West Texas Advent/Christmas 2007

ANGELUS

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED ADDRESS SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 TX ANGELO SAN INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ANGELUS ... SAN OF DIOCESE ANGELO

From the Bishop’s Desk Advent: Time to From the Editor 1829 BOX PO In the Gospel for In telling the Christmas, we hear review our lives God’s angel announce Galatians of the the wonderful news of since last Christmas fruit of the Spirit, that long-awaited first maybe St. Paul Christmas: “Do not be The time that has passed since was actually last Christmas will differ for each of afraid; for behold, I pro- saying to them: claim for you good Coming to America us. It may have been a time of joy- news of great joy that ful occasions; it may have wit- Quit being so will be for all the peo- Pope Benedict XVI will visit nessed the fulfillment of fond material! You ple. For today in the city of David a Washington and New York hopes. It may have seen some already have savior has been born for you, who is April 15-20. Archbishop sorrow, some losses, some griev-

gifts and you are given them every POSTAGE US PAID OPOI ORG. NONPROFIT Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign Pietro Sambi, apostolic nun- ing. And it may have been a rather TX ANGELO, SAN for you: you will find an infant wrapped cio to the United States, con- ordinary year. Let’s reflect upon it. day. And they are love, joy, peace, 44 NO. PERMIT in swaddling clothes and lying in a firmed the papal trip and the Where was the hand of God upon patient endurance, kindness, gen- manger.” / Page 2 pope’s itinerary Nov. 12 at us and upon those we especially erosity, faith, mildness and self con- love in the past year? / Page 4 the annual fall meeting of the trol. / Page 3 U.S. bishops. / Page 5

Web Site: www.san-angelo-diocese.org Page 2 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus

From the Bishop’s Desk When is Christmas? It can truly happen every day of the year By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI pray for peace in our world, for an end to war and tery of the sacred liturgy, through the power and pres- violence, and for God’s protection of our military per- ence of the Holy Spirit, Christ is born in a new way In the Gospel for Christmas, we hear God’s angel sonnel. in our world, our families, and our hearts, on each announce the wonderful news of that long-awaited To understand, to comprehend, at least in some Christmas day, and because of the same power of the first Christmas: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I pro- way, in as much as our tiny, human minds can, I Spirit, we can say that Christmas happens, or can claim for you good news of great joy that will be for invite you to come and meditate on the divine mys- happen, every day of the year. Christmas is about all the people. For today in the city of David a savior tery of that wonderful child wrapped in swaddling God’s love and mercy coming into our world to free has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord. And clothes and lying in a manger. Take time on us from sin and letting the Christ Child teach us by this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant Christmas, and throughout the Christmas season, to example and word how to share this love with others. wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” come especially as a family and spend time in prayer It is Christmas then, when in some part of the Bishop My first wish for all of you, your families and and meditation before this infant in the crib, and to world, love is born or reborn in the heart of a human Michael D. friends, is for a blessed and joyful Christmas as we give him praise and glory as we kneel before our little person. It is always Christmas when we open the Pfeifer, OMI remember that unique moment of human history of king, begging him to show us the way to peace and doors of our hearts to those who suffer, to those who the birth of the greatest person who ever lived, Jesus reconciliation. The infant, the God-man, in the crib seek comfort and care. Christmas happens especially Christ, true God and true man. I pray in a special way is a sign and source of the reconciliation and healing when we pardon someone who has offended us, or in my Christmas Masses that the peace of the child that we need in our individual lives, in our families, who has hurt us, or taken advantage of us. Jesus will fill all of your hearts and that we will all in our communities, and throughout the world. It is always Christmas when we refuse to give into come to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Historically, we assign a day to say when Christ As we mark the birthday of the Prince of Peace, we was born. However, because of the wonderful mys- (Please See BISHOP/19)

PASTORAL LETTERS: Emerging Models of Pastoral Care EDICTAL SUMMONS December 2007 S M T W T F S November 21, 2007 year and a half and have submitted their work in the statement, Emerging Models of Pastoral Care EDICTAL SUMMONS 1 Emerging Models of Pastoral Care in the in the Diocese of San Angelo toward 2011. I thank November 12, 2007 Diocese of San Angelo as we prepare for the this Committee for their good work. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 50th anniversary of our Diocese in 2011 Now is the time to implement this report in light CASE: WILSON – IRONS 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 of the mission statement of our Diocese from our My dear sisters and brothers of the Diocese of Pastoral Plan, Into God’s Marvelous Light: “We, 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 San Angelo: the people of God in the Diocese of San Angelo, NO.: SO 07/50 who have been initiated in Baptism and are nour- 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 I am enclosing here a letter that I am sending to ished by the Eucharist, are called to holiness and The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese of your Pastors and pastoral coordinator, as regards to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We 30 31 a very important document that I am asking to be invite all people into a loving relationship with the San Angelo is seeking Johnny Blaine Irons, Jr. studied very carefully by your pastors, with the Triune God and unite as sisters and brothers in Pastoral and Finance Councils, and all the leaders service to the world.” You are hereby summoned to appear before THIS MONTH of each parish and mission of the Diocese. In the The letter that follows has been sent to the pas- the Tribunal of the Catholic Diocese of San letter, I am asking that this report be given a spe- tors and pastoral coordinator of the parishes and Angelo, at 804 Ford Street, San Angelo, Texas in the Diocese cial place on the agenda of all Pastoral and missions of our Diocese. For further information on Finance Council meetings for the first four months this report, please check with your local pastor. 76905, on or before the 30th day of November of the new year, beginning on January 2,2008. Thank you. 2007, to answer to the Petition of Myra Michele December When we marked the 40th anniversary of our Wilson, now introduced before the Diocesan Diocese in 2006, I formed a Committee to discuss Your servant in Christ and Mary, Tribunal in an action styled, “Myra Wilson and 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Fort the pastoral care of our Diocese in preparation for Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Concho – Christmas Mass at our 50th anniversary in 2011. The members of the Bishop of San Angelo Johnny Irons, Jr., Petition for Declaration of 11:00 a.m. Committee have worked very hard over the past Invalidity of Marriage.” Said Petition is identi- 10 -- ABILENE, St.Vincent ------fied as Case: WILSON – IRONS; Protocol No.: Pallotti – Advent Night of Prayer November 21, 2007 questions that will come from the Pastoral and SO 07/50, on the Tribunal Docket of the for the Priests, Sisters, Finance Council meetings of the first four months Diocese of San Angelo. Deacons and Wives, Deacon Dear brother pastors & pastoral coordinators: of the year be recorded and sent to the Dean of Candidates and Wives of the each Deanery so that these can be collated into a You may communicate with the Tribunal in Abilene Deanery at 7:00 p.m. I am enclosing with this letter a copy of the final report that will be given back to me. person or in writing. Failure to communicate 12 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred report from the special Committee on Emerging Please bring the report of the Emerging Models Heart Cathedral – Mass for Our Models of Pastoral Care that I established in 2006 of Pastoral Care to the attention of all the people of within the prescribed period of time will be con- so as to help us prepare for the 50th anniversary of our parishes through bulletin inserts and other Lady of Guadalupe at 6:30 p.m. sidered your consent for the Tribunal to contin- 16 -- JUNCTION, St. Theresa our Diocese that will be celebrated in 2011. parish meetings. We want the whole parish to ue its proceedings in the above-named Case. I am asking that the enclosed report, Emerging strive to work to implement this report so that we – Mass and Dedication of New Models of Pastoral Care, be a primary issue for the can prepare to be the best kind of people that God Church at 11:15 A..M. agendas of all Pastoral and Finance Council meet- wants for us in the Diocese of San Angelo and the Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese of San 23 -- EOLA, St. Philip – Mass ings of our parishes, beginning on January 2, 2008 best ministers of the Lord in service as we Angelo on the 13th day of November, 2007. at 8:00 a.m. and continuing through the first four months of the approach our 50th anniversary in the year 2011. 25 -- SAN ANGELO, year—January, February, March and April. The I thank you for your cooperation and I ask the Goodfellow Air Force Base – good work of this Committee now needs to be Holy Spirit to guide all of us as we work on this proj- Christmas Mass at 9:00 a.m. studied carefully at a parish level with the appropri- ect together. God’s peace. Reverend Tom Barley, MSW, MBA, M. Div., ate leadership, and the important thing is to see JCL how we can make this report come alive at a local Your servant in Christ and Mary, Adjutant Judicial Vicar level. Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI Enclosed with this report are some questions for Bishop of San Angelo DIOCESAN DATES/Pg. 4 reflection, and I ask that the answers to these The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 3

Spiritual direction provides companionship for the journey From the Editor By Jimmy Patterson are lost, or people who have Online Editor become separated from God or This Christmas, Gifts of the Church. For many reasons, Tyson said Spiritual There are as many different spiritual journeys as there are she feels a better name for what remember the gifts Direction people on spiritual journeys; she does would be Spiritual it’s far from surprising that Anne Companion instead of Director. ! Identify and trust many people reach a point in Tyson Often when people see Tyson, God has given us your own experi- or others in her profession, and ences of God their lives when receiving addi- By Jimmy Patterson ! Integrate spiritu- tional guidance supplementing they know they are going to see because they may be at a place a ‘Spiritual Director,’ the first ality into your daily what the Church provides them read with interest the recent news that showed 42 per- life enhances that journey. in their lives where they are thought is that someone is ! Discern and cent of private school students answered “the birth of Anne Tyson, a spiritual direc- looking for deeper answers in going to tell them what to do make difficult their spiritual life,” Tyson said. with their lives. And that’s IJesus” when asked the first thing they choices tor based in Midland, has seen think of when they think of Christmas. ! Share struggles, people at both ends of the spec- “Some are just looking to grow often not the case. Guidance losses or disap- in their relationship with God and companionship, someone Twenty-five percent said presents. It wasn’t trum reach out for direction. clear what the remaining 23 percent thought pointments Often, spiritual direction and in other relationships in life with whom a faith journey can ! Find encourage- as well. Others want to share of, but the fact that not even a plurality ment and affirma- encourages people to explore a be shared, is a more accurate their discernment process and depiction. answered Jesus kind of bothered me. I turn on tion closer relationship with God. the TV and see the annual debate swinging ! Grow in relation- in their everyday life situations People who seek the help of Busy schedules often keep peo- into high gear about Christmas vs. Holiday ship with God, self, ple from becoming as close to they struggle with that and how a spiritual director don’t at first others and cre- their faith comes in to it.” seek out such advice in the and what verbiage we should use, and who Patterson ation. God as they would desire. we should patronize and boycott. A friend “Sometimes people seek Other times, Tyson said, she is approached by people who (Please See SPIRITUAL/17) who is an evangelical pastor has written a piece encouraging Christians to boycott boycotts and his reasons are valid. U.S. Catholic magazine’s headline on its December issue ACTS Retreat can be life changing experience screams, “HOLD YOUR FIRE: Let’s call a truce in the war By Jimmy Patterson feeling of community and Texas (Diocese of San Peterson said he knows of on Christmas!” Articles suggest the war on Christmas is a The Angelus service, ACTS (Adoration, Antonio), the 2007 ACTS 250 parishes that actively lot of hype, like my evangelical friend suggested. Community, Theology, Retreat calendar has had participate in the ACTS It is still early enough in Advent ‘07 to harken back to a Twenty years after its birth, Service) is a spirit-filled over 400 retreats, according movement. simpler axiom: KISS. Keep it simple, sweetie. the ACTS movement contin- weekend experienced by to ACTS Missions' executive In addition to reaching all How simple? How about this year, we keep it simpler ues to grow at a phenomenal parishioners in a retreat cen- director Tom Peterson, from dioceses in Texas, ACTS maybe as a response to the war on merchandising rate in Catholic dioceses, ter setting. his San Antonio office. Missions now reaches 12 Christmas (and the war on the war.) Every year, our chil- particularly in Texas but Founded through the inspi- "We know that number is states, Honduras, South dren tell us what they want for Christmas, and every year, increasingly spreading into ration of the Holy Spirit and not comprehensive," Africa and Mexico. many of us no doubt show our love by bestowing gifts, other states. birthed from the Cursillo Peterson said, "because we Success of any and all and as a result everyone has a blessed and material Combining adoration and movement at Our Lady of haven't been able to reach Christmas. the sacraments with a deep Perpetual Help in Selma, every single parish.” (Please See ACTS/17) We ask, we receive, we give, we get. And it’s all stuff. Quick, name three things you received for Christmas last Del Escritorio del Obispo year? Five years ago? No doubt some of you can’t. I don’t suggest any of you change your Christmas tradi- tions, but perhaps it would be good to incorporate a little Cuando es la navidad? remembrance in our Christmas every year. St. Paul once wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, por el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer dita y alegre mientras armadas. peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mild- recordemos ese momento único Para entender, comprender, en ness and self control.” Escuchamos en nuestro en la historia humana del alguna manera, en cuanto nues- Maybe Paul pulled those words out during one of the Evangelio las buenas nuevas cumpleaños de la persona más tras mentes pequeñas puedan, first Christmas seasons? Maybe in telling the Galatians of proclamadas por el ángel de grande que ha vivido, Jesucristo, les invito a ustedes a buscar y the fruit of the Spirit, he was really telling them: “Quit Dios de la primera Navidad tan verdadero Dios y verdadero meditar sobre el divino misterio being so material this Christmas! Quit standing in line at 5 esperada. El ángel les dijo: “No hombre. Rezo en una manera del maravilloso niño envuelto en a.m. at the dry goods store the morning after Thanksgiving!! teman. Les traigo una buena especial en las misas Navideñas pañales y acostado en el pese- You already have gifts and you are given them every day. noticia, que causará gran alegría que la paz del niño Jesús llene a bre. Tomen tiempo en el día de And they are love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, a todo el pueblo: Hoy les ha todos sus corazones y que Navidad, y durante la temporada Obispo generosity, faith, mildness and self control.” Miguel Pfeifer nacido, en la ciudad de David, podamos llegar a un mejor Navideña, para venir, especial- No, the gifts Paul wrote about are not things that come OMI un salvador, que es el Mesías, el entendimiento del verdadero sig- mente en familia, y pasar un wrapped in boxes with bright red paper. They’re not things we Señor. Esto les servirá de señal: nificado de la Navidad. tiempo, para meditar—orar— can shake wondering what they are in the 12 days before encontrarán al niño envuelto en Mientras conmemoremos el pensar—sobre este niño en el Christmas. They are not gifts we unwrap on Christmas morn- pañales y recostado en un pese- cumpleaños del Príncipe de Paz, pesebre, y para alabar y glorifi- ing. But they are no less gifts, given us by the Holy Spirit. bre.” rezamos por la paz en el mundo, carlo mientras nos arrodillemos We may not feel and share every one of those gifts every Mi primer deseo para todos por el fin a la guerra y violencia, antes nuestro day of the year, but they are still given to us and we still ustedes y sus familias y amigos, y por la protección de los que have them. We simply must learn to use them every day es que tengan una Navidad ben- sirven en nuestras fuerzas (Mira OBSIPO/16) (Please See PATTERSON/18) Page 4 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus DIOCESAN DATES Advent: a time to review lives since last Christmas Bishop’s Calendar Luther King at 12:00 noon 22 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred By Bishop Michael Pfeifer challenges and trails has “his horn of saving strength” DECEMBER Heart Cathedral – Pro Life Mass enabled us to get through? at 12 noon The time that has passed since last Christmas will differ Then let’s look to the future, the time that will pass 8 -- ODESSA, St. Mary – Mass 22 -- MIDLAND, Life Center – for each of us. It may have been a time of joyful occa- between now and this coming Christmas. What darkness and Blessing of New Classrooms Service at 7:00 p.m. sions; it may have witnessed the fulfillment of fond hopes. do we hope and trust that the Dayspring’s light of the Holy at 4:00 p.m. 23 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the It may have seen some sorrow, some losses, some griev- Spirit will shine upon? What shadows of death do we 9 -- SAN ANGELO, Fort King Retreat Center – 11:30 Concho – Christmas Mass at ing. And it may have been a rather ordinary year. hope to be delivered from? What way of peace do we hope a.m,. – Luncheon for all the 11:00 a.m. Let’s reflect upon it. Where was the hand of God upon to be guided into? Advent is a new time of hope and new 10 -- ABILENE, St.Vincent Priests of the Diocese to honor us and upon those we especially love in the past year? beginning as we open our hearts to God’s abundant mercy Pallotti – Advent Night of Prayer Father George Varakukala What blessings has our God showered upon us? What and love. for the Priests, Sisters, Deacons 25 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred and Wives, Deacon Candidates Heart Cathedral – Ecumenical and Wives of the Abilene Service for Christian Unity at 12 Deanery at 7:00 p.m. 11 -- SAN ANGELO, Bishop’s noon Residence – Christmas Staff 26 -- SAN ANGELO, Annual Party Celebration of Santa Angela at 12 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred 11:00 a.m. Heart Cathedral – Mass for Our 27 - -SAN ANGELO, Holy Lady of Guadalupe at 6:30 p.m. Angels – Mass for Bread of Life 13 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – Presbyteral Retreat at 10:45 a.m. Council Meeting 2:00 p.m. 29 -- SAN ANGELO Holy Christ the King Retreat Angels – Presentation to the Center – Annual Christmas Party RCIA at 6:30 p.m. for Priests, Sisters, Deacons and Wives at 5:30 p.m. 15 -- SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Downtown Children's’ Christmas Festival starting at 11:00 a.m. Retreat Center 16 -- JUNCTION, St. Theresa – Mass and Dedication of New 7-9 -- Diaconate Training Church at 11:15 A..M. Program 17 -- ROWENA, St. Joseph – 10 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Penance Service at 6:30 p.m. Group 18 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred 11 -- Adoration of the Blessed Heart Cathedral – Penance Sacrament 5-6 p.m. Service at 7:00 p.m. 13 -- Bishop’s Christmas Party Faith like a child 19 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan 15 -- Diocesan Vocation Team Pastoral Center – Staff Mass at Meeting 17 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Roman Reeves, young son 8:30 a.m. and Staff meeting at of David and Candace 11:00 a.m. Group Reeves, show his adora- 20 -- SAN ANGELO, Visit and 18 -- Adoration of the Blessed Lunch with Seminarians at 11:00 Sacrament, 5-6 p.m. tion for Christ at St. a.m. 24-25 -- Office Closed for Stephen’s Catholic Church 23 -- EOLA, St. Philip – Mass Christmas. in Midland. at 8:00 a.m. 31 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 24 -- SAN ANGELO, Tom PHOTO BY Green County Jail – Mass at DENNIS ROBSON 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sacred Heart Cathedral – Christmas Vigil Mass at Midnight NECROLOGY 25 -- SAN ANGELO, Goodfellow Air Force Base – JANUARY Christmas Mass at 9:00 a.m. 10 -- Rev. Francis Beazley, 26-28 -- Rest and Prayer OMI (1992) 13 -- Rev. Joseph Walter JANUARY (1989) 1 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred 16 -- Rev. Cyril Lange (1971) Heart Cathedral – Mass for 16 -- Msgr. Timothy Murphy Mother of God at 9:00 a.m. (2004) 18 -- Rev. Patrick Ryan, OMI 4-6 -- HOUSTON – Wedding (1975) 7-11 -- SAN ANTONIO - 19 -- Fr. Robert Kelly (1999) Bishops’ Retreat 26 -- Deacon D. J. Goetz 12-14 -- LAREDO, Meeting of (2003) Texas/Mexican Bishops 26 -- Deacon Jack Peterson 19 -- Midland, St, Ann – (1987) Diocesan Schools Commission Meeting at 9:00 a.m. _ 20 -- Menard, Sacred Heart - Mass at 9:00 a.m. 21 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – Ecumenical Service in honor of Dr. Martin The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 5 Coming to America: Pope to visit NY, Washington in April By Carol Zimmermann successor, Benedict the XI,” Archbishop Sambi um in Washington. Later that day he will meet Catholic News Service told the bishops. with directors of Catholic universities and col- The official title of the upcoming papal trip leges and diocesan educational leaders at The WASHINGTON — Pope Benedict XI will is “Apostolic Visit to the United States of Catholic University of America in Washington visit Washington and New York April 15-20. America and to the Seat of the United and then he is to attend an interreligious meet- Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to Nations.” ing at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. the United States, confirmed the dates of the According to the archbishop, the pope will On April 18, the pope will be in New York to papal trip and announced the pope’s itinerary arrive in Washington April 15 and will receive address the United Nations in the morning and in remarks Nov. 12 at the beginning of the an official welcome at the White House April attend an ecumenical meeting in the afternoon. annual fall meeting of the U.S. bishops in 16. That afternoon, coincidentally his 81st The following day, the third anniversary of his Baltimore. birthday, he will address the U.S. bishops. election as pope, he will concelebrate Mass at “Peter, the rock on which Jesus founded this The following day he will celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the morning and meet Pope church, will be among us in the person of his the new Washington Nationals baseball stadi- with youths and seminarians in the afternoon. Benedict ‘Golden Compass’ author anti-Christian Pope designates By Denis Grasska 23 new cardinals Catholic News Service

SAN DIEGO — To all of those from 14 countries Christian critics who have denounced the By John Thavis “Harry Potter” series as a subversive effort Catholic News Service to lure unsuspecting children into the occult, Baylor University professor Perry Nicole Kidman, left, VATICAN CITY — In a liturgy that emphasized Glanzer warns: Quit crying wolf. in “The Golden the church’s cultural diversity and its unity of mis- In a commentary appearing in early Compass” sion, Pope Benedict XI created 23 new cardinals August in the Austin American-Statesman from 14 countries. daily newspaper, Glanzer noted that while The group included U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley, social critics have blasted J.K. Rowling’s grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, tales of Harry Potter and his seven years at and Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Houston. Wizardry, they have uttered nary a word The pope, presiding over his second consistory, told about British writer Philip Pullman’s “His the new cardinals he had chosen them to be the “clos- Dark Materials,” which Glanzer and others watered down a little” in the transition characters that “God, the Creator, the est advisers and collaborators” of his ministry in say is an overtly anti-Christian trilogy of from page to screen. Lord, Yahweh, El, Adonai, the King, the Rome, the church’s traditional center. fantasy novels for young adults. Critics of Pullman include the Catholic Father, the Almighty” are really all just At the same time, he said, the cardinals’ geographi- The trilogy includes “The Golden League for Religious and Civil Rights, names the first angel gave himself in an cal variety reflects Catholicism’s global expansion Compass,” “The Subtle Knife” and “The which said its position is not “that the attempt to set himself up as a divine being. and the fact that today the church “speaks every lan- Amber Spyglass.” movie will strike Christian parents as trou- The novels also take a harsh view of the guage of the world.” “I think that as long as people are agitat- bling,” noting that it is based “on the least church, which is called the Magisterium International groups of pilgrims who packed St. ed about whether Harry Potter makes you offensive of the three books.” and is depicted as an oppressive institution Peter’s Basilica for the Nov. 24 consistory added into a satanist, they’re not going to be very But, the league said in an Oct. 9 state- that appears to have fallen for the emphasis to the pope’s words, applauding, cheering, bothered with me,” Pullman said in an ment, viewers of the film “may very well Authority’s ruse. ululating and even waving national flags when the interview with Amazon.com. “So, I’m find it engaging and then buy Pullman’s The church’s minions are the books’ new cardinals’ names were announced. happy to (take) shelter under the great books for Christmas. That’s the problem.” principal villains, who are obsessed with a The pope made a special appeal for peace in Iraq umbrella of Harry Potter.” Glanzer also pointed out that Pullman substance called Dust, which is connected and said his naming of Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim A film adaptation of “The Golden told The Washington Post that through his to original sin. They are not above kidnap- Delly of Baghdad, the Chaldean patriarch, was a sign Compass,” starring Nicole Kidman and work, “I’m trying to undermine the basis of ping and performing experiments on inno- of his closeness to the country’s Christian population. Daniel Craig, is set to debut in theaters Christian belief.” But those who praise his cent children. “They are experiencing in their own flesh the dra- Dec. 7. The Aug. 24 issue of work say he is not attacking Christianity One character states that, since its begin- matic consequences of an enduring conflict and now Entertainment Weekly reported that the itself, but criticizing dogmatism and how ning, the church has “tried to suppress and live in a fragile and delicate political situation,” the film will make no direct references to the religion is used to oppress people. control every natural impulse,” and that all pope said. Catholic Church. “His Dark Materials” recounts the churches share the same fundamental “Together we want to reaffirm the solidarity of the The article also quoted Kidman, who adventures of Lyra Belacqua, a 12-year- goals: to “control, destroy, obliterate every entire church with the Christians of that beloved land recently reconnected with her Catholic old girl in an alternate universe that resem- good feeling.” and ask prayers for the beginning of the hoped-for faith, as saying, “The Catholic Church is bles our own. With the assistance of sever- “His Dark Materials” has amassed a col- reconciliation for all the peoples involved,” he said. part of my essence. I wouldn’t be able to al other characters, she sets out to over- lection of prestigious awards, including the During the consistory, each cardinal knelt as the do this film if I thought it were at all anti- throw the Authority. The novels depict him 1995 Carnegie Medal for children’s literature pope placed on his head a red three-cornered hat, Catholic.” as a weak, false god and, in the final book in the United Kingdom, which he earned for called a biretta. The pope told them the color was not The Academy Award-winning actress in the trilogy, he actually dies. “Northern Lights” (published in the United only a sign of the cardinal's dignity, but also a visible also said that the material “has been Also, an angel informs one of the main States as “The Golden Compass”). reminder of their readiness to act with courage "even to the point of shedding your blood." Page 6 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus

Adviento The Church calls for a different kind Tiempo de espera y of political action, social involvement By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI rudential judgment, guided by the Holy Spirit, is esperanza cristiana Unfortunately, politics in our needed in applying moral principles to specific country is too often a contest of Ppolicy choices in the areas such as abortion, powerful interests, partisan attacks, por el Obispo Miguel and personal ambition. The Church euthanasia, housing, health care, immigration, and Pfeifer, OMI ‘FABULAS’ calls for a different kind of political many other life issues. This does not mean that all (Tabalenguas) engagement: one shaped by the choices are equally valid, or that the guidance of El Adviento es una tempora- moral convictions of well-formed Church leaders is just another political opinion or poli- da de espera y esperanza cris- Fábulas fabulosas hay en fabu- consciences, and focused on the dig- tiana. La temporada de losos fabularios, fabuladores y nity of every human being, pursuit cy preference among many others. Adviento nos prepara para la fabulistas hacen fábulas fabu- of the common good, and the pro- tions based on the values of our ingly, willingly, and directly support gran fiesta de la Navidad, el losas; pero la fabulosidad de las tection of the weak and the vulnera- fábulas del fabulista no son fab- faith. public policies or legislations that nacimiento del Niño Jesús. ulosas si no hace un fabulario ble. The Catholic call to faithful citi- The purpose of politics is to undermine fundamental moral prin- Es un tiempo para pregun- de fábulas. zenship affirms the importance of advance the common good, by ciples, cooperate with evil — and tarnos, ¿en qué ponemos political participation and insists that defending the sanctity of human life will be held accountable by God. nuestras esperas y esperanzas? -- el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer, OMI public service is a worthy vocation. from the moment of conception until Prudential judgment, guided by ¿Cómo captamos los signos As Catholics, we must be guided natural death. In doing this, we the Holy Spirit, is needed in apply- more by our moral convictions, than de esperanza en nuestro niveles de espera, según must always be clear that a good end ing moral principles to specific poli- mundo? by our attachment to a political party does not justify an immoral means. cy choices in the areas such as abor- necesidades y deseos: la or interest group. When necessary, En el tiempo de Adviento, espera pasiva de los no com- We must recognize that not all possi- tion, euthanasia, housing, health Cristo nos dice: “Velen, pues, our participation should help trans- ble courses of action to address a sit- care, immigration, and many other prometidos; la espera interesa- form the party to which we belong; y hagan oración continua- da del burgués a su favor; y la uation are morally acceptable. We life issues. This does not mean that mente, para que puedan we should not let the party transform must carefully discern which public all choices are equally valid, or that espera creadora de los activos us in such a way that we neglect or escapar de todo lo que ha de a favor del pueblo. La esper- policies are morally sound. In the the guidance of Church leaders is deny fundamental moral truth. field of politics, Catholics may just another political opinion or poli- suceder y comparecer seguros anza es el entramado de la The Church helps members to choose different ways to respond to cy preference among many others. ante el Hijo del hombre”. vida. Según como esperamos, address political and social questions (Lc21, 25-28, 34-36) compelling social problems, but we Rather, Catholics must listen careful- así somos: impacientes o tran- by helping them to develop a well- cannot differ on our moral obligation ly to the Church’s authoritative Comparto con ustedes una quilos, afirmativos o escépti- formed conscience. Catholics have a reflexión sobre el tema de la to help build a more just and peace- teachers when they apply Catholic cos, comprometidos o des- serious and life-long obligation to ful world through morally accept- social teaching to specific political espera y esperanza que viene ganados. Algunos profetas de form their consciences in accord del Misal Mensual para el able means, so that the weak and and social issues. calamidades sólo ven la “mala with biblical principles, human rea- vulnerable are protected and human Participation in political life in primer Domingo de Adviento. noticia”, no la “buena nueva”. son and the teaching of the Church. rights and dignity are defended. light of fundamental moral princi- No es lo mismo espera (lo que La persona que espera de ver- Conscience is the voice of God Decisions about political life are ples is an essential duty of every llega es debido al esfuerzo dad tiene confianza en el resounding in the human heart, complex and require the exercise of Catholic and all people of good will, humano) que esperanza (lo cumplimiento de las promesas revealing the truth to us and calling a well-formed conscience aided by and requires much study, being que adviene nos sobrepasa de Dios. us to do what is good while shun- prudence. This begins by recogniz- informed on the Church’s official ning what is evil. Conscience always humanamente). Pero tampoco Jesús esperó activamente la ing that laws that violate human life teaching on many life issues, and hay que contraponerlas: la requires serious attempts to make or weaken its protection must be most of all praying for the light and venida del Reino. Y, porque sound judgments about moral ques- esperanza cristiana pasa a esperaba, encontró lo espera- opposed outright. Voters who know- guidance of the Holy Spirit. través de genuinas esperas do: una nueva vida de resuci- humanas. A veces nuestro tado. El cristiano debe esper- pueblo tiene una gran esperan- ar, al modo de Jesús, la pleni- za y pocas esperas humanas. tud del Reino, a pesar de los Los acomodados viven única- fracasos, de los “signos” cata- mente pendientes de las stróficos, de “lo que se nos esperas cifradas en el dinero, viene encima”. Espera con el poder, la comodidad, etc. firmeza quien espera la “lib- Los pobres y marginados eración”, para lo cual es nece- esperan siempre una sociedad sario tener una actitud básica: nueva, un reparto de bienes y la “vigilancia”, con objecto de oportunidades, un Reino de ver en el tiempo de los signos Dios con libertad y justicia. los signos de los tiempos. Esto entraña que se derrum- ¿En qué ponemos nuestras ben muchos “mundos” viejos, esperas y esperanzas? ¿Cómo muchas esperas falsas. captamos los signos de esper- Podemos distinguir tres anza en nuestro mundo. The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 7

Making Sense Out of Bioethics Local youth ‘Discover The Way’ to Christ The Angelus ence. There were so many gifted Catholic Getting it right on COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Eighteen youth and speakers youth and their adult leaders made there, and the their way to Columbus, Ohio along talks/workshops really with S. Adelina Garcia, OSF and spoke out to me. Jason the morning after Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI to and Crystalina Evert By Rev. Thad Pacholczyk attend the biennial National Catholic were there and gave a Youth Conference November 8-11. “Romance without he “morning-after” pill, also known as “Plan B,” is often The theme “Discover the Way,” was Regret” workshop. It provided in hospital emergency rooms to women who touched on throughout the weekend has changed my person- Thave been sexually assaulted. It is typi- as the speakers shared their struggle al outlook on boys and cally used within 72 hours of the rape, and to find the way to Christ. Twenty dating. I bought some appears to prevent pregnancy in one of two thousand participants from across the books from their booth. ways. First, it can prevent ovulation (the country gathered to listen, pray, I’m going to give them to Youths from the diocese and sponsors who attended release of an egg from a woman’s ovary), laugh, cry and celebrate their faith. my friends so they may the National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, and for this reason, it is commonly termed Below are some comments made also learn what I learned Ohio. “emergency contraception.” While this action by the youth from St. Ann in Sonora at NCYC about our Catholic beliefs Way.” By the end of the conference I of blocking the release of an egg is the most and St. Joseph in Odessa: on dating. likely mechanism by which it routinely pre- “NCYC was an amazing experi- “The theme was “Discover the (Please See NCYC/17) vents pregnancy, another mechanism may also be operative under certain circumstances. Fr. Pacholczyk This second mechanism of action involves Planned Parenthood: A great choice, for those altering the lining of the uterus so it becomes less hospitable to the arrival of an embryo from the fallopian tube. In other words, if an egg has already been released from the ovary, and who don’t want to deal with their pregnancy it has been successfully fertilized, the morning-after pill may be able to prevent that arriving embryo from implanting into Editor’s Note: The following article was having to "deal with that problem" matter. Surely, it should not be so submitted by Dustin Sanchez, a student and murder. A fine line, which abor- hard to get rid of something if it does the uterine wall. at Greenwood High School. It provides a Controversy exists as to the likelihood and frequency of this 16-year-old’s outlook on Planned tion plays heck with. not turn into something. Or at least second mechanism of action, but even the Food and Drug Parenthood. Of course we have to mention the that would be the rational behind it. Administration (the agency which gives official approval for Bible. Of course we have to mention But, as much as science says that a the use of the drug) acknowledges the possibility on its web- By Dustin Sanchez that it says that all life is sacred. And, fetus is nothing, inconsequential, we site: “Plan B may also work by... preventing attachment all life is. But at what point, one have to remember, they try to hide (implantation) to the uterus (womb).” The package insert for What could be more wrong. That needs to ask, does life begin? Does it the stuff that is in plain sight. Look at the drug from the manufacturer (Barr Pharmaceuticals) uses was not even a question, but rather a begin at conception? Does it begin the children around you, no, look at identical language when explaining how Plan B works. statement. The harsh reality of abor- whenever the woman finds out? Does anyone around you. Abortionists try Significant ethical concerns are raised by this second mecha- tion is that there is no reality past it begin when you go to the doctor, to use fancy words, to use logic to nism, namely that “emergency contraception” may actually abortion. Neither the child, nor the and listen to the first heartbeats of the stop you from realizing that everyone work as “emergency abortion” as well. When these ethical parent can have one after the act of unborn? Life begins, when it begins. around you, everyone that you love, concerns are coupled with new state laws (notably in abortion is performed. Abortion not That may not make much sense at was once a baby. And every child was Connecticut and Massachusetts) mandating that the morning- only ends the life of the child, but it first, but think about it. How can one once a fetus, safe and warm in his after pill be provided by hospitals to all victims of sexual also practically ends the life of the get rid of something that one says is mother's stomach. Or, at least that is assault who request it, it becomes clear that medical profes- parents. For the parents in the audi- not there? If life does not exist, then how it is supposed to be. sionals may have to confront situations of dramatic conscience ence, think of your child. Yes, it's getting rid of something when it isn't People get abortions, because they violations because of this immoral form of legislative coercion easy to think about aborting a pile of supposed to exist in the first place do not want to deal with a child. A by the state. cells, that one can not see, but when just does not make sense. It simply CHILD. It is not that a woman does it's a whole person, it becomes anoth- does not add together why one would not want to deal with a small mass of (Please See BIOETHICS/19) er matter. There's a fine line between get rid of something that would not (Please See STUDENT/16)

Over 70,000 items in stock! Mon.-Fri. Pilgrim Journeys – Regina Tours 9 a.m.ó6 p.m. Celebrating 25 years serving Alexandra Morris, CDS g‹‚w…À· Saturday West Texas Catholics! 9 a.m.ó5 p.m. International Specialist Religious Store 325-653-8011 Let us show you some of the Christmas Fairs of Europe as one of the ways Out of Town? Call 800-759-1807 [email protected] of Celebrating Advent and the Birth of Jesus. Consider going for the Feast of Christmass for a relaxed and peaceful experience for the whole family. Rosaries, Jewelry, Statues, Crosses, Bibles, Books, Quinceanera, Wedding and Confirmation items. [email protected] www.pilgrimjourneys.joystar.com 624 West Avenue N First Communion Dresses, Veils and gifts. San Angelo, TX 76903 Habla Espanol - Phone orders are welcome! Page 8 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus Drug Court to become reality in Midland Co. By Jimmy Patterson The Angelus

Midland County Judge Mike Bradford told a briefing room filled with dignitaries, law enforcement and judicial officials tin November that the drug court concept will soon be reality. “We will have a drug court in Midland County in 2008,” Bradford told those assembled for the Nov. 27 meeting of Bishop Pfeifer’s Drug Taskforce, held at the Midland County Detention Center. Those in attendance, all of whom have expressed encouragement in or helped with the Bishop’s taskforce, were further encouraged after hearing from Tom Green County Court-at-Law The Basilica at Lourdes Judge Penny Roberts, who said she has seen families reunited and individuals changed because of the one-on-one attention given to those who progress Lourdes plans for busy year in 2008 through the drug court. In attendance were Midland interim By Alexandra Morris of the river Gave de Pau, mills were police chief Price Robinson, MISD Regina Tours plentiful; many were situated around the Pope to visit Lourdes in ’08 police chief David Colburn, Midland outside of the town, and in one of these, VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Officials confirmed County Court-at-Law judges Al the Boly Mill, Francois and Louise December 8 begins the Jubilee Year Pope Benedict XI will visit the Shrine of Our Lady Walvoord and Marvin Moore, and dis- Soubirous lived happily for 10 years of the Sanctuaries at Lourdes, in the of Lourdes in France to mark the 150th anniver- trict judges Jody Gilles and Dean with their four children. The eldest was Pyrenees of Southern France. This sary of the Marian apparitions there, but said the Rucker. baptized Marie-Bernarde but called Jubilee celebrates the 150th anniversary exact time period of the papal visit was not yet A Midland County jail offender and Bernadette. She was born January 7, of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin known. confessed ex-meth user spoke to the 1844. Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes, crowd, saying he wished he had had In 1854 the Soubirous family was What happened in Lourdes in 1858? who is in charge of the preparations for the jubilee the option of a drug court when he was reduced to extreme poverty because an In the 19th century, Lourdes was one of celebrations, said the papal journey was “a sure using. Adam Cooper, 27, said, “(Not the main areas in the district with more receiving) personal attention from the than 4,000 people. Situated on the banks (Please See LOURDES/16) court is what I’ve been stressed about Please See POPE/16 lately.” Odessa church begins Project Gabriel, a parish-based Crisis Pregnancy program ODESSA – When St. Elizabeth need, physically, spiritually and Once the decision to adopt the Ann Seton parishioner Jose Mayans emotionally. It offers them the sup- Gabriel Project was made, Deacon returned from a trip to Houston, he port of a faith community. It also Alan Neff, Pastoral Associate at St. told his pastor Fr. Mark Woodruff encourages networking and collabo- Elizabeth’s, spearheaded the organi- about seeing a sign on a Catholic rative ministry between profession- zation. Volunteers were gathered. Church lawn. The sign read, als and volunteers in the parish. Galveston-Houston Respect Life “Pregnant? Need Help? Call the The goal of the Gabriel Project is to coordinator Dr. Marcella Colbert Gabriel Project at this parish.” provide alternatives to abortion for came from Houston for their train- Mayans asked, “Why don’t we have women in need. ing. The St. Elizabeth’s Knights of something like this here?” St. Elizabeth’s Parish Pastoral Columbus Council #8773 donated a Fr. Woodruff made calls to the Council studied the project and sign placed on the church lawn Respect Life Office of the decided to make it part of the inviting women in need to call the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston parish’s pro-life program. church at 432-366-2717 (exclusive- and learned that the Church Gabriel “We cannot oppose abortion, and ly for the Gabriel Project.) Project is a program reaching out to then abandon those who feel their Among the volunteers are a nurse, women in crisis pregnancies. The spiritual, material and emotional goal of the project is to assist preg- needs offer no other solution,” nant women obtain all the help they Woodruff told them. (Please See GABRIEL 18) The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 9

November 20, 2007 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Financial Report for the

I am happy to present to you in an abbreviated form the Diocese of San Angelo’s financial report for the most recent year ending June 30, 2007 as prepared by our Diocese of San Angelo outside auditors, Carneiro, Chumney & Co., L.C. This audit has been carefully stud- ied by the Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Finance Council, the Diocesan Finance Year Ending June 30, 2007 Officer and myself. You will want to note that this year the diocese had a profit from operations of $73,759 (which was largely attributable to the sale of some ITFS/TV frequencies). Total net assets, however, reflected a $1.4 million adjustment to comply with a new Financial accounting Standard Board requirement (issued by the official accounting regulatory board) whereby, effective this year, organizations must recognize the out- standing liability for (the priests’) benefit plans as if no future contributions were ever made (for instance, if the diocese were to cease to exist tomorrow). Obviously, the church plans on continuing to exist and each year we have and will continue to fully budget and fund for this future liability for our priests. Nevertheless, this new FASB 158 presentation is required, and hence it appears within this year’s official audit presentation. I want to express my sincere appreciation for your generous financial support upon which our church ministries depend. Your material generosity helps me and those who serve with me to fulfill our mission of serving Christ’s people. Your Servant in Christ and Mary, Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, Bishop of San Angelo Page 10 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 11 Book Ideas for Christmas from MACC: Over 50,000 have participated St. Anthony in center’s programs in 3 1/2 decades Messenger Press Advent 2007 (From 20) speaking world or African-Americans.” The newest immigrants bring more advan- Jan. 17, 2005. tages than challenges to this country, the arch- The archbishop is most widely known for bishop emphasized. “They bring the precious The man who put the his tenure earlier this decade as president of heritage of our Catholic faith. The challenge Taking stock of all there the United States Conference of Catholic of this moment centers around legal docu- Bishops, during which time national policies ments, but whatever terms are used, the con- Christmas message concerning the church response to the sexual stant struggle is for human dignity and jus- abuse crisis were developed. tice.” is to be done this season in a timeless story Archbishop Gregory began by summarizing He closed by saying that MACC advances By Douglas W. Kmiec Presidential debates the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the understanding of Hispanic people and the Catholic News Service have come and gone By Antoinette Bosco / Catholic News Service the Church, a document completed in October wide breadth of the gifts they bring through with little or no recog- 2004 at the behest of Pope John Paul II. the bi-directional activities they provide, such as respecting and recognizing Latino heritage The Advent season is upon us. A new liturgical year begins nition of this positive My house is loaded with books, many of them purchased “It contained the principles of the most and training Hispanic leaders – cleric and lay and the calendar year soon ends. Vestment colors of purple development. The at used book sales. I intend to read all of them "someday." important teaching of the past century,” the – to become spokespersons for dialogue for a remind us of penitence — a time to take stock both as citizens church must lead. archbishop said. This week I noticed one bought a long while ago. It had world smaller and more fragmented. of our respective countries and as Catholics. 4. Confront terror- The Compendium evaluates and judges two great names on the dust jacket, "Charles Dickens: The “MACC has been working to apply There is much to do! ism with the interna- issues of justice and peace, and articulates Catholic social teaching for a hopeful tomor- Here is a short list: tional rule of law. In Last of the Great Men," by G.K. Chesterton. how faith impacts social doctrine. row for us all,” concluded Archbishop 1. End the war in Iraq. This has been the national instruc- fairness to the United Thinking of Dickens' great "A Christmas Carol," I picked Archbishop Gregory explained that, in the Gregory. tion at least since the 2006 mid-term election; yet, the dying States, it has been bear- up Chesterton's book and read it in one sitting, so taken Industrial Revolution, services became avail- The archbishop’s address was followed by continues with both political parties paralyzed in parliamen- ing the singular respon- able at an incredible rate, and at the same was I with Chesterton's wonderful writing. the presentation of the Humanitarian Awards. tary maneuver. sibility for the world’s time it also made the lives of workers vulner- Chesterton, a Catholic convert, said Dickens felt "com- In his remarks, Archbishop Gomez called Stop it. defense against terror able to the cycles of industry. radeship and serious joy are not interludes in our travel; but MACC a blessing for the archdiocese, and Remember, this is a government “of the people!” As this is far too long. Whomever “The church stressed the dignity of the accepted recognition from the organization on written, there are around 3,870 U.S. soldiers killed and Americans choose as rather, our travels are interludes in comradeship and joy, human person as the focal point of rights and behalf of all Hispanic priests in the United 28,500 seriously wounded. The economic cost of the war is our next president must which through God shall endure forever." justice,” said the archbishop. “The individual States. “Hispanic priests have been a blessing edging past $600 billion with the president requesting yet work with his or her person is the only creation God fashioned in His words had me reflecting on Dickens' story and remember- for the United States,” he said. another $200 billion for 2008. Our daily spending is over foreign counterparts to his own image.” ing that he himself once said he hoped it would "pleasantly haunt Greg Souquette, H-E-B senior vice presi- $270 million, with the cost of deploying one U.S. soldier for unify and more equi- He added that some of those same social the lives" of his audiences; and it has, generations of them. dent/GM for the San Antonio Region, accept- a year in Iraq roughly $390,000. tably share the duties of forces are operating today, but none being ed the honor on behalf of the grocery store Think of the schools, hospitals, homes and businesses not both military defense As for why, it certainly is because Dickens dealt with the more prominent in the Western World than chain by saying, “We embrace MACC’s goal being built with only a fraction of the money being spent for and containing terror. two ultimate themes of existence -- life and death -- and immigration and the movement of peoples. Three titles on PRAYER, including of developing leaders in the community and war. True, one cannot build in chaos, but as the Army Corp of Investigating, prosecuting, detaining and keeping under sur- Archbishop Gregory noted, sadly, that “the “May I Have This Dance,” by Joyce with human failing. That failing, of course, is the ness and another chance. It is a wish that is granted improving the lives of people throughout the Engineers has learned, even basic services promote peace. veillance those who threaten the world order must reflect rhetoric accompanying the issue provides Rupp; “Behold the Beauty of the love of money which so easily carries one to the to him. more heat than light. Some will say the solu- United States and Mexico.” Lord” by Henri Nouwen and “When Responsibly substituting reconstruction for military expendi- worldwide commitment. Keeping true to the promise of the extreme of crowding out all the really good things Dickens' story then becomes a tale of life tions to these challenges are simple and obvi- The Guadalupanas of the archdiocese were the Well Runs Dry,” by Thomas ture while bringing significant troops home is overdue. international rule of law, including the Geneva Conventions, in life. renewed. In the rebirth of Scrooge and the saving represented by Rosario Peña, who told the Green. 2. Seriously commit to ending our dependence on oil. means not extending them without sensible modification to ous, but nothing could be further from the When money becomes one's "god," the next logi- of Tiny Tim, "A Christmas Carol" is a renewal of audience, “We are honored to be here tonight “AQUINAS 101: A Basic Electricity is less expensive and cleaner than petroleum, and address the dangerous or, as Aquinas wrote, perfidious men truth.” cal need is to have power. For without power, you the Christmas message of hope and redemption, and thank you for what you do for the Introduction to the Thoughts of St. electricity can be generated domestically independent of the who strike at the community. He continued by saying that the discussion cannot protect your money. and so it lives on. church.” Thomas Aquinas” is shown below. global oil market. It makes no sense in the name of our Gitmo (Guantanamo Bay) may close when there are well- about immigration touches on the economy, All four are available in paperback Dickens' character Scrooge exercises his power I got the sense that I was supposed to write about A surprise special presentation was then national security to buy $100 barrels of oil from those who in managed alternatives in foreign venues. security, rights of families and the dignity of from St. Anthony Messenger Press. over his employee, Bob Cratchit, bleeding every Charles Dickens this Christmas because when I put 5. Get our own house in order in the U.S. It’s time to the human person. announced by Ruben Escobedo, catalog.americancatholic.org. turn use this vast revenue to promote hate and religious dis- ounce of labor from him to protect and increase his down Chesterton's book I picked up another small remind young people of the importance of forming families The archbishop praised MACC for the piv- secretary/treasurer of the MACC Board of tortion. own wealth. book that had numerous biographies of men of sci- and raising children well. otal role it has played in educating people to Directors. Sister María Elena González, RSM, 3. Confront terrorism with international understanding. Cratchit, a man who values fidelity to his family, ence and literature. There I found some personal In addition, part of the happy calculus of reducing the the gifts and aspirations of the immigrant former president of MACC, received an origi- A year ago, 38 Islamic scholars authored an open letter of accepts this exploitation in order to keep his job writings of Charles Dickens, a father of nine, who dependency on oil will be strengthening our stewardship of community, and also encouraging Hispanics nal framed bas relief of Our Lady of religious common ground to Pope Benedict XI within a and support those who are dependent upon him. died suddenly at age 58. natural resources, and frankly, just reducing excess consump- to respond to the multicultural nature of the Guadalupe by artist Erik Christianson. month of his Regensburg lecture. The number this past fall He also bears a cross -- knowing he cannot provide In a letter to his son Edward who was leaving for tion. United States. After a standing ovation and sustained grew to 144 from 44 nations, belonging to the different cur- the medical care needed by his son Tiny Tim. Thus Australia, Dickens wrote, "I put a New Testament Tax burdens on intact families ought to be lightened and “But their pastoral care in local churches is applause, Sister María Elena said, “Jesus rents of Muslim thought — Sunni, Shiite, Ismaili, Ja’fari, the child faces an early death. among your books ... because it is the best book simplified so that education and health care decisions are the primary focus of MACC,” he added. knew his mission was to speak to those who Ibadi. Some among the signatories have in the past praised As the story progresses, Dickens creates an eerie that ever was or will be known in the world. ... made in the genuine spirit of Catholic subsidiarity — from “Pastors of souls and people engaged in min- are uncomfortable, and I believe this is what terrorist suicide missions. setting that forces Scrooge to face his own evil and "You will therefore understand the better that I the bottom up. The last thing America needs is more excuses, istries have benefited.” MACC’s vision is all about. The last 14 years The letter, by contrast, aims to make the love of God and the death to which this evil will lead. now most solemnly impress upon you the truth and and new, centralized bureaucracies are usually excuses. The culture represented by Hispanics have been challenging and profoundly mean- neighbor the “common word” between Muslims and It may seem strange that a Christmas story deals beauty of the Christian religion, as it came from Yes, there is much to do — not out of fear or apprehension embody many different nations, indigenous ingful, and I have loved serving the poor.” Christians. with death, for Christmas is a time of birth -- the Christ himself, and the impossibility of your going but with hope and optimism. “Be not afraid,” Pope John Paul II cultures, and languages, said Archbishop In three-and-a-half decades of service, The Vatican, under the learned hand of Cardinal Jean-Louis greatest birth ever. far wrong if you humbly but heartily respect it." said. “We are God’s people, and the challenges we face can be Gregory. “The tendency to consider language 50,000 people have participated in MACC’s Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious But that's the seduction of "A Christmas Carol." His message is beautifully appropriate for taken up cheerfully as a continuation of the mission of Christ as the barrier to culture is so much more com- programs and its staff has conducted work- Dialogue, is preparing a response. While the good cardinal is By undergoing his symbolic death, Scrooge real- Advent! Jesus, whose birthday once again can remind a world much in plicated than language difficulties. The entire shops on four continents. appropriately cautious, on the terms stated, an apt answer izes how he lost his life, and he asks for forgive- would be “Amen.” need of his peace that the real Christmas story is true.” Spanish-speaking world is hardly captured by Bishop Michael Pfeifer is on the board of a single heritage, neither are the English- directors of the Mexican American Cultural Center. Page 12 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus Family Recalls make us think outside the box this Christmas By Maureen Pratt or museum of general appeal. At Christmas, nated by stories of the lives of the saints. Older A faith-centered family might decide that the these passes can be wrapped up with a guide- children can appreciate faith-based books and most memorable, meaningful Christmas they book to the locale or a video of a virtual tour. family heirlooms -- perhaps a guide to saying could have would be to volunteer their time as a he recent spate of product recalls during (Most of these venues also have Web sites the the rosary along with a rosary that belonged to a family at a local shelter, food collection drive or the busiest toy-buying family can explore beforehand.) grandparent. other community event. Or the family could Tseason of the year leaves Visits made throughout the year will promote Creative thinking is important at any age and make a commitment to contribute financially many adults confused and wor- family togetherness, learning for all, and might can be nurtured in even the youngest children by throughout the coming year to a missionary ried about what gifts they will even spark career interests or a desire to volun- the gift of a simple set of building blocks (that organization, church or community agency that give their children and other teer. are not so small that they present a choking haz- serves others. loved ones. As alarming as the Children interested in sports can be given a ard). Older children might benefit from building To explore local, national and international current state of toy safety is, it piece of equipment, lessons (golf, tennis, swim- airplane or ship models, drawing or painting sets opportunities for service, contact your local also provides an opportunity for ming) or tickets to a professional sporting event or a telescope with a guide to the sky. diocesan office of missions, Catholic Charities people to exercise creativity along with a book about the history of the sport Many families have a rich ethnic heritage (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org) or the U.S. and extra thoughtfulness in and those who play it. demonstrated in needlework, pottery, dance, Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org what presents they put under Children who like music might enjoy a musi- music and other creative forms. Some are Pratt and click "Evangelization & Outreach"). their Christmas trees and into cal instrument and lessons. The mental and expressed in different languages. Besides serving Given the rapid pace of unfolding safety prob- their loved ones' hands. physical dexterity they develop will apply not as an excellent gift for a child at Christmas, giv- lems, however, perhaps this is the Christmas to Here are some gift suggestions that may only to their artistic pursuit but to many other ing instruction in specific heritage manifestations think outside the ordinary Christmas box and appeal to all age groups and maturity levels: facets of their lives too. creates a bridge from one generation to another, give gifts that promote health, education, charity The whole family can enjoy season passes to Spiritual health can be nurtured through gifts ensuring that beautiful, meaningful traditions and a deep and active expression of our faith. the local children's museum, an aquarium, zoo of books on faith. Young children are often fasci- endure. Bill & Monica Dodds The myth of the perfect Christmas By Bill and Monica Dodds 8. Blown fuse: in the house. Three Things Not to Say ... Catholic News Service 9. Blown fuse: in the family. At your spouse's office Christmas party: 10. None of the above matters because: It's -- "You're sure a great boss. Letting her use It's hard not to get caught up in the myth of Christmas! sick leave like that so we could go on vaca- the perfect Christmas -- in the unfounded and tion." foolish belief that "this Catering Just Got Easier -- "Are you the Tim who steals office supplies year!" everything will Want to avoid cooking that giant meal for or the Tim who never cleans up after himself fall into place. No Christmas or New Year's? This Thanksgiving in the lunch room?" unpleasant surprises, the two of us were invited to an extended -- "So ... what? They decided not to let you go no budget problems, family dinner that had been prepared by a until the end of the year?" no hassles at work, no local Safeway grocery store. squabbles among rela- Yes, someone had to pick it up; yes, it took A Gift for Yourself tives. some prep time to heat up the items; yes, the How is it possible that Advent can blow by No way. hostess added some vegetables to the basic so quickly? That all those good intentions you The Gospels tell us menu, but we -- and the other guests -- were made only a few weeks ago have fallen by the that even the first amazed at what a wonderful meal it was. And, wayside? If you're looking for a great way to Christmas had its Bill and Monica costing less than $40, not only a great time- make the upcoming holy day better for you challenges when it Dodds saver (and stress-reducer) but a bargain, too. and your family, take the time to celebrate the came to traveling and No doubt other major grocery store chains sacrament of reconciliation. (Or, in more tra- accommodations. Fast-forward a couple of have a similar offer. (Including a choice of ditional language: Go to confession!) thousand years and, let's be honest, it really ham or prime rib instead of turkey.) As we've written before, the Knights of seems like Christmas when: Columbus have an online resource to help a Answers 1. Someone knocks over the tree. On the Web: Cranberry Hootycreeks person prepare to go to confession. Go to 2. A batch of cookies ends up "extra-crispy." Looking for something different to put in www.kofc.org, click on "Publications and 1. Matthew 3. The checkout line snakes its way to the that traditional, homemade, "ingredients-in-a - Resources"; then "Catholic Information 2 Acts back of the store. jar" gift? How could a cookie named "cran- Services"; then "Devotional Resources"; and, 3. Romans 4. Attendance at the "just-for-fun" office berry hootycreeks" not be a hit? You'll find the finally, "Guide to Confession." 4. Galatians party is declared mandatory. recipe and a few reviews at: www.christmas- 5. Ephesians cookies.com/recipes/recipe378.cranberry- Bill and Monica Dodds are the founders of the 5. You end up with a drippy, sneezy cold. 6. Titus 6. "The" toy or electronic gizmo is out of hootycreeks.html. Friends of St. John the Caregiver (www.FSJC.org) and editors of My Daily Visitor magazine. They can 7. Philemon stock until mid-February. Click the "Gifts in a Jar" link at the top of be contacted at [email protected]. 7. Every radio station seems to be playing the page to see some other choices. Warning: Their Web site is www.BillDodds.com. 8. Jude "Holly, Jolly Christmas." Do not view when hungry. 9. Revelation The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 13

JUST 4 KIDS King Herod angered at news of birth of the baby Jesus fter Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Magi from the East began asking, "Where is the newborn king of the AJews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to give him our respect." When King Herod, who did not have any newborn sons, heard who the Magi were looking for, he became angry and jealous. He called for his chief priests and scribes, who read READ MORE ABOUT IT insisted that Thomas replace him as to him a prophecy made by Micah: Matthew 2 Q&A archbishop. "And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least 1. Why did Herod summon the Magi? Thomas rose early to pray and read among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler 2. Why was Jesus taken to Egypt? the Scriptures. He visited the monks in who is to shepherd my people Israel." the nearby cloister regularly; he encour- Herod immediately sent a messenger to the Magi. He BIBLE ACCENT aged young men to consider a vocation asked them to tell him about the signs they had seen. He did In Bible times, a family was consid- to the priesthood. ered blessed by God if it had many chil- Conflicts arose when Thomas refused not tell them about his true feelings, but he tried to trick them dren, especially sons. The firstborn son to obey certain orders of the king. He by pretending to be kind. "Go," he said, "and search carefully was the most important child. fled for his life, and the king took away for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I The family home was the center of some of his lands and possessions. too may go and give him praise." learning, playing and working. Children In the end he was able to return. But The Magi left King Herod and once again saw the star that studied the Scriptures and attended misunderstandings with the king contin- Sabbath services with their parents. They ued. Thomas was murdered in his they had been following. They followed its light and found were also expected to help with farm cathedral at the end of the year 1170 by Jesus with Mary. The Magi gave the child expensive gifts they work and care for the animals. Boys four knights who thought they were had brought with them: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Later often learned the trades of their fathers. doing the king's will. that night the men had dreams warning them not to tell Herod Abraham was one of the most impor- We remember Thomas on Dec. 29. what they had found and to go home by a different route. tant Bible figures who did not have chil- Joseph also had a dream that night. An angel of the Lord dren. He prayed faithfully, and even BIBLE TRIVIA though Abraham and his wife, Sara, Which two Gospel writers were not appeared to him and said: "Rise, take the child and his moth- were very old, God blessed him with a among the first apostles of Jesus? (Hint: er to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to son, Isaac. The 12 original tribes of Israel Matthew 10) Answer: Mark and Luke. search for the child to kill him." were named after the children of Isaac. Joseph did not wait until morning. He awakened Mary. They PUZZLE packed and took Jesus to Egypt. Since Herod did not know SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS The following books of the New St. Thomas Becket Testament are out of order. Can you put which newborn boy might become the next king, he killed all Thomas Becket was born in London. them back as they appear in the Bible? boys less than 2 years old. He studied under religious teachers, Acts Later, after Herod had died and his son had taken over the and by the time he was 25 he was Ephesians kingdom, another angel spoke to Joseph in a dream: "Rise, working in the household of Theobald, Titus take the child and his mother and go back to Israel, for those the archbishop of Canterbury. Philemon who wanted to kill the child are now dead." Less than 10 years later, Thomas was Jude the archdeacon of Canterbury and King Galatians Joseph took his family to Galilee and made a home in the Henry II named him chancellor. Thomas Revelation town of Nazareth. continued to rise to power and influ- Matthew ence. When Theobald died, the king Romans Page 14 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus U.S. Bishops Annual Meeting Papal visit, Iraq statement, Cardinal George vote top USCCB meeting

By Catholic News Service a new statement on Iraq was our people together to deal with issued in the name of the bishops’ the conflict’s moral and human USCCB Highlights BALTIMORE — The president, Bishop William S. dimension.” announcement of dates and loca- Skylstad of Spokane, Wash. It On Nov. 12 the bishops were tions for Pope Benedict XVI’s says that some U.S. policymakers briefed by the staff of the New “seem to fail to recognize suffi- York-based John Jay College of BALTIMORE (CNS) — At the U.S. Conference U.S. visit next year highlighted of Catholic bishops’ Nov. 12-15 fall general the first day of the U.S. bishops’ ciently the reality and failures in Criminal Justice on an ongoing meeting in Baltimore, the bishops: Nov. 12-15 fall general meeting Iraq and the imperative for new study of the “causes and context” ! Received details of Pope Benedict XVI’s April in Baltimore. The April 15-20 trip directions.” of clerical sexual abuse. 15-20 visit to the United States. will include visits to New York The statement bemoans a Researcher Karen Terry told the ! Authorized a new statement on Iraq that says and Washington and an address at “political and partisan stalemate bishops that early research seems some U.S. policymakers “seem to fail to recog- the United Nations. in Washington” that parallels a to indicate that the patterns of nize sufficiently the reality and failures in Iraq On Nov. 13, for the first time in “dangerous political stalemate” sexual abuse within the church and the imperative for new directions.” The 36 years, the bishops elected a that blocks reconciliation in Iraq. are consistent with the experience statement was issued in the name of the outgo- cardinal — Francis E. George of “As pastors, we have called for of society as a whole. ing USCCB president, Bishop William S. Chicago — as their next presi- bipartisan action for almost two Among the “clusters of hypo- Skylstad of Spokane, Wash. dent. years,” it adds. “Our country thetical factors being studied” to ! Elected Cardinal Francis E. George of Francis Cardinal George, Chicago as their new president, and Bishop The same day, with the needs a new direction to reduce Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., as vice pres- the war’s deadly toll and to bring (Please See USCCB/16) newly elected president of approval of the body of bishops, the U.S.C.C.B. ident. They had been USCCB vice president and secretary, respectively. ! Heard a briefing from staff of the New York- based John Jay College of Criminal Justice on Bishops’ Conference approves document on politics an ongoing study of the “causes and context” of clerical sexual abuse, with the early research By Nancy Frazier O’Brien suggesting that patterns of sexual abuse within Catholic News Service the church are consistent with the experience of society as a whole. BALTIMORE — In what several bish- ! Voted to draft a brief policy statement on ops called “a watershed moment” for the embryonic stem-cell research and a pastoral U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Bishops study document on reproductive technologies. full body of bishops overwhelmingly documents ! Approved a $147.7 million budget for 2008 approved a document intended to help before voting at and a 16 percent reduction in the diocesan Catholic voters form their consciences on a the recent assessment to fund the USCCB. USCCB ! Issued the 2008 version of their quadrennial variety of issues before the 2008 elections. November “Faithful Citizenship” election statement, which “Forming Consciences for Faithful annual meeting. rejects politics based on “powerful interests, par- Citizenship: A Call to Political tisan attacks, sound bites and media hype” and Responsibility From the Catholic Bishops calls instead for “a different kind of political of the United States” was approved by a engagement,” and approved a bulletin-ready 221-4 vote Nov. 14, the last public day of insert summarizing its main points. the Nov. 12-15 USCCB fall general assem- ! Gave their approval by a 221-7 margin to leg- bly in Baltimore. islation specifying when a bishop must get the The bishops also endorsed a shorter doc- N.Y., introduced the documents Nov. 12, date’s unacceptable position may decide to consent of his diocesan finance council and col- ument, designed as a parish bulletin insert, saying that he spoke not only as chairman vote for that candidate for other morally lege of consultors before making certain finan- by a 221-1 vote. of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic grave reasons,” the longer document says. cial transactions or commitments. The legislation now awaits Vatican approval. Prepared by a task force made up of the Policy but as “the leader of an unprece- “Voting in this way would be permissible ! Approved several liturgical agenda items: a chairmen of seven USCCB committees, dented, extensive and some would say only for truly grave moral interests, not to document on liturgical music, 183-22, with three the document underwent more than a endless consultation” among seven advance narrow interests, or partisan pref- abstentions; an English-language version of a dozen drafts and was still heavily amended USCCB committees. erences or to ignore a fundamental moral document on weekday celebrations of the during the meeting and immediately before “This document is a summary of evil.” Liturgy of the Word, 190-18, and a Spanish-lan- the Nov. 14 vote. Catholic teaching; it is not a voter guide,” The bishops admit that “Catholics may guage version, 188-16, with five abstentions; The longer document rejects politics Bishop DiMarzio said shortly before the feel politically disenfranchised, sensing and revised readings during Lent, 199-6, with based on “powerful interests, partisan Nov. 14 vote. “It calls us as bishops to that no party and too few candidates fully five abstentions. attacks, sound bites and media hype” and help form consciences for political life, not share the church’s comprehensive commit- ! OK’d a curriculum framework for developing calls instead for “a different kind of politi- tell people how to vote.” ment to the dignity of the human person.” catechetical materials for high school students, cal engagement.” But he also said “Faithful Citizenship” “As Catholics, we should be guided 117-97, with one abstention. ! Approved an English-language version of a That engagement must be “shaped by the clearly distinguishes between “intrinsic more by our moral convictions than by our document on stewardship and teenagers, 198-6, moral convictions of well-formed con- evils like abortion and racism that can attachment to a political party or interest and a Spanish-language version, 202-5. sciences and focused on the dignity of never be supported and the related, but dif- group,” the document says. “When neces- ! Approved a 21-page set of guidelines on cat- every human being, the pursuit of the com- ferent, moral obligation to serve ‘the least sary, our participation should help trans- echetical instruction on chaste living for students mon good and the protection of the weak of these,’ seek justice and pursue peace.” form the party to which we belong; we from kindergarten through 12th grade. and vulnerable,” it says. In deciding how to vote, “there may be Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, times when a Catholic who rejects a candi- (Please See CONFERENCE/18) The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 15 Culture ‘Enchanted’ just that: enchanting, fun, family fare By John P. McCarthy it’s fitting that a hilarious chipmunk named Catholic News Service Pip is the only character that threatens to upstage her. And unless you’re a germo- NEW YORK — In the delightful musi- phobe, the scene in which Giselle enlists cal “Enchanted” (Disney), the studio that local wildlife — pigeons, rats, flies and built its reputation on animated fairy tales roaches — to clean Robert’s apartment is gently and cleverly spoofs its own canon an instant classic. by injecting the magical principles of the For those who crave a little action, cartoon realm into the live-action world. there’s even a dragon during the climactic Self-reference in family filmmaking is costume ball. Having the creature ascend a taken to a winsome new level, and the film skyscraper a la King Kong also provides is careful never to obscure the traditional the opportunity for a gender role reversal, values and perennial charms of irony-free with a male character needing the rescue. fairy tales, such as “Snow White,” That’s as subversive as the movie gets. A “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty.” happily-ever-after ending is guaranteed, The story follows maiden Giselle (the and Giselle’s giddy magic even touches a sparkling Amy Adams) from her old-fash- couple in the midst of divorce negotiations. ioned animated milieu, where she and suit- The film contains a few scary images, or Prince Edward (James Marsden) are some sexual innuendo and a brief instance singing an intentionally gooey duet, “True of scatological humor. The USCCB Office Love’s Kiss,” into contemporary Amy Adams stars as Princess Giselle in the Disney Film “Enchanted,” currently in wide for Film & Broadcasting classification is Manhattan where she falls in love with release. A-I — general patronage. The Motion divorce lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey of with poison apples to ensure Giselle stays cute everything with affection and wit. The Picture Association of America rating is “Grey’s Anatomy”). out of the picture. visual effects are good, the fish-out-of- PG — parental guidance suggested. Some Evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), Although Robert is on the verge of pro- water humor isn’t overdone, and there’s a material may not be suitable for children. liable to lose her throne if Edward marries, posing to his girlfriend, Nancy (Idina big, smiley production number in Central instigates this crossover by shoving Giselle Menzel), Giselle’s rosy outlook slowly Park that manages to evoke both golden- - - - down a wishing well. The pretty redhead conquers him, though at first he tries to age musicals and theme-park parades. emerges into the “real world” via a Times temper her naive dream of ideal romance. Original songs by Disney stalwarts Alan McCarthy is a guest reviewer for the Square manhole cover and is rescued from Likewise, it takes a little time for the Menken and Stephen Schwartz fit the bill. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ the streets by single dad Robert and his 6- movie’s spell to overtake the viewer, but Someday, this movie’s greatest claim to Office for Film & Broadcasting. More year-old daughter, Morgan (Rachel Covey). the film’s charms eventually get the upper fame might be as the vehicle that launched reviews are available online at Bombastically chivalrous Edward soon fol- hand of one’s defenses. Amy Adams’ star. Because Disney set the www.usccb.org/movies. lows into the real world, as does Narissa’s Director Kevin Lima and his team exe- standard for anthropomorphizing animals, lackey, Nathaniel (Timothy Spall), armed Three lively anthologies definitely worth reading “One Hundred Great Catholic Books: “One Hundred Great Catholic From the Early Centuries to the Present,” Books: From the Early Centuries to by Don Brophy. BlueBridge (New York, 2007). 222 pp., $16. the Present” is the book I plan to buy for my college-educated nephews and “The Best Catholic Writing 2007,” edited nieces. A generation educated in public by Jim Manney, foreword by Brian Doyle. schools and secular universities knows Loyola Press (Chicago, 2007). 241 pp., $14.95. literature and philosophy but is unfa- miliar with Catholic culture. This book “The Best American Spiritual Writing can lead them through the centuries, 2007,” edited by Philip Zaleski, introduc- identifying who “the greats” are and tion by Harvey Cox. Houghton Mifflin why. (New York, 2007). 306 pp., $14. The 100 most important Catholic books were chosen by Don Brophy, a former editor for Catholic book pub- Reviewed by Maureen Daly lisher Paulist Press. Brophy wrote the Catholic News Service two-page descriptions of each book. In a final short essay he briefly describes Three new collections of short selec- 50 more books that nearly made the tions, each with a slightly different focus, have been released this year. (Please See BOOKS/18) Page 16 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus

STUDENT: We must define when a human is a human POPE: Exact date (From 7) would have turned into an adult, how is that genetically built to carry that child, and the of visit still unknown child's life any different than the life that you, most emotionally attached to it, carries the cells. You do not need to care so much for a dear reader, hold so dear? The mortality of it, guilt of killing her own child, and that guilt (From 8) small mass of cells. But that is not what a the truly evil that is felt behind it, is noticed does get carried, even longer than she would woman does not want to deal with. What this whenever it happens to you. Imagine a funeral, have carried "her little problem". Many thing.” person, no this less than a person does not yours if you wish, where no one shows up. No women actually suffer so much emotional The bishop and others spoke to want to deal with is a child. If this abortionee one grieves, no one cries, no one even acknowl- agony, that they commit suicide. They can no journalists during a Nov. 13 Vatican knows that a child will come of a pregnancy, edges that you died. A funeral in which you are longer live with themselves over what they press conference, unveiling details of then "aborting the fetus" is just another way of not even granted a coffin, but a plastic bag, and did. So yes, abortion does hurt people who the yearlong jubilee celebrations. dancing around saying "killing the child". No, is thrown out with the rest of the trash. It's a can feel it. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, it's not even that. It is not just killing the child, tragedy when it happens to you, isn't it? Not so We must, as humans define when a human head of the Vatican press office, said it is denying that child the right to grow, and much so when it happens to a "mass of cells," is a human, and when a human is nothing the papal trip “most probably” would the right to learn, and the right to love. It is though. Hard to remember that we all came more than a mass of cells and blood. We, as a have Lourdes as its sole destination denying that child the right to breathe her first from that same kind of "mass of cells." staff have no answer to that question. We can- and for now would not include stops breaths of air, to feel the gentle warmth of the One may say, that "It hurts no one, who can not give you a straight answer. We cannot tell in other cities. sun, and to never even know what it feels like feel it?" Search as we did, though, we could you what to believe, your decision is your Bishop Perrier said he is often to be held in her mother's arms. After all, how never find any creditable information that said own, and one paper probably is not enough to asked if the pope will arrive at would you feel if you were aborted? You they could not feel the pain of being ripped change that. Our opinion, though, must be Lourdes for one of the “significant would not. You would never have been able to out of their parents, of being squashed and voiced. To clear our consciences, we must tell moments” for the church, such as love, never met one who made your heart beat clenched, as their mother, their entire world to of how truly horrible of an injustice, no, not Feb. 11, the day the apparitions just a little bit faster than it usually does. You them, decides that it does not want the child even that, a tragedy, that this really is. If you began and also the feast of Our Lady would never have seen the sun, or tasted your that trusts it, who it feeds, and who it shields. want to heed us, to believe as we believe, of Lourdes, or Aug. 15, the feast of favorite snack, or even been able to tell your Ah, and then, of course we have to consider even to change, well then we cannot tell you the Assumption. mom you love her. Just as an aborted child those who survive. The mother, who was no. Please, just do what you think is right. LOURDES: City in south of France mysterious, miraculous (From 8) wind. “Lifting her head, she saw in the drinks the water that I shall give will never Each day, pilgrims carry out actions that crevice of the rock, a young girl, surrounded thirst again: the water that I shall give will are important to understand. They are both accident at work blinded Francois in one by light, who looked at her and smiled.” turn into a spring within them, welling up to a looking back to the story of the eye, and he was falsely accused of having That was the first apparition; 17 more were eternal life." (John 4:14). Apparitions and a recalling of the teaching stolen two sacks of flour and causing the to follow. of the Bible. They are the landmarks of a bankruptcy of the mill. Finally 38 people A pilgrimage is a journey that leads us “Lourdes is the spring where the conscience history we follow and of a faith we hand on. died of cholera in Lourdes. Bernadette was out of ourselves in the wish to change. If becomes clear and clear again.” John Paul II Drinking water from the Spring, touching stricken by cholera and tuberculosis, and she this process is a personal action with a the Rock, lighting a candle are actions suffered the consequences the rest of her group of pilgrims it is a manifestation of the The water of Lourdes is the symbol of this which show the faith of the pilgrims who life. The poor family had to leave the mill local Church, where we have personal spiri- "living water" that Jesus gives us follow the footsteps of Bernadette. They are and in 1857 took refuge in a disused prison tual responsibility. Since February 11, 1858, Lourdes is situated in the south-west of also the Signs of Lourdes. Pilgrimage is cell called “the Cachot.” the day of the first Apparition, the number France, in the Department of Hautes- something we do with our feet, and the At age 14, unable to read or write, not of pilgrims coming to the grotto has never Pyrénées. It is known as the Bigorre region. work is done within us – not by us. having made her First Communion, ceased to increase and is now numbered in It is a mainly rural area, but Hautes “Lourdes is mysterious; it is not supersti- Bernadette, bruised by all these life events, the many millions per year. Pyrénées is renowned for its thermal springs tion. Lourdes is miraculous; it is not hyster- was to have an extraordinary experience. “Go drink of the spring and wash your- and its mountain leisure (ski, excursions, ical. Lourdes has survived endless attempts On 11 February 1858, Bernadette, her sister self there” is what the Blessed Virgin Mary white water sports) Half-way between to undermine its authenticity. Even today it and a friend went looking for firewood in asked of Bernadette Soubirous on February Tarbes and Pau, Lourdes and its 17,000 represents for millions a place where divine the cave called Massabielle, beside the river 25, 1858. The Gospels recount the follow- inhabitants welcome some 6 million pil- power and providence operate through the Gave. ing scene: Tired after the journey, Jesus sat grims each year. The town has a large hotel sacred shrine of the Holy Virgin and the While the girls were gathering firewood, beside a well. A woman came to draw and camping industry. The area is incredi- humble peasant girl kneeling at her feet.” Bernadette heard a sound like a gust of water. Jesus said to her: "anyone who bly beautiful! -- Fr. Benedict Groeschel USCCB: Bishop finance committee recommends annual parish audits (From 14) them; job-related stresses for priests such as Committee on Diocesan Audits recom- lent work in managing very limited isolation; and structures of dioceses and mended annual reporting by every parish as resources to the maximum advantage, we explain the incidence of sexual abuse are church leadership. A third cluster is the well as exercising caution about the tradi- have all seen reports of occasional financial social changes of the 1960s and ‘70s, such changes in parish activities, the growth of tion of presuming church employees view mismanagement in parishes,” said Bishop as social movements, social stratification youth ministry, and changes in the living sit- their work as ministry and do not need Daniel F. Walsh of Santa Rosa, Calif., chair- and changes in the church after the Second uations and responsibilities of parish priests. oversight. Such a “trusting environment” man of the committee. Vatican Council and how those influenced She also said there is a cluster of structural can be exploited by a dishonest worker, the It was Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic priests’ attitudes and behavior, she said. and legal factors, including economic and committee’s report said. nuncio to the United States, who announced Another cluster of possible factors is how statutory changes and law enforcement. “While the vast majority of our pastors, the details of the papal visit during his seminaries recruited candidates and trained Meanwhile, the bishops’ Ad Hoc parish finance councils and staff does excel- remarks to the bishops. The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 17 SPIRITUAL: Companionship for the journey NCYC: Youth from around diocese (From 3) director’s preparatory program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La same way someone having emotional Crosse, Wisc. felt Holy Spirit at annual conference problems seeks out a counselor or thera- “Spiritual direction is all about those pist, although people can at first be who are seeking,” she said. “It doesn’t (From 7) and write to you a letter telling you of our moved by the need for a greater pres- matter your faith practice; I’ve even had experiences. I had trouble trying to figure out ence with God. non-believers come seeking help in their had found “the way”, he is Jesus! He’s just what I wanted to share with you and the “The most essential part of sitting journey.” always been there and he’s not planning on diocese, but I think I have found just the right down with someone as a spiritual direc- Tyson receives her foundation for leaving anytime soon! -- Alexis Cortez (St. thing. Often times I feel that we take advan- tor is an openness to the Holy Spirit,” spiritual direction in the Scripture, sup- Joseph/Odessa) tage of all of God’s blessings. I come from a Tyson said. plemented by a list of spiritual texts “as “Experiencing the love of God is always an privileged background and sometimes wonder Listening, and hearing from the heart, tall as I am,” including Henri Nouwen, awesome experience. Although NCYC was why God has been so good to me. This week- are two of the director’s most important the late author, priest, servant to the dis- different from any of my past experiences it end I watched a man with no arms play the tasks during spiritual direction sessions. abled and source of inspiration to hun- was still fun. I was basically in awe of how guitar, I watched a quadriplegic sing when Scripture passages may lead to prayer dreds of thousands. many young Catholics are in this world and doctors told her that would never happen, and passages and “assignments for the “All individuals are at a different aren’t afraid to admit it. From the very I watched a priest who had such confidence week,” if you will, given to the person place in their spiritual journey,” Tyson moment we arrived God spoke to me. in God even when his church had been rav- seeking guidance. said, “and people come for different rea- Hearing speakers such as Tony Melendez, Fr. aged by hurricane Katrina. I watched all this Many pastors are able to provide lim- sons. One person might have a sense of Tony Ricard and Renee Bondi helped me to and I couldn’t help but shed tears because I ited spiritual direction to parishioners disconnectedness, almost desperateness, appreciate my life a whole lot more. Here I know my God is powerful and to hear these but because of sheer numbers of those and another might have the very oppo- am stressing out about physical looks and stories just shook me. in the church, long-term visitations are site, and feel tremendously connected grades and here they are facing many great Tony Melendez has no arms yet he still is often difficult. Spiritual directors such and want to go farther and deeper and trials in their lives and yet they still show able to play the guitar. I have a guitar sitting as Tyson can often pick up where pas- understand more about this relationship their love for Jesus freely and happily. I have in the corner of my room. I have refused to tors must leave off because of the vol- they have with God. There are those never been one to turn my back on the Lord play it because it is “too hard.” This man ume of their responsibility. Exceptions, examples, and everything in between. and now I know I never will because regard- has no arms, no hands and I with perfectly though, are made in some cases where “With most people, spiritual direction less of how big or little my problems, God will working arms and hands claim that the guitar pastors can arrange for longer-term is not casual, it’s either one way or always get me through them. “With God all is “too hard.” Who am I to say “it is too direction with individuals, but it is another. They either come alive in their things are possible.” -- Samantha Rivera hard” when I know that through Christ noth- uncommon. faith or they are really struggling with (St. Joseph/Odessa) ing is too difficult and that was the message Tyson has an undergraduate degree their faith to find that meaning. In the “This weekend was amazing. The speakers Tony was sending. Tony wanted to be a priest from St. Scholastica College in Duluth, course of time that changes, too, just were so powerful and inspiring that I took growing up, but because of his disability he Minn., and a master’s in pastoral min- because of daily life and how it enters in time to reflect and absorb their message in my was unable to do so. So he began to minister istry from St. John’s University in to the picture. Every part of our every daily life. Part of my time was spent as an in a different way. After 10 years of this he Collegeville, Minn. Her professional day life is sacred, I believe.” Ambassador, which was something new to me, was playing guitar for Pope John Paul II and experience includes serving as a pas- For more information on spiritual but I really enjoyed greeting people. Renee the pope stepped off the stage and kissed Tony toral associate for 10 years in the direction, email Anne Tyson at Bondi’s story and her strength to overcome saying “Tony, you are truly courageous.” I Diocese of Marquette, Mich. She would [email protected] or call 715-587- her disability gives me the strength to over- was astounded by this. Pope John Paul II later study for three years in a spiritual 1840. come any obstacles I may face, no matter how kissed him! How crazy is that! I sat in the big or small. Overall, I can honestly say presence of a man who the pope himself God’s presence was spiritually felt by the deemed “courageous.” My heart was so full thousands of people there. — Roxanne of joy and guilt I could do nothing but cry. ACTS: Potential for major movement McGuire (St. Joseph/Odessa) Fr. Tony Ricard was the next speaker to “We all just want to thank Larry Cortez, take the stage. His congregation had been (From 3) before being approached about heading up our youth minister for taking us, Sister ripped apart by Katrina. He got on stage and ACTS Missions, which oversees the Adelina for making all the arrangements to told us that at first he couldn’t figure out how ACTS Retreats is dependent on the inter- retreats, says slowly but surely he sees get us there and we especially thank Bishop he was going to recover from this, but then he vention of the Holy Spirit, Peterson said. ACTS as being a major force of evange- Pfeifer for going all the way over there to realized that with Christ nothing is impossible “At every ACTS Retreat we have an lization for Catholics. support us and represent us. and he prayed on it. Soon things got back opportunity for the expression of love for “Two bishops on our board have together and he was preaching again. the Father and the Son and vice versa,” expressed a fervant hope that it will Letter to Bishop Pfeifer from youth in Again with Christ, nothing is impossible. Peterson said. “It just seems a little piece become a centrist movement in the Sonora The final speaker was Renee Bondi, a for- of Heaven for those who make a retreat Catholic Church,” he said. “We are com- mer choir director. She had had the best day weekend. It is so awesome to gain just a mitted in helping that along in whatever Your Excellency, of her life, when in her sleep she suddenly fell little glimpse of the power of that love; way we can. We’ll just keep throwing peb- May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be and broke her neck. She explained that noth- people continue to want to experience it. bles into the water and hope the ripples with you! I hope this letter finds you in a ing in life is a coincidence. She said that she When ACTS weekends are over we have will continue to touch others. We know great place. I would like to start off by first broke her neck in the higher vertebrae. It to tell people it’s time to come down the we’re not reaching great masses but you thanking you for your presence in Ohio and affected her trachea. The doctors told her she mountain and go back to work.” never know what these seeds will do and taking the time to meet with us. I always find would never sing again or gain use of her Peterson said, half jokingly, that after his what fruits they will bear once they’re great joy when I am able to speak with you or limbs. She said that not only would she ask first ACTS retreat, it took him nearly two planted. I think ACTS will serve as a revi- even just to meet with you. I have come to Jesus for the strength to walk, she would also weeks to even notice common everyday talizing movement of the church and serve realize just how blessed I truly am to call you rude behavior in other people. to unite folks and rekindle their desire to my bishop. (Please See NCYC/20) Peterson, an employee with EWTN serve their parish community.” You asked us in Ohio to collect our thoughts Page 18 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus PATTERSON: Giving God’s gifts this Christmas Day (From 3) with a new car in the drive way. Imagine Two gifts that others know you have or This Christmas, in addition to your tradi- instead being given one gift -- joy -- and don’t even before you do. tions, begin another: Be generous. Give since they are there for us. We just have to then being led by it to another gift: person- As for faith, only you know if you have God’s gifts to others. How often are we visualize them, especially at this time of al peace. The two go hand-in-hand like key this gift. reminded that it is better to give than to year, for what they are: gifts. and new car. And while the advertisers will Of all the gifts St. Paul mentioned, we have receive? Passing on God’s gifts of love, Certainly, love comes in all forms and is tell you differently, peace and joy will get been told that the greatest is love and I of that peace, joy, kindness, mildness, faith, patient perhaps the easiest of all these gifts to identify you a lot farther in life than a car whose have no doubt. One more gift we have been endurance and self control to others multi- and the most valuable to feel and to use. warranty will soon expire. given by God though is a vital part of our plies your generosity, magnifies the love Imagine opening a small box containing a Kindness and mildness are two more of peace, our joy, our happiness and our kind- you receive and helps bring you the peace key, and then being led to a picture window the gifts Paul spoke of that go hand in hand. ness: the gift of generosity. and joy born on Christmas Day. GABRIEL: Babies a free expression of God’s unfailing love (From 8) become “Gabriel Angels.” When the need Many in the parish, including doctors and God and each and every one of His chil- arises, one volunteer will be assigned to lawyers, have offered their assistance. dren, we offer immediate and practical help several teachers, and a housewife. take a specific interest in the pregnant Perhaps the following statement, adopted to any woman faced with what might seem Personnel from Medical Center Hospital of woman and will, with Christian presence by the parish and posted by its pro-life to be a crisis pregnancy. The only condi- Odessa, Texas Tech and a local baby doctor and friendship, walk with her through the monument, explains why the parish has ini- tion is that the child be allowed to live.” have all agree to offer their services. An difficult decisions she must make leading to tiated the Gabriel Project in Odessa: “We, Within the first few days of the com- attorney who attends St. Elizabeth’s has the birth of her child. The volunteer will the members of this church community, see mencement of the Gabriel Project, volun- also offered to assist where needed. act as a go-between by coordinating the in the birth of each baby a fresh expression teers had already received several calls. The Gabriel Project volunteers have spiritual and practical help she needs. of God’s unfailing love. For the love of CONFERENCE: All practicing Catholics, regardless party, are ‘getting our message’ (From 14) elected committee chairmen and elected without having to consult a dictionary or a addressed because the conference had dealt regional representatives. book on moral theology,” he added. with it earlier in two other documents and should not let the party transform us in The panel that drafted this document was The document does not address a topic because “Faithful Citizenship” is “directed such a way that we neglect or deny funda- made up of the chairmen of seven USCCB raised during the 2004 presidential campaign at Catholic voters, not Catholic politicians.” mental moral truths.” committees — domestic policy, internation- — giving Communion to Catholic politicians At the meeting’s closing news conference It is part of a series of documents that al policy, pro-life activities, communica- who support keeping abortion legal. Nov. 14, one reporter asked Bishop have been issued before every presidential tions, doctrine, education and migration. Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis DiMarzio if he thought Catholics who election for more than 30 years. But the The joint committee accepted 26 pages of already has said he would not give belong to the Democratic Party — which is 2007 version underwent a wider consulta- amendments to the document at the start of Communion to former New York Mayor Rudy on record as supporting legalized abortion tion at the committee level and is the first the fall meeting and rejected 10 other pages Giuliani, who is, according to recent polls, the — were “listening to the voice of the bish- to come before the full body of bishops. In of proposed amendments, Bishop DiMarzio leading Republican presidential candidate. ops” on political matters. past years, the documents were approved said. In response to a question during discus- “Catholics who are practicing the faith and by the Administrative Committee, made up The goal of the joint committee was to sion on the document, Bishop DiMarzio coming to the Eucharist each week are listening of the executive officers of the USCCB, create a document that “anyone could read said the Communion issue would not be to our voice and getting our message,” he said. BOOKS: ‘Catholic’, ‘Spiritual’ collections run wide array of topics (From 15) one book out of an author’s body of work This is a charming and valuable book. address at Auschwitz and a brief Easter that he believes should be read before any “The Best Catholic Writing 2007” is sermon by Anglican Archbishop Rowan list. You could not ask for a more intelli- other. For the late Father Henri Nouwen, edited by Jim Manney with a moving fore- Williams of Canterbury. gent, accessible and informed guide than he recommends “The Wounded Healer,” word and final selection by writer and edi- “The Best American Spiritual Writing Brophy. Here is a witty, knowledgeable while for the prolific Father Andrew M. tor Brian Doyle. Manney, a senior editor at 2007,” edited by Philip Zaleski, includes friend. Greeley he suggests “The Great Loyola Press, covers the range of contem- selections by writers from many American For younger Catholics a book like this Mysteries.” porary American Catholic writing, includ- religious traditions. I especially was taken can quickly clear up who certain famous Most of the books he recommends are ing a few good poets among the many fine by Robert Louis Wilken’s thoughts on the names are and why they are famous. It puts from the 20th century, which makes the essays. I particularly enjoyed Robert late Jaroslav Pelikan and Garry Wills’ fine in context, for example, writers like Sts. reading list less daunting. Younger readers Ellsberg’s thoughts on editing the late essay, “What Jesus Did.” Thomas More, Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of may be surprised to find that many great Father Nouwen, Jim Cullen’s essay on The collection includes Marilynne Avila and Therese of Lisieux. contemporary writers were grounded in a Bruce Springsteen as the greatest Catholic Robinson’s scathing dissection of what she Even well-read Catholics might hesitate Catholic worldview. The 20th-century writ- poet of our time, and Therese J. Borchard’s calls Richard Dawkins’ “hysterical scien- to attempt less accessible writers such as ers include English novelists J.R.R. Tolkien impassioned blog entry on the suffering of tism.” It was a pleasure to read her cogent Meister Eckhart and Hildegard of Bingen. and Graham Greene, of course, but also depression. attack on Dawkins’ flimsy arguments in his Brophy gives good advice on where to economist E.F. Schumacher, essayist Annie Official speeches are rarely honored as mean-spirited best-seller, “The God begin. Dillard, short story writer Andre Dubus good writing, but Manney includes two in Delusion.” Brophy is also helpful in suggesting the and American novelist Alice McDermott. this collection: Pope Benedict XVI’s The Angelus DECEMBER 2007 Page 19 OBISPO (Para 3) para salvarnos de nuestros pecados y dejando al niño Jesús destructiva y animamos a nuestros hermanos. Es Navidad enseñarnos por su ejemplo y palabra como compartimos siempre cuando luchamos por la verdad, sin pactar con la pequeño Rey y rogándole que nos muestre el camino hacia ese amor con otros. mentira; siempre que un acto de comprensión y consid- la paz y reconciliación. El niño—el hombre Dios—en el Es Navidad siempre cuando en alguna parte del mundo eración, de caridad o de estima nos hermanan. pesebre es un signo y una fuente de la reconciliación y nace o renace el amor; es navidad cuando siempre abrimos Siempre Es Navidad cuando encendemos una vela, sin sanación que necesitamos en nuestras vidas individuales, en las puertas de la casa o del corazón a los que sufren o piden maldecir la oscuridad; es navidad cuando el sermón de la nuestras familias, y en nuestras comunidades y en todo el ser confortados; siempre que perdonamos a quien nos ha montaña y las lecciones del niño de pesebre de Belén sean mundo. herido, ofendido o pisoteado. Es Navidad siempre que parte de nuestra vida diaria mientras sigamos a cristo en Históricamente, asignamos un día para decir cuando renunciamos al egoísmo, sirviendo con generosidad; es vida como adulto. nació Cristo. Sin embargo, por el misterio maravilloso de la navidad siempre que sonreímos a alguien, aun cuando este- La Navidad no morirá si nosotros no la dejamos morir. sagrada liturgia, por el poder y presencia del Espíritu Santo, mos cansados; siempre cuando enjugamos alguna lagrima Ella será diaria, constante, cuando podamos decir con San Cristo nace en una manera nueva cada Navidad, y por el de un rostro atribulado. Es Navidad siempre que exten- Pablo: mismo poder del espíritu, podemos decir que la Navidad demos la mano a una persona necesitada; siempre que hace- pasa, o pueda pasar, cada día del año. La Navidad se trata mos un favor a quien nos pide ayuda. “Ya no soy yo el que vivo. Es Cristo que vive dentro del amor y misericordia de Dios viniendo a nuestro mundo Siempre Es Navidad cuando callemos una crítica de mí.” BIOETHICS: Many of our actions come with a certain amount of risk (From 7) she is ovulating. If it is determined that her would properly function as a contraceptive tainty about the presence of a human in the LH levels have spiked and she is ovulating, and not as an abortifacient. bushes during a hunting trip, for example, Some have argued that it may be immoral the morning-after pill will not be able to The new laws in Connecticut and we ought not shoot into the bushes. By for Catholics to provide any contraceptive block the egg’s release from her ovary. If it Massachusetts which mandate the provision doing ovulation testing, on the other hand, measures at all to a woman who has been were to be administered under these circum- of the morning-after pill are clearly mis- we can begin to address the question of raped. Such a view is incorrect, however, stances, the morning-after pill might func- guided and unethical. They effectively pro- whether a human may be “hidden within”, because a woman who has been sexually tion to prevent the implantation of any hibit health care professionals from doing and reasonably exclude the choice for a pos- assaulted is clearly entitled to protect herself newly conceived embryo(s), which would appropriate medical tests to determine sible death-dealing effect of the drug. from the attacker’s sperm. The Church be the moral equivalent of an abortion. whether a particular treatment (administer- Many actions we choose to engage in teaches that rape is not a unitive act that Under these conditions, therefore, the morn- ing Plan B) is suitable and medically appro- carry a certain risk to human life, and as the requires openness to procreation. It is rather ing-after pill should not be administered. priate for a patient. These laws meddle in risks become greater, we must take stronger an act of violence against another person, The young boy or girl conceived through the affairs of doctors and nurses in emer- measures to minimize them. Hence we use and the woman is allowed to take steps to sexual assault is an innocent bystander, and gency rooms, where their professional and child safety seats and restraining belts prevent the possible fertilization of her own he or she should never become a “second competent medical judgments should not be whenever we travel in a car, and ovulation egg(s). It is permissible, then, for Catholic victim” of rape through chemical abortion. short-circuited by overzealous state legisla- testing can similarly serve as a kind of hospitals to provide their patients with Women who conceive a child after sexual tures beholden to pro-abortion ideologies “safety net” to assure that we do not indis- morning-after pills if the following four assault deserve full and loving support and agendas. Such state laws require health criminately subject any newly conceived conditions are met: throughout and following their pregnancy. care professionals to cooperate in actions child to risk when the morning-after pill is The woman is not already pregnant from In follow-up studies where children are born that may, in a foreseeable way, result in the administered. prior, freely-chosen sexual activity. from sexual assault, both mother and child death of very young human beings within The woman has been sexually assaulted. frequently express satisfaction at not having their mother’s bodies. Unjust mandates of The woman has not yet ovulated (i.e. has adverted to the deadly answer of abortion. this kind forcibly violate the consciences of Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned not released an egg from her ovary into the Appropriate care for rape victims should those health care providers who wish to use his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale fallopian tube where it could be fertilized by thus include efforts to assess whether a the art of medicine to heal rather than and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. the attacker’s sperm). woman may have ovulated (and thus possi- destroy. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall The morning-after pill can reasonably be bly conceived) by taking her menstrual his- To provide the morning-after pill without River, MA, and serves as the Director of expected to prevent her from ovulating. tory, doing an LH test, and performing any considering a woman’s ovulatory state thus Education at The National Catholic When a woman arrives to an emergency other tests or interventions which, in the crosses an important moral line. Choosing Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See room following a sexual assault, a simple judgment of the physician, help establish to act in a way as to possibly cause the www.ncbcenter.org urine test for leutinizing hormone (LH) can prudential certitude that emergency contra- death of another human is not generally a be used to gain information about whether ception, if it were provided to the victim, good moral choice. When we have uncer- BISHOP: If our attitude, intent is right, it can be Christmas every day of the year

(From 2) pens in a special way when we extend a and consideration for the opinion and feel- daily living as we follow this Christ in his hand to a person in need and when we do a ing of another person, and when we per- adulthood. our pride and our egoism, and when we favor for someone who asks for help. form an act of charity which shows that we Christmas will never die in us if we do reach out in service to others in generosity. It is always Christmas when we stifle are in solidarity with the other person. not let it die. Christmas will happen every- Christmas happens when we smile at some- destructive criticism and try to encourage a It is always Christmas when we light a day and constantly, in the Eucharist, in our one even when we are tried, even perhaps brother or sister who is discouraged. It is candle without cursing the darkness. It is acts of love, in service, and when we say when we dislike a certain person. It is Christmas when we fight for the truth with- especially Christmas when the sermon on with St.Paul, “I live, no longer I, but Christ always Christmas when we wipe the tears out ever entering into a pact with untruth, the mount is the guiding force of our life, lives in me.” (Gal.2:20) of a suffering child or from the face of or taking part in a lie or deception. It is and when the lessons that we learn here at someone who is troubled. Christmas hap- Christmas when we show understanding the crib of this infant become part of our Page 20 DECEMBER 2007 The Angelus

The West Texas ANGELUS Mexican American Cultural Official Newspaper of the DIOCEIOCE-SCENESCENES Diocese of San Angelo, Texas POSTMASTER: Send all address Center celebrates 35 years changes to: San Antonio Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Mexican of service to church, world WEST TEXAS ANGELUS American Cultural Center P.O. Box 1829 (MACC) are, from left, By Jordan McMurrough SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, Special to The Angelus ______OMI, of the Diocese of San Angelo and a MACC Board SAN ANTONIO – To cele- Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI member; Sister María Elena brate the Mexican American Publisher González, RSM, former Cultural Center’s (MACC) 35 president of MACC; years of national service in Archbishop Wilton D. Jimmy Patterson Gregory of the Archdiocese leadership formation and lan- Director of Communications of Atlanta, keynote speaker guage studies, preparing lead- Editor at the event; and Dr. Arturo ers for service in Hispanic and Chávez, current president multicultural communities, the Member of MACC. (Photo by Ruben organization held an anniver- Sister María Elena González, Alfaro, Today’s Catholic) sary celebration Oct. 11 at the Catholic News Service RSM, former president of the Catholic Press Association Omni San Antonio Hotel. Mexican American Cultural Texas Catholic News MACC presented its Center (MACC), receives from Rowena Humanitarian Award to Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI, of Published the first Monday following Archbishop José H. Gomez, the Diocese of San Angelo, an the 1st Saturday of each month and H-E-B, and the Guadalupanas original framed bas relief of Our delivered to all registered parish- of the archdiocese, but the Lady of Guadalupe by artist Erik Christianson at the organi- ioners in the San Angelo Diocese. highlight of the evening was the presentation by the keynote zation’s 35th anniversary cele- bration in San Antonio. Subscription rate for all others: speaker, Archbishop Wilton D. $10 per year Gregory of Archdiocese of Chicago on Dec. 13, 1983. On Atlanta. Feb. 10, 1994, he was installed Archbishop Gregory was THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT as the seventh bishop of the ordained a priest for the SAN ANGELO, TEXAS Diocese of Belleville, Ill., Archdiocese of Chicago on where he served for the next May 9, 1973. After having Printed by the decade. served as a member of the fac- On Dec. 9, 2004, Pope John San Angelo Standard Times ulty of St. Mary of the Lake A Scripps-Howard Company Paul II appointed Bishop Seminary in Mundelein and as Gregory as the sixth archbish- master of ceremonies to op of the Archdiocese of Submissions: Cardinals John Cody and Atlanta. He was installed on Story suggestions, calendar items, The Children’s Liturgy Group from St. Joseph’s Church in Rowena recently pre- Joseph Bernardin, he was pared 12 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. parish briefs and all other ordained an auxiliary bishop of (Please See MACC/11) submissions should be emailed to [email protected]. COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: NCYC: Conference opens eyes of youth to many needs in the world Third Friday of every month. (From 17) me from doing what they were doing? And fur- And Mother Teresa said, “You are not worthy ther, why did tragic things have to happen in of such suffering, because those people didn’t Photos should be in jpeg format. run! Soon she began to gain use of her arms, order for us to realize God’s power? Why take a single thing for granted. They thank then someone asked her to sing. She began to can’t we just change because change is needed God for everything they were given.” This is Letters to the editor are welcome, cry and said she couldn’t do it, but then she not because something awful happened and we when I realized that I am not worthy of such and should be emailed to tried and began to sing the words, “Be not need God to be there for us?” It is important things. I have more to overcome to get to heav- [email protected]. afraid, I go before you always…” to realize that God was behind the good things en than Tony did. I have everything to take for Letters to the editor are printed at After the speakers I went back to my hotel too. Second, I was the one with the burden, granted and I have to prove myself too. the discretion of the editor and iden- room where I was told to prepare to discuss not Renee, not Tony. I wanted to trade places This weekend was extremely enlightening. tities of the writer are subject to this weekend with the Bishop. As I sat there I with them. You may say, “What? You’re I’m thankful to all those who helped make this verification. Please include name, couldn’t think just what to say. I had experi- crazy!” But no, I finally get it. They are able trip a reality. I am so thankful for you help, address and phone number when enced so much. I asked myself, “Why do I to realize God’s blessings and see them for Bishop Pfeifer. As I previously said, God has submitting letters. have arms? What can I walk? Why has God what they are. I often lose track and don’t truly blessed me to have you as my bishop. I laid so much in front of me? I have amazing appreciate what I have. They were the ones hope that you enjoyed my letter and truly can parents with good jobs, college offers from who are truly blessed. God had chosen them see where I’m coming from. I have so much to everywhere, and a bright future. Why am I so to endure those hardships because they could learn about this world and how my God is lucky? As I pondered this I began to realize handle it. So I asked myself, “Why them? truly an awesome God! I just can’t wait! two things. First, who am I to say I couldn’t Why not me?” After I pondered this, the words make a difference in this world? I have two of Mother Teresa came to me. Princess Diana ¡Viva Cristo Rey! arms, two legs, I can walk and talk. Who am I asked Mother Teresa, “Why did those people Chelsea Martinez to say, I’m just one person. What is stopping suffer instead of me? Why am I so blessed?” St. Ann, Sonora