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CriterionOnline.com January 29, 2021 Vol. LXI, No. 16 75¢ Love is clearest Caravan for life sign of faith, pope says in homily for Christian unity

ROME (CNS)—Abiding in God’s love means nurturing one’s relationship with him and with all those whom God loves, Pope Francis wrote in his homily for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. “If our worship is genuine, we will grow in love for all those who follow Jesus, regardless of the Christian communion to which they may belong, for even though they may Pope Francis not be ‘one of ours,’ they are his,” the pope wrote While stopped at a light near the Indiana Statehouse, a woman in a mini-van sporting pro-life messages takes a photo of the vehicles behind her for the prayer service on Jan. 25 at Rome’s during the Indiana March-turned-caravan for Life in Indianapolis on Jan. 22. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. While a flare-up of sciatica, a painful nerve condition, prevented the pope from presiding over the ecumenical vespers, his homily for the service was read by Cardinal Honoring lives aborted since 1973 still Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. ‘crucial’ despite COVID-19 challenges The theme for the 2021 celebration, chosen by the World Council of Churches By Natalie Hoefer “Our opponent is with the evil that underlies what and the Vatican, was “Abide in my love and Pope Francis has referred to as a ‘throwaway society’ … you shall bear much fruit.” CARMEL, Ind.—As often seems to be the case, Jan. 22 [that] readily discards anything that is deemed useless or Because of COVID-19 precautions, only was the coldest day of the week this year. undesirable, including … human life.” invited guests—Catholic, Orthodox, Oriental And as always is the case, weather did not prevent Discarding persons can take many forms, the archbishop Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, advocates from standing up for life in solemn observance of explained. Among such forms are abortion, racism, human Waldensian, Salvation Army and other the Jan. 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision trafficking, capital punishment, disregard for creation, greed Christian representatives—were able to legalizing abortion throughout the nation. and more, including gossip. gather for the prayer at the basilica built over “If standing in this cold is just one thing we can do to save “All these, with abortion at the forefront, contribute to a the tomb of St. Paul. a baby today, let’s do it all day long,” said recently sworn-in culture of death,” he said. In his homily, Pope Francis noted that Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. To change society to a culture of life, “The first person we Jesus’ admonition to his disciples, “abide He spoke at a rally that concluded several events sponsored must begin with is ourself,” Archbishop Thompson noted. in my love” (Jn 15:9), is part of Jesus’ by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the Diocese of Lafayette “When confronted with differences of opinions or discourse on “the vine and the branches. and Right to Life of Indianapolis (RTLI) to mark the solemn opposition to our values, do we respond in a Christian manner “The Lord himself is the vine, the ‘true’ occasion, including an archdiocesan-sponsored Mass or react in a defensive or threatened mode? Are we able to vine, who does not betray our expectations, celebrated by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson on Jan. 22. recognize those that oppose or disagree with us as created in but remains ever faithful in love, despite our the image of God?” sins and our divisions,” the pope said. And ‘We must begin with ourselves’ Each person is a child of God and a sinner in need of all people who are baptized are grafted on to In the pro-life battle, “Our opponent is not a particular salvation, the archbishop said. that vine. person or group of persons,” the archbishop said in his Therefore, pro-life efforts “must be rooted in a holistic Each Christian, he said, is called to homily during the Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in commitment to defending the dignity of all persons— maintain and strengthen his or her adherence Indianapolis. See LIFE, page 11A See UNITY, page 10A U.S. bishops’ pro-life chairman calls plan to codify Roe v. Wade in federal law ‘tragic’ WASHINGTON (CNS)—The of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the that respect foundational precedents chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ like Roe.” They did not use the word committee called it “deeply disturbing (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life “abortion,” but talked about “reproductive and tragic” that Activities. health” and protecting women’s access to any U.S. president “I take this opportunity to remind “health care. would mark the all Catholics that the catechism states, “In the past four years, reproductive Jan. 22 anniversary ‘Since the first century, the Church has health, including the right to choose, of the Roe v. Wade affirmed the moral evil of every procured has been under relentless and extreme decision that legalized abortion. This teaching has not changed attack,” they said on Jan. 22. “We abortion by praising and remains unchangeable’ ” (Catechism are deeply committed to making sure it and committing to of the Catholic Church, #2271), the everyone has access to care—including codifying it in law. archbishop said in a statement released reproductive health care—regardless of The U.S. Supreme late on Jan. 22 in response to a statement income, race, ZIP code, health insurance Archbishop Joseph Court’s 1973 ruling on Roe by President Joe Biden, a status or immigration status.” F. Naumann “denies unborn Catholic, and Vice President Kamala They added: “Now is the time to children their most basic human and Harris. rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all civil right, the right to life, under the Biden and Harris said their individuals have access to the health care euphemistic disguise of a health service,” administration “is committed to codifying they need.” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Roe v. Wade and appointing judges See BISHOPS, page 10A Page 2A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

Pregnancy accommodations Public Schedule of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson under consideration again ______By Victoria Arthur voice of the Catholic Church in Indiana. January 30 – February 10, 2021 “Among the pillars of Catholic social From the governor’s office to a teaching are respect for the dignity of January 30 – 11 a.m. February 4 – 10 a.m. growing grassroots effort around the state, human life from conception to natural Dedication of St. Michael Church, Leadership Team meeting at momentum is building for Indiana to join death, as well as the dignity of workers. Greenfield Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara more than half the nation in providing These bills will protect mothers and Catholic Center reasonable their unborn babies as well as provide February 2 – 9 a.m. accommodations workplace stability for employers.” Visit at Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High February 4 – 2 p.m. for pregnant For Espada, this issue is personal. School, Indianapolis Virtual Archdiocesan Pastoral Council women in the During a hearing on similar pregnancy meeting workplace. accommodation legislation last year, February 2 – 11 a.m. Companion bills introduced in the Espada shared her own story of being born College of Deans meeting at February 7 – 2 p.m. Indiana House of Representatives and the two months prematurely to a mother who Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Annual Scout Awards Ceremony at Indiana Senate would require employers worked long hours in an industrial laundry Catholic Center, Indianapolis SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral with at least 15 full-time employees to facility. The ICC and other advocates were provide reasonable adjustments for the dismayed when companion bills ultimately February 3 – 10 a.m. February 9 – 10:30 a.m. safety and well-being of workers who are stalled in the 2020 General Assembly in Catholic Schools Week Mass at Priest Personnel Board meeting at pregnant. These types of accommodations the face of opposition from the Indiana SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara would include longer and more frequent Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Indianapolis Catholic Center breaks, modified work schedules, access to Manufacturers Association and others who February 4 – 8:15 a.m. February 10 – 10:30 a.m. appropriate seating and temporary transfers raised questions about the impact of the Mass for students of St. Michael- Virtual Wellbeing in Ministry summit to less strenuous or hazardous environments. legislation, particularly on small businesses. St. Gabriel School at St. Michael the House Bill 1358, authored by This year, the ICC and its allies are Archangel Church, Indianapolis Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica), and hopeful that updates to that legislation Senate Bill 246, authored by Sen. Ron will result in passage of the current bills. Alting (R-Lafayette), are currently “This year’s bills draw from legislation awaiting committee hearings. Gov. Eric that passed unanimously in Tennessee Child Health Leadership Training Project, important because it would relieve the Holcomb highlighted the legislation in his last year,” said Erin Macey, senior policy concentrating efforts in areas of Indiana stress factors that cause preterm births, 2021 State of the State address. analyst for the Indiana Institute for with persistently high maternal and infant miscarriages and other health factors that “Women make up over half of Indiana’s Working Families. “While in substance mortality rates. This coalition, associated not only affect the child but the mother’s workforce and should expect reasonable they are still very similar in their aim to with the Richard M. Fairbanks School of health, including mental health.” accommodations [during pregnancy] at last year’s bills, we are hopeful that some Public Health at Indiana University–Purdue Espada expressed hope that the their workplace, which often come at little of the modest changes will help ease University Indianapolis, is mentoring legislation would be enacted as the Church or no cost to the employer,” Holcomb objections. Now there is further clarity women to become community leaders and nationwide moves toward the conclusion said in the Jan. 19 speech. “This is why around what is considered ‘reasonable,’ policy advocates on these matters. in late March of its yearlong effort to draw I’ve come back to the legislature again especially for small businesses, and it “Many of these women had difficult attention to the challenges of mothers, … to make Indiana the 31st state to pass moves administration of the process to the experiences working low-wage jobs while especially the poor. “Walking with Moms a pregnancy accommodations bill. Most Indiana Department of Labor.” pregnant, so this issue means a lot to in Need: A Year of Service” began in March employers already do this on their own. So Pregnancy accommodation efforts them,” Macey said. 2020 to coincide with the 25th anniversary let’s get this done for the well-being and are perhaps more critical than ever Among these advocates is Destiny of St. John Paul II’s groundbreaking security of Indiana’s current and future now, Macey said, as women have been Faceson, who has been working with encyclical “Evangelium Vitae.” working mothers.” disproportionately affected by job losses other grassroots leaders to support “It would be wonderful if we could As it has with similar efforts in recent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 1358 and SB 246. Several years ago, pass this legislation this year,” Espada years, the Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) “As they seek to retain their jobs or as a first-time mother during her third said. stands in strong support of the proposed re-enter the workplace, there may be an trimester of pregnancy, she lost her retail To follow this and other priority legislation, which it considers pro-life. increased fear of reporting a pregnancy job because she was penalized for too legislation of the ICC, visit “We want to do everything we can or requesting accommodation due to high many prenatal medical appointments. www.indianacc.org. to ensure that a woman doesn’t have to unemployment and a need to recover “The closer it came to my due choose between a healthy pregnancy and financially,” Macey said. date, the more stress and uncertainty (Victoria Arthur, a member of St. Malachy her job,” said Angela Espada, executive Her organization is among those I experienced,” Faceson said. “The Parish in Brownsburg, is a correspondent director of the ICC, the public policy partnering with the Grassroots Maternal and pregnancy accommodation legislation is for The Criterion.) † Pope prays Biden works to heal divisions, promote human dignity VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis our human family call for farsighted and publicly opposed legislation in line with Biden, it said, “expressed his desire prayed that President Joe Biden would united responses,” Pope Francis wrote to all the Church’s teachings, particularly to work together on the basis of a work to heal the divisions in U.S. society Biden, “I pray that your decisions will when it comes to abortion. But his faith shared belief in the dignity and equality and promote human dignity and peace be guided by a concern for building a has been reflected in a range of other of all humankind on issues such as around the globe. society marked by authentic justice and issues, especially concern for the poor, caring for the marginalized and the “Under your leadership, may the freedom, together with unfailing respect care for the environment, immigration poor, addressing the crisis of climate American people continue to draw for the rights and dignity of every person, policy and international peace. change, and welcoming and integrating strength from the lofty political, ethical especially the poor, the vulnerable and Pope Francis already had a phone immigrants and refugees into our and religious values that have inspired the those who have no voice. conversation with Biden on Nov. 12 communities.” nation since its founding,” the pope wrote “I likewise ask God, the source of all to congratulate him on winning the The pope and Biden have met on in a congratulatory message on Jan. 20 wisdom and truth, to guide your efforts to election. several occasions: as vice president, as Biden was inaugurated as the 46th foster understanding, reconciliation and “The president-elect thanked His Biden attended Pope Francis’ inaugural president of the United States. peace within the United States and among Holiness for extending blessings Mass in 2013 and the two met briefly Popes traditionally have sent such the nations of the world in order to advance and congratulations and noted his afterward; when Pope Francis visited the messages and assurances of prayer to a the universal common good,” he said. appreciation for His Holiness’ leadership United States in 2015, Biden was present new U.S. president upon his inauguration, Pope Francis also prayed that Biden, his in promoting peace, reconciliation and for several events, but he and his wife also and have included mention of issues of family and “the beloved American people” the common bonds of humanity around had a private meeting with the pope; and concern, particularly about the dignity of would receive “an abundance of blessings.” the world,” said a readout on the call in 2016 the two met when Biden spoke every human life. Biden, the nation’s second Catholic released by Biden’s transition team in at a Vatican meeting on regenerative “At a time when the grave crises facing president after John F. Kennedy, has often Wilmington. medicine. †

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is The Do you have something exciting or published weekly except Criterion newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of TheCriterion 01/29/21 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: January. Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1585 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1585 317-236-1570 Staff: Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Editor: Mike Krokos Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy E-mail______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Graphic Designer / Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Copyright © 2020 City______Executive Assistant: Ann Lewis Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Criterion Press Inc. State/Zip______New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367. Periodical postage paid 1400 N. Meridian St. at ­Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2020 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Page 3A Benedictine Father Bonaventure Knaebel was former Saint Meinrad archabbot

By Sean Gallagher Father Bonaventure’s acceptance of not, but, in some sense, I think we Under his leadership, Saint Meinrad his vocation and the many ministries all do when we listen for God’s call,” constructed its first guest house and Benedictine Father Bonaventure to which he was called were acts of Deacon Jacobi said. “That is truly what St. Bede Hall. It also founded two Knaebel, who served as archabbot of obedience, which was part of the Father Bonaventure’s legacy is. He new monastic communities: Prince of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad vows he professed as a monk of Saint desired so much to do God’s will. Peace Abbey in Oceanside, Calif., and from 1955-66, died Meinrad in 1938. “He shared so many stories about St. Benedict Priory in Huaraz, Peru. in the monastery’s “When you make the vow of when he was a young man discerning After stepping down as archabbot infirmary on Jan. 22. obedience, you don’t know what’s going God’s call, his ministry as archabbot, in 1966, Father Bonaventure soon He was 102. to happen,” Father Bonaventure told his work in Peru as a missionary, began ministry as a missionary at the The Mass of The Criterion in 2013 at the time of the and his second life as a chaplain and Peruvian priory. He survived a 1970 Christian Burial was 75th anniversary of his profession of pastor. In all those stories, he was doing earthquake in the region that claimed celebrated on Jan. 27 vows and the 70th anniversary of his what God called him to do as faithfully 70,000 lives, including the monk at the Archabbey ordination as a priest. as he could.” that was serving as the prior of the Church of Our Lady His long life of obedient service Merton James Knaebel was born monastery there. of Einsiedeln. Burial touched the lives of many people on Sept. 6, 1918, in New Albany and In 1974, Father Bonaventure Fr. Bonaventure followed in the beyond the monastery. One of them grew up as a member of the former returned to the U.S. to help raise funds Knaebel, O.S.B. Archabbey Cemetery. was Deacon John Jacobi, who serves Holy Trinity Parish there. After for Saint Meinrad’s missionary efforts. Father Bonaventure was a jubilarian as director of religious education graduating from the eighth grade of the He then served as pastor of of monastic profession of vows and at St. Michael Parish in Bradford. parish’s school, Father Bonaventure Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish ordination. He lived 82 years as a monk Father Bonaventure ministered as enrolled in the former minor seminary in Jeffersonville from 1979-81 and and 77 years as a priest. administrator of the New Albany at Saint Meinrad. as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Benedictine Archabbot Kurt Stasiak Deanery faith community from He entered the monastery’s novitiate Charlestown from 1981-86. spoke with The Criterion about one of 1997‑2003. Deacon Jacobi was director in 1937, professed temporary vows Father Bonaventure’s international his predecessors who, at the time of his of religious education there at that time, on Aug. 6, 1938, and solemn vows on ministry resumed in 1986 when he death, was the oldest member of the long before he was ordained to the Aug. 6, 1941. Father Bonaventure was served for two years as administrator monastic community. permanent diaconate. ordained a priest on June 5, 1943. of Monasterio Benedictino in “It’s amazing to realize that “One of the greatest things Father He later earned a master’s degree Morelia, Mexico. everyone at Saint Meinrad—monks, Bonaventure taught me was when to in 1946 in mathematics at The Returning to the U.S. again, staff, co-workers—doesn’t know a listen and when to speak,” Deacon Catholic University of America in Father Bonaventure served as chaplain Saint Meinrad Archabbey without Jacobi recalled. “He had the great Washington, D.C. at the St. Paul Hermitage in Beech Father Bonaventure,” Archabbot Kurt ability to hear people out and then share Father Bonaventure then returned Grove for six years, as administrator of said. “While he is no longer with his thoughts. Father Bonaventure also to Saint Meinrad where, from 1946‑55, Corpus Christi Abbey in Sandia, Texas, us, we have not lost him. We have taught me how to think with the Church he taught in the minor seminary and for two years and as administrator memories and stories we will continue and the importance of that.” served as assistant spiritual director in of St. Michael Parish in Bradford to share and enjoy. He is an anchor Years later, Deacon Jacobi shared the major seminary (now Saint Meinrad for six years, stepping down from in our history, having been a monk with Father Bonaventure that he had Seminary and School of Theology). leadership of the faith community for 82 of the 150 years we’ve been an discerned a call to the diaconate. On June 3, 1955, the monastic when he was 85. abbey.” “He said to me, ‘Now you know what community elected Father Bonaventure Returning to live at Saint Meinrad, The stories that filled the 102-year God has been calling you to all along,’ ” as coadjutor archabbot to succeed Father Bonaventure assisted in the life of Father Bonaventure are wide Deacon Jacobi said. “It was almost as if Benedictine Archabbot Ignatius Esser. monastery’s development office and and varied. Born in New Albany while he knew of my calling before I did.” Father Bonaventure was installed provided occasional sacramental World War I was still being fought and That came from a man who had and blessed as the fifth abbot and assistance in nearby parishes. the Spanish flu pandemic was sweeping dedicated himself to following God’s second archabbot of Saint Meinrad Memorial gifts may be sent the world, he went on to become a will wherever it took him. on Aug. 31, 1955. He was the first to Saint Meinrad Archabbey, monk, priest, math teacher, archabbot, “I am not sure I am able to carry Hoosier native elected to lead the 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN, missionary, chaplain and parish priest. on Father Bonaventure’s legacy or monastery. 47577. †

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for February WHY WE GIVE JIM AND KATHY Parents of three adult • Violence Against Women—We pray for women who are Archdiocese of Indianapolis children victims of violence, that they may be protected by society “Education was an important and have their sufferings considered and heeded. part of our children’s lives and we wanted to help GIFTS IN ACTION others have that great edu- cation which is available in Catholic schools. When you $ provides undergarments for 2 homeless children are grateful for God’s gifts to (To see Pope Francis’ monthly intentions, go to www.archindy.org/popesintentions.) † 10 you, it is natural to want to give back.”

SUE $50 provides 3 meals a day for a family of 5 for 5 days Converted to Catholicism Television Masses at 89 The following channels and times show when Sunday Masses may be viewed “I want to help others to hear over-the-air in different areas of the archdiocese: provides training for 30 sponsor couples on how to about the Catholic faith. $100 mentor newly-engaged couples Maybe it will help them like Indianapolis: WHMB, 40.1, 9:30 a.m. Cincinnati: EKRC, 12.2, 8:30 a.m. it helped me.” Indianapolis: WNDY, 23, 6:30 a.m. Evansville: WEVV, 44.2, 7 a.m. Terre Haute: WTHI, 10.3, 10 a.m. Louisville: WBNA, 21, 7 a.m. MARIE pays tuition for one seminarian to participate in a Teenage girl $400 summer hospital chaplaincy program “A lot of good things come out of giving to the Church. This is a great thing to do. I like to help the seminarians. $600 helps a leader or catechist attend an annual, regional I know some of them can’t conference for catechetical ministry afford their education and I think we need more good priests in our Church.”

“Let us live in the joyful HOPE of reciprocating to our PETE AND MELANIE Adopted their young brothers and sisters, through what little we can, the abundance daughter through Catholic we receive from God each day.” —POPE FRANCIS Charities “When we saw all the good Catholic Charities does we just knew we wanted to help LEARN MORE | TEXT UCA TO 84576 them. Jesus talks about us helping other people more Text UCA to 84576 to see the United Catholic Appeal video. See first hand how your than anything else.” gift is making a big difference and bringing hope to others. GREG Husband and father “To me Church is family. We give to our family so why wouldn’t we give to our Church.”

Scan to make your gift of hope Scan with your smartphone or table to watch the appeal video. securly online. Page 4A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

Opinion Reflection/Sean Gallagher Retiring quarterback shared

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher Gospel values on large stage Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus I have to admit that I was decidedly not It’s a statement of humility. No matter a fan of recently retired Indianapolis Colts what triumphs we have had in the past, we quarterback Philip Rivers in the early part must always start again and give our best of his 17-year career. in each moment, for past results do not Editorial He and his guarantee future success. then‑San Diego It’s also a statement of determination. Chargers made a No matter how many failures we have had habit of beating in the past, we must always start again, my beloved Colts, trusting that God can help us to follow including twice in his will more completely, despite our past the playoffs. In one difficulties. such postseason game It’s finally a statement about living played in Indianapolis fully in the present, not being a prisoner in 2007, Rivers was of our past nor fearful of the future. injured during the When we live in the present, our hearts contest. As he walked back to his team’s are open to the many blessings God locker room, Colts fans jawed at him. offers to us here and now, which we Rivers, then just 26, didn’t hesitate to might miss if we are focused instead on talk trash right back to them. the past or future. It was then that I thought, “This kid is Such an attitude surely helped a a punk. I don’t like him.” gunslinger like Rivers, who threw more Time and knowledge can heal all than his fair share of interceptions A lantern containing the Peace Light burns in the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes Church wounds, though. Through the years, I throughout his career. That never kept him in Indianapolis on Dec. 4, 2018, after a distribution ceremony. (CNS photo/Katie Rutter) saw how gifted an athlete he was. I could from throwing amazing touchdown passes respect that. I also learned about his afterward. dedication to his Catholic faith and his The attitude behind “Nunc coepi” can The path to unity, one vocation as a husband and father of nine keep spouses and parents renewed in the children. That was something I could get daily living out of their vocations. step at a time behind. (It didn’t hurt that the short-lived God’s will for husbands and wives, rivalry between the Colts and Chargers fathers and mothers is often crystal In spite of the fact that 2021 was image and likeness of God, there is no had faded with time.) clear in daily family life. But I know heralded as “a new beginning” after the path to unity or peace. Last year, at the tail end of his career, from experience that it’s still easy to horrors of 2020, the new year got off to As Pope Francis said in his Rivers signed as a free agent with the choose our own preferences instead of a bad start. message for the 54th World Day Colts and led them to an 11-win season what God is asking of us in any one Rioting and violence broke out of Communications, which will be and a berth in the playoffs. moment. in our nation’s capital, our former celebrated in most countries on May 16: Although his athletic skills had not But even when we fail in those president was impeached by the “We think of how much empty diminished that much and he could moments, we can say “Nunc coepi” in U.S. House of Representatives for a rhetoric abounds, even in our time, easily have played another season with our hearts and, with the help of God’s second time, and our new president in all areas of public life, in business Indianapolis, Rivers announced on Jan. 20 ever‑present grace, start anew. marked the 48th anniversary of as well as politics. This or that one that he was retiring as a professional At the same time, some veteran parents Roe v. Wade by calling for ‘speaks an infinite deal of nothing. football player. might think they’ve got parenting down codification of abortion rights. … His reasons are as two grains of The next chapter in his life will be pat. Having a “Nunc coepi” attitude can Less than one month into the new wheat hid in two bushels of chaff: you as head football coach of St. Michael help them give of themselves as if they year, it is clear that the Church in the shall seek all day ere you find them, Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., were the parents of their first newborn. United States, like the nation itself, is and when you have them, they are the state in which he grew up. Such an attitude for longtime moms and deeply divided on how to best approach not worth the search.’ The blistering In a statement announcing his dads can also keep their hearts open to many critical issues. words of the English playwright retirement, he thanked God “for allowing the joys of parenting that they might have Disunity is a fact of life. It was true [William Shakespeare] also apply to us me to live out my childhood dream of taken for granted. in Jesus’ time, and it has plagued the as Christian communicators,” the pope playing quarterback in the NFL.” Philip Rivers might not be suiting up Church for 2,000 years. The question wrote. “The good news of the Gospel Rivers didn’t live out that dream to throw passes on Sunday afternoons is: “How do we bring together people spread throughout the world as a result merely for himself. He used the anymore, but hopefully his example of who are deeply divided along religious, of person-to-person, heart-to-heart worldwide attention that the NFL receives faith and dedicated family life guided economic and political lines?” What are encounters with men and women who to share Gospel values with millions by his “Nunc coepi” attitude will the necessary steps to find, and follow, accepted the invitation to ‘come and around the world. continue to shape lives well into the the path to unity? see’ and were struck by the ‘surplus’ of One way he did that was through his future. If the answers were easy, we would humanity that shone through the gaze, frequent talking about a Latin motto that not be in this current mess, but one the speech and the gestures of those guides his life: “Nunc coepi.” It means in (Sean Gallagher is a reporter and thing is certain: Talking about unity who bore witness to Jesus Christ.” English, “Now, I begin.” columnist for The Criterion.) † is not the same thing as achieving To achieve unity, we must engage unity—among individuals, families, in genuine dialogue with those who communities or nations. Unity can disagree with us. We must be able only come from actions, from finding to listen and learn and not simply to Letter to the Editor common ground and building bridges. argue and accuse each other. Above Where can we find the common all, we must give witness to the truth ground that Catholics, and all by our words and actions, by the light Reader lauds USCCB president for Americans, can build on in these of Christ that shines in us, and by the statement challenging administration troubled times? authenticity of our efforts to find, and The search for common ground follow, the path to unity. I want to recognize the statement from particularly in cases of self-identified should have been easier after all of Pope Francis says that in the effort Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president Catholic politicians promoting “certain us experienced the pandemic last to achieve unity, “Every tool has its of the U.S. Conference of Catholic policies that would advance moral evils year. One would think that the good value, and that great communicator Bishops (USCCB), on the inauguration of and threaten human life and dignity,” to health of all people and economic who was Paul of Tarsus would certainly President Joe Biden. use Archbishop Gomez’s language. recovery would be issues that all of us have made use of e-mail and social Expecting the same kind of feeble I pray that more of our Church can agree on, but these too have been messaging.” But more is needed. announcement of congratulations common leaders will display this kind of courage battlegrounds for opposing ideologies. St. Paul’s faith, hope and charity are of our Church leaders since the November and integrity in publicly defending Similarly, the search for peace, for what impressed “those who heard election, I was astonished as Archbishop our faith against what I fear will be an nonviolence in our interactions with him preach or had the good fortune Gomez wrote at length about the incoming administration hostile to religious liberty others, would seem to be an intensely to spend time with him, to see him administration’s radical support of and the pro-life movement. desired outcome of the culture wars of during an assembly or in individual abortion. 2020, but violence continues to erupt conversation.” It’s about time our Church leaders Dr. Patrick Knerr on both the left and the right. Watching St. Paul in action wherever speak such truth to political power, Plainfield In addition, as Archbishop Charles he was, people saw for themselves C. Thompson has reminded us, a “how true and fruitful for their lives fundamental commitment to civility was the message of salvation that, by Letters Policy is essential if we are ever going to God’s grace, he had come to preach,” come together as a nation and as a the pope wrote. Letters from readers are welcome Letters must be signed, but, for serious community of Christians. During the 11 months that are left and should be informed, relevant, reasons, names may be withheld. Unity is impossible when public in this new year of grace, may we well‑expressed, concise, temperate in tone, Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” discourse resorts to shouting and embrace the path to unity, one step at courteous and respectful. The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, name‑calling. Unless we show each a time. The editors reserve the right to select and Indianap­olis, IN 46202-2367. other the basic reverence and respect edit the letters based on space limitations, Readers with access to e-mail may send due to women and men made in the —Daniel Conway pastoral sensitivity and content. letters to [email protected]. The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Page 5A ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Listen to God’s Word with an open mind and heart “A prophet like me will the Lord, your ideas and our self-centeredness. Truly concern for married couples who are works” (Ps 95:8-9). Joy comes through God, raise up for you from among listening to God’s word means letting distracted by “the things of the world” openness to the will of God, but as your own kin; to him you shall listen” ourselves be open (and vulnerable) (1 Cor 7:33, 34), making it difficult for St. Paul would say, if our hearts are (Dt 18:15). so that we can hear things we don’t them to be spiritually attuned to God’s closed, or our attention is elsewhere, we necessarily want to hear. will for them and for their family, the are full of anxiety, not freed from it. Christians believe that the Eternal In the first reading for the Fourth domestic Church. But every Christian, The Gospel reading for this Sunday Word of God became flesh and lived Sunday of Ordinary Time (Dt 18:15-20), regardless of his or her state in life, (Mk 1:21–28) tells us that when Jesus among us as a man. Jesus Christ, who Moses tells the people of Israel: “A must overcome those things that draw speaks, he commands our attention. As is God incarnate, was a preacher and prophet like me will the Lord, your our attention away from what St. Paul a result, St. Mark says, “The people teacher whose powerful words have God, raise up for you from among your calls “adherence to the Lord without were astonished at his teaching, for he transformed the lives of countless own kin; to him you shall listen. This is distraction” (1 Cor 7:35). In fact, one taught them as one having authority women and men throughout the past exactly what you requested of the Lord, of the greatest challenges all of us face and not as the scribes” (Mk 1:22). The 2,000 years. your God, at Horeb on the day of the is finding the right times and places force of Jesus’ words is extraordinarily Listening to Jesus, we find hope in assembly, when you said, ‘Let us not to tune out all the chatter and chaos in powerful because there is no distinction times of despair, comfort in the midst again hear the voice of the Lord, our our lives so that we can tune in to the between who he is and what he says. of sorrow, and the courage to overcome God, nor see this great fire any more, voice of God whenever and wherever Jesus is the Word of God. He lives our own sins and the sin of the world. lest we die’ ” (Dt 18:15-16). he speaks to us. what he preaches, and he does what Listening to God’s word is not like The voice of the Lord can be an The responsorial psalm for the he teaches us to do without any ordinary listening. It takes more than awesome, fearful thing. That’s why, Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time qualification or fear. Jesus is spiritually just good hearing, an open mind or initially, God spoke through prophets (Ps 95) sings of the joy that we attuned to the will of his Father, and even an attentive, understanding heart. and teachers like Moses and John the feel when we come into the Lord’s even when God’s will is difficult (as To really hear what God is saying to Baptist. But since the incarnation of presence with thanksgiving and “bow in the Garden of Gethsemane), Jesus us—in sacred Scripture, in prayer, in God’s Word in Jesus of Nazareth, he down in worship” (Ps 95:6) before always says “yes.” the sacraments and in loving service to speaks to us directly—using ordinary him. It cautions us not to “harden our Our challenge as disciples of Jesus others—we must be spiritually attuned language that anyone who is spiritually hearts” (Ps 95:8) lest we be unable is to seek God’s will and to be obedient to the most profound truths about attuned can understand and accept. to hear God’s voice as happened to to the voice of the Lord even when it ourselves and the world we live in. In the second reading for this Sunday the people of Israel “at Meribah, as makes us uncomfortable. May God’s To be “spiritually attuned” means to (1 Cor 7:32-35), St. Paul expresses his in the day of Massah in the desert, grace help us to listen with open hearts be pure of heart, to surrender our own desire that we be “free of anxieties” where your fathers tempted me; they and to respond generously whenever the will, and to let go of our preconceived (1 Cor 7:32). The context is his tested me though they had seen my Lord speaks to us. †

Escuchemos la Palabra de Dios con la mente y el corazón abiertos “El Señor tu Dios te levantará un Estar “espiritualmente expresa su deseo de que estemos pusieron a prueba; me probaron y profeta como yo de en medio de ti, de sintonizados” significa ser puro de “libres de ansiedad” (1 Cor 7:32). vieron mis obras” (Sal 95:8-9). La entre tus hermanos. A él escucharán” corazón, entregar nuestra propia El contexto es su preocupación alegría viene a través de estar abiertos (Dt 18:15). voluntad y abandonar las ideas por los matrimonios que se a la voluntad de Dios, pero como preconcebidas y el egocentrismo. distraen con “las cosas de la vida” diría san Pablo, si nuestros corazones Los cristianos creemos en que el Escuchar verdaderamente la Palabra (1 Cor 7:33, 34), lo que les dificulta están cerrados, o nuestra atención Verbo Eterno de Dios se hizo carne y de Dios implica abrirnos (y estar estar espiritualmente en sintonía con está en otra parte, estamos llenos de habitó entre nosotros como hombre. vulnerables) para poder escuchar la voluntad de Dios para ellos y para ansiedad, no exentos de ella. Jesucristo, que es Dios encarnado, aquello que no necesariamente su familia, la Iglesia doméstica. Pero La lectura del Evangelio de este fue un predicador y maestro cuyas queremos escuchar. todo cristiano, independientemente domingo (Mc 1:21-28) nos dice que poderosas palabras han transformado En la primera lectura del cuarto de su situación en la vida, debe cuando Jesús habla, exige nuestra las vidas de innumerables hombres domingo del tiempo ordinario superar aquellas cosas que desvían atención. Como resultado, san y mujeres a lo largo de los últimos (Dt 18:15-20), Moisés le dice al nuestra atención de lo que san Marcos dice que “se asombraban de 2,000 años. pueblo de Israel: “El Señor tu Pablo llama “[atender] al Señor sin su enseñanza, porque les enseñaba Al escuchar a Jesús encontramos Dios te levantará un profeta como impedimento” (1 Cor 7:35). De hecho, como quien tiene autoridad y no esperanza en tiempos de yo de en medio de ti, de entre uno de los mayores retos a los que como los escribas” (Mc 1:22). La desesperación, consuelo en medio del tus hermanos. A él escucharán. nos enfrentamos es encontrar los fuerza de las palabras de Jesús es dolor y el valor para superar nuestros Conforme a todo lo que pediste al momentos y los lugares adecuados extraordinariamente poderosa porque propios pecados y el pecado del Señor tu Dios en Horeb el día de la para desconectarnos de toda la no hay distinción entre quién es y mundo. asamblea, diciendo: ‘No vuelva yo cháchara y el caos de nuestras vidas qué dice. Jesús es la Palabra de Dios; Escuchar la Palabra de Dios no es a oír la voz del Señor mi Dios, ni para poder sintonizarnos con la voz de vive lo que predica, y hace lo que nos lo mismo que escuchar otras cosas en vuelva yo a ver este gran fuego; no Dios cuando y dondequiera que nos enseña a hacer sin ninguna reserva o la vida cotidiana ya que implica algo sea que yo muera’ ” (Dt 18:15-16). hable. temor. Jesús está espiritualmente en más que tener buen oído: hay que La voz del Señor puede ser algo El salmo responsorial del cuarto sintonía con la voluntad de su Padre, tener una mente abierta, además de un impresionante y temible; es por ello domingo del tiempo ordinario e incluso cuando la voluntad de corazón atento y comprensivo. que, al principio, Dios habló a través de (Sal 95) es un cántico a la alegría Dios es difícil (como en el huerto de Para escuchar realmente lo profetas y maestros como Moisés y Juan que sentimos cuando llegamos a la Getsemaní), Jesús siempre dice “sí.” que Dios nos dice a través de las el Bautista, pero desde la encarnación de presencia del Señor agradecidos, Nuestro desafío como discípulos Sagradas Escrituras, en la oración, la Palabra de Dios en Jesús de Nazaret, para postrarnos ante Él y adorarlo de Jesús es buscar la voluntad de en los sacramentos y en el servicio nos habla directamente, usando un (Sal 95:6). Nos advierte que “no Dios y ser obedientes a la voz del amoroso a los demás, debemos estar lenguaje ordinario que cualquiera que endurezcan sus corazones” (Sal 95:8), Señor, incluso cuando nos hace sentir espiritualmente en sintonía con esté en sintonía espiritual podrá entender al punto de no poder oír la voz de incómodos. Que la gracia de Dios las verdades más profundas sobre y aceptar. Dios, como le pasó al pueblo de Israel nos ayude a escuchar con el corazón nosotros mismos y el mundo en que En la segunda lectura de este “en Meriba, como el día de Masá abierto y a responder generosamente vivimos. domingo (1 Cor 7:32-35), san Pablo en el desierto, donde sus padres me cuando el Señor nos hable. † Page 6A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

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

February 3 Information: 317-829-6800, February 11 Our Lady of Peace Cemetery information: 812-535-2952, March 4 MCL Cafeteria, 5520 www.womenscarecenter.org. White Violet Center and Mausoleum, 9001 [email protected] or The Third Option virtual Castleton Corner Lane, for Eco-Justice Virtual Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. www.spsmw.org/event. marriage crisis/enrichment Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, Our Lady of the Greenwood Workshop: Baking Monthly Mass, 2 p.m. class, “Re-Defining Power 5 p.m., Catholic, educational, Church, 335 S. Meridian St., Sourdough Bread, via Zoom, Information: 317-574-8898 or Annual Shawe and Pope Struggle,” 7-8 p.m., charitable and social singles— Greenwood. First Friday 6:30-8 p.m., $45 includes www.catholiccemeteries.cc. John Virtual Auction Dinner, Thursdays bi-weekly through separated, widowed or bilingual celebration of the instruction materials and benefitting Prince of Peace May 20, viewing all sessions divorced—age 50 and older, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, sourdough bread starter, The Third Option virtual schools in Madison, two recommended but not required, new members welcome, also Mass, 5:45 p.m., exposition register by Feb. 4. Registration marriage crisis/enrichment raffles, prizes up to $10,000, no registration needed, free. call about regular Friday night of the Blessed Sacrament, and information: 812-535- class, “Understanding 200 raffle tickets at $200 each. Log on: carmelthirdoption. dinner events. Information: following Mass until 9 p.m., 2952, [email protected] or Expectations,” 7-8 p.m., To buy tickets, donate items or org/web then click on link 317-796-8605 or 317-243- sacrament of reconciliation www.spsmw.org/event. Thursdays bi-weekly through sponsor event: 812-273-5835, at top of page. Information: 0777. available. Information: May 20, viewing all sessions ext. 246, or 812-801-1660. carmelthirdoption.org/web, 317‑750-7309, The Third Option virtual recommended but not required, Online auction link goes live or Keith Ingram, kingram@ February 4 [email protected]. marriage crisis/enrichment no registration needed, free. on Feb. 1: qtego.net/qlink/ aicinvest.com or The Third Option virtual class, “Responsibility and Log on: carmelthirdoption. popauction21. 317-324-8446.† marriage crisis/enrichment February 6 Blame Game,” 7-8 p.m., org/web then click on link class, “Building a Climate St. John Paul II Parish, Thursdays bi-weekly through at top of page. Information: March 3 of Respect,” 7-8 p.m., St. Paul Chapel, May 20, viewing all sessions carmelthirdoption.org/web, MCL Cafeteria, 5520 Thursdays bi-weekly through 216 Schellers Ave., recommended but not required, or Keith Ingram, Castleton Corner Lane, Events and retreats can May 20, viewing all sessions Sellersburg. First Saturday no registration needed, free. [email protected] or Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, be submitted to recommended but not required, Marian Devotion, 8 a.m. Log on: carmelthirdoption. 317-324-8446. 5 p.m., Catholic, educational, The Criterion by no registration needed, free. rosary, meditation, prayer; org/web then click on link charitable and social singles— logging on to Log on: carmelthirdoption. 8:30 a.m. Mass with at top of page. Information: February 27 separated, widowed or www.archindy.org/ org/web then click on link confessions prior. Information: carmelthirdoption.org/web, White Violet Center “Virtual divorced—age 50 and older, events/submission, at top of page. Information: 812-246-3522. or Keith Ingram, kingram@ Alpaca Encounter,” via new members welcome, also or by mailing us at carmelthirdoption.org/web, aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. Zoom, 10-11 a.m., $15 plus call about regular Friday night 1400 N. Meridian St., or Keith Ingram, kingram@ St. Michael Church, optional $10 per alpaca dinner events. Information: Indianapolis, IN 46202, aicinvest.com or 317-324-8446. 145 St. Michael Blvd., February 17 ornament felting kit, register 317-796-8605 or ATTN: Cindy Clark, or Brookville. First Saturday Calvary Mausoleum by Feb. 19. Registration and 317-243-0777. by fax at 317-236-1593. Facing Challenges with Marian Devotional Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., St. Mother Theodore Guérin, Prayer Group, Mass, Indianapolis. Monthly Mass, virtual presentation and panel devotional prayers, rosary, 2 p.m. Information: discussion, offered by the 8 a.m. Information: 317-784-4439 or Sisters of Providence, 765-647-5462. www.catholiccemeteries.cc. 7-8:30 p.m., free. Information, registration: FacingChallenges. February 9 February 18 SistersofProvidence.org. Monthly Virtual Taizé St. Joseph Church, 1401 Prayer Service, 7-8 p.m., S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. February 5 silent and spoken prayers, Third Thursday Adoration, Women’s Care Center, 4901 simple music, silence. Link: interceding for women W. 86th St., Indianapolis. First Taize.SistersofProvidence.org. experiencing crisis pregnancy, ANNIVERSARIES Friday Mass, 5 p.m., optional Information: 812-535-2952, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at edding tour of center to follow. [email protected] 5:45 p.m. W

Richard and Darlene (Heidelberger) Lime, members of Our Lady of the Greenwood Years Parish in Greenwood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Jan. 28. 60 The couple was married in the former Holy Cross Church in Indianapolis on Jan. 28, 1961. Marriagennouncements They have three children: Donna Caldwell, Susan A Howle and Michael Lime. Be a part of our Spring Marriage Edition The couple also has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. † February 26 issue of The Criterion Couples who are planning to be married between Feb. 26 and July 9 in a marriage that is recognized as a valid sacramental or valid natural marriage, or couples who were wed between July 1, 2020, and Feb. 12, 2021, in such a recognized marriage and did not have their engagement announcement in The Criterion are invited to submit the information for the upcoming Feb. 26 Spring Marriage Edition. Announcements can be submitted using the form below, or electronically at Stephen and Margaret (Schoettmer) www.archindy.org/engagements. Greiwe, members of St. Mary Parish in Greensburg, Years celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Jan. 22. E-mailed photos Photos should be saved in jpg format and be at least 500 kb. Color photos are The couple was married in Immaculate Conception 55 Church in Millhousen on Jan. 22, 1966. preferred. We recommend sending a photo where the couple’s faces are close to each other. Please send the photo as an attachment to the e-mail: They have six children: Barb Bohman, Gail Guzek, [email protected]. Subject line: Spring Marriage (Last name). In the e-mail, Deb, Greg, Paul and Tony Greiwe. please include the information in the form located below. The couple also has 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. † If it is not possible to e-mail a photo, a photo can be mailed with the bottom form. Please no photocopy photos. To have the photo returned, please include a return addressed envelope with a postage stamp on it. Deadline All announcements and photos must be received by 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. (No announcements or photos will be accepted after this date.) — Use this form to furnish information — Clip and mail to: BRIDES, The Criterion, ATTN: Ann Lewis, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Deadline with photos: Friday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. Mike and Linda (Doyle) Wyciskalla, Please print or type: members of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Years Indianapolis, will celebrate their 50th wedding Name of Bride (first, middle, last) Daytime Phone anniversary on Jan. 30. 50 The couple was married at Holy Spirit Church in Mailing Address City State Zip Code Indianapolis on Jan. 30, 1971. Name of Bride’s Parents (first, last) They have four children: Carrie Cassiero, Kim Schaefer, Doug and Father Tim Wyciskalla. City State The couple also has nine grandchildren. †

Name of Bridegroom (first, middle, last)

Name of Bridegroom’s Parents (first, last)

City State

Wedding Date Church City State q Photo Enclosed Announcements for couples celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years of q Return photo marriage are accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or call 317-236-1585. q No Picture Signature of person furnishing information Relationship Daytime Phone Archdiocese of Indianapolis Catholic Schools Week SUPPLEMENT

Catholic schools prepare students as citizens of Earth, heaven Dear Friends in Christ, We want our students to grow in their moral and faith development as both contributing members of society and Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful means of saints in heaven. Thus, at the heart of the mission of any highlighting the incredible impact of our Catholic schools Catholic school is the transmission of Catholic teaching in on the lives, families and communities transforming individuals and communities. The ultimate task throughout the Archdiocese of of any Catholic ministry or service is salvation of souls. Indianapolis, encompassing 39 counties I invite you to join me in acknowledging and thanking in central and southern Indiana. In all those whose dedication and sacrifice make our schools addition to two Catholic seminaries so successful in enabling the Church to carry out its and two Catholic universities, we are mandate to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Jesus blessed in the archdiocese with 68 Christ. Special thanks go to our school administrators Catholic grade and high schools. (presidents and principals), faculty members (teachers, Catholic schools have a specific counselors, librarians), coaches and staffs. mission. The holistic focus of our Catholic Of course, we are also grateful for the wonderful team in Archbishop Charles schools includes formation and education. our archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools. It is ultimately C. Thompson Amid all the curricular and extracurricular about the witness of living rather than mere words that has activities, our schools seek to form the greatest influence on those entrusted to one’s care. character as well as educate the mind. The intent is to prepare Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude and each student for the two-fold citizenship of Earth and heaven. admiration for our students and their families. Both on and off campus, you serve as the most effective ambassadors of our Catholic schools. Indeed, there is much to celebrate in Catholic Schools Week. All for the glory of God!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Archbishop of Indianapolis

Page 1B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 2B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Schools in archdiocese find ‘grace to tackle, move forward’ from pandemic challenges By Natalie Hoefer dismissal procedure,” said Kirschner. Steve Beyl wasn’t “Everything you do feeling well as the school during the day, you year ended in May 2020. had to go back and He went to the doctor and was told he had a viral think, ‘Is this safe?’ ” infection. Ultimately, most “When the doctor asked me if I was stressed, I just of the 68 Catholic laughed,” said Beyl, principal of Our Lady of Perpetual schools in the Help School in New Albany. archdiocese began At that point, he—and school staff throughout the the new school year archdiocese—had been dealing since mid-March with operating in-person, the challenges of a sudden school shutdown to slow the with a virtual option spread of the coronavirus. for sick or quarantined And the stress didn’t end in May. students. “There’ve been a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of “With virtual A student prays during a socially distanced “living rosary” at Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School in stress” since the shutdown began, said Beyl. Even now, learning, it’s almost Indianapolis during the 2020-2021 academic year. (Submitted photo) he said, his cell phone “blows up from 6 a.m. to 10 or like the kids not in the 11 [o’clock] at night.” building are here,” said Beyl. “They’re on the screen, For nearly 11 months, principals, teachers, students they can hear the teacher, they can interact with kids and parents have faced many challenges to continue the in the room. We’ve got kids at home and kids in class vital role of Catholic education in the midst of a global working on the same group document.” pandemic. Some schools, like Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High Four principals spoke with The Criterion about those School in Indianapolis, implemented a hybrid approach: struggles—and the blessings and benefits that have a rotation of in-person and offsite days varying by risen from them. grade level, plus an all-online option for those who request it. ‘We were not in this alone’ “We’re doing a little of everything” to maximize social The challenges began with Archbishop Charles distancing and safety, said school principal Kari Jost. C. Thompson’s March 12 letter announcing the closure of schools “until at least April 5” to slow the continuing ‘What we’re asking them to do is kind of crazy’ spread of COVID-19. The option of virtual learning has allowed schools State mandates extended the closures through the to continue teaching and forming students “without end of the 2019-20 academic year. skipping a beat,” said Kirschner. “From March to May, we had to essentially design a In fact, at St. Anthony School in Indianapolis, virtual whole new school,” said Beyl. learning and the quick reaction of a teacher even led to The same was true for St. Susanna School in a 911 call to save a student, his family and their home Plainfield. from a fire on Jan. 20 (WTHR.com). “Our biggest challenge was remote learning,” said While it hasn’t led to a 911 save in New Albany, Janet Abdoulaye, the school’s principal. “We hadn’t “Having all this technology is nice,” said Beyl. But it made moves to be an e-learning school.” also provided different challenges as well. But within a week of the March 12 announcement, “Those unfamiliar with it needed training,” he said, “our teachers were using [e-learning technology] and like learning how to connect to and use social meeting they were ready to go,” she said proudly. “That was platforms. Or getting a white board to display virtually enormous.” as well as in the room. Or making and posting videos Whether their schools had a remote-learning plan in and other material to a learning management system. Plexiglass is used on a table during sixth grade art class at place or not, all administrators faced the challenge of “Teachers are now doing two to three jobs at once,” St. Nicholas School in Ripley County during the 2020-2021 the unknown. said Abdoulye. “They’re making sure in-person kids academic year to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. “It was beneficial that the archdiocese had weekly are learning, coordinating home learners, and then Clockwise from upper left, the students are Maria Drieling, Zoom meetings with all the principals,” said Sherri becoming tech wizards.” Anne Kraus, Mazzy Stockman and Lily Eckstein. (Submitted photo) Kirschner, principal of St. Nicholas School in Ripley Add the task of finding and learning to use tools “to County. “We were able to get information, clarifications see what our students are comprehending,” said Jost, out that community feeling that had been so quickly and affirmation we were not in this alone.” and teachers are left with “quite a balancing act.” removed from our lives.” One after the other, the challenges were met, and the “The flexibility I’ve asked of my staff is not fair,” When the academic year ended, the connections school year came to an end. Beyl admitted. “In reality, what we’re asking them to continued. A caravan of school staff stopped outside the The stress faced by principals, however, did not. do is kind of crazy.” home of each graduate to deliver a package and wish More than one principal noted the challenges have them well. In July, the kindergarten teachers visited their ‘A little bit of everything’ brought their staff closer. new students to present them a school pride T-shirt. During the summer, several plans had to be made “I watched teachers step up and help other teachers Staying connected became easier as most students for the start of the next academic year. Each plan learn how to use technology,” said Jost. “For me, it was returned to school for the 2020-21 academic year. offered a different learning format to provide the safest like this organic professional development.” And each of the principals interviewed agreed: If there’s environment for students based on the status of the The profound gratitude for and pride in their one thing students wanted, it was to return to school. pandemic. teachers’ response to the challenges rang through from “We had hybrid and virtual plans, but in-person was each principal. From ‘shock and scramble’ to ‘seamless’ our preference,” said Kirschner. And each principal identified the same driving factor At Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, “Kids were That preference meant more than students and behind their educators’ efforts: the students. so eager and excited to be back,” said Beyl. “That’s teachers simply returning to school. There were myriad “One of the blessings of teaching in a Catholic been a huge motivation to our staff to continue to give tasks to complete and new procedures to implement, school is that teachers will work so tirelessly for our their best effort, because the kids made clear from day most involving ways to meet state and local COVID-19 kids,” said Jost. “Our educators put a child’s well-being one they want to be here.” social-distancing and safety requirements. before anything.” Jost recalled the change in response of Ritter’s “We had to move the cafeteria to the gym, students to the school’s closing. rethink recess, move furniture out of classrooms to ‘Seeking out that community feeling’ “When we first shut down and thought it would be make more room for social distancing, create a new Part of that well-being includes staying connected. two weeks, kids were like ‘Yay!’ ” she said. “Now kids Continuing a sense of school community was especially say, ‘I want to be in the building every day.’ ” important in the first months of the shutdown. The feeling is mutual. But it required some creativity. When Jost sees students in the building, “it’s “One thing we did was photo challenges,” said wonderful!” she said. “It’s this ‘Yay!’ feeling. Students Abdoulye. and teachers have a new appreciation for each other.” For example, St. Susanna students were asked to Beyl agreed. Before the pandemic, he said, “Having hold a May crowning service in their home, then submit the ability to come together as a school community, a picture of the event. Parish pastor Father Robert having the ability to go to Mass together—it had become Hausladen placed the pictures in the church pews to routine. We realize how important they are now.” create room for social distancing. Kirschner sums up St. Nicholas School’s journey “So people know where to sit, and they can see the since March 2020 in one word: “Wow!” photos of the kids,” said Abdoulye. “We have come so far,” she said. The change from Soon after the shutdown began, Beyl used the the Ripley County school’s “initial shock and scramble “live” feature of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School’s [in March] to what is now a pretty seamless academic To help create a school community connection at the end Facebook page each evening “just to chat with day is amazing. … All the changes and new guidelines of the school year on May 20, 2020, prior to the state mask families,” he said. now seem like we have always done them.” mandate, teachers Brandy Balser, left, Abby Haynes and The virtual evening gathering “caught on,” he said. Kirschner’s final assessment could be said of each of Carrie Beth Andres of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Soon, the chats turned into time for playing games, the 68 Catholic schools in the archdiocese: New Albany help form a socially-distanced, spirited line of trivia quizzes and other types of fun. Eventually, faculty “Whatever we do, we do our best and let God take educators for parents and students to drive by while retrieving members adopted certain nights to lead virtual activities. care of rest,” she said. “I truly feel the Holy Spirit filled school supplies after the school closed in March to help slow “I couldn’t believe so many people were tuning all of us with grace to tackle any challenge and move the spread of the coronavirus. (Submitted photo) in,” said Beyl. “We realized our families were seeking forward.” † 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 3B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Students share how Catholic education has changed their lives for the better (Editor’s note: The Criterion asked four high school God and serving others. Seeing the community around ‘Christ at the center of seniors from across the archdiocese to share how their me form and work together so that I may be blessed all that we do’ Catholic education has had an impact on their lives. with a wonderful education is such a heartwarming As he tries to decide Here are their stories.) experience.” which college to attend, Trey believes the experiences he’s had and the Sam Bowles knows that school will have to have one By John Shaughnessy foundation he’s been given will serve him well in his quality that is essential to him. future beyond high school. “It is very important to me that the colleges I am She had the same fear and hope that nearly all “I am always excited to face my future, and with looking to attend have a Catholic basis on campus, students have when they attend a new school. a superb education with me, I feel as if I can take on even if that means a small church Fear that she wouldn’t fit in with the other students. new challenges and obstacles with ease,” says Trey, a where Mass is held every Sunday,” Hope that she would find a home, friends and a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Madison. says Bowles, a senior at Our Lady community that would help her grow as a person—all “Everything I have learned will help me get along of Providence High School in the things Deysi Garcia-Vazquez wanted when she left with others in college and even as I continue past Clarksville. her public high school to attend Bishop Chatard High college. I will be able to make connections with others, “I want to be able to continue School in Indianapolis as a sophomore. which in turn will benefit all of us. My Catholic to attend Mass into college, which “Not only were the teachers and staff welcoming, education has benefited me greatly, and I hope to use it is something that is extremely but the students as well,” notes Deysi, now a senior. to help others to the best of my ability.” important to me and has been “This is when I knew that the education here would be important to me since a young age.” life-changing. The thing I noticed was how dedicated ‘The greatest gift’ Sam Bowles Bowles has made that both the students and teachers are toward each other As a senior at Seton Catholic High School in connection a requirement because and the education.” Richmond, Olivia Howard finds herself focusing on of the education he has received at Providence and Now in her third year at the school, she has also the people who have touched her earlier in his grade school at what is now St. John Paul learned more about herself and what she sees as her life during her 12 years of Catholic II School in Sellersburg. place in the world. education. “Having a Catholic education throughout my life has “Being part of a Catholic school not only taught me “I am filled with gratitude significantly changed my life, and it has created a basis to be closer to God, but it truly helped me find who remembering the teachers, by which I can follow God,” says Bowles, who is 17. I really was,” Deysi says. “Now I realize how many friendships and experiences which He envisions his Catholic faith and his relationship with people truly need help, and that it is our job and duty to have helped to mold me into the God being a significant part of his long-term future, too. continue God’s work in helping others.” person I am today,” says Olivia, “The values and beliefs I follow now are largely She views her decision to come to a Catholic school who plans to major in elementary centered around what the Catholic Church believes. I as “a sign from God”—a decision that will continue to education in college. will do my best to continue to hold these values close have an impact on her life after she graduates. Olivia Howard “The love, support and to my heart in my future endeavors. This is true even “God wanted me to get closer to him and wants me example of my teachers through down to the relationship I am currently in, in which we to continue in spreading his love and care for others. I the years have matured me, challenged me and have both chosen to hold Christ at the center of all that will continue to volunteer at local food pantries, and I supported me as I learned to think critically, to we do. will continue to donate to those in need. dedicate myself to achieving my best, and to “I hope to continue this journey of life through the “I hope others see that Catholic education isn’t all about developing the talents God has given me.” Catholic lens by which I have been taught.” † praying, but rather it’s finding your true self like me.” She places a special emphasis on how her A special place in the heart faith has grown. As he prepares to graduate from high school, Trey “The greatest gift of Suggett talks affectionately about how his 12 years these years has been of Catholic education make a the nurturing of my difference in his life. spiritual journey, and “Catholic education holds a my relationship with special place in my heart,” Trey Jesus, and the nurturing says. “Being part of Catholic in my Catholic faith,” education has allowed me to push says Olivia, a member of myself to the limits and enjoy St. Elizabeth Ann Seton learning. I am able to understand Parish in Richmond. how to form connections as well “It is that faith which as implement God in my everyday will be my strength, Trey Suggett life.” my comfort and my joy One particular influence stands going forward through out to Trey from his education at both Pope John XXIII all the seasons of my life. School and Father Michael Shawe Memorial Jr./Sr. I will be forever grateful High School, both in Madison. for the role that Catholic “I learned of a saying my teacher told me, and I’ve education has played in Bishop Chatard High School student Deysi Garcia-Vazquez, center, enjoys checking out the kept it in mind, ‘To love is to serve, and to serve is the development of that Indianapolis North Deanery high school’s new yearbook at the beginning of the 2019-20 academic to love.’ If I love everyone around me, I am serving greatest gift.” year with fellow Trojans Emma Shea, left, and Gracie Dillon. (Submitted photo)

Catholic Schools: Growing together in faith, academic excellence and service

By Mary McCoy recognize the true heroes during this pandemic— especially during this special week. They are true Interim superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese our teachers. It has been amazing and energizing to beacons in our communities and, for some, the witness more than 2,000 teachers continue to provide brightest spots during these challenging times. National Catholic Schools Week has been the a Catholic education to young people throughout Happy Catholic Schools Week—#CSW21. annual celebration of Catholic education across the the archdiocese. Sometimes in-person, sometimes country since 1974. It always begins on the last remotely, sometimes a hybrid, and sometimes all Sunday in January and runs three at the same time! all week. In a typical year, our Our teachers have creatively met the needs of Safety: the priority of Catholic schools celebrate this students spiritually, academically, emotionally week with Masses, open houses and physically, while at the same time keeping every Catholic school and other activities for students, the safety of all students a priority. To quote families, parishioners and St. Theodora Guérin, “Show kindness to them during the pandemic community members. It is safe [children] and be attentive to their spiritual and Masks are one of the many safety precautions to say this is not a typical year as physical needs.” Our teachers have done just this that Catholic schools have taken during this school we continue to navigate through during these challenging times, and for this we year to protect students and educators from COVID- a pandemic that none of us has commend them. 19 while they are in the classroom. Mary McCoy ever experienced in our Catholic Please take time to visit the center pages of this Readers of this Catholic Schools Week Supplement schools. year’s Catholic Schools Week Supplement, where will notice that some photos featured in this special Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of 185 Catholic school teachers are recognized for section are displayed showing teachers and students Indianapolis are truly special places of academic 25 years or more of service in Catholic education. not wearing masks. Most of these such photos were excellence and faith-filled mission. Catholic schools These amazing teachers are navigating through taken in a previous school year and are featured here to across central and southern Indiana serve nearly one of the most challenging years of their careers show the interactions of a Catholic school community 21,000 students with open doors, open arms and and have taught in ways they never would have in a “normal” year. A few of these such photos were open hearts. It is through this ministry of education imagined. They are true heroes who have dedicated taken this year while other safety precautions were in that our outstanding pastors, school leaders, teachers their careers to such an important ministry in the place, such as safety dividers between students’ desks. and staff members form our young people in the Catholic Church, and for that we say, “thank you!” The safety of everyone involved in a school Catholic faith. As we pray and have hope for brighter days, community is the priority of every Catholic school in As we celebrate our Catholic schools across thank you for your continued prayers and support the archdiocese, according to Mary McCoy, interim the archdiocese, we also take this opportunity to of our Catholic schools across the archdiocese, superintendent of Catholic schools in the archdiocese. † 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 4B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Schools reap blessings from growth in diversity

By Sean Gallagher have strict limits placed on their educational Beginning in the mid- and employment 19th century, classrooms in opportunities because Catholic schools across the of their faith. U.S. began to be filled with About a decade the children of immigrants ago, many Burmese who sought freedom and economic opportunity in America. refugees fleeing such During the past decade, this has begun to happen persecution began again in parish schools across central and southern to be re-settled on Indiana, including St. Mark the Evangelist School in Indianapolis’ southside Indianapolis and St. Bartholomew School in Columbus. where St. Mark is In 2009, St. Mark had about 165 students. Today, it located. About 20,000 has an enrollment of 455, with more than 250 of those Burmese now live on students being the children of Burmese refugees who the southside. fled religious persecution and conflict in their native Father Timothy Myanmar in southeast Asia. Wyciskalla, St. Mark’s “We had a lot of extra room in 2009,” said Rusty pastor, grew up in the Albertson, St. Mark’s principal, with a laugh. “Now we area at a time when it have no extra room.” did not nearly have the St. Bartholomew’s enrollment has also increased and ethnic diversity it has become more ethnically diverse. In the 2011-12 school gained in recent years. year, about 11% of St. Bartholomew’s students were “The southside Hispanic. Today, that number stands at 45%. There are went from having a Ruth San, second from right, kneels in prayer during a Feb. 2, 2020, Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist also children enrolled whose parents came from many very small number Church in Indianapolis. She is one of more than 250 Burmese students enrolled in the school of the Asian and African countries to work in Columbus for of Burmese residents Indianapolis South Deanery faith community. (Submitted photo by Steve Raymer) employers there. to having one of “We’ve always been a welcoming community,” said the largest Burmese the school a few years later when Indiana launched its Helen Hickman, St. Bartholomew’s principal. “But communities in the United States in a relatively short Indiana Choice Scholarships, more commonly known even more so now, because we are so diverse. People time,” he said. “To see this added level of diversity and as the voucher program. can see that we’re welcoming.” vibrancy on the southside has really been remarkable.” The quick change in demographics at St. Mark It also called for a response by St. Mark Parish, one presented challenges to its staff. Albertson recalled ‘Here, we are treated equally’ that Father Wyciskalla is proud to have witnessed and veteran teachers coming to him about them. Angela Dim is grateful for the welcome that she and helped lead during the past two years. “ ‘What are we going to do? They don’t speak so many other Burmese have experienced at St. Mark. “Though our cultures are very different, the faith English,’ ” Albertson recalled them saying. “I said, Resettled in Indianapolis in 2009, Dim now has two unites us all,” he said. “Along with the universal nature ‘We’re going to teach them.’ ” children enrolled at St. Mark and hopes to have her of the Church, we have also always had a preferential St. Mark soon hired a part-time English as a Second youngest child enter its pre-kindergarten class next option for the refugee, the immigrant and those in Language (ESL) teacher. It now has a full-time ESL year. She also works in the school’s office and as an need. When the Burmese community first arrived here teacher and three other teachers called interventionists education assistant. on the southside, they fit that description and found a who work full time with ESL students to help them with “Here, we are treated equally with American citizens community at St. Mark willing to welcome them. This particular subjects. and we can get a good education,” said Dim. “We thank is fundamental to who we are, and this beautiful aspect Overall, St. Mark went from having 15 staff God for that.” of the Church has been on full display at St. Mark.” members in 2009 to 45 now. It had one classroom per That’s important for Dim because in Myanmar, she and Albertson has led St. Mark School since 2009. He grade in 2009. Now it has two. her fellow Catholics and other Christians in the Chin state began to see the large influx of Burmese students into CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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SAINT ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 5B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

That led to the challenge of finding space for all the U.S. citizens three years ago. students. Lamadrid’s oldest child became a student at thought to who they St. Mark Parish is now in the midst of a capital St. Bartholomew long before there was a large presence might be or whether or campaign that, among other things, will fund the of Hispanic students there. She arranged for speakers not they speak English,” addition of two classrooms to its school. to come to the school to help the students and teachers Heckman said. “They “The growth that this parish has seen over the last 10 appreciate the particular cultural and religious traditions just accept whoever is in years or so is incredible, both in parish families and in of the Hispanic community. front of them and make the school,” Father Wyciskalla said. “The introduction “I wanted to show them more diversity and to help them feel welcome.” of the Burmese community to St. Mark was like a shot them learn more from other countries,” Lamadrid Retired Father in the arm for the parish.” said. “Anytime we had the chance, we’d show them Clement Davis was Although Indiana’s voucher program has played a key our traditions and also embrace the traditions of this pastor of role in the growth of St. Mark School, Albertson said that country that we love so much.” St. Bartholomew Parish when the faith community’s a number of parents of Burmese students who came to Among the Hispanic traditions now observed at school began experiencing a significant growth in the Indiana as refugees have now secured such well-earning St. Bartholomew are Dia de los Muertos (which diversity of its student body, and saw it on display in a jobs that they don’t qualify economically for a voucher. happens on All Souls Day), Las Posadas (a novena special way at school Masses. In any case, he said, the high value that Burmese in the days leading up to Christmas) and a special “You’d have children coming up to do the readings place on a Catholic education for their children is what emphasis on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. and the prayers of the faithful, and you can have three or is driving the enrollment changes at St. Mark. Many Hispanic families felt drawn to enroll their four different racial or ethnic backgrounds represented “Even if the vouchers went away, I don’t think the children at a Catholic school, Lamadrid said, because in the half dozen kids that come up,” Father Davis Burmese students would go away,” Albertson said. “I of their high reputation in their home countries. recalled. “You could see at a school Mass the diversity think they would find a way to keep them here.” “If you can make the effort to send your kids to a of the universal Church and the diversity of the world’s Having moved to the southside when the Burmese Catholic school, it means they’re going to get the best population represented right there in the church.” † community there was small, Dim is now glad to see her learning experience and be children and so many others from Myanmar enrolled as prepared the best to go to students at St. Mark. college,” she said. “I’m hoping that the future for my children will be The fact that the schools very good,” she said. “They have the opportunity to go are rooted in the Catholic to a Catholic school. They can learn good from bad and faith is also key for Hispanic become smart. When they grow up, they’ll be someone.” families, Lamadrid said. “It’s a comfort for so ‘We feel safe in a Catholic school’ many of our international Like St. Mark, the demographic changes at families and perhaps St. Bartholomew have in part been affected by the especially for our Hispanic state’s voucher program. families,” she said. “We feel But Heckman noted that the Columbus school had a safe in a Catholic school strong scholarship program before the voucher program because it’s the faith that we was launched. know and share.” “Parishioners have stepped up, because they know The introduction of [the school] is important,” she said. “They want to give so many students from anyone who values a Catholic education a chance to countries around the world come to St. Bartholomew.” during the past decade to Paula Lamadrid placed a high value on Catholic St. Bartholomew has been education when she and her husband enrolled their a challenge to the school’s eldest child at St. Bartholomew in 2007. staff. But it’s one that She had attended a Catholic school in her native Heckman has embraced Mexico. Her husband, an employee of the Columbus- with enthusiasm. based Cummins, was transferred from Mexico to “It’s amazing to see Hispanic students at St. Bartholomew School in Columbus dress in festive costumes on the Columbus 20 years ago. Their two sons were born here, teachers welcome a family feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, 2019. The Seymour Deanery faith community has and the spouses became naturalized and not give a second seen a large growth in Hispanic students during the past decade. (Submitted photo)

EDUCATING STUDENTS OF THE NORTH DEANERY IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH

Christ the King Immaculate St. Joan of Arc St. Lawrence St. Luke St. Matthew St. Pius X St. Simon St. Thomas Heart of Mary Aquinas ARCHDIOCESE OF INDIANAPOLIS NORTH DEANERY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!

5885 Crittenden Ave. | Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317.251.1451 | www.BishopChatard.org 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 6B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Teacher’s ‘codes to live by’ inspire her students (Editor’s note: Part of the emphasis of this year’s Catholic Schools Week supplement is to honor Catholic school educators, especially those who have dedicated 25 or more years to Catholic education. This is the first of several stories in the supplement that will feature such educators.)

By John Shaughnessy

After she says a prayer with her students, Angela Toner sometimes shares one of her “CODES TO LIVE BY” with them. “Some of them are simple,” says Toner, a math teacher at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. “Open the door for others. Call your grandparents. Never look down on another unless you are giving them a hand up. “And some are fun quips. If God is your co-pilot, swap seats. Do not let your worries get the best of you, remember Moses started out as a basket case. Forbidden fruits create many jams.” Toner’s inspiration for sharing such codes each Monday started a few years ago when she decided, “If I want students to make solid decisions, then I should tell them exactly what I mean.” “Students become excited about the code each week, and I’ve often had college students e-mail me and tell In her 35 years of teaching in Catholic schools, Angela Toner of Roncalli High School in Indianapolis has made it her mission to me that they have their CODES posted in their dorm connect with her students inside and outside the classroom. (Submitted photo) rooms,” she says. “Knowing one can make a difference in kids’ lives through prayer fulfills Roncalli’s mission Even after 35 years, her passion for teaching and because I truly believe Maya Angelou’s adage that to ‘make God’s love complete among us.’ ” trying to influence young people’s lives still burns. people may not remember what I said, but they will That’s also been Toner’s mission in her 35 years “Having the opportunity to impact kids is never forget how I made them feel.” of teaching in a Catholic school. She’s even been paramount,” says Toner, a member of St. Mark the That focus complements her educational goals to known to make “house calls” as a teacher, bringing Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. “I pray that every help students “understand the material, become a good students their homework and tutoring them when teacher gets to hear from a student at least once in their problem solver, and be prepared for the next level of they’ve had to stay at home because of an injury or an lives, ‘You were my favorite teacher.’ This is extremely math.” illness. She’s also come to Riley Hospital for Children powerful and makes one want to continue to excel and Tying all those components together, Toner says she in Indianapolis to tutor a student who has been thrive in the classroom in order to allow children to do tries to model the wisdom that St. Theodora Guérin hospitalized there for cancer. the same. offered about the education of young people: “Love the Downplaying such efforts, she says, “When I see “Honestly, however, I receive equivalent satisfaction children first, and then teach them.” how appreciative the parents and kids are, that is a gift from students who say, ‘Your class was so fun,’ and Toner considers that approach as her own personal to me.” even, ‘Mrs. Toner, you made math tolerable.’ This is code to live by. †

New Albany Deanery Catholic School System PK-12

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  Our Faith Our Community Our Lady

Our Lady of Providence H.S., Clarksville Holy Family School, New Albany Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, New Albany St. Joseph Catholic School, Corydon St. Anthony of Padua School, Clarksville St. John Paul II Catholic School, Sellersburg Sacred Heart Catholic School, Jeffersonville St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic School, Floyds Knobs

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 7B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Moments. Milestones. Memories. 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 8B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Priest is driven to build bonds of faith with students

By John Shaugnessy

Ten-year-old Eli Connolly laughs as he talks about Father Michael Keucher driving a school bus full of students on a field trip, honking the horn and waving hello to people along the way. Eleven-year-old Macey Robbins enjoys how energetic Father Keucher gets during his homilies at Mass, including when “he jumps up and down” to make a point. And both fifth-grade students at St. Joseph School in Shelbyville love the way their parish priest makes learning about the Catholic faith fun when he teaches religion to their class and the fourth-grade class. As for Father Keucher—who has a bus driver’s license—he’s driven to making a lasting impact on the students, especially when it comes to their faith. “I believe our students are not just the future of our Church, but the present,” he says. “It’s important to teach them the traditions that have been handed down to us from our ancestors, from the Apostles. I want to help children get excited about Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the Church.” To help create that connection, he works on building bonds with the students. “It’s important that the kids have a good relationship with the priest and know him,” he says. “I love doing things with the kids in religion class, activities and trips. I find it very rewarding and fun.” So do the children. “Every time we see him, he asks us a question about something holy,” Eli says. “I’ve learned a lot of stuff that way this year. When we were learning about the books of the Bible, he made up songs about them.” Marcy chimes in, “When we started learning the Ten Commandments, he made hand signs to help us remember. He makes learning about our faith a lot more fun.” He brings that same approach to the school’s rosary club, meeting once a month with members from the third, fourth and fifth grades. The students get to use their creativity in making rosaries that they then share with loved ones and other people who are homebound, in hospitals and in nursing homes. The children also enjoy it when he brings his dog, Sister Glory, to club meetings. Father Michael Keucher led the fourth- and fifth-grade students of St. Joseph School in Shelbyville on an All Souls Day visit to “They get to pick the colors and make the rosary St. Vincent Cemetery in Shelby County and St. Joseph Cemetery in Shelbyvile. Father Keucher led a prayer service at each cemetery the way they want,” Father Keucher says. “I love where students performed the spiritual work of mercy of praying for the dead. Many students knew where some of their relatives are it. These kids love the rosary, and they love to pray buried so their pastor blessed those graves. (Submitted photo) the rosary with their families. There’s a relationship going between these kids and the Blessed Mother bond with him, according to Eli, Macey and the faith into everything he does. that is very beautiful.” school’s principal, Beth Borland. “He’s so fun loving that they want to be around The students at St. Joseph School have a similar “Relationships are a two-way street,” Borland says. him. He plays dodge ball with them, eats lunch in the “As much as the kids cafeteria with them, rides scooters through the school. adore Father Mike, he That builds that connection. He’s open with his joy and adores them. He’s so full his love. He’s open with his mistakes. The kids can of joy and enthusiasm in identify with that. And they all know his love of donuts, all that he does. And he chicken wings and pizza. I don’t know who gets more weaves the lessons of our out of the relationship—him or the kids.” †

As the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shelbyville, Father Michael Keucher leads the rosary club at the parish’s school, guiding students to a closer relationship with the Blessed Mother. (Submitted photo) 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 9B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Valuable lessons from her students touch a teacher’s life By John Shaughnessy most valuable lessons have come from her students. story about the joy “They are the ones who taught me the following she’s experienced from The story is profound in its innocence and its approaches: First, get to know the child. Second, teaching in Catholic faithfulness, and it speaks volumes about what Lillian help the child to feel that you care. Third, develop a schools. Kelley has always valued in her 34 years of teaching relationship with parents. Finally, but most importantly, “I was at Indiana her students. teach the child the Good News about Jesus Christ. University in “I have enjoyed many visits and comments from Children will learn academically, grow spiritually and Bloomington when a former students, but I recall a time that one of my develop a way to see God in all things.” former student gave me preschool students caused diners at Red Lobster to quiet Keeping that focus on the children, Kelley has one a hug and thanked me for being her preschool teacher,” themselves as she prayed over her meal,” Kelley recalls. more story to share about a former student, one more Kelly recalls. “She is a college professor.” † She also shares another story of a small child, a story that helps explain why she has dedicated so much of her adult life to Catholic education by teaching pre-school and kindergarten students at such places as the former St. Andrew Academy and Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis. “As a young child growing up in rural Mississippi, I was made aware of the fact that Catholic schools were the ‘good schools,’ ” she notes. “I liked the idea that the schools taught religion, required discipline and they expected students to excel academically.” Influenced by her own Catholic education, Kelley says she has been “blessed” to live her dream to “teach in this wonderful faith community.” At the same time, she has never stopped being a student. She initially gives credit to the knowledge she has gained from administrators, priests and parishioners through the In her 34 years of dedication to Catholic education, Lillian Kelley has always felt blessed to live her dream of teaching “In this wonderful faith community.” Here, she years. Still, she says, her teaches in her current school, Holy Cross Central School in Indianaolis. (Submitted photo)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service

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Holy Spirit 7241 E 10th St light St. Michael 317.352.1243 515 Jefferson Blvd, Greenfield school.holyspirit-indy.org 317.462.6380 shine school-stmichaelsgrfld.org Little Flower out 1401 N Bosart Ave St. Philip Neri 317.353.2282 545 N Eastern Ave littleflowerparishschool.org of 317.636.0134 stphilipindy.org darkness A NOTRE DAME ACE ACADEMY

CHECK OUT OUR SCHOOLS DURING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 5. Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis | Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Indianapolis | Cardinal Ritter High School, Indianapolis | Cathedral High School, Indianapolis | Central Catholic School, Indianapolis | Christ the King School, Indianapolis | Fr. Michael Shawe Memorial High School, Madison | Fr. Thomas Scecina Memorial High School, Indianapolis | Holy Angels School, Indianapolis | Holy Cross Central School, Indianapolis | Holy Family School, New Albany | Holy Name School, Beech Grove | Holy Spirit School, Indianapolis | Immaculate Heart 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement of Mary School, Indianapolis Pages 10B-11B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Julie Cahalan, 26 years Mary Marsh, 27 years

Marcia Ernstberger, 26 years Brian Moyer, 25 years | Lumen Christi School, Indianapolis | Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ School, Indianapolis | Oldenburg Academy,| Oldenburg | Our Lady of LourdesClarksville School, School, Indianapolis | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School,Anthony St. New Albany | | Our Lady of Providence High School, Clarksville | Our Lady of the Greenwood School,Indianapolis Greenwood | PopeSchool, John XXIII School, Madison | ProvidenceAnthony St. Cristo Rey High School,| Indianapolis | Roncalli High School, School, Indianapolis | Sacred Heart Seymour JeffersonvilleSchool, | Seton High School,Ambrose Richmond | St. Ronda Hobbs-Jackson, 27 years Rita Naddy, 30 years Katie Sellmer, 26 years Our Teachers, St. Michael-St. Gabriel School, St. Jude School, Indianapolis Indianapolis Sally Meyer, 36 years Patricia Guilfoy, 43 years The True Heroes Julie Ross, 38 years Jill Schultz, 40 years St. Michael School, Brookville Melanie Back, 29 years of Catholic Education St. Lawrence School, Indianapolis Pam Kolb, 37 years Chris Battocletti, 27 years Krista McKinney, 26 years This year’s Catholic Schools Week Supplement Kimberly Huff, 28 years Christine Hummel, 32 years is dedicated to the more than 2,000 Catholic school Carolyn Summers, 29 years St. Michael School, Greenfield teachers in the archdiocese who continue to go above Kathleen Weber, 45 years St. Lawrence School, Lawrenceburg Cindy Geswein, 30 years and beyond in their efforts—especially during this Susan Schmuelling, 27 years Storm Murph, 26 years challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic—to Holy Name School, Beech Grove educate the nearly 21,000 students in our 68 schools Sister Nicolette Etienne, O.S.B., 32 years St. Louis School, Batesville St. Monica School, Indianapolis across central and southern Indiana. Ellen Taylor, 25 years Jean Bossert, 36 years Lyn Goldsberry, 25 years As part of that tribute to our teachers, the Office of Beth Emsweller, 34 years Eileen Wodda, 25 years Catholic Schools in the archdiocese particularly wants to Holy Spirit School, Indianapolis Diane Jones, 26 years salute the 185 educators who have devoted 25 years or Brenda Ahonen, 27 years Mary Beth Linville, 35 years St. Nicholas School, Ripley County more to Catholic education. Linda Eagan, 26 years Tammy Roell, 30 years Mary Bedel, 27 years Christie Eastman, 33 years Amy Weigel, 27 years Jona Dierckman, 33 years Bishop Chatard High School, Lisa Etchason, 25 years Mary Jo Reer, 25 years Indianapolis Heather Hacker, 26 years St. Luke the Evangelist School, Indianapolis Greg Miller, 30 years Cathy King, 27 years St. Patrick School, Terre Haute Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Kathleen Prater, 27 years Dallas Wright, 27 years Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School, Indianapolis Pam Scheck, 31 years Indianapolis Patty Koors, 30 years St. Philip Neri School, Indianapolis Mary Pat O’Connor, 25 years St. Malachy School, Brownsburg Kelly England, 25 years Roula Saidah, 29 years Nativity School, Indianapolis Michelle Craney, 34 years Rose Haltom, 44 years Mary Feeney, 41 years St. Pius X School, Indianapolis Cathedral High School, Indianapolis Chris Peek, 38 years Jan Sexton, a teacher at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in Greenwood, shares a light-hearted moment with some of her students. Lori McFarland, 38 years Marsha Austin, 37 years Greg Bamrick, 31 years (Submitted photo) Mary Nell, 34 years Chris Buhler, 38 years Linda Bamrick, 35 years Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Paula Owen, 33 years Alice Mattingly, 40 years Marc Behringer, 25 years Conception, Oldenburg Roncalli High School, Indianapolis Mary Martha Hoefling, 39 years Tracy Prahl, 26 years Jeanine Ritter, 25 years Lizabeth Bradshaw, 25 years Theresa Murphy, 36 years Pat Crosley, 28 years Karen Miller, 40 years Gail Strahle, 29 years Jill Starliper, 25 years Melinda Bundy, 47 years Kris Wampler, 44 years Denise Joseph, 43 years Ronald Pittman, 34 years Jackie Swihart, 36 years Jeanie Warrick, 43 years Lisa Ford, 40 years Charlene Weberding, 25 years Rob Kratoska, 31 years Ken Kaufman, 33 years Kathy Peach, 38 years St. Bartholomew School, Columbus St. Mark School, St. Roch School, Indianapolis Laurie O’Brien, 37 years Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Jim Ratliff, 55 years Diana Graman, 25 years Indianapolis Mary Ann Chamberlin, 32 years Belinda Speck, 31 years New Albany Kathy Schembra, 49 years Julie King, 25 years Cathy Boyle, 44 years Mary DeArmond, 25 years Gary Spurgin, 32 years Terri Day, 35 years Mark Statton, 35 years Shannon Royer, 25 years Marna Diemer, 27 years Mary Fields, 25 years Sister Mary Ann Stewart, S.P., 41 years Anne Woods, 37 years Gerard Striby, 37 years Missy Tressler, 29 years Ann Kinney, 35 years Sister Anne Frederick, O.S.B., 30 years Angie Toner, 35 years Karen Koesters, 32 years Dick Gallamore, 30+ years Central Catholic School, Indianapolis Our Lady of Providence High School, Laura Williams, 30 years St. Charles Borromeo School, Bloomington Tina Valdois-Bruner, 35 years Susie Jordan, 35 years Margee McHugh, 30 years Clarksville Theresa Alexander, 30 years Teresa Plummer, 30 years Patty Wulf, 29 years Larry Denison, 27 years Sacred Heart School, Jeffersonville Laura Olivera, 25 years St. Mary School, Aurora Anna Roberts, 25 years Kerry Gerber, 40 years Lynne Evanczyk, 37 years Ann Marie Grove, 25 years Kevin Watson, 25 years Christ the King School, Indianapolis Ben Hornung, 41 years Ronda Jackson, 28 years St. Christopher School, Indianapolis Amy Denning, 28 years Donna Aragon, 31 years Scott Hornung, 33 years Yvonne Smith, 27 years Chris Evans, 43 years Suzy Rice, 25 years St. Rose of Lima School, Franklin Karen Wagner, 38 years Scott Hutchins, 25 years Tracy McKee, 27 years Jim Waldon, 41 years Kim Dinkel, 27 years Kathryn Jacobi, 30 years St. Ambrose School, Seymour Mary Tieken, 37 years Father Michael Shawe Memorial High School, Mary Alice Knott, 28 years Angie Craig, 32 years SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi School, St. Mary School, Greensburg Madison Karen Schueler, 33 years Theresa Joray, 30 years Greenwood Kathleen Paul Murray, 35 years St. Simon the Apostle School, Indianapolis Aline Cambron, 43 years Pam Wells, 25 years Susan Myers, 31 years Cindy Cavender, 28 years Lou Ann Center, 36 years Our Lady of the Greenwood School, St. Anthony of Padua School, Jennifer Smith, 26 years Petey Frederick, 32 years Greenwood Clarksville St. Gabriel School, Connersville Kerry O’Brien, 32 years Father Thomas Scecina Memorial Paula Howard, 44 years Nancy McGarvey, 30 years Angie Fuller, 26 years St. Mary School, North Vernon Monica O’Brien, 32 years High School, Indianapolis Mary Schultz, 38 years Mary Pickerrell, 48 years Susie Tipton, 34 years Sandi Kirchner, 38 years Anthony Guldner, 39 years Jan Sexton, 28 years St. Susanna School, Plainfield Sister Sheila Hackett, O.P., 47 years Pam White, 36 years St. Anthony School, Indianapolis St. Joan of Arc School, Indianapolis St. Mary School, Rushville Karen Villarias, 32 years Ott Hurrle, 44 years LeAnn Patterson, 28 years Frank Demma, 29 years Melissa Cull, 25 years Elizabeth Williams, 25 years Pope John XXIII School, Madison Theresa Slipher, 43 years St. Therese Little Flower Catholic School, Colleen Burdette, 28 years St. John Paul II School, Sellersburg St. Matthew School, Indianapolis Indianapolis Holy Angels School, Indianapolis Crystie Schultz, 29 years St. Barnabas School, Indianapolis Amy Barber, 26 years Mary Beth Keiser, 26 years Gary Asher, 40 years Linda Douda, 26 years Patti Welsh, 36 years Terri Collins, 45 years Doris Barnett, 29 years Sister Heidi Marie Krack, O.S.B., 46 years Theresa Slayton, 46 years Holy Cross Central School, Indianapolis St. Thomas Aquinas School, Indianapolis Lillian Kelley, 29 years Sandy Hoy, 37 years Blythe Kleinschmidt, 27 years Caren Stinger, 38 years Seton Catholic Elementary School, Richmond Angie Therber, 32 years Ruth Brown, 40 years Holy Family School, New Albany Seton Catholic High School, Richmond Judy Cooper, 27 years David Brown, 26 years

Ott Hurrle of Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in Mary Pickerrell, a teacher at St. Anthony of Padua School in Clarksville, is seen helping some of the students in her classoom. She has Beth Emsweller, a teacher at St. Louis School in Batesville, poses with some of her students and a globe which shows the constellations Melissa Cull, a teacher at St. Mary School in Rushville, poses with

Indianapolis is seen with his football players. (Submitted photo) been teaching for nearly 50 years. (Submitted photo) above the Earth. (Submitted photo) some first Communicants. (Submitted photo) St. Barnabas School, Indianapolis | St. Bartholomew School, Columbus | St. Charles Boromeo School, Bloomington | St. Christopher School, Indianapolis | St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Richmond | SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi School, Greenwood | St. Gabriel School, Connersville | St. Joan of Arc School, Indianapolis | St. John Paul II School, Sellersburg | St. Joseph School, Corydon | St. Joseph School, Shelbyville | St. Jude School, Indianapolis | St. Lawrence School, Indianapolis | St. Lawrence School, Lawrenceburg | St. Louis School, Batesville | St. Luke School, Indianapolis | St. Malachy School, Brownsburg | St. Mark School, Indianapolis | St. Mary School, Aurora | St. Mary School, Greensburg | St. Mary School, North Vernon | St. Mary School, Rushville | St. Mary-of-the-Knobs School, Floyds Knobs | | Knobs Floyds School, Mary-of-the-Knobs St. | Rushville School, Mary St. | Vernon North School, Mary St. | Greensburg School, Mary St. | Aurora School, Mary St. | Indianapolis School, Mark St. | Brownsburg School, Malachy St. | Indianapolis School, Luke St. | Batesville School, Louis St. | Lawrenceburg School, Lawrence St. | Indianapolis School, Lawrence St. | Indianapolis School, Jude St. | Shelbyville School, Joseph St. | Corydon School, Joseph St. | Sellersburg School, II Paul John St. | Indianapolis School, Arc of Joan St. | Connersville School, Gabriel St. | Greenwood School, Assisi of Clare and Francis SS. | Richmond School, Seton Ann Elizabeth St. | Indianapolis School, Christopher St. | Bloomington School, Boromeo Charles St. | Columbus School, Bartholomew St. | Indianapolis School, Barnabas St. St. Matthew School, Indianapolis | St. Michael School, Brookville | St. Michael School, Greenfield | St. Michael-St. Gabriel School, Indianapolis | St. Monica School, Indianapolis | St. Nicholas School, Sunman | St. Patrick School, Terre Haute | St. Philip Neri School, Indianapolis | St. Pius X School, Indianapolis | St. Roch School, Indianapolis | St. Rosa of Lima School, Franklin | St. Simon the Apostle School, Indianapolis | St. Susanna School, Plainfield | St. Therese (Little Flower) School, Indianapolis | St. Thomas Aquinas School, Indianapolis | St. Vincent de Paul School, Bedford School, Vincent de Paul Indianapolis | St. Thomas Aquinas School, Indianapolis | St. School, Therese (Little Flower) Plainfield | St. Susanna School, Indianapolis | St. Simon the Apostle School, St. Franklin | Rosa of Lima School, St. Indianapolis | School, Roch Indianapolis | St. Pius X School, Indianapolis | St. Philip Neri School, Haute | St. Terre School, Patrick Sunman | St. School, Nicholas St. | Indianapolis School, Monica St. | Indianapolis School, Gabriel Michael-St. St. | Greenfield School, Michael St. | Brookville School, Michael St. | Indianapolis School, Matthew St. 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 12B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Catholic Schools ARCHDIOCESE OF INDIANAPOLIS

HENRY WAYNE

PARKE MARION HANCOCK VERMILLION PUTNAM HENDRICKS Indianapolis Terre Haute Indianapolis Deaneries Connersville Deanery Deanery SHELBY

FAYETTE UNION RUSH MORGAN FRANKLIN OWEN JOHNSON VIGO CLAY Bloomington BROWN Deanery DECATUR DEARBORN BARTHOLOMEW Batesville MONROE JACKSON Deanery OHIO JENNINGS RIPLEY JEFFERSON Seymour Deanery SWITZERLAND LAWRENCE

SCOTT WASHINGTON ORANGE CLARK

Floyds Knobs CRAWFORD FLOYD Tell City Deanery (No schools New Albany Deanery in this deanery) HARRISON

PERRY

DEANERY SCHOOLS

Batesville Deanery Bloomington Deanery New Albany Deanery Sellersburg Terre Haute Deanery St. John Paul II School (PK–8) Aurora Bedford Clarksville Terre Haute 105 St. Paul St. St. Mary of the Immaculate St. Vincent de Paul School (PK–8) Our Lady of Providence St. Patrick School (PK–8) Sellersburg, IN 47172 Conception School (K–8) 923 18th St. High School (9–12) 449 S. 19th St. 812-246-3266 211 Fourth St. Bedford, IN 47421 707 Providence Way Terre Haute, IN 47803 Aurora, IN 47001 812-279-2540 Clarksville, IN 47129 812-232-2157 812-926-1558 Bloomington 812-945-2538 Seymour Deanery Batesville St. Charles Borromeo School (PK–8) St. Anthony of Padua Columbus Private High School St. Louis School (PK–8) 2224 E. Third St. School (PK–8) St. Bartholomew School (K–8) Oldenburg 17 St. Louis Place Bloomington, IN 47401 320 N. Sherwood Ave. 1306 27th St. Oldenburg Academy of Batesville, IN 47006 812-336-5853 Clarksville, IN 47129 Columbus, IN 47201 the Immaculate 812-934-3310 812-282-2144 812-372-6830 Conception (9–12) Connersville Deanery 1 Twister Circle Brookville Corydon Franklin Connersville P.O. Box 200 St. Michael School (PK–8) St. Joseph School (PK–6) St. Rose of Lima School (PK–8) St. Gabriel School (PK–6) Oldenburg, IN 47036 275 High St. 512 N. Mulberry St. 114 Lancelot Drive 224 W. Ninth St. 812-934-4440 Brookville, IN 47012 Corydon, IN 47112 Franklin, IN 46131 Connersville, IN 47331 765-647-4961 812-738-4549 317-738-3451 765-825-7951 Floyd County Madison Greensburg Richmond St. Mary School (PK–8) St. Mary-of-the-Knobs Father Michael Shawe Seton Catholic High School (PK–8) Memorial Jr./Sr. High School 1331 E. Hunter Robbins Way School (7-12) 3033 Martin Road (7–12) Greensburg, IN 47240 233 S. 5th St. Floyds Knobs, IN 47119 201 W. State St. 812-663-2804 Richmond, IN 47374 812-923-1630 Madison, IN 47250 Lawrenceburg 765-965-6956 Jeffersonville 812-273-2150 St. Lawrence School (K–8) Seton Catholic Elementary Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 524 Walnut St. School (PK–6) Pope John XXIII School (PK–6) School (PK–8) Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 801 W. Main St. 221 W. State St. 1842 E. Eighth St. 812-537-3690 Richmond, IN 47374 Madison, IN 47250 765-962-4877 Jeffersonville, IN 47130 812-273-3957 Ripley County 812-283-3123 North Vernon St. Nicholas School (K–8) Rushville New Albany 6459 E. St. Nicholas Drive St. Mary School (PK–6) St. Mary School (PK–8) Holy Family School (PK–8) Sunman, IN 47041 226 E. Fifth St. 209 Washington St. 217 W. Daisy Lane 812-623-2348 Rushville, IN 46173 North Vernon, IN 47265 765-932-3639 New Albany, IN 47150 812-346-3445 Shelbyville 812-944-6090 Seymour St. Joseph School (PK–5) Our Lady of Perpetual St. Ambrose School (PK–8) 127 E. Broadway Help School (PK–8) 301 S. Chestnut St. Shelbyville, IN 46176 1752 Scheller Lane Seymour, IN 47274 317-398-4202 New Albany, IN 47150 812-522-3522 812-944-7676 6. • BishopChatardHigh Indianapolis North 5. 4. 2.

3. 1. Christ theKingSchool School 317-543-4923 Indianapolis, IN46226 6950 E.46thSt. 317-283-1518 Indianapolis, IN46205 500 E.42ndSt. 317-257-9366 Indianapolis, IN46220 5858 N.CrittendenAve. School School Indianapolis, IN46220 4100 E.56thSt. 317-251-3997 317-255-5468 Indianapolis, IN46220 317 E.57thSt. Deanery 317-251-1451 Indianapolis, IN46220 5885 N.CrittendenAve. 317 Indianapolis, IN46260 7575 HollidayDr. East School St. Matthewthe Apostle St. LuketheEv St. LawrenceSchool Immaculate HeartofMary St. JoanofArcSchool - 255-3912 (K GREATER INDIANAPOLIS (K (PK – (9 8) – –

8) 12) – 8)

angelist

(PK 28

(K 31 (PK – – 8) 8) –

8)

US 36 US 40 • Indianapolis East 7. 10. 9. 8. 11. St.SimontheApostle

St. ThomasAquinas Father ThomasScecina 317-255-6244 Indianapolis, IN46208 4600 N.IllinoisSt. 317-352-1243 Indianapolis, IN46219 7241 E.10thSt. School School(PK 317-356-6377 Indianapolis, IN46201 5000 NowlandAve. 317-826-6000 Indianapolis, IN46236 8155 OaklandonRoad 317-466-3361 Indianapolis, IN46240 7200 SartoDrive Deanery 317-638-9068 Indianapolis, IN46202 125 N.OrientalSt. MemorialHighSchool St. PiusXSchool Holy SpiritSchool Holy CrossCentral West Deanery MARION

School (9 GREATER INDIANAPOLISDEANERYSCHOOLS – COUNTY 12)

(PK-8) (PK – – 8) 8) *

27 (K (PK –

8) Preparatory School Preparatory Brebeuf Jesuit –

Providence CristoRey 8)

29  12. 15. •RoncalliHighSchool Indianapolis South 14. 13. 16. 17.

Jr./Sr. HighSchool Cardinal Ritter 20 High School

St. ThereseoftheInfantJesus 317-636-0134 Indianapolis, IN46201 545 N.EasternAve. (LittleFlower)School School 317-462-6380 Greenfield, IN46140 515 JeffersonBlvd. 317-787-8277 Indianapolis, IN46227 3300 PragueRoad 317-353-2282 Indianapolis, IN46201 1401 N.BosartAve. 317-357-3316 Indianapolis, IN46219 30 S.DowneySt. Deanery Holy NameofJ St. Philip Neri School Our LadyofLourdes St. MichaelSchool Central CatholicSchool 317-784-9078 Beech Grove,IN46107 21 N.17thAve. 317-783-7759 Indianapolis, IN46203 1155 E.CameronSt.  30 (PK

2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Week Schools Catholic 2021 26 – 8)

(PK 25  21 –

8) 5

esus School 9 Meridian Street (PK 23 24 16

 Meridian Street (PK–8)

(PK–8) – 2 School Catholic Lumen Christi 3 (9

(PK-8) 8) –

10 12) *

* 1

South Deanery  22. 20. 23.

24. 18. 21.

19.  14 22 7

St. JudeSchool SS. FrancisandClareof Bishop Chatard HighSchool St. MarktheEvangelist St. RochSchool Assisi School 317-215-2826 Greenwood, IN46143 5901 OliveBranchRoad 317-784-9144 Indianapolis, IN46227 3603 S.MeridianSt. 317-784-6828 Indianapolis, IN46227 5375 McFarlandRoad School 317-786-4013 Indianapolis, IN46227 541 E.EdgewoodAve. Nativity ofOurLordJesus St. BarnabasSchool Our LadyoftheGreenwood ChristSchool 317-881-7422 Indianapolis, IN46217 8300 RahkeRoad School 317-357-1459 Indianapolis, IN46239 3310 S.MeadowDrive 317-881-1300 Greenwood, IN46143 399 S.MeridianSt.

Roncalli HighSchool 15 6 North Deanery 19 Page 13B 17 (PK 12 (PK   – – 8) 8)

Memorial HighSchool Father ThomasScecina Cathedral HighSchool (PK

(PK (PK (PK TheCriterionFriday, January 29,2021 – – – 8) – 8) (PK 8) 8)

East Deanery

4

– 11 8) 18

Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High •CardinalRitterJr./Sr.High Indianapolis West 28. 29. 27. 30. 26. 25. St. MalachySchool St. Michael-St.Gabriel St. ChristopherSchool St. MonicaSchool St. Anthony Holy AngelsSchool School 317-241-6314 Indianapolis, IN46224 5335 W.16thSt. 317-852-2242 Brownsburg, IN46112 330 N.GreenSt. 317-255-7153 Indianapolis, IN46228 6131 N.MichiganRoad 317-636-3739 Indianapolis, IN46222 WarmanN. 349 Ave. Indianapolis, IN46208 KingJr. St. 2822 Dr. Martin Luther 317-926-0516 Indianapolis, IN46222 3352 W.30thSt. Archangels School 317-926-5211 317-924-4333 Indianapolis, IN46222 3360 W.30thSt. Deanery

Washington Street (7 – 12)

School

US 40 (PK (PK (PK (PK 8 (PK –

– 8) (PK – – 8) 8) – 6)

8)

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31. School • LumenChristiCatholic Private Schools • ProvidenceCristoReyHigh • BrebeufJesuitPreparatory • CathedralHighSchool * Notre DameACEAcademies 13 St. SusannaSchool 317-860-1000 Indianapolis, IN46222 75 N.BelleviewPlace School 317-542-1481 Indianapolis, IN46226 School 317-632-3174 Indianapolis, IN46203 317-839-3713 Plainfield, IN46168 1212 E.MainSt. 317-524-7128 Indianapolis, IN46268 2801 W.86thSt. 580 E.StevensSt. 5225 E.56thSt. (9 (9 (PK-12) – – 12) 12)

(PK – (9 8) – 12)

2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 14B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Not even an out-of-control car can stop teacher from going the extra mile for her students By John Shaughnessy help us do that.” Kirchner has shared Sandi Kirchner has that message with two always approached her generations of students teaching career with the in her 38 years of attitude, “Anything God wants me to do”—an approach teaching, which have that was tested to its limits one day when she saw a car all been done in the veering out of control as she helped monitor an third grade at St. Mary after-school pick-up line of cars. School. Even with The car was headed right toward that longevity and the spot where a boy in the first continuity, she strives grade was talking to her about his to add a fresh approach grandparents’ dog. Seeing the car’s to every school year. driver slumped over the wheel and She also strives to view a little girl inside the car, Kirchner every student as a child pushed the boy to safety. of God. As the car bounced off the curb “Whether I’m talking in front of Kirchner, it ricocheted about our spirituality toward the center of a busy street. or academics, I always Sandi Kirchner Kirchner ran toward the car, opened try to identify where the front passenger door, jumped the students are in their inside the car and stretched her left foot toward the lives. I have students brake—stopping the car. No one was hurt, including the being raised by their driver who later recovered from the seizure that caused grandparents, by single the car to veer out of control. parents, by parents who That scene from 2009 was a moment of drama in are at the poverty level the 38-year teaching career of Kirchner—a teacher who and by parents who has made it her mission to have a dramatic impact on have more money than the lives of her students, albeit in a much more calm you and I will ever have. and constant way. She tries to make that impact on her “I identify where third-grade students at St. Mary School in North Vernon the students are, help by asking them to do the one thing she demands of them to become a better herself. person and acknowledge “I’m trying to be the best person I can be every day, we are all gifts from and I’m trying to be better every day,” she says. “And God and we’re all in that’s what I try to instill in my students. I try to instill God’s family. That’s the in them that we’re not perfect and God knows that, but foundation where I start he wants us to try to be better. from, and we go from “We talk a lot about bullying and peer pressure. We there. It’s all driven by talk about how God calls us to stand up for a classmate my faith. This is the call or to help an elderly person when all our classmates God has given me, and As she works with her students, Sandi Kirchner of St. Mary School in North Vernon encourages them rush by. And we talk about doing the right thing he’s entrusted me with to follow her lead in “trying to be the best person I can be every day.” Here, she helps one of her because God is there, and he’s sent us the Holy Spirit to these children.” † students, Kennedei Roll. (Submitted photo) The West Deanery Celebrates Catholic Schools Week

ST. SUSANNA ST. MALACHY CATHOLIC SCHOOL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ST. MONICA ST. MICHAEL-ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL ARCHANGELS CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL l - S hae t. G ic a b M r . i t SM e l S SG

Elementary School CARDINAL RITTER HIGH SCHOOL

ST. ANTHONY HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ST. CHRISTOPHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 15B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Teacher cherishes the joy and wonder of her students

By John Shaughnessy home for several hours not knowing where her mom “My hope for all my was. At that moment, I could only offer her my loving students is that they When Ruth Brown shares special moments from her presence and understanding, and the promise that, will fondly remember nearly 40 years of teaching students in the first grade, although I couldn’t fix things at home, our classroom a time and place where it’s easy to understand why she considers that grade to would stay the same place of safety, respect and caring they were nurtured and be “the Wonder Year!” for her every day. I hope it gave her a secure spot in her celebrated for who they “Often, they seem so tiny—gone in a flash—but life.” were and who they might celebrated in the heart,” says Brown, a teacher at Seton Even in such challenging situations, Brown regards become.” † Catholic School in Richmond. “Maybe it’s hearing a teaching at Seton as an “opportunity to practice living student use a courtesy word unprompted, or seeing in the presence of God in every moment.” a child allow another to go in front for the first time, “My beliefs about God and God’s people inform my or having a student say they want to write a letter to approach to students and to teaching,” Brown says. “If someone who’s sad.” one starts with the belief that each child brings worth Then there are the moments when the influence of a and a unique, special wisdom to the classroom, then teacher on a child goes deeper. the job of the teacher is to affirm and support what’s “I remember one time when a first-grader who was already there and then nurture the child’s spiritual, usually a motivated and capable student showed signs intellectual, social and emotional growth.” of slipping and then was late to school and grouchy one She’s also a firm believer in teaching her students day,” Brown recalls. “My first questions were rebuffed through her actions and her interactions with them. with ‘I’m fine’ and ‘Nothing’s wrong.’ Later, I was “I hope they absorb the atmosphere of a classroom walking with her back to the classroom and she started where God and God’s creation are cherished and where to say something. I invited her to sit down right there people lift each other up.” on the steps with me, to talk or just sit quietly. Brown cherishes the joy and wonder that her At Seton Catholic Elementary School in Richmond, Ruth Brown “After a few minutes, she poured out a story about students have brought to her life through the years: strives to create a classroom atmosphere “where God and her very dysfunctional home life and how she had “Teaching first grade gloriously suits my mind, heart God’s creation are cherished and where people lift each other ended up caring for a younger brother, alone in her and soul. up.” (Submitted photo) Shared values of Catholic schools shape students The Office of Catholic Schools strives to educate Our Shared Values • We believe that formation best occurs within the nearly 21,000 Catholic school students in the faith-filled cultures of learning that are archdiocese with a three-pronged approach of vision, Open Doors: inclusive. mission and shared values. • We believe that parents are the primary Here is a closer look at the approach that guides the • We believe that Catholic schools serve as a educators of each young person and that it Office of Catholic Schools and the 68 Catholic schools vital ministry of the greater Church. is the responsibility of Catholic schools to in the archdiocese. • We believe that Catholic schools should be support the domestic Church. accessible and affordable. Our Vision • We believe that the viability and vitality of Open Hearts: Ours will be an archdiocese where every Catholic Catholic schools are the responsibility of all school community flourishes by having the professional the faithful. • We believe that Catholic schools are part and spiritual leadership it needs to advance the • We believe in shared leadership with pastors, of the evangelizing mission of the Church, mission of the Church, and where every professional school leaders and commissions/boards under forming disciples through the intentional is supported, every family is engaged and every child, the direction of the archbishop and guidance integration of faith, culture and life. regardless of race, culture, socio-economic condition or of Church teachings. • We believe that “excellence” is defined by learning need, is nurtured in mind, body and spirit. and achieved through the growth and holistic Open Arms: development—spiritual, intellectual/academic, Our Mission social, emotional and physical—of the With open doors, open arms and open hearts, the • We believe in fostering positive relationships individual within the context of community. Office of Catholic Schools supports the formation of that exemplify the love of God. • We believe that professional educators in young people through holistic, engaging and academically • We believe that Catholic school communities Catholic schools are valued ministers of the excellent programming that integrates faith, culture and are enriched by the unique image and likeness faith who strive to live the universal call to life as modeled by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. of God that is present in each individual. holiness. † Providence Cristo Rey High School Become College-ready. Career-Prepared.

SMALL, FAMILY CORPORATE WORK AFFORDABLE ENVIRONMENT EXPERIENCE COLLEGE-PREP

Thanks to our financial aid Our students receive 1,000 hours With a 100% college application, on average With a 13:1 student teacher of professional work experience acceptance rate, an average our families pay only $30 a ratio, full counseling, through our unique Corporate of 17 college credit hours month to attend PCR! Learn academic, and behavioral Work Study Program! Work at one gained upon graduation, and a about how our financial aid support teams, and a wide of our 70+ partner companies in wide variety of extracurricular can make a private education variety of community Indianapolis and gain valuable activities, PCR students can affordable for you. resources, PCRHS isn’t just a experience that will help prepare be sure that they are ready to school - it’s a family. you for your future career. succeed in college and beyond.

Apply to join the Wolf Pack today at www.cristoreyindy.org!

Sponsored by Proud member of the 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 16B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Scecina High School’s capital campaign succeeds despite challenges of pandemic and economic crisis

By Sean Gallagher

Bringing a $6 million capital campaign to a positive conclusion in the middle of a worldwide pandemic with a related economic downturn is usually not a recipe for success. But Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School not only met the ambitious goal amid the coronavirus pandemic, the school added another $600,000 to the campaign’s goal. Facing and overcoming challenges is not new to the archdiocesan high school for the Indianapolis East Deanery since it was founded more than 60 years ago. Scecina president Joseph Therber has seen many of these challenges. He served as a teacher and assistant football coach there from 1986-98 before returning as its president in 2009. He credits the campaign’s success to the “base of people that are extremely generous with their time and resources and who believe in the mission of the school.” “We have alumni from all An artistic rendering portrays the new chapel to be constructed at Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis. decades of the school’s history who The archdiocesan high school for the Indianapolis East Deanery is completing a $6.6 million capital campaign to fund various Josesph Therber believe the same and want to help projects, including the chapel construction. (Submitted photo) in ways large and small to make it happen,” Therber said. worked in the factories. My dad worked at Chrysler. economic downturn—and this was more of an One of those alumni is George Newhart, a A lot of kids had parents who worked in the fire economic disaster—you fear for those kinds of things,” 1960 Scecina graduate. When he grew up on department and police department. It was a much he said. “Bills can’t be paid as quickly or as efficiently Indianapolis’ eastside, it was, different world.” as before. But we have done very well. Our families as he remembered it, “a center In the decades that followed, most of the factories and the Scecina community are so loyal and dedicated.” of industrial activity for the on the eastside closed. But while many employers Therber said that, for many in the Scecina Midwest.” Factories for Chrysler, disappeared from the eastside, Scecina remained, community, getting behind the effort to provide a Ford, Western Electric and serving as an anchor for the community. positive future for the school has been a source of relief RCA dotted the corridors along “All those companies went away,” Newhart said. during the present time with its many challenges. Shadeland and Sherman avenues “But the amazing thing is, Scecina has been able to “Hope is energizing,” Therber said. “It’s brought and other locations. stay where it’s always been and still contribute to the optimism, purpose and a vision for the future at a “In my day, most of the kids academic and personal development of the eastside time when we could have shrunk or turned inside of were from blue-collar families,” kids. And they’ve expanded [the student body] well ourselves.” George Newhart Newhart recalled. “Our parents beyond the eastside.” The campaign, which is the first in Scecina’s history An added recent to have such an ambitious goal, has already funded the challenge to the eastside construction of a new weight room in the main building is that many who live of the school. It is hoped that a new chapel in the main scecina memorial high school there now have jobs in the building will be completed in time for the start of the service industry that has 2021-22 school year. been severely affected by Other projects to be funded by the campaign the coronavirus pandemic. include reworking its main entrance, construction of Newhart, who serves new athletic and activity fields, and endowments to as the chair of Scecina’s ensure future academic excellence at the school, tuition board of directors and assistance and the maintenance and improvement of on the campaign’s facilities. executive committee, “We tried to do something extraordinary, and we was at first anxious about have,” Therber said. “That should give us confidence the pandemic’s effect on for even more in the future.” the school’s fundraising efforts. (To learn more about Father Thomas Scecina Memorial “In any kind of High School, visit scecina.org.) † Special moment shows teacher how God is using him By John Shaughnessy comes home to see his family, he looks me up and invites me to dinner. In an Jim Waldon sums up one of the great experience like that, you realize God did mysteries of life and teaching when he use you. Those are the moments when says, “As you live your life, you never you know you’ve touched them beyond know how God is using you.” what you hoped. It’s very humbling.” Scecina is your pathway to achieve Waldon then shares Waldon has taught mostly English a favorite story of how and religion during his years at St. Mary, God has used him the school that he attended from first to college, career, and life success. during his 33 years of eighth grade. teaching at St. Mary “As I look back, I realize what a of the Immaculate blessing it is to me to be in a place where Learn more about becoming a Crusader at scecina.org/admissions Conception School in I was so strongly impacted and where Aurora. I’ve worked with so many wonderful “We had a student teachers and students through the years. come to us from “It’s been my privilege to dedicate my Jim Waldon a public school as life to working with so many fine people You Can Go Anywhere a seventh grader,” to keep the mission of our parish school Waldon recalls. “His parents could see alive. I’ve experienced the blessing he was slipping through the cracks. At of teaching two generations of many the time, if a student didn’t keep up his families. The greatest reward is seeing From Here. schoolwork, one of the consequences the successes achieved by so many of my was they’d lose recess and have to clean past students. up the cafeteria. This student chalked up “My goal with the students is simply Scan the QR code a remarkable number of clean-up days. that I want them to remember that God to watch our video “Rather than resenting me, he came loves them and hears every prayer they through for his own sake and his parents. offer. If they don’t learn anything else Scecina Memorial High School • 5000 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201 He went on to serve in the Navy on a from me, I hope they remember that I submarine. And to this day, when he encourage them to pray constantly.” † 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 17B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Catholic education provides a life-changing foundation for many people in the archdiocese

(Editor’s note: The Criterion invited Catholics across St. Ambrose School in Seymour,” she says. “Something of public schools in the the archdiocese to share how their Catholic education happened to me there that has made all the difference family’s Indianapolis has had an impact on their lives. Here are some of in my life. I fell in love. The object of my affection was neighborhood made their stories.) my teacher. Her name was Sister Mary Hubert. She was him think about sending a Benedictine sister. his sons to the less-costly option. At the same time, By John Shaughnessy “That love affair has lasted to this very day. The Leffel’s mother, a product of public schools, saw how a sisters who taught me were beautiful, kind and caring. Catholic school’s emphasis on faith, family values and The slogan for his children’s Catholic school I thought in the hierarchy of things, God was first and education had strongly influenced her husband’s life. represents everything that Richard Shagley wants for then there was them. Obviously since I have been a “Long story short, Mom won,” Leffel recalls. He has them: Benedictine for over 50 years, their impact on me was no doubt that he and his brothers won, too. “Building Saints and Scholars.” great. Even at age 6, I knew they possessed something “Catholic education has been a life-changing That slogan at St. Patrick School in Terre Haute that I wanted.” experience for my children, family and myself,” Leffel also reminds Shagley of the impact that people at that Her eight years of Catholic education also led to says, referring to his education at St. Pius X School and school tried to have on him when he was a student another deep pursuit of her life. Cathedral High School, both in Indianapolis. there. “St. Ambrose prepared me for life, but also for “I played baseball, basketball and football in grade “I don’t know if that was their slogan then, but it’s the afterlife,” says Sister Mary Luke, a member of school, and my friends were all there with me. I’m what they were doing when I was there,” the the Benedictine community of Our Lady of Grace 42, and this group of teammates and classmates are 46-year-old father of four says. “It wasn’t a big Monastery in Beech Grove. still my closest friends. Friendship was at the heart of school, but there were good kids, a good education “I learned all the basic subjects, but also the my school years and my main reason for sending my and good people around you who wanted you importance of caring for others and the importance of children to St. Pius to follow in my footsteps.” to succeed. And it wasn’t just the teachers and honesty and hard work. We loved it when sister rolled For Leffel, what makes those friendships so deep is administrators. It was the parents as well. up the sleeves of her long habit to wash desks since the connection of faith. “As a child, I didn’t see that, but that’s what my wife we got a glimpse of something other than her face and See EDUCATION, page 18B Alice and I want for our children—a good education hands. provided by people who care about you. I’m very “I can trace a direct grateful that our kids are getting that start in life.” line from my religious Shagley also appreciates the foundation of faith that vocation to sitting in that the school has provided for him and their children: first-grade classroom. George, Eleanor, William and Harriet. My eight years at “You get that early foundation—all the teachings St. Ambrose were the about treating each other like you would want to bedrock of my life. The be treated,” he says. “I’ve noticed my oldest child romance endures!” [16-year-old George] doesn’t resist going to church. He still sees the value. I’d like to say it’s what he sees in Mom’s victory is a win his parents, but I’d be foolish to think it wasn’t for her sons, too St. Patrick School, too. I’m thankful that they get that When Bert Leffel element of faith throughout the day.” considers the way he He’s also thankful for the influence that Father met his wife and his Daniel Bedel, the pastor of St. Patrick Parish, has on lifelong friends, he’s the school children. ever thankful that his “We’re fortunate that our kids have Father Dan. He’s mother cast the deciding a terrific priest. I’ve been to the children’s Mass and vote in his parents’ saw his magic. I credit my increased participation in decision to send him the Church to him. I’m on the parish council because and his two brothers of him.” to Catholic schools for A lawyer, Shagley also credits his parents for giving their education. him the gift of a Catholic education, a gift he and his Leffel’s dad had wife share with their children, too. attended a Catholic “Growing up Catholic, I learned about giving back. school as a child, but Benedictine Sister Mary Luke Jones, right, poses with her second grade teacher, Benedictine Sister I’m lucky in my job that I’m able to give back to our the cost of a Catholic Louise Hoeing, who also served for many years as a guidance counselor at Bishop Chatard High [parish] Church. I got a lot of that from my father, Rick education and the quality School in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo) Shagley, who is also an attorney. I’ve seen the way he gives back and helps the community. I hope I can instill that in our children.”

‘We became Catholic as a result of their kindness’ One of the worst times of JoAnn Johnson’s life led to one of the best life-changing moments for her and her children. “I got married when I was almost 16,” recalls Johnson, who grew up as a Baptist. “My husband and I weren’t in love. We had 12 children in our marriage. My life was hard. My husband had an alcohol problem and didn’t provide the needed food or rent for a place to stay. “I broke my ankle when my 11th child was born. I had to stay in the hospital from January to May. I didn’t know what was happening at home. One Sunday, two ladies came to the hospital passing out Communion and I was crying so hard, one lady came to my bedside and asked what was wrong. I told her the whole story.” The two women were members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. “They told me not to worry and that someone would be at my house Monday to take care of my children and to clean my house. They did this for over a month. We became Catholic as a result of their kindness.” Living on the city’s south side, Johnson found a faith home at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis. Her 12 children found a home at the parish school, which is now closed. “They were very good people,” says Johnson who is 92 now. “My children never wanted for anything when we became Catholic. I can’t tell how much their kindness meant to me and my family. I hope this gives you an idea of what I have been through, and the gratitude I have for the Catholic Church when I needed someone the most.”

‘I fell in love’ For Benedictine Sister Mary Luke Jones, her first year of Catholic education led to a love that has guided The connection of the Shagley family to St. Patrick School in Terre Haute runs deep, influencing the lives of parents Richard and her life ever since. Alice and their four children. Here, the family members come together for a photo on the school grounds: Pictured are, Richard, left, “When I was 6 years old, I went to the first grade at George, William, Harriet, Eleanor and Alice Shagley. (Submitted photo) 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 18B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 EDUCATION continued from page 17B

“At the core of our friendships was Jesus and God. We were altar boys, and we attended Mass regularly all of my childhood. St. Pius as a church and an institution became my dear friend as well. Every priest we were fortunate to come into contact with was a blessing and a true friend. Father Jim Farrell has helped my family through our hardest times. We love him.” Catholic schools also led Leffel to the love of his life. He first met his wife Tiffani, a graduate of St. Matthew the Apostle School in Indianapolis, at a Catholic Youth Organization dance. They continued to date during their time together at Cathedral. “Friendship and family are the impact the Catholic school system has played in my life,” he says. “It is one of the most important and treasured parts of my life. If anyone is on the ledge, like my dad once was, trust in knowing that once you are a part of this wonderful world it will truly change your life and your loved ones’ lives for the better.”

A prescription for a long, happy life Joanne McKinley believes she has the prescription for anyone who wants to live a long, happy life. “I’m 88 years old, and I attribute Catholic education has been a life-changing experience for the members of the Leffel family of St. Pius X Parish in Indianapolis. my good, happy life to my good, Johnny and Cadence pose for a family photo with their parents, Bert and Tiffani, who met at a Catholic Youth Organization dance sound Catholic education,” says when they were in grade school. (Submitted photo) McKinley, a member of St. John Paul II Parish in Sellersburg. she started her education in Indianapolis at the former Special memories, a lasting influence “For eight years, I was taught Holy Trinity School in 1956 through her graduation One special memory stands out to Cecelia Kiley by the wonderful Franciscan nuns from Marian University in 1973, with four years at from her Catholic education at the former Holy Trinity from Oldenburg. They taught Cardinal Ritter High School included. School, the former St. Mary Academy and Marian me so much about life, liberty That focus on community then guided her in her University, all in Indianapolis. and the pursuit of happiness. We 46 years as a teacher before she “One of the greatest school memories that endeared Joanne McKinley were taught how to dress and act retired recently. She had taught at me to the Catholic faith was the annual May crowning,” appropriately for church, how to Cardinal Ritter, Bishop Chatard she says. “It was a royal occasion which took place be respectful to our elders and how to understand that and Providence Cristo Rey high outdoors on a shrine erected for Mary. At 7 p.m. sharp, the Ten Commandments gave us the rules that God schools in Indianapolis. bells began ringing, classes lined up along the street, wants us to live by. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if “It all started in kindergarten,” and eighth-grade servers led the procession around the everyone did live accordingly?” she says. “I was beginning my neighborhood while May hymns were sung accompanied McKinley learned those lessons while she was a journey learning that I not only by the school band. student at the former St. Mary School in New Albany, the had my strong community of “Neighbors lined the streets to watch the spectacle and school where a classmate of hers, Thomas, later became family, but also was learning a the eighth-grade girl slowly marched up to the shrine and her husband of nearly 67 years, leading to a family of six Carol Wethington new and wonderful community of placed the crown atop the Virgin’s head. In all my years, I children, 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Divine Catholic education. My identity have never witnessed a more beautiful school crowning.” Her thoughts of her Catholic education also take her was soon developing: charity Kiley also has special memories of her eighth-grade back to another defining moment in her life—her first toward all, an open heart, service to my community, teacher. Communion. and acceptance of any person I would meet.” “Sister Mary Sharon had the greatest influence on “My first Communion was one of the happiest When she was in the first grade at Holy Trinity my faith journey. Sister could be seen playing four- moments of my life. Sister Mary Omer, my first School, Divine told her mother that she wanted to be a square with the kids out on the playground and many Communion instructor, had a huge influence on my teacher. times she won. In me, she created a desire to study life. We were taught about loving God, understanding, “I never wavered from that goal, which was harder and to enjoy praying. A devotion to Mary that appreciating and participating in Mass, and having a consistently reinforced each year because of the loving lingers today began in the eighth grade because of her.” deep love for the Blessed Sacrament.” education I received from the Sisters of St. Francis. The influence of a Catholic education has continued “Catholic education teaches one to love others. through the years for Kiley, now a member of St. Elizabeth The importance of community St. Mother Theodore Guérin said it well, ‘Love the Seton Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese. Carol Wethington Divine is grateful for the gift her children first, and then teach them.’ Even in the most “Going into high school and college, I took with me the father gave her as a child. trying situations I encountered in teaching, I would moral groundwork put down throughout my grade school “I often heard my father boast about the fact that he always stop and reflect on her words.” years: respect for authority, morality between the sexes, had been able to send one of his children all of the way As parents, Divine and her husband made sure their education about our Catholic beginnings, frequent reception through school via Catholic schools. He imparted to daughter Katie received a Catholic education at of the sacraments, and friends who shared the same faith. me the importance of the community that only Catholic St. Pius X School and Bishop Chatard High School, “The love I have today for our Catholic faith can education could provide.” both in Indianapolis. definitely be attributed to having a Catholic education Divine found that sense of community from the time “We never regretted that decision.” in all three levels.” †

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Learn together. Play together. Pray together. Aprendemos juntos. Jugamos juntos. Oramos juntos.

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My child is enrolled at a Catholic school. I’m moving my child in grades K-12 to a Catholic school from a public school.

I meet these eligibility requirements: • Indiana resident I meet these eligibility requirements: • My family is between 100% and 200% of the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Income Level (see chart). • Indiana resident • Apply before September 1, 2021 • My child attended public school the previous year (two semesters) OR received a Tax Credit Scholarship or TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP Voucher the previous school year.

CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM INCOME LIMITS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2020–2021 SCHOOL YEAR AND one of the following: 69% of 100% of 150% of 200% of Reduced Reduced Reduced Lunch Reduced Lunch Lunch Lunch Eligibility Eligibility Eligibility Eligibility My family is at or My family is at or My family is at or # of Annual Annual Annual Annual Persons in Household Household Household Household below 200% of the below 150% of the below 200% of the Household Income Income Income Limit Income Limit Federal Free and Federal Free and Federal Free and Limit for a Limit for a for a Tax Credit for a Tax Credit 90% Choice 90% Choice Scholarship (of Scholarship (of Reduced Lunch Reduced Lunch Reduced Lunch Scholarship* Scholarship** 50% Choice 50% Choice Scholarship*** Scholarship****) Income Level Income Level Income Level and 1 $16,288 $23,606 $35,409 $47,212 (see chart). (see chart). my child qualifies 2 $22,007 $31,894 $47,841 $63,788 for an IEP. 3 $27,726 $40,182 $60,273 $80,364 4 $33,444 $48,470 $72,705 $96,940 5 $39,163 $56,758 $85,137 $113,516 6 $44,882 $65,046 $97,569 $130,092 7 $50,600 $73,334 $110,001 $146,668 8 $56,319 $81,622 $122,433 $163,244 9 $62,038 $89,910 $134,865 $179,820 K-12 SCHOOL VOUCHERS 10 $67,757 $98,198 $147,297 $196,396 Number Include All Adults in Household What is an Indiana School Voucher? Note: Income levels are determined in accordance with the Income Verification Rules A Voucher is a state-funded scholarship that helps cover the cost of document available at www.doe.in.gov/choice. tuition at a private school. Qualifying students in grades K-12 can receive For a household size of 11 or more: up to 90% of the local per-student state funding amount. *Add $5,719 to the annual limit for each additional member for a “90%” scholarship. **Add $8,288 to the annual limit for each additional member for a “90%” scholarship. ***Add $12,432 to the annual limit for each additional member for a “50%” scholarship. Who qualifies for a Voucher? ****Add $16,576 to the annual limit for each additional member for a “50%” scholarship. • A student whose family meets the income eligibility guidelines for What are Tax Credit Scholarships? Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program (see chart), AND The Indiana Tax Credit Scholarship Program provides scholarship • A student in grades K-12 who is coming to a Catholic school after attending support to families who want to enroll their children in the Catholic school at least one year (two semesters) in an Indiana public school, AND/OR of their choice. Qualifying students in grades K-12 can receive a minimum • A sibling received a Tax Credit Scholarship or Voucher, AND/OR of a $500 Tax Credit Scholarship. • A sibling living in an “F” school area, AND/OR Who qualifies for a Tax Credit Scholarship? • A current Catholic school student in grades K-12 who has received a Tax Credit Scholarship in a prior year, AND/OR • A student whose family meets the income eligibility guidelines for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program (see chart), AND • A student who qualified for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). • A student who is coming to a Catholic school after attending at least Why should I apply now? one year (two semesters) in an Indiana public school, AND/OR If your family qualifies for assistance, but you do not apply when your • A student who is enrolled in an eligible Catholic school. child first enters school, you may lose the opportunity for a Voucher or Tax Credit Scholarship for the next 12-13 years. Students enrolled in Why should I apply now? a Catholic school CAN receive a Tax Credit Scholarship, making them If your family qualifies for assistance, but you do not apply when your eligible for a Voucher the following year. child first enters school, you may lose the opportunity for a Voucher or Tax Credit Scholarship for the next 12-13 years. Current Catholic school How do I apply for an Indiana school Voucher? students CAN receive a Tax Credit Scholarship, making them eligible for 1. To see how much tuition assistance you are eligible for, first register at a Voucher the following year. your Catholic school of choice. How do I apply? 2. To apply for funding, visit www.doe.in.gov/choice. 1. To see how much tuition assistance you are eligible for, first register at your Catholic school of choice. Pre-K vouchers are available in all counties 2. To apply for funding, visit www.i4qed.org/sgo. throughout Indiana. For more information, log onto www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/4932.htm. Additional local scholarships may also be available. Contact your local Catholic school. 2021 Catholic Schools Week Supplement Page 20B The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

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Find out more about Cathedral High School at gocathedral.com. The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Page 7A

A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. Preferential option for the poor promotes the common good By Father Herbert Weber

A man in our parish Bible study expressed his disinterest in the Church’s outreach programs to those in need. He capped off his little speech by reminding everyone, “Even Jesus said ‘the poor you will always have with you’ ” (Mt 26:11). His intent, I suspect, was to say that’s just the way it is. For me, this statement was jarring in that it failed to take into account all the other times Jesus emphasized reaching out to those in need (especially Mt 25:31-46). As the leader of the Bible study, my work was cut out for me. More significantly, however, the man’s words were a reminder that many people have trouble figuring out how to respond to the poor. More than once, I have heard it said that if people are poor in a country of opportunity and resources, then it is their own fault. Consequently, for some it simply does not make sense that the Church would go so far as to say that there has to be a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. Adding the word “vulnerable” may help some. Yet the preferential option phrase is what stops lots of people in their tracks. Almost any parish has some program for the poor, even if it is simply collecting food for a local pantry at Thanksgiving time. Not to make light of such efforts, but a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable must go way beyond donating instant potatoes and canned ravioli. The call is for our Church to consciously and intentionally bring those on the margins into the full membership of society. That means people have to work for justice that fixes broken systems as well as advocating for the voiceless and powerless. What’s more, all of humanity can be renewed by this form of inclusion. In his book, Let Us Dream, Pope Francis recently wrote, “You have to make for the margins to find a new future.” After a recent homily in which I used an example of visiting a man in the county jail after he had confessed to a brutal murder, I was surprised to receive a number of supportive e-mails regarding my outreach. One woman wrote that her nephew works with inmates because he has come to realize they, too, are among God’s children. In the same note, she apologized that she was not yet that open, but she wanted to be. Maybe that is the starting point—wanting to be open to the fact that people on the edges of our society are still worth our time, still humans. Worth is not based on innocence, or lack of it, nor on accomplishments. Worth comes from the love of God for each person. A woman in need picks up food on a July day in 2020 at the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, N.J., operated by Catholic Charities The bishops in the U.S., in their 1986 “Economic of the Diocese of Paterson. The Church’s preferential option for the poor calls the faithful to help those on the margins of society in a Justice for All” pastoral letter, added the element of variety of ways to promote the common good. (CNS photo/courtesy Catholic Charities Paterson) the common good as both a reason for and a result of focusing on the poor. It’s not simply that the poor and to take them. Simply put, people begin with awareness in southern Texas, our volunteers have worked with vulnerable need assistance, but working to help them is of who is vulnerable and who are the poor. A growing refugees as they were released from detention centers. a way to allow for the good of everyone in society. They, consciousness can lead to action, but people have to get Most were incredibly traumatized from both the journey too, can be contributing members of society. beyond news headlines and political talking points. to this country and the detention center itself. Even when people agree with the Church’s option For several years, our parish has conducted mission Those who went on these trips often were following an for the poor, the question is where to allow this position trips to the U.S.-Mexico border. With the help of parishes unspecified inner desire to reach out to families in crisis. Participants often came back desiring to do more than simply helping for a week. They were moved in profound ways to support immigration reform and to articulate the need for humane treatment of refugees. They had opportunities to talk about their experiences; some have become active in community groups. It also became clear that the whole parish community needs to be reminded of the plight of refugees around the world. Consequently, we often have included petitions at Mass for the millions of immigrants fleeing violence and war. We have consistently brought this population to people’s attention. In addition to awareness, there has to be the development of a new attitude toward others. In a world where many people create us-vs.-them divides, this new way of looking at life tries to see others as sisters and brothers. It takes more than clever phrases to help people get beyond biases, but homily examples, parish hospitality plans and ongoing outreach efforts can help. Whatever a congregation chooses to do, it has to integrate into its very fabric this awareness and response to the poor and vulnerable. It cannot simply settle for an occasional collection or activity.

A little girl on the Mexican side of a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border peers into Sunland Park, N.M., on the U.S. side in this April 2019 (Father Herbert Weber is founding pastor of St. John photo. During petitions at Mass, we can pray for the millions of immigrants fleeing violence and war. (CNS photo/Rich Kalonick, courtesy XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio. His weekly podcast can Catholic Extension) be found at 23.church.) † Page 8A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Perspectives Faith and Family/Sean Gallagher Corrections Corner/Richard Hoying Inmates’ conversions offer hope in our fractured world Pandemic has Highlighted close At the start of 2020, I became a visitor/ Reggie’s story is an inspiration. His Forgiveness, mercy and personal volunteer at the Federal Correctional journey into spiritual self-awareness redemption are central attributes to collaboration of Complex in Terre Haute is summarized by his line, “prison is a George’s and Reggie’s stories, as is the through the Prisoner university for the wise, and a playground power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen parents, educators Visitation and Support for fools.” them in their conversion. The men I have (PVS) organization. About a year ago, Reggie decided come to know are a world removed from The Church has long taught that Two of the that he would always be positive in the street-educated boys who were found parents are the primary educators of their prisoners I have every situation. He would say that he guilty of their crimes. children. visited, “George is not religious, but he has adopted the Terre Haute is the site of the A parents’ and Reggie,” have prayer rituals of his Muslim cell block execution of federal prisoners, education and been “inside” for mates. Prayer gives him the spiritual performed in our names as citizens. formation of their about 10 years. Each strength to overcome the daily frustrations Those who have visited prisoners on children happens in has said that unless of prison life and to help his fellow death row—from PVS volunteers to an organic way in the someone has been incarcerated for at prisoners through theirs. Reggie has a big clergy and spiritual advisors to Cardinal entirety of their shared least five years, they really don’t know personality, and it is impossible not to like Joseph W. Tobin—all have the same family life. what it’s like to be a prisoner. Both “positive” Reggie. thought: the government is not executing Some parents have undergone an awakening of their Reggie’s conversion has undergone the men (and recently, a woman) who take up this sacred spiritual self-awareness that has led to a an ultimate test. Recently, Reggie’s committed their crimes. responsibility in a conversion in their personal lives. co-defendant at trial was transferred to Volunteering there has been an more comprehensive way by teaching George is not a well-educated man, Terre Haute. Though he was probably extremely rewarding experience. Each their children at home subjects that are but he is the best person I have met at equally guilty, this man’s testimony interaction teaches me something new. ordinarily taught in schools in our society. being able to vocalize and write about against Reggie led to unequal prison The visits are revelations of our common Though still the minority, there are far his personal prayer life and about his sentences of 17 years versus 25 years. humanity and our common spirituality, more homeschooling families today than relationship with the Almighty. He doesn’t In the prison yard, Reggie had the regardless of our past or present when I was growing up in the 1970s and proselytize, but he has a strong conviction opportunity to severely hurt or even kill circumstances. In our socially, politically 1980s. that each person can make a difference his co-defendant. Instead, he mustered and religiously fractured world, one can Most parents still enroll their in the world, regardless of their station. all his spiritual strength, walked over and never get enough of that affirmation. children in conventional schools, either Being a prisoner, he has added, with some forgave the man. This big, strong man then public or private. My family has had irony: “Now Richard, is that nobility or is went back to his cell and cried the rest of (Richard Hoying is a member of experience with both approaches, trying that stupidity?” the day. St. Thomas More Parish in Mooresville.) † homeschooling for a few years before enrolling our sons at Lumen Christi That All May Be One/Fr. Rick Ginther Catholic School in Indianapolis. My oldest son Michael graduated from Father Relation building among faiths creates Christian unity Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis last year. The Week of Prayer for Christian help and encourage Catholics to begin in college to the diversity of religions In my work at The Criterion since Unity concluded on Jan. 25. Our annual a relationship with a person of another encountered. His commitment to dialogue 2004, I’ve been blessed to see many prayer service—which Christian denomination. We had each and unity expanded. examples across central and southern was recorded this begun such a relationship. And another spoke of encountering in Indiana of how the staff of Catholic year because of the The two CIC members realized that his life so many people seeking the divine. schools and parents who have enrolled pandemic—celebrated for all the work they do for interfaith He found in that a truth: diversity is a part their children work well together to form the theme “Abide in my cooperation, the Christians on that board of unity. them into well-educated and faith-filled love.” did not know each other’s faith journeys One came from a secular family disciples of Christ. To abide in love. well. Nor did they know why each was with no religious ties. But life brought That collaboration on the sacred, A challenge in Jesus’ so dedicated to the work of interfaith experiences from Coptic to Baptist God-given mission of forming the young time. And our own. cooperation. traditions, and eventually the embracing of generation of the Church’s faithful rose To abide. To fulfill Members of both boards were invited to the Episcopal church. to a new level when the coronavirus the very truth of Jesus in the Gospel of begin a digital dialogue. Days before the I noted my family history: both pandemic shuttered schools last spring, John: “And the Word was made flesh and annual Week of Prayer, we met virtually. Christian and Catholic. Generationally, it and has remained this school year with dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). One’s faith journey was the focus. We was made clear that people of faith were to the resumption of in-person instruction Dwelt, literally, “pitched his tent” shared. be respected. Prayer together in Christ was even in the face of continued among us, as the tabernacle of the Lord The Disciples of Christ have a bedrock acceptable. Virtue was to help overcome pandemic-related challenges. was “tented” (Ex 25:8-9) among God’s principle of seeking unity, stated a bigotry. My co-worker Natalie Hoefer reports people. member. We will meet again soon. Each will on this shared work between parents By Jesus’ life, ministry, death and A Catholic with a Lebanese background have prayed the eight days of the Octave and school staffs in the pandemic in the resurrection, all Christians are called to in the Melkite Catholic Church spoke of for Christian Unity reflection. We Catholic Schools Week Supplement in this love as he did. It is to be an “abiding his experience with his Arabic-speaking promised to do this, that we might “abide week’s issue of The Criterion. love,” a love of and for oneness. grandfather’s journey of faith and in love.” We hope to dwell upon what As a parent of four children enrolled at My Christian brothers and sisters of traditions. emerged in our personal prayer. Lumen Christi and in learning in my work the Center for Interfaith Cooperation Another spoke of his upbringing in the May such relation building make us about what is happening in other Catholic (CIC) have taken up this challenge. To be Assemblies of God faith. Through a search better ministers of Christ, of Christian schools in the archdiocese, I have been sure, they are committed to interreligious among other Christian expressions, he unity, and of interfaith dialogue. overwhelmed at times to see the deep love dialogue. But recently, they embraced an finally embraced Presbyterianism. And if this example inspires you to for the children in these schools in both invitation to “digital dialogue.” A member of the United Church of abide so in love, then we have done what their parents and their educators. The idea sprang from a conversation Christ noted that his church is a merger of we are called in Christ to do. What else can explain the heroic efforts during the December meeting of the the Brethren and Evangelical churches in made on a daily basis for the greater part advisory board of the archdiocesan Office the mid-20th century. of a year now to educate and form in the of Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs. Yet another spoke to his family roots— (Father Rick Ginther is director of the faith thousands of children in schools and Two members of that board also sit on the one parent Lutheran, the other Catholic— archdiocesan Office of Ecumenism and homes across central and southern Indiana CIC board. and his journey each weekend to both Interreligious Affairs. He is also the in the face of such challenges that were The advisory board had been churches for worship, instruction and pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in unimaginable before 2020? discussing how, after COVID-19, we can inspiration. This allowed for an openness Indianapolis.) † God is surely present where there is this kind of love expressed in patience, The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick tireless dedication, kindness and flexibility. Nightmare at Capitol reminds us to preserve our freedoms Perhaps sometime in the future, daily life at Catholic schools in the archdiocese Looking outside from my apartment, incomprehensibility welled up upon Here we must ask, “Is more needed than will resemble more what it was like my stomach sickened. Additional fencing seeing the entrance to the U.S. Capitol holding onto democracy?” Is not making it before the pandemic changed all of our encircling government breached on Jan. 6. I wrote a book on improve and grow more paramount during lives. buildings at the corner the religious symbolism found in and on these times? If that happens, I pray that the had been added to the Supreme Court, Library of Congress As a young boy, I took courses in experience that both parents and educators reinforce uplifted car and the Capitol. I practically lived in the civics. They taught us to be thankful have had in the pandemic will, at the barriers. Capitol when photographing its statues, for our freedom, about sacrifices made very least, keep their mutual love of the I was disturbed to see artwork and inspiring mottos. Thinking of to preserve it and what is essential to children that is at the heart of education National Guard soldiers, its revered inscriptions like “Out of many, democracy. in the forefront of their hearts and minds, whom I had befriended, one,” run over by senseless mob violence To avoid recurring nightmares and to that they won’t take for granted the great wearing helmets and was like entering Dante’s Inferno. reduce tensions, internalizing the essence good they’re doing together with the help carrying gas masks. Presently, Public Broadcasting Service of democracy is of the upmost importance. of God’s grace. Earlier in the day, is running the program, “The Great Tours: As wonderful as our National Guard and I know I’ve prayed much more I drove to Hains Point and walked along Washington, D.C.” A recent episode toured police are, developing wisdom is needed consciously for my boys’ school and the Potomac River to release tension. As Arlington National Cemetery. It not only on how to better appreciate our democratic other Catholic schools in the archdiocese I returned home, the streets bordering the talked about famous gravesites, but it heritage and adopt God’s law of love as its since the start of the pandemic. Many of National Mall were blockaded. Metropolitan focused mainly on the men and women core: “Do unto others as you would have you were probably doing that before the Police squad cars were everywhere. Snow of various nationalities and religions who them do to you” (Mt 7:12). coronavirus hit. But the more all of us can plows and dump trucks blocked crossing gave their lives to preserve democracy. pray for our schools, students, parents and streets that ran through the mall. Much talk has addressed how our (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for educators, the better we’ll all be in the Feelings of anger, revenge and democracy held despite recent events. Catholic News Service.) † end. † The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Page 9A

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, February 1 Friday, February 5 Hebrews 11:32-40 St. Agatha, virgin and martyr Sunday, January 31, 2021 Psalm 31:20-24 Hebrews 13:1-8 Mark 5:1-20 Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9c • Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Mark 6:14-29 Tuesday, February 2 • 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 The Presentation of the Lord Saturday, February 6 • Mark 1:21-28 Malachi 3:1-4 St. Paul Miki and companions, Psalm 24:7-10 martyrs Hebrews 2:14-18 The Book of Deuteronomy furnishes teachings of the Torah was definitely Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 Luke 2:22-40 the first reading for Mass this weekend. a priority for Jews during the time of Psalm 23:1-6 Luke 2:22-32 Deuteronomy appears in modern Bibles Jesus, as indeed it is even among Jews or Mark 6:30-34 as the fifth book in today. sequence in the Old That Jesus went to a synagogue, Wednesday, February 3 St. Blaise, bishop and martyr Sunday, February 7 Testament. It is from and on the Sabbath at that, reveals how Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time the Pentateuch, the seriously the Lord took the Law of St. Ansgar, bishop Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 Job 7:1-4, 6-7 first five books of the Moses. Psalm 147:1-6 Old Testament, all As Jesus spoke, the people were Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a Mark 6:1-6 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 of them attributed to spellbound at the knowledge of things Mark 1:29-39 Moses. relating to God that the Lord presented. Thursday, February 4 In this reading, In the synagogue that day was a man Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 Moses addresses “with an unclean spirit” who recognized Psalm 48:2-4, 9-11 the chosen people Jesus as the “Holy One of God” Mark 6:7-13 whom he has led (Mk 1:23-24). Furthermore, the man with God’s help from Egypt where believed that Jesus had the power to do they were enslaved. He promises that anything. Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle God will send prophets with whom the The Lord’s power pierces the people can relate. If anyone presumes darkness even of Satan. Jesus orders the In his descent ‘into hell,’ Jesus freed to take the role of prophet upon unclean spirit to leave the man, and the himself or herself, without having unclean spirit obeys. the just who died before the crucifixion been called by God, then this imposter Again, the people are amazed. will die. The message, however, is not in their What does it mean when we say concluded that “there are theological and God takes care of his people. amazement, but that Jesus could Qin the Apostles’ Creed that Jesus liturgical reasons to hope that infants who St. Paul’s First Epistle to the command this unclean spirit and “descended into hell”? die without baptism may be saved.” Corinthians is the source of the be obeyed, and that the man, albeit That statement is not As to the phrase “descended into second reading. From the earliest harboring this evil spirit, recognized used in the Nicene hell,” it may help to know that, in early days of Christianity, virginity has Jesus as the Son of God. No bondage Creed, which we often Christian times, the Hebrew word for been treasured. Christians have never to sin or evil can overcome the power say at Mass. It bothers hell (“Sheol”) was ambiguous; it could been forbidden to marry, although of God. me so much that when mean the place of the damned, but it was all Christians are bound to be chaste I say the rosary, I also used to include the place where the according to their state in life. Through Reflection substitute “limbo” for righteous awaited redemption. the centuries, however, Christians have Few people today say that many “hell.” (Virginia) Until Jesus had completed his death and chosen lifelong virginity for religious people are possessed by the devil, resurrection, the just could not yet know reasons. although the Church still teaches that Since Advent in 2011, when the third the joy of being in God’s presence. So, Corinth in the first century was a city such possessions occur. Aedition of the Roman Missal was put when the Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus notorious for its outrageous immorality. All people have, in a sense, unclean into use in the United States, parishes have “descended into hell,” it means that he It was a busy commercial center. spirits within them since everyone had the option at Sunday Mass of using went to rescue the just who had already Visitors often availed themselves of sins and sin is the mark of the devil’s the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. died, to take them with him to heaven. the pleasures of the flesh provided in involvement to some extent in any I am not surprised that the words in the Corinth. Indeed, Aphrodite, the goddess person’s spiritual life. Apostles’ Creed about Christ’s descent We have just read several accounts of love and carnal desire, was the city’s People may be aware of how into hell bother you, because the common Qof the birth of Christ during Masses special deity. and when they turn away from God understanding of Catholics has been that the after Christmas. In reading Luke 2:39-40 Paul saw virginity as a powerful and harm themselves or others. The word “hell” denotes the permanent abode of and Matthew 2:13-15, it appears that there Christian value, and from a more allurement of sin overpowers them, as it the devil and the damned, a place of eternal is a difference as to what happened after pragmatic point of view he thought that overtook people in wide-open Corinth. punishment from which there is no escape. Jesus was born. My question is this: Did Christians not obligated by marriage For many, this realization produces the I’m not sure, though, that you’d want the Holy Family flee to Egypt, or did they and parenthood should devote their time cynical hunch that virtue is impossible to substitute “limbo,” since limbo has a return to Nazareth? (Indiana) to God’s service. for them to attain. They are mistaken. different meaning, has never been a fixed St. Mark’s Gospel is the source of For them, these readings are article of belief in the Church and is, I My answer would be that both the third reading. St. Luke’s Gospel especially comforting and encouraging. would say, even more questionable today. Athings happened. Following the birth contains an almost exact parallel God will never leave us. Such was the In years past, it was thought by most of the Christ Child and the visit of the story. Matthew treats this event only promise of Moses and of Paul. The Catholics that children who died without Magi, the Holy Family fled to Egypt to glancingly. Son of God can conquer any evil and being baptized went, not to be with God in avoid Herod’s persecution and then they Judaism has never required weekly dull any temptation, if asked. No sin heaven, but to a state of natural happiness eventually returned to Nazareth, which attendance by Jews at synagogue can obscure the reality of the Lord. called limbo. But in 2007, with the approval was their family’s home. services. However, going to synagogue His light shines. His strength is mighty. of Pope Benedict XVI, the Church’s Attempts to find a contradiction in to pray together and to learn the † International Theological Commission Luke’s and Matthew’s infancy accounts are based on a false understanding of the Gospels. None of the evangelists claimed My Journey to God to have written an exhaustive chronological account of every event in the life of Christ. They wrote for different audiences (Jewish Christians and gentile Christians) and Light in the highlighted different things. My own view of the sequence of Darkness events—and this seems to harmonize the Gospel accounts of both Matthew and By Sandy Bierly Luke—is that Jesus was presented in the Temple a few weeks after his birth; then the Holy Family fled to Egypt and, after the death of Herod, returned to Palestine We are called to be a light and settled in Nazareth. In this darkened world. Nowhere does Luke say that they returned to Nazareth “immediately” To bring love, joy, peace, and hope, after the birth of Jesus. The Gospel of Through Christ who lives in us. Luke simply says of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: “When they had fulfilled all the A little spark that becomes a flame, prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of That quickly spreads to all we meet, Nazareth” (Lk 2:39). Bringing Christ into the world, Each Gospel writer was selective about the details of Jesus’ life, according to his Through our love, joy, peace, and purposes. Matthew, for example, doesn’t hope. mention the presentation or the finding of Jesus in the Temple.

(Sandy Bierly is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany. Photo: Holding candles, young Catholics from (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth around the country encircle the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Nov. 21, 2019, during the National Catholic Youth Doyle at [email protected] and Conference.) (File photo by Natalie Hoefer) 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 10A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

of Frances Krampe. Sister of Williams. Grandmother of 13. HORAN, Franklin C., infant, Neal. Father of Jody Black, SMITH, Jr., Cecil J., 82, Joan Heeke, John, Mark and Great‑grandmother of 15. Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Dec. 1. Kimberly Desouza, Carrie St. Patrick, Salem, Dec. 24. Steve Krampe. Grandmother DEWES, II, Edward H., Son of Michael and Brooke Wolfe, Sherry and Mark Neal. Husband of Martha Smith. of four. 89, St. Paul the Apostle, Horan. Grandson of Joseph and Brother of Peggy Sparks and Father of Sharon Bussert, Rest in BOONE, Mary Ann, 87, Greencastle, Dec. 26. Husband Eileen Horan and David and David Neal. Grandfather of 11. Jennifer Olesh, John and Paul Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, of Cynthia Dewes. Father of Dianne Grannan. Great-grandson Great‑grandfather of several. Smith. Brother of Arthur Smith. of Mary Herbertz. Dec. 17. Mother of Connie Katherine Dewes-Stark, James, NEAL, Rita R., 91, St. Patrick, Grandfather of 16. Great- peace Hathaway, Mary Holtgrave, John and William Dewes. KERNEN, Mary Frances, 95, Terre Hate, Dec. 18. Mother grandfather of eight. Cheryl Plunkett, David, Grandfather of 14. Great- St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, of Nancy Birchler, Elaine STROCHINSKY, Billy Please submit in writing John, Mark and Steve grandfather of 16. (correction) Dec. 18. Mother of Paula and Holler, Mary Beth Robinson, Joe, 74, St. Mary of the to our office by 10 a.m. Boone. Grandmother of 25. ENGLISH, Raymond R., Michael Kernen. Sister of James, Richard and Robert Immaculate Conception, Aurora, Great‑grandmother of 14. Norene Wessel and Roseann Thursday before the week of 80, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Neal. Sister of Mary Ann Dec. 22. Husband of Beverley publication; be sure to state Wiebe. Grandmother of two. BOVARD, Lewis E., 88, Christ, Indianapolis, Dec. 21. Davis. Grandmother of 15. Strochinsky. Father of Gregory date of death. Obituaries of St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, Father of Raymond English. LEACH, Raymond R., 83, Great‑grandmother of 16. and Robert Strochinsky. Brother archdiocesan priests serving Great‑great-grandmother of Dec. 21. Husband of Gail Brother of Sharon Ofsanko. St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, of Janet Frakey, Judy Prater our archdiocese are listed Bovard. Father of Sue Ellen Dec. 21. Husband of Uli Leach. four. elsewhere in The Criterion. GENET, Jennifer L. (Altman), and Ronald May. Grandfather Bovard-Kentner and Carl Father of Melissa and Sheila PARKER, Lawrence, 82, Order priests and religious 68, St. Meinrad, St. Meinrad, of five. Bovard. Grandfather of two. Leach. Grandfather of seven. St. Mark, Perry County, Dec. 18. sisters and brothers are Sept. 8. Mother of Michael WELSH PEASE, Catherine Great-grandfather of five. Husband of Donna Parker. Father included here, unless they are BROADUS, Linda, 69, Genet, Jr. Sister of Kathy M., 97, Holy Family, New natives of the archdiocese or St. Mary, New Albany, Dec. 23. Burrows, Jill, Chris, Ed, Mike MARISTELA, Remedios, 92, of Victoria Parker-James, Daniel and Dennis Parker. Brother of Albany, Dec. 21. Mother of have other connec­tions to it; Wife of Stephen Broadus. Paul and Randy Altman. SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi, Pat Byrnes, Julie Cunningham, Mother of Dava Austin. Grandmother of two. Dec. 25. Father of Magdalena Lolyce Griese, Joyce Richardt those are separate obituaries Mary Welsh-Owen and Jerry Grandmother of two. Tooley, Cayetana, Marie and and Robert Parker. Grandmother on this page. GRIGSBY, Judith, 74, Welsh. Stepmother of Bobbie Pedro Maristela. Brother of of six. CRUZ-ISLAS, Cornelio, St. Augustine, Jeffersonville, Hawkins, Tina Pease and AGUIRRE, Jacqueline 47, Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Dec. 1. Mother of Karen Lucy Amsbaugh. Grandfather RAMIREZ, Jonathan, 18, Holy Salgado, 80, St. Simon the of four. Jackie Rager. Sister of Mary Dec. 10. Husband of Aida Grigsby. Sister of Patricia Spirit, Indianapolis, Nov. 28. Son Lee Daub and Susie Robards. Apostle, Indianapolis, Dec. 25. of Elizabeth Guadalupe Salazar Martinez. Father of Patricia, McElyea and Kenneth Elliott. MEDINA, John Everret Grandmother of 10. Great- Mother of Andrea Wood. Hernandez. Brother of Jennifer David, Jonathan and Rigoberto Aunt of several. Romero, 52, Holy Spirit, grandmother of nine. Sister of Arturo Salgado Meza. Salazar, Jorge and Michael Arana Cruz‑Martinez. HAEFLING, Marilyn C., 76, Indianapolis, Dec. 21. Husband Grandmother of one. of Jane Medina. Son of Fe and Brandon Ramirez. WIMSATT, Sr., Anthony E., CUNNINGHAM, Evan, St. Boniface, Fulda, Dec. 24. 83, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, BEDEL, Marjorie A., 86, 89, Most Sacred Heart Mother of Angie Haake, Ben, Medina. Brother of Lucy Luna, SABELHAUS, Gertrude D., Jeffersonville, Dec. 4. Husband St. Catherine of Siena, Decatur of Jesus, Jeffersonville, Brad and Paul Haefling. Sister of Albert and Cesar Medina. 86, St. Boniface, Fulda, July 5, of Cecilia Brown Wimsatt. County, Dec. 10. Wife of Dec. 14. Husband of Georgia Pat Hochegsang, Donna Kline, MILLER, Charles W., 85, Holy 2020. Mother of Bert Harris, Father of Debbie Selby, Ferdinand Bedel. Mother of Cunningham. Father of Julie Brenda Stallings and Shirley Spirit, Indianapolis, Dec. 17. Frances Turnbaugh, Mary Mary Laudick, Jeannie Portis, Isaccs, Ava Marin-Fluellen, Taylor. Grandmother of seven. Husband of Sally Miller. Father Anne, David and Raymond Theresa Shepherd, Anthony, Benson, Dan, Francis, John, Sabelhaus. Grandmother of Jr., Brent and Joseph Wimsatt. Kevin, Larry, Mury and Paul HEDINGER, Eugene P., of Diane Anderson, Donna Joseph and Michael Bedel. 14. Great‑grandmother of 15. Grandfather of 13. Cunningham. Grandfather of 16. 90, St. Meinrad, St. Meinrad, Brown, Carol Conrad, Susan Sister of Martha and Arthur Great‑great-grandmother of one. Great‑grandfather of 19. Sept. 17. Husband of Viola Hafley, Margaret Seats, Linda ZOGLEMAN, Verleen, 89, Blankman. Grandmother of DAUBY, Helen W. (Krutz), Hedinger. Father of Charles, Torres and Carl Miller. Brother SCHICKEL, Joan T., 94, St. Meinrad, St. Meinrad, 14. Great-grandmother of nine. 87, St. Paul, Tell City, Dec. 23. James, John, Keith, Kevin, of Margaret, Jimmy and Johnny St. Mary, Lanesville, Dec. 12. Aug. 27, 2020. Mother of Cindy (correction) Mother of Lisa Hohl, Betty Philip and Randall Hedinger. Miller. Grandfather of 20. Wife of Peter Schickel. Mother Gogel, Nancy Graman, Darla BEIER, Susan, 67, Howard, Sherry Scott, Joyce Brother of Martha Oser, Great‑grandfather of 15. of Janet Hardy, Carol Hoehn, Hagedorn, Dean and Keith St. Boniface, Fulda, Sept. 18. Thiery and Paul Dauby. Imelda Thomas and Daniel NEAL, James E., 82, St. Joan Marilyn Lines, Donna Zutt and Zogleman. Sister of Angela Wife of Ronald Beier. Mother of Sister of Ruth Bolin, Betty Hedinger. Grandfather of 15. of Arc, Indianapolis, Dec. 13. Robert Schickel. Grandmother Ebert. Grandmother of 10. Brent and Craig Beier. Daughter Jean Lawalin and Ronnie Great‑grandfather of 19. Husband of Oveda June of 12. Great-grandmother of 22. Great-grandmother of 19. †

census order—among several that he signed his first day in In a statement released on Jan. 21, the prelates office—reversed two of President Donald J. Trump’s directives said action on DACA was particularly important for BISHOPS related to the 2020 census. The former administration had about 800,000 young people who were brought to the continued from page 1A sought to determine the citizenship status of every U.S. resident U.S illegally as children. They said the young people who Archbishop Naumann said the bishops strongly urged through administrative records, and also planned to exclude benefit from the program, known as Dreamers, deserve the Biden “to reject abortion and promote life-affirming aid to those in the U.S. illegally from being counted in the process of opportunity to continue working legally in the U.S., access women and communities in need. apportioning state congressional seats. educational opportunities and not fear deportation. “Public officials are responsible for not only their personal —Biden’s wide-ranging executive order to extend existing “We welcome the announcement preserving and beliefs, but also the effects of their public actions,” the federal nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ people fortifying DACA,” they said. “For years, DACA youth have archbishop said. “Roe’s elevation of abortion to the status exceeds the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2020 ruling on been enriching our country. They are contributors to our of a protected right and its elimination of state restrictions the issue in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, said the economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts paved the way for the violent deaths of more than 62 million chairmen of five U.S. bishops’ committees. In so doing, they in our universities and leaders in our parishes and innocent unborn children and for countless women who said, the Jan. 20 order has implications for religious freedom. communities. They and their families deserve certainty, experience the heartache of loss, abandonment and violence.” “Every person has a right to gainful employment, compassion, generosity and justice.” The USCCB has also voiced its support or its concern education and basic human services free of unjust —Catholic leaders also welcomed Biden’s Inauguration regarding other actions taken by Biden since he was sworn in discrimination. That right should be protected,” the committee Day announcement that the United States would rejoin as president on Jan. 20. heads said in a joint statement released late on Jan. 22 by the the Paris climate change agreement. Such action would —The leaders of two bishops’ committees applauded the USCCB. However, Biden’s order on “ ‘sex’ discrimination allow the U.S. to work to reach the goal of net-zero president’s executive order reversing a policy of the previous exceeds the court’s decision,” they said. “It threatens to carbon emissions by 2050, as the USCCB has called for, administration that excluded unauthorized immigrants from infringe the rights of people who recognize the truth of sexual and position the country to become a global leader in the census count. difference, or who uphold the institution of lifelong marriage addressing climate change, the leaders said. “We welcome this return to more than a century of between one man and one woman.” In a joint statement, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of American precedent that ensures all residents will be The statement was issued by the chairmen of the USCCB Oklahoma City, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on counted and included in the census and apportionment,” committees for Religious Liberty, on Domestic Justice Domestic Justice and Human Development, Bishop David said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, and Human Development, and on Catholic Education as J. Malloy of Rockford, Ill., chairman of the Committee chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human well as the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and the on International Justice and Peace, and Sean Callahan, Development, and Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, announced Washington, chairman of the Committee on Migration. —Two leaders of the USCCB applauded the president’s their support for Biden’s plan on Jan. 21, a day after the “This return to our previous policy reflects the inalienable Inauguration Day executive action ordering the federal new president entered office. truth that all people matter and are imbued with human government to keep in place and strengthen the Deferred Former President Donald J. Trump announced the dignity,” they said in a joint statement on Jan. 22. Biden’s Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Biden also U.S. would withdraw from the landmark five-year-old pledged on Jan. 20 to produce immigration reform legislation. accord in 2017. Trump formally told the United Nations Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, USCCB president, on Nov. 4, 2019, the U.S. was withdrawing. Under the Online Lay Ministry Formation and Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Washington, agreement, however, the process was not completed chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Migration, said they until Nov. 4, 2020. The Trump administration argued The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University were prepared to work with the president and Congress on such the agreement was not beneficial to U.S. interests and (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: an “urgent matter of human life and dignity” for immigrants. hindered economic growth. † • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program “To the extent that we abide in God, will be able to be less concerned • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church UNITY we draw close to others, and to the about the worldly obstacles and • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners continued from page 1A extent that we draw close to others, we stumbling stones from the past, abide in God,” the pope wrote. which nowadays distract us from the For more information, please log on to to God, his or her place on the vine, “Prayer unfailingly leads to love; Gospel.” www.archindy.org/layministry through prayer. otherwise, it is empty ritual,” he said. And while unity among Christians “In today’s fast-paced and complex “It is not possible to encounter Jesus is essential, it is not enough, he said. world, it is easy to lose our compass, apart from his body, made up of God “impels us to love not only pulled as we are from every side,” he many members, as many as are the those who love us and think as we REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW said, but “Jesus tells us that the secret baptized.” do, but to love everyone, even as If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on of stability is to abide in him. And like the branches that Jesus Jesus taught us.” behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim “Personal prayer, spending time said would need to be pruned Strengthened in unity, he said, of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance with Jesus, adoration—these are sometimes, each Christian will have Christians will work together to love coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: essential if we are to abide in him,” defects or shortcomings that will need all their neighbors and to be “good Ethics Point the pope wrote. “In this way, we can to be pruned away, he said. Samaritans to a humanity that is frail, 1 Confidential, Online Reporting www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 place our worries, hopes and fears, “Let us ask the Father, then, to poor and, in our own time, suffering Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator joys and sorrows in the Lord’s heart.” prune our prejudices with regard to so greatly. 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 But an individual’s connection others, and the worldly attachments “A tree is known by its fruits,” the 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 to Jesus also is the source of the that stand in the way of full unity pope wrote. “By our gratuitous love, [email protected] “vitality” needed to live the Christian with all his children,” Pope Francis it will be known if we are part of the faith and to love others, he said. wrote. “Thus purified in love, we vine of Jesus.” † The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021 Page 11A

Investing with Faith/Jolinda Moore Easy-to-implement gift options can offer tax savings During challenging times, people parish, an archdiocesan Catholic school us and the ways you can support the counts toward your required minimum find creative ways to meet needs or an archdiocesan ministry. Church at this important time. The distribution (RMD) when one is due. and goals—ways to reassert control —Stock: When compared to making archdiocesan Catholic Community (Under the SECURE Act passed in 2019, and find safety a gift of cash, a gift of appreciated Foundation (CCF) serves as a single RMD’s must begin at age 72.) in a world full of stock provides a very important benefit: point of contact for moving monies to You are always encouraged to uncertainty. As we you pay no capital gains tax on the your parish, school or an archdiocesan check with your advisors and account enter a new year, appreciated value of the stock. In ministry area. If you do not have a representatives to ensure that your it is a great time to addition, when you itemize your tax donor-advised fund account, we can personal and charitable objectives are reflect on how you return, the gift qualifies for a deduction also assist in creating one. With a being met. may have responded equal to the stock’s current value, even gift of $5,000 or more, the CCF has The CCF is glad to assist you in to supporting the though no tax has been paid on the the ability and expertise to manage making a meaningful contribution to the charitable needs appreciation. Remember, a gift of stock your donor-advised fund that is Church. More information on these types of the Church must be a direct transfer of the stock to invested using socially responsible of gifts, including a simplified process as a result of the charity to avoid capital gains tax. Do investment guidelines as outlined by the for notifying us of such gifts is available the pandemic. So many have given not sell the stock, but instead contact U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. at www.archindy.org/CCF. Questions can generously, going above and beyond our office to discuss the steps needed to —IRA: If you are an IRA owner age be e-mailed to [email protected], and their typical giving to fill the void that transfer the funds. 70½ or older, making a gift through a calls can be directed to 317-236-1482. job loss has created for many. —Donor-advised funds: Donor- qualified charitable distribution (QCD) As you consider ways in which to advised funds have become an is an option worth considering. While (Jolinda Moore serves as executive give, the following are three easy-to- increasingly popular way to realize there is no tax deduction, the amount director of the archdiocesan Office of implement gift options to consider which personal philanthropic goals in recent transferred is excluded from your income Stewardship and Development. Contact likely offer tax savings. Each of the gifts years. If you have a donor-advised fund for federal tax purposes—you owe no her at 317-236-1462 or the office at that follow can be used to support your account, we invite you to remember tax on the transfer! The amount you give www.archindy.org/CCF.) †

prior more than 100 people prayed during low 20s, said, “Today is not a time to But the crowd was somber when LIFE a diocesan-sponsored Vigil for Life. complain about life. Today is a time to Grillot noted Indiana’s “terrible” ratio of continued from page 1A “Their large parking lot and lack of a sacrifice for life.” one in 13 pregnancies ending in abortion. school offered the space needed” for the Even more noise was raised when he Tuttle, too, cited a sobering including the unborn, the immigrant, vehicles and mask-wearing participants, announced the event had both the most statistic, stating that Indiana averages the refugee, the poor, the addicted, the including those who opted to only attend participants and the largest number of 8,000 abortions every year. prisoner, the sick and the elderly—all the rally, said Tuttle. donated diapers up to that point on the “But we are a pro-life state, and a woven into the fabric of what it means to Bringing up the rear of the caravan was tour. The last stop took place in Chicago growing pro-life state,” the RTLI president be a human being created in the image of a van sporting the logos “Chicago March on Jan. 23. See LIFE, page 12A God and saved by the passion, death and for Life” and “Moving the Movement.” resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The Chicago march organizers Archbishop Thompson noted that, “decided to take [this year’s march] to the for Catholics, “The Eucharist, as source people,” said Tuttle. and summit of our identity and mission, They created a “Moving the provides the sustenance for this call. Movement” tour of Midwestern cities Classified Directory “Ultimately, we march and pray to with people who might normally attend Call cultivate a culture of life that culminates the Chicago march. Each stop included in life eternal.” a diaper drive with assistance from tour Construction 317-236-1585 sponsor weDignify. (See related article.) ‘We had to quickly pivot’ RTLI signed up the Indiana March for Usually after the Mass, the congregants Life as one of six stops on the tour, which TO ADVERTISE IN spill out of the church to join others included Fort Wayne, Ind., and cities in The Criterion already lining up for the Indiana March Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin. for Life. Holding signs, praying and “Our team has driven over 2,700 chanting pro-life messages, they process miles, which would go coast-to-coast if through the center of Indianapolis to the you stretched it out,” said Kevin Grillot, Statehouse lawn for a rally. executive director of weDignify. The Because of the ongoing coronavirus organization, which trains pro-life leaders Medicare Insurance pandemic, “We had to quickly pivot” on college campuses, helped coordinate from the usual, said Marc Tuttle, president the tour. of RTLI which sponsors the annual march He was the first among several faith and rally. leaders, youth leaders and others who One change was to switch this year’s spoke at the rally. march to a vehicle caravan. After the Mass, 125 cars, trucks and buses slowly ‘A growing pro-life state’ processed along most of the usual Many of the rally’s estimated march route, horns honking and students 450 participants gathered around an chanting and waving signs through outdoor sound stage. Others listened in rolled‑down windows. their cars via livestream or Catholic Radio But lack of parking near the Statehouse Indy. made the usual rally there logistically Their excitement combined to form a impossible. So, when the caravan reached cacophony of cheers and horn-honking in the State Capitol building, it did not stop. response to the speakers. Instead, it headed north to St. Elizabeth Such an outburst erupted when Seton Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the Grillot, speaking amid gusts that Lafayette Diocese, where the evening dropped the wind-chill factor into the Employment

RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL Roncalli High School, Indianapolis, Indiana Roncalli High School, the South Deanery Catholic high school of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, is seeking to fill the position of Principal beginning with the 2021-22 school year. The school operates under the President-Principal model of administration and as such the principal is directly responsible to the President and, by extension, the Board of Directors and the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools. As Christ has called upon each of us to “go make disciples of all nations” and to the extent that our namesake, St. John XXIII (Angelo Cardinal Roncalli) was committed to that task, it is Roncalli High School’s intention to create disciples of Jesus in the image of St. John XXIII. The successful candidate will understand and embrace the Catholic mission of Roncalli High School. He/she should have a solid background in curriculum and instruction and possess strong leadership skills with a passion for assisting students and teachers in their pursuit of excellence. Applicants for this position must possess an administrator’s license, be a practicing Catholic, and have a minimum of three years of educational administrative experience. For more information and/or to submit supporting documentation (i.e., resume, cover letter, references), please contact Rob Rash, Office of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, or call 317-236-1544 Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita gives a thumbs-up during a pro-life rally sponsored by Right to or email [email protected]. Deadline for submission of materials is February 19, Life of Indianapolis on Jan. 22 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese. 2021. All applications and inquiries are confidential. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) Page 12A The Criterion Friday, January 29, 2021

Students from Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Oldenburg show their support for life during the Indiana March-turned-caravan for Life in Indianapolis on Jan. 22. (Photos by Natalie Hoefer) LIFE continued from page 11A Irorobeje Owhoso-Maddox of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis holds her continued, noting that Americans United son River as she receives Communion from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson during a for Life recently ranked Indiana fifth Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis on Jan. 22 to solemnly observe on its list of most pro-life states in the the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States 48 years ago. country. Looking at ratios, said Tuttle, “A woman is less likely to receive an abortion now than a woman was in 1973 when Roe v. Wade came down.” The statistic is just one indication that “our movement is growing,” he said. “We’re changing hearts and minds. A lot of that is credited to you,” he told Marc Tuttle the crowd, whose faces from young to old represented the face of the pro-life movement in Indiana. He also credited “great leadership” in the Statehouse.

Not just illegal, but ‘unthinkable’ One such leader is Rokita, whom Tuttle introduced as “a brother in the Knights of Holding her daughter Eva Maria Lopez, Jaqueline Vidaurri Columbus” and “strongly pro-life.” stands next to her sister, Yahilin Vera Montelongo, during a Elianna, left, Mataya, Gamliel and Cirita Watson of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary “This practice of killing unborn Jan. 22 Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis Parish in Indianapolis listen to a speaker during a pro-life rally sponsored by Right children is a direct contradiction of held in solemn observance of the legalization of abortion in to Life of Indianapolis on Jan. 22 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the America’s founding principles,” said the United States 48 years prior. All three are members of Lafayette Diocese. “Blacks need to lessen their number of abortions and stand up for the state’s new attorney general, who St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus. life,” said Mataya. is a member of St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg. “The abortion industry He closed his address with words of since 1973 “are more than numbers,” he were often coerced and who’ve undergone totally rejects the idea that God gave all encouragement from Scripture: “Let us not said. “For those of us born after 1973, abortion against their will. people—all people—the right to life, be weary in well-doing, for in due season they represent classmates, missing friends, “As long as abortion is legalized and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” we shall reap if we faint not” (Gal 6:9). parts of our community. our brothers and sisters are perishing, The goal of the pro-life movement “is “When we talk about the numbers we must hold this event every year to not just to make abortion illegal, but to ‘We must hold this event every year’ involved in abortion, we lose sight of remember and to honor them as human make it unthinkable” by changing hearts Tuttle admitted the ongoing pandemic the individual tragedies, not just for the beings, to make sure that no one ever and minds, said Rokita. posed challenges for this year’s Indiana babies but for the women as well, who forgets these [statistics] were people.” † It is a change wrought by showing March for Life and rally. compassion not only for the unborn, but But in his mind, not holding the annual also “toward every woman who finds herself event was not—and never can be—an option. overwhelmed, unprepared, ill equipped “We must hold this event every for a major life change,” he said. “Perhaps year,” he said. “It’s important to take a she’s scared, perhaps jobless, perhaps in an day like today to remember and mourn abusive relationship. … Whatever the case, the 62 million lives that were lost to let’s commit to providing an abundance of abortion.” love and support.” The statistics on abortions each year Effort results in 32,000 diapers for three Indianapolis pregnancy care centers By Natalie Hoefer They will be distributed to Birthline, Life Centers and Women’s Care Center, Right to Life of Indianapolis all in Indianapolis. registered this year’s Indiana March for Overall, weDignify set a goal of Life and rally, held on Jan. 22, to be one collecting a grand total of 130,094 of six stops of the Chicago March for diapers—one for each of the average Life’s “Moving the Movement” Midwest number of annual abortions in the tour through Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska Midwest. and Wisconsin. Through participants’ generosity, At each of the stops, tour sponsor they exceeded the goal. As of weDignify held a diaper drive to benefit Jan. 24, the total number of diapers Fourth- and fifth-grade students of St. Lawrence Catholic School in Muncie, Ind., in the Lafayette three local pregnancy care centers of the collected—either actual or to be Diocese, kneel to pray as their principal Rob Frey lights a candle in St. John the Evangelist Church in host’s choosing. purchased by weDignity through Indianapolis. Participating in the Jan. 22 Mass there “was the highlight” of a day-long, pro-life focused The Indiana March for Life event funds donated online or on-site—was field trip, said Frey. The group also visited two pregnancy care centers, prayed outside the Planned brought in more than 32,000 diapers. more than 156,500. † Parenthood abortion center in Indianapolis and learned about the Safe Haven Babybox installed at a Muncie fire station.