents as the primary educators of their crime and criminals requires now more of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro- state of Texas to voice the priorities of the Texas Bishops and participate in the children through supporting parental choice in education.” thinking and action in our culture, Life Activities, also said that “sharing political process,” said Catarina Torres, Missions and Social Concerns coordinator Health and human services — “We show God’s special concern for particularly in this faith, toward in the grief of those who lost a dear for Catholic Charities of Dallas in a promotional video on the TCC’s website. the poor and vulnerable by supporting programs that make health care more the elimination of punishment by one by violence is a significant aspect “The Bishops outline a number of priorities according to our Catholic faith, and affordable and accessible, provide environmental protections, and offer support execution,” he said. of our humanity and of our Christian Advocacy Day is an opportunity to visit the capitol and voice issues that affect the for morally appropriate health research”; The cardinal recalled leading a faith.” life and dignity of the people in Texas.” Criminal justice reform — We support fiscal and moral reform in our pro-life march in 2008, where 500 More than 500 people of various Participants are invited to visit the state capitol and advocate for the Texas state’s criminal justice system with an emphasis on ending the death penalty participants prayed at various sites denominations attended the Jan. 18 Bishops’ legislative agenda. People can participate through prayers, phone calls, and supporting successful rehabilitation and reintegration of those re-entering through Huntsville. The mile-long symposium at the Hobby Center. and by visiting the capitol on the advocacy day. society.” walk ended with a vigil at the state Joining Cardinal DiNardo “State representatives and senators really appreciate regular Catholic voters “I really wish to encourage everyone to participate as much as possible in penitentiary in Huntsville, which in exploring the issue were coming and seeing them,” said Rick Doucette, associate director of the Office Catholic Advocacy Day ... when many concerned Catholics will be gathering houses the state’s execution chamber, representatives of the local Baptist, of Life, Peace, and Justice for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, explaining how around the state capitol to visit legislators, and to learn more about the legislative and a meeting with prison authorities. Methodist, Presbyterian, Jewish, and participation in the Advocacy Day impacts the legislature in the video. “Most of process, and to really make our voice heard, which is very important as we as “It was a most sobering occasion,” Lutheran congregations and the group the time they tell us that they get visited by lobbyists that are paid by someone to Catholics seem to engage more actively in the life of the public square,” said Cardinal DiNardo said. “The authorities in Action. advocate for a particular position and they very rarely see just regular down- Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville at the end of the promotional video. He ended were kind and clear in the explanation Sponsors of the dialogue included to-earth voters. We bring a whole group of regular down-to-earth specifically by saying there are many ways to participate, but “most important, I think for of what happens in the final days and Catholic Mobilizing Network to Catholic voters that they really appreciate seeing.” us all to be aware of, is the importance of prayer. I would like to make a special hours of the prisoner who is to be End the Use of the Death Penalty; The public policy issues addressed by the TCC include institutional concerns appeal for all the Catholics in the state to pray for the success of the hopes and executed. But in going into the death Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of the Catholic Church and issues related to Catholic moral and social teachings, the dreams of so many people that our state would be a more humane and more chamber and the surrounding rooms, of Galveston-Houston; the Dominican according to the conference’s website, www.txcatholic.org. As of right now, the respectful place every day.” there was an unmistakable aura and Sisters of Houston; the archdiocesan public policy priorities of the TCC for the 82nd Legislative Session include: For more information about Advocacy Day and how to participate, visit feeling of coldness, stark efficiency Office of Justice and Peace; and the The budget shortfall — “The TCC supports a balanced approach to the TCC website at www.txcatholic.org, or contact Pat Svacina, coordinator of everything that is opposed to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate solving the budget shortfall, including seeking revenue to adequately fund needed for the Diocese of Fort Worth’s participation at (817) 560-3300, ext. 318, or at dignity of the human person, even Word. public services and prepare Texas for the future.” [email protected]. PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 In Memory Monsignor Hubert Neu, PA, (1927-2011), former rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, dies after nearly 60 years in priesthood By Jenara Kocks Burgess disciples on the road to Emmaus. Correspondent In his homily at the funeral, Bishop Vann compared those two disciples’ Monsignor Hubert J. Neu, journey to every person’s journey in PA, a retired priest of the Diocese life through death, pain into eternal of Fort Worth who served 15 of his life — including Msgr. Neu’s — almost 60 years in the priesthood from growing up in Lindsay, being at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort ordained a priest in San Antonio, Worth, died Jan. 28. and serving various parishes in Family, friends, and fellow the Dallas-Fort Worth Diocese priests remembered Msgr. Neu as and later the Fort Worth Diocese being a man of quiet integrity and CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A young Father Hubert Neu in a portrait. Msgr. Neu was ordained to the priesthood in 1951. • including St. Patrick Cathedral in strength with a deep faith. A recent photo of Msgr. Neu, who served at various parishes throughout the diocese during his almost 60 years of Fort Worth. Bishop Kevin Vann presided priesthood. • Msgr. Neu presides over his parents’ renewal of their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary at St. “He was a great administrator, at the Mass of the Resurrection Peter Church in Lindsay. • Msgr. Neu wearing his purple cassock in 2008, signifying his honorary rank of “protonotary one of the smartest businessmen celebrated Feb. 2 at St. Patrick apostolic.” He was nominated for the papal honor in late 2007, with his installation and blessing in 2008, at the whom I knew, and absolutely calm Cathedral in Fort Worth. He was request of Bishop Kevin Vann. • A young Fr. Neu with four of his fi ve siblings and his parents. • A more recent photo of and ‘unflappable’ in situations that joined on the altar by more than 20 Msgr. Neu and his fi ve siblings. • Fr. Neu discusses plans with a designer for St. Matthew Parish in Arlington. He was would have most of us rattled,” priests and deacons of the Diocese named pastor of the newly established parish in 1964. Bishop Vann wrote in his blog. of Fort Worth. “Yet, most of all, he was a priest, A memorial Mass was held at and that was clear to all who knew Sacred Heart Church in Muenster and loved him over the years. Feb. 3. Father Raymond McDaniel, His chief concern in any of his pastor of St. Peter Church in assignments was the people to Lindsay, Msgr. Neu's home parish, whom he was assigned: He knew concelebrated the memorial Mass that God’s flock was in his midst with Sacred Heart pastor Father and he gave them a Shepherd’s Ken Robinson. Interment followed care, just as the letter to St. Peter in St. Peter Church Cemetery in proclaimed in the second reading Lindsay next to the chapel donated for his Mass of the Resurrection,” by the Neu family. Bishop Vann wrote in his blog. Msgr. Neu was born May 28, Bishop Vann said during 1927, in Lindsay, son of the late Msgr. Neu’s 15 years at St. Patrick, Joseph John and Ida Flusche Neu. he supervised the interior and He attended St. Mary’s School in exterior repair and renovation of the Gainesville, Lindsay High School, cathedral, which was built in 1888. and graduated from St. John’s “The presence of this parish in San Antonio. his chalice, which was tied on a before and after the Diocese of Fort be conferred on a member of the in this neighborhood has seen “He left home when he was pillow,” Hoenig remembered. Worth's establishment in 1969, and priesthood. He retired from full- many changes over the years, but only 17 years old,” said Msgr. Neu’s Msgr. Neu’s brother Charles as of the Arlington Deanery. time ministry on Aug. 1, 2008. He it has always been a solid, faithful sister, Ann Bayer of Lindsay. “Father and all his sisters recalled that Msgr. Fr. Neu was granted the title continued to work with the diocesan reminder of the abiding presence Conrad Herda, OSB, was at St. Neu presided over many of their of “ of Honor” (Monsignor) Building Committee, Pastoral of Christ here in the city. The work Peter’s before and after my brother family members’ weddings and by Pope Paul VI on Sept. 20, 1974, Finance Committee, as a judge on done during Msgr. Neu’s pastorate left. I think he was instrumental in children’s baptisms over the years. at the request of Bishop John J. the Marriage Tribunal, and as a laid the foundation for this planting the seed. My brother was a Msgr. Neu’s first assignment Cassata, then bishop of Fort Worth. member of the writing committee venerable edifice and very much Mass server, and then there were my was as associate pastor at St. Msgr. Charles King, pastor of of the 2009 Meitler Study for alive parish to become the focal parents. We come from people of Bernard Parish in Dallas (1951- Immaculate Conception Church in Strategic Planning. He also served point both for the Diocese and the faith,” she said. 1954). Other associate pastor Denton and a very close friend of on the 2010 Campaign Leadership city of Fort Worth,” Bishop Vann Ida Bindel, another of Msgr. assignments included St. Monica, Msgr. Neu, said because Msgr. Neu Team for the “All Things Possible” said in his blog. Neu’s sisters, also remembers that Dallas (1954-1960), St. John, was very deliberate and thoughtful diocesan capital campaign. After Bishop Vann heard Fr. Herda and the faith that was Ennis (1960-1962), and again at St. in everything he did, he was a Msgr. Neu is survived by his of Msgr. Neu’s death on Jan. encouraged by their home life, were Bernard (1962-1964). In 1962, he great asset to the diocese’s building brother, Charles Neu and wife, 28, he went with Father Joseph great influences on Msgr. Neu. was substitute pastor at Our Lady committee. Mary; sisters, Ida Bindel, Ann Bayer Pemberton, rector of the Cathedral, “We used to pray the Rosary Queen of Peace in Wichita Falls. “You always knew he was a and husband, James, and Cecilia to say the prayers of commendation together, especially when the In 1964, he was appointed rock of stability. With Msgr. Neu Hoenig and husband, Raymond; for the deceased. weather was bad. We would gather as the founding pastor of St. on the building committee, you numerous nieces and nephews; and “When I had given him the around and pray. When we were Matthew Parish in Arlington, knew things would be taken care extended family members. final blessing, I noticed two things: kids, we played the Mass,” she said. where he served until 1977. Other of solidly. He did not take things Bishop Kevin Vann thanked His Liturgy of the Hours was at the Msgr. Neu was ordained to the pastoral assignments included Our lightly,” Msgr. King said. Msgr. Neu for his many years head of the bed, and he had his priesthood May 30, 1951. Lady Queen of Peace, Wichita Msgr. Neu was nominated as of service to the Dallas and Fort walking shoes on! Just like the story His youngest sister, Cecilia Falls (1977-1981), Most Blessed a Protonotary Apostolic by Pope Worth dioceses in his Feb. 4 blog, of the two Disciples on the road to Hoenig, said her family was looking Sacrament, Arlington (1981-1995), Benedict XVI, on Nov. 10, 2007, at fwbishop.blogspot.com, titled, Emmaus, at the moment he was forward to celebrating his 60th year and St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort with blessing and installation on “Thank you, Hubert.” called, Msgr. Neu was having his as a priest this May. Worth (1995-2008). During his June 15, 2008, at the request of Bishop Vann pointed out that conversation with the Lord, and he “When he celebrated his first priesthood, he had served on Bishop Kevin Vann. The honor is the Gospel reading for Msgr. Neu’s was walking with Him into eternal Mass as a priest, I was 11. I carried multiple diocesan committees both the highest papal honor that can funeral was the account of the life!” Bishop Vann wrote in his blog. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 7 Sister Rosalynn Nguyen, CSFN, from Christ the King professes first vows By Juan Guajardo In the pews, Sr. Rosalynn ’s that a journey of 1,000 miles begins Correspondent parents, younger sister, and older with the first step,” Sr. Rosalynn brother looked on proudly as she told all those in attendance. For Sister M. Rosalynn professed vows of chastity, poverty, “My journey to Nazareth and in Nguyen, an almost life-long and obedience before Bishop Vann Nazareth has been made up of interest in religious life recently and Sister Sally Marie Kiepura, many steps. And all of you here became something much greater CSFN provincial superior. Sr. in person have walked with me, than that: a commitment. What Rosalynn was then presented with challenged me, and prayed for me. I started as an inkling of curiosity a black veil signifying that she am both humbled and grateful.” about the religious life of her belongs entirely to Christ. Then Since joining the CSFN’s priest uncle at age seven began she was presented with a profession in 2005, Sr. Rosalynn has gone building into a calling by the time cross intended to serve as a through six years of formation, first she entered her confirmation class reminder of her brokenness and that as an affiliate, then a postulant, at Fort Worth’s Christ the King she, like all committed Christians, and then a novice before taking her Parish, and was solidified Feb. 12 lives by the Father’s strength within. first vows. In four more years, she’ll when she took her first profession Being Sr. Rosalynn ’s first Sister Rosalynn Nguyen, CSFN, makes her fi rst profession to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, be given the opportunity to make of vows to join the Congregation profession, her vows were for one at Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent in Grand Prairie. Sr. Rosalynn grew up at Christ the King Parish in perpetual vows to the congregation. of the Sisters of the Holy Family of year. She will have the opportunity Fort Worth. (Photo by Juan Guajardo / NTC) The Sisters of the Holy Family Nazareth (CSFNs). to renew them next year. are an international congregation Among those in attendance “It’s the first commitment,” telling Sr. Rosalynn that God is and snow will reveal the hand of of religious women dedicated to at the first profession ceremony at Sr. Rosalynn said. “It’s kind of like acting in her life in a caring way, God at work, and the magnificent spreading the Word of God to Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent I’m becoming a full member of and that is reflected in the faith colors of the wildflowers in the families by serving in ministry at Chapel in Grand Prairie, were the community of the sisters and of her family and the community spring, the bluebonnets, the Indian schools, hospitals, parishes, and dozens of sisters, five priests, three that by making the vows, this is of sisters, faith that is continually paintbrush, the Indian blankets, social service organizations. The Dominican friars, and several the commitment I made to live for strengthened by the sacraments. the evening primrose, all of the Holy Family Province, based in the friends and supporters of Sr. Jesus.… This is like the first taste of “Here in Texas, ice and snow rainbow of colors — it in fact is the U.S., has about 350 sisters serving Rosalynn. Bishop Kevin Vann what my life will be in the fullness and rain … will always point to the hand of God …. I truly believe that in various states. presided over the Mass assisted by of how the sisters live right now.” hand of God, and why?” Bishop same hand of God that paints that In early March, Sr. Rosalynn Deacon Don Warner. Bishop Vann gave the homily, Vann asked. “Because winter rains beautiful portrait in the spring for will begin her ministry assignment us here in Texas … is at work in helping teach middle school your life, bringing together many children at St. Adalbert Parish in strands of color as it were, united Elmhurst, New York. together this day, as you profess Sr. Barbara Jean Wojnicki who your first vows to the Sisters of the met Sr. Rosalynn a year and a half Lenten Vocation Awareness Program Holy Family of Nazareth.” ago as her formation director during

The bishop then encouraged the novitiate said the first profession Sponsored by Bishop Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD and the Serrans of the Diocese of Fort Worth her to go forth and give witness to of vows was a particularly special the love and presence of Christ to a achievement. fractured world that is distant from “It’s a milestone for any Single Men and Women God. particular person who has been in After the Mass, Sr. Rosalynn formation, something you look to Discerning Between presented flowers to the Blessed as one of the goals,” Sr. Wojnicki Single, Married, and Religious Life Virgin Mary as an act of said. “Of course the next goal gratefulness and as part of a would be perpetual vows. A person Vietnamese tradition observed who makes first vows has already during important events. made a commitment to the Church Sr. Rosalynn then expressed through this congregation and our her thanks to her formation way of life. And it’s such a sign of directors: Sisters Margaret Langsett, hope to see somebody say ‘yes’ to Edyta Krawczyk, Marietta Osinska, that … because our world doesn’t and Barbara Jean Wojnicki. She see that too much anymore. So it’s also thanked Bishop Vann, and her a sign of hope,” she said, “and it’s a friends and family in attendance. great blessing to the congregation Men Women “A wise Chinese proverb says as well.” Monday evenings Tuesday evenings March 14 to April 18 March 15 to April 19 St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth

6:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration Exposition and Reflection on Christ 6:30 p.m. Evening Prayer Scan the tag to your left BUSINESS LEADERS - AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST 7:00 p.m. Closing Benediction with your mobile phone to view more information. Legatus, the international organization for Catholic business leaders 8:30 p.m. Free evening meal Get your free mobile app at: http://gettag.mobi and spouses, is rapidly growing its membership in the Ft. Worth area. 9:00 p.m. Closing Prayer and dismissal Legatus members are committed to study, live, and spread the faith in their business, professional, and personal lives. If you are, or were, With the gift of the Holy Spirit, this program is designed to assist participants in a business owner, CEO, President, Managing Director or Managing answering discernment questions such as: “What is my purpose in life?” - “How do I Partner, Legauts would like to invite you and your spouse to one of its realize my calling from God?” with a comparative look at single, married and religious meetings. Legatus meets the 2nd Thursday evening of each month. life. For more information, please visit the Fort Worth diocesan website on vocations at We start at 5:45 PM at St. Patrick Cathedral with Confession, Rosary, www.fwdioc.org; or contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300, ext. 105 or and Mass. Reception, dinner, and listen to internationally know speak- ers at the Ft. Worth Club. For more information contact Jack Sheedy [email protected]. There is no cost to attend. at 214-959-5454 or [email protected] website: www.legatus. org. PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Buck up contemplatives Th e True Story... lamps aren't set under baskets Yes these 4 really are the Gospel Truth By Denise Bossert By David Mills ill, writes Mirus, looked tell people that I’m a contemplative by s you, and anyone remotely “at the known fragments nature. And there’s actually some truth f I could have a chat familiar with ancient H to that. It is also true that I am a bit history know, Christian of papyrus which contain texts agoraphobic. I am more comfortable at with my guardian history was written and I either from the four canonical Ihome than I am anywhere else. re-written“A during the 2nd through the One of the hardest things about being angel, I suppose he would 4th centuries C.E., to fi t both the known gospels or from other claimants. Catholic is the simple fact that we do not have and the desired facts of Jesus’ life and the He fi nds that the papyri attest to a private faith. We may have a private prayer have a bit of wisdom for objectives of an emerging orthodox Christian life. Conversion may begin as a quiet, hidden theocracy.” So declared one respondent in an the Four being enormously more movement of the Spirit. But when we receive me. He’d probably say online discussion of an article I’d written. widespread than the relatively few the Eucharist, we are sent out to do something He was criticizing other respondents about it. Our faith gets turned inside out. what angels have always who had said that they had good reasons for others, with fragments running We cannot hide from our neighbors. believing in Christ, including the witness of nearly 40 to 1.” We cannot hide from work. We cannot hide said when they greet the Scriptures and the early Church. from making friends and trying new things. To be fair, he does summarize the broad Fragment of 2,100-year-old Isaiah Scroll, at the Israel Museum of Jerusalem's Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem. T(CNS photo/Israel Museum in Jerusalem) As much as I would like to receive our someone. “Don’t be afraid.” scholarly consensus. Most scholars of the as exclusively authoritative.” Note that eucharistic Lord and then head home until ancient world and many of the historians of “universally” and “exclusively.” next Sunday, I can’t do it. early Christianity would say what he said. He also, writes Mirus, looked “at the I grew up in a pastor’s home, and for angel, I suppose he would have a bit of But they begin with the assumption that known fragments of papyrus which contain a couple of years I was even a pastor’s wife. wisdom for me. He’d probably say what intellectual disagreements are always driven texts either from the four canonical gospels or For a reason I never quite understood, the angels have always said when they greet by self-interest and marked by struggles for from other claimants. He fi nds that the papyri parishioners enjoyed getting the inside someone. “Don’t be afraid.” power over others. Th at is the way they read attest to the Four being enormously more scoop on life in the parsonage (Protestant I’m glad my little phobia is just that – history, and there’s obviously something to widespread than the relatively few others, with equivalent of the rectory). Th ose years in the little. It is something I can wrestle with and it, people being sinners. fragments running nearly 40 to 1.” pastor’s fi shbowl had an impact on me. Th e overcome through the gift of God’s grace. It Something, but not everything. Every example we have of other works once-outgoing-girl is now a slightly anti- only has the upper hand if I let it. When I Sometimes people fi ght for ideas because they using the gospels, like those that combined social grown-up. manage to set aside the fear of looking like think them true. Th e traditional Christian the gospels into a single story or set out the Th ere’s no place like home. Indeed! a weak specimen of the faith, then it’s not so story is that the Church protected the truth stories side by side, includes only the four Reclusive writer. Sign me up! overwhelming. and had to fi ght continuing attempts to gospels, and none of the others. Finally, only I’m not great at chit-chat. I’d rather take Th at’s when I get out there and strike distort or corrupt it. Some were well-intended, the four gospels were used in the liturgy, as an on-line class than become part of a Bible up conversations and let those conversations some probably not so well-intended. good a sign as any you can imagine of which study. One of the best inventions was the touch on the things that matter most. Many scholars say that this requires a books the early Christians believed crucial to telephone answering machine. I just don’t do Oh, I’d still prefer the life of a reclusive naïve view of history. What we think of as their faith. crowds, shopping, or socializing. writer to that of an active Christian. I’d orthodox Christianity was, they say, only You’d think that if these other gospels Some people thrive on meeting and still prefer to be on my knees after receiving the theology of the group that beat the other were serious contenders for the allegiance of greeting the world. I’m just not one of them. the Eucharist rather than out in that very groups. Th ey won, so they got to claim the early Christians, some early writers would Like it or not, as a Catholic, I’m under challenging world where anger and fear and that they were the real Christians who had have treated them as gospels, and that we’d the microscope even more than I was as a pride hit me at every turn. But this faith isn’t guarded the true story of Jesus. fi nd more fragments of them, and that at least preacher’s daughter or preacher’s wife. Th e an either/or kind of faith. It is a both/and A lot of these scholars also believe that a few other works would include them, and laity doesn’t have an eye on me any more. faith. Eucharist and society. Contemplation the other groups had better theologies. that some churches somewhere would have But the non-Catholic world is watching – and action. Prayer and participation. Mostly they argue that their theologies are read them in the liturgy. But we don’t. and the world is watching you. Th e world I’d still rather call myself a contemplative a lot more liberating than the Church’s. Th e Th ere is more to be said, even for the wants to know whether or not Catholics than admit that I have social anxiety. main dissenting group was a loose collection scholarly view. Th ey would say, for example, really live what they profess. Th ey are Sure, I could spin it. I could even deceive called the Gnostics, who might seem at fi rst that the evidence tilts one way because the fascinated by our weaknesses, though they myself and keep the world at arm’s length. glance more “spiritual” because they thought Church didn’t preserve the other groups’ often ignore our strengths. We’re under a And then I might miss the opportunity to the material world a bad thing, which means writing, which does make sense. microscope, and that complicates things. share the Gospel in word or deed. I might they hated the idea of God becoming man. But even granting the possibility that I don’t know about you, but that makes me miss the chance to connect with someone One version of this scholarly view claims the evidence for the Church’s teaching want to hide. If I keep to myself, I can control who might teach me a thing or two about that in the early Church “gospels ‘multiplied may not be as great as it appears, it is great what gets judged. And I like it that way. this journey to God. like rabbits’ ... and that it was only very enough to disprove the idea that we have Th e saints set the record straight. We are So, I listen to the wisdom of the saints late that the Church somehow selected the the gospel story we have, only because meant to engage the world. Clothe yourself and my guardian angel. I leave the fear on Four in preference to other widely-known some early Christians simply imposed their in Christ and get out there. Th e saints are the bench, and I go get ‘em. and equally-valid claimants.” I am quoting version on everyone else. Maybe we have it like the friendly coach who pats his JV kid from a review by Jeff Mirus of a useful book because people who had known the Son of on the back and says go get ‘em. Th e coach Denise Bossert is a convert to the Catholic called Who Chose the Gospels? by a Protestant God passed it on to people who wanted to watches from the sidelines, knowing all too Church. Her column Catholic by Grace has scholar named C. E. Hill. know him too. well that the kid is afraid of the ball, afraid appeared in 43 diocesan newspapers. She lives Hill shows by reading all the early he might miss a shot or afraid of getting in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and is a member Christian writers that at least as far back David Mills is deputy editor of FIRST THINGS creamed by some oversized opponent. of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in New as the early second century, not long after and author of DISCOVERING MARY. Jeff Mirus’s If I could have a chat with my guardian Melle, Missouri. the last gospel (John’s) was written, the article can be found at www.catholicculture. four gospels “were universally regarded org/commentary/articles.cfm?id=477. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 9 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Supporting Immigration Reform Let's make It's time to get Washington to fi x the broken system surgical cuts, By Fr. Stephen Jasso, TOR not chain saw

ince my arrival in Fort Worth, almost 18 years ago, I have heard the budget our leaders in Washington tell us that we have an immigration hy would we want them to leave? What harm By Jeff Hensley Ssystem that is broken. I believe it´s time for Editor, North Texas Catholic them to take action and fi x it. Th e greatest have they done to our country? Th ey are W his isn't the fi rst time nation in the world with a broken system, that is responsible for the accountability building our roads, our streets, cleaning our homes, Washington and our state of those who want to come here to be part Tcapitols have been under siege of the American dream, is not acceptable. attending our restaurants, roofi ng our buildings, by those intent of cutting budgets. Only A leadership in Washington, that is not a decade and more ago, conservative willing to fi x our immigration system, picking our crops, and creating small businesses victories resulted in panicky thinking is not acceptable. Not solving the issue and actions among those who supported government funding for all things having by our leadership in Washington will that off er new jobs. Th ey are sending their children only complicate things for the local state to do with the support of the poor. leadership which will take actions on their During that particular time, I own, and that should not happen. We to school, attending our churches and sharing their observed despair that cutbacks would have polarized the broken system on the be severe, that budget cuts would be undocumented immigrants, and we want to values and culture with us. Th eir children are learning wholesale, taking out whole programs punish them for it, instead of fi xing a system rather than doing belt tightening and that is not working. our language and culture and will be the new pioneers trimming of bloated or overfunded or In his speech on immigration reform unneeded programs. on July 1, 2010, President for our country. And yes, they are spending and paying And the cuts will defi nitely be more said he is ready and the majority of the drastic during this crisis. Americans are ready to move forward taxes as every American does. But there are signs to encourage us with the immigration reform. Why is our that cuts will not be draconian. leadership in Congress and the Senate not It sounds at the current moment as ready? if Congress will defund a two-billion In the 1980s the Catholic bishops of not be there for them. It is easier to create from all political leaders involved and dollar project providing for "back up" jet America said, with faith and conviction, and implement punitive laws than to reform information on the issue from other engines for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter that the immigrants are “a blessing for the a system that is not working. Let us not countries, especially our neighbors to the being produced at Lockheed Martin in country and a gift to the Church.” Why take the easy road that only hurts innocent south. I am confi dent that we have the Fort Worth. It seems none of the military would we want them to leave? What harm children and families. experts who know how to do this job. personnel involved in planning was in have they done to our country? Th ey are Deportation is not the solution to an As we seek and pray for a reform of our favor of it, and now that the pressure is building our roads, our streets, cleaning our immigration system that is broken and immigration system, do not let fear be the on, they're fi nally being listened to. homes, attending our restaurants, roofi ng not working. Th is would hurt our country guide, but truth. Our nation should always And the congressional district our buildings, picking our crops, and in more ways than one. President Barack be guided by truth. If we let other principles benefi ting the most from the project creating small businesses that off er new jobs. Obama said in his immigration speech guide us, we will lose the battle. was that of John Boehner, Republican Th ey are sending their children to school, July 1, 2010 that “a program of mass Th e immigration reform was a Speaker of the House. Imagine that. attending our churches and sharing their deportation would disrupt our economy presidential campaign promise, topic of Perhaps because the discussion is values and culture with us. Th eir children and communities in ways that most a major speech in 2010 and addressed in being done in such an open version of are learning our language and culture and Americans would fi nd intolerable. Such an the State of the Union message in 2011. horse trading on the fl oor of the House, will be the new pioneers for our country. eff ort would be logistically impossible and I urge our leaders in Washington not to the outcome will be better. Perhaps And yes, they are spending and paying taxes wildly expensive.” Th e President also said: ignore this issue and roll-up their sleeves getting some of the tradeoff s out of as every American does. “Moreover, it would tear at the very fabric and start working on it. Th e reform of our smoke-fi lled committee rooms and out Th e undocumented are not taking of this nation – because immigrants who are immigration system will be a blessing for where the discussion can be heard by jobs away from our citizens; they are doing here illegally are now intricately woven into our country in more ways than one. the general public will introduce more the jobs we left behind. Th e number of that fabric.” Let us pray that soon our leaders common sense. unemployed people we have is not due to the From reliable sources (like the in Washington may start to reform our Perhaps, and this would be the best undocumented. Th at level of unemployed Immigration Policy Center: www. immigration system that is not working outcome of all, Congress will look at the workers is waiting for new jobs to be created immigrationpolicy.org) we know that the and give to our nation and to the world an Common Good rather than the Pork for them; they will never do the job the immigration reform would be a boost for immigration system that is just and human Barrel as the highest good. undocumented are performing now. the economy of the nation. It has been and that works. One last observation: one of the Th e world looks at America as a role said the documentation of the immigrants criteria that were used in the last crisis model of Human Rights. Th erefore, we “would translate into at least a cumulative “For I was hungry and you gave was the measured eff ectiveness of the have to be sensitive to the many families $1.5 trillion in added GDP (Gross Domestic me food. I was thirsty and you gave programs being considered. If only that and their children who live with the daily Product) over 10 years, which includes $1.2 me drink, I was a stranger and you which is not eff ective is cut, the harm psychological pressure that at any time they trillion in consumption and $256 billion in welcomed me.” will be that much less. may be deported; children who know no investment.” Our nation needs them here. —Matthew 25, 35 It could happen. other life, than life here in America, children I understand that an immigration who live with the idea that maybe when they reform goes beyond the issue of the Fr. Stephen Jasso, TOR is the pastor of All come home from school Mom and Dad may undocumented and requires collaboration Saints Church on Fort Worth's North Side. PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH 2011

Father Kyle Walterscheid, director of the Offi ce of Vocations, following Vocations his ordination in May 2002 at Sacred Heart Church in Muenster. Responding to God’s call Even then he appeared to be inviting people to ask if they were called to a vocation.

By Father Kyle Walterscheid, Do you live for God? Director of the Offi ce of Vocations

o you get the feeling when mankind has chosen to deny freedom Sacrament of Reconciliation or attendance sins” states Matthew 3:6. Jesus repeats this of religion or, likewise, when people have at Mass and the Holy Eucharist. Our faith is proclamation and then begins to explain the Dsometimes that we used religion to justify the unjustifi able. not being passed on from parents to children, roots of sin that pass beyond the law, as well Directly applicable to this problem is a and teenagers and young adults do not even as the good that we ought to do, which obeys as Christians are not on phenomenon occurring in our culture today know what sin is anymore. no human law at all but is the path that that is attacking our Christian community, Yes, it’s true. What we take for granted as leads to eternal life as defi ned in Matthew the path we are supposed especially our teenagers and young adults. older adults in our faith, teenagers and young 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, to be on? Do you sense Today, the promotion of non-religion, adults have a tough time understanding. We Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but secularism, and atheism is gaining ground must go back and teach the basics of our only the one who does the will of my Father that we are too wrapped in our country (those claiming no religion faith, as well as return to a meaningful and in heaven.” Let us welcome Christ in our has nearly doubled from 8.2 percent to 15.0 consistent prayer life with our children. midst and make our faith alive, so that it is up in the world today? percent, and atheism has doubled from 0.7 In the classroom, we need more men embraced by our children as well. percent to 1.6 percent between 1990 and 2008 and women teaching and volunteering who My last question as a litmus test of our Can we not say that Christianity has lost — Th e American Religious Identifi cation know our faith and are able to be good faith is as follows: Do you live for God? If we its direction because it has taken its eyes off Survey), but worse is the eff ect it has had in listeners and responders to real questions live for God, then our life will be immersed of Christ, and, instead, it has been looking our schools, universities, and neighborhoods, that teenagers have about the faith and in things and people that are holy, helping and listening more to the world? Are we not by pulling our children away from their faith its teachings, while praying with them others while assenting to Christ through upside down because we have chosen to align and salvation in Christ. We must respond to and communicating with God in using prayer and the Church in all things. If not, ourselves with the world rather than with God? this crisis, and let us not delay. devotions, Liturgy of the Hours, and time then we have made some concessions toward I am not talking about the many If we want to get to the root of the before the Blessed Sacrament. secularism and atheism which are a direct advances in science, medicine and problem, we need not investigate atheism, I fi rmly believe that the true message of cause of children’s lack of faith. technology. All of these are good things if because nothing exists there — pun Jesus Christ as Savior and triumphant over Th at being said, we do have many excellent used properly. Rather, I am speaking of the intended. Rather, we need to look at our evil is not being communicated and taught in young men and women who understand the world that has rejected religion, ethics, or a faith and try to determine what is missing our classrooms. Hence, combined with a lack importance of our Catholic faith, as well as higher power. So, how are justice, laws, and in the Christian life that is clearly making of communion with Christ through daily those who do not understand as much but who, civility advanced when everything becomes many of our children vulnerable to this prayer and knowing their faith, our young nevertheless, know they are called to help bring subjective? Answer: Th ey can’t be. secular world and distracting them away Catholics are vulnerable and easily tempted Christ to the world in concrete ways. I personally did not mind the recent from Christ. I have spent several months into the hands of secularism, materialism, I ask that you help the Vocations Offi ce uproar in Fort Worth with regard to the pondering this question and asked many hedonism, and sinful paths of perdition in promoting our Lenten Vocation Awareness local buses having signs stating, “Millions priests and lay leaders this question too. without realizing the cost of jeopardizing Program that is designed to help like-minded of people are good without God.” It shocked In addition, I pored over Sacred Scripture their salvation given to them at baptism young men and women see their purpose in many people and religious leaders. But, why seeking answers. Th e dominating response through the blood of Jesus on the cross. life more clearly while having a setting that should we be surprised? Besides, some group that I received, which reverberated and As we encounter Jesus in the Gospel supports them as they discern God’s will for paid for those ads, and I support the people’s grew stronger and stronger, was that many of Matthew leading up to Lent, let us them. Please see our additional ad and help freedom of religion or non-religion to do families do not pray together. Th ey have not be reminded that John the Baptist came spread the word of these events. Christ has so. At the same time, I also know the many experienced the saving power of Christ in proclaiming, “Repent, for the Kingdom of given us momentum, so let’s add to it with historical events in time and their atrocities prayer or through regular reception of the God is at hand.” Repent from what?: “their our prayers and encouragement.

Church must off er more encouragement, support for vocations, pope says By Carol Glatz Vocations. "having the courage, through an attentive person, but instead leads to the discovery of Catholic News Service Th ose who experience a clear call and suitable concern for vocations, to point the deepest truth about ourselves," he said. VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholics to priestly or consecrated life need out this challenging way of following Christ Th e pope underlined the importance must be more courageous in highlighting and encouragement, support and the possibility which, because it is so rich in meaning, is of having quality staff in every diocesan fostering vocations, Pope Benedict XVI said. of feeling "the warmth of the whole capable of engaging the whole of one's life." vocations offi ce, and he also called on "Every Christian community, every community as they respond 'yes' to God and Th e local Church needs to become bishops to help maintain "an equitable member of the Church needs consciously to the Church," he said. "more sensitive and attentive" to helping distribution of priests in the world." feel responsibility for promoting vocations," Th e papal message for the day of prayer, children and young people grow in their "Your openness to the needs of dioceses especially in an era when God's voice "seems which will be observed May 15, was released relationship with Christ through prayer and experiencing a dearth of vocations will to be drowned out by 'other voices' and his Feb. 10 at the Vatican. Th e 2011 theme is the sacraments, become more familiar with become a blessing from God for your invitation to follow Him by the gift of one's "Proposing Vocations in the Local Church." Sacred Scriptures, be generous and loving communities and a sign to the faithful of a own life may seem too diffi cult," he said in In his message, Pope Benedict said toward others, and "understand that entering priestly service that generously considers the his message for the World Day of Prayer for proposing vocations on the local level means into God's will does not crush or destroy a needs of the entire Church," he told bishops. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH 2011 PAGE 11 Catechesis Th e Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ By Lucas Pollice Th is reference very explicitly shows to have a miraculous cure of our illness. united to the suff ering Christ, but also to that the sacrament was already developed Certainly that is possible, or many times his body, the Church. Th e sacrament calls and being practiced in the New Testament physical suff ering may be lessened or the for the intercession of the communion of Church. It also gives a remarkably simple but illness departs more quickly than expected. saints to pray for the sick person to receive clear theology of the sacrament. We will use Th e reality is that God knows what healing the consoling grace of the Spirit. In turn, the James’ description of Anointing of the Sick to we need most. Th e grace we receive in the suff ering of the sick person is off ered for the explore more deeply this powerful sacrament Anointing of the Sick may bring a healing sanctifi cation and holiness of all the Church. of Christ’s healing grace. and peace to help us to embrace our suff ering with peace and love. It may be a deeper Gives Us the Grace of Final VATICAN II OPENS THE SACRAMENT TO ALL spiritual healing that frees us from sin and Preparation WHO ARE SICK helps us to see God’s plan and purpose to our For those who are dying, the Anointing As Vatican II rightly stated, the suff ering. Sometimes God’s ultimate healing of the Sick gives us the grace of fi nal Anointing of the Sick is not just for the is death and the passing into eternal life. preparation for the passing into eternal life. dying. As St. James asks, “Is anyone among Th e point is that the Anointing of the It marvelously brings to completion within you sick?” Th is sacrament is for any baptized Sick goes a lot deeper than physical healing, us all the fruits and graces of the sacramental person who is suff ering in any way, which and that is the real grace of the sacrament. life received in our lifetime. Along with includes physically, mentally, or even Peace and healing do not always bring about Penance and the Eucharist, the Anointing emotionally. It is for the healing of the whole the absence of suff ering. In fact, suff ering of the Sick completes our transformation he second of the two person. Illness and suff ering are not limited often calls us to greater love, greater faith, into Christ and participation in his death to the physical realm; even physical illness and greater sacrifi ce. Th e Anointing of the and Resurrection. Th e Catechism beautifully sacraments of healing aff ects us mentally and emotionally. Sick gives the healing grace of the Holy Spirit states: is the sacrament of the Any baptized person who is ill or that can heal us in ways we may not even Anointing of the Sick. suff ering is eligible to receive the Anointing expect. Th e Anointing of the Sick completes our of the Sick. Of course there are those times conformity to the death and Resurrection ForT many centuries it was considered in which it is without question appropriate FFECTS OF THE ACRAMENT OF THE E S of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It to be a fi nal preparation for death and and ought to be received, such as right before ANOINTING OF THE SICK completes the holy anointings that mark was only administered to those who surgery or in the case of serious illness. Many Th e Anointing of the Sick, like all the the whole Christian life: that of Baptism parishes off er it after Mass, especially on the other sacraments, is effi cacious; it gives us which sealed the new life in us, and that were gravely ill. While it is certainly fi rst Friday when we celebrate the Sacred grace and transforms us to be like Christ. It of Confi rmation which strengthened us for still appropriate and crucial to those Heart of Jesus. It can also be received by unites us to the suff ering Christ, so like Him, the combat of this life. Th is last anointing who are dying, the Second Vatican simply meeting with a priest, and ordinarily we may entrust ourselves into the hands of fortifi es the end of our earthly life like a priests make the sacrament available the Father and more perfectly do his will, solid rampart for the fi nal struggles before Council restored the sacrament to be regularly at hospitals and health care centers. even in our suff ering. entering the Father's house. made available to those who are not Anointing of the Sick should always be CCC, 1523 in immediate danger of death but are given when one is in danger of death. Th is Imparts a Special Gift of the Holy sick, be that physically, mentally, or is also known as “Last Rites” which not Spirit Th e sacrament of the Anointing of the only includes the sacrament of Anointing Th is gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift Sick is truly a great sacrament of healing even emotionally. of the Sick, but also includes Penance of strengthening, peace, and courage to and mercy that reminds us that Christ is Th is great sacrament of healing imparts and Eucharist. When one is in danger of overcome the diffi culties that come with our the Good Shepherd, who in the words of upon us a grace of healing and also the death, they fi rst celebrate the sacrament suff ering and illness. It strengthens us against the psalmist, shepherds and protects us even grace to accept and embrace our suff ering of Penance which forgives them of all sin. the temptations of despair, and deepens our in times of great suff ering and even death: with faith, hope, and love. Suff ering is an Th is is followed by the Anointing of the faith in Christ. It is a gift of the healing of “Even though I walk through the valley of inescapable part of human life, and the Sick which gives them the healing grace of the soul that may lead to the healing of the the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you Anointing of the Sick joins our suff ering Christ to prepare them for death. Th en the body if it is God’s will. are with me; your rod and your staff , they with the suff ering of Christ so that we may last sacrament given is the Eucharist, called comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). more fully share in his strength and love. viaticum which unites the dying person to Unites Us More Fully to the Passion of Christ and is the spiritual food for one’s Christ ORIGIN OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK “passing over” into eternal life. Th e grace of the Anointing of the Sick Lucas Pollice is Th e sacrament of the Anointing of In the case that a dying person is enables us in a unique and mysterious way director of Catechesis the Sick has always been a part of the unconscious and cannot make a confession to unite our suff ering with the Passion of and Adult Faith sacramental life of the Church and its origins of sins, the Anointing of the Sick also Christ. By being sacramentally united to Formation and RCIA can clearly be seen in Scripture in the Letter grants a grace of absolution of sin. Ordinary Christ’s Passion, we not only receive his for the diocese. Lucas of James: reception of this sacrament does not grant strength, but by off ering our suff ering to be holds a degree in absolution; one would still need to receive united with his, we also participate in his theology from the Is anyone among you sick? He should the sacrament of Penance. saving mission. Suff ering presents us with a Franciscan University summon the presbyters of the church, and In discussing the Anointing of the Sick, unique and powerful opportunity to love. of Steubenville and they should pray over him and anoint it is very important to understand what is Th us, we are given a special grace to off er our has a master’s degree in theological studies (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, meant by healing. Oftentimes when we hear suff ering with Christ to the Father for our from the Institute for Pastoral Th eology of Ave and the prayer of faith will save the sick the word “healing” we immediately associate own salvation and the salvation of others. Maria University. He is an adjunct professor of person, and the Lord will raise him up. it with physical healing. But it can happen theology with the Cardinal Newman Institute If he has committed any sins, he will be in many ways, even without the presence of Unites Us More Closely to the Church in Fort Worth. Lucas and his wife, Mary, have forgiven. physical healing. Receiving the sacrament Th rough the sacrament of the Anointing fi ve children, Cecilia, Nicholas, Timothy, James 5:14-15 does not necessarily mean we are going of the Sick we are not only more closely Christian, and Julia. PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 Features

meant moving out of the country for three years. Th e person It may seem odd, they were dating didn’t want to go out of the country, but was committed to the relationship and agreed to go along, though it was clear that it was not this person’s fi rst choice. but Lent teaches At the airport, as they were about to leave the person who won the grant fi nally had had enough of the half-hearted

eff ort and said they would rather go alone. Well as you might (CNS photo/Paul Haring) us about true love imagine, a fi ght ensued. Th e half-hearted one said they were A kangaroo and emu are seen on a wall in the chapel of the soon-to-be- completed Domus willing to go for three years, even though they were not Australia in Feb. 8. The new guesthouse will off er pilgrims not only modern accom- modations but also daily Mass in English and an information center. It is slated to open July 1. By Jeff Hedglen excited about the trip, because of the love between them. Th e other person said they would rather go alone, if going on the oday I encountered two separate scenarios that trip made the other person unhappy. perfectly display what passes for love in sappy love At this point I paused the television program and turned Tsongs, so-sweet-you-get-a-cavity romance novels and to my wife and said: “ Do you love me?” She said: “Yes.” I said, too good to be true romantic comedy movies, and it occurred “Are you happy with my work schedule?” She said: “No.” I said: to me that these are actually just a façade of what real love “Does this make you not want to be with me?” She said; “No.” is. Real love is not a walk in the park with music playing as Love is not about how we feel about something; it is fl ashbacks of scenes of your relationship fade in and out. True about what we do about love is not an all or nothing, one time total gift of self. Real, Love is not about something. Valentine’s true, actual love has very little to do with how you feel at any Day is supposed to be a given moment. how we feel about day to celebrate love. Yet (CNS photo/Bob Roller) In the fi rst scenario a young man who is engaged to be all too often it is used as a something; it is Copies of the New American Bible, a Catholic Bible in English fi rst published in 1970, married walked into my offi ce and said “Jeff , you’ve been materialistic measuring stick are pictured in the book store at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate married for 16 years; how did you know Monika was the about what we do for the façade of love. If Conception in Washington Feb. 2. Revisions were published in 1986 and now this Bible has one?” I could tell by the sour look on his face he was trying the only day of the year we undergone its fi rst major update since then, with a revised edition to be released March 9, Ash Wednesday, and made in available various print, electronic and audio formats. to decide if the woman he had proposed to was ceasing to be about something. express our love is Feb. 14, “the one” for him. then we really do not love. We talked for a while, and it became clear, that at least If candy, fl owers, and a nice from his point of view, the amount of giving being done was dinner are the measure of love, then love is pretty cheap. very one sided. Th e issues at hand were pretty serious ones, True love really is measured in sacrifi ce. In a few weeks the kind that are deal breakers. It seems as if his fi ancée was we will be starting one of the most important seasons of not open to the idea of trying things his way. I encouraged the year, Lent. Th ese 40 days are a time to contemplate the him to take a hard look at these issues, and if she was not supreme act of love. Our contemplation of Jesus’ sacrifi ce for willing to budge on them, he might need to reconsider the us should compel us to sacrifi ce something too. Th is is the engagement. You see, if she really loves him, she would at purpose behind the fasting, abstaining, giving up, and doing least try things his way. extra during Lent. Anyone who is married knows that we do not always do To be sure falling in love is magical, but staying in love, things the way we might like. We most certainly do things living in love, is a lot of work. Th is might not be as romantic we do not feel like doing, but we do them out of love, not as candy and fl owers, but it lasts a whole lot longer. some butterfl y in the stomach feeling, but real love. Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. Bartholomew Parish in (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Th e second scenario that brought to mind the false Southwest Fort Worth, is the principal organizer of Camp Fort Members of religious orders hold candles as Pope Benedict XVI celebrates vespers in St. depiction of love we see regularly in the media came on a Worth each summer. Readers with questions can contact Jeff at Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the TV show. A person was awarded a prestigious grant that jeff @stbartsfw.org. World Day for Consecrated Life. The pope recited a special prayer to entrust members of religious orders and institutes to the protection of Mary. Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down:

1. Land adjacent to Jerusalem 4. Spanish for “go into” 2. Topple 5. Impromptu 3. O ______, where is thy sting? 12345

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5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 13 Remembering Roe

Marchers push empty carriages labeled with years representing every year since abortion has been legal in the United States at the Roe Memorial March in Dallas Jan. 22. (PHOTO BY DONNA RYCKAERT / NTC) A Call to Action

Editor's Note: This reflection was written by Chanacee Ruth-Killgore, the director of the Catholics Respect Life Office for the Diocese state representatives and be a voice for the unborn. At the state of Fort Worth. The North Texas Catholic decided to put her reflection and call to action at the front of this four-page pullout section to level 100 to 150 phone calls to a representative’s office on a inform our readers of the role they can play in the effort to end abortion. specific piece of legislation is often considered “a flood” of activity, and in some of the smaller districts as little as a few ast year at the annual Respect Life Mass with Bishop Vann, we were one person short for dozen phone calls can make a considerable impact. At the federal level there is the potential for significant the candlelight procession — one candle for each million lives lost to abortion. So, I held gains via proposed legislation as well: • No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act — H.R. 3: This a candle and stood in line. As I stood, waiting for my turn to process forward and set the L would establish a permanent law prohibiting the use of federal candle on the altar, I tried to focus my attention on the procession in front of me. My mind was a tax dollars for elective abortions. • Abortion Non-Discrimination Act — H.R. 361: This flurry of activity — is everyone moving forward at a steady pace? Please, Lord, let no one fall or burn would protect the civil rights of health care professionals and themselves... All was going smoothly, then, I looked down into the little red votive and watched the other health care entities by strengthening existing federal conscience protection laws. tiny flame flicker. The heat from that small flame seemed to hit my face like a furnace and wash • Protect Life Act — H.R. 35: This bill seeks to correct over me. I thought I was going to faint; my knees literally wobbled and almost buckled. All I could serious flaws in the health care reform law — the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) — which think was, is this really it? Is this all I can do, all I can offer for one million lives lost? I could feel the was signed into law in 2010 and is flawed in its treatment of tears welling up. abortion, conscience rights, and fairness to immigrants. For more information on these pieces of proposed federal This year for the thirty-eighth anniversary of Roe v. Wade, by God.” legislation you can visit the website of the National Committee Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation Some of the things that can be done are actually as for a Human Life Amendment, an arm of the United States of America, issued a press release on their website in which she simple as a phone call, note, or even an e-mail to your elected Conference of Catholic Bishops, at www.NCHLA.org and stated that, “…this landmark ruling [Roe v. Wade] is facing an representatives here in Texas and in Washington, D.C., about click on their New Action Alerts link at the top right. unprecedented attack … and we have to do whatever it takes the importance of proposed legislation. I should note that at this year’s Respect Life Mass, as I to protect the gains we have made ….” This kind of language Some proposed legislation in Texas: remembered that moment from the Mass last year, holding greatly troubled me. We, as defenders of the sanctity and • House Bill — HB 85: This bill would prohibit that tiny little light, I made a conscious effort to recall a few dignity of all human life, will NOT do “whatever.” Rather we governmental entities in Texas from providing support to a lines from the Gospel of St. Matthew, “You are the light of the will move forward with prayer and conviction, reaching out person or facility that performs abortions. world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they in charity while continuing to stand firm in the knowledge • House Bill — HB 201: This legislation would require a light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a that every life has an innate value and purpose from the very physician to review a woman’s ultrasound with her prior to her lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your moment of conception to that of natural death. having an abortion. The woman, however, is not required to light must shine before others, that they may see your good The truth is that the value of an individual life is not view the ultrasound. Companion: Senate Bill — SB 130 deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). As limited to the fact a mother chose this one particular child at • House Bill — HB 238: This legislation would allow for I reflected upon these words I realized that while these candles a specific point most convenient in her life, but rather that life the “Choose Life” license plates. A portion of the funds from are lit to memorialize those whom we have lost, they are also is always a gift from the Creator meant for society as a whole. every plate purchased would be placed in an account from meant as a reminder to us — to be a light amid the darkness. Anything less, in our actions or ideologies, devalues who which grants would be distributed to charitable organizations We must be who we are, Christians. We must be the light we we are, both as Christians and as human beings, and turns that help pregnant women place their children for adoption. are called to be, united to and illuminated by Christ for it is our words and deeds into hollow and meaningless gestures. Organizations that provide abortions, abortion-related services through Him alone that we will finally dispel this darkness. This truth, however, is commonly set aside in the name of or make referrals to abortion providers would be excluded from “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with convenience or rights or fear. Therefore, action is required. this funding. Companion: Senate Bill — SB 257 God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with John Paul II, in a January 1999 homily at the Cathedral These are just a few of the proposed pieces of legislation God; all things came to be through him, and without him Basilica in St. Louis called us all to action when he said, that directly affect abortion and/or abortion funding here in nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, “America first proclaimed its independence on the basis of self- Texas. For more information and a detailed look at all the and this life was the light of the human race. The light shines evident moral truths. America will remain a beacon of freedom proposed legislation that pertains to the life issues visit the in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John for the world as long as it stands by those moral truths which Texas Catholic Conference’s website at www.txcatholic.org and 1:1-5). are the very heart of its historical experience. And so America: go to the "Public Policy: Current Legislation — Bill Reports" If you want peace, work for justice. If you want justice, defend section. Please, take a few moments to educate yourself on the Chanacee Ruth-Killgore life. It you want life, embrace the truth — the truth revealed various pieces of proposed legislation and then contact your Director, Catholics Respect Life Offi ce PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 Remembering Roe Bishop Vann offers the Word as an instruction manual for pro-lifers in crusade to end abortion at diocese's annual Respect Life Mass Story and Photos by Kristin Zschiesche Correspondent

t the annual diocesan Respect Life Mass, about 300 of Athe faithful gathered in St. Patrick Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 21, watching prayerfully as 51 candles were placed on the altar in memory of the 51 million deaths that have occurred since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Roe v. Wade, the decision that legalized abortion 38 years ago. The liturgy, observed each January to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, featured an honor guard by Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus, a somber candlelight procession, the Book of the Innocents containing the names of aborted babies, and encouragement to call upon the Word of God for direction in the crusade to end abortion. Bishop Kevin Vann asserted that the Word of God is the “instruction book” to follow as Catholics uphold their conviction that all life is sacred from conception to natural death. He likened the set of instructions given to us in God’s Word to the instructions accompanying model airplanes he ABOVE: Fifty-one Catholics processed to the altar at St. Patrick Cathedral with received as a child at Christmas. candles in remembrance of the 51 million lives lost to abortion since 1973 when Roe The bishop described how each year his models v. Wade legalized the practice. became more complex. After some unsuccessful attempts, he learned to first examine the whole project along with its RIGHT: Bishop Kevin Vann exhorts the congregation to rely on the Word of God as parts and consider the finished product prior to following an instruction manual in the effort to end abortion. the instructions step by step. He found this process ensured success, giving him a sense of accomplishment and pride. no matter how far along they are in the cycle of life, no matter “I mention this as an analogy to why we are here this how far along they are before birth, they depend on us to carry evening,” said Bishop Vann. “Above all we have a set of the message (for life). They depend on us to carry the message instructions that are written by the hand of God. They are to those who don’t believe it, to those who don’t want it, but instructions of faith.” who must hear it again and again and again. We carry that The bishop described how the Word of God “reminds us message with confidence and courage and strength.” again and again where life comes from, that we are the bearers Following Bishop Vann’s homily, the faithful processed in of the image of the life of God, and that the gift of life is not pairs to the altar, with each of the 51 Catholics carrying a lit The Catholics Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Fort ours to decide but is a gift from God.” candle in remembrance of the 51 million abortions that have Worth, which organizes the annual Mass, strives to protect the Saying these instructions show how to live out our respect occurred since Roe v. Wade was upheld. most vulnerable — the unborn, the disabled, the chronically life and pro-life ministry, he said, “We never meet evil with “It’s significant how many lives have been lost since 1973,” ill, and the elderly through education, pastoral care, prayer, and evil or hate with hate, but above all, meet it with love that said Debra Heron, a St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner worship. The Catholics Respect Life Office, led by Chanacee comes from God who is stronger than all.” and the diocesan Gabriel Project coordinator, referring to Ruth-Killgore, works in union with parishes and families to Upon the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Bishop Vann the millions and millions of innocent babies lost to legalized minister to those in need of support during their pregnancies, offered a reminder of the need to value all human life abortion. those suffering from post-abortion trauma, and to change especially the lives of those who are vulnerable, saying of The Mass concluded with Bishop Vann offering a blessing public policy and legislation in an effort to restore the dignity them, “No matter who they are, no matter how old they are, for those who work in Respect Life ministries. due every human life from conception to natural death. National March for Life draw By Julie Asher other choice. Catholic News Service She spoke to Catholic N toward the March for Life ra WASHINGTON — Laura Strietmann, the director of Mall Jan. 24, where thousan a Cincinnati crisis pregnancy center, calls abortion “the gathering to mark the 38th y issue that is shaping our country,” and said the challenge Court handed down Roe v. W for pro-lifers is to get everyone “to respect life again.” March for Life had not In her work, she hears the stories of women’s pain an estimate for the number o and sees pregnant women in need who “are hungry for Catholic News Agency and the truth about abortion,” she said. “When they come Network said there were hun in the door, we need to love them and tell them the Bundled up against the truth,” that abortion is taking a life, she added. hovering in the mid-20s, peo Strietmann, a member of St. Rose Parish in rally site from various points Cincinnati who is enrolled in a lay pastoral program at signs, many of them homem the archdiocesan seminary, believes no woman really Among the messages we wants to have an abortion, but many feel they have no mother did”; “Unborn babie Abortion kills a person”; “I r ◀ March for Life participants make their way up Constitution Avenue “Defund Planned Parenthoo to the Supreme Court building in Washington Jan. 24. The annual pro-life One couple waiting for demonstration marks the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abor- identical signs that read: “To tion across the nation. (CNS photo/Jason Reed, Reuters) adopted children: Th ank you NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 15 Remembering Roe Teen reflects on her pilgrimage to Washington for March for Life

Members of the diocese's Youth for Life group met with Representative Kenny Bishop Kevin Vann leads a delegation from the Diocese of Fort Worth in Marchant, whose district includes portions of the Northeast part of the diocese. Night Prayer in the crypt of the National Basilica, following the Vigil Mass.

Editor's Note: The NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC asked one of the us the next day. All of the youth agreed that having students who attended the March for Life in Washington to write a Bishop Vann there with us was a true blessing. Members of the delegation from the Diocese of Fort Worth stand in front of the Supreme Court first-person account of the events surrounding the March and what The next morning, our group rose early to building following the March for Life. she took from it. Photos are courtesy of adult chaperone Joe Jordan. attend the Youth Mass in the Armory. Along with 10,000 other pro-lifers, my friends and I sang to the xhilarating!” This is how I feel about my pilgrimage awesome praise and worship music performed by Bob Rice and “Eto the National March for Life in Washington D.C. Sarah Hart. Cardinal DiNardo was again the My experience there is now a cherished memory that I will celebrant, and the homilist was Father Patrick Riffle. Fr. Riffle never forget. Frank and Sue Laux were the leaders of our told us that we are all called to proclaim Christ, and as the group, along with several other awesome chaperones. One youth of the Church, we can truly be witnesses to the Gospel of the best parts of the trip was attending Mass at 6:45 a.m. of Life by living chastely. Saturday, in the little chapel at the DFW airport. Celebrated Finally, the event came that we had all been waiting by Father Raymond McDaniel from Lindsay, Mass was for: the March for Life. Joining some 400,000 other pro- definitely the best way to begin our journey…. lifers that Monday afternoon, we marched (and sometimes My favorite event in D.C. besides the March itself was trudged), up the hill to the Supreme Court. The best part was Students, chaperones, young adults, and seminarians from the diocese pray a Rosary the Mass for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of turning around and surveying the masses of people behind me across the street from the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington D.C. the Immaculate Conception. We arrived there around three shouting protests and waving banners. I also loved arriving at hours early, and the church was already packed. Luckily, the Supreme Court and seeing a minuscule little clump of pro- was not portrayed in the museum, but I knew it was true. we found seats on the floor here and there, though it was abortionists, surrounded and smothered by the message of life. The Holocaust during World War II shockingly took 11 a very tight squeeze. Although the wait was long and at On Tuesday morning, the last day of our pilgrimage, we million lives, but the holocaust of abortion today has claimed times uncomfortable, it was completely worth it. There were headed to Planned Parenthood. Though we were tired and over 50 million lives [in the United States alone], which is countless deacons and seminarians, over 300 priests, and cold while praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, heartbreaking. more than 45 bishops and cardinals! The procession alone was we were certainly proud to be there defending life. Once, I saw The pilgrimage was exhilarating to me because even 45 minutes long! Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of three different people peek out at us through the clinic’s blinds. though sometimes I feel like just a girl in a pro-life T-shirt Galveston-Houston, was the principal celebrant and homilist. Even though I knew we were not there to be observed by the amidst an anti-life society, I know that I’m not the only At one point, when I listened to 20,000 voices singing the clinic workers, it felt good to be noticed, and I could not help one battling the fatality of abortion. Having marched with “Our Father,” I could feel the Holy Spirit resonating in my grinning. 400,000 other soldiers for Christ, I know the culture of death heart. Lastly, we visited a couple of the Smithsonian museums we live in will not last. Someday love and justice will prevail, After Mass, our group gathered in the [basilica’s] crypt to and then the Holocaust Museum. The Holocaust Museum and I firmly intend to see that day. pray Night Prayer with Bishop Kevin Vann. I thought it was so was incredible. As I walked through those dark halls, the cool to have our very own bishop with us on our pilgrimage, images and facts presented before me were baffling, [not Rachel Cox is a 15-year-old parishioner from St. Elizabeth Ann and I was thrilled to find out he would also be marching with to mention] depressing. The fact that moved me the most Seton Parish in Keller. ws hundreds of thousands of participants from across the country

Along a block of Pennsylvania Avenue, not too far Max Potts, 22, was with a group from the pro- “We are here to protest against stuff we know is News Service as she headed from the rally site, Deborah Mischenko of Mineville, life group at De Sales University in Center Valley, wrong,” said her schoolmate Naomi Fredette,16. ally site on the National New York, had put up a simple display of nine poster- Pennsylvania. Asked why he was there, he replied, “I “We can’t kill innocent children. I have seven nds of pro-lifers were size images — starting with an image of an embryo have four words for you: because babies are awesome.” siblings and I can’t imagine not having them or year since the U.S. Supreme and the words “I’m here,” and going through the Archpriest Chad Hatfi eld, chancellor of St. not wanting them,” she continued. “It’s important Wade legalizing abortion. development of a fetus in the womb. Th e fi nal image Vladimir’s Orthodox Th eological Seminary in Yonkers, that we pray about it. Th e experience is spiritually yet posted on its website was of a newborn and the words “I’m here.” New York, came with a group of priests and their wives strengthening, and a big group allows your voice to be of participants, but the Mischenko, who is with Mountain Meadows and families and seminarians. He told CNS “the right” heard.” Eternal Word Television Christian Center, told CNS she had received pretty to life is a judicial term and stressed that what he and Fredette believes in the power that comes with ndreds of thousands. positive reaction from passers-by. “Th e whole point other pro-lifers are standing up for is the belief that “life numbers, not only strengthening an individual’s e cold, with the temperature is you don’t have to argue with these,” or even say is a gift from God and we’re here to make that witness.” spirituality but also sending a message that can change ople streamed toward the “abortion,” she said. Th e evening before the March for Life, some of the minds. s, carrying all manner of Before the March for Life rally started, Stephen teens who were gathered on the campus of Th e Catholic “What can you do?” asked Jenifer Readnour,18, of made. Kosciesza of Wheaton, Maryland, walked through University of America to attend the all-night life vigil Kentucky. “You can pray or volunteer at pregnancy help ere: “Choose life: Your the crowd with a sign that read, “Abortion — a neat, spoke to CNS about the importance of the events centers. But the march is also good because it allows us es feel pain”; Face it: quick easy way out for men.” He said it described the marking the Roe anniversary. to gather together and be heard.” regret lost fatherhood”; and “selfi shness of men who stand to benefi t” from abortion. “It is a terrible sin,” Charity Jamison said about Joe Finke, 17, who also was from Kentucky, said he od.” Kosciesza said he comes every year, adding that it abortion. Th e 15-year-old was with a group from St. participates with his friends but that he would protest the rally to begin held is important the march take place in the “epicenter” of Edmund Campion Academy in Cincinnati. “For me, even if he were the only one. “Some come here because o the mother of our 4 government and will keep coming back until abortion it is terrible to think of all the friends who weren’t born u for their lives.” is ended. because of abortion.” (SEE 'NATIONAL MARCH' ON P. 16) PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 Remembering Roe Dallas Bishop Farrell reminds pro-lifers that Jesus stands with them before march By Donna Ryckaert sanctuary. Shoulder-to-shoulder overflow crowds in the congregation of what Jesus did with just 12 Apostles. Correspondent Cathedral’s Grand Salon and in an outside tent located near A representative born each year from 1973-2010 carried the cathedral watched the Mass from a live video feed. All three one rose to the altar during a procession of roses in memory of “This day cannot go unmarked; it is our obligation as a were filled by 9:15, 45 minutes before the Mass was scheduled the 51 million babies who have died by abortion in the U.S. in People of Life to remember the lives lost and stand up in prayer to begin. the past 38 years. A pregnant mother, representing the babies and witness for the lives to come, until the tragedy ends.” Bishop Farrell welcomed and thanked all attending for who will die in 2011, carried the final rose. An invitation from Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, to join making the pilgrimage. His homily referred to the gospel of After Mass, Bishops Vann and Farrell along with the him Jan. 22 in the annual Roe Memorial Mass and ecumenical Mark 3:20-21, “When his relatives heard of this they set out accompanying bishops and clergy led participants outside to Dallas March for Life carried that message. The Mass was to seize him for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’” The bishop start the ecumenical 2011 Dallas March for Life. Thousands celebrated at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe stated that “this nation thinks that we are out of our minds” had already gathered in the street to join the 1.7 mile walk, in Dallas and concelebrated with Fort Worth Bishop Kevin in the heated national debate over abortion. He reminded the which ended at the Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse where Roe Vann, Dallas Auxiliary Bishops Mark Seitz and J. Douglas congregation that they are in good company. “We have Jesus on v. Wade was first filed in 1970. Along the way, thousands more, Deshotel, and priests of the dioceses of Dallas and Fort Worth. our side.” He asked the congregation to continue to pray and many from First Baptist Church of Dallas, joined in. The day, which commemorated the 38th anniversary of witness for a “Culture of Life” and challenged all to follow the A Dallas police officer estimated the count to be nearly the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, began example of the Apostles. 10,000, up from the 6,000 people who attended last year. The with a memorial Rosary at the Routh Street abortion facility. One by one we are called to change the minds of those March ended with a Rally for Life in the parking lot across the Mass started at 10 a.m. to a capacity crowd in the Cathedral’s who do not believe, Bishop Farrell said, and he reminded the courthouse.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A young boy holds up a pro-life sign in front of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe during the march. • Bishop Kevin Vann (left), and Dallas Auxiliary Bishops J. Douglas Deshotel (center), and Mark Seitz, lead the procession into the Cathedral Shrine to concelebrate the annual Roe Memorial Mass. • Overfl ow crowds stand outside the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe during Mass. • Crowds of Mass-goers fl owed to the outside of the Cathedral Shrine and past an outdoor overfl ow tent. All those outside the church were able to watch the Mass on live video feed. • An estimated 10,000 people marched in the 2011 Dallas March for Life, which began at the Cathedral Shrine and ended at the Earle Cabell Federal Building. • A nun walks up to the altar with a rose during a procession of roses in memory of the 51 million unborn babies killed by abortion. A representative born each year from 1973 forward carried a rose to the altar. • Thousands of people walk away from the Earle Cabell Federal Building, the end point of the ecumenical Dallas March for Life, and the location where Roe v. Wade was fi rst fi led in 1970. • A pro- life sign sits in front of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. (Photos by Donna Ryckaert / NTC)

Peter’s on Capitol Hill began their day at 4 Why do it? “Because the parish is Just like when he was a child, he recalled, and National March a.m., preparing a warm welcome for pro- always pro-life” and shows solidarity with Catholics prayed for “for the conversion of life marchers who came by bus overnight. the marchers, said volunteer Dr. Anthony Russia. It happened.” (CONTINUED FROM P. 14) By day’s end, they expected to have handed Martinez, a physician who just returned from “It’s a full expression of our faith,” said they ‘have to’ or because their friends are here. out 175 dozen doughnuts, served gallons a volunteer medical mission to Haiti. He said coordinator Suzanne O’Connor about the Th ose reasons help, but I would come here no of hot coff ee and hot water for tea and hot he has seen the enthusiasm for the pro-life parish’s support for the pro-life marchers. She matter what,” said Joe Finke, 17, of Kentucky chocolate, and given out numerous small cause build “like a crescendo” over the years, said the parish has provided hospitality since He added: “I think the march is also containers of juice. especially among young people. the fi rst anniversary of Roe. But, she noted, it good because it has started to make people see Chartered buses started arriving around But laws on abortion won’t turn around doesn’t happen without dozens of volunteers how many are pro-life and not pro-choice.” 4:30 a.m. Pro-lifers came in waves throughout “until the powers that be, the leaders of this working throughout the day and helping with Early in the morning on the day of the the morning and then headed down to the country make logical decisions,” Martinez preparations in the days before. march and rally, on the other side of the Mall. St. Peter’s also off ered four Masses said, adding, “I believe in my heart it (Roe) Capitol, volunteers in the parish hall at St. before noon. will be overturned. And prayer is the key.” Contributing to this story was Becket Adams. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 17 Operation Rice Bowl, national CRS program that raises awareness &10#6';1748'*+%.' of global hunger, poverty, begins Ash Wednesday, March 9 QHHGTJQRGHQTVJQUGKPPGGF Every year, millions of Catholics every year.” Rice Bowl, 75 percent of which is 1-888-317-SVDP in the United States participate in An Operation Rice Bowl used to fund hunger and poverty Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief calendar provides daily refl ections projects in 40 countries. Th e www.svdpfw.org Services’ annual Lenten program that and learning opportunities — remaining 25 percent stays in U.S. (TGGVQYKPI6CZFGFWEVKDNG starts on Ash Wednesday, March 9. told through the eyes of people dioceses to support food pantries 'RQDWH\RXUYHKLFOHWR5V8KPEGPVFG2CWNDQGVXSSRUWRXUPLVVLRQRIOHQGLQJ DKHOSLQJKDQGWRWKRVHLQQHHG+DYH\RXUYHKLFOHWLWOHLQKDQGZKHQ\RXFDOO Each Lent, Catholic parishes and helped by the program — that and soup kitchens.

Thank you!

The overwhelming generosity of Catholics in the United States has helped Marie Claude Calixte and the transitional shelter that CRS built for her. Catholic Relief Services move earthquake survivors from destruction and despair Photo by Benjamin Depp for CRS to transitional shelter and new hope for a better life. Follow the progress of our work in Haiti at crs.org/emergency/haiti/index.cfm PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine “Then the devil left him and acts on them will be like a wise man who and, behold, angels came built his house on rock.” and ministered to him.” –Matthew 7:24 – Matthew 4:11

March 13, First Sunday of Lent. Cycle A. Readings: 1) Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17 2) Romans 5:12-19 March 6, Ninth Sunday Gospel) Matthew 4:1-11 in Ordinary Time; Cycle A. Readings: 1) Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32 By Jean Denton Psalm 31: 2-4, 17, 25 n the early days of our family life, my husband was let go from his job 2) Romans 3:21-25, 28 – two weeks after our third child was born. Gospel) Matthew 7:21-27 I It was a stressful time. For three months, he interviewed for several By Jeff Hensley promising positions and fi nally decided to accept a job with the Fort Worth newspaper. He was pretty excited about it. But, frankly, I was a t is interesting that Jesus uses the example of some so-called disciples little disappointed and confi ded as much to my friend and cousin, Jack. Iwho would claim to have done mighty deeds, prophesy, and drive out Th e other possibilities all off ered much higher salaries, I told him. demons in his name as those who will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Th e downside, I admitted, was that those high-paying jobs were not in Th e reason isn’t that he is against such actions, but that these who are my husband’s fi eld, nor did they involve work that even interested him. proclaiming their “mighty deeds” have not done the Father’s will or But we’d both been impressed by the pay scale that was beyond anything obeyed Jesus’ teachings. we’d ever imagined for ourselves. We know that love of God and love of neighbor are the Father’s will Still, it appeared he was going to opt for journalism, a pursuit for and the foundational stones of all of Jesus’ teaching. So it is more than which he was gifted and for which he’d had a passion since he was in high guessing to say that deeds falling outside that teaching, no matter what school. they are called, are the disobedience that Jesus is talking about. Fortunately, I only whined to Jack instead of actually revealing my Th ose who fail to heed that teaching, Jesus promises, will see the dismay to my husband. collapse of the “house” they’ve chosen to build on sand rather than on A successful accountant, Jack spoke to me gently. “Th e problem with the rock of God’s word. those high-paying positions is that once you’re in them, you get so used to In East Texas many years ago, a good friend of my family attended a the money that it’s diffi cult to ever get out,” he explained. “Th en if you’re funeral presided over by the pastor of a local charismatic church. A baby stuck, doing something you don’t believe in, you’ll regret it the rest of your had died after much prayer for its healing, and now came the child’s life. It’s better not even to go into that situation.” burial. At a critical point in the service, the pastor lifted the tiny frame His words ended my brief slide into temptation. from the casket and in an accusing tone said, “Look. Th is is lack of faith.” Jack’s wisdom followed the Gospel for this fi rst Sunday of Lent: You have to wonder how many of the people present ever attended his entreating us not to abandon our loving Father’s care for the transitory – or any other – church again. promises of this world. Th e story, as distressing as it is, is not a testimony against prayer for Despite the temptation to seek more money, my husband chose a job the sick, but shows what lack of obedience to the law of love looks like he believed to be worthwhile and went on to a long, fulfi lling newspaper when clothed in spiritual pride. career – that, incidentally, wasn’t without some lean fi nancial periods. One can well imagine that those who act in such a way would But we grew. Our marriage grew, our family grew, and we never once ultimately hear Jesus’ reproach: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you had to question whether God was in our lives. My husband chose to be evildoers.” true to who God created him to be: a loving model for his children, a man Meanwhile, many others who have prayed earnestly (and often who wouldn’t forsake his fundamental ideals for something of fl eeting eff ectively) for the healing of others, acting in love, would receive Jesus’ value, someone who does not live on bread alone but for God’s purpose. welcome and walk into his outstretched arms. God was always with us. QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Have you ever seen religious faith used to shame others? What can What are the promises of the world that most often tempt you? each of us do to assure that the sharing of our faith with others What reminders of God’s lasting care and protection help you springs from genuine love? overcome such temptations? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 19

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” – John 4:10

March 27, Th ird Sunday of Lent. Cycle A. Readings: March 20, Second Sunday “Lord, let your 1) Exodus 17:3-7 of Lent. Cycle A. Readings: mercy be on us, Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 1) Genesis 12:1-4a as we place our trust 2) Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 in you.” Gospel) John 4:5-42 2) 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 – Psalm 33:22 Gospel) Matthew 17:1-9 By Sharon K. Perkins

grew up on a farm in Texas in the 1960s and was able to experience Isome things that few young people do today. One of these was spending By Jeff Hedglen the better part of my summer days walking seemingly endless rows of cotton or corn with a hoe in hand, rooting out weeds and grasses that t is not very often that you read a line from Scripture and experience could take over a fi eld crop. Idéjà vu. It happened to me when I read this week’s fi rst reading. “Th e It was hot, dirty and often monotonous work – at least until we got Lord said to Abram: ‘Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from to the end of a row and stopped to drink from the burlap-wrapped jug of your father’s house to a land that I will show you.’” cold water that was kept under the pickup truck. Not only was I able to Th e passage vividly recalled for me moving from Michigan to Texas satisfy my thirst, but that waiting water jug gave me a good excuse to rest when I was 16 years old. Similar to Abram, I went forth from the land of my from my labors. I stretched those water breaks as long as humanly possible! kinsfolk and from my childhood house to a land that God showed to my dad. Imagine the children of Israel sojourning in the desert for 40 years, I was not a happy camper. I left behind all my childhood friends, their wandering punctuated by infrequent stops for water. As the reading my fi rst girlfriend, the only neighborhood I ever knew and my dream of from Exodus indicates, they grumbled about their thirst and wondered graduating from Holt High School. whether God was in their midst or not. My fi rst year in Texas was fi lled with depression and a lot of loneliness. In response, God provided not only water from a rock to ease their My dad made us attend “one of everything” at our new church, whether physical thirst but also spiritual refreshment – the opportunity to renew we wanted to or not, and that set the course for a huge change in my life. their trust in the one who, as the psalmist says, was the rock of their Th e move to Texas and my involvement in youth ministry as a teen led salvation. me to change career paths. I am now in my 25th year as youth minister In the Gospel, Jesus is tired from his journey and stops at a Samaritan in the parish I moved to at age 16. Th e blessings that have come from that well to rest. He is also thirsty, but not as thirsty as the woman who comes initially hated move simply blow my mind. to draw water. She, too, is in need of rest: from her diffi cult past, from her Life will throw us many challenges, everything from moves to job burdensome reputation and from her spiritual emptiness. changes, college choices to tough friendships, loss of a family member to She encounters a “water break” that she never could have expected: serious illness, dealing with children to dealing with parents. Each of these a road-weary prophet off ering not only frank conversation but “living challenges is an opportunity for growth and change, and for God to blow water,” a gift of refreshment and renewal that comes from worshiping God our minds. “in spirit and in truth.” One way to get through these challenges is to lean on this week’s psalm Th e challenges of human life provide many temptations to grumble response: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” about our “thirst” and to want quick fi xes for our problems so that we can Sometimes, after all our eff orts are exhausted, the only thing left to be on our way. Th e church’s season of Lent invites us to stop awhile, to do is simply trust and lean on the mercy of God. As hard as this can be, have an honest conversation about our lives, and to rest our tired souls at it is important to remember that God’s faithfulness can overcome our the well of “living water” that is Jesus. Only then are we refreshed and able weariness. In the words of Blessed Mother Teresa, “I know God will not to resume our journey. give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that he didn’t trust me so much.” QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: What was an experience that you thought you would never make it In what aspect of your life are you weary and thirsty for renewal? If through, but in looking back, you now see the hand of God? What you were having a conversation with Jesus at the well, what would are some ways we can place our trust in Jesus? you say to each other? PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011

Respect for Life At all all stages Pure Reality Rally draws more than 1,100 youth FROM PAGE 1 teens that explores Pope John Paul II’s integrated members of the St. Francis of Assisi youth group vision of the human person’s body, soul, and spirit. from Grapevine, listened intently to her father’s “To actually see and hear the author helped story. Th e son of a Jewish Holocaust survivor, the them connect,” said high school youth minister elder Aubert now considers abortion the “American Gabe Gutiérrez. “I think a lot of good fruit will Holocaust — not unlike the one my father survived, come from this.” or the one he feared would come again.” Twenty-nine parishes in the Diocese of Fort “His story is very powerful and it defi nitely ties Worth sent teens to the rally. Some, like Randi into the Church’s message about chastity. If you’re Baird and Matthew Hunter of Holy Family Parish not engaging in premarital sex, you won’t be in a in Fort Worth, attended as part of a confi rmation situation where you need an abortion,” the Faustina program. Academy sophomore reasons. “It was a good opportunity to hear great Chastity isn’t just about saving sex for marriage. speakers talk about the message of the Th eology of “It’s about keeping it holy and not degrading the Body,” says Hunter, a 15-year-old Nolan Catholic it,” she adds. “Th at’s a message all young people High School sophomore. “I don’t date yet, but what need to hear.” I learned will help me cope with peer pressure, 'Think Keynote speaker Jason Evert told his listeners especially after I start driving and can go to parties.” they’re part of a growing trend in America. Baird didn’t know what to expect. everyone's According to the latest statistics, 46 percent of “I thought it was going to be about making current high school students have never had sex Jesus a reality in your life,” said the 15-year-old who having and the sexual activity of high school boys is going liked the “girls only” talk given by Stephanie Balser. sex? They down twice as fast as the girls. “She used herself as an example of someone who “You don’t know that because people don’t once wore suggestive clothing and did other bad aren't. That's Top: Students from 29 par- gossip about chastity,” he points out. “Nobody talks stuff before turning her life around for Jesus.” changing.' about the good couples. Th ink everyone’s having Balsar talked about peer pressure and told her ishes in the diocese listen as sex? Th ey aren’t. Th at’s changing.” young female audience they were created to be open chastity speaker Jason Evert Th e author of the recently published How to to love and life. — Jason Evert makes the case for moving Find Your Soul Mate without Losing Your Soul cited “All you have to do is open up your heart and Chastity toward a more Pure Reality. quarterback Phil Rivers as an example. Th e San let God love you,” she urged. “And when you do Speaker Diego Chargers player met his wife, Tiff any, in that, life will naturally pour forth from you.” Above: Worship leader Above: Speaker Jason grade school, and the couple began dating as high Women bring life into the world by caring for Joe Languell asks for a little Evert fi nds a Scripture school upperclassmen. Early in their relationship, others and affi rming or encouraging people. louder response. reference that makes a point. they decided to remain pure until marriage. “And we bring life into the world when our love Evert says he's presented his “Having the same standards helped them stay is made incarnate in a baby,” she said. “So embrace often steers men away from sexual integrity. chastity message to more pure,” Evert explains. “Purity is a gift from Jesus your femininity.” “It keeps men from realizing what true beauty than a million young people Christ, and He will give it to you if you ask for it.” During his “boys only” presentation, Steve is and what it is not,” Pokorny explained. in both secular and religious Eighty teens from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Pokorny tried to clear the confusion of what it Reality is more exciting than fantasy, he told settings, and he's never been Parish in Keller listened to Evert’s presentation with means to be a man today. Th e director of TOB the crowd. met with disrespect. special interest. Th e youth group is currently studying Ministries said there is a misunderstanding of what “You have to live in the real world to get real his book, Th eology of His/Her Body, a paperback for the body and sexuality are all about. Pornography love,” he says. Speaking at Nolan, Evert says laughter gives him an opening for his message

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Evert answers the query with another organization Catholic Answers, the 35-year- slipped in with lighthearted banter. Correspondent question: “Are you willing to love your future old husband and father speaks at Catholic, Evert calls his approach “spiritual spouse before you meet him or her?” Christian, and secular venues to 100,000 surgery.” Laughter is the anesthesia relaxing ove can wait to give, but lust can’t wait “One high school kid from Chicago teens a year. Some audience members arrive the audience as he tries to extract bad “Lto get.” wanted to know if it was okay to do a specifi c at his chastity talks snickering, but they things from their life like porn and hurtful Th at’s the message chastity speaker sexual act with his girlfriend. So I asked if he rarely leave with the same jaded attitude. relationships. Jason Evert gave Nolan Catholic High was planning to marry someday,” remembers “I’ve spoken to more than a million “A lot of the stuff I say I couldn’t get School students during a fast-paced the speaker who received an enthusiastic young people, and no one has responded away with, if they weren’t in a good mood 75-minute talk sponsored by the diocesan “yes” from the teen. “Well, how far do you disrespectfully,” says Evert, who gave his fi rst from laughing,” he admits. Catholics Respect Life Offi ce and the school. want some guy you’ll never meet to go with ever all-school chastity presentation at Nolan After the presentation, students lingered Th e author of Pure Love and If You your future spouse tonight?” in November 1999. “Th ey’re always open and seeking advice from the trained counselor. Really Loved Me used humor, personal He advises young listeners not to adopt enthusiastic.” For Nolan sophomore Brad Rutherford, anecdotes, and pop culture references to hold a double standard when it comes to dating Many teenagers today are growing up in the chastity program cemented his thoughts the attention of his teenage audience as he and sex. broken families and long for parameters and on purity. broached sensitive topics ranging from peer “Why expect such a high standard of guidance. “I loved it. I’ve never heard a talk like pressure and pornography to birth control innocence from a future spouse and yet, for “Some don’t want to get married and this before,” the 15-year-old explains. “You and sexually-transmitted disease. Rooted yourself, have a totally diff erent standard?” fear marriage because all they’ve seen is never get this information in the media.” in the Catholic faith, the information he asked. chaos at home,” the chastity advocate Meeri Kangas saw Evert at a National encouraged abstinence, purity, and self- To fi nd the answer to “how far is explains. “It helps to have someone come in Catholic Youth Conference two years ago respect. It’s a pep talk most young people are too far?” look inside your own heart and, from the outside who isn’t a parent, teacher, and was familiar with his views. eager to hear, he says. “practice the purity you would want your or peer to give them another perspective.” “It’s a message young people defi nitely Th e question most frequently asked by future spouse to practice for you,” Evert Th e advice he off ers is blunt but need to hear,” the high school senior said. “It high schoolers about sex is “how far can we suggests. communicated with humor. Hard core gives you another perspective about what’s go?” An apologist for the California-based statistics about STD rates and divorce are going on with sex and makes you think.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 21 Abortion clinic videos show need for changes, pro-life official says By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Although Ruggiero said she found family planning. Catholic News Service it “very disturbing” that the Planned Pence’s Title X Abortion Provider Parenthood abuses were taking place “in our Prohibition Act, H.R. 217, would “prohibit WASHINGTON — Th e recent undercover backyard,” she said it was “not surprising” family planning grants from being awarded videos showing a Planned Parenthood worker for an organization that has long targeted to any entity that performs abortions.” As of advising clients how to skirt age restrictions minorities and young women. Feb. 7, it had 154 co-sponsors in the House. on abortion and mandatory reporting laws “It’s been a concern for years” that Abby Johnson, a former Planned came as no surprise to Jennifer A. Ruggiero, abortion clinics “need to be investigated Parenthood director in Bryan, Texas, who director of the Offi ce of Respect for Life in and regulated,” she said, adding that the also appeared on the webcast, said the types the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. new revelations have “caught the attention of information given in the videos were “a “We’ve made an ongoing eff ort to of legislators” in New Jersey, making common occurrence, unfortunately” at the raise awareness of some of the myths about improvements in abortion laws in the state clinic where she had worked. Planned Parenthood,” Ruggiero told Catholic more likely. “Many women are subjected to the News Service in a telephone interview Feb. 4. Also in the works is a new “statewide cover-ups of Planned Parenthood and the Th e video “sting” conducted by the action plan” being drawn up by pro-life tweaking of information,” she said. “Th ey group Live Action at the Planned Parenthood directors in dioceses throughout the state will do anything, coerce anyone into having of Central New Jersey clinic in Perth Amboy to address abortion in a coordinated way, an abortion. ... We’re all good salespeople at showed the clinic’s offi ce manager — who Ruggiero said. Planned Parenthood; that is our job.” has since been fi red — talking to a young Th e undercover videos also have Johnson called Planned Parenthood man and woman posing as a pimp and an prompted a move in Congress to defund “a safe haven for people who are trying to This screen shot was taken from the undercover video that underage sex worker. She urges them not to Planned Parenthood. exploit young girls.” members of Live Action took at the Planned Parenthood of reveal that the sex worker is 14 because state “To say it is an outrage is an Stuart Schear, vice president for Central New Jersey. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LIVE ACTION) law would require clinic personnel to report understatement,” said Rep. Mike Pence, communications at the Planned Parenthood it as a case of statutory rape and child abuse. R-Indiana, during a Feb. 3 webcast co-hosted Federation of America, said in a statement we vigilantly work with law enforcement Other undercover videos released by by Family Research Council Action and Live that the organization’s “top priority is the authorities to uncover and stop this Live Action have shown Planned Parenthood Action. “Th e time has come to deny any and health and safety of our patients and the abhorrent activity,” Schear said. personnel in 10 states off ering advice that all federal funding to Planned Parenthood, health and well-being of women and teens Live Action describes itself as a “youth- would help hide the sexual exploitation of the largest abortion provider in America and across the country.” led movement” that uses new media and minors or sex traffi cking of foreign-born also the largest recipient of federal funds “When Planned Parenthood learns of investigative journalism “to expose threats women. under Title X,” the federal grant program for an operation that exploits young women, against the vulnerable and defenseless.” Don’t balance budgets on backs of poor, bishops tell state legislators Texas Catholic Conference federal funding without extending world,” said a news release about funding for immoral medical the campaign. “Agencies providing tells legislature to use procedures or research,” and "The charitable community in Texas does not have the services to those in poverty have create new revenue sources “that been overwhelmed with an increase state's Rainy Day Fund capacity to absorb the needs created by these cuts." before cutting services are equitable and can grow along in demand for basic services such with the growth in need for public as food, shelter, and help in fi nding services.” — Jennifer Allmon, associate director, jobs. Not since the Great Depression By Nancy Frazier O’Brien "Our position on addressing Texas Catholic Conference have we witnessed so many Catholic News Service the state budget is shaped by the Californians suff ering, struggling, Church's extensive teaching on Charities, health care facilities, In California, Catholic and desperate.” WASHINGTON — Catholic exercising the preferential option and schools — to continue to do Charities agencies across the state Th e policy positions outlined bishops and their representatives for the poor and vulnerable," their best in extending help to joined in marking Feb. 3 as the start by the Maryland Catholic around the country are reminding Allmon continued. "Th e state has our neighbors in need,” they said. of a month of poverty awareness Conference for the 2011 legislative state legislatures and their fellow a responsibility to provide for the “Our plea is that in the decisions and education activities under the session off ered a similar perspective. citizens that the nation’s budgetary common good, including access to facing our elected offi cials, and in umbrella of Step Up California, a “Greater charity is needed for problems are not over and must not basic needs for all." the discussions and actions of all campaign challenging Californians the vulnerable who often struggle be resolved on the backs of the poor. Th e bishops of Massachussetts citizens, there be preserved, for the to help those in need through through no fault of their own,” the Many echoed the message issued a similar petition. sake of human dignity, a special volunteerism and charitable giving conference said. delivered by Jennifer Allmon, “In the devastation of shrinking place and regard for the vulnerable.” to service organizations such as food

Fullness of TruthTM associate director of the Texas city and state budgets across the In Michigan, Paul A. Long, banks, homeless shelters, and job Catholic Evangelization Ministries & Catholic Conference, in Feb. 2 country, all face excruciating president and CEO of the Michigan development organizations. Arlington Convention Center testimony before the Senate Finance choices,” said the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, spoke out Feb. Catholic Charities San Committee on behalf of the state’s bishops in one of the most recent 9 against proposed legislation that Bernardino, a founder of Step Up FEATURING: 15 active Catholic bishops: “Th e statements, issued Feb. 9. “But we would eliminate the state’s Earned California, staged a community charitable community in Texas does caution that while the temptation Income Tax Credit, which he called poverty simulation to educate not have the capacity to absorb the to turn away from the growing “a pro-family, pro-work policy participants about the day-to-day Bishop needs created by these [state budget] social needs confronting our cities that reduces poverty, increases realities of life with a shortage Vann Dr. Scott Hahn ALSO FEATURING: cuts.” and towns may seem attractive ... workforce participation among of money and a variety of life She said the conference, which our capacity to move beyond the low-income families, and makes the challenges and barriers to resources. represents the state’s bishops on many complex problems we face state tax system fairer by off setting Other Step Up California activities Dr. Bergsma Dr. Barber public policy matters, “supports today depends on our willingness to disproportionate payroll taxes.” included a forum on the Earned a balanced approach to solving overcome that temptation.” “While not unexpected, it is Income Tax Credit at the Cathedral the revenue shortfall, including Th e heads of Massachusetts’ terribly unfortunate and alarming of the Blessed Sacrament in seeking new revenue to adequately four Catholic dioceses said their that the fi rst target of this year’s Sacramento and tours for legislators fund needed public services and to statement, titled “Standing in budget defi cit may be low-income of nonprofi t direct service agencies. prepare Texas for the future.” Solidarity With All,” involved a working families living paycheck to “California has been a APRIL 30 / MAY 1 Before reducing public services, pledge and a plea. paycheck,” Long said. “Michigan’s promised land for those seeking ALSO: SPANISH / YOUTH / MUSIC Allmon said, Texas offi cials should “Our pledge is that we will low-income workers should not bear gold, good jobs, a better life for Tickets: 877.21.TRUTH use all of the state’s Rainy Day do all we can as bishops to enable the burden of setting straight the their children, and freedom from or Fund, “maximize use of available institutions — parishes, Catholic state’s fi scal house.” oppression in other parts of the www.FullnessOfTruth.org PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 Nuestro Pastor Habla La Cuaresma nos llama a la introspección, el sacrifi cio y la caridad

n estos días, nos encontramos en de hacer penitencia por el pecado. El Miércoles a la lectio divina, que es verdaderamente los primeros domingos del Tiempo de ceniza es una pequeña pero profunda «capaz de abrir al fi el no sólo el tesoro Ordinario. Tiempo entre el fi nal oportunidad en el comienzo de la Cuaresma de la Palabra de Dios sino también de de la celebración de la Navidad y para que profesemos que somos pecadores y que crear el encuentro con Cristo, Palabra elE comienzo de la temporada de la Cuaresma. necesitamos la redención de Cristo. Necesitamos divina y viviente». Quisiera recordar Esta época se le llama Tiempo Ordinario, ser testigos de su gracia, convirtiéndonos en aquí brevemente cuáles son los pasos no por ser algo menos importante o menos recordatorio vivo para los demás que Cristo fundamentales: se comienza con la lectura interesante que otras temporadas en el año es nuestro Salvador. Tenemos una llamada (lectio) del texto, que suscita la cuestión litúrgico, sino por ser la temporada que se rige universal a la conversión y la santidad. sobre el conocimiento de su contenido por los domingos contados por sus números Hay muchas cosas que podemos hacer auténtico: ¿Qué dice el texto bíblico en ordinales, por ejemplo, el domingo tercero, durante la temporada de Cuaresma para traer sí mismo? Sin este momento, se corre el sexto, decimocuarto, etc. la expiación por los pecados, conversión y riesgo de que el texto se convierta sólo en Durante este tiempo seguimos caminando penitencia. Una forma es, sin duda, a través del un pretexto para no salir nunca de nuestros con el Señor y refl exionamos sobre los misterios ayuno y absteniéndose de carne. El Miércoles pensamientos. Sigue después la meditación de su vida, su misión y obra salvífi ca para de ceniza y el Viernes Santo son ambos días (meditatio) en la que la cuestión es: ¿Qué p er m it i r que l a g r a c i a de Cr i s to i lu m i ne nue s t ro s de ayuno y abstinencia, y todos los viernes nos dice el texto bíblico a nosotros? Aquí, corazones y nuestras mentes, mientras que durante la Cuaresma son días de abstenerse cada uno personalmente, pero también continuamos nuestra peregrinación de la fe Monseñor Kevin Vann de carne. Mientras estos son días que el ayuno comunitariamente, debe dejarse interpelar y como el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia. El color y la abstinencia son una obligación, también examinar, pues no se trata ya de considerar reconocieron que era necesario hacer algún del Tiempo Ordinario es el verde, color de la podemos ayudar durante los otros días como palabras pronunciadas en el pasado, sino tipo de penitencia y de preparación antes de la esperanza, pues nos aguarda la gozosa esperanza manera de penitencia y mortifi cación. Ayuno en el presente. Se llega sucesivamente al celebración de los Misterios de la Pascua en la de la venida del Señor, además de siempre es una poderosa manera de no sólo hacer momento de la oración (oratio), que supone Semana Santa. Las primeras celebraciones de vivir nuestras vidas con gran esperanza en las penitencia, pero poner freno a los deseos de la la pregunta: ¿Qué decimos nosotros al Señor e s te t iemp o de or a c ión, p en itenc i a y ay u no, en lo s promesas de Cristo. carne y aumentar en la virtud y el autocontrol. como respuesta a su Palabra? La oración siglos segundos y terceros, variaron en el Oriente Dentro de unas pocas semanas, Otra forma de acercarnos más a Cristo como petición, intercesión, agradecimiento y e l O c c idente . E n muc ho s lu g a re s , l a Cu a re sm a comenzaremos una vez más la temporada de durante la Cuaresma es a través de un aumento y alabanza, es el primer modo con el que era de sólo dos o tres días, e incluso, como Cuaresma, que es un poco más tarde este en la oración y de la practica de las ricas la Palabra nos cambia. Por último, la cuarenta horas en preparación para la Pascua. año, debido a lo avanzado de la Pascua. La devociones que la Iglesia nos ha proporcionado lectio divina concluye con la contemplación Finalmente, la práctica se convirtió en un tiempo Cuaresma es un tiempo destinado por la Iglesia durante siglos. La oración es la manera de (contemplatio), durante la cual aceptamos de preparación de cuarenta días, refl ejando los como preparación para la celebración de los ofrecer nuestros corazones a Dios. Mientras como don de Dios su propia mirada al cuarenta días que pasó Cristo en el desierto, misterios de la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección más tiempo tomemos para orar, más profunda juzgar la realidad, y nos preguntamos: en preparación para su ministerio público. de Cristo durante la Semana Santa y el Triduo será nuestra relación con Cristo. Es importante ¿Qué conversión de la mente, del corazón Después de la legalización del cristianismo en Pascual,que c om ien z a e l Jue ve s S a nto, e l Vier ne s recordar que, en última instancia, la oración y de la vida nos pide el Señor? San Pablo, el Imperio Romano, la temporada penitencial Santo y terminando al fi nalizar la Vigilia debe ser desde el corazón, y que incluso, la en la Carta a los Romanos, dice: «No os de cuarenta días de la Cuaresma se convirtió en Pascual. La Cuaresma nos dadan como un oración espontánea más corta del corazón ajustéis a este mundo, sino transformaos algo mucho más universal, y es mencionada en tiempo para examinar nuestras vidas, buscar puede ser muy poderosa. De hecho, nuestra por la renovación de la mente, para que los cánones disciplinarios del Concilio de Nicea una más profunda conversión a Cristo y hacer vida cotidiana puede rellenarse con la oración, si sepáis discernir lo que es la voluntad de en 325 a.c. Desde entonces, los cuarenta días reparaciones por nuestros pecados a través de estamos abiertos al Espíritu Santo y simplemente Dios, lo bueno, lo que agrada, lo perfecto» de la Cuaresma y su enfoque penitencial se han la oración y la limosna. hablamos con Dios a lo largo de nuestro día. (12,2). En efecto, la contemplación tiende observado universalmente en la Iglesia. Como nos dice la Constitución sobre la En las palabras de San Juan Crisóstomo: “Es a crear en nosotros una visión sapiencial, El Miércoles de ceniza, que será celebrado el 9 Sagrada Liturgia del Concilio Vaticano II, posible ofrecer la oración ferviente, incluso al según Dios, de la realidad y a formar en de marzo de este año, comienza la temporada de “Puesto que el tiempo cuaresmal prepara a los caminar en público o paseando por sí solo, o nosotros «la mente de Cristo» (1 Co 2,16). la Cuaresma con el sobrio recordatorio: recuerda fi eles, entregados más intensamente a oír la sentados en su tienda…al comprar o vender…o La Palabra de Dios se presenta aquí como que eres polvo y al polvo volverás. El Miércoles de palabra de Dios y a la oración, para que celebren incluso, mientras cocinas.” criterio de discernimiento, «es viva y efi caz, ceniza nos recuerda a todos dos cosas importantes. e l m i st e r i o pa sc u a l , s obr e t od o m e d i a n t e e l r e c u e r d o Finalmente, leer y orar con la Sagrada más tajante que la espada de doble fi lo, En primer lugar, es un recordatorio que Dios o la preparación del bautismo y mediante la Escritura puede ser otra devoción cuaresmal penetrante hasta el punto donde se dividen nos creó “del polvo de la tierra” (Gen 2: 7) y que penitencia, dése particular relieve en la Liturgia muy potente y fructífera que puede profundizar alma y espíritu, coyunturas y tuétanos. fuimos creados por Dios y estamos llamados a y en la catequesis litúrgica al doble carácter de signifi cativamente nuestra relación con Cristo. Juzga los deseos e intenciones del corazón» vivir en la bondad y la gracia de Cristo. No vivimos dicho tiempo. Por consiguiente: Una manera de orar y contemplar con las (Hb 4,12). Conviene recordar, además, en esta vida para nosotros mismos, pero para a) Usense con mayor abundancia los elementos E scr it u r a s que h a sido pa r te de l a v id a de l a Ig le sia que la lectio divina no termina su proceso los demás, y estamos llamados a vivir una vida bautismales propios de la Liturgia cuaresmal durante siglos es la lectio divina. El Papa Benedicto hasta que no se llega a la acción (actio), que de fe, esperanza y amor. En segundo lugar, nos y, según las circunstancias, restáurense ciertos XVI, en su reciente Exhortación Apostólica sobre la mueve la vida del creyente a convertirse en recuerda que sufriremos todos en algún momento elementos de la tradición anterior. Palabra de Dios en la Vida y Misión de la Iglesia, don para los demás por la caridad (Verbum la muerte, y seremos sometidos a nuestro propio b) Dígase lo mismo de los elementos VERBUM D OMINI, destacó y alentó a la lectio divina, Domini, 87). juicio particular ante Cristo, — cómo vivió El penitenciales. Y en cuanto a la catequesis, como una manera efi caz de encontrar a Cristo a en nuestras vidas y cómo cooperamos con las incúlquese a los fi eles, junto con las consecuencias través de las Escrituras. Aquí, el Santo Padre nos Al acercarnos a la Cuaresma, y al entrar gracias que nos han dado. Es una llamada a una sociales del pecado, la naturaleza propia de la enseña esta maravillosa forma de orar y meditar en ella, sin duda estarán en mis oraciones de más profunda conversión a Cristo paran alejarnos penitencia, que lo detesta en cuanto es ofensa de sobre la Sagrada Escritura: que su peregrinación cuaresmal sea fructífera del pecado y los vicios. Dios; no se olvide tampoco la participación de la y nos ayude a crecer en la santidad. La práctica del Miércoles de ceniza, Iglesia en la acción penitencial y encarézcase la En los documentos que han preparado realmente se desarrollo a partir de la práctica oración por los pecadores”(109). y acompañado el Sínodo, se ha hablado de la penitencia pública, que era común en los La observancia de la temporada de de muchos métodos para acercarse a las primeros tiempos en la Iglesia cuando quienes + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD Cuaresma se remonta a los primeros tiempos Sagradas Escrituras con fruto y en la fe. Sin estaban practicando la penitencia pública se Diocesis de Fort Worth de la Iglesia cuando los primeros cristianos e mba r go, se ha pr e st a d o u n a m a y o r a t e n c i ón cubrían con cenizas y cilicio, como una manera NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 23 Noticias de la Iglesia Segundo retiro anual para hombres une a más de 350 para fortalecer su fe y sus vínculos a Jesús Articulo y fotos por Juan Guajardo

Durante un sábado de por eso te adoptaron’”. el retiro tuvieron tiempo de meditar mucho frío, una fi la Muñoz le dijo a los hombres y orar ante Cristo en el Santísimo de aproximadamente que eso mismo se aplicaba a ellos — Sacramento, Muñoz terminó el 70 hombres ya se habían sido creados por Dios a su retiro con una charla fi nal sobre la Diba formando fuera del edifi cio a imagen y semejanza, y amorosamente difi cultad de olvidar los pasados las 7:30 de la mañana. Hombres adoptados por Él como sus hijos. errores y avanzar en una nueva vida seguían llegando desde tan lejos Muñoz alentó a la audiencia de en Cristo. como Comanche, Stephenville y jóvenes, hombres de media edad y “Unos de los retos más difíciles Weatherford, y se iban reuniendo en ancianos a darse cuenta de que fueron para ustedes será el tomar la decisión la entrada. Era casi una hora antes creados — cada uno de ellos — como de dejar las cosas viejas”, dijo Muñoz, del comienzo del segundo retiro seres únicos por Dios, y eran cuidados agregando que Dios los trajo al anual en español, organizado por la por Dios mismo. mundo y tiene un plan glorioso para Diócesis de Fort Worth, y titulado “Tú eres imagen de Dios”, dijo ellos; sólo hay que aceptarlo y ser Hombres a semejanza de Jesús, solo Muñoz. “Nuestro Señor nos invita a digno de tal plan. para hombres. aceptar el ‘yo’. Acéptate, tal y como “¿Cuándo llegaremos a ser Aproximadamente 360 hombres eres. Tú te puedes encontrar miles de dignos de esta bendita gloria de asistieron al retiro de este año y, a pesar defectos; tú te puedes encontrar miles Dios?” preguntó Muñoz. “Cuando de que el retiro era de un sólo día, se de excusas y miles de situaciones en decidas tú”. les ofreció a los participantes una misa ti mismo. Yo solamente estoy aquí Continuó, “Decídete en el celebrada por el padre Héctor Medina, hoy para compartir una verdad, nombre de Jesús, y levántate en el párroco de la Iglesia de San Mateo en que tú — papá, abuelo, hermano, nombre de Jesús, y dile a Cristo: Arlington, al igual que la adoración tío, primo — tú eres hijo de Dios y ‘He decidido seguirte, Señor. Acepto del Santísimo Sacramento, momentos naciste, no solo de forma biológica, tu salvación, acepto tu vida; hoy la de alabanza y adoración, tres charlas sino naciste del mismo corazón de quiero poner en practica’. Cuando por dos oradores principales y dos Dios, que es la vida”. te decidas por Cristo, tu vida estará dramatizaciones relativas a las La segunda charla, presentada bendecida desde ese mismo minuto. presentaciones. por el padre Ángel Infante de la Pase lo que pase — escúchame Gustavo Muñoz, conferencista Parroquia de Todos los Santos en bien — y vengan las tormentas que de la Parroquia de Santa Mónica de Fort Worth, se centró en la Parábola vengan. Si te decides hoy, no vas a la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio, del hijo pródigo, del Evangelio de ser un hombre fracasado. No vas a arrancó con su primera charla sobre Lucas. Les habló de que, así cómo le ser un hombre derrotado. Vienen los la importancia de conocerse a si pasó al hijo pródigo — que deseaba problemas; sí vienen. Y no se acaban, mismo, preguntándoles a los hombres la libertad de vivir su vida en la pero no estás solo, porque hay poder presentes, “¿Quien eres tú? ¿Te lo has forma que quería — esta actitud lo en tu interior, y cuando no puedes y preguntado alguna vez?” llevó a tomar una serie de decisiones cuando tus manos se doblan y tus Muñoz pasó a compartir una terribles, pero tomó conciencia de fuerzas se acaban, entonces entra historia de un joven que sufría burlas sus errores. El padre Infante les dijo Cristo y te dice, ‘No te agites... Si por ser un niño adoptado. El joven que la decisión del hijo pródigo de tú me aceptas, yo te acepto y, desde le preguntó a Muñoz si las palabras volver al padre era el mismo reto que este momento, juntos caminaremos. hirientes que le decían sus compañeros se les presentaba a muchos individuos Cuando tú no puedas, yo sí puedo’”. eran verdad. en algún momento de sus vidas. Y A continuación, gritos de “Yo le dije, ‘mira Oscar, un hijo añadió que Dios siempre estaría allí, alabanza llenaban el salón, mientras natural nace de padres biológicos’”, como el buen padre de la parábola, Muñoz y los cientos de hombres recordaba Muñoz. “Un hijo adoptivo a la espera de aquellos que dicen ‘sí’ alegremente gritaban, “¡Viva Cristo! no nace de padres biológicos; un y que deciden volver. ¡Viva!; ¡Viva la Virgen María! ¡Viva!; hijo adoptivo nace del corazón. Y tú Después de una hora santa, en ¡Vivan los hombres de valor! ¡Vivan!” naciste del corazón de tus padres, y la cual los 360 hombres que asistían

Arriba a la derecha: El Padre Ángel Infante detiene el Santísimo durante la Hora Santa en el retiro de "Hombres a Semejanza de Jesús." Más de 350 hombres atendieron el retiro en la parroquia de St. Bartholomew en Fort Worth en enero 22.

Arriba: Manuel Hernández, de la parroquia St. Michael en Bedford, reza ante el Santísimo Sacramento durante la Hora Santa. Hernández vino con un grupo de 13 hombres de St. Michael.

A la derecha: Adán Solís, de la parroquia Holy Redeemer en Aledo, reza en silencio después de la plática de presentador Gustavo Muñoz.

A la izquierda: En la última platica del retiro, presentador Gustavo Muñoz exhorta a los hombres a que no tengan temor a seguir a Cristo, hasta en los tiempos difíciles. PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 Noticias de la Iglesia Apoyando a la reforma migratoria

por el padre Stephen Jasso, TOR reforma migratoria. ¿Por qué no momento pueden ser deportados; ha dicho que la documentación No podemos olvidar que Párrocco de la iglesia de Todos están listos los líderes del Congreso los niños viven diariamente bajo la de los inmigrantes se “traduce al la reforma migratoria fue una los Santos en Fort Worth y del Senado? presión de que — cuando regresen menos acumulativamente en $1.5 promesa en campaña presidencial, Los obispos de EE.UU. a casa de la escuela, pueda suceder trillones USD en incremento del tema de un mensaje del presidente esde mi arribo a Fort dijeron que “los inmigrantes son el caso — que sus papás no estén GDP (Gross Domestic Product) en en 2010 y tema que mencionó en Worth hace casi 18 una bendición para la nación y un esperándolos. Es más fácil crear 10 años, que incluye $1,2 trillones su discurso a la nación en 2011. años, he escuchado regalo para la Iglesia”. ¿Por qué e implementar leyes punitivas USD en consumo y $256 billones Urgimos a todos los líderes en a nuestros líderes en quieren que se vayan? ¿Qué mal nos que reformar un sistema que no USD en inversión". ¡Nuestra nación Washington a que no ignoren este DWashington decirnos que tenemos han hecho? Están construyendo funciona. No tomemos el camino necesita a los inmigrantes! tema, se enrollen las mangas de la un sistema migratorio que está roto nuestras carreteras, nuestras fácil que daña a familias y niños Comprendo que la reforma camisa, y se pongan a trabajar en y no funciona. Yo creo que ya es calles, limpiando nuestras casas, inocentes. Sigamos siendo modelo migratoria va más allá de los la reforma. La reforma migratoria tiempo que lo arreglen. La nación ayudando en los restaurantes, de respeto a los Derechos humanos indocumentados y requiere traerá bendiciones para muchos y más importante del mundo, con levantando nuestras cosechas, para todo el mundo. la colaboración de todos los sobre todo para la nación. un sistema migratorio roto, que es creando pequeños negocios que dan La deportación no es solución líderes políticos involucrados y Oremos todos para que responsable de admisión y registro empleo a muchos. Están mandando para un sistema migratorio que la información de otras naciones muy pronto nuestros líderes en de los que desean venir a este país a sus hijos a la escuela, asistiendo a no funciona. Dañaría a la nación para esta reforma migratoria, Washington empiecen la reforma en busca del sueño americano, las Iglesias locales y compartiendo en vez de ayudarla. El presidente principalmente de nuestros vecinos del sistema migratorio, que no está no es aceptable. Un liderazgo en sus valores y cultura con nosotros. Barack Obama en su mensaje sobre del Sur. Estoy convencido de que funcionado, y den a la nación y Washington, que no está dispuesto Y, claro, gastando y pagando la reforma migratoria dijo: “una tenemos los expertos para lograr al mundo una reforma migratoria a componer el sistema roto, no impuestos como lo hacen todos los deportación masiva trastornaría una buena reforma. Al emprender justa y humana que funcione. es aceptable. El no solucionar el americanos. nuestra economía y comunidades, esta tarea de la reforma migratoria, sistema migratorio por el liderazgo Los indocumentados no le que sería intolerable para la mayoría no dejemos que el miedo sea el Porque tuve hambre y ustedes en Washington, complicaría más quitan el trabajo a los ciudadanos; de los americanos. Tal esfuerzo guía, sino la verdad. Nuestra me dieron que comer; tuve la situación, pues el liderazgo están haciendo el trabajo que ellos sería logísticamente imposible nación siempre se ha dejado guiar sed y me dieron de beber. estatal tomaría acciones por su dejaron atrás. El alto desempleo e insensatamente costoso.” por la verdad; si dejamos que otros Fui forastero y ustedes me cuenta, y esto no debería suceder. que tenemos no se debe a los Además, dijo el presidente, la principios nos guíen, perdemos la recibieron en su casa. Han polarizado el problema del indocumentados. Ese nivel de deportación masiva “rompería el batalla. –Mateo 25,35. sistema migratorio roto con el de empleo está esperando nuevos tejido estructural de esta nación los indocumentados, y los quieren empleos que se acomoden a su – pues los inmigrantes que están castigar por ello, en vez de arreglar nivel de vida; ellos nunca harán el aquí ilegalmente están ahora ¡Invitados Todos al Retiro de Cuaresma 2011! un sistema migratorio que no está trabajo que los inmigrantes hacen embrollados en el tejido telar de la funcionando. hoy. nación.” El domingo 13 de marzo, de 8 Se pide un donativo de $15 En su discurso a la nación El mundo mira a los EE.UU. De buenas fuentes a.m. hasta las 5 p.m. se celebrara un para cubrir los gastos del Centro y sobre la reforma migratoria el 1 de como un modelo de Derechos (Immigration Policy Center: www. Retiro Cuaresmal, en español, para el de las comidas y materiales que Julio, 2010, el Presidente Barack humanos. Por lo tanto, debemos immigration policy.org, por adultos en el Centro de Cursillos de se les entregará durante el retiro; Obama dijo: “Yo estoy listo y la pensar en las muchas familias y ejemplo) nos dicen que la reforma Fort Worth. sin embargo, de no poder dar este mayoría de los Americanos están sus hijos que viven bajo el impacto migratoria daría a la economía El Centro esta localizado en el donativo no se les negará la entrada listos para movernos” con la sicológico de que en cualquier de la nación un gran empuje. Se 2221 NW 26th St. en Fort Worth. al retiro y se les buscara ayuda para Cualquier adulto — hombres y cubrir el donativo. mujeres — solteros y casados, pueden Para más información pueden participar de esta oportunidad de llamar al Centro de Cursillos al Curso de Planifi cación Natural de la Familia mayor acercamiento a Nuestro Señor 817.624.9411 o a Norma Cerritos Jesucristo. al 817.343.7573. No es esencial al Metodo Sinto-Térmico Habrán charlas, meditaciones, registrarse de antemano. actos devocionales como el Via Aprovechen esta oportunidad • Seguro para su salud: 100% natural Crucis, oportunidades para la oración para vivir en este año una Cuaresma y el dialogo sobre la Palabra de Dios súper especial, pasando una mañana • 99% efectivo para posponer embarazos C Couple to Couple League y aspectos importantes de nuestra y tarde con Jesús, y también con tus Natural Family Planning • También ayuda si se busca un embarazo fe y, sobre todo, la celebración de la hermanos y hermanas en la fe. ¡Los C • Económico Santa Misa. esperamos! L • Promueve un matrimonio satisfecho • Moralmente aceptable Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada

Si usted o alguien que conozca es abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Informate y/o registrate con: Paula Macias (682) 502-4237 víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada Ext. 900 por parte de cualquier persona que ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por Costo: $55 por pareja Clase 1 Domingo 13 de Marzo 2:30-5:00 pm empleado, o miembro del clero, puede el canciller/moderador de la , el Clase 2 Domingo 27 de Marzo 2:30-5:00 pm Lugar: reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: padre Stephen Berg. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Clase 3 Domingo 17 de Abril 2:30-6:00 pm Mecanismo para reportar abuso 2016 Willis Lane ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de Clase 4 Domingo 15 de Mayo 2:30-6:00 pm Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Keller, TX 76248 asistencia para víctimas, al número (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo Servicios de protección (Servicios de electrónico a [email protected] protección de niños) al número:(800) El cupo es limitado, favor de registrarte antes del 4 de Marzo, 2011 ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el 252-5400. Youth & School NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 25 NEWS Speaker praises workers and supporters as 'heroes' Story and Photos by academically. Joan Kurkowski-Gillen “It’s a proud moment when you Correspondent see someone you taught do well,” the former school administrator said. The Olivetan Benedictine Traveling from their Sisters were honored at the 24th motherhouse in Jonesboro, Arkansas, annual Catholic Schools Banquet the contingent of six sisters was for teaching children at Muenster’s among the more than 500 guests Sacred Heart School for more than attending the annual fundraiser. ABOVE: Karen Ristau, president of the National 100 years. But for Sister Georgia The banquet supports the Bishop’s Catholic Educational Association, gives the keynote Felderhoff, the highlight of the Scholars Fund and acknowledges speech, telling supporters and donors that through evening was seeing a former student exceptional individuals from each their help Catholic schools are making a diff erence receive the Diocesan Leadership one of the diocese’s 19 schools. Cited in the lives of children. Award from Fort Worth Bishop for their service and dedication LEFT: Chuck Johnson, co-owner of Big Bad Wolf, Kevin Vann. to Catholic education were Hilda poses with Sr. Georgia Felderhoff , OSB, at the Chuck Johnson was a youngster Raga, All Saints School in Fort Catholic Schools Banquet. Johnson, who has pro- attending Our Lady of Holy Souls Worth; Phil Record, (posthumously) duced videos for the diocese and diocesan schools, in Little Rock, Arkansas, when Sr. Cassata High School in Fort was presented the Diocesan Leadership Award. Georgia was the school’s principal. Worth; Doug and Beth Parks, BELOW: Catholic school students participate in a Owner of Big Bad Wolf Creative Holy Family School in Fort Worth; performance the night of the 24th Annual Catholic Group, Johnson, a video production Cathy Hollingsworth, Holy Rosary Schools Banquet. specialist, was recognized for School in Arlington; Maureen his creative energy and generous Ramirez, Holy Trinity School in Keller; Arlene Sanchez, St. George support of projects promoting Grapevine; Mitch and Jill Borowski, School in Fort Worth; Pat Asher, St. Catholic education. Immaculate Conception Catholic John the Apostle School in North “I’m thrilled,” said Sr. Georgia School in Denton; Brother Al Richland Hills; Linda Hoffer, St. as people gathered inside the Fort Kuntemeier, SM, Nolan Catholic Maria Goretti School in Arlington; Worth Convention Center ballroom High School in Fort Worth; Mary Mickey Spaeth, St. Mary’s School for the Jan. 22 event kicking-off Cluley, Notre Dame School in in Gainesville; Daphne Gomez, St. National Catholic Schools Week. Wichita Falls; Elaine Sluiter, Our Peter the Apostle School in White “It’s a wonderful coincidence to Lady of Victory School in Fort Settlement; and Diane Hutto, St. honor our sisters at the same time Worth; Frank Norvel, Our Mother Rita School in Fort Worth. Chuck is getting his award. I of Mercy School in Fort Worth; The impact each honoree remember him very well.” Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, Sacred makes on his or her school The Olivetan sisters helped Heart School in Muenster; Brynn community was detailed in a Johnson’s struggling family afford Lonquist, St. Andrew School in photo-filled tribute presented on a the tuition payments and guided the Fort Worth; Therese Wingert, St. large projection screen. Audience for,” the speaker pointed out. “They matter-of-factly. young boy through a difficult time Elizabeth Ann Seton School in members also viewed a video of the are in these schools because others The generosity of Catholic All Schools Mass celebrated in the have helped with scholarship money, schools supporters in the Diocese Fort Worth Convention Center gifts of books, and gifts of people of Fort Worth exemplifies a similar Arena last September. who will sit with youngsters and spirit, Ristau suggested, adding, Instead of focusing on the help them read.” “Please accept my congratulations challenges facing today’s Catholic According to Ristau, Catholic on your good works.” schools, guest speaker Karen Ristau education sees the world through Superintendent of Schools told the audience there’s plenty the eyes of faith. Don Miller called the evening an of “good news” to report about “Our schools are places where opportunity to celebrate the mission Catholic education. we speak of Jesus; where we pray, of Catholic schools. Evangelization, “I’ve visited schools across the have liturgical celebrations, and he said, is a shared responsibility. country that are doing amazing learn the message of Scripture and “To those of us blessed to serve things,” said the president of the try to live it,” she added. in Catholic schools, there comes National Catholic Educational To illustrate her observation, a more formal mission of actively Association. the NCEA president remembered supporting parents in their roles as Nurturing the gifts and talents of every child through a challenging academic curriculum and A frequent lecturer and former visiting a Catholic school shortly primary educators and dedicating specialized enrichment programs dean of the faculty at St. Mary’s after Hurricane Katrina devastated ourselves to passing on the faith to rooted in the Catholic faith and traditions College at Notre Dame, Ristau New Orleans. She told the audience the next generation,” Miller added. recalled seeing rugged football how she watched teachers whose Each school in the diocese is players reading to kindergarteners homes were destroyed in the very different, yet the same. NOW ENROLLING and classrooms where “a United disaster, prepare their classrooms “They share and thrive in the for the Nations of faces were all studying and try to restore normalcy for their goal and mission of transmission 2011 - 2012 School Year in the same classroom.” She also young charges. of the faith,” the superintendent Pre-K 4 - 8th Grade described the stacks of food and Ristau praised the continued, before stating the clothing collected for the poor administrator and staff as heroes profound message delivered in every and programs that paired wealthy and was surprised by their reaction Catholic school experience.

schools with an inner city campus. to her compliment. “God loves us, wants us, and For more information or to schedule a tour, “Our schools are filled with “Heroes are in Marvel comic demands us to share his love with call the school office at 817-421-8000 poor and underserved children who books. We’re just doing what Jesus all we encounter,” he said. “Tonight are succeeding in their education asked us to do — care for one is one way we demonstrate our 3750 William D. Tate Ave. Grapevine, Texas www.holytcs.org beyond what anyone might hope another,” the principal responded commitment to that love.” PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011

Serving the Church. alumni currently serve the Catholic Church in more than 30 states across the U.S.

Our Alumni: 6 bishops 225 priests 70 brothers and sisters And even more employed as chaplains, youth ministers, and other faith-based professions.

Learn more… udallas.edu/serving NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH 2011 PAGE 27 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region

March Dates TO REPORT MISCONDUCT April Dates If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual 1 misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may 2 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORIENTATION MEETING • Call Judy Locke, victim THE AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS - A DIVINE assistance coordinator, 6:30 p.m. AFFAIR FUND RAISER. University Christian Church, 2720 South University Dr., Fort Worth. For (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. information, contact Ann marie Brannan at [email protected]. or e-mail her at [email protected] Colonial Country Club, 3735 Country Club Circle, Fort Worth. For informa- • Or call the Sexual Abuse Hotline tion, contact Ann Carminati at (817) 099-2573. 2 (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 AN EVENING OF MUSIC, MEDITATION, AND PRAYER WITH JOHN • Or call Th e Catholic Center at (817) 560-2452 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORIENTATION MEETING MICHAEL TALBOT ext.102 and ask for the moderator of the curia, Father 9:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Stephen J. Berg University Christian Church, 2720 South University Dr., Fort Worth. For St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland. For information, contact the rectory offi ce at information, contact Ann marie Brannan at [email protected]. (940) 422-4994. TO REPORT ABUSE Call the Texas Department of Family Protective 3 4 Services (Child Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400 STEPHEN BREEN SPIRIT GAMES AN EVENING OF PRAYER & SHARING WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. Registration -10 a.m.; Mass - 11 a.m. MARY OF NAMUR Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For more informa- 4 - 7: 30 p.m. tion, visit www.stephenbreenmemorialfoundation.org. Single women, within the approximate ages of 18 to 45 . Our Lady of Vic- 12 THE NATIONAL CHAPTER OF PASTORAL MUSICIANS REORGANIZA- tory Center, 909 West Shaw St., Fort Worth. For more information, contact TIONAL MEETING AND CHORAL PHILHARMONICA 5 Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN, at (817)-923-3091 or by e-mail at ycruz@fwdioc. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORIENTATION MEETING org. 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth; and St. Andrew University Christian Church, 2720 South University Dr., Fort Worth. For 4-6 Episcopal Church, 917 Lamar St., Fort Worth. Registration deadline is Feb. information, contact Ann marie Brannan at [email protected]. SINGLES ROAD TRIP - SAN ANTONIO 28. For more information, contact Joanne Werner at (817) 283-8746. San Antonio Missions. For information, contact Tony at (817) 703-4312. SINGLES MASS AND COUNCIL MEETING 8-10 YOUTH 2000 EUCHARISTIC CENTERED RETREAT 5 p.m. Nolan Catholic High School, 4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth. For informa- 5 Holy Family Church, 6150 Persing Ave., Fort Worth. Meeting at Spring Creek GABRIEL PROJECT ANGEL TRAINING tion and to register, call (817) 244-7733 or (817) 560-2452, ext. 255; or visit Barbecue, Las Vegas Trail. For more information, contact Susan at (817) Noon to 6 p.m. www.youthretreat.org. 346-8023. St. Francis of Assisi Church, 861 Wildwood Ln., Grapevine. For information, contact Mary Stroupe at (940) 464-3224. 24 13-16 THE COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING HOLY FAMILY PARISH - LENTEN MISSION 2011 CALIX SUPPORT GROUP the next class will be off ered at St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1408 N. Davis 7 to 8:30 p.m. 10 a.m. Dr., Arlington. For more information or to register, contact Kevin and Holy Family Parish, 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and others Michele Vina at (940) 433-5664. the parish offi ce at (817) 737-6768. who are struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon 29 Joe Milligan at (817) 431-5369. 15 ANNUAL EAGLE CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITING ST. DEAF MINISTRY SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL 7 to 8:15 p.m. each Tuesday evening through April 26 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORIENTATION MEETING Iron Hourse Golf Course, 6200 Skylark Circle, North Richland Hills. Visit St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2016 Willis Lane, Keller. For information, 9:30 a.m.. www.stjs.org/golf.htm for registration, or contact Sandra Gonzalez at contact Connie Martin at (817) 560-2452 ext. 305 or [email protected]. University Christian Church, 2720 South University Dr., Fort Worth. For [email protected]. information, contact Ann marie Brannan at [email protected]. 16 SINGLES SPRING RETREAT AUXILIARY TO THE DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS’ LENTEN DAY OF April 29 to May 1 5-6 QUIET IWBS ‘COME AND SEE’ Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St.,Fort Worth. For more information Women high school through 50 years of age. Incarnate Word Convent in 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and to register, contact Susan at (817) 346-8023. Victoria. For information, visit www.iwbsvictoria.org, call (361) 575-7111, or Carmelite Chapel, 5801 Mt. Carmel Dr., Arlington. Bring a sack lunch. For e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. information, contact Jean Mallick at (817) 738-7123. 30 FULLNESS OF TRUTH SEMINAR - UNLOCKING THE GOSPEL OF 20 MATTHEW 6 ST. JOSEPH PARISH, RHINELAND, SAUSAGE AND FRIED CHICKEN PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP: THE LAY CARMELITES Saturday and Sunday DINNER 2 - 4:30 p.m. Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington. For information, Chapel of The College of St. Thomas More, 3017 Lubbock St. in Fort Worth. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and to register, visit www.FullnessOfTruth.org or call (877)-21-TRUTH. For information, contact Phyllis Poth at (817) 457-1746. Knights of Columbus Hall, Rhineland. For more information or to order bulk, uncooked sausage, call Billie at (940) 422-2993. 7 / 8 LENTEN VOCATION AWARENESS PROGRAM 24 MINISTRY FOR PEOPLE WITH SAME SEX ATTRACTION 6 to 9 p.m. Offi cial Assignments Single men and women ages 18-30 7 p.m. Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For more information, Men - Monday evenings March 7 - April 18. The following assignments have been made by Women - Tuesday evenings March 8 - April 19 contact Father Warren Murphy, TOR, at (817) 927-5383 or (817) 329-7370. Bishop Kevin Vann St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For more informa- : tion, contact Father Kyle Walterscheid at (817) 560-3300 ext. 106 or 26 [email protected], or visit the vocation website at www.fwdioc.org. ST. GEORGE SCHOOL’S SPRING CHARITY EVENT Rev. Victor Cruz, HGN, has been assigned as parochial 6:30 to 11 p.m. administrator of St. Mary Parish, Gainesville, eff ective 11 Norris Conference Center, Red Oak Ballroom located next to Uno’s Pizzeria January 28, 2011. SAN MATEO LENTEN DINNER in Downtown Fort Worth Sundance Square. Tickets are $35 per person. For 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. information, contact the school offi ce at (817) 222-1221. Rev. Ouseph I Th ekkumthala has been assigned as San Mateo church, 2930 Pulido St., Fort Worth. For information , call (817) 994-6228. parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Denton, eff ective January 27, 2011. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, MARCH, 2011 PAGE 28 Good Newsmaker

Participants in Feb. 7 Healing Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral receive sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and experience Christ as the

Story and Photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / Correspondent

erald Long prayed for his continuing recovery after brain surgery. Bethony Keller wants peace for a family troubled by addiction. One young husband, who heard about the evening service on local Catholic radio, brought his wife hoping the ritual would make her feel better. The frail, the sick, the elderly, and their caregivers gathered inside St. Patrick Cathedral Feb. 7 to pray for healing and celebrate the sacraments of Anointing and Eucharist during a Mass observing the 19th annual World Day of the Sick. Two hospital chaplains and several parish priests joined Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann in concelebrating the liturgy attended by 400 people.

Promoted by Pope John Paul we gather in his name. Today we II, the World Day of the Sick welcome Him as physician and provides an opportunity to explore healer,” Bishop Vann said, greeting the mystery of suffering and make the congregation. “We pray that the society more sensitive to the needs sick are restored to health by the candlelight processions, Rosary ABOVE: Father Joe Pemberton, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, anoints members of people struggling with old age, gift of his mercy and made whole in recitations, and baths visited of the congregation during the diocese's Healing Mass held Feb. 7. chronic illness, and impending his fullness.” by ailing pilgrims. “There I surgery. The special day of prayer is During the homily, the bishop encountered all sorts of people who BELOW: Bishop Vann prays over the healing oils held reverently by Deacon Don observed each year on Feb. 11, the shared memories of his 1976 trip were sick, praying for healing, and feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. to visit the Catholic shrines of looking for peace.” Warner at the liturgy. After watching Bishop Vann Europe. He was 25 years old and Bishop Vann said the offer a prayer of thanksgiving over struggling with a decision to enter experience was a living the blessed oil, more than 200 the seminary when he arrived in representation of Christ as healer worshippers walked up the center Lourdes for a three-day visit. — an image found in many Gospel aisle to have their forehead and “It was a turning point in stories. palm anointed by a priest. my faith journey,” the bishop “My experience in Lourdes “Christ is always present when said, remembering the nightly wasn’t just a play or memory of something that happened long ago,” he explained. “It was the Please enclose label with address change or inquiries concerning mail delivery of your North Texas Catholic. Thank you. Lord walking among his people in another land where his mother had led us. And there I found peace.” In a similar way, Christ helps people through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the bishop continued. He urged the gathering to surrender control and let the the bishop promised. gives him the spiritual strength to healing power of God guide them. Gerald Long, a St. Thomas move forward in life. “The darkness, doubts, and parishioner who suffered a brain “I’ve experienced things since discouragement of illness are infection three years ago, said I had my surgery that I never gone, and the light of God and his illness has made his faith stronger. knew,” he explained thoughtfully. healing power will bring peace, Receiving a special anointing for “Without a doubt, I know there’s a hope, newness, and reconciliation,” the sick and attending Sunday Mass God because He let me know.”