Is at Hand Mark 1:15 the 2012 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal I Usted Es Creyente Católico, Probablemente Muchas Personas Lo Consideran Intolerante

Life Spirituality in the Second Half of Life Faith

Teaching Never Gets Old Stories A Week in the Life of a Seminarian

“The kingdom of God “ is at hand Mark 1:15 The 2012 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal i usted es creyente católico, probablemente muchas personas lo consideran intolerante. Por From the Bishop ejemplo, al creer, como nosotros los católicos creemos, que el aborto no es correcto porque al hacerlo estamos asesinando a un ser humano y, por consiguiente, debería ser ilegal; sin embargo, se mira como una manera de discriminación a la mujer. Al creer, como lo hacemos los católicos, que actos homosexuales son incorrectos e inmorales, se considera como una Smanera de prejuicios en contra de personas con atracciones al mismo sexo.

Are You a Bigot? En el verano pasado, el estado de porque el matrimonio era bueno para la zas públicas. Ahora tenemos al gobierno Illinois consideró a varias diócesis católi- sociedad. Si el matrimonio fuese solo excluyendo a Iglesias y a organizaciones cas, incluyendo a la de Joliet, discrimina- un asunto de dos, entonces, el estado religiosas de participar en programas fun- f you are a believing designed to protect and promote the com- for the free exercise of religion. Already torias en contra de parejas, de cualquier tendría muy pocas razones para meterse dados por el gobierno porque de pronto Catholic, chances are mon good. Marriage, for example, is not we have seen that freedom converted tipo, viviendo juntas sin el beneficio en el matrimonio. sus creencias son “discriminatorias.” many people will consider just for the benefit of the two persons in- into freedom from religion. Look at the del matrimonio. Las diócesis querían Hoy día, muchas personas están tratan- Después, tendremos al estado requiriendo you a bigot. For example, volved. It benefits their children and society situation in public schools and town continuar con las normas establecidas do de re-definir el matrimonio como una a las iglesias y a organizaciones religiosas in general. Thus, traditionally, laws, such as squares. Now we have the state exclud- desde muchos años atrás, ubicar a niños simple relación legal de Amistad entre dos que incorporen regulaciones guberna- to believe, as Catholics a minimum age for marriage, the difficulty ing churches and religious organizations desprotegidos y huérfanos con parejas personas cualquiera, sin ninguna conexión mentales que violarían sus enseñanzas. Ido, that abortion is wrong because in obtaining a divorce, even laws against from participation in government-funded dentro de un matrimonio tradicional. (La por o para los niños, sin conexión con la Más y más, escuchamos a personas it kills a human being and, there- adultery, were all intended to strengthen programs because their beliefs are sud- norma se deriva en parte a la creencia fidelidad, ni con el compromiso ni con la hablar de la libertad de “culto” en lugar de fore, should be illegal, is viewed marriage, because marriage was good denly “discriminatory.” Next, we will have en el matrimonio mismo y, al hecho muy sociedad. Los únicos que importan son libertad de “religión,” como si la religión as a form of discrimination against for society. If marriage were just a matter the state requiring churches and religious bien demostrado, que los niños tienen un los individuos. Así mismo con el aborto: envolviera únicamente un ritual. women. To believe, as Catholics between two people, the state would have organizations to incorporate government mejor bienestar dentro de una relación la criatura en el vientre no importa; el En Estados Unidos, hemos pasado ya la little reason to involve itself in marriage. regulations that violate their teachings. de matrimonio estable.) padre no importa; la sociedad no importa amenaza de que cualquier religión fuerce do, that homosexual acts are dis- Now, many people are trying to redefine More and more, we hear people speak of Por años, el Departamento de Servi- (piensen Steve Jobs, fue adoptado). sus puntos de vista. Precisamente está ordered, as well as immoral, is con- marriage as simply a legalized friendship the freedom of “worship” instead of the cios para Niños y Familias, había traba- Lo único que importa es el deseo de la ocurriendo todo lo contrario. Nuestras sidered a form of prejudice against between any two people, with no con- freedom of “religion,” as though religion jado en unión con Caridades Católicas, madre (o si no desea ser llamada madre, escuelas, hospitales, asilos de ancianos, people with same-sex attractions. nection per se to children, to fidelity, to involved only ritual. asistiendo con fondos económicos para de la mujer). Caridades Católicas – cualquier cosa endurance or to society. All that matters We are long past the threat of any la adopción y la ubicación de niños Este enfoque de la definición de los que envuelva licencias gubernamentales, Last summer, the state of Illinois is the individuals. Likewise with abortion: religion forcing its views on America. Just desprotegidos en hogares muy bien valores morales de la sociedad, además regulaciones y aun un dólar de fondos del deemed several Catholic dioceses, includ- the child in the womb doesn’t matter; the the opposite is happening. Our schools, establecidos. La norma de dar única- de estar filosóficamente en bancarrota, gobierno – están bajo riesgo de perder ing Joliet, to be discriminatory against father doesn’t matter; society doesn’t mat- hospitals, nursing homes, Catholic Chari- mente al cuidado y a la adopción a las termina enfrentando a los derechos de un la protección de la Primera enmienda, couples, of whatever stripe, living together ter (think Steve Jobs, who was adopted). ties – anything that involves government parejas unidas matrimonialmente, no ciudadano en contra de los derechos de de elegir libremente su religión. No está without benefit of marriage. The dioceses All that matters is the wish of the mother licensing, regulation or even one dollar of fue ningún problema. De pronto un día, otra persona o un grupo de ciudadanos hablando el Partido Te (Tea Party), sino la wanted to continue their long-standing (or if she doesn’t want to be thought of as government funding – are at risk of los- la Iglesia Católica se convirtió en una (como una iglesia). voz de la libertad religiosa. policy of placing foster and adoptive a mother, the woman). ing their First Amendment protection for organización discriminatoria y, se redujo Por ejemplo, no hace mucho tiempo, Nosotros los católicos no somos intol- children only with couples in a traditional This approach to defining the moral val- the free exercise of religion. This is not su capacidad de funcionamiento como el aborto era ilegal. Después se hizo legal erantes por nuestras creencias. Somos marriage. (The policy stems in part from ues of society, besides being philosophi- the Tea Party speaking. This is the voice institución religiosa. cuando la Corte Suprema descubrió el estadounidenses leales, que por 200 años the belief in marriage itself and from the cally bankrupt, ends up pitting the rights of of religious liberty. ¿Cómo sucede esto? Desde mi punto derecho a la privacidad en la Consti- hemos defendido a los pobres y oprimidos well-demonstrated fact that children do one citizen against the rights of another or We Catholics are not bigots because de vista, los Estados Unidos y el mundo tución. Ahora, para no discriminar a la de nuestra nación. De la misma manera, best within a stable, marital relationship.) a group of citizens (like a church). of our beliefs. We are loyal Americans occidental, en general, han tirado por mujer, la cual desea practicarse un aborto, aceptamos verdades reveladas por Dios For years, the Department of Children For example, not so very long ago, who, for 200 years, have stood up for la borda sus valores morales tradicio- el gobierno quiere obligar a farmacias y transmitidas a otras generaciones por and Family Services had contracted with abortion was illegal. Then it became legal the poor and the oppressed within our nales que están basados en el código que estén en contra del aborto, a propor- siglos, verdades que permiten a la gente Catholic Charities to assist with funding for nationwide when the Supreme Court nation. We also accept truths revealed judeo-cristiano. Nuestra cultura moderna, cionar medicamentos para provocar el llevar vidas integras. Una de esas verdades adoption and foster services. The married discovered the right to privacy in the by God and handed on for centuries — seguida de nuestras cortes y legisladores, aborto. No estamos muy lejos de que el es nuestra obligación de amar y respetar couples-only policy was not a problem. Constitution. Now, so as not to discrimi- truths that allow people to lead lives of han reemplazado este código con un gobierno le pida a hospitales privados y a a cada uno de nosotros. Sin embargo, Then, one day the Catholic Church be- nate against women who want to exercise integrity. One of those truths is our obli- valor: La voluntad del individuo. programas de las aseguradoras, a proveer necesitamos luchar por nuestro derecho came a discriminatory organization, and its their right to an abortion, the government gation to love and respect everyone. But El código antiguo no es solo dado abortos, de nuevo, esto para evitar una de libertad religiosa, por el bien de nuestra ability to function as a religious institution wants to force pharmacists who oppose we need to fight for our right to religious por Dios. Está designado a proteger y discriminación. Esto tal vez incluya a Iglesia y por el bien de todos en general. was curtailed. abortion to dispense drugs that cause freedom, for the sake of the Church and promover el bien común. El matrimonio, hospitales católicos y a programas de Ciertamente nunca nos deberíamos sen- How does this happen? In my view, the abortions. We are not far from the gov- for the sake of the common good. We por ejemplo, no solo es para el beneficio aseguradoras. tirnos avergonzados por nuestra fe. Por el United States, and the Western world in ernment requiring private hospitals and should certainly never be ashamed of de las dos personas comprometidas. Así que no es solamente un sistema contrario, debemos animarnos los unos a general, has thrown overboard its tra- insurance programs to provide for abor- our faith. Indeed, we should encourage Beneficia a los hijos y a la sociedad en moral volteado de cabeza. El proyecto de los otros y buscar fuerzas en Dios. ditional moral values that are based on tions, again, in order to avoid discrimi- one another and seek God’s strength. general. Por lo tanto, tradicionalmente, ley de los derechos está en peligro. La the Judeo-Christian code. Our modern nation. This may well include Catholic las leyes, como una edad mínima para primera enmienda proporciona el poder Obispo R. Daniel Conlon culture, followed by our legislatures and hospitals and insurance programs. Bishop R. Daniel Conlon el matrimonio, las dificultades para elegir libremente su religión. Hemos visto Diócesis de Joliet courts, have replaced this code with one So, it’s not just a moral system turned Diocese of Joliet obtener el divorcio y las leyes en contra ya que esta libertad se ha convertido en Cristo es nuestra value: the will of the individual. upside down. The Bill of Rights is in Christ is our Hope del adulterio, fueron todas instituidas con liberarse de la religión. Solo basta con Esperanza The old code is not just God-given. It is jeopardy. The First Amendment provides January/February 2012 la intención de reforzar el matrimonio, mirar la situación en las escuelas y en pla- enero/febrero 2012

2 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 3 The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon PUBLISHER Doug Delaney DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER contents January/February 2012 Volume 5: Issue 1 Table of Contents

Carlos Briceño EDITOR 6 yourlife 12 yourfaith 18 yourstories Miguel Moreno, Monica Harness SPANISH TRANSLATORS 8 Marriage Matters 12 Ask the Priest 18 Catholic Minstries FAITH Catholic Rev. Dwight Ezop 8 Catholic Life 13 Saint of the Month Annual Appeal CHAIRMAN 10 Feature St. John Bosco A Week in the Life of a Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT AND CHIEF Above and Beyond 14 Catholic Charities Seminarian EXECUTIVE OFFICER Elizabeth Martin Solsburg Saying Goodbye 20 Growing in Faith DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ 16 Feature 22 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Center for Cynthia Vandecar Teaching Never Gets Old Family Ministry DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICE 24 Working Together

Jillane Job 25 School Mergers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Patrick Dally 28 Reflexiones de fe ART DIRECTOR ¿Qué nos pasa? Michelle Hildebrandt 29 Local News Lynne Hsu stronger GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEB MASTER 31 Last Word Janna Stellwag, Abby Wieber Frank Iacovella 18 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS T OGET HER Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle Dr. Cathleen McGreal CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Gennara, Phillip Shippert Living our Catholic values – We deliver care with CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS InnerWorkings compassion, dignity and respect at every stage of life. PRINT MANAGEMENT Two exceptional healthcare Frank Schuler Providing advanced care – We bring patients the benefit of COVER PHOTO organizations have joined forces, Christ is Our Hope (USPS 25288) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, 101 W. top physicians, the latest technology and proven medical practices. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527. Published monthly except for February, August and November. Gift subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual creating the largest Catholic issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and address changes to: Christ is Our Hope magazine, Increasing access to care – We serve communities from 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527; (815) 834-4060 or email magazine@dioceseofjoliet. org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to health system in Illinois. Chicago’s lakefront to East Central Illinois with 12 hospitals and Christ is Our Hope magazine, 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL 60446-6527 ©Christ is Our Hope magazine, Diocese of Joliet. ©FAITH Publishing more than 100 sites of care. Service. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Publishing Service. No portion of Christ is Our Hope magazine may be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without prior written authority of the Diocese of Joliet and/or – We support economic growth FAITH Publishing ServiceTM. For reprint information Strengthening communities or other questions regarding use copyright material, contact the Christ is Our Hope magazine editorial by employing 22,000 people who live and shop where they work. offices at the Diocese of Joliet. Periodicals postage paid at Romeoville, IL and at additional mailing offices. To submit story ideas and news Send e-mails to [email protected] For jobs and other information: For subscription information NOW THE POWER OF ONE IS ON YOUR SIDE. Please call (815) 834-4060 provenaresurrection.org Correction: Because of an error by the printer, page 31 in the December 2011 issue of the magazine was duplicated from the October/November 2011 SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN YOUR AREA: Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center – Joliet • Provena St. Mary’s Hospital – Kankakee issue. The content that Provena Care@Home • Provena Home Care • Provena Hospice • Provena Intergenerational Center – Kankakee • Provena Heritage Village – Kankakee was supposed to be there Provena Our Lady of Victory – Bourbonnais • Provena Villa Franciscan – Joliet • Provena Medical Group – Bourbonnais, Channahon, Clifton, Coal City, is in this month’s issue, Crest Hill, Frankfort, Joliet, Kankakee, Lemont, Lockport, Manhattan, Manteno, New Lenox, Peotone on page 11.

5 inside: YOUR LIFE Parenting Journey

7 parenting 8 marriage yourlife journey matters 10 feature What Defines Immodest Clothing for Teens? Work Life When they were sixth graders, I took my daughter, Shannon, and one turns down his eyes and returns of her friends to the mall. We went our separate ways in the store and to his office, closing the door. when we met up again the friend proudly displayed a t-shirt with bold How do you feel now? Write lettering: “My boyfriend’s out of town!” She announced, “This means Will an office down your feelings. T. Gennara that I have a boyfriend.” I explained the innuendo behind the message, Continue to imagine any shoulders with shawls. In the United States, but she didn’t want to return her purchase. When handed the shop- crush ruin my life? number of scenarios: many styles of short-sleeved dresses are worn Jim Berluecchi is a ping bag, her mother said, “That would be a good shirt just to wear at to church. Modesty involves knowledge of I have developed a completely inap- • Your boss turns cold toward workplace professional with the home!” Immodest clothing sends messages that run counter to the the context and setting. An outfit that might propriate crush on my new boss. He’s you, acting in an icy and dis- Spitzer Center. respect and dignity of a person. be modest at the beach is probably not suit- married, so I know he’s off-limits. How tant manner. able when going to dinner or a movie! do I deal with my feelings without caus- • He confides that he wants to brings forth death. (James 1:14-15) Clothing is an expression of identity. Be aware of culture and context. “Mod- Q ing problems at my job? be with you, but he can’t leave You’re obviously smart The choices that we make in terms of cloth- esty inspires a way of life which makes it pos- Redefine what it means to be “hot”! In his wife ... just yet. enough to know what’s off limits ing are a way of aligning ourselves with par- sible to resist the allurements of fashion and their report on The Sexualization of Girls, the • Etc. in action, so do the same with ticular groups. Adolescents define themselves the pressures of prevailing ideologies. The American Psychological Association noted: Feelings of attrac- enjoy it. Months later you both your heart. Guard your heart in many dierent ways, “I am someone who forms taken by modesty vary from one cul- “It’s natural to want to fit in when you’re tion are common- definitely cross the “off limits” The outcomes are innumer- with all vigilance for from it is athletic,” or “I am someone who loves to ture to another. … Teaching modesty to chil- growing up. But it’s never worth giving up place and we all line. The logical fulfillment of able but the point is the same. flows the springs of life. (Proverbs draw.” Choices in clothing reflect self-con- dren and adolescents means awakening who you are just to be accepted by sometimes experi- your crush is realized. The end of desire reveals the 4:23) ceptions as well. T-shirts display one’s taste in them respect for the human person.” someone else. Try to focus more on encea unruly desires. Sometimes How do you feel? Are you true nature of each desire. It’s time to secure your heart. in music or a favorite sports team. Wearing (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2523-2524) As what makes you a good and caring the best way to conquer an happy? Proud of yourself? Do Is your crush just “inappropri- First, let your feelings fol- a brand name reveals information about the Catechism points out, person. Recognize your talents inappropriate desire is to ask you feel ennobled? ate” or could it be exceedingly low the facts. With a sense of knowing what is cool (for the moment) and there are cultural dier- and accomplishments yourself — What it would be Now imagine that your boss’ dangerous? And if conceived, humor and faith, let your adult even economic status. When children are ences in what would be and those of the people like if it were fulfilled? wife and children visit the of- would the results bring you and mind take over. young, their parents have the most influence considered appropriate around you. You can help So go ahead and imagine fice. He greets her with a kiss others genuine happiness? Second, recognize the on the types of clothes they wear. But peers attire. In Italian churches, to redefine ‘hot’ as being for 10 minutes. Wonder and and fusses over their children. Each person is tempted when potential gravity of your become more influential as kids move into women wear dresses with T. Gennara someone who’s confident rehearse in your mind. She beams, and while hustling he is lured and enticed by his desire. Your infatuation is with the teen years. Clothes aren’t simply func- sleeves or cover their and caring.” Your boss detects your feel- the kids off, says, “See you at own desire. And desire when another woman’s husband. tional; they are an external sign connecting a ings and responds positively. Sarah’s softball game, honey.” it has conceived gives birth to Third, make the most of teen with the peer group. Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor. Fun flirting escalates. You both He glances quickly at you, sin; and sin when it is full-grown your error. Confess your emotional indulgence to the Lord, seek his grace in confession, and come out stronger, better My Neighbors Don’t Conflict Resolution and freer. Fourth, renew your mind Pick up after Their Dog with the truth. The temptation solutions. However, before will likely re-emerge. Nip it in We share a back yard with our townhouse neighbors and you do so, you might want to the bud by living an examined they keep letting their dog out to “do his business” but consider putting together an edu- life. then don’t pick up after him. We’ve asked them nicely and it cational flyer to distribute among Do not be conformed to works for a few days, but then we’re back to the same problem. the townhouse neighbors, and this world, but be transformed perhaps on local community by the renewal of your mind, Among the 10 reasons an come into contact with it, or bulletin boards. Approach your that you may prove what is the animal resource coalition lists for be transmitted to people who neighbor with it first, and mention S. Kendrick will of God, what is good and a dog’s owners to pick up after accidentally step in it and track the principle of the Golden Rule acceptable and perfect. (Romans their dogs is this one – which it home. Particularly at risk, of – would they want their children 12:2) I consider the most important: course, are children who play on exposed to this kind of hazard? Finally and always, draw “Abandoned dog poop can the ground.” If this doesn’t work, you may Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a near to God and He will host diseases and/or parasites This is a health issue and you need to file a complaint with the psychologist and family coun- draw near to you. (James 4:8 ) that can infect other dogs who have the right to enforce drastic local health department. selor.

6 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Liturgical calendar: The solemnity of Mary the mother of God January 1 | Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church January 2 | St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious January 4 | St. John Neumann, bishop January 5 | St. André Bessette, religious January 6 | The Epiphany of the Lord January 8 | 7 Spirituality Catholic Life in the Second Half of Life SHE SAYSSAYS: HE SAYSS : ast year, a member of our community in Arizona quietly announced “ My kids aren’t being “I made promises he was cutting back on his workload. He had been working on marriage cases for a diocese and driving long distances on week- treated fairly in our about money to my ends to serve chapels on an Indian reservation. He is 91 years old. marriage.” late wife” In his past life, he had numerous ministries. But, he said the last Lseveral years working with Native Americans was his greatest blessing. Sharon says: Jack’s children Jack says: Sharon knew that from his first marriage are lazy my late wife and I intended that Some have observed that the very young and the very old The wilderness and refuse to work. Although my the money we’d accumulated seem to share a secret lost to the rest of us. The intervening When things fall apart, we have the opportunity to re- husband doesn’t give them money during our marriage should go years are a journey of exploration and then a return home, construct life on a dierent basis. The pivotal point is no now, they stand to inherit every- to our children. I know she dis- “knowing the place for the first time.” (T.S. Eliot) longer in our control; now we are invited to surrender into thing he brought into the marriage. approves of them, but they are Those who study this journey often speak of the first and the mystery at the core of our life. We are no longer our It didn’t seem so unfair at the time, my children, and I do not want to second halves of life, each with its own particular spirituali- own guide. but now that we’ve been married renege on their inheritance. ty. Seeing life in two stages is an artificial construct, and any In the second half of life, we may be led into a desert more than 10 years, it seems unjust particular life may be totally out of sync with this theory. experience. Here we have no paths or guideposts. It is an that his children will get more than mine. But, good theory has explanatory power. It may not explain unfamiliar and silent terrain. In this wilderness, the space all that we experience, but it can give us some understand- is vast, the horizon distant. Our saints tell us to be alert ing of our lives, and point to what is down the road. because, in their experience, love is approaching. “I will allure her now; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak First half of life persuasively to her.” (Hosea 2:16) The two halves of life have dierent tasks. In the first half Holiness lies in fidelity to everyday life. One who has of life, we move out into the world. In the second half of life, been in the wilderness, and found there miraculous food we move into levels of life yet unrealized. Each half of life and a loving Presence, lives daily life with greater trust and WHAT DO THEY DO? requires a “letting go.” Spirituality, the following of the Spirit, hope. The God who loved us into life continues to call us no dierent than we need to adjust to life as t feels like there is more always involves a “letting go.” Both phases of life require faith. more deeply into that life. The result is a person who listens our bodies change with age. to this than just how to Your Marriage Matters In the first half of life, we are invited by the Spirit to let more deeply in the clutter of life, who is a compassion- Second, Jack and Sharon should distribute money! go of the safety of the womb, the comfort of anonymity, ate companion to others and whose deepest desire is now remember that their marriage is dierent Unfortunately, both the numbness of undierentiated existence. We move out God’s desire. from their prior marriage(s); consequently, a Proverb that says, “In his mind a man into life, leaving the safe harbor of the unconscious and Jack and Sharon have decisions made by, or with, a former plans his course, but the Lord directs his risking the open waters of personhood, being somebody. Life in thirds? whatI a rational person would spouse should be tempered with the needs steps.” (16:9) Jack and his late wife may have That somebody has to develop an identity, a value system But could we also view life in thirds? In other words, consider legitimate positions, and and desires of their new spouse. This is a intended one action (based on their situ- and a worldview. The healthy ego learns to relate to others after the tasks in the first and second halves of life have that can be problematic in finding new relationship and, as such, should be ation at that time), but with a new family, and finds its place in the world. been lived through as best we can, is there another phase a solution. If this is an issue that viewed separate and distinct from prior is that what Jesus would do given this new If the tasks of the first half of life are not completed well of life? Should we begin to identify a spirituality in the last unions. Jack should understand that it situation? Jack and Sharon have created a is driving a wedge in Jack and enough, the person is not ready for the second half of third of life? How does this hard-earned wisdom play out would be inappropriate and wrong to give new family unit that requires new solu- life. Counselors today are busy shoring up an individual’s Sharon’s relationship, then they in our remaining years? We are living longer, often with priority to decisions made with his previ- tions and new decisions. identity and sense of competence in life. decent health. might want to consider not pass- ous wife without regard for Sharon’s feel- A big problem faced by families today Recently, I watched an energetic senior citizen announce ing along an inheritance to any of ings. This is not reneging on a decision; it is the process of merging two family Second half of life boarding procedures at a Southwest Airlines gate. He was their children. is failing to give adequate consideration to units that were created previously into Somewhere in the middle of life, new tasks emerge. The wearing his Southwest uniform: khaki shorts and white this new situation and relationship. a new family unit. In order to achieve individual is invited to engage levels of personality un- polo shirt. He was authoritative, but not overbear- Our experience is that the quickest way It would be beneficial for Jack and harmony between husband and wife, all known until now. In the second half of life, the “letting go” ing; relaxed, but ecient. I wondered what he for a marriage relationship to encounter Sharon to discuss this issue with love and children of the new unit should involves letting go of some of the control we have. It means wore, and how he acted, earlier in his life. problems is to introduce money issues. a gentle spirit toward each other to help be treated equally and given going quiet and not always “wording” our life, not always What was his spirituality now? What is the Two key points should be given consid- them find an acceptable solution. It may the same considerations and fixing and solving it. It is a time for listening, listening to the spirituality of grandparents? eration by Jack and Sharon. be helpful if they would write, on opportunities. Children deeper life within and listening to the Creator of that life, St. Teresa of Avila wrote, in her later First, decisions/ideas/thoughts held prior paper, their thoughts and feelings should not be viewed as who calls us into spiritual maturity. years, that her relationship with God was to their marriage will need to be visited on the situation; remembering “yours” or “mine” when This wider, deeper life is bad news for the ego. The ego very intimate, but God did not preoccupy periodically during their marriage to ensure that the spiritual fruit of it comes to equal treat- tends toward sclerosis. The problem is not ego, but ego- her. She had things to do. After years of they are still appropriate and applicable. goodness compels us to ment, but “ours.” Do- centrism. Often, it is only when things begin to fall apart interior struggles, she came to a place in Most married couples know that decisions discuss with each other in ing otherwise creates will the ego grudgingly be open to new learnings. her life, and in her relationship with God, made during one phase of their relationship a manner that is truthful, needless turmoil and The experience feels like failure. Our Christian faith

T. Gennara marked by freedom. Even having a “spiri- may not be appropriate or valid in a future yet with kindness. division within the reminds us that it is through the cross we arrive at the tual life” was no longer a preoccupation. Father John Welch, O. phase. Relationships change, needs change We are reminded of family unit. resurrection. The basic pattern of life, whether in the ﬁrst or She was immersed in her daily duties, but Carm., resides in a Carmelite and each spouse should be willing to adjust second half, is our participation in the Paschal Mystery, the now, perhaps, seeing them for the ﬁrst time. community in Joliet. as dierent situations present themselves Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage. dying and rising of Christ.

8 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Feast of the Baptism of the Lord January 9 | St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church January 13 | St. Anthony of Egypt , abbot January 17 | St. Sebastian, martyr January 20 | St. Agnes, virgin 9 YOUR LIFE

Feature Story

bia for Gannon came from the evangelization process. “We would ride our motorcycles for an hour or two every day to dierent orphan- ages called rescue units,” Gannon said. “We would teach the kids games and English phonics, play duck-duck-goose, and we shared the Gospel. More than 800 kids came to know Jesus Christ, and that was awesome to see.” And for Gannon, that meant observing Above and Beyond the words she reads in the Bible in real-life situations. Traveling to Zambia Changes Student’s Life “I learned about being content in all circumstances,” she said. “It’s like Chapter 4 in ummertime is where the teenagers learn how to ride the Phillippians, about being content, and just supposed to be dirt bikes that are integral to traveling in seeing how grateful the children in Zambia Zambia, Gannon joined a team of 15 that were gives me a new appreciation for life about vacations, spent five weeks in a country where the pov- beaches, sun and the things that I have. We have so much erty levels are consistently above 70 percent. in America. tans and relaxing “It was nerve-racking at first, but I know “They don’t have the schools and the edu- andS spending time with it was harder on my parents,” Gannon said. cation we have here. Kids lack the proper family and friends. For “They were the ones who had to let me go, clothing, and they don’t have shoes. You get Joliet Catholic Academy’s but they had to trust in the Lord and that to see the world, a whole other world, from the Lord was going to keep me safe. I wasn’t a dierent light.” Katelyn Gannon, however, as scared about going over there as I was the Lord had other ideas When Gannon walked the hallways for about leaving my summer behind. the first time in late August, she also saw for her summer. “You wait all year long for summer to ar- JCA in a dierent way. rive, to lay out and to have fun, but when I “It was so cool to be over in Zambia and As last winter turned to spring, Gannon got to Zambia, it never crossed my mind that know that I had a core group from JCA began to plan out her senior year. A former I was making a sacrifice. It was just such an praying for me,” said Gannon, who spoke volleyball player, she was excited about be- amazing experience.” with history and sociology teacher Krystal ing a cheerleader under coach Tina Osburn. That experience has paid dividends for (Reinhardt) Matichak before signing up for She started thinking ahead to college, toying Gannon, a Shorewood native, in her return the trip. “Ms. Reinhardt had gone to Zambia with the thought of becoming a teacher. to JCA. The perspective of five weeks has on a mission, and she was very helpful to But during her junior year at JCA, another brought about a maturity level that students, me. concept was whispered in her ear. As spring teachers, faculty and sta all have noticed. “Knowing that she was praying for me faded into summer, Gannon followed that “She’s unbelievable,” Osburn said. “She’s and I had so many teachers at JCA support- voice on a mission to Zambia in Southern very hard-working, very dedicated; even ing me, everyone so interested in what was Africa. though she’s new to the team this year, she’s going on and what happened and wanting Why? the first person I can turn to in regards to to know what the mission trip was all about “About a year ago, I decided that maybe helping someone out. It’s always a case … it really makes a big statement about I wanted to go on a mission trip,” Gannon with her of, ‘Anything that I can do to help what JCA is all about.” said. “And I really felt that the Lord was call- someone out.’ In four years, after graduating from JCA ing me — not for the long-term, but to go “When she told me she was going to and getting her bachelor’s degree in college, on that mission trip this summer.” Africa and for what reason, you never expect don’t be surprised if Gannon returns to Through Teen Missions International, someone who is going into their senior year Zambia on another mission. an interdenominational Christian mission to give up their summer to do something Why not? organization that specializes in short-term like this. But she wanted to give back, and I “I want to go into education,” she said, mission trips for youth, Gannon signed up think it has helped in leadership, her grow- “and someday take it back over there.” for the Orphan Angels mission. ing as a person and in her spirituality.” After two weeks of training in Florida, The proudest part of the mission to Zam- Story by Bill Scheibe

10 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org and martyr January 21 | Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children January 23 | St. Francis De Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church January 24 | Feast of St. Paul, apostle January 25 | Ss. Timothy and Titus, bishops January 26 | St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church January 28 | St. John Bosco, 11 YOUR STORIES Saint of the Month

14 Catholic 16 Feature Charities Story aint John Bosco was born the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, widely referred in northern Italy in 1815. His to as the Salesian Sisters. He also organized an associa- your parents were farmers. At the tion of lay people interested in aiding the works of these religious congregations. “Think of God in terms of faith,” age of 2, his father died. Life Ask the Priest us to approach the Mass dier- he once said, “of your neighbor in terms of charity, and ently, and it gives us more time was hard for his mother and of yourself in terms of humility. Rate yourself low. Speak for prayer. Regarding prayer, it hisS two older brothers, as they strug- of God with veneration, speak of your neighbor as you Dear Father: is good to start small, build up gled to make ends meet. would wish him to speak of you, and speak of yourself consistency and then adapt. humbly, or not at all.” He died on Jan. 31, 1888, and was One of my New Year’s resolutions is to Develop a routine that includes But he was a happy and imaginative child. He would canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. take my faith more seriously. Do you morning oerings, prayers before put on shows for his friends, exhibiting skills as a jug- have any advice or suggestions? meals, and prayer before bed Father Matthew Pratscher gler, magician and acrobat. But he made sure that each (giving God thanks and glory, is parochial vicar at St. Dominic performance would begin and end with a prayer. A priest Q Parish in Bolingbrook. To sub- asking him to help you and oth- taught him how to read and write, which helped him and For many of us, the and holy day of obligation, and ers, as well as asking for forgive- mit questions to him, email allowed him to enter the seminary when he was 16. Even celebrations of New daily prayer. It is good not only ness). Praying with Scripture, [email protected]. as a young man, he would begin a practice that would Year’s Day are often to reflect on how faithful we are the rosary, chaplets, the Stations continue throughout his life: He would catechize and aaccompanied by an introspec- to accomplishing them and what of the Cross, and meditations continue to learn by reading the help homeless boys. After he became a priest, he became tive posture, looking back at the competes with our time for them, help us to spend time with God, Bible, The Catechism of the Catho- well-known for teaching the Catholic faith to youths and past year and forward to the next but also on how we can enter loving Him and letting ourselves lic Church or The Compendium even housing those who were homeless or orphans. He year, often identifying areas of more deeply into them (or how be loved by Him. Although you of the Catechism of the Catholic later founded the religious congregation called the Sale- our lives that we would like to we can get more out of them). can do some of these or speak to Church, which is a little more sian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and work on throughout the year. We Regarding Mass, the following God while driving or complet- user-friendly than the Catechism later, with the help of St. Mary Mazzarello, he founded can identify three distinct areas questions may be helpful: Do ing tasks around the house, it is itself, and our diocesan maga- of our faith lives that can become I arrive to church early to pray always a good idea to set aside at zine. We can browse the bishops’ a road map for us, helping us to and prepare myself to receive the least 15 minutes a day in silence website (usccb.org), the diocesan set clear goals: 1.Prayer/Devotion; Lord in word and sacrament? Do with God. website (dioceseofjoliet.org), the an Juan Bosco nació en el noreste de Italia en 2. Charity/Service; and 3. Study. I read the readings before Mass? Regarding charity and service: parish website or links on it, as 1815. Sus padres fueron agricultores. Su padre vivir o aquellos que eran huérfanos, les proporcionaba There always is room to grow, Am I praying, paying attention With whom am I impatient? To well as Catholic news sites such murió cuando él tenía dos años de edad. La albergue. Más tarde, fundaría la congregación religiosa Socie- and the ideas and suggestions and actively and consciously whom am I uncharitable? Do I as Zenit.org or the Vatican news vida fue muy difícil para su madre y para sus dad Salesiana, llamada así en honor a San Francisco de Sales can seem endless. Below are a participating in the Mass? Do I neglect those in need? How can site (vatican.va/news_services/ S dos hermanos mayores. y, más tarde, con la ayuda de Santa María Mazzarello, fundó few suggestions and questions for socialize with fellow parishio- I better serve and love my family, index.htm). There are a number A pesar de las dificultades, él fue un niño muy feliz y con la orden de las Hijas de María Auxiliadora de los Cristianos, your own reflection. ners afterward? The practice of neighbors, co-workers, friends, of Catholic blogs and sites, such mucha imaginación. Realizaba actos de entretenimiento para mayormente conocidas como las Hermanas Salesianas. Tam- In the area of prayer, the basic going to Mass during the week and the marginalized of society? as wordonfire.org that engage us sus amigos, exhibiendo sus habilidades como malabarista, bién organizó una asociación de personas laicas interesadas foundation is Mass every Sunday in addition to Sunday can help Regarding study, we can intellectually in the faith. mago y acróbata; pero también se aseguraba que cada acto en ayudar en el trabajo de estas congregaciones religiosas. comenzara y terminara con una oración. Un sacerdote le El dijo en cierta ocasión: “Piensa en Dios en términos de fe, Una de mis resoluciones para el Año Nuevo oportunidad para profundizar sobre ellas (o cómo podemos enseñó a leer y a escribir, lo cual le permitió ingresar al de tu vecino en términos de caridad y de ti, en términos de obtener más de ellas). Sobre la misa, las siguientes preguntas es tomar mi fe más en serio. ¿Tiene usted seminario a la edad de 16 años. Aun siendo joven, comenzó humillación. Califícate con grados bajos. Habla de Dios con algún consejo o sugerencia? pueden ayudarnos: ¿Llego temprano al templo para rezar Q y prepararme para recibir al Señor en su Palabra y en el una práctica que continuaría a lo largo de su vida: ayudaba veneración, habla de tus vecinos como desearías que ellos Sacramento? ¿Leo las lecturas antes de la Misa? ¿Estoy rezando, y catequizaba a niños desamparados. Después de ordenarse hablaran de ti y, habla de ti con humildad, o simplemente no Para muchos de nosotros, las celebraciones del Año poniendo atención, participo más activa y conscientemente sacerdote, comenzó a ser conocido por sus enseñanzas de hables nada.” Murió el 31 de Enero de 1888, y fue canon- Nuevo suelen ir acompañadas de una mirada hacia el en la misa? ¿Sociabilizo con otros miembros de la parroquia la fe católica a jóvenes, y a los que no tenían un lugar donde izado en el año 1934 por el Papa Pío XI. a año terminado y una mirada al año que empezamos. después de la misa? La práctica de ir a misa durante la semana, Muchas veces identificamos áreas de nuestras vidas que, nos además de la misa el domingo, puede ayudarnos a acercarnos a gustaría trabajar a lo largo de todo el año. Nosotros podemos la misa de forma diferente, y nos da más tiempo para la oración. identificar tres áreas distintas de nuestra vida de fe, que pueden Sobre la oración, es bueno empezar a construir de a pocos, de importante que siempre separe al menos unos 15 minutos Católica, el cual se puede leer más fácilmente que el convertirse en un mapa de ruta, que nos ayuden a establecer forma consistente, para ir adaptándonos. Desarrolle una rutina al día para estar en silencio con Dios. Catecismo como tal, y nuestra revista diocesana Cristo Es objetivos claros: 1. Oración/Devoción; 2. Caridad/Servicio y que incluya ofrecimientos en la mañana, oraciones antes de las Sobre la caridad y el servicio: ¿Con quién soy Nuestra Esperanza. Nosotros podemos mirar la página 3. Estudio. Siempre hay lugar para el crecimiento y la lista de comidas y oraciones antes de acostarse (dar gracias y gloria a impaciente? ¿Con quién no soy caritativo? ¿Soy negligente de Internet de los obispos (usccb.org), la página de la ideas y sugerencias pueden parecer interminables. Abajo están Dios, pidiéndole que le ayude a usted y a los otros, tanto como con los que tienen necesidad? ¿Cómo puedo servir y diócesis (dioceseofjoliet.org), la página de su parroquia algunas sugerencias y preguntas para su propia reflexión. pedir perdón). Orar con las Escrituras, el Rosario, guirnaldas, amar mejor a mi familia, vecinos, colegas, amigos y a los como también cualquier página de noticias católicas como En el área de la oración, la base fundamental es la misa cada las Estaciones de la Cruz y meditaciones que nos ayuden a marginados de la sociedad? Zenit.org o la página de las noticias del Vaticano (http:// domingo, los días santos de obligación y la oración diaria. pasar tiempo con Dios, amándolo y dejándonos ser amados por Respecto a los estudios, podemos continuar visnews-es.blogspot.com/). Hay un montón de blogs y No solo basta con saber que tan fieles somos al cumplir con El. Aunque usted puede hacer algunas de estas cosas o hablar aprendiendo por la lectura de la Biblia, El Catecismo de la sitios católicos tales como wordonfire.org que nos invitan a estas, sino ver que cosas compiten con ellas; además; es una a Dios mientras maneja o mientras realiza tareas en la casa, es Iglesia Católica o el Compendio del Catecismo de la Iglesia una reflexión intelectual en la fe.

12 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org priest January 31 | Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2| St. Blaise, bishop and martyr; St. Ansgar, bishop February 3 | Blessed Pius IX, pope February 7 | St. Jerome Emiliani, priest; St. Josephine Bakhita, virgin February 8 | St. Scholastica, virgin February 10 | Our Lady of Lourdes February 11 | The Seven Holy Found- 13 Saying Goodbye Diocese of Joliet 425 Summit Street to the Foster Joliet, Illinois 60435 Care Program www.dioceseofjoliet.org

STATEMENT OF MOST REVEREND EDWARD K. BRAXTON, BISHOP OF BELLEVILLE, MOST REVEREND R. DANIEL CONLON, BISHOP OF JOLIET, AND MOST REVEREND THOMAS JOHN PAPROCKI, BISHOP OF SPRINGFIELD IN ILLINOIS

REGARDING THE ENDING OF APPEALS OF FOSTER CARE LITIGATION

It is with deep regret that we have decided foster care and adoption services. While the to relinquish our appeals in the litigation State has succeeded in pushing the Catholic concerning the provision of foster care and Church out of state-supported foster care and adoption services by Catholic Charities of the adoption services, the losers will be the children, YOUR FAITH Dioceses of Joliet and Springfield in Illinois and foster care families and adoptive parents who by Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois will no longer have the option of Catholic, faith- Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Belleville. This lawsuit had based services. sought clarification as to whether the “Religious We are sad to lose the dedicated employees Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act” passed who have served our Catholic foster care and ver the years, the Catholic Charities foster at the end of last year protected the freedom of adoption services so faithfully for so many years. care program has had the honor of help- faith-based agencies to provide foster care and We are grateful to them and bid them farewell ing a beautifully diverse group of children, adoption services in accord with their religious with our prayers and best wishes. each with their own unique story. We beliefs. The decision not to pursue further cared for teenagers who had suffered the possibility of a bright appeals was reached with great reluctance, but Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of Joliet added, “I unthinkableO abuse at the hands of their own parents future. was necessitated by the fact that the State of am also grateful for the many ways in which the and were left scarred emotionally and physically. We It is with heavy hearts Illinois has made it financially impossible for our people of the Diocese of Joliet have supported nurtured infants born with their mother’s cocaine ad- that we say goodbye to agencies to continue to provide these services the work of Catholic Charities over the years. our foster care program. diction. We welcomed groups of siblings who had lost and the courts have refused to grant a stay It is their commitment, rather than tax dollars However, we also are pleased that our for these operations to continue while further controlled by government officials, that makes their parents and needed to be placed together in a foster home. staff and the children in our care will As each child came into our care, we carefully chose the best have a seamless transition to Lutheran appeals are pending. Since we now need to close Catholic Charities truly Catholic and charitable. place for him or her to stay. Child and Family Services in Illinois, offices and terminate employees, further appeals I am confident that their spirit of generosity, who will provide the highest level of would be moot. inspired by the One who gave His life for us all, There was only one thing that these Many of these children were scared care. The Catholic Church successfully has partnered will enable Catholic Charities to serve people in children shared in common – all had and had “built walls” to protect Today, we pray for each individual with the State for half a century in providing need well into the future.” experienced heart-breaking abuse, themselves from getting hurt, but our who has been in our foster care neglect or a devastating family crisis. foster parents were persistent and program, our dedicated staff and our Our foster parents had the challenging continued to reach out and support amazing foster parents. You’re truly and meaningful task of welcoming each child, until they finally learned doing God’s work. God bless you! each child into their homes and to trust again. They saw the light and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of providing stability, commitment and potential in these children and gave Joliet has been serving people of all love under difficult circumstances. them what no one else had: hope and faiths and beliefs for almost 50 years.

To learn more about the programs and services provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, please visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org

14 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2011 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story and Photography by Maggie Pielsticker ers of the Order of Servites, religious February 17 | St. Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church February 21 | Ash Wednesday February 22 | First Sunday of Lent February 26 YOUR FAITH warmth and smile. It was 24 years ago that she past 43 years, I have been blessed to share my spent a year with Gaud, but it was just six years time at St. Joseph with so many teachers who Feature Story ago that her daughter, Cecelia, spent her third also have reached milestones. Our fifth-grade grade with Gaud. “Interesting book reports … teacher, Barbara Kingery, celebrated 25 years last and a multitude of religion projects filled the aca- year and a second-grade teacher, Kate Rozylo- demic portion of Cecelia’s third grade, but it is the wicz, is celebrating 20 years this year. A former love and caring that is remembered,” she said. teacher, Kathie Salek, retired last year with 30 Returning to graduate school for her teaching years,” said Gaud. “All of our teachers work degree, Higgins-Kinane was asked to write about closely to support our children. Their love and a great teacher she had experienced. About Gaf- concern for their students shine through.” fud she wrote, “Every month there was a themed- shape to fill with stars. Those foil stars were the source of great pride if you earned one. If you had the most stars for the month, Miss Gaud awarded a prize. I won a picture of Jesus that hangs in my parents’ house to this day. But the greater gift Miss Gaud has is making the student with the least amount of stickers feel just as good as the winner that month.” Gaud’s students still work to attain these special stickers. She continues to inspire each and every child. “She doesn’t realize the power in what she does,” Heinrich said. “She is creating people who have an eye open to the issues around the world. When they take whatever position in life, they find the need and apply their ability to help others.” As a fifth-grade teacher at Eagle Pointe El- ementary School in Plainfield, Heinrich hopes Angelita Gaffud (left) and Lillian Moss (right) pose with their her classroom provides a safe, loving and caring third graders during a Thanksgiving service project. environment, as Gaud did for her many years ago. Heinrich seeks to build relationships with Of Moss, Miss Gaud adds, “She is a dear her students, and she wants them to know they friend and a beautiful person. Her beauty reflects Teaching Never Gets Old can be whatever they want to be. Heinrich brings in her children.” these qualities to her classroom because of her Gaud and Moss share their concerns and time spent with her third-grade teacher. Heinrich problems with each other. “We have the same for St. Joseph School Teacher tells her students about Gaud each new year. goals for our students,” Gaud said. “Number She knows her students will benefit because of one is to help the children.” Gaud has grown her time with Gaud. close to this coworker. “If I had to pick a sister, it r. Kathy Heinrich feared that her memory of her third-grade Higgins-Kinane adds, “There are 42 classes of would be her.” third-graders out in the world with the love of Gaud feels a positive attitude is most impor- teacher, Angelita Gaffud, wouldn’t stand the test of time. “I had Miss Gaud in their heart; she has changed any- tant. “Positivity with the children while at the a phenomenal connection with her,” Heinrich said. But a recent one who has known her. Her impact on the St. same time working with the parents to develop visit to her old classroom at St. Joseph School in Downers Grove Joseph School community is immeasurable.” the skills and concepts helps each child achieve confirmed her memory was correct. “My memory of her being so For nearly 20 years, Gaud has shared the third to the maximum. When you do this, the attitude Dconcerned and caring was right,” Heinrich said. grade with fellow teacher Lillian Moss. “I feel and responses received are immeasurable.” so fortunate to be Miss Gaud’s partner in third She has a special place in her classroom for Reaching across generations, Gaud has been Gaud into her second-grade classroom. grade,” Moss said. “She is a wonderful mentor her student’s best work, and she lets her children teaching third grade at the school for 43 of the Kuper’s daughter, Colleen, shared in her and role model for me and the members of our choose what they feel is their best work for the school’s 102 years. Averaging 25 students per mother’s experience when she attended third faculty.” week. “They don’t always look for perfection,” she year, she has taught more than 1,000 St. Joseph grade at St. Joseph two years ago. “It’s very Gaud was honored with the Downers Grove said. “I tell them to look for the ones that they students, and Heinrich was not the only one who exciting from the standpoint of sharing our Junior Woman’s Club Teacher of the Year award. worked hardest on. All students are represented. had such a connection with Gaud. third-grade memories.,” Kuper said. “I am so Moss also was a recipient. “But Miss Gaud will Everyone should be there!” For instance, there is Kathleen Kuper. As a glad that she got that same nurturing experience tell you that her greatest reward is the countless Gaud feels being genuine and building rap- youngster, Kuper entered third grade wanting that I had.” Kuper looks forward to next year as students that return to tell her that she has made a port is important. “Students don’t remember the to be a dolphin trainer or an airline stewardess, her second daughter reaches her third-grade. dierence in their lives, that she gave them a love 100 percent on their papers,” she said. “They but came out a future Catholic school teacher. Welcoming the newest generation seems to be a of learning and helped them grow closer to God,” remember the happiness they felt in your class- She held onto this third-grade dream, and upon common occurrence for Gaud. Moss said. room. You don’t have to be the top of your class to accepting her first teaching assignment, she incor- An art teacher now for 13 years, Alicia Higgins- Gaud feels blessed to have so many dedi- be successful. Doing your best will bring blessings porated many of her memorable moments with Kinane remembers Miss Gaud’s kindness, cated teachers surrounding her, as well. “For the and rewards in life.”

16 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story and photography by Marita Blanken 17 2011 November YOUR STORIES the relationship between the nature of the and dedicate the rest of the time to silent ships with the priests who (God willing) will Church as the body of Christ and the Eucha- meditation; on this day, especially, we pray for be my brothers once I am ordained. In the Cover Story rist as the body of Christ. At 10:45, “Modern all the faithful departed, particularly any of our evening, I helped set up one of the common Church History” starts, which covers Church own family and friends who have died. The rooms on campus for karaoke night on Friday. history from the French Revolution to the hour ends with Benediction, and then we go Many cams on campus will host an event for wide range of styles represented, from Frank Second Vatican Council. After my lunch over for breakfast. I have a short time to myself the entire seminary community in order to Sinatra to Garth Brooks to Metallica. A good break, the whole afternoon consists of “Theo- before class formation at 10, when I and the bring everyone together, and, in some cases, time was had by all, and I enjoyed the show logical Reflection,” where I and a small group rest of my third theology class are addressed by to raise funds for a particular charity. Our cam from the tech table, where I handled the sound of my classmates meet with a priest to reflect a priest on some topic that aids our preparation worked with another to host karaoke night on board. on our experiences from our internship for ordination. Today, two experienced pastors the Friday before finals week to raise money for SSaturday – Nov. 5 in parishes in our home dioceses this past from Chicago came to answer our questions seminarians in Jerusalem and to allow guys to spring. (I had the great blessing to live and about the challenges of being the pastor of a have fun by letting o some steam by making Rather untypically, I went back to my work in Holy Family Parish in Shorewood parish. Over lunch, the third theology class fools of themselves singing along to pop songs. parents’ house Saturday morning. I made sure with Father Bill Dewan.) Before dinner, all met with our coordinators of the upcoming S to go to the Mass at 6:30 a.m. oered by the A Week the men on my floor at the seminary (called pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Every year, the Friday – Nov. 4 priest who taught my “Special Moral III” class In the Life of a Seminarian a “cam” from the Italian camminata, meaning third theologians have the opportunity to Savvy readers already will have guessed that in order to make it back to Glen Ellyn in time “walk”) get together for Evening Prayer with spend 11 weeksF in the Holy Land, and I could after Morning Prayer and Mass on Friday, I for my 9 a.m. dentist appointment. Prayer the priest who lives on the cam. After dinner, not be more excited about it. While the whole have the same classes as on Tuesdays. They 3helps me resist sin, but it doesn’t do a lot I spent the rest of the evening studying and of my seminary education comes by way of the would be right, so I’ll pass over them, only for cavities! I had a few other errands to run staying on top of my reading forT class. generosity of the people of the Diocese of Joliet, stopping to note I presented a paper in my before going home, where I found the house that I should have the chance to walk where “Wisdom2 and Creation” class on the con- empty since my parents were getting back Tuesday – Nov. 1 Jesus walked is one of the greatest gifts of my nections between the Old Testament and the from vacation that night. Since I had to be in On All Saints’ Day, I was one of the altar seminary years. I am so grateful to all those book of Revelation. The others in my class town for the dentist, I figured I’d stick around W to greet my folks when they got home. I spent servers at Mass. To mark the solemnity, we benefactors who 1make all this possible. will present on a variety of topics, such as the used our large processional cross decorated image of God, original sin and creation from 10the day doing laundry and working on some of my take-home finals, which I had liter- avid Mowry, 24, is a seminarian in his third year in gold and small precious stones, much to Thursday – Nov. 3 nothing. The only other event that day was T my arms’ dismay since I had to carry it! My I have the same classes on Thursdays as I do karaoke night, which went from 7:30 p.m. to ally taken home. My downtime during that of theology at Mundelein Seminary, near Chi- classes began once again at 9:15 a.m. with Mondays following Morning Prayer and Mass 10:30 p.m. 9and was a rousing success. As part afternoon aorded me the opportunity to cago. He entered the seminary after graduating “Special Moral III,” which examines the (the exception being “Theological Reflection,” of our fundraising, we asked three priests at the reflect on my week, and I worried that people Mfrom Glenbard West High School. He first felt Church’s teaching on medical ethics, mar- which meets only once a week). After my seminary to volunteer to be willing to sing that wouldn’t believe that so much happens in the call to the priesthood when he was encour- riage and human sexuality. At 10:45, I had morning classes, a priest from the diocese came night and then asked the seminary to vote with the typical week of a seminarian. Truthfully, I 8 have only shared parts of my week out of con- Daged by a priest at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn, his “Wisdom and Creation,” a Scripture course up to the seminary and took the three of us their donations. Whichever priest had the most 17 cern for space. But I wouldn’t trade any of my home parish, in the sixth grade. But he said he did not seri- that looks at the connections between the Joliet seminarians out for lunch. I always enjoy donations made in their name won and had to creation stories of Genesis and the wisdom these opportunities because it’s easy to feel re- sing their song at karaoke night. The winning time in seminary, be it a week or a year, for ously contemplate the priesthood until his junior year of high literature of the Old Testament. After lunch,7 moved from the diocese while up at seminary. priest was a good sport about it and sang Justin anything. I eagerly look forward to the goal school, after attending a Jeremiah Day vocation event. He the academic parade continued with “Canon When a priest comes to visit, not only do I feel Bieber’s “Baby.” The16 crowd went wild. Many of of all my formation: a life of priesthood in hopes to be ordained in June 2013. Christ is our Hope re- Law I,” appropriately named as it taught closer to the diocese, but also I build relation- the seminarians got up to sing, and we had a service to the Church in the Diocese of Joliet. cently asked Mowry to keep a diary over a recent week. What us about6 the structure and content of the Church’s law. That afternoon, I went to con- 15 follows are his entries from Oct. 30 — Nov. 5, 2011. fession, which I try to do once every other Thank you message from Father Burke Masters, during major seminary because their24 formation is now a full-time 5 week. After Evening Prayer with the semi- diocesan director of vocations commitment. Sunday – Oct. 30 in the evening. Before going to bed, I put the nary community at 5:15 and then dinner, 14 If someone comes to us after completing college, they enter two Life at a seminary revolves around prayer finishing touches on my paper and then read our cam prayed the rosary together, as all I would like to personally thank you, on behalf of all of our 23years of pre-theology, where they study philosophy. and classes. So when my alarm 4went o at a few chapters from Don Quixote before saying the cams in the seminary rotate leading the seminarians, for your generous donations for the Catholic Minis- When they finish two years of philosophy, they then 7:45 a.m., you would think I would leap out Night Prayer at the close of the day. rosary for the community during the weeks tries Annual Appeal. A part of every donation for the appeal goes study theology at a major seminary. This is a six-year 13 process. The diocese pays for all of their room, board of bed in order to be ready for 8:30 prayer in of the academic quarter. As men prepar- toward educating our future priests22 for the Diocese of Joliet. Mundelein Seminary’s main chapel. Unfortu- Monday – Oct. 31 ing for the priesthood, we are encouraged When a young man, who has not completed college, is accepted and tuition for all six years. Once again, this31 is be- nately, the spirit was willing, but the flesh was Halloween doesn’t happen at the seminary. to develop a meaningful relationship with as a seminarian for the diocese, we pay for his first year of room, cause we require all of their time, even the summers, 2012 12 board and tuition in the seminary. This is meant to encourage him as they prepare for priestly ministry. weak. In spite of my strong desire to hit the Well, maybe it does, but everyone dresses in Mary, the Mother of God and the model of 21 The average cost for each seminarian per year is about $26,000. snooze button, I got up, showered, shaved and the same costume: as priests. The sta and the Christian discipleship. I spent the rest of the to give the seminary a try because we feel true discernment hap- 30 dressed in time to be in the chapel for Morning secretaries of the administration will put out evening reading for class and beginning to pens in the seminary. Usually a young man can discern whether With 30 seminarians, you can figure how quickly these costs can Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, which11 small bowls of candy, but that’s the extent of put my notes together to study for finals, or not he is being called to be a priest during the first two years of accumulate for the diocese. Therefore, your generosity is so ap- on Sundays, we chant from the Mundelein our observance. which begin next 20week. seminary. After their first year of college seminary, the diocese pays preciated. We are so proud of the seminarians. Not only are our for half of their remaining costs through29 the rest of their college numbers increasing, but the quality of these men is outstanding. Psalter. Mass followed at 9, with seminarians The day begins as all weekdays do with serving as lector, cantor and altar servers. After Morning Prayer at 7:15 a.m. and Mass at Wednesday – Nov. 2 seminary years. During their college years, the seminarians major Please prayerfully consider your donation to the CMAA as you will brunch in our refectory, I celebrated the day 7:40. There’s a quick breakfast 19afterward, and On All Souls’ Day, as we do every Wednes- in philosophy (and sometimes also in Catholic studies). We want directly influence the future of the diocese. Just imagine how one of rest by working for three hours on a paper then classes start at 9:15 and will continue for day, the seminary gathers at 7 a.m. for an the28 men to pay for part of their education, so that they fully invest priest who is helped by your donation may aect the souls of thou- due the next day. Having finished that, I was the rest of the day until 4 p.m., with an hour hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, themselves in the formation. Once a man finishes college seminary, sands of people throughout his priestly life. I was a beneficiary of able to spend the day relaxing, watching some18 break for lunch. I start o with “Eucharist and which is exposed in the monstrance. For he continues on to major seminary, where he studies theology for your generosity during my days as a seminarian, and I am eternally TV and playing a board game with my friends the Church” at 9:15, a course that looks into part of the hour, we pray27 Morning Prayer four years. The diocese pays for all of their room, board and tuition grateful for you. God bless you. 18 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org2526 Photography by Carlos Briceño 19 YOUR STORIES Growing Feature Story

his year, the Diocese of Joliet’s Cardinal Newman Institute is launching a new series of mini- courses entitled “Foundations of the Faith.” This initiative is de- Tsigned to help baptized Catholics reflect on One Man’s Journey to Becoming Catholic the universal call to holiness and to evangelize, in Faith as well as to rediscover, basic teachings of the Church. The two-hour mini-course ses- at St. Patrick’s Church more first stop invited me to an open born to teach, but I was trying School. Was this another sign? sions are built on an adult-learning model, so than 20 years ago. While my house in the upcoming weeks. to pay the bills. I wanted to I believe so and am currently wife attended Mass consis- The second stop was St. Mary change careers when the time at St. Isaac Jogues School in participants have a chance to interact with tently, I rarely chose church of Gostyn. I was greeted with was right. In the meantime, Hinsdale, teaching physical one another and to relate the course material over a Sunday football game or open arms, and the principal, I attended evening courses, education, where I’ve been to their own lives. The courses also offer ad- a Saturday night dinner. That Fred LeChance, asked me working toward a teaching working since the fall of 2011. was until our family expanded into his oce. He spoke of certificate. It’s a great place with wonder- ditional resources and encourage follow-up with children. Was God again educating the entire child and In August 2009, I left the ful families and sta. Is work reflection from the participants. In the fall of last speaking to me? Was he telling how the values of the Catholic pharmaceutical company here at the school another sign year, teachers and catechists from around the me to start living a life that my school would align with our excited to start my teaching it was time for me to become children could emulate? My family’s values and expecta- career. I finished my degree, Catholic? I believe it was and diocese participated in the first of the classes, wife and I joined the nearest tions. I left there that day, vow- received my teaching certificate enrolled in the RCIA program which dealt with new evangelization. Bill Mau- Catholic Church. We lived ing that my kids would attend and started a job at an elemen- in September. rer, a physical education teacher from St. Isaac I was born and raised in I believe and what I believe. around the block from St. Mary St. Mary of Gostyn School, tary school in my community My mother gave me faith, central Illinois. My father was As a response, I went without of Gostyn in Downers Grove. where God was part of each as a teacher’s aide. I was confi- my wife led me back to the Jogues School in Hinsdale, attended the class, Catholic, and my mother at- church. I went without God. As We started to attend Mass and every day. dent a teaching position would Church, my and he, like most of the others, wrote a per- tended and was employed by a I no longer attended church, I together, and while I was not This marked a time in my open for the following year. Yet children led sonal testimony about his faith journey. Christ Baptist church in town. I spent went without prayer for years. Catholic, I enjoyed my time life that presented many op- in May 2011, they told me they me to the a lot of time there. I got to know I met my wife during my col- in church. The parish was portunities to get closer to God. had no teaching positions for Catholic is our Hope is offering a revised version of the the pastor and his family. I lege years. Her family is Catho- warm, and when it came time While I attended Mass more me. I had no job. I remained Church and 2012 testimony on these pages to inspire others and found comfort in the church as lic, and they were from a neigh- to decide upon a Catholic or consistently, I just seemed to be positive in public, but was my career to show the value of these kinds of courses to it was my mother’s workplace. I boring community. I took notice public school education for missing something. I wondered crushed privately. How could I change has led me to working can still remember exploring the of her family’s commitment to our children, we again received about the Eucharist. Is that have walked away from a lucra- for the Diocese of Joliet and those who are growing in their faith. old church’s nooks and crannies. their church, St. Patrick’s Parish, the sign we needed. I called what was missing? In 2009, I tive career to teach children finally enrolling into the RCIA Thanks to support from the Catholic Min- I had a lot of faith in God in Hennepin. It felt good to join the public school and met investigated the RCIA (Rite of and then end up unemployed? program. Upon reflection, it is istries Annual Appeal (CMAA), parishes are and Jesus Christ when I was them in church. Their church with the principal. The public Christian Initiation of Adults) In quiet moments, I feared my clear all these things are signs growing up, as it was innate to seemed to be an extension of schools were well-respected, program, yet chose not to poor decisions may severely from God that illustrate what able to host these “Foundations of the Faith” me. That changed a bit when their family. I am not sure I and we liked the idea of a enroll due to conflicts with the impact my relationship with He has planned for me. I now sessions for their parishioners and catechists. I went to college, and my realized it then, but this would neighborhood school. One day Sunday sessions. my wife and family. I contin- believe God places things at And, thanks to support from the CMAA, we grandmother passed away from lead me to the Catholic Church after work, I stopped by the At the time, I worked for a ued to chase jobs in the private our feet. As people of faith, we cancer. She was fairly young and in the years to come. Could this two Catholic schools in town, large pharmaceutical company and public sectors until I was need to decide where to go. are all able to share in the faith journeys of only retired for a short time. I have been a sign from God? wondering if maybe that was as a sales manager, but always introduced to the administra- I think it’s all been a greater people like Bill ... think I started to question why My wife and I were married an option for our children. My wanted to teach. I felt that I was tion at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic power at work.

20 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Bill Maurer 21 Orchard said he believes the divorce Center for Family Ministry springs from her and her husband to hold the YOUR STORIES rate is lower because of the program — the fact that it oers help from a spiritual convalidation during the 11:30 a.m. Feature Story Center for and it helps people re-connect with their viewpoint, something programs in the Sunday Mass. During the service, he church. “One of the interesting parts for secular world don’t oer. invited any couple who wished to renew Kim and I and many of the couples who “It’s specific to our faith life,” she their marriage to come forward for the and Jim [Healy],” Wyzguski said. “I come through the ministry is they share said. “It’s a union of the emotional and blessing. She said it was so moving that have also participated in every yearly Family Ministry a common element that is lacking in the spiritual. It aects the total person. she still has individuals approach her diocesan divorced and widowed their marriage, in addition to the other The family life ministry, I feel, looks at today thanking her for sharing such an conference since 2007. The Divorce and Helps Others to Heal problems. This is their connection to the the emotional and spiritual being and important ceremony. Beyond healing and recovery program Church,” Orchard said. “They’ve fallen ministers to both parts of us.” “Our God is an awesome God!” she has been a tremendous help to me, and Grow in Faith away from it over the years. When they said. “He takes those who are sadly both as a participant and a facilitator. I bring the ministry of the Church and Marie Hejnal: broken and discouraged, helps them also have participated in two diocesan God back into their marriage, those are Hejnal was divorced in 1989 and back on their feet, filling their heart with annulment seminars, which have really all elements that help to heal the mar- received her annulment in 2006. During a desire to help others in turn.” helped me to understand the annulment riage. It was very true for Kim and me. the years in between, she remarried. At process. I have been a St. Elizabeth Seton he mission of the Diocesan Center for Family We were both raised Catholic. Kim went the urging of her pastor, Hejnal attended Ray Wyzguski: parishioner since the founding of the Ministry Office is to make “family” a more impor- to Catholic schools, but over the years, the annulment workshop at the Center After Wyzguski’s 32-year marriage parish, and it has been like a second tant part of “church.” With that in mind, the office we became the holiday church-goers, for for Family Ministry in Romeoville and ended in divorce in April 2006, he said family. My divorce healing process has the most part. That allows a lot of evil to realized she wanted to get married in the that he went looking for support from to have a Catholic perspective, and that offers a variety of programs to help assist families. get into your marriage when you’re not Catholic Church. the Church. Two of the people who is certainly what the Center for Family The office offers help, which include the following: walking along with your Church.” “It was in my heart,” she said. “I helped him, he said, were Jim Healy, Ministry has helped to provide to me.” trainingT parish staff and volunteers to prepare couples for their wanted to go back to my Catholic the director of the diocesan Center for marriages; offering Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend Nancy Haines: roots – still a very real part of me. My Family Ministry, and Desirée Marciani, Christina Macias: programs and Natural Family Planning classes; working to Nancy Haines’ marriage was troubled, mom and dad hoped I would pursue the associate director. In fact, she Christina Macias’ daughter was 22 enrich marriages though parish programs, anniversary events; and she and her husband attended a an annulment as well. Usually people encouraged him to attend the yearly months old when she died in 2003. In Retrouvaille weekend, but it did not have misinformation about what diocesan Conference for Divorced and November of that year, she attended the supporting groups, such as Marriage Encounter and the work out for them. happens if you’re divorced: ‘You can’t Widowed at the St. Charles Pastoral Tree of Life Infant Memorial Mass, which Retrovaille program, for troubled marriages; assisting in bap- “After I was divorced, I went to the take Communion;’ ‘annulments cost too Center. is usually sponsored by the diocese in tism preparation; helping “hurting and healing” families, which retreat day to learn about the annulment much money;’ that sort of thing. There His parish, St. Elizabeth Seton in the fall as a way to memorialize those means helping those who are divorced, through support process,” she said. are simply too many misconceptions Naperville, children who died through miscarriage, groups, conferences, annulment support ministry, and pro- The Center for Family Ministry oers and misunderstandings; we need to did not have stillbirth, other pregnancy losses and grams for the children of divorcing parents; and helping those a program to help people understand bring better awareness to the parishes a program for infant or early childhood death. the annulment process. It’s presented and parishioners regarding divorce and the divorced. “When I heard the Mass, it was a little grieving through a bereavement ministry, whether through by the priest in charge of the Diocesan annulments.” But he painful,” said Macias. “I love the Mass, training parish personnel, offering group facilitator training, Tribunal, Father Joseph Tapella, After her divorce and after she participated the way they did it, the way they talk. sponsoring the Joyful Again! weekend for widows or offering who is a canon lawyer, and Desiree remarried, she said she usually sat in in the Divorce Trying to comfort people. It helps us to the Tree of Light Mass each year for those who have lost a Marciani, the center’s associate director. the back at church, feeling alone and and Beyond know there are more people who suer baby either before or after birth. All of these kinds of programs “Having Father Tapella go through the ostracized. program at the same pain.” are supported by the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal. To whole process took away a lot of the “I wanted to help others, who had St. Mary of She has been back to the Mass every fear about it,” she said. “It was very similar feelings, learn to cope,” she said, Gostyn Parish year since then, except for in 2004, she highlight the importance of how the Center for Family Ministry enlightening and helpful to me in my explaining why she decided to go into in Downers said. helps people and families, Christ is our Hope interviewed sev- spiritual journey to realize it’s almost family ministry work herself one day. Grove, and Jim Healy The Mass, she added, “helps me to eral people who have participated in the center’s “hurting and like a healing process. The church Presently, she is one of several facilitators then – with remember” her late healing” programs. Here are their stories. acknowledges that a marriage is not the who oer divorce support groups at the permission and encouragement of daughter, Jessica. right thing and through the annulment their individual parishes. The facilitators the then pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton, Jim and Kim Orchard: can do to save them.” process we are forgiven.” are trained at the Center for Family Father Tom Paul – he began the Divorce For more The Orchards were on the path to During their weekend, in February She learned about the divorced and Ministry by Desirée Marciani, the center’s and Beyond healing and recovery information about 2012 divorce when they decided to attend a 2003, the Orchards received the help widowed conference that the diocese associate director. Hejnal said that the program there. the Retrouvaille Retrouvaille weekend. According to the they needed to start the healing process in puts on, and she has attended several help and encouragement she received “My healing program, Center for Family Ministry’s website “Re- their marriage, said Jim Orchard. over the years. from Marciani and the center inspired was partially call 708-802-1830. trouvaille is a national organization that In turn, they wanted to become in- “As I go back and look at the years, and helped her so much that she’s facilitated To find out an upcoming date for oers a weekend program for troubled volved in the ministry to help others. each of the speakers who were brought attending Dominican University in River – I also had a scheduled weekend, go to www. marriages. The Retrouvaille weekend Today they are part of the leadership in, it was God’s perfect timing,” Haines Forest, studying for her master’s degree other Catholic dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry/ provides a Catholic spiritual context for team of Retrouvaille and serve as present- said. “The speakers touched something in leadership and family ministry. resources events.asp working carefully on one’s marriage. ers on the weekends. “The bottom line of in me that needed healing at that In 2006, a few months after she – through Through presentations, private reflection, it is the healing the ministry brings being particular time.” received her annulment, Hejnal and the help For more information on all the and dialogue, couples whose marriages with other couples that are going through She said the programs she has her husband, Rick, had their marriage and support programs offered by the Center for are seriously troubled and who also may similar circumstances, which is why we attended sponsored by the center have blessed at their parish in what is known I received Family Ministry, please go to www. be contemplating divorce are invited to have continued to be more involved in been very aordable. as a convalidation of a marriage. The from Desiree dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry/ Desiree Marciani reflect on their marriage and on what they the ministry,” he said. Ultimately, Haines said the value of the pastor of Holy Trinity at the time invited [Marciani] default.asp

22 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story and photography by Carlos Briceño 23 YOUR STORIES YOUR STORIES Feature Story more Catholics to participate. Consequently, we’re introduc- ing more transparency and more Feature Story communication through a host of publications, both print and elec- Donna Cepela Working tronic. I’m convinced that once more Catholics understand what Together our annual appeal accomplishes, school has 306 students. more Catholics will eagerly partic- At first, Kathy Gersch, a parent to a to Help Others in the Diocese ipate in the spiritual good works fourth-grader at the academy who had and temporal good will extended Tony Brandolino is the chief he kingdom of God is at hand” previously attended St. Mary Catholic to people in the seven counties of development officer for the – our theme for the 2012 Catho- School, said she was concerned about the Diocese of Joliet. Diocese of Joliet. the larger class sizes for her son. But, lic Ministries Annual Appeal As all musicians know, a polished piece of music results only after she said, her son has made a lot of new – reminds us that, as baptized practice. With the new direction of our CMAA, the diocesan Develop- friends, and the larger number of stu- Catholics in the kingdom of God, ment Oce has been practicing a new song. We are stretching our dents in her son’s classes has not been a personal ranges, and we’re asking that you do the same. Twe’re richly blessed here and now. Catholic hindrance to learning. We all know the concept of “preaching to the choir,” and since you’re “A merged school is like a marriage,” For me, one of the richest blessings at hand in God’s kingdom is mu- reading this, you’re likely already in the group of people supporting our Gersch said. “You think you know what sic. In addition to serving the Diocese of Joliet as the chief development annual appeal. If you do pledge to the CMAA, I thank you for your gifts; School Mergers you’re going to get. It’s going to change. ocer, I also direct music ministry at the Church of St. Jude in Joliet. and if you know Catholics who have not yet made a joyful sound unto And you will get out of it what you put Music is emotional, and music also is oftentimes communal. We the Lord through a gift to the CMAA, please encourage them to join us in Steger and Bensenville into it.” come together around music; and human beings have done so since by contributing this year. Brenda Painter, a mother who has two Old Testament times. The psalmist urges us to “make a joyful sound In music, every note counts, and in our CMAA, every gift counts. Bring Challenges and Joys children at the academy – a son in first unto the Lord,” and since the earliest Christians, music has been an Thank you for making a joyful sound unto the Lord in the kingdom or those involved to get two schools to merge. grade and a daughter in fourth – said she important part of our worship. of God here in the Diocese of Joliet. Through your gift to our annual “It’s been overwhelming, in a good way,” thought the idea of merging the schools My roles as a chief development ocer and parish music director appeal, you make your voice heard! in Catholic edu- he said, referring to the merger of St. was a “wonderful” one. echo one another in that I am charged with cation, closing a Liborius School with St. Mary’s School into Her children attended St. Liborius bringing people together harmoniously. IN 2011, THE CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ANNUAL APPEAL MADE school is prob- Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, which School, but they looked forward to the One of the Diocese of Joliet’s most ambitious THE FOLLOWING ALLOCATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF JOLIET: ably one of the opened last fall. “There’s been a lot of grow- opportunity to meet new friends and get to orchestrations is our Catholic Ministries worstF actions they can be part ing pains for everyone involved. Neither know more people at the new school. Annual Appeal. Our CMAA draws Catholics Catholic Charities $1,200,000 Other Ministry and of. On the other hand, plan- parish wanted their school closed.” “I feel the changes that have been made together in a concerted eort with beautiful, Agency Services $1,790,000 Catholic and Religious ning and opening a Catholic A Catholic school has deep roots within a have been beneficial to our children and to harmonious, spirit-lifting results. Education $1,200,000 • Hispanic Ministry Chaplains parish community. Sometimes several gen- future generations,” Painter said. “There’s If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attend- Catholic Schools • school is probably one of the • Peace and Social Justice Religious Education • erations from the same family can attend always bumps in the road whenever ing a performance of a symphony, you’ve • Parishioner Communication most joyous of occasions for Newman Institute for Lay Formation • a school, but sometimes Catholic schools there are changes. It’s a big transition for probably heard the orchestra warming up. • Office of Divine Worship Youth Ministry • all involved. What if the two go • St. John Retirement Home for Clergy lag behind in enrollment, prompting them everybody.” When the musicians begin tuning their Campus Ministry • • Council of Catholic Women hand-in-hand? to be unaordable to continue. That was But she added that there are more oppor- instruments, the sound is more cacophony YoungAdult Ministry • • Ecumenism the case with St. Mary and St. Liborius’s tunities at the new school than there would than music. But when the players come • Seminarian Education • Pastoral Council That is what happened over the past Catholic schools. The diocese decided to have been at the old school. together, each instrumentalist performing andVocations $ 700,000 • Development and Stewardship several years in the Diocese of Joliet: St. merge the two. Robertson pointed this out in her his or her own part, they Seminarians Rebates to Parishes • • Charles Catholic School in Bensenville “It’s hard to overestimate how huge it is comments, too. create sublime, moving mu- • Vocations Office Permanent Diaconate and St. Joseph Catholic School in Addison to have those schools close, but there also is “Both of the schools were small and very sic together. The individuals • • Vicar for Religious merged to become Holy Family Catholic the excitement of the starting of something challenged to try to keep as many programs together accomplish much • Vicar for Clergy School in Bensenville during the 2009-10 new, which is very scriptural,” Father Spies going as possible and keep good things go- more than they could if Life and Formation of Clergy • school year. Last fall, Mother Teresa Catho- said. “We have to die to ourselves to create ing for the children,” Robertson said. “Sta 2012 playing solos. The power of • Presbyteral Council lic Academy in Steger began its first year something that’s going to work many times were working double time trying to do the unity is one of the principles behind our Family Ministries $ 610,000 of operation as the result of a merger of throughout our life. So it’s going to happen best that they could for the kids. By putting annual appeal. • Tribunal schools from St. Liborius in Steger and St. in the life in the parish. The program here the two programs together, we’ve been able But, just as the orchestra must have • Respect Life Office Family Ministry Mary in Park Forest. The stories of these had to die to itself to make way for this to create so many more opportunities for a conductor, we must have direction as • • Natural Family Planning mergers reflect what can happen when new, potentially great project.” the children.” we launch our 2012 Catholic Ministries parents, parishes and school personnel To understand the dierence in the old For instance, there are technology, PE Annual Appeal. This year, under the What is the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal? work together. schools and the merged school, one just and Spanish classes twice a week and a leadership of our new bishop, the Most The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal underwrites 75% of the budget of the Diocese of has to look at the number of students en- music and art integrated hour once a week, Reverend R. Daniel Conlon, we’re taking Joliet. This fundraising effort is conducted annually, and the goal in 2012 is $6,000,000. A Mother Teresa Catholic Academy rolled. According to Sandra Robertson, the she said. a new approach to our annual appeal. mailing asking for contributions will be sent to past contributors in late January. Additional infor- Father Dennis Spies, the pastor of St. principal at Mother Teresa Catholic Acad- The school’s nickname – the Saints – More than ever, we’re focused on the fact mation will be presented at all Masses on February 18 and 19, and most parishes will conduct Liborius Parish in Steger, did not mince emy, there were around 100-150 students reflects the seriousness of how the adminis- that our diocese depends upon this im- a request for gifts at all Masses on February 25 and 26. We encourage all parishioners to words when he described what it was like at each of the old schools, while the merged tration there sees their mission. portant appeal – and we need more and participate by making a pledge to the 2012 CMAA!

24 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Tony Brandolino 25 while St. Charles School had 120 – but not easy for families to deal with, she said. But what helped the new school come together was the result of hard work. A bus system was arranged to shuttle kids back-and-forth from the schools to help parents who had students at both schools. Because the younger kids were separated from the older ones, the new school had something called “all-campus” days during the ﬁrst year. That meant that the children would all be together at the same school, St. Joseph’s, for one day in November and one day in March at St. Charles. Each of

the days started with Mass, but while at St. Donna Cepela Joseph’s, the children worked at the food pantry. And then, while they were at St. Barbara August Barbara Charles, all the kids put together an all- school talent show. “That allowed the older students and the younger students to see each other,” Domenica Flores, a student at Holy Family Catholic School, does some school work. Alimento said. “The older students love to help the little ones, and the little ones re- “We’re a faith-based school,” Robertson working to create a new school climate, cul- ally look up to the older students. They all said. “We are a Catholic school, which ture and vision in two distinctly dierent learn from each other, and it was great to Lisa Davi teaches her first-grade class at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. happens to have the desire for academic buildings were just some of the obstacles see them all in one location.” excellence at its forefront. We are not a that operating two facilities created.” In its second year of existence, the tions, while still keeping some of the for- unknowns and have faith that what we Catholic education to all of our students. private school of academic excellence that That’s not even including the administra- merged school settled upon the school mer traditions from St. Charles Borromeo were trying to do was right, and good I am extremely thankful for all of the happens to be Catholic. We are very much tive concerns that came with operating one building at St. Charles as its new home. But School and St. Joseph School. However, would come from it no matter what hap- prayers and support we have received a Catholic school. That’s at the forefront school housed in two public school dis- that created another set of issues: How to something that has not, and will not, pened.” while building Holy Family and look of everything we do in teaching students tricts. Alimento also noted that “Title funds, make St. Joseph Parish feel it was still part be compromised is our strong Catholic She cited the upgrade in the facilities forward to watching the parish school to be good stewards of their faith. … I special education services, busing and how of the school? identity and commitment to academic as a major plus. of St. Charles Borromeo and St. Joseph think a big selling point for us is the family we filed our paperwork with the state Board “We focused on how we could thank the excellence.” “The gymnasium is beautiful,” she said. continue to grow.” atmosphere and how important everyone is of Education were some of the complex parishioners at both parishes, but particu- They also have worked hard to be part “The facilities are great. All the things Michele Eichhorn, a parent whose to the school. It isn’t just for the children, issues that had to be resolved immediately larly St. Joseph, so they knew we were their of the towns from where their schools St. Joseph’s School needed was nearly children attended St. Charles Borromeo but it’s for the families, and we invite the after the merge.” parish school, even though the kids were come from: Addison and Bensenville. instantly provided.” School and was active in a leadership role families to participate in all sorts of ways.” The reason for the merger was easy to not physically in that building,” she said. For instance, students decorated the She mentioned the availability of Smart there as a parent, said having the support figure out – St. Joseph’s School had 144 “The parishioners at both St. Joseph’s and village Christmas tree over the recent Boards, which the school has five of, of the two pastors – Father John Klein Holy Family Catholic School students during its last year of operation, St. Charles Borromeo have been extremely holidays in Bensenville and Addison, and iPads, which the school has 15 of, at St. Charles and Father Luis Gutierrez During the first school year of its ex- supportive and truly love to see the school while also singing at their tree-lighting plus involved parents who are confident from St. Joseph – has been invaluable. istence, 2009-10, Holy Family Catholic students at Mass. Our teachers consistently ceremonies, Alimento said. that the school was growing and had a “Everything Christ teaches us was School in Bensenville shared the two parish update the bulletin boards in the narthex at Barbara August had children who promising future for their children. “This necessary in creating this new school,” schools that were involved in the merger: both parishes so that the parishioners can attended St. Joseph School before the really was the biggest dierence after the Eichhorn said. “Talk about getting a St. Joseph in Addison and St. Charles Bor- see examples of student artwork as well as merger, and both children continued on merger that happened almost instantly community to work together – working romeo in Bensenville. St. Joseph’s housed pictures of our kids.” at Holy Family Catholic School. with the first year,” August said. together to foster Christian and Catholic its pre-school through fourth grades, while The school started something called chil- Her son graduated last year, while her The confidence shown by many par- teaching and preserving it because it’s St. Charles housed its middle school stu- dren’s Masses at St. Joseph’s Parish. Every daughter is in the seventh grade. The ents is illustrated in the number of stu- so very important. Catholic students are dents because it had a gym. other month, two grades plan a Sunday merger was harder on her son than her dents attending the new school. Alimento very important for the whole life cycle of “We found that using two facilities was liturgy during the 10:30 a.m. Mass. All the daughter. There were challenges merging said the number of students is now up to Catholicism to continue. We need to keep very challenging for a myriad of reasons,” classes are encouraged to go to that Mass teenagers, especially since the combined 187 children; it started during its inaugu- the younger population engaged, guiding said Corie Alimento, the principal at Holy in their uniforms. Then, their school board class was almost all male, August said. ral year with 148 students. them and motivating them to embrace Family Catholic School. “The logistics of hosts a hospitality event for parishioners But, she said the pluses have out- “Every year we have made the enroll- Catholicism, to learn about it and to learn operating two campuses were tough to after the Mass, she added. weighed the minuses. ment goal that we have set,” she said. to be good stewards of the Catholic faith.

process through. Arranging transportation Corie Alimento “The St. Joseph parishioners always are “Anything worthwhile is not going to “Next year, our goal is to have 200-plus We were good examples for the young for parents who had to get their children to extremely welcoming to the students when be easy,” said August. “It was deﬁnitely students enrolled at Holy Family Catholic people that make up the school. We were two facilities, creating opportunities for the we plan the Children’s Mass,” Alimento worthwhile. It was a good experience to School, and I know that we will exceed able to overcome the challenges we faced entire student body to work together, ar- said. “The compliments that I receive about see how much faith you have to put into that goal. We are on an upswing. The because we prayed a lot, and we were able ranging time for sta professional develop- Seventh graders line up before attending our students after the Masses are endless.” something sometimes. We had to jump merger has been successful, and we are to work together, were open-minded, and ment when the sta was split in two, and a Mass at Holy Family Catholic School. She continued: “We have built new tradi- in with both feet early on with a lot of blessed to be able to provide a solid we followed Christ.”

26 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org Story by Carlos Briceño 27 Reﬂexiones de fe Local News Father Tim Andres Celebrates Anniversary

¿Qué nos pasa? Father Tim Andres celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordina- ste era el nombre de un programa de la televisión mexicana, donde graciosa tion on Nov. 27, 2011, at St. Joseph y reﬂexivamente se presentaban situaciones en las que el ser humano, obraba Parish in Joliet. There was a Mass, and de una forma que no se entiende o, por decirlo de otro modo, acciones donde then he met parishioners afterward dur- el ser humano permitía que el mal o lo malo, se haga presente en el mundo. ing a reception in his honor. Cada una de estas escenas concluía con la pregunta: ¿Qué nos pasa? RecuerdoE a un hombre gritando ladrones y sinvergüenzas a los políticos y, a la misma vez, cobrando el doble a los que les estaba limpiando los zapatos. Como estas cosas, hay muchas que ocurren a nuestro alrededor, de las cuales nosotros somos agentes pasivos o activos, situaciones que en más de uno despierta la pregunta: ¿Qué nos pasa? Father Jim Baraniak, O.Praem., the pastor of Old St. Joseph Parish at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisc., and the chaplain for the Green Bay Packers, gave a Hace algún tiempo se decidió que los lugares de gobierno, no Dios nos dijo que usemos de toda la Creación para nuestro manten- presentation on Nov. 21, 2011, at St. Raphael Parish in Naperville entitled “Hero debían tener o presentar ningún tipo de decoración o manifestación imiento. Por eso, es aberrante escuchar que aquí se gastan 41 mil mil-

Frank Cepon to Zero.” He talked about the challenges faced by modern-day sports heroes and religiosa. Todo aquello que tuviera un sentido religioso debía ser lones de dólares al año en mascotas, es decir, se gasta mucho más que how Christians are faced with the same temptations and difficult decisions in their retirado. Entonces, en vez de celebrar la Pascua, se decidió por poner el producto interno bruto de cerca de 64 países en el mundo. Lo digo everyday lives. The event was sponsored by the St. Raphael Knights of Columbus. conejos. En vez de expresar en la Navidad el nacimiento de Jesús en- de otro modo: 64 países en el mundo, gastan en un año para alimen- tre nosotros, se decidió llamar el día de los “regalos” o sencillamente tar a su población, lo mismo que en los Estados Unidos las personas a good different. I think it’s going to then named as the pastor of Our Lady días festivos. Se cambia el “Feliz Navidad” o “Merry Christmas” por gastan para alimentar a sus perros, gatos y otras mascotas que puedan help people reflect more on the words of Sorrows parish in Farmington, Mich., “Felices Días Festivos” o lo que es lo mismo “Happy Holidays!” Para tener. Eso, desde ningún punto de vista, es querido por Dios. Sin Beginning of Advent that they’re saying.” where he served 1971-1977. He was ser más claros, se intenta sacar a Dios de los lugares y del lenguaje. Y embargo, nosotros somos parte de lo mismo: ¿Qué nos pasa? Ushers in New Roman Missal The implementation has been the ordained auxiliary bishop of Detroit on April este intento no es un hecho pasado, constantemente se repite la idea Y así, dejamos que se apruebe el aborto, que se debata la palabra result of many months of preparation 3, 1973. On Aug. 28, 1979, he was in- hasta que nos acostumbremos a ella. Y una vez que estemos acostum- Dios en la Constitución, que se debiliten instituciones como la fa- During the first weekend of Advent, around the diocese. As Auxiliary Bishop stalled as the bishop of the Joliet Diocese. brados, se verá raro y extraño que alguien te diga: ¡FELIZ NAVIDAD! milia, que se premien a los que expresan impúdicamente compor- at parishes all across the Joliet Diocese Joseph Siegel told the Herald-News: “It’s been a wonderful journey, full of sur- ¡FELICES PASCUAS! Esto lo expreso como si fuera algo que sucederá tamientos anti-evangélicos y hasta poco humanos. Y todo ocurre (and throughout the English-speaking “This has been a good opportunity to prises,” he said. “God’s grace is constantly en el futuro y, es penoso decirlo, pero esto ya ocurre, ya sucede y bajo nuestra pasividad. ¿Qué nos pasa? world), much of the language at the teach people about the Mass. We’ve amazing. … It’s been a pleasure serving nosotros estamos permitiendo que eso sea así: ¿Qué nos pasa? Lo que si debe suceder, lo que si debe pasar es que despertemos Masses was different than it had been been preparing people, so hopefully people. You would think that service is not También se ha pedido que se retire todo signo religioso de nuestras del desgano, del letargo en el que nos hemos sometido. Desperte- the week before. The First Sunday of it should not be a surprise for them.” very rewarding, but this has been an in- escuelas y que el nombre de Dios, sea prohibido. Que no se ore al mos con la alarma del Evangelio, con la alarma de los Mandamien- Advent saw the introduction of the new Father Michael Powell, the pastor at St. credibly rewarding experience serving here comenzar las clases, que nadie haga la mínima manifestación de tos. Hagamos que Dios ocupe el lugar y el pedestal que merece. Si translation of Roman Missal; understand- Edmund Parish in Watseka and at St. as bishop. It’s been a great joy. I’m grateful fe. En algunas escuelas, las profesoras y profesores no deben cargar lo sacan de los lugares gubernamentales, pongámoslo en las puertas ably, there were moments when some Joseph Mission in Crescent City, said that I was sent to Joliet, which I knew noth- crucifijos o signos religiosos. No estoy seguro si la Biblia es parte de de nuestras casas, en nuestros negocios, en nuestras playeras, parishioners and clergy lapsed into the at his parish it was a “fairly smooth” ing when I came, but I’ve come to love it, la biblioteca de las escuelas y, si es así, si se les permite o invita a los en nuestras carteras, en nuestro ser. Recuperemos el lenguaje de previous language. transition. “The language is a bit higher and it is certainly home for me.” estudiantes a usarla. Los profesores tienen dificultades de hablar de nuestros padres que nos enseñaron a decir: “Dios se lo pague,” “I think the very first time when they so there’s more poetry” in the words, virtudes y valores, porque estos se asocian a principios religiosos. “Vaya con Dios” y otros. Sumemos nuestra voz cada vez que se nos responded to ‘the Lord be with you,’ he said, so “it’s going to take some Minutes of the Presbyteral ¿Cómo, por ejemplo, se puede hablar de bondad o amor, sino se tiene pida defender la dignidad del pobre, del indefenso, del inmigrante, there was a kind of a chuckle,” said getting used to. ... All in all, I thought it Council are Available Online como marco el ámbito religioso? ¿Podría alguien acaso enseñar lo que del perseguido injustamente. Hagamos que este verso del Evangelio Deacon Ron Searls, who served as a went fairly well.” es el basketbol sin hacer mención a la pelota con la que se juega? Por resuene por doquier: “BIENAVENTU- deacon at the 5 p.m. Mass on Nov. 26, The Presbyteral Council, priests eso, para evitar entrar en conflicto (recordemos a la profesora de una RADOS SERÉIS CUANDO POR CAUSA 2011, at St. Peter Parish in Itasca. He Bishop Imesch Celebrates 55 who assist the bishop in governing the escuela de New York, que fue enjuiciada por responder a la pregunta MIA, OS INSULTEN Y DIGAN TODA was referring to the response of “And years of Priestly Service diocese, met last November. Some of de una de sus estudiantes acerca de Dios), los profesores han optado CLASE DE CALUMNIAS CONTRA with your spirit,” which differs from the the agenda included priests talking about por enseñar otras cosas, y no virtudes y valores. Como resultado de USTEDES, ALÉGRENSE Y old response, which was “And also with Bishop Joseph L. Imesch, who retired the positive experiences they had at their esto, tenemos grupos de jóvenes, que habiendo pasado por la escuela, REGOCÍJENSE, PORQUE you.” He added: “Most got it right, but as the third bishop in the diocese in priests’ convocation in the fall, the closing saben quizás leer y escribir, pero que tienen muy poquito o nada de SU RECOMPENSA SERÁ some didn’t.” But, what he also no- 2006, celebrated his 55th anniversary of St. George Parish in Melvin, which respecto, obediencia y caridad por nada y por nadie. Y nosotros con GRANDE EN LOS CIELOS.” ticed was that there was “tremendous of his priestly ordination on Dec. 16, they approved (see page 11), and a nuestro silencio y apatía, directa o indirectamente, permitimos esto. ¡Benditos ustedes que no se participation” as people followed along 2011. After his ordination in 1956, discussion on the number of seminaries ¿Qué nos pasa? avergüenzan del Creador! with the new changes by looking at their he served as the assistant pastor at St. that seminarians in the diocese currently Sabemos también que cada criatura es obra de Dios, sin embargo, in-pew inserts. Another positive, Searls Charles Parish in Detroit from 1957- attend. To read about these items and ninguna criatura es comparada con el ser humano, porque hemos Miguel Moreno es el Director de la Oficina Diocesana said, was that the pace of the Mass was 59. He then served as the secretary to others discussed during the meeting, go to sido creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Es enseñanza de la Iglesia del Ministerio Hispano. Usted puede comunicarse con él a slower. “They have to pay more atten- Cardinal John Dearden, the archbishop www.dioceseofjoliet.org to see a copy of Católica, que toda la Creación ha sido echa en vista del ser humano. [email protected]. tion,” he said. “It felt different, but it was of Detroit, from 1959-1971. He was the minutes.

28 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org 29 The students at St. Joseph Catholic School local news in Downers Grove celebrate reciting the The Value of a Parish to Its Last Word rosary every month. Last October, the seventh grade led the rosary service by School and Community saying the Luminous Mysteries. They also created a helium balloon rosary on a very mmaculate Conception Parish in Morris late last year everything about the parish should be windy day with the help of several par- dedicated its new church. Its previous church was strong, be it the RE program, your youth ent volunteers and Mary Ann Pattanayak, built in 1866. Kim DesLauriers has been the principal groups, your Council of Catholic Wom- who organizes the school Masses with en, your Men’s Club, or your Knights of Toni Nessi teachers and students. After collecting ﬁve at the parish’s school since 1980, and he recently of- Columbus. The stronger every ministry prayer petitions from each grade level, the I of your parish is, the stronger everybody fered his thoughts on what the parish has meant, and what students inserted prayers into the balloons the new church will mean, to the local community. becomes. Everybody feeds o these Father Tony Taschetta prior to their being ﬁlled. These petitions things. I think it’s the concept of every- Celebrates Anniversary were prayed with the rosary, then the bal- The parish is a vital part of the com- Tree during Christmas. It provides gifts one working together for the betterment loon rosary was released into the air. munity. Morris has about 10,000 people. for those who are needy. My daughter of every member of the parish. It’s the Father Tony Taschetta celebrated 40 Colleen White There’s a large number of Catholics in went on a service trip to Kentucky with thing we need to be looking out for. You years in the priesthood on Sept.18, the community, and many of the leaders the parish youth group and she’s 16 can’t say, “Well, we have a school, and 2011. Father Taschetta is the pastor at of the community are members of the years old. the school exists unto itself.” It has to Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Elm- parish. What you want is the leaders and The parish has allowed me to see the be part of a whole. And making people hurst. The anniversary was celebrated at Join Bishop Conlon and the citizens to have the values that are needs beyond just the school. I think realize that is sometimes a dicult the Odeum in Villa Park. Bishop Siegel in a espoused by the Catholic Church through that has helped me personally and thing because parents bring their kids to Pilgrimage to Ireland the parish. The parish does a lot for the helped me with the school. school and they have to see beyond what Father Tom Sularz community, and the community does a Next week [at the school] there is go- the school is. We are a smaller part of a Celebrates Anniversary Bishop R. Daniel Conlon and lot for the parish. I think leaders need to ing to be a drive to collect shoes, and the bigger picture. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph M. be role models. They need to be people shoes are going to Catholic Charities. We The biggest thing about the new On Dec. 4, Father Tom Sularz, the pas- Siegel will be going to the 50th who have values of integrity, who work are again doing the Hunger Walk. We church building is we are able to serve tor at St. Daniel the Prophet Parish in International Eucharistic Con- for peace and justice, both in the commu- do a collection for the Food Pantry. We our parish better because we have a Wheaton, celebrated the 40th anniver- gress in Dublin, Ireland, from nity and beyond. I think our leaders have do a collection to help “We Care.” Most new church, and we now have a gather- sary of his ordination. Concelebrants June 9-19, 2012. Join them on shown integrity and honesty. Catholic schools and Religious Educa- ing area. Our old church didn’t have a of the Mass included Auxiliary Bishop this pilgrimage of faith, which will I feel the parish has taught me to be tion (RE) programs do it — the idea of gathering area. You were either in the Joseph Siegel; Bishop Joseph Imesch; also include other cities and sites more involved. If you’re just a school, serving others and teaching the concept church or you were not. The gathering Abbot Dismas Kalcic, O.S.B., and Father of interest to Catholics in Ireland. that’s meaningless. The school is part of service. I know the students in the area, I believe, will serve to build com- William Cullen. Father Carl Salanitro, The cost is $3,498 per person. of a parish, and the parish is part of a school are urged to help within the munity before and after Mass to build from the Diocese of Omaha, provided For more information and to community. So, over the years, I’ve seen school. Sometimes they have to empty a community among those who are here the homily. The photo below was taken register, contact Patrick McK- a greater need to help more beyond waste basket. Sometimes they do a little to worship. I think the new church will at the Mass. In the back row, from left to Marita Blanken Marita enna at 800-206-TOUR, ext. the school. My in-laws and kids have yard work. We’ve held drives for books bring new people or bring people back right: Deacon Jim Perry, Father Salanitro, 109, or at patrick@206tours. been involved in service trips. My two to help schools and libraries that are in to the church. I think some people will Bishop Siegel, Abbot Kalcic and Father com or go to www.pilgrimages. kids have been involved with the parish poorer places. When there have been come to see the church. If they have a Cullen. In the front row, from left to right: com/bishopconlon/ youth group. I’ve done a hunger walk disasters, we’ve always tried to contrib- good experience, they will come back. I Father Sularz and Bishop Imesch. that’s done in November each year. The ute either materials or money. We work think the purpose is not to have a nice money for that goes to help what in cooperatively with the RE program, and building, but to evangelize, to build the community is known as “We Care,” they do a lot. community. If a new church does that, it which is a big help for the poor. They I’ve always been a big believer in will really make a dierence. distribute food and vouchers. My family works with what is known as the Giving Kim DesLauriers is the principal at Immaculate Conception School in Morris.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Offered Church Celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life on Feb. 5 on March 30-April 1 On February 5, the Church celebrates after Mass to visit with members of Post-abortive women and men are encour- World Day for Consecrated Life. All religious communities. The Joliet Area aged to attend this retreat at the St. Charles people of the Joliet Diocese are welcome Vocation Association will also be present Borromeo Pastoral Center, Romeoville, to join women and men religious to to share life in their communities. This is from March 30-April 1, 2012, beginning pray for vocations to the religious life a marvelous opportunity to pray with the at 6 p.m. and continuing through Sunday at a special liturgy at the Cathedral of people of the diocese and to meet men early afternoon. Contact Kay (1-866-99-4- St. Raymond in Joliet on Feb. 5, at the and women who witness to the joy and Tim Doyle GIVE) for additional information. For more 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Auxiliary commitment of religious life. information, go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ Bishop Joseph Siegel. Please stop in life/healing.asp. the Commons (parish hall) before or 30 Christ is our Hope / January/February 2012 / Dioceseofjoliet.org For more local news and parish events, visit www.dioceseofjoliet.org 31 St. Walter Church in Roselle This magazine reaches you each month courtesy of your parish and the Diocese of Joliet

Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais St. Anthony Church in Frankfort

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