Sooner Catholic Serving the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 35, Number 19 * October 12, 2008

Cardinal McCarrick Visits Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Beltran recently hosted a longtime friend when Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick visited the Archdiocese. During his stay, Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington D.C., celebrated Mass at Bishop McGuinness High School. Following Mass he enjoyed an informal chat with students. Archbishop Beltran and Cardinal McCarrick then visited the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Saint Joseph's Old Cathedral. The two friends also made the drive to Okarche and the gravesite of Father Stanley Rother where both men prayed for the canonization of the slain Oklahoma priest. They later visited Holy Trinity Church where Father Rother was baptized and where a statue is dedicated to his memory. On Tuesday afternoon, Cardinal McCarrick spent two hours in an informal session with priests at the Catholic Pastoral Center. About 30 Oklahoma priests attended and later enjoyed dinner with the Cardinal. This was Cardinal McCarrick's first visit to Oklahoma.

Inside Oliver Douberly Celebrates Twenty Years at the Cathedral Of Our Lady 16 2 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 The Good News Sooner Catholic Most Reverend . . . Come Lord Jesus Eusebius J. Beltran Archbishop of Oklahoma City Saint Joseph Church, Ada his example brought people to God. Publisher Annual Hispanic Mass This is his great gift to us. By living October 4, 2008 always in the Presence of God, not There is no My dear Brothers and Sisters in trying to seem important, Saint substitute Ray Dyer Christ: Francis has led and continues to lead Editor What a beautiful day for the people to God. for the Hispanic community of our Archdio- His love of poverty and his Eucharist Cara Koenig decision to live a life of radical cese to celebrate this annual gather- Layout/Design/ ing. I am very pleased to see people poverty is truly in opposition to our because the here from many parishes and towns materialistic society. He desired Eucharist is Photographer of the Archdiocese. I welcome all of nothing since he depended upon Archbishop you to Saint Joseph Parish here in God for everything. Thus today he God Himself. Beltran Mauro Yanez Ada, Oklahoma. I thank Father continues to attract people who have Hispanic Editor Rusty Hewes and his people for host- much in the line of possessions but of God. God sees us. He loves us. He ing this year’s celebration. I thank find no internal peace or joy. Again, blesses us. Like Saint Francis, who Sister Rosario and her staff and all his example teaches us that we can was always aware that he was in Ammanda McCabe who have worked so hard preparing have true happiness and fulfillment God’s presence, we too must have Staff for this day. Your work, your prayers in the Lord alone. that same awareness. Nature, family and your dedication make this a Finally, Saint Francis had a and friends and all of creation can 7501 Northwest Expressway great spiritual, cultural and enjoy- great respect for nature. He recog- and should help us be aware of God’s able gathering. Thank you. Thank nized that God is the Creator of presence. But the most direct help Oklahoma City, OK 73132 you and God bless you. everything. He loved all living things we can ever have to become good (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 Today is the Feast of Saint — plants, animals and people. He and holy and faithful people of God is e-mail: [email protected] Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis is loved all life but especially human the Holy Eucharist, the celebration Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 one of the most popular of all saints. life created in God’s image and like- of Mass. He is revered not only by Catholics ness. Because of Saint Francis’ love The Holy Eucharist is the sacra- Oklahoma City, OK 73123 but also by many people of other of life and respect for God’s creation, ment of the Body and Blood of Jesus. religious beliefs. In fact, he is re- he is very popular today. With a re- In Holy Communion, Jesus gives Visit us online through the spected even by people who have no newed consciousness about the envi- Himself to us. “Take My Flesh and formal religious affiliation. ronment, people see Saint Francis as eat It,” He says. “Take My Blood and Archdiocesan Web Page at A detailed study of the life of a prophet and an example. drink It.” www.catharchdioceseokc.org. Saint Francis reveals a man of great In each of these three instances, There is no substitute for the character. He was indeed a person of his humility, his love of poverty and Eucharist because the Eucharist is The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is integrity. Saint Francis seems to his respect for nature, Saint Francis God Himself. Although we are not attract people because of three exerted his influence upon people worthy to receive the Body and Blood published biweekly except for once in July attributes. These are his humility, who otherwise might never have of Jesus, like Saint Francis, we come and twice in December by the Archdiocese his love of poverty and his respect for turned to God. with humility and love. We come to of Oklahoma City. nature. Today we, who gather here on receive Holy Communion, not be- Humility is a virtue in which a this Feast of Saint Francis, should cause we are good and deserve this person seeks truth. A humble person also be inspired. Through Saint sacrament, but because God is good. The newspaper is not responsible for therefore acknowledges that God is Francis we are brought into God’s It is His special gift to us. It is the unsolicited material. the author of all good. A humble presence. Through him we can live a gift of Himself coming to live in us Copyright © 2008 Sooner Catholic person realizes that everything we simpler but more profound life. and with us. This is Jesus who gives have comes from God. There is no Saint Francis shows us where true us life and leads us to life everlast- inordinate pride or false claim in happiness and peace can be found ing. Subscription rate: $20 per year for all such a person. Saint Francis was and that is in God alone. In faith and with confidence, let who are not members of the that kind of a person. Therefore, his Just like all other people in the us respond humbly — Come Lord Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. preaching, his writing and, above all, world, we are always in the presence Jesus! Come! Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma A group of City, OK 73125. Oklahomans led by Archbishop Beltran were recent pilgrims in the Holy Land, visiting Israel and Jordan. They are shown here with His Beatitude Fouad Twal, the Latin The Sooner Catholic is Patriarch of supported through the Jerusalem in his Archdiocesan Development Fund. parlor on Sept. 17. October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 3 Saint Vincent de Paul Raises Funds to Help Less Fortunate of Area NORMAN — The South Central footprints containing the Beatitudes District Council of the Society of St. and short prayers. Blue and white Vincent de Paul celebrated the 175th balloons added to the festive appear- anniversary of the founding of the ance of the area. society with a Walk for the Poor. It The goal was to raise $10,000 for began with Mass and dinner at the the poor of the Moore, Norman and Pastoral Center on Friday evening, Purcell areas, however, the donations Oct. 26. Archbishop Beltran was reached $22,000. This will be divided presented with an official Walk for the equally between Our Lady of Victory, Poor T-shirt. The following morning St. Andrew’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Mark’s more than 500 people gathered at All and St. Thomas More. Saint’s Catholic School in Norman for Council president Ed Marsom the one-mile walk. extended his thanks to all the The master of ceremonies was members that have worked so hard on Joseph Castiglione. Father Thomas the project, as well as to all of the out- Boyer blessed the walk with an inspir- standing contributors. Marson said ing prayer and Alex Court sang the that it came at just the right time, as National Anthem as well as several two of the conferences were no longer beautiful spiritual songs. able to help the less fortunate that Students of All Saint’s had came to them because they were out of decorated the path with signs and funds. Walkers raised some $22,000 in the Walk for the Poor. Beginning Experience Helped Heal Pain of Lost Relationship By Paul Fagiano failed relationship nearly destroyed counter was for people just like me, solitude to reflect my most inter- For the Sooner Catholic me. Knowing the detachment often seeking to discover more about personal thoughts and feelings to associated with divorce, I assumed themselves and desiring to forgive acknowledge what I had endured in Pain, both physical and emo- the Catholic Church would turn and let go of the pain. my life. The weekend concluded on tional, is what I was dealing with away from me in my most desperate Sunday afternoon with a private prior to learning about Beginning I found myself driving to the time of need. I was astonished to Mass including a special blessing Experience. The emotional pain was Pastoral Center on Friday evening learn of the Beginning Experience for each of us. I left the weekend hidden fairly well, but co-workers to begin an experience of un- group, which was originated by a exhausted but fulfilled. I developed were beginning to wonder if I was certainty. Would this encounter Catholic nun for a friend of hers friendships that are a continuing terminally ill since I had lost a large be beneficial or would it simply who was suffering the pain and source of support for me. portion of weight which I did not magnify the pain I was carrying? As devastation of divorce. need to lose. Sleep deprivation had I entered the building, I was greeted For me to be whole is to embrace become so common I felt as if I could Without family and nowhere to by a friendly face named Al, who the power of the Holy Sprit by not escape the reoccurring thoughts turn, I sought answers, but there welcomed me to the Pastoral Center appreciating what I have rather of hopelessness that accompanied were no answers, just disbelief and where I would be spending the than what I have lost. To fulfill this the betrayal I had been victimized despair. Keeping my faith, I prayed entire weekend. I still did not know new appreciation, I felt compelled to by. The one person I loved so very for some guidance and found a brief what to think. Did I commit myself give back, so I have trained to assist much had betrayed me and treated article in the St. Mark the to some sort of lockdown? What I with facilitating future BE weekend me like a complete stranger. How Evangelist Catholic Church weekly learned was I had found a peaceful workshops. The next BE weekend could this loving woman turn so cold bulletin. The article announced a place filled with a group of people will be held Oct. 17-19, 2008, at the and heartless toward me? The pain Beginning Experience Weekend. just like me who have each Pastoral Center, located at 7501 was so intense I did not know if I The brief description identified a experienced painful loss and also N.W. Expressway in Oklahoma City. would survive or if I even wanted weekend for people who have have the desire to move forward. If you or someone you know is to survive. Through the help of experienced loss through the death Thinking my first evening experiencing the loss of a loved one medical professionals and Divorce- or divorce of a spouse and who are would be a relaxing retreat was far through separation, divorce or Care, I survived and accepted my ready to come to terms with their from the truth. After introductions, death and have come to terms with loss, yet I sought something more to loss and begin to move forward with we immediately began the the loss and are ready to begin to help me move forward. their lives. Something I had been experience. I can’t remember when I move forward, please consider con- searching for, a group that could worked so hard at healing. The large tacting the Office of Family Life at Growing up Catholic, including relate to the pain I had been going group of participants was sub- (405) 721-5651 Ext. 108 for addi- 12 years of a Catholic education, through. I immediately called and divided into small groups. There tional information. Another re- prepared me well for life’s spoke with one of the Beginning were gatherings with the large source to learn more about BE can experiences, but preparing me for Experience local organizers and group and meetings with the small be found on the Internet at www.- the devastation associated with a learned that this weekend en- group. There were also times of beginningexperience.org. 4 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Eucharist Our Strength as We Struggle With Inadequacy It is hard to measure up. In our have done or left when he said: Woe, to me, wretch that early apostolic communities cannot lucid moments we admit this. Rarely undone. I am, the good I want to do, I cannot be understood outside of the matrix is there a day when we could not echo Henri Nouwen do; and the evil I want to avoid, I end of intense expectation. They were these words by Anna Blaman: occasionally up doing! communities imminently awaiting I realized that it was simply expressed similar That may sound negative, Christ’s return. They gathered in impossible for a human being to be feelings: There is a neurotic and stoic, and it can be those Eucharist, among other reasons, to and remain good or pure. If, for nagging sense that things, but, appropriated properly, it foster and sustain this awareness, instance, I wanted to be attentive in there are unfinished can generate hope and renewed namely, that they were living in wait, one direction, it could only be at the tasks, unfulfilled energy in our lives. To be human is to waiting for Christ to return. By Father cost of neglecting another. If I gave my promises, un- be inadequate, by definition. Only God I try to celebrate Eucharist every Ron Rolheiser heart to one thing, it left another in realized proposals. is adequate and the rest of us can day. I do this because I am a priest and the cold. No day and no hour go by There is always safely say to ourselves: Fear not you part of the covenant a priest makes without my being guilty of inadequacy. something else that we should have are inadequate! But a God who made with the church at his ordination is to We never do enough, and what we do remembered, done or said. There are us this way surely gives us the slack, pray the priestly prayer of Jesus, the is never well enough done, except always people we did not speak to, the forgiveness and the grace we need Eucharist and the Liturgy of the being inadequate, which we are good write to or visit. Thus, although we are to work with this. Personally, I take Hours, regularly for the world. But I at because that is the way we are very busy, we also have a lingering consolation from the gospel parable of do it too, more personally, for another made. This is true of me and of every- feeling of never really fulfilling our the 10 bridesmaids who, while waiting reason: The older I get, the less confi- one else. Every day and every hour obligations. A gnawing sense of being for the bridegroom, all fell asleep, wise dent, in some ways, I am becoming. I brings with it its weight of moral guilt, unfulfilled underlies our filled lives. and the foolish alike. Even the wise don’t always know whether I’m follow- as regards my work and my relations When we are in touch with our- were too human and too weak to stay ing Christ properly or even know with others. I am constantly catching selves, we can relate to these words, awake the whole time. Nobody does it exactly what it means to follow Christ, myself out in my human failings and, these expressions of inadequacy. At perfectly and accepting this, our con- and so I stake my faith on an invita- in spite of their being implied in my the end of the day, we cannot measure genital inadequacy, can bring us to a tion that Jesus left us on the night human imperfection, I am conscious of up and cannot not disappoint others healthy humility and perhaps even to before he died: To break bread and a sort of check. And this means that and ourselves. Generally the fault is a healthy humor about it. drink wine in his memory and to trust my human shortcomings are also my not that we are not sincere or that we But it should bring us to some- that this, if all else is uncertain, is human guilt. It sounds strange that do not put out the effort. The fault is thing more: prayer, especially the what we should be doing while we we should be guilty where we can do that we are human. We have limited Eucharist. wait for him to return. nothing about it. But even where resources, get tired, experience feel- The Eucharist is, among other Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, there is no set purpose, no deliberate ings we cannot control, have only 24 things, a vigil of waiting. When Jesus theologian, teacher and award- intention, we have a conviction of our hours in our day, have too many instituted the Eucharist, he told the winning author, is president of the own shortcomings, and of consensual demands on us, have wounds and disciples to keep celebrating it until Oblate School of Theology in San guilt, a guilt which shows itself all too weaknesses that shackle us, and thus he returned again. A biblical scholar, Antonio. He can be contacted through clearly in the consequences of what we know exactly what St. Paul meant Gerhard Lofink, puts it this way: The his Web site, www.ronrolheiser.com. Father John Futrell, SJ, Dies in St. Louis at Age 81 Father John C. Futrell, SJ, died sent him to Indonesia where from Catholic Theological India, the Philippines, Australia, Sept. 6, 2008, in St. Louis, Mo., after 1961 to 1963 he labored to establish Union in Chicago, Canada and Ireland, to name but a suffering a heart attack earlier in an English department at Santa pioneered the idea few. He lectured regularly at the the day. Father John was a member Dharma University in Yogyakarta. of preparing men Gregorian University in Rome, and of the Jesuit Hall (Fusz Pavilion) When he finished that work, he and women religious taught at various times at the Weston community. Internationally recog- began doctoral studies in ascetical for work with School of Theology, Boston College nized for the workshops he developed theology at Institute Catholique at novices and young and Sogang University in Seoul, in Ignatian discernment, John was 81 the University of Paris. His disserta- religious in their Korea. During the 1985-86 academic years old, a Jesuit for 63 years, and tion was published in 1970 by the communities. When year he held the Flannery Chair at had just recently celebrated his Institute of Jesuit Sources under the the divinity school closed in 1976, Gonzaga University. golden jubilee as a priest. title Making an Apostolic Community Father John and several others from The brother of Sister Jan Futrell, Born in Oklahoma City on Oct. of Love: The Role of the Superior the divinity school founded Ministry OSB, Father John is credited with 14, 1927, John attended Regis according to St. Ignatius of Loyola. Training Services in Denver, where helping to start the Retreat in Daily College in Denver, Colo., for a year Father John joined the faculty of they refocused the IRF program and Life ministry sponsored by the Red before entering the Society of Jesus the Divinity School at St. Louis prepared scores of priests and Plains Monastery. at Florissant, Mo., on Aug. 8, 1945. He University where, with Father David religious for leadership positions in Sister Bendicta, OSB, called him was ordained on June 18, 1958, at St. Fleming, he co-founded the Institute their dioceses and communities. “a very positive force” in the Retreat Mary’s College in Kansas. Tertian- of Religious Formation in 1971. The Throughout his lifetime, Father in Daily Life ministry. “I would put ship in Belgium exposed him to life nine-month program drew partici- John traveled extensively giving the establishment of the program at beyond the Midwest. pants from around the world. The workshops and retreats to religious the feet of Father John Futrell,” Father John’s first assignment institute, which still continues at communities in Africa, Indonesia, Sister Benedicta said. October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 5 African Saints Chronicled in Book by Catholic Author African Saints, African Stories: 40 Christianity came to erable; the other part is about those raphy there is a quote from Scripture Holy Men and Women. Camille Lewis the other parts of people whom Dr. Brown and others that connects with the saint. She pro- Brown. Cincinnati, Ohio: St. Anthony Africa when consider as candidates for sainthood. vides a prayer to the saint(s). She con- Messenger Press. 145 pages. Paper- Europeans began Some of the saints and others she cludes the entry with a short reflection back. February 2008. ISBN 978-0- colonizing the conti- presents are St. Augustine of Hippo, for the reader to ponder. This book is 86716-805-1. $14.95. nent. St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Benedict the meant not only for information purpos- This book by Dr. Moor, Pope St. Gelasius I, St. Charles es, but also to provide material to med- Brown is concerned Lwanga and his Companions, St. itate or pray with the holy person(s). about African saints Antony,St. Martin de Porres, St. Moses She has done a great job in all these Dr. Camille Lewis Brown put this who were black- By Br. the Black, Bl. Marie Clementine areas. The cover of the book is quite book together in the beginning as part skinned. Some of the Benet Exton Anuarite Negapeta, Blesseds Daudi colorful with an African motif to it. of her course at St. Charles Borromeo early African saints Okelo and Jildo Irwa and others. Those There are oranges, tans, blacks and Seminary in Philadelphia to teach like St. Augustine and his mother, St. she includes in the second part who browns involved in it. The entries are seminarians and others about African Monica, may or may not have been she considers worthy of canonization very readable for scholars and general or black Catholics. The Church in the black-skinned. Many of the Christians are Mother Mathilda Beasley, Dr. Lena readers. This book is highly recom- early days in northern Africa was a from northern Africa like St. Cyprian Edwards, Mother Emma Lewis, Father mended to those who may want to use stronghold of Christianity for some and St. Athanasius were of Roman Augustus Tolton, and others. She this book as an introduction to the centuries until the Muslim invasions heritage, which means most likely includes three appendices which study of black or African saints and of the seventh century. Some of the they were white-skinned. Dr. Brown include a calendar of selected saints, a holy people. major heresies of the early Church mentions some of these saints, but also litany of African saints, and a map of Dr. Camille Lewis Brown is the were started and fought out in North notes that they might have been modern day Africa. She has a bibliog- education coordinator of the diocese of Africa. Some of them were the Arian white-skinned Africans. raphy which includes not only books Providence, R.I. She holds an M.A. in and Donatist heresies. Some of the Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary but also Web sites and other sources, theology from St. Charles Borromeo major Church Fathers were from bishop of Chicago, provides the fore- notes and an index. Seminary, and a Ph.D. in educational North Africa like St. Augustine of word. Dr. Brown provides the introduc- Dr. Brown presents 40 entries. administration from Boston College. Hippo, St. Cyrpian, St. Athanasius, tion which sets the stage and rea- The entry has the name or names of She founded the Bakhita Fund, a and St. Cyril of Alexandria. Monas- soning as to why she set about re- the holy person(s), dates and feast day nonprofit organization designed to pro- ticism is believed to have started in searching Black saints and holy on a side bar. Then she gives a short vide educational assistance to Egypt which is in northern Africa. people. Most of the book is about biography of the saint(s) which varies children around the world. North Africa had major contributions people who have been declared by the in length. She includes quotes from the Brother Benet Exton is a to the Church in the early days. Church as being saints, blessed or ven- saint(s) when available. After the biog- Benedictine monk at Saint Gregory’s.

The Catholic Foundation CORNERSTONE Year-End Gifting As the end of another year approaches, many stop to review, reflect and prioritize. Thoughtfully addressing your charitable giving plans between now and December 31 can help assure maximum benefits for you and your charitable interests. Federal tax laws and those of many states make it possible to save taxes on funds you give for charitable purposes. Each year, millions of Americans take advantage of the opportunity to make charitable gifts in ways that help them reduce their tax liability. Gifts of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and certain other assets that have increased in value since you have owned them can result in an even greater tax benefit. EDMOND — Boy Scout Troop 331, chartered by St. Monica’s Catholic Church, The final act of Giving is in the act of Planning. helped the Knights of Columbus with a dinner to support the Peru missions. The Year-End Gifts make a difference - plan today. Scouts, directed by Scoutmaster Tony Zabloudil along with several Scout leaders, helped serve food to nearly 200 people in attendance. The total service hours put in For more information on Planned Giving, contact: by the Scouts and adults combined for this project were 72 hours. Several of the The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. Scouts and leaders had completed a 5-mile hike earlier in the day at Lake Arcadia P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 in Edmond but that did not stop them from wanting to help out their chartered (405) 721-4115 „ www.cfook.org „ [email protected] organization. Pictured here with the Scouts is Father Joe Uhen and Freddy Cornejo, who were visiting from Peru and took part in the celebration. Please Remember the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in Your Estate Plans 6 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Marriage Created by God Can’t Be Altered by Modern Culture Can a man marry a man? Can a ships. It involves teach that divorce is wrong, but Covenant: While marriage in- woman marry a woman? Can a the sharing of the that divorce is impossible, regard- volves a legal contract, a covenant man simultaneously marry several whole of a person’s less of its civil implications. goes beyond the minimum rights women, or a woman several men? life with his/her Entered by man and woman: and responsibilities guaranteed by Can a man simultaneously marry spouse. Marriage The complementarity of the sexes is a contract. A covenant calls the several men, or a woman several calls for a mutual essential to marriage. It’s not that spouses to share in the free total, women? Can a man marry his sister self-surrender so two men (or two women) could faithful and fruitful love of God. For or his mother? His brother or his intimate and com- marry, but the church won’t “let it is God who, in the image of father? Can a woman marry her plete that spouses By Christopher them.” If we understand what his own covenant with his people, brother or father? Her sister or — without losing West marriage is, we will see very clearly joins the spouses in a more binding mother? their individuality that it is impossible for members of and sacred way than any human All of these questions are now — become “one,” not only in body, the same sex to marry. contract. on the table in our culture. They but in soul. At the design of the Creator: The dignity of a sacrament: cannot be properly answered unless Exclusive communion of life God is the author of marriage. He Marriage between baptized persons we know what marriage is. As and love: As a mutual gift of two inscribed the call to marriage in our is an efficacious sign of the union Catholics, we have an incredibly persons to each other, this intimate very being by creating us as male between Christ and the church, rich body of teaching to draw from union excludes such union with and female. We, therefore, are not and, as such, is a means of grace. in order to understand the nature, anyone else. It demands the total able to change the nature and That is, marriage — in as much as meaning and purpose of marriage. fidelity of the spouses. This exclu- purposes of marriage. the union of man and woman truly Let’s begin with a basic definition sivity is essential for the good of the For the purpose of their own symbolizes Christ’s love for the drawn from Canon Law and the couple’s children as well. good: “It is not good that the man church — really communicates Second Vatican Council. Then we’ll Indissoluble communion of life should be alone.” (Gen 2:18). Christ’s love to the spouses and, look at each of its parts. and love: Husband and wife are not Conversely, it’s for their own good, through them, to the whole world. Marriage is the intimate, exclu- joined by passing emotion or mere for their benefit, enrichment and sive and indissoluble communion of erotic inclination which, selfishly ultimately their salvation, that a We must find ways to respond life and love entered by man and pursued, fades quickly away. They man and woman join their lives in charitably and forthrightly to the woman at the design of the Creator are joined in authentic conjugal marriage. challenges posed by the modern for the purpose of their own good love by the firm and irrevocable act And the procreation and educa- move to redefine marriage. We will and the procreation and education of their own will. Once their mutual tion of children: Children are not explore ways to do that in the next of children; this covenant between consent has been consummated by added on to marriage and conjugal column. baptized persons has been raised by genital intercourse, an unbreakable love but spring from the very heart Christopher West is a fellow of Christ the Lord to the dignity of a bond is established between the of the spouses’ mutual self-giving the Theology of the Body Institute sacrament. spouses. For the baptized, this bond as its fruit and fulfillment. in West Chester, Pa., and lectures Intimate communion of life and is sealed by the Holy Spirit and Intentional exclusion of children, worldwide on the subject. His books love: Marriage is the closest and becomes absolutely indissoluble. then, contradicts the very nature and other information are avail- most intimate of human friend- Thus, the church does not so much and purpose of marriage. able at www.christopherwest.com. Registration Opens for Annual Catholic Women’s Conference The Oklahoma Catholic Award-winning journalist with ex- Women’s Conference has begun tensive experience in both secular accepting online, discounted regis- and religious journalism. Her writ- trations for the January conference. ing covers a variety of topics, with The conference will be held on her particular interest being Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Clarion matters of the Church, faith, Hotel and Conference Center at I- culture, politics and the media. 40 and Meridian in Oklahoma City. Father Shane Tharp, pastor Participants may save $5 by of St. Wenceslaus in Prague and St. registering on the conference Web Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 with outreaches in television, radio, Michael in Meeker, and rector of site at www.ocwconference.com p.m. with Archbishop Eusebius print and Internet communications. the National Shrine of the Infant before Oct. 31. Adult registration is Beltran. She is also founder of Women of Jesus of Prague. He assists with $35, students are $25. A box lunch The speakers at the conference Grace®, a Catholic apostolate for various pro-life apostolates, includ- may be purchased for $10. Payment will include: Christian women that features a ing Rachel’s Vineyard. must be submitted through PayPal Johnnette Benkovic, founder number of outreaches including by e-check or credit card; a PayPal and president of Living His Life conferences, curricula, study groups The conference will also include account is not required in order to Abundantly® International Inc., a and more. the sacrament of reconciliation, register. Catholic evangelization apostolate Sheila Liaugminas, an Emmy adoration as well as vendors. October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 7 Bringing Facts and Principles to the Health-Care Debate By Kathy Saile more affluent neigh- without essential health care. In addi- voters a variety of resources to help USCCB bor. As a nation this tion, no national health-care proposal form consciences as we cast our votes Polls show that voters consider is not morally right. should advance or include threats to and hold elected officials accountable. health care a central national issue for We can do better. life, like abortion, euthanasia or The recent bishops statement, the upcoming elections. There is grow- The bishops assisted suicide. Health-care reform Forming Consciences for Faithful ing consensus that the health-care statement, Forming proposals should support preventive Citizenship, and accompanying re- system in the United States is broken Consciences for health-care strategies as well as ways sources are available at www.faithful- and needs reform. It serves too few Faithful Citizenship, to restrain increasing health-care citizenship.org. The bishops Frame- and costs too much. The Catholic stresses that “afford- costs. Health-care reform should begin work for Comprehensive Health Bishops of the United States have able and accessible health care is an with pursuing coverage for all and Care Reform (www.usccb.org/sdwp/- offered several basic criteria for assur- essential safeguard of human life and include a basic standard of care for national/COMPCARE.PDF) remains ing health-care coverage for all that a fundamental human right.” Catholic physical and mental health as well as timely and offers useful criteria for reform. The Catholic Health Associa- offers a moral framework for discus- teaching calls on society to respect and respect for pluralism in health-care tion (CHA) offers many resources, sion in this election year.They include: protect life from the moment of con- delivery, including religious and other ception until natural death. All people non-profit providers of care. such as “Our Vision for U.S. Health Care,” which is rooted in the teaching have a right to health care regardless Health care is not just another „ Respect for human life and dignity of the Church and in the experience of where they work, where they come issue for the Church. It is one way the „ Priority concern for the poor and of Catholic health-care providers from or how much money they have. Church continues Jesus’ mission of vulnerable throughout the country (www.- Quality health care should be accessi- healing and care for the “least of „ Pursuing the common good and ble to every person as a part of basic chausa.org). And Catholic Charities preserving pluralism these.” (Mt. 25:40). The Catholic USA’s Campaign to Reduce Poverty respect for human life and dignity. Church provides health care, „ Restraining health-care costs “The voices of the Catholic offers specific policy recommendations purchases health care and picks up for addressing the health needs of community should be loud and clear in the pieces of a failing health-care This overdue national discussion public discussion on health care in poor people in our communities ought to begin with some basic facts. system. We serve the sick and unin- (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org). this election and beyond. The health sured in our emergency rooms, The fact is nearly 1 million babies a The voices of the Catholic care status quo is morally unaccept- shelters and on the doorsteps of our year do not see the day of their birth able. Our nation can and must do community should be loud and clear in as a result of abortion on demand. parishes. One out of six Americans is public discussion on health care in better.” cared for in Catholic hospitals. We The fact is 47 million people in the As part of how we exercise faithful this election and beyond. The health wealthiest and most technologically bring strong convictions and everyday care status quo is morally un- citizenship, Catholics voters should experience to the issue of health care. advanced country in the world lack assess how political candidates’ acceptable. Our nation can and must health-care coverage. The fact is that Our faith and this election year do better. health-care positions will bring about require Catholics to join with others in $1 of every $6 spent in the United Kathy Saile is director of the effective and affordable health cover- public debate and to share Catholic States is spent on health care. And the Office of Domestic Social Development age for all and enhance or diminish teaching and experience in the search fact is if you live in poverty in the of the U.S. Conference of Catholic the level of dignity with which those in for effective health-care reform. United States, your life expectancy is need are treated. No one should be left Bishops Department of Justice, Peace nearly five years shorter than your The Catholic community offers and Human Development. Oregon Bishop Admonishes Catholic Pro-Choice Governor The Catholic News Agency Archdiocese of Portland, the arch- Sentinel in August, ‘the very core of Anna Richter Taylor characterized bishop rebuked the governor, who all Catholic moral and social teach- the governor as a longtime supporter The Archbishop of Portland, with his wife is scheduled to be an ing is respect for the dignity of every- of a woman’s right to choose an Ore., John G. Vlazny, is lamenting “honorary host” for the fundraising one. Ours is a rich heritage of social abortion. “The archbishop is the the fact that Oregon Gov. Ted dinner at a Portland hotel. teaching which forms the basis of governor’s pastor, and he has only Kulongoski has become “a source of Archbishop Vlazny wrote: “It has what it means to be a faithful citizen respect and admiration for the arch- embarrassment for our church and a come to my attention that Governor as a Catholic.’” bishop,” Taylor said. “They obviously scandal for the Catholic community” Ted Kulongoski will be hosting a Saying the “grave evil of abortion disagree on the issue of choice.” by hosting a “political gala” for NARAL Pro-Choice political gala two continues to be promoted as a legiti- Archbishop Vlazny’s statement con- NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon this days before our Respect Life Mass at mate moral choice by Governor cluded with a call for Catholics to coming Friday. the Cathedral of the Immaculate Kulongoski and NARAL,” Arch- contact the governor. “I call upon our Labeling the Catholic governor’s Conception. bishop Vlazny invited Catholics to Catholic people to express their dis- appearance a seeming “deliberate “This is a source of embarrass- attend evening Mass at St. Mary’s pleasure to the governor and to dissent” from the teachings of the ment for our church and a scandal Cathedral of the Immaculate remind him of the demands of Church, Archbishop Vlazny is calling for the Catholic community. For a Conception on Friday, the day of the personal integrity as a member of upon Catholics to contact the Catholic governor to host an event of NARAL gala. He also invited our faith community in the exercise governor and extending them an this sort seems a deliberate dissent Catholics to attend the Respect Life of his office and public activities,” he invitation to an upcoming Respect from the teachings of the Church. Mass at the cathedral on Sunday. wrote, adding the governor’s phone Life Mass. In a statement from the “As I wrote in the Catholic Gov. Kulongoski spokeswoman number for public comments. 8 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Novena for Faithful Citizenship First Day all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, out for all to see by turning to those who call for secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the our help. Heal our wounds, heal our community. Opening Prayer hungry. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful The LORD sets prisoners free; and kindle in us the fire of your love. the LORD gives sight to the blind; Novena Prayer (See red box) The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; Reading Ps 8:2, 4-10 the LORD loves the righteous. O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name Fourth Day through all the earth! You have set your majesty Reflection Opening Prayer above the heavens! When I see your heavens, the Who are the oppressed in your community? How Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you am I helping them secure justice? How am I help- and kindle in us the fire of your love. set in place — What are humans that you are ing to feed and give sight to those most in need? mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for Reading Deut 30:15-20 them? Yet you have made them little less than a Prayer Moses said to the people: “Today, I have set before god, crowned them with glory and honor. You have God of Jacob, strengthen our hope in the Lord. you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey given them rule over the works of your hands, put Help us to keep the faith by striving for justice in the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I all things at their feet: All sheep and oxen, even our land. Give us hearts, hands and feet to truly enjoin on you today, loving him, and walking in his the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish reach out to those in need. Amen. ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the Novena Prayer (See red box) decrees, you will live and grow numerous, and the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your LORD, your God, will bless you in the land you are name through all the earth! entering to occupy. If, however, you turn away your Third Day hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and Reflection Opening Prayer adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you How will I praise God today? How will I show Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on respect for others, especially my neighbor or those and kindle in us the fire of your love. the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter in my community who are not like me? and occupy. Reading Is 58:2-3, 6-8 I call heaven and earth today to witness against Prayer [The Lord said]: They seek me day after day, and you: I have set before you life and death, the bless- God of love, may we grow in our love for you by desire to know my ways, like a nation that has ing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and respecting the dignity of all people we encounter. done what is just and not abandoned the law of your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, Amen. their God; They ask me to declare what is due your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. them, pleased to gain access to God. “Why do we For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to Novena Prayer (See red box) fast, and you do not see it? afflict ourselves, and live on the land which the LORD swore he would you take no note of it?” This, rather, is the fasting give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Second Day that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, un- tying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the Reflection Opening Prayer oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your How do I defend the right to life, especially of the Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed unborn and those near death? How am I tempted to and kindle in us the fire of your love. and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you turn away from the commandments and not support see them, and not turning your back on your own. the right to life of all people? How can I overcome Reading Ps 146:1-8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, that temptation? Praise the LORD, my soul; I shall praise the and your wound shall quickly be healed. LORD all my life, sing praise to my God while I Prayer live. Put no trust in princes, in mere mortals Reflection God of life, may we protect and defend the inviolable powerless to save. When they breathe their last, What actions do I perform to please God? How am sanctity of human life from the moment of concep- they return to the earth; that day all their plan- I healing the wounds of my community? tion until natural death with strong voices, gentle ning comes to nothing. Happy those whose help is Prayer hands, and loving hearts. Amen. Jacob’s God, whose hope is in the LORD, their God of light, give us the freedom to walk in the God, the maker of heaven and earth, the seas and footprints of your Son, Jesus. Let our light shine Novena Prayer (See red box) October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 9

Fifth Day I ... urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call Prayer Opening Prayer you have received, with all humility and gentleness, Spirit of God, fill our hearts with peace so that we Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and with patience, bearing with one another through may bring peace to our community. Amen. kindle in us the fire of your love. love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, Novena Prayer (See red box) Reading 1 Cor 11:26-29 as you were also called to the one hope of your call; For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ninth Day Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup Opening Prayer of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for Reflection Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful the body and blood of the Lord. A person should What divisions exist in my community? What and kindle in us the fire of your love. examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the structures in society seem unjust? How am I striv- cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without dis- ing to achieve justice and peace in my neighborhood, cerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on him- church and nation? Reading Mt 5:13-16 self. “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its Prayer taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer Reflection God of justice, we are created in your image. good for anything but to be thrown out and How is the Eucharist central in my life? My May we glorify you in all of our actions. Amen. trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. community? Where do I reach out to the body of A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do Christ in my community? Novena Prayer (See red box) they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives Prayer light to all in the house. Just so, your light must Lord, we come together at the Eucharist to celebrate Eighth Day Opening Prayer shine before others, that they may see your good your death and resurrection. Help us experience deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” authentic worship. Help us grow in awareness of Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and each person’s dignity, and increase our sensitivity to kindle in us the fire of your love. injustices. Guide us to seek ways to redress them. Reflection Amen. Reading Is 32:15-18 How am I salt for my community? How do I shine Novena Prayer (See red box) Until the spirit from on high is poured out on us, your light for all the community to see? What then will the desert become an orchard and the deeds am I performing in order to glorify God? Sixth Day orchard be regarded as a forest. Right will dwell in Opening Prayer the desert and justice abide in the orchard. Justice Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and will bring about peace; right will produce calm and kindle in us the fire of your love. security. My people will live in peaceful country, in Lord Jesus, you give us your love and your grace secure dwellings and quiet resting places. to do great things. Give us the faith to shine our Reading Mt 5:43-46 light by walking humbly and acting justly before “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your Reflection our God. Amen. neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love How do I recognize the Spirit’s involvement in my your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, life in the community? Novena Prayer (See red box) that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Novena Prayer From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very For if you love those who love you, what recompense truth of God, deliver us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, will you have?” From the loss of awareness of good and evil, Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so deliver us. Reflection easily takes root in the hearts of the people of From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Who are my enemies? How do I love them? How do today, and whose immeasurable effects already Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with I live up to the definition Jesus provides for living a weigh down upon our modern world and seem the sufferings of all individual human beings, Christian lifestyle, a life of Christian love? to block the paths toward the future. laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help From famine and war, deliver us. Prayer us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all God of peace, Give us the courage to be reconciled From nuclear war, from incalculable self- sin: individual sin and the “sin of the world,” sin with our neighbors, our enemies. Give us the vision destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. in all its manifestations. to truly see what it means to be a Christian so that From sins against human life from its very Let there be revealed once more in the history of peace and justice may rule in our world. Amen. beginning, deliver us. the world the infinite saving power of the From hatred and from the demeaning of the redemption: the power of merciful love. Novena Prayer (See red box) dignity of the children of God, deliver us. May it put a stop to evil. Seventh Day From every kind of injustice in the life of society, May it transform consciences. Opening Prayer both national and international, deliver us. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful From readiness to trample on the command- light of hope. and kindle in us the fire of your love. ments of God, deliver us. Amen. Reading Ephesians 4:1-6 10 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Gay Marriage: Law of Man Doesn’t Supersede Law of Nature By H. Richard McCord ship between a man alter its basic structure. social benefits. Examples include USCCB and a woman. What Marriage of a man and a woman access to employment, housing, health Gay marriage is a significant defines this relation- makes a unique contribution to care, joint ownership of property, and question that needs to be discussed ship is the fact that it society. It is the fundamental pattern the ability to make medical decisions and most important in the discussion is a partnership for male-female relationships. It for another. is how the issue is framed. based on sexual com- models the way women and men live There are social benefits and The U.S. bishops in Forming plementarity. That interdependently and commit, for the rights to be guaranteed for every indi- Consciences for Faithful Citizenship makes possible the whole of life, to seek the good of each vidual. But the remedy for specific urge people to study the issues before fulfillment of the two other. The union also serves the cases involving injustice — the lack of they vote in the coming elections. co-equal purposes of marriage: mutual common good of society. It brings forth benefits or rights — cannot be an even Whether homosexual persons love between the spouses and the pro- the next generation and does so by greater injustice, namely, to change should be allowed to marry each other creation of children. No other human providing the best conditions for rais- the definition of marriage. is one issue. The central issue is about relationship, no matter how loving or ing children, namely, the stable, loving Marriage is oriented to serving the nature and purposes of marriage caring or generative it might be, can relationship of a mother and father the common good, not to providing as a fundamental social structure and make this claim or deliver on it. present only in a marriage. Other rights and benefits to individuals civil institution. It is not first a Marriage is the union of a man relationships can and do build up the within that relationship. It is not question about civil rights or discrimi- and a woman. This is a truth discover- common good, but they don’t do in a necessary or even desirable, therefore, nation or achieving the full social en- able by human reason. It is written in complete sense what marriage does. to tamper with a fundamental social franchisement of homosexual persons the law of nature and in the language Should there be same-sex structure in order to protect indivi- nor about stabilizing a lifestyle. of the human body and spirit. It is a marriage? The Catholic Church dual rights and to grant all citizens The Catholic position begins not truth enshrined from the beginning of frames this question in terms of the their legitimate social benefits. with sacramental theology, moral time. Church teaching about marriage nature of marriage and its contribu- The issue of same-sex marriage teachings and biblical passages. It starts with this truth. tion to the common good. As a result, must be understood as a question begins with what can be observed in Since marriage is a fundamental the Church concludes that same-sex about marriage as it has been received human nature and behavior and what social structure based on human marriage is, by definition, an impossi- from the Creator and subsequently we can conclude using our reason. nature, neither the church nor the bility, a contradiction in terms. received from each generation state can change it at its core. This is the natural law position. Some people seek to locate the throughout history. To perceive it as Marriage, and the family it produces, “ ... mutual love between the issue within the framework of indivi- a question of justice for homosexual is a society that precedes all other spouses and the procreation of dual rights and justice. Catholic teach- persons starts the conversation on the societies. It’s an institution we don’t children. No other human relation- ing affirms the dignity of homosexual wrong path. own, but rather one that we receive. ship, no matter how loving or caring or persons and demands that they be H. Richard McCord is executive This does not mean that church and generative it might be, can make this treated with respect. This means, director of the Secretariat of Laity, state cannot regulate marriage, for claim or deliver on it.” among other things, that the state Marriage, Family Life and Youth of example, placing minimum age limits, You don’t need religious faith to may fashion laws to protect the rights the United States Conference of but it does mean we are not free to see that marriage is a unique relation- of these individuals and to provide Catholic Bishops. Bishop: Don’t be Misled by Pro-Abortion Politicians By Bishop Michael O. Jackels Catholic politicians cite in their same time, the Church is not in- In addition, the Church exhorts its defense the Church’s teaching on different to the plight of women who members to take seriously our duty to Let us not be misled by the public freedom of conscience. But can you have abortions, or to circumstances vote guided by a conscience formed statements and positions of pro- imagine the Church safeguarding that make it hard to choose life. according to Catholic teaching, and not abortion politicians who identify them- the right of its members to dissent For this reason, the Church offers simply on the basis of self-interest, selves as Catholics. from truth or from moral goodness, pardon and reconciliation in the party affiliation or the personal Some of them erroneously suggest especially concerning the sanctity of Sacrament of Confession, as well as charisma of a politician. that Church teaching on abortion is human life? spiritual and psychological care for In preparation for the upcoming open for debate. Wrong. The Catholic The Church defends freedom of women who have had abortions election, re-read the document Church has taught consistently and conscience against forces — like a com- through programs like Rachel’s Vine- Moral Principles for Conscientious clearly that procured abortion is grave- munist regime — that prevent people yard. (For information, call 316-269- Voters, which is available in every ly contrary to the moral law. from forming and acting ac-cording to HOPE). parish or online at www.cdowk.org/ From the moment of conception their consciences, especially in reli- The Church also works to reduce lifeandjustice under “election year we are in the presence of a human gious matters. Catholics on the other procured abortion and to eliminate it guidance.” being. That is when respect for the dig- hand exercise this basic human free- altogether. Catholics regularly pray Let us not be misled by the public nity of the human person begins, as dom by forming and acting on their for this intention. Faith formation statements and positions of pro- well as protection of the rights to those consciences in keeping with the programs teach about the dignity of abortion politicians who identify them- things needed to live in dignity. The Church’s teachings on faith and the human person, the sanctity of selves as Catholics. They are wrong. right to life is the most basic and morals. human life, and virtuous use of human fundamental human right and the con- The Catholic Church will never sexuality. And Church agencies, such Printed with permission from the dition for all other personal rights. cease to pray and work for the defense as Catholic Charities, offer services Catholic Advance, newspaper from the You may also hear pro-abortion of the defenseless unborn child. At the that create alternatives to abortion. Diocese of Wichita, Kan. October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 11 Commission Awards Grants to Support Justice Projects OKLAHOMA CITY — The Charles Borromeo Church of Okla- church. 5) Sacred Heart Church of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will Archdiocesan Commission for Justice homa City — Oklahoma Interfaith Oklahoma City for $1,200. The assist with staffing the store. and Human Development (CCHD) Sponsoring Committee for $1,000. Counselor in Training Program will CCHD programs are funded awarded seven grants recently to The purpose of the project is to build be a new addition to the Summer through an annual collection in Catholic churches and organizations. a congregation-based community Academy — a neighborhood youth parishes each year. This year’s CCHD Becky VanPool, director of Parish organizing project that will be made program that offers programs to campaign will begin in November. Outreach, said the “seed” grants up of 25 to 40 member institutions develop self-esteem, leadership skills, “Catholics can be proud of the fact range from $500 to $1,000 for grass- that will provide leadership training human dignity, and provides educa- that their contributions during the roots projects which promote institu- in congregational development and tion and culturally experiences. The annual CCHD collection are help- tional change and empowerment of public action. 3) St. Benedict Parish Counselor in Training will offer high ing our communities and parish poor and low-income people. of Shawnee for $600. The purpose of school youth employment to develop programs. Financial support from our “We congratulate our recipients the funds is to assist the Project leadership and job skills while work- parishes is a form of ministry, ” said who are sponsoring programs Gabriel Outreach program with a ing with the youth. 6) St. Peter VanPool. that assist our communities and dedicated telephone service which Church of Woodward for $1,705. Since its start 37 years ago, the parishes,” VanPool said. “CCHD is may be used for participants who The project will offer a parent educa- Catholic Campaign for Human proud to help in partial funding of need a contact number for assistance. tion workshop presented in Spanish Development (CCHD) has worked to these unique and worthwhile Volunteers who support the program to assist and support Hispanic transform lives and communities, projects.” will share the phone for contacts. 4) parents in the difficult job of raising focusing steadily on breaking the The 2008 grants are as follows: Immaculate Conception Parish of children. The workshops will promote cycle of poverty in thousands of 1) St. Ann Parish of Fairview for Oklahoma City for $2,000. Two positive, healthy family development, communities across the United $1,000. The purpose of the “Hooked projects were funded. The Riverpark including the issues of discipline and States. CCHD was established by the on Books” project for the Little Jacket “Diamondbacks” soccer program, child abuse. 7) St. Peter the Apostle of United States Conference of Catholic Learning Junction is to foster healthy which targets youngsters to play Guymon for $1,000. The project is to Bishops with a two-fold mandate to brain development, parent-child soccer and discourage gang activities. establish a St. Vincent de Paul fund low-income controlled empower- bonding and early literacy skills crit- The second is the Catholic Heart Society Thrift store to offer low-cost ment projects and to educate ical for school success by engaging Camp project, which works with the clothing and household goods to the Catholics about the root causes of parents in a routine of daily “lap neighborhood to rehab and revitalize immigrant community. Volunteers poverty within the context of the reading” with their children. 2) St. the neighborhood surrounding the from the immigrant community and Catholic social tradition. Catholic Charities Seeks Sponsors St. Thomas More Annual to Help With Adopt-A-Family Effort

Catholic Charities is seeking Vincent de Paul groups. Last year Gala To Help Support gift sponsors for the annual Adopt- 1,784 individuals received gifts. A-Family Christmas program. Cash donations also are ac- Student Ministry at OU The program matches anony- cepted for the purchase of gift cards for families in need. Cash donations mous sponsors with families in need NORMAN — Come dance with the stars at the St. Thomas More throughout the greater Oklahoma may be made in honor of a friend or City area. Each sponsor receives relative. Cash donors who make annual October Gala, benefiting the Catholic students of OU. a Christmas wish list for the gifts in someone’s honor will receive "Dancing With The Stars" is the theme of this year's fundraising gala, “adopted” family, including each greeting cards they may present to set for Friday, Oct. 24 at the OU Memorial Student Union. More than family member’s first name, age and their honorees acknowledging the 250 patrons are expected to support this major event, which will ben- clothing size. Sponsors wrap the gifts. gifts individually — labeling each “It’s a good way to give a gift efit programs and events in campus ministry for OU students. These gift with the appropriate family to a friend who has everything events include the annual mission trip to Arteaga, Mexico, in January, member’s name and family code and a gift to a family who Alternative Spring Break service trip to the Gulf Coast in March, and number — and package them to- doesn’t,” said Becky VanPool, a trip to help teach English to the seminarians and students at the gether in one container labeled with Catholic Charities Parish Outreach the family’s code number and the director. Catholic University of Ukraine next July. The night kicks off at 6 p.m. number of containers per family. Individuals or groups interested and includes dinner, silent and live auctions, a performance from the Sponsors then drop off the gifts in sponsoring families, or anyone OU Musical Theater's Hello Dolly cast, salsa dancers, a live band and Monday, Dec. 8 at a central location who would like to volunteer to dancing until midnight. Guests should come dressed as their favorite where the families in need pick assist with the gift drop-off and them up two days later. pickup process may call the movie couple or in evening attire. For more information or to purchase Families in need are referred to Catholic Charities Family Support tickets, contact Debbie Kohls at (405) 321-0990 Ext. 206. the program from parish-based St. Services at (405) 526-2328.

14 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Jobs Box Maintenance Supervisor The Center of Family Love in Okarche has degree and experience in higher education is pre- St. Ann’s Home in Oklahoma City is looking immediate openings for the following: LPNs — Full- ferred. Send cover letter, resume and references to: for a maintenance supervisor. St. Ann’s Home is time shifts available (3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and weekend St. Gregory’s University, Human Resources a 120-bed, long-term care facility. Must have doubles). Individual Program Coordinator — Must Director, 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, Okla. 74804, knowledge in electrical, plumbing and carpentry. have good communication skills interacting with or e-mail [email protected]. EOE Must be able to organize and multi-task with our clients, their families and the community. contractors. Organizational skills and communi- Qualified Mental Retardation Professional — Dean of Enrollment Management cation a must! Knowledge in long-term care a Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred. Prior St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee invites plus. Please apply in person at St. Ann’s Home, experience working with developmentally disabled. applicants for the position of Dean of Enrollment 9400 St. Ann’s Drive, Oklahoma City 73099. Laundry aides, housekeeping and dietary aides — Management. Position responsible for the develop- Full-time hours with possible rotating weekends. ment, implementation, maintenance, analysis and Chapel Staff Openings To apply, call 263-4658, fax 263-4563, e-mail general supervision of all programs related to the Tinker Air Force Base Chapel has the [email protected] or in person at 635 W. Texas, recruiting and retaining of undergraduate students. following positions to be filled: Catholic coor- Okarche, Okla. 73762. EOE Involves developing and implementing the univer- dinator, Evangelization coordinator, Religious sity’s strategic enrollment and marketing plan and Education coordinator, choir director, choir Director of Institutional Advancement/Alumni recruiting goals for the College of Arts and Sciences. director/musician and organist for Mass. The St. Gregory’s University Office of Institu- This position manages the budget for the office and Statement of Work, explaining the position and tional Advancement has an opening for the position supervises the admissions counselors and office necessary qualifications, is available at the of Director of Institutional Advancement and support staff. In addition, this position will coordi- base chapel weekdays. Once all resumes are Alumni. We are seeking an assertive, personable nate and support the contracted recruitment collected, the applicants will be contacted to self-starter with proven fundraising skills and companies. Applicants must possess an understand- set up an interview time with the selection experience to assume a leadership position in ing of and willingness to support the St. Gregory’s committee. Upon completion of the interview, managing the Institutional Advancement (IA) office. University Catholic and Benedictine mission. valid applicants will be asked to formulate and The ideal candidate will have responsibility for Master’s degree is required. Experience as an ad- submit a bid. The committee will score applicants developing and implementing IA’s strategic vision, missions counselor and a minimum of two years and their bids on the basis of skills, education, annual goals, and the necessary systems/procedures experience in the director’s or assistant position is experience, organization/administrative ability to ensure success. Strong planning, verbal and preferred. Electronic résumés are preferred, and and motivation, ministry focus, people focus, and written communication, and creative application should include a letter of application describing whether bids are reasonable/within budget and skills are necessary. The ability to motivate and experience, qualifications, vision and record of value received for the amount paid. If you have mentor office members as well as develop and main- achieving/exceeding enrollment goals at one’s recent any questions, contact the chapel at 734-2111. tain relationships with university constituents institution. Shingi Goto, Executive Vice President, is paramount. The ideal candidate will have a St. Gregory’s University, 1900 W. MacArthur, minimum of three years of senior fundraising Shawnee, Okla. 74804, [email protected], Help Wanted with Adults with Disabilities experience and a bachelor’s degree. A master’s (405) 878-5435. Calendar October Drive, every Monday beginning at 7 16 Mount St. Mary home football celebrate Mass in Tagalog (Filipino) at 12 Birth Choice 16th Annual Walk a.m. and concluding with Benediction game vs Perry, 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. each Saturday.A potluck dinner for Life at the Myriad Gardens, at 7 p.m. For more information, will occasionally follow Mass. All are downtown Oklahoma City. Featuring contact Linda at 496-0033. 17-19 God’s Music is Silence. Come welcome. a LifeWalk through Bricktown, Teen away to a Silent Retreat with Katie Fearless Factor Follies competition. 14 Eucharistic Adoration at the Gordy. The retreat begins at 9 a.m. on 18 Anger, Conflict and Forgive- For more information, call Ian O’Neill Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Friday, Oct. 17 and ends Oct. 19 at ness Retreat with Marie Ballmann, at 606-8426. Help, NW 32nd and Western, every noon. The retreat to be held at Mount OSB, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The St. Mary’s. Call Katie at 627-6954 to This spiritual approach helps you to 12 American Catholic Experience. Rosary is said every weekday at 2.30 get more information or to register. identify the unresolved anger and This October join Stephen Reel as he p.m. All are welcome. conflicts that affect your relationships. explores the history of the Catholic 17-19 Beginning Experience Week- Fee: $40 ($10 deposit). Register: (405) Church in America in a five-part class. 15 All-Day Adoration, every end. To register, contact the Office of 373-0804. Bring a sack lunch. Place: The American Catholic Experience Wednesday at St. Eugene Church, Family Life at (405) 721-8944. Monastery Library. will follow the 10 a.m. Mass in Room 2400 W. Hefner Road. Mass at 6:30 LL3 at Christ the King in Oklahoma a.m., Exposition of Eucharist at 7 17-25 Monthly Novena to the 18 Labyrinth Retreat with Melissa City.For more information, contact the a.m., Confessions from 12:30 to 1:30 Infant Jesus, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Anna Letts, OSB, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. RE Office at 843-4766. p.m., Anointing of Sick at 3 p.m. Nat’l Shrine of the Infant Jesus, Saint Fee: $40 ($10 deposit). Register: (405) Devotions conclude with multi-lingual Wenceslaus Church, SH-99 7 miles N. 373-0804. Bring a sack lunch. Place: 13 Weekly Adoration of the evening prayer and Benediction at I-40 or 20 miles S. I-44 at Stroud exit, Monastery Art Barn. Blessed Sacrament at Christ the 7:30 p.m. Contacts: Barbara Curcio, Prague, (405) 567-3080. King Catholic Church, located one 755-9163. O en Espanol – Gloria For a full calendar, go to block north of Wilshire, halfway be- Pantazis, 751-7115. 18 Mass in Tagalog. St. Paul the catharchdioceseokc.org tween Penn and May at 8005 Dorset Apostle Catholic in Del City will and click on Calendar of Events October 12, 2008 ● Sooner Catholic 15 Growing Parish Plans for Building

By Ammanda McCabe Father Chapman said a $1 The Sooner Catholic million campaign has been estab- OKLAHOMA CITY — Holy lished by the parish in an effort to Angels Church is bursting at the construct a multi-purpose building to seams. Holy Angels Church needs meet the needs of the growing parish. your help. “What we need now is a New families are registering all big worship space, a big space to the time, he said. The $1 million plan gather for fiestas, and more space calls for the construction of the multi- for religious education and youth purpose building with parking spaces groups,” said Father Michael and capacity for 500. Father Chap- Chapman, pastor at Holy Angels. man said it would be used to cele- The parish is young and Father brate Mass, hold RE classes, fiestas, Chapman said averages “five to 10” and as a food dispensary for the poor. baptisms per week. Holy Angels parishioners are “What we have is lots of young, committed to raising $100,000 for the working families with modest project. The parish is hoping others An artist’s rendering of the proposed new building at Holy Angels. incomes and great hopes for the in the Archdiocese will contribute future,” he said. “With your help we and help raise the $900,000 needed Mass is little more than standing- so people can stand on the steps out- can give these parents a hand up, not to complete the project. room only,” Father Chapman said. side and still be at Mass. What a a handout!” “Sunday mornings the 11:30 “On pretty days the main door is open happy problem for a pastor!” Priest Presents Colorful History of Holy Angels Parish By Father Michael Chapman and around the state in various About 15 families attended, and in Fund. There were 700 families with churches. only a few weeks it was up to 100 600 children enrolled in RE classes Holy Angels Church began in By 1989, only about 12 people families. From the very beginning of meeting in the Parish Hall, the old 1926 with 45 families living within were still coming to Mass on Sunday. this marvelous ministry, the lovely frame church converted to classrooms, walking distance. Father James A. Archbishop Salatka was inter- little church was inadequate in size. the Casa Blanca, the storage sheds, Garvey, the director of Catholic ested in serving the growing Hispanic But the new parishioners were over- between bathrooms and hallways, in Charities, founded the parish and community in Oklahoma. He en- joyed to be there! the Sisters convent, and in my living school. couraged all priests to learn Spanish, In rapid succession, the old school room! In bad weather, the groups From 1926 to 1960, the parish was study the culture and make sure was remodeled into a parish hall patiently shared available space. closely associated with Catholic the basic religious needs of the which could also serve as class space, Archbishop Beltran said in his letter Charities through its pastors, Fathers community were being met. He set a although too small for the numbers. of appointment that part of my James Garvey, John Garvey and good example by learning Spanish Thanks to Archbishop Salatka, responsibility would be to advise him Monsignor Anthony A. “Tony” himself. the Missionary Carmelites of St. about the possible future for Holy Isenbart. The baptisms of children As part of this effort, upon the Teresa came in 1991, and more parish- Angels. living at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in retirement of Father Walsh, he ioners showed up. The Annual After six months of study, review Bethany were also recorded in the appointed Father Don Wolf to Holy Carnival began in 1992, and the with former pastors and parishioners, sacramental books at Holy Angels. Angels, with the specific task of community continued to grow. and consultation with Archbishop It was Monsignor Isenbart who welcoming the Hispanic community. A building fund was established. Beltran, it was decided to stay and built the present church building in This was an instant success! The new A small white house, La Casa Blanca, make it work. In short order, the 1950. It is located at the corner of N.W. immigrants had moved into those old located south of the rectory, was architect, Kyle Lombardo, who had 3rd Street and Blackwelder. This frame houses around the church purchased through the stewardship begun making plans with Father building, which can seat about 250, where the first parishioners made a of Father Roberto Quant. Under the Quant, came up with a design for an was more than adequate for the community in the 1920s. They loved direction of the Sisters, it was trans- education building. We did fundrais- number of parishioners in the 1950s. them. Hot and cold running water! formed into space for pre-K and ing in the parish and among generous Within 10 years, the school closed Electric lights! Paved streets with kindergarten. Planning began for an benefactors. We collected another and many families moved to neighbor- regular garbage collection Porches educational building. By the early $80,000 while the Archdiocese loaned ing parishes. and backyards where they could years of the new millennium, over 500 us $400,000 interest-free for 10 years. In 1960, Father John Walsh celebrate with family and neighbors. families with 400 children in religion And for a little under $600,000, became pastor. Under his direction, And a welcoming church within walk- classes and four weekend Masses Nashert Constructors built our the school building became St. John ing distance. It was history repeating became the norm. “Catechetical Center” in 2005. The Damascene School of Liturgical Art. itself 60 years later. When I, Father Michael L. new building took pressure off our For the next 29 years Father Walsh On Oct. 15, 1989, Father Wolf Chapman, became pastor in 2004, huge Religious Education Program, lived and worked at Holy Angels, pro- celebrated the first Spanish Mass in there was $120,000 in the Parish but the parish continues to grow. ducing many fine works of art which Holy Angels Church, two weeks after Deposit and Loan Fund (PDLF) desig- Remember, the church can only seat can still be seen at the Pastoral Center the feast of the Guardian Angels. nated as the Holy Angels Building 250! 16 Sooner Catholic ● October 12, 2008 Oliver Douberly Celebrates Twenty Years at the Cathedral By Rosemary Griffis Servant Award by the Southwest For the Sooner Catholic Liturgical Conference in 2007), one “When we sing God’s praises as would expect a giant ego as accom- one on Sunday, we are true succes- paniment. To the contrary, Oliver, sors to the first disciples of Christ, the man, is truly humble, a gentle- whose reaction to the resurrection man, not one to boast or blow his was to spend their lives praising own horn. God in the temple (see Luke 24: 52- Rev. Edward Weisenburger, 53). From Choir Director Basics by Vicar General of the Archdiocese Oliver Douberly. and pastor of the Cathedral since On Oct. 1, 1988, Oliver Douberly June 2002, calls Oliver simply Jr. was introduced to the parish of amazing. the Cathedral of Our Lady of “His presence at the Cathedral Perpetual Help as their new causes the music to be profound. organist, choir director and minister He has amazing understanding of of sacred music. liturgy and the role of liturgical The laid-back and gentle de- music in worship,” Father meanor of Douberly (that’s dough? o Weisenburger said. ber o lee) is no façade. A true “My week hinges on the 10 a.m. Southern gentleman, a native of Sunday liturgy. The full choir and Savannah, Ga., Oliver was born the energy of Oliver’s playing Jan. 10, 1948, the first child of Vera combine to make a truly extraordi- and Oliver Douberly Sr. (both nary liturgical experience.” deceased). He began his love of Oliver Douberly in his normal seat at the Cathedral. Rev. Thomas Boyer recalled an music very early, beginning piano incident in particular that demon- lessons at age 7. By the time he NPM, were traveling in similar “untapped opportunity.” strates Oliver’s ability. started college in the 1960s, he was circles. By the end of September, he had “One weekend, I closed a homily that most fortunate of people who They didn’t actually meet, how- moved his collection of books and quoting a few lines from that recognized his life’s work, with the ever, until the mid-1980s. NPM had dogs from Virginia to Oklahoma. great American hymn ‘Blessed talent and opportunity to pursue it. a cantor workshop in Oklahoma Then reality intervened. He was Assurance’. I stepped down from the After receiving his bachelor of City. The priest who was supposed greeted at his first choir rehearsal ambo as the strings from that great music in organ performance in to teach the Scripture section by just seven singers, one man and organ came up very quietly. Five 1970, at Jacksonville (Florida) suddenly took ill. Since Father six women, a few of whom are still hundred people sat breathless while University, Oliver proceeded to the Boyer was local, he was asked to in the choir at Our Lady’s. he improvised on that hymn tune Eastman School of Music in substitute. Later that summer, In addition to his ministry at for just a moment, and there was Rochester, N.Y. Oliver and Father Boyer presented the Cathedral Parish, Oliver also neither movement nor a breath In a portent of things to come, another workshop. founded the Oklahoma City Arch- from any of us. It was a moment of Oliver’s initial foray into Oklahoma One workshop led to another diocesan Chorale and serves as magic when the Divine Artist is was to the University of Oklahoma, and the two liturgists found they music director, an ambitious under- revealed in human craft.” studying in Norman with the really hit it off well. They developed taking, combining choir members On Friday, the Cathedral Parish renowned Mildred Andrews, where a successful program and presented from parishes in the Archdiocese to of Our Lady of Perpetual Help he received a master of music it regularly at workshops and semi- sing at Archdiocesan events, such as honored its organist and musical degree in organ. While in Norman nars all over the country. When ordinations, Chrism Mass and other director and liturgist with an organ and interning at St. Paul’s Father Boyer was assigned to be the Archdiocesan events. The installa- concert at the Cathedral featuring Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma rector at the Cathedral of Our Lady tion of Archbishop Beltran in Janu- Denis Bedard, concert organist, City, he came to the attention of the of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City ary, 1993, included full orchestra. composer and director of music at young Rev. Thomas Boyer, who was in late spring 1988, Oliver jokingly Oliver’s confidence in his Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver, the assistant pastor at St. Joseph’s. whined, “If you get to go to the Cathedral choir, now numbering BC, Canada. Oliver served parishes in Cathedral, why can’t I?” more than 25 members, enabled him On Sunday, following the 10 Alabama and Virginia and was Everything fell into place easily to take them to Italy in 1999. They a.m. Mass, Oliver was to be the assistant musical director and enough so that in early September, sang in various venues in Assisi and recipient of special presentations accompanist for the Virginia Choral Oliver was invited to direct the Florence, culminating in a glorious from his parish family, who are Society. During this time, he was an choir and play the organ at the Mass celebrating the feast of St. proud of a man who has done so active faculty member of the Cathedral to introduce him to the Gregory the Great before Pope John much for so long to increase their National Association of Pastoral choir and congregation. Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica. faith. Musicians (NPM). While attending “The choir was wonderful that With all his talents and accom- Donna Robillard summed it up, and teaching at NPM seminars and weekend,” remembers Oliver. The plishments and awards (some of the “Oliver likes to pull out all the stops conventions, he and Father Boyer, parish was welcoming and he felt latest being NPM Musician of the once in a while,” and in tribute, his who was also a faculty member of blessed to have been given this Year in 1998, and the Faithful parish will follow suit.