soonercatholic.org July 15, 2012 archokc.org A Call for Religious Freedom CITY — The evening before 3,000 people gathered in the Cox Convention Center for the Rally for Religious Freedom, several hundred Catholics St. Gregory’s packed into the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to celebrate University the Holy Eucharist. Fittingly, the Begins was celebrated on the Feast Days of two great Catholic Window who gave their lives several hundred Campaign years earlier for that same exact Faithful Page 13 cause — reli- Flock to gious freedom. The Mass, Freedom celebrated by Mass, Archbishop Paul Rally S. Coakley and concelebrated by Beginning a dozen other on Page 9 archdiocesan priests, fell on the feast days of and Saint . As Archbishop Coakley pointed out in his homily, both gave their lives after refusing to “compromise” their consciences. The Archbishop said both saints “have much to teach us today” as govern- ments around the world and includ- ing our own, push secular agendas that erode religious liberty. The HHS mandate was cited in Love, Life particular as one attempt by the federal government to attack Lessons religious liberty. The Archbishop Learned at said the mandate is a “situation we cannot allow to stand.” Our Lady Of The Archbishop’s speech given Guadalupe the following day at the Rally for Religious Freedom can be found in Camp Archbishop Paul S. Coakley prays during a Mass held at Cathedral of Our Lady of full beginning on Page 10, along Page 20 Perpetual Help. The next day, 3,000 people gathered for the Rally for Religious with photos and more coverage of Freedom, held at the Cox Convention Center. Photo by Cara Koenig. the historic event. Father Rother Effort Moves Forward — On June 27, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley received the news that the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has named an official Relator for the Cause of Father Stanley Rother. The Relator, together with our collaborator from outside the Congregation, will prepare the Position Paper () on martyrdom. Archbishop Coakley asked that all Oklahoma Catholics continue Archbishop to pray for the Cause of Father Emeritus Rother. Beltran A Timeline of the Cause of Talks About Father Stanley Rother Father July 28, 1981 — Reverend Rother Stanley Rother died for the faith Pages 6-7 in Santiago Atitlan,

Diocesan Phase October 2007 — Tribunal convened by the Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran. Mass at Holy Trinity Rev. Stanley Rother performs a in Guatemala. Father continued on Page 15 Rother died for his faith there on July 28, 1981. 2 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic

Put Out Into the Deep Luke 5:4 Make Time for Leisure This Summer In Oklahoma, summer means heat. But for many is a good and necessary people, summertime is also when we look forward to a human experience. much anticipated vacation. Whether that means spending There is a sacred time leisurely at one of our beautiful Oklahoma lakes, a element as well, of course. trip to the mountains, the beach, or just time at home with As the psalmist says, “Be family and friends, our vacation time is precious. still and know that I am Most Reverend My seminary rector used to send us home for summer God.” (Ps 46:10). Vacations Paul S. Coakley vacation with the fatherly advice, “Remember, gentlemen, help us to refocus. They Archbishop of Oklahoma City there is no vacation from your vocation.” We got the point. give us permission to dis- Publisher Forget about, “What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las connect from the ordinary Vegas!” He was reminding us that our vocation is not some- schedules and responsibili- Archbishop Paul S. Coakley Ray Dyer thing from which we were entitled to escape from time to ties of work and commerce. Editor time. Vocation is something rooted deeply in our identity. It Imagine a vacation in which we gave ourselves permission is not something we do. It is who we are. If anything, our even to disconnect from our smart phones, tablets and lap- vacation time away from the seminary was a time to inte- tops! (Seem impossible? “Nothing is impossible with God.” Cara Koenig grate our vocations more completely into the whole of our Lk 1:37)! Disconnecting from time to time reveals the Photographer/Special Projects lives. The same holds for all of us. liberating truth that the world goes on fine without us. The Hebrew tradition of the Sabbath and our Christian How freeing to discover that we need not be in control all tradition of the Lord’s Day remind us of the importance of of the time. Sooner Catholic Newspaper rest. Jesus says, “The Sabbath is made for man.” (Mk 2:27). Time away from our over-scheduled routine helps us see Volume 34, Number 14 God commands the Sabbath rest, not because he needs it, things and appreciate relationships in new ways. Leisure but because we do. We need it to help us remember who we and rest help us become more alive to wonder and more 7501 Northwest Expressway are, and who God is. Whether we take our rest on our week- receptive to insight and understanding. ly holy day (the Lord’s Day), or during our annual vacation I pray you will make time to experience the restorative Oklahoma City, OK 73132 or spiritual retreat, rest is meant to be restorative. Leisure power of restful leisure this summer. (405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210 e-mail: [email protected] Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180 Archbishop Coakley’s Calendar Oklahoma City, OK 73123 The following events are part of Archbishop Coakley’s official calendar. Visit us online through the July 14 - Friday, July 27 — Spanish Language Studies, Mexican American Catholic College, , Archdiocesan Web Page at July 29 — 125th Anniversary Celebration for Diocese of Salina, Salina, Kan. www.archokc.org July 31 — Mass, Catholic Pastoral Center, 11:30 a.m. August 1 — Clergy Education Day, Catholic Pastoral Center, 10 a.m. August 2 — Mass, Catholic Pastoral Center, 11:30 a.m. The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is August 3 — Blessing of St. Mary’s Virtual Catholic High School, Lawton, 4:30 p.m. published biweekly except for once in July August 7 - Thursday, August 9 — Knights of Columbus National Convention, Anaheim, Calif. and twice in December by the Archdiocese August 9 — Mass, Canon Law Society, Catholic Pastoral Center, 5:30 p.m. of Oklahoma City. August 11 — Our Lady of Fatima Celebration, Bison, 4:30 p.m. August 12 — Mass, Saint Matthew Church, Elk City, 10:30 a.m. The newspaper is not responsible for unsolicited material. New Seminary Burse Copyright © 2012 Sooner Catholic A Seminary Burse has been Family Church, Lawton. In 2010, created in memory of Father Kirk Father Larkin retired due to Subscription rate: $20 per year for all Larkin. In 1998, at the age of 39, illness. Throughout his illness he who are not members of the Father Larkin entered the seminary. demonstrated great faith and Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Following his second year of courage and provided an example Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma theology, a faculty member stated: of the peace of God’s love to those “Kirk is very joyful. As a priest, privileged to know him. Father City, OK 73125. he would be approachable because Larkin died April 29, 2011, at the POSTMASTER: Send address changes he is a man among men.” Another age of 51. to the Sooner Catholic, P.O. Box pointed out that Father Larkin To make a donation to a 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. had a “special interest in preaching Seminarian Burse, mail a check and a passion to go with it.” These to the Vocations Office, Attn: traits would later help him become a Seminarian Burse, P.O. Box 32180, successful priest and . Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123. He was ordained to the priest- Make the check out to the hood on June 4, 2004. Father Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Larkin’s first assignment was and in the memo write which as associate pastor at St. Mary Burse it is for and if we can publish Church, Ponca City. In 2007, Father your name or if it is to remain The Sooner Catholic is Larkin became pastor of Holy anonymous. Father Kirk Larkin supported through the Archdiocesan Development Fund.

Seminary Burses A $350 donation was made to the Seminarian A $100 donation was made to the Father A $50 donation was made to the Fund in memory of Kevin Boyle from Beltran Seminary Burse in memory of Father Stanley Rother Seminary Burse John and Ardel Boyle. Jerry Cebuliski. in memory of Anna Koehler by Joan and Marc Marrs. A $500 donation was made to the Seminarian A $300 donation was made to the Father Joseph Fund in memory of Joseph Tu duc Pham by Beltran Seminary Burse by the Confirmation A $150 donation was made to the Phuong Pham. class at St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral. Father Stanley Rother Seminary Burse by the first Reconciliation class of St. Philip Neri Parish, Midwest City. A $1,000 donation was made to the Father A $500 donation was made to the Father Joseph Clement Pribil Seminary Burse in memory Beltran Seminary Burse by Reverend Edward A $500 donation was made to the Father of their nephew, Father Clement Pribil, by Bryce and parishioners of St. Parish, Pittsburg, Pa. Stanley Rother Seminary Burse by Reverend George and Nola Pribil. A $190 donation was made to the Father Edward Bryce and parishioners of St. Bede Parish, Stanley Rother Seminary Burse in memory of Pittsburg, Pa. A $300 donation was made to the Father Joseph Anne Koehler from Margene Naberhaus, Betty Beltran Seminary Burse by St. Ann Parish, Landry, Leo and Kay Rother, Flo Rother, Ray and A $450 donation was made to the Father Fairfax, St. Anthony Parish, Okeene, and Ann Schwarz, Irene Krittenbrink, Dan and Missy Stanley Rother Seminary Burse by St. Thomas Parish, Seiling. Grellner and the Stejskal Family. Our Lady’s Cathedral. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 3 Yukon Teen Named to National Catholic Youth Choir YUKON — Darby Heard wasn’t choir rehearsals, repertoire-based all that surprised when she opened classes in religion, music theory the letter telling her she had been and music history, recreation, selected to the National Catholic recording a CD, daily Mass and Youth Choir. The Bishop Mc- prayer. Guinness senior wasn’t surprised The choir members worship because she knew what to expect, as a group with the Benedictine after all, she had made the choir monks on campus and with the the year before as well. Benedictine sisters in nearby St. “I was more surprised last year,” Joseph. They conclude each day by Darby said. singing. The NCYC is made up of 35 The choir members also receive high school students, ages 13-17, cantor training as encouragement from 15 states. Perspective choir for musical ministry in their home members audition for a spot parishes and throughout their through written applications, adult life. recommendations and recording The choir then goes on a a song — usually a hymm — 10-day concert tour in Wisconsin, and sending it to the selection Minnesota and Michigan. committee at St. John’s University “It was a blast last year,” Heard School of Theology in Collegeville, said. “I made a lot of friends. Minn. Darby Heard Everyone loves to sing, so we can Darby, a parishioner at St. John all relate to each other about that. Nepomuk Church in Yukon, tried “I really started working hard the students have an intense One of the friends I made is from out for the choir when she was a then. I took voice lessons,” she said. two-week summer camp. Iowa and we’ve kept in touch all sophomore, but didn’t make it. According to the choir sponsors, The camp includes extensive this time,” she said. Catholic Charities Announces Repurposing of Holy Family Home to Assist Homeless Women and Children OKLAHOMA CITY — Catholic associate director of clinical services square-foot center in Midwest City, each resident and shared areas for Charities recently announced that at Catholic Charities, a number of will offer greater opportunities for cooking, dining and group activities,” the residential services of Holy teenagers resist the structure of a women who are served at the said Hampton. “The benefit of the Family Home in Midwest City group home setting, and may have Sanctuary Women’s Development program is the opportunity for will change to help strengthen its the benefit of public assistance if Center in Oklahoma City. When women to develop supportive programs for homeless women and they remain at home with their Catholic Charities began and trusting relationships with the children. parents. its Sanctuary Women’s Development staff and other residents, while they “This change follows a nine-month In addition, they usually want to Center in 2009, it became evident build self-esteem and skills that each study, which found an urgent need maintain a relationship with the there was a critical need for a group one will need to become self-reliant.” for residential services for women baby’s father and his family, and so residence to support women who “The Holy Family Home’s success and children who require supportive the option Catholic Charities offers were committed to become self- during the past 19 years has been housing services and case manage- does not fit in their plan, Palmer sufficient. Amy Hampton, Catholic achieved through the great support ment in order to achieve self- said. Charities’ director of homeless of community and faith-based sufficiency,” said Tim O’Connor, “Catholic Charities intends to services, who has overseen the organizations, including United Way Catholic Charities executive director. continue to serve pregnant teenagers Sanctuary Women’s Development of Central Oklahoma, which have Holy Family Home began with stronger emphasis on counsel- Center since 2009, said the program collaborated with Catholic Charities operations in 1993, providing ing and proactive case management has helped more than 300 women to provide opportunities and support residential services for teenage services, which will support the obtain permanent housing, but for the young women and their pregnant mothers (ages 12-17), who plan to successfully complete their many more could be helped if the infants at a critical time in their lacked parental support during pregnancy,” Palmer said. “These additional resources were identified. lives,” said O’Connor. “It is our hope their pregnancies. During the services will continue to be part of “Holy Family Home is well-suited that by changing the focus of Holy past two years, there has been a our efforts, not only in the Oklahoma to serve women with small children, Family Home, Catholic Charities can significant decline in the number of City area, but also in our offices in as well as women who are pregnant. count on the continued support of referrals to Holy Family Home. Lawton, Enid, Clinton and Guymon.” Designed as a ‘lodge,’ the residence many groups that will inspire our According to Monica Palmer, The Holy Family Home, a 7,000- will provide a private bedroom for women to success.”

Seed Grants Available to Parishes to Address Poverty Issues Local grants are available to 1980s, has developed models which of Parish Nursing as working in program is not just for physicians parishes to assist in the promotion can be modified to meet the needs two directions: “from the pastor and and registered nurses, and that of human development, empower of any parish. The primary goal of to the pastor.” While the pastor is there is a “Lay Health Minister” persons in poverty, and provide for this health ministry is to promote dedicated to visiting the infirmed classification for those who, despite social needs which address causes holistic wellness in body, mind and and homebound with the sacra- not having medical training, can which keep people in poverty. A spirit by integrating faith and ments, sometimes with long-term share “Christ’s healing presence.” local grant workshop will be held health through the parish. An illness, the Parish Nurse serves as The Catholic Campaign for Thursday, Aug. 16 at the Pastoral important aspect of this ministry is an extension from the pastor and Human Development (CCHD) gives Center regarding the Catholic serving as health educators and parish community to support the monetary grants to groups, such as Campaign for Human Development informing the parish about various parishioners and their families. Health Ministries, which seek to grant program. It will be held at 7 issues pertaining to their well- In turn the Health Ministries address the root causes of poverty p.m. and will be available through being. Various forms of health Committee can bring pastoral in our communities. video-conferencing sites at parishes are fostered through developing needs to the pastor’s awareness The CCHD is the domestic, anti- in Lawton, Enid, Clinton and support groups, referring parish- for those who are vulnerable and poverty program of the United Woodward. The deadline for local ioners for services and providing suffering. States Bishops, and is funded by a grants is Sept. 1. counseling on health concerns. Father Scott Boeckman, pastor of national collection in parishes Local grants supporting parish Two parishes providing Health St. Peter Parish, sees the Health throughout our Archdiocese and projects have included English As Ministry are St. Mark Parish in Ministries program as a model to the nation the weekend before Second Language classes, outreach Norman and St. Peter Parish in provide “Christ’s healing presence Thanksgiving. to pregnant women and their Woodward. Both programs received in our communities.” St. Peter’s If you would like more informa- families, and education for healthy local grant money from the Catholic Health Ministry program has tion about how to apply for CCHD lifestyles. CCHD Grants have also Campaign for Human Development. hosted blood pressure screenings, grants or if you would like to make been used to begin health ministry Father Thomas Boyer, pastor a cancer support group, and a a gift to the campaign, please programs in the parish. of St. Mark, appreciates Parish parish-wide walk called Walk to contact Archdiocesan Director Faith Community Nursing or Nursing as “a very real extension” Jerusalem. Father Boeckman Becky VanPool at cchdoklahoma@ Parish Nursing, which began in the of his priestly ministry. He speaks stressed that the Health Ministries gmail.com, or call (405) 523-3003. 4 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic Women of Action Conference Set for Aug. 18

OKLAHOMA CITY — The fourth annual Women of Faith…Women of Action Conference will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 at Epiphany of the Lord Parish, 7336 W. Britton Road. The conference is open to all women, men and youth. Our topics this year will be “Top Model to Role Model” by Leah Darrow; Lisa Hendey will be speaking on “What Moms Want — Balancing Work, Family, and Faith” and “Raising Faith-Filled Teens/- Children in Today’s Technological World”; and Mary Diane Stelten- kamp’s topic will be “Walking to Heaven with Mary.” We have a new Leah Darrow Lisa Hendey Mary Diane Steltenkamp feature this year, the Corpus Christi the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is also an author of “A Book of Saints Diane continued her education pursu- Church Choir will be joining us with graduating with magna cum laude for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions ing a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from their spiritual and joyful music. honors and president of the for Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul” Newman University and a master’s Registration is $40 through Aug. 4, Psychology Honor Society, Psi Chi. and “The Handbook for Catholic degree in Pastoral Ministry from after Aug. 4 registration will be $50. Now, as a full-time apologist for Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Aquinas Institute of Theology in A box lunch can be purchased for $10 Catholic Answers, Leah brings her Body and Soul.” As a writer, she has St. Louis. She has been a spiritual at the time of registration. You can experience of the fashion world and several online and print publications, director since 1986 and is the director register and pay by using your the Catholic world to the masses. is a board member and producer of the Spiritual Director Formation PayPal account at our website, okc- Leah has appeared on numerous for KNXT-TV, and hosts the award- Program for the Archdiocese of accw.com, or to register by mail, call secular and non-secular television winning Catholic Moments, Oklahoma City. Mary Diane is a Barbara Wann at 1-580-875-2278 or and radio programs, including Productivity@Home, and Faith & retreat facilitator and a presenter on email Barbara at wannb@sbcglobal. EWTN’s Life on the Rock and Faith Family Live Podcasts. Lisa’s articles issues of health and spirituality. She net. & Culture programs. She has also have appeared in National Catholic will speak on “Walking to Heaven You can also print a registration spoken on behalf of international Register, Our Sunday Visitor and with Mary.” form at our website and mail it to youth at the United Nations’ panel Grapevine Magazine. Lisa will be New to the conference will be a Barbara Wann, 302 E. Ohio, Walters, discussion in July of 2011. On Leah’s speaking on “What Moms Want — meditation room sponsored by Faith Okla. 73572. Please make checks topic, “Top Model to Role Model,” she Balancing Work, Family and Faith” Community Nurse Association of payable to ACCW. focuses on forgiveness, true love and and “Raising Faith-Filled Teens/- Oklahoma, and there will be many Leah Darrow, of the hit reality TV the ability to change your life. Leah Children in Today’s Technological vendors for your shopping pleasure. show, America’s Next Top Model, will draws upon her own experiences in World.” At the conference we will be accepting be a speaker at our conference. fashion, reality TV and the moments Mary Diane Steltenkamp,RN, donations benefiting the Good Although raised Catholic, her life was during and after the conversion to MAPM, is the director of the Faith Shepherd School and several other full of confusion, especially in this pop emphasize the call to greatness Community Nursing Program at organizations. Doors will open at 7:30 culture we live in today. She had a within us all. Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of a.m. for registration and juice, coffee spiritual lethargy for 10 years, until a Lisa Hendey is the founder and Oklahoma City. In this role she and doughnuts will be served. There life-changing moment, or shall we say editor of CatholicMom.com, a website provides formation programs for will be a prayer service at 8:30 a.m. “conversion” that made everything focusing on the Catholic faith, Faith Community Nurses … includ- followed by our speakers. We will end different and nothing has been the Catholic parenting and family life, ing the Foundation’s course endorsed the day with a Rosary and Mass. same since. Before her debut on the and Catholic cultural topics. Each by the International Parish Nurse Please come and join us for this fun hit TV show, America’s Next Top week, CatholicMom.com offers a Resource Center, annual retreats, and spiritual day at Epiphany of the Model, and the subsequent years as a variety of children’s activities reflection days and educational Lord Church. Seating is limited, so professional model, Leah earned a designed to help children learn from programs. A 1968 graduate of St. please register today for only $40 bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Sunday Liturgy of the Word. Lisa Anthony School of Nursing, Mary online at okcaccw.com. Fortnight for Freedom Highlights Social Justice Priorities At this critical moment in history, intelligence, beauty, Splendor” (“The Splendor of the God of the Bible certainly there are two social justice priori- wealth, linguistic Truth”), Blessed John Paul II shortens the path toward those ties for the in the skills, or ability to proposed an imaginative solution to truths). These truths are, if you : the defense of life at hit a curveball. this problem, which is fundamental will, built into us. We do not invent all stages and in all conditions, and Everything we see, to all democracies and especially them; we discover them. the defense of religious freedom every day, every- acute in democracies soaked in the The fundamental democratic for all. During this Fortnight for where, speaks of solvents of aggressive secularism premise of the radical, inalienable, Freedom, in which the U.S. bishops human inequality. and its companion, radical skepti- civil equality of all citizens is at the are calling all Catholics to pray and How, then, to By George cism. There is a way in which all root of the American constitutional work for religious freedom, it’s sustain a constitu- Weigel men and women, unequal-in-every- order — the American way of being important to reflect on the linkage tional order of other-aspect-of-their-lives, are a political community. That premise between these two great causes. freedom on the basis of human equal, the suggested: “Before is no pious fiction, no noble lie. As the language of the First equality? Is equality a pious fiction, the demands of morality all are It can be “demonstrated” and de- Amendment to the Constitution a noble lie we tell ourselves? absolutely equal,” he wrote. fended, by reason. And that defense indicates, religious freedom in the In the Declaration of Everyone is equal before the leads inexorably to the right to life United States has always been Independence, Thomas Jefferson demands of the fundamental moral as the primordial human right, and understood as one of a cluster of tried to solve this problem by law that we can know by reason. the right of religious freedom as the fundamental freedoms — spheres of reference to a fundamental human What are those demands? What “first freedom” in the political order. free thought and action essential to equality, and to “self-evident” rights are those moral truths? Lying is In defending religious freedom individual liberty and civil society. reflecting that equality, that were wrong. Theft of what rightly belongs and the right to life from conception That idea of constitutionally limited “endowed” in us by “Nature, and to another is wrong. Everyone must until natural death, U.S. Catholics government — a government that Nature’s God.” Today, when the idea honor promises, vows and legal are not just defending what is makes no theological judgments of divinely constructed “human contracts. All must be free to seek “ours.” We defend America. We seek (religious freedom), that does not nature” has disappeared from our truth in the depths of conscience, to give America new birth of control the media (freedom of the high culture (and a lot of our law), without social, cultural or govern- freedom, rightly understood. We press), that does not control thought that argument is under severe mental coercion. act, not as sectarians, but as free and culture (free speech), and that pressure. Jews and Christians can And the inviolability of every citizens. We act on behalf of all, and does not occupy all the “space” in argue that their commitment to the innocent human life must be on behalf of truth. society (freedom of assembly) — premise of civil equality derives respected from its beginning to its George Weigel is a Distinguished rests, philosophically, on the from obedience to the commands of end. Senior Fellow of the Ethics and premise of fundamental human the God of , , , These fundamental moral truths Public Policy Center in Washington, equality. and Jesus, in various forms of the can be known by anyone willing to D.C. Weigel’s column is distributed Yet the premise is counter- Golden Rule — but will such an think carefully. Recognizing them by the Denver Catholic Register, the intuitive. We know that all men and argument convince non-believers? does not require any prior theologi- official newspaper of the Archdio- women are not created equal in In his 1993 encyclical, “Veritatis cal commitments (although belief in cese of Denver. Phone: 303-715-3215. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 5 Kenyan Bishops Call for Increase In Security After Church Attacks

By Francis Njuguna Witnesses said masked gunmen attacked the churches with gunfire NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — while lobbing hand grenades as Kenya’s Catholic bishops called worshippers prayed during morning upon the government to intensify its services. security efforts in the country’s In their statement, signed by north after the July 1 attacks on Cardinal John Njue, chairman of two churches, including a Catholic the Kenya Episcopal Conference, the cathedral, that left at least 17 bishops urged the government to people dead and more than 50 thoroughly investigate the attacks, people injured. assess the “country’s security The simultaneous attacks on Our situation” and chart a way forward Lady of Consolation Cathedral and that ensures the safety of all the Protestant Africa Inland Church Kenyans. in the northern town of Garissa “We call on all Kenyans to remain were the most recent in a series of vigilant and cooperate with the incidents since Kenyan troops were security agencies and other sent into Somalia in October to authorities to ensure their security crush al-Shabaab militants. is guaranteed, we remind them that “These unjustifiable acts of fighting terrorism, extremism and violence being continuously meted insecurity is not just for the security out on Kenyans, including women agencies but the duty of each and CFO College Scholarships Awarded and children, have not only resulted every Kenyan because terrorists and criminals operate amongst us,” the Catholic Foundation Board Member Jerry Kelley recently presented CFO in the loss of innocent lives but also statement added. College Scholarships to St. Andrew Dung-Lac parishioners Yvan Tran, Uy Le created a sense of insecurity among The bishops also offered their and Andy Phamille. Tran and Le will attend the University of Oklahoma Christians and all peace-loving sympathy to the families and and Phamille will attend the University of Central Oklahoma. Each of these Kenyans,” the bishops said in a friends who lost loved ones in the college freshmen will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year for four years of statement July 2. attack and prayers for the injured. undergraduate study. The bishops said they continued to believe the attacks were not part “To Bishop Yego of the of a religious war even though they African Inland Church and Bishop were carried out on Christian faith Paul Darmanin, bishop of the communities. Catholic Diocese of Garissa, we send CORNERSTONE “We ask all Kenyans to work our condolences and assure them of toward promoting peaceful co- our closeness to them during these Gifts That Start Making A Difference Today existence,” the bishops said. difficult moments,” the bishops said. Named Funds — Make it easier to manage your donations. It’s like Boson Particle Discovery Could having your own family foundation — without the hassle. You name your Unlock Hidden Universe Structure fund, enjoy the tax benefits, and then, VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The gravity, while other materials, such quarterly income checks are sent to discovery of a new sub-atomic as photons, have no mass, he said. particle — the so-called Higgs boson “Higgs, 50 years ago, worked out a your Archdiocese program, parish, — may help scientists discover how model called the Standard Model, school or other Catholic organization the hidden structure of all matter that would provide reasons for you choose. in the universe works, a Vatican attraction and why there is mass,” astronomer said. the Jesuit said. Endowment Funds — An “It indicates that reality is deeper Higgs predicted that if a particle endowment is a gift that lasts forever. and more rich and strange than our that produced the effect of mass The original principal of the gift is everyday life,” U.S. Jesuit Brother existed, it should be “visible” after invested and earnings from the Guy Consolmagno told Catholic two atoms were smashed together at endowment are used to benefit one or News Service. high enough speeds. When people go about their every- Experiments at CERN have more of your favorite charities (such day business working or relaxing, revealed that “there is something as your parish, school or other they don’t think about the tiniest that looks something like the Higgs- Catholic organization) forever. building blocks of physical matter, boson,” Brother Consolmagno said. but “without these underlying little The new data “will be used to test Unrestricted Gifts — Offer the things, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. the Standard Model and how sub- broadest option for your charitable Physicists working with the Large atomic particles work,” he said. giving. Donors allow CFO to use Hadron Collider at CERN, the The Higgs-boson had been nick- these gifts to respond to the most European Organization for Nuclear named “the God particle” as “a joke” pressing needs in the Catholic Research laboratory in Geneva, in an attempt to depict the particle announced July 4 that they were as “almost like a gift from God to community. 99.999 percent certain they found help explain how reality works in evidence of a new particle that the sub-atomic world,” he said. But Add to an Existing Fund — Is there might be key to the structure of such “God of the gaps” conjectures an Archdiocese Endowment Fund, the universe and to understanding are not only bad reasons to believe parish, school or other Catholic nature. in God, they are also bad science, organization you support that already British physicist Peter Higgs first Brother Consolmagno said. has a fund with CFO? If so, you can hypothesized the existence of the “You’ll look foolish, in say 2050, add a gift of any amount to that fund. particle in the 1960s as the final when they discover the real reason” missing element in the Standard for a phenomenon that was Model, which explains how sub- explained away earlier by the hand For more information about atomic particles and forces interact. of God, he said. Over the decades, with the help However, another kind of faith making a gift to the Catholic Church of increasingly powerful and sophis- and hope do exist in the scientific in Oklahoma, contact: ticated high-energy particle accelera- community, he said. The Catholic Foundation of tors, scientists have been searching “No one would have built this Oklahoma, Inc. for what atoms are made up of, what enormous experiment,” tapping the P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK the smaller components of atoms are time and talents of thousands of made up of, what the nature of those scientists around the world, “without 73123 smaller components is, and so on, faith they would find something,” he (405)721-4115 „www.cfook.org Brother Consolmagno said. said. “My belief in God gives me [email protected] But it wasn’t clear why some the courage to look at the physical Please Remember the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in materials, such as protons and universe and to expect to find Your Estate Plans electrons, have mass and therefore order and beauty. It’s my faith that are attracted to each other by inspires me to do science.” 6 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic Father Stanley Rother — A Life of Service, Sacrifice Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran, Archbishop Emeritus of Oklahoma City, Speaks About the Priest Who Changed Lives Far From Home

By Christy Hicks Liguorian Magazine Father Stanley F. Rother was born into a devout Catholic family in Okarche on March 27, 1935. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa in 1963. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Church called for missionaries in Central and South America. In response to this call, after five years of priestly service at several Oklahoma parishes, Bishop Victor Reed assigned Father Rother to the Oklahoma mission in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. The mission, named Micatokla, was in a country torn apart by a vicious civil war that began in 1960 and didn’t end until 1996.

Father Rother joined the existing staff of priests and lay people in June 1968. Un- fortunately, one by one, the members of the mission team returned to the States. Even- tually Father Rother was the only remaining Oklahoma mission worker in Santiago Atitlan. Alone, he continued the work of the mission despite difficult conditions that continued to escalate. On the night of July 28, 1981, this good, holy and faithful priest was brutally beaten and shot to death in the parish house.

Q What brought Father Rother to Guatemala?

A) Father Rother was ordained a priest for the service of the Church in Oklahoma. At that time, the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa was about to undertake one of the greatest ventures in its history: responsibility for the mission of Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala. This poor colonial mission had been without a resident pastor for many decades. The town was difficult to reach except by boat and lacked most ordinary community services. It was very important that the first mission team from Oklahoma be very dedicated and committed.

Father Rother was just beginning his ministry as a priest in Oklahoma with determination and was very impressed by the news of the mission. Within a few years, his missionary spirit moved him to volunteer. He was delighted when the bishop accepted his offer and assigned him to the Santiago Atitlan mission. universal among the Tzutuhil. There was very achieved, the difficulties came from the overt little formal education available, and the work- prejudices and injustices of the ruling society. ers were exploited. It was a real challenge for The political situation made it difficult for Q Whom did Father Rother serve Father Rother to face the daily schedule of mis- Father Rother to serve the people. By the end in Guatemala? Describe some of the sion life, which he did in a simple but effective of a decade, Father Rother’s name began to conditions of the country and the people way. He loved the people and they loved him. appear on hate lists, and he received death that Father Rother faced there. threats. Many of his catechists and other active parishioners simply “disappeared.” Some were Q What fears and challenges did Father killed. All were frightened. A) The great poverty and the dire needs of Rother introduce and confront in his the people of Santiago Atitlan were the incen- letters and writings? tives that moved the Church of Oklahoma to accept responsibility for this mission. Thus, Q What events led to Father Rother’s when Father Rother arrived as a missionary A) From the time Father Rother arrived at death? in 1968, he was introduced to the indigenous the mission until his martyrdom 13 years later, people (the Tzutuhil) of that area. They are a many changes occurred. At first, together with gentle, kind and patient people. However, the mission team, the challenge was to provide A) From the time of his ordination as a they were among the poorest of the poor in necessities such as food and medicine. As time priest, Father Rother served God’s people Guatemala. Malnutrition was practically moved on and much technical progress was continued on Page 7 Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 7

Father Rother continued from Page 6 Rother’s 1980 Christmas letter, which was published in the two Oklahoma diocesan newspapers, answers this question best.

“…We have to be careful where we go and what we say to anyone. A nice compliment was given to me recently when a supposed leader in the church and town was complain- ing that ‘Father is defending the people.’ He wanted me deported for my sin.

“This is one of the reasons I have for staying in the face of physical harm: The shepherd cannot run at “He was totally dedicated the first sign of danger. Pray for us to the people of Guatemala that we may be a sign of the love to whom he proclaimed the of Christ for our people, that our Good News of Jesus. His presence among them will fortify them to endure these sufferings in final years were lived in a preparation for the coming of the heroic manner, always kingdom.” directed to the kingdom of God. We believe he gave up Q What were some of Father his life for the Lord and Rother’s accomplishments? What his people and was a true is his legacy? witness, a .”

A) Father Rother’s greatest Most Reverend Eusebius J. accomplishment was the re- Beltran, Archbishop evangelization of the people of Emeritus of Oklahoma City Santiago Atitlan. They, who had been the poorest of the poor in humbly and with great joy. He went material things, were also lacking in to Guatemala and served during the knowledge and practice of our very intense times. When the po- Catholic faith. Through religious litical situation made it difficult to education, sacramental preparation gather the people for instructions, and authentic liturgical practices, worship or fellowship, he continued he formed a faithful community of with steadfast courage and con- believers. His legacy is very visible viction to be present for his people. now. Masses and other liturgical His work was always the proclama- services are crowded and celebrated tion of the Gospel. He did not get in- with devotion, enthusiasm and joy. volved in the politics of the country The constant line of people waiting but strove to protect the dignity and to pray before his enshrined heart death of Father Rother in July 1981, martyr. Therefore, after receiving rights of his people. The consistent at the entrance to the parish church the people here and those in Guate- authorization from , we con- support for his people, his presence in Santiago Atitlan is a living mala who knew him immediately ducted the necessary investigation. and his prayers caused him to be a testimony of his legacy. The devotion concluded that he was truly a saint. The archdiocesan phase of the target of the army and the ruling of these people is an external sign We knew that he was a good and cause was completed class. of the deep faith Father Rother faithful priest. He was a humble, on July 20, 2010, and is now pend- inspired in his people. hard-working . He ing in the Congregation for the was totally dedicated to the people Causes of Saints in the Vatican. Q In what ways did Father of Guatemala to whom he pro- Rother witness the Gospel and Q What can you add, claimed the Good News of Jesus. This article featuring an inspire holiness in the life of particularly about Father His final years were lived in a interview with Archbishop Emeritus others? Rother’s cause for sainthood? heroic manner, always directed to Eusebius J. Beltran on the life and the kingdom of God. We believe he death of Father Stanley Rother gave up his life for the Lord and his appeared in the April issue of the A) A direct quote from Father A) Upon receiving the news of the people and was a true witness, a Liguorian Magazine.

Mission Work Requires Gospel Joy, Living God’s Love, Pope Says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Nemi, in the Alban hills southeast Father Schutte’s invitation to be Bringing God’s word to mission of Rome. He used his cane when part of the commission came as a lands is successful only when entering the center’s chapel and surprise to 37-year-old Father missionaries live the Gospel with when walking the grounds. Ratzinger, as “I was a very young joy and share the love and good- The Pope said he had fond theologian of no great importance,” ness they receive from God, Pope memories of the center where he the Pope said during an informal Benedict XVI said. spent a week in the spring of 1965 talk to Verbite fathers attending “What is good has the inherent working with three dozen other their general chapter meeting. need to be conveyed, to give itself; prelates to draft the Second Vatican Being in the company of so many it cannot stay closed up in itself Council’s Decree on the Church’s eminent theologians and charged (because) something good and Missionary Activity (“Ad Gentes”). with “such an important and goodness itself are essentially Then-Father Joseph Ratzinger was beautiful task to prepare a decree ‘communicatio,’” that is, sharing a theological consultant during on mission” represented “spiritual with others, he said during a brief vacation July 3 at the papal Vatican II and was appointed to an enrichment and a great gift for visit to a center belonging to the summer villa of Castel Gandolfo, editorial commission, led by Verbite me,” the Pope said, adding that it missionaries of the Society of the took a short trip July 9 to the Father Johannes Schutte, to help was “perhaps the most memorable” Divine Word. center in the nearby village of prepare the draft document of the time he had during the whole The Pope, who began his decree. council. 8 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic North American Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue Continues to Explore the Role of Laypeople WASHINGTON — The North Demetrios of America, chairman liturgical theology and editor of St. in the Department of Semitic American Orthodox-Catholic of the Assembly of Canonical Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly, and Egyptian Languages and Theological Consultation continued Orthodox Bishops of North and Crestwood, N.Y.; Despina D. Literatures, CUA; Father Joseph their study of the role of laypeople Central America. He succeeds Prassas, Ph.D., of Providence Komonchak, professor emeritus of in their churches during their 82nd Metropolitan Maximos of College in Providence, R.I.; Robert religious studies, CUA; Msgr. Paul meeting at Hellenic College/Holy Pittsburgh, who retired last year. Haddad, Ph.D., Sophia Smith McPartlan, Carl J. Peter professor Cross Greek Orthodox School of The Catholic co-chairman, professor emeritus of history at of systematic theology and Theology in Brookline, Mass., Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of Smith College in Northampton, ecumenism, CUA; Father June 5-7. New Orleans, was unable to attend Mass.; Father Robert Stephano- Petras, spiritual director and Papers presented at the meeting this meeting because of a pastoral poulos, pastor emeritus of the professor of liturgy at the included “Canonical Reflections on emergency in his archdiocese. Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Byzantine Catholic Seminary the Rights of Orthodox Laity” by The next meeting of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, N.Y.; of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Father Patrick Viscuso of the Greek Consultation is scheduled to and Father Theodore Pulcini, Pittsburgh; Vito Nicastro, Ph.D., Orthodox Archdiocese of America; take place Oct. 25-27 at St. Paul’s associate professor of religion at associate director of the Office for “Further Reflections on the Laity College in Washington. Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. Ecumenical and Interreligious from Ancient Syriac Christianity: Additional Orthodox members of Additional Catholic members Affairs, Archdiocese of Boston; and Laity in the Image of Christ” by the Consultation include Rev. Dr. are Jesuit Father Brian Daley Paulist Father Ronald Roberson, Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Ph.D., of Thomas FitzGerald, dean of the (secretary), Catherine F. Huisking Ph.D., associate director of the Brown University; “The Lay-Clergy Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School professor of theology at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Distinction in Recent Catholic of Theology in Brookline, Mass.; University of Notre Dame; Thomas Bishops (USCCB) Secretariat for Theology” by Sister of Charity of Bishop Alexander Golitzin of the Bird, Ph.D., of Queens College, City Ecumenical and Interreligious Leavenworth Susan K. Wood of Bulgarian Diocese of the Orthodox University of New York, Flushing, Affairs, staff. Marquette University; and “The Church in America, Toledo; Father N.Y. The North American Orthodox- Role of Lay Members of the Nicholas Apostola of the Romanian Also attending the meeting were Catholic Theological Consultation Christian Faithful in the Code of Orthodox Archdiocese in the Sylvain Destrempes, Ph.D., faculty is sponsored by the Committee for Canons of the Eastern Churches” Americas; Father John Erickson, of the Grand Seminaire in Ecumenical Relations of the by Chorbishop John D. Faris, former dean and professor of canon Montreal; Father Peter Galadza, Assembly of Canonical Orthodox pastor of St. Louis Gonzaga law and church history at Saint Kule Family professor of liturgy Bishops of North and Central Maronite Church in Utica, N.Y. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological at the Metropolitan Andrey America, the USCCB Committee The meeting was co-chaired by Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y.; Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern for Ecumenical and Interreligious His Eminence Metropolitan Father James Dutko, pastor of St. Christian Studies, Ottawa; Affairs, and the Canadian Methodios of Boston (Greek ’s Carpatho-Russian Father John Galvin, professor of Conference of Catholic Bishops. Orthodox Archdiocese). He was Orthodox Church in Binghamton, Systematic Theology, The Catholic Since its establishment in 1965, the recently appointed to that post N.Y.; Paul Meyendorff, Ph.D., University of America (CUA); Consultation has issued 25 agreed by His Eminence Archbishop Alexander Schmemann professor of Father Sidney Griffith, professor statements. Making Sense Out of Bioethics Each of Us is the Embryo Which Has Been Allowed to Grow Up

Those who seek to justify taneously trans- abortion often try to minimize or form into human “The cells of the embryo are not ‘just’ a pile of deny the humanity of the embryo. beings at the cells, but an orchestration of living humanity In a recent online forum, for moment that their example, one participant wrote: “I senses start to known as a human being, marvelously complex, became a human being at the point function, any more highly-ordered and structured, growing, expanding that my senses functioned as those than they sponta- and developing in precise ways with each passing of a human being. Before that I was neously transform hour of intrauterine life.” just a mass of cells.” into human beings By Rev. Tadeusz Another followed up: “A pile of at the moment Pacholczyk cells in a woman’s uterus is not a that their kidneys kidneys, and other organ systems. Each human being arises at human being. It lives off of and start to purify waste, or their intes- Philosophers and politicians will fertilization and exists as a biolo- is part of that woman’s body.” The tines start to process nourishment, sometimes argue that an embryo gical continuum thereafter: at the implication, of course, is that a or their heart starts to beat, or their prior to 8 weeks of gestation is not joining of the sperm with the egg woman ought to be able to do what limbs start to move, or their brain yet a human being, and suggest cell’s membrane, a measurable she wants with her body, including begins to function, each of which that early abortions, embryo ex- depolarization occurs across that the removal of any particular “pile occurs at different time points perimentation, etc., should there- membrane that sets in motion a of cells” that might pose a threat to along the embryo’s normal path of fore be acceptable. cascade of biochemical events and her freedom. growth and development. The thalidomide drama of the changes that will continue in a Yet those cells are not posing a The embryo’s growth and de- late 1950s and early 1960s makes stepwise, uninterrupted fashion threat in the same way that cancer- velopment involves carefully chore- it clear that if women were not leading to the adult taxpayer. ous tumor cells might. Instead, the ographed biochemical steps and pregnant with a human being prior Meanwhile, the egg, if simply left to cells of the embryo will upset her physiological changes that can be to 8 weeks of age, then taking itself in the absence of sperm, will lifestyle by demanding that several partially derailed by certain drugs. a teratogen (causing embryo mal- manage to live but for a few hours, months hence, she focus her atten- In the late 1950s and early 1960s, formations) like thalidomide would and then die. tion on a bubbly, gurgling baby, and for example, the drug thalidomide not raise any concerns, since no Upon fusion with a sperm, how- then a few years later, on a young was prescribed to pregnant women human being would be present to be ever, the egg qua egg no longer child who needs an education, and as a cure for morning sickness, but harmed by the drug. If there was no exists, and an embryo, a human then on a boisterous and strong- was quickly found to cause severe being that was human during the being at the earliest stage of his or willed adolescent transitioning into developmental defects and mal- first trimester, then no disabilities her existence, genetically distinct adulthood, and then, possibly, on formations in the newborn. would have occurred. from his or her mother, will be grandchildren, and so on. Thalidomide’s devastating effects But it is well known that the simultaneously engendered and The cells of the embryo are resulted in the drug’s being banned most drug-susceptible time during launched onto the trajectory of not “just” a pile of cells, but an worldwide, after more than 10,000 a pregnancy is the first trimester, “growing up,” representing a new orchestration of living humanity children had been born with major specifically between the fourth and entity that can live for more than a known as a human being, thalidomide-related problems, in- seventh week of gestation. Most of hundred years. Such embryos are marvelously complex, highly- cluding shortened or missing the children born without limbs first nourished in the maternal ordered and structured, growing, arms, hands extending from the were exposed to thalidomide during womb, then at the maternal breast, expanding and developing in pre- shoulders, missing thumbs, and this time, when abortion advocates then at the family dinner table and cise ways with each passing hour of similar problems with the lower ex- like to dissimulate and pretend at fast food restaurants. Each of us intrauterine life. tremities, as well as abnormalities that no human being is actually is precisely such an embryo who Embryos, of course, do not spon- in the eyes, ears, heart, genitals, present. has been allowed to grow up. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 9 Rally Illustrates Need for Faithful to Observe, Be Involved with Government

By Steve Gust “If you’re asking me if religious For the Sooner Catholic freedom is under assault and I’m OKLAHOMA CITY — The lesson here to tell you, yes, it is,” he said. from the Cox Center and the Rally Lankford and others pointed for Religious Freedom June 23 toward the Declaration of couldn’t be clearer. Christians need Independence and the following to observe and be more involved statement: in what’s happening with their “We hold these truths to be self- government. evident, that all men are created Speaker after speaker addressed equal, that they are endowed by that in the aftermath of a Health their Creator with certain unalien- and Human Services mandate able Rights, that among these are this year ordering faith-based Life, Liberty and the pursuit of organizations to pay for contra- Happiness.” ception, sterilization and abortion- It was noted our Founders used inducing drugs. the term “Creator.” The rally, with about 3,000 in “That’s Creator with a Capital C,” attendance, was in conjunction said the Rev. Frank Cargill, with the “Fortnight for Freedom,” superintendent of the Oklahoma a faith initiative of the U.S. District Council of Assemblies of Conference of Catholic Bishops God. adamantly opposed to the mandate. William Federer, a renowned Archbishop Paul S. Coakley speaker and author, gave a opened the rally, calling the historical perspective on health mandate an infringement on care, noting how hospitals had their religious liberty. Previously the beginnings from Christian churches Archbishop has said the order is wanting to reach out and help the “unjust,” and should not be obeyed. sick. The audience interrupted the Archbishop Paul S. Coakley addresses the Rally audience. Rally photos by He said there was a precedent for Archbishop’s speech more than a Cara Koenig. government providing health care. It dozen times showing rousing happened with Nazi Germany in support for his message. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, the 1930s. When the care became That quote was put on the too expensive, the state was forced conference big screen by the Rev. that all men are created to ration health care. He said the James Taylor, pastor of the first to go were the severely in- University Christian Church in equal, that they are endowed by their firmed and intellectually disabled. Norman. When health care is rationed, he “The only addition I would have Creator with certain unalienable Rights, said governments always make made is to have put an exclamation decisions on which groups of people point,” he said. that among these are Life, Liberty and receive care and which don’t. The event drew attendance from the pursuit of Happiness.” University of Oklahoma law Catholics as well as Protestants. professor Dr. Michael Scaperlanda Many Protestant speakers, such as offered a historical look at why the Taylor, honored Archbishop Coakley for his public stand against the HHS mandate flies in the face of mandate. everything our nation was founded on. Rally attendees were also treated That didn’t go unnoticed by Steve Ray, a Catholic convert as well as to a movie trailer for the upcoming film “Last Ounce of Courage,” due noted writer, conference speaker and frequent guest on EWTN. for release Sept. 12 in 1,200 theaters nationwide. The film echoed “I thank the (Obama) administration for doing something nobody else themes of the rally. The movie features faith, commitment, patriotism can do — bringing Protestants and Catholics together,” he said. and traditional American freedoms. Ray also said people of faith shouldn’t follow a mandate from the Filmmakers said these are all under attack. They encouraged movie government, which threatened the unborn. attendance, noting “Hollywood hates movies like these.” “The For more information on the rally or the issues raised during the rally, hospitals please visit www.fortnightforfreedomokc.com or http://rallyforreligious- and the ad- freedomokc.com/. ministrators should refuse and we all should go to the hospitals, wrap our- selves around the hospitals arm-in-arm and tell them no,” he said. State Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D- OKC, said the mandate was ordered by unelected committee members. “These people are unaccount- able. They answer to anybody,” she Dr. Michael Scaperlanda of the University of Oklahoma. said. Also addressing the issue was Oklahoma 5th District Congressman James Lankford. He noted how lawmakers in Washington had traditionally relied on their faith and relationship with God to create Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, addresses the audience. and pass laws. 10 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 11 In Defense of Religious Freedom

This speech was given by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley at the June 23 RALLY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. The rally was held at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City.

Good afternoon and welcome! I am so pleased to see so many of you here today! Only a couple of months ago the Catholic Bishops of the United States called the faithful to embrace a “Fortnight for Freedom” as a focused period of prayer, study, and public witness highlighting our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Today’s Rally for Religious Freedom in Oklahoma City is part of an overwhelming response to that summons that has been energetically embraced in communities all over our great nation. Today’s extraordinary event has come to fruition after only a few weeks of preparation. It has been an urgent response to a momentous challenge precipitated by rising threats to religious liberty in our nation and around the world. Our liturgical and civic calendars during these two weeks of the Fortnight for Freedom offer ample opportunities to focus our attention on this theme. The calendar includes the liturgical observances of several great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political powers and it culminates with the great civic celebration of American freedom, Independence Day. Why are we suddenly hearing so much about religious liberty? The remarkable mobilization of energies around this issue has been triggered by the recent federal HHS mandate. Unless overturned quickly, this mandate will soon require virtually all employer-sponsored health insurance programs to provide coverage for sterilization, contraception and even abortion- inducing drugs. For many Americans this is morally offensive and contrary to their religious faith and convictions. But any exemption to this require- ment based on religious belief has been written so narrowly that relatively few religious institutions and religious employers can actually qualify. Before summarizing my concerns and those of my brother Bishops about this unjust mandate, let me say briefly what this debate is not about. This debate is not about contraception. Many of you are not Catholic. Even among Catholics our teaching on this sensitive subject is not widely appreciated. Though I pray and commit myself to helping more Catholics and others to embrace the wisdom of the Church’s consistent teaching in this Left, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley during his address to about 3,000 people who attended the June 23 Rally for Religious Freedom. area, the debate is not about contraception. Contrary to media spin, the Above, the Color Guard enters the arena. bishops are not attempting to ban contraception. Contraception will undoubtedly remain widely available for those who seek it. We simply and forcefully object to being compelled to pay for something which is contrary to serve without regard to the faith or beliefs of those whom they serve. When someone comes to our religious beliefs and teaching. the St. Anthony Hospital emergency room, we do require them to be Catholic as a condition This debate is not a Catholic issue. It is about the religious freedom and conscience rights of for treatment or admission. When a homeless woman comes to Catholic Charities’ Sanctuary those whose beliefs may be the next to face government interference. Your presence here today Women’s Developmental Center, we do not ask if she is Catholic. It doesn’t matter. We serve demonstrates that you see this! because we are Catholic and these ministries are an integral expression of our faith. This debate is not about the Church attempting to force anything on anyone. It is about This arbitrary and narrow definition of religion divorces the commandment to love God from whether the government should be allowed to compel the Catholic faithful, and all but a few the commandment to love our neighbor. Whether intentional or not, its effect is to reduce the Catholic institutions, to act against Church teachings. ability of the Church to carry out its mission in the public square and contribute to the common This is not a fight that that the Church has asked for, but one which has been forced upon us good. It reduces religious freedom to simply the freedom to worship. It privatizes religion. by this unjust federal mandate. We did not choose the timing for this public debate. The govern- Further, this mandate would coerce those Catholic entities which the government does not ment picked this fight, and we cannot afford to back away from it. There is simply too much at deem sufficiently religious to violate their own teachings within their very own institutions. It is stake! a mandate to act against our own consciences. This cannot stand! This is not a partisan issue; neither Republican nor Democrat; it is neither a liberal nor There is also imbedded in this HHS mandate another concern. The mandate creates a third conservative issue. It is not a Catholic issue, a Protestant, Jewish or Muslim issue. It is an category in addition to the exempt religious institutions and those religious institutions “not American issue. religious enough” to qualify. This third category comprises the individuals who strive in daily If these are things that this debate is not about, what then is it about? At the heart of our lives to live and act in accordance with their faith and moral values. These are the individuals concern about this mandate is an unwarranted government definition of religion and what who have labored to form their consciences properly but now face a government mandate requir- constitutes religious ministry. The separation between Church and State, enshrined in our ing them to act against their consciences in providing and/or paying for “services” contrary to Constitution, is certainly intended to prevent the Church from overreaching unlawfully into the their faith or deeply held moral values. Whether as employers or employees, or even as insurers, affairs of government. But it is also intended to keep the government from interfering in the they are left without any sort of conscience exemption at all. This too is unprecedented in federal internal affairs of the Church. This present action represents an unprecedented and unlawful law which until now has always been generous in providing conscience protection to individuals piercing of the veil of separation by which the government is attempting to define who is and so that they are not coerced into acting against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. who is not religious. The government has no business defining religion or religious ministries. The “Fortnight of Freedom” is a rallying cry. This is going to be a long struggle. It will not end The HHS mandate includes an extremely narrow definition of who is a religious employer. on July 4. Let us raise our voices in prayer, but also commit ourselves to study and appropriate Only those employers are considered “religious enough” to qualify for exemption from the action in witness to the important values at stake for us as Catholics and as Americans. mandate if they hire and serve primarily those of their own faith and have as their goal the Religious liberty is a right recognized in our Constitution. But it is not a right bestowed on us inculcation of their own religious beliefs. This extremely narrow definition of a religious ministry by our government, or any government. It is a universal human right bestowed on us by God our fails to recognize and protect our vital Catholic ministries such as Catholic Charities, Catholic Creator. hospitals and health-care institutions and even our Catholic universities. All of these institutions God bless you! And may God come to our assistance in this time of testing!

This debate is not about contraception. Many of you are not This debate is not a Catholic issue. It is about the religious has been forced upon us by this unjust federal mandate. We did not Catholic. Even among Catholics our teaching on this sensitive freedom and conscience rights of those whose beliefs may be the choose the timing for this public debate. The government picked this subject is not widely appreciated. Though I pray and commit myself next to face government interference. Your presence here today fight, and we cannot afford to back away from it. There is simply to helping more Catholics and others to embrace the wisdom of the demonstrates that you see this! too much at stake! Church’s consistent teaching in this area, the debate is not about contraception. This debate is not about the Church attempting to force anything This is not a partisan issue; neither Republican nor Democrat; Contrary to media spin, the bishops are not attempting to ban on anyone. It is about whether the government should be it is neither a liberal nor conservative issue. It is not a contraception. Contraception will undoubtedly remain widely avail- allowed to compel the Catholic faithful, and all but a few Catholic Catholic issue, a Protestant, Jewish or Muslim issue. It is an able for those who seek it. We simply and forcefully object to being institutions, to act against Church teachings. American issue. compelled to pay for something which is contrary to our religious beliefs and teaching. This is not a fight that the Church has asked for, but one which Archbishop Paul S. Coakley 12 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic Rally Draws Denominations Together in Name of Religious Freedom

By Rex Hogan where it’s against the law to For the Sooner Catholic practice the Ten Commandments,” she said. “I want to practice my OKLAHOMA CITY — Steve religion and I’m here to stand up Kern is a Southern Baptist for that right.” minister. He also is a member of John Prate attends St. Andrew’s the Hi Noon Club, which meets Catholic Church in Moore. He said once a week to discuss political he came to the rally to be a voice and religious issues. against the “federal health-care Kern and other members of the law. Hi Noon Club were at the Rally for “I’m hoping this is part of the Religious Freedom held June 23 at way we can get the attention of the Cox Convention Center. people in Washington,” Prate said. The rally was coordinated by the Ralph Hoag drove to the rally from St. Peter organization, a group of Shawnee where he attends St. lay Catholics concerned, as are Benedict Church. Hoag said the the U.S. Conference of Catholic federal government is out of Bishops, about the direction the control when it comes to religious nation is headed regarding the freedom. erosion of religious freedoms. “It’s time for Catholics to stand “We don’t believe this is just a up,” Hoag said. “This is an im- Catholic issue,” Kern said. “We’re portant rally, that we pull together here to support all religious to maintain our Catholic religion freedoms that we believe are in and beliefs.” jeopardy of being taken away from Diane Landoll drove her two us.” daughters and a niece to the rally Karen Cox attends St. John the from Lawton where they attend Baptist Catholic Church in Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish. Edmond. She walked into the “This is a scary time,” Landoll Convention Center carrying a sign said. “Our religious freedoms are that read: “Stand Up for Religious being taken away from us and it’s Freedom.” important they (politicians) realize “I don’t want to live in a society we are going to stand up for our religious rights. Karen Cox walks into the “A lot of people think this is a Religious Freedom Rally held birth control issue — it’s not,” she June 23 at the Cox Convention said. “It’s time we stand up for Center. Cox is a member of St. ourselves. We’re proud of who Catholic we are, we are proud of being Church in Edmond. Catholic.”

Philippine Nun ‘Red-Tagged’ for Work on Environmental Justice Issues

By Paul Jeffrey remote village of Taytayan, in Catholic News Service eastern Mindanao. Along with three companions, including one DAVAO, Philippines (CNS) — novice from her congregation, she Environmental activism is a had gone to the village at the invi- dangerous vocation in the tation of community leaders to lead Philippines, but a Catholic nun in a discussion about local environ- Mindanao is defying those who mental concerns. The four were want her to return to her convent sleeping in the municipal office and stop raising her voice in when the soldiers, wearing ski defense of creation. masks and missing the nametags Benedictine Sister Stella on their uniforms, burst into the Matutina works in Mindanao, the building in the middle of the night. most conflictive island in the “We have this very Benedictine southern Philippines. Now 44, gesture where we lift our arms in she spent 18 years studying and surrender to God. We make it performing pastoral work in standing and kneeling, and in bed Europe before returning to before death,” Sister Stella said. “I Mindanao in 2007, when she says didn’t know at first who they were, she quickly realized an environ- and when they told us to put our mental crisis was at hand. arms up, I felt like I was making Sister Stella Matutina “In the landslides and flooding this gesture before they killed me, and deaths, I could hear the cry derives from the Visayan word for ing out against the destruction handing over my life to God.” of the poor and the groaning of “to defend.” wrought by large-scale mining.” The nun said the soldiers kept creation, but our government was Sister Stella said a 2008 phone Sister Stella started getting death insisting the four were members of deaf. Thousands of people were call to her convent near Mati threats in 2009 after she helped a the New People’s Army, a rebel dying every year, but our govern- beckoned her to get involved. community block the entry of group. She said the squad’s leader, ment was doing nothing to protect “A woman from San Isidro called heavy mining equipment. That con- Lt. Ron Soria, announced they the environment,” she told Catholic and pleaded for help. She said the frontation led to the cancellation of were waiting for an order over the News Service. bulldozers were in her community the company’s mining permit. radio to execute the detainees. The Several people were killed and and were going to destroy the “In our struggle we have death soldiers interrogated the four for thousands of families displaced by mountains. I couldn’t understand threats, but we continue because most of the next day before turning flooding in Mindanao in June. Last why the people hadn’t been we have to stand with the people. them over to the head of a local December, Typhoon Sendong killed consulted, why they couldn’t say no They protect us. They tell us when Catholic school, who in turn es- more than 1,000 people, most in to this big mining company. I felt to go and when not to go,” she said. corted them to the local parish areas downstream from where hill- the people needed me. It was my “Our convent is in the middle of priest. When the news broke that sides have been logged, often in baptismal moment. We got involved nowhere, and if bad elements the military had detained a nun, connection with mining. Hundreds and were able to send away the came, we could shout and no one the army claimed it did not know of thousands were left homeless. mining company and its equip- would hear us. So when things get Sister Stella was a nun since she “Sendong is the apocalypse. It’s ment,” she said. hot, the people come and guard us,” was not wearing a habit. doomsday. It is a sign of our fate if “After that, more people started she added. “I don’t know any congregations we continue with mining and log- calling. We started leading courses Sister Stella was detained by where the sisters sleep in the habit ging,” said Sister Stella, secretary- on the stewardship of creation, members of the Philippine army’s and veil,” she said. general of Panalipdan, an environ- resisting the cutting of ironwood 67th Infantry Brigade during a continued on Page 15 mental activist group whose name forests by the Chinese and speak- nighttime raid Feb. 16, 2009, in the Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 13 St. Gregory’s Announces Benedictine Hall Window Campaign SHAWNEE — St. Gregory’s University Shawnee residents, business owners and officials are inviting the public to take part Oklahomans in general to help preserve a in a unique campaign aimed at helping to place that has been a part of our state’s complete the restoration of a historic land- history for a century.” mark. Don Sumner, longtime SGU athletic Main said the existing historic wood director emeritus, is leading an initiative windows on the first floor will be restored to replace Benedictine Hall’s 312 windows to their original condition but will be with energy-efficient windows. The nearly retrofitted with high-performance storm 100-year-old building was severely glazing to improve efficiency. He said the damaged by an earthquake last November, aluminum storefront windows at the lower most notably leading to the removal of its level and upper floors will be replaced with signature turrets. A campaign to fully energy-efficient windows that match the restore Benedictine Hall is nearing its appearance, size, design, proportion and final stages. profile of the original wood windows. The “Not only will this window initiative help south arched entry also will be restored to put us over the top on our fundraising to its historic significance, utilizing a efforts, it also will allow us to save transparent vestibule and wood doors. thousands of dollars down the road with For more information or to donate to the energy conservation,” Sumner said. campaign, contact Sumner at (405) 878- The public can “purchase” a window for 5124 or [email protected]. $900, taking up to three years to pay the Benedictine Hall houses all administra- donation. On the inside sill of each window, tive offices and the majority of classrooms, the university plans to inscribe a donor’s faculty offices and computer laboratories, name on a plate as well as on a plaque in science laboratories, the campus mailroom the entryway of Benedictine Hall. This and the James J. Kelly Library, which inscription can be a family or business contains more than 50,000 bound volumes. Longtime Shawnee resident and St. Gregory’s University name or be used to honor a loved one. Completed in 1915, it is on the National athletic director emeritus Don Sumner poses next to a window “Some of the current windows are as Register of Historic Places. in front of Benedictine Hall. Sumner is leading an initiative to old as the building itself and all of them St. Gregory’s University was founded in replace Benedictine Hall’s 312 windows with energy-efficient are energy-inefficient,” said SGU President 1875 and is Oklahoma’s oldest institution windows. The campaign will help SGU complete its fund- Greg Main. “As we embark on restoring of higher learning. raising efforts to restore the nearly 100-year-old building, Benedictine Hall’s historic character, we Further information regarding SGU which sustained major earthquake damage last November. have to take a good look at energy conser- can be found at www.stgregorys.edu, or by (Photo by Brother George Hubl, O.S.B.) vation. This is an excellent opportunity for calling 1-888-STGREGS.

Project ’s Name Tells the Story of Angels of Mercy and Love By Krug Brooks proudly explained that Once the doors have been entered, the visitor is For the Sooner Catholic the group never has to solicit donations. Half of the funding welcomed by the smiling faces and inviting hearts Just down the street from St. comes from unsolicited monetary Benedict Parish in Shawnee, next of those angels. donations, and the other half door to the Benedict Street comes from crafting done by Marketplace, there is a building Project Gabriel’s own volunteers grants to parishes throughout the possible grant opportunities, marked by signs that speak of and sold next door in the Benedict Archdiocese provide social ministry contact Becky VanPool, Arch- angels. Once the doors have been Street Marketplace. The group programs. diocesan Director CCHD. She can entered, the visitor is welcomed by also relies on generous in-kind For more information about be reached at cchdoklahoma@- the smiling faces and inviting donations. One example is the Project Gabriel or other gmail.com, or (405) 523-3003. hearts of those angels. This building itself, which is donated ministry is Project Gabriel, which by a St. Benedict parishioner, is sponsored through the local who also owns Benedict Street parish. With an all-volunteer Marketplace next door. Catholic Radio Five Days staffing, Project Gabriel offers Project Gabriel also receives a support to pregnant or parenting local seed grant from the Catholic mothers in crisis situations. This Campaign for Human Develop- a Week support comes through various ment, which is the domestic anti- means such as diapers, clothing, poverty program of the United KTLR FM 94.1 baby formula, bills assistance, States Conference of Catholic prayers and life mentoring. Bishops. CCHD funds community The volunteers of Project Gabriel KTLR 890 AM groups, such as Project Gabriel, have offered over 7,400 dedicated which focus on improving hours of service and compassion communities through empowering during this past year. In this year, FM 94.1 Schedule: participants. they have nearly doubled the Local grants are awarded to Monday - Friday: 1 p.m. - 7 a.m. number of women who they have parishes who desire to promote assisted. From their beginning in and support human development, 2002 through 2009, they have empower persons in poverty, and AM 890 Schedule: helped empower over 173 families. provide for social needs which From 2010 through May of 2012, Monday - Friday: 1 p.m. - until station sign-off address causes which keep people they served 337 families. This in poverty. A local grant workshop at dusk. increase in services was due to will be held Thursday, Aug. 16 at Project Gabriel acquiring a build- the Pastoral Center regarding the ing to facilitate their work. Catholic Campaign for Human Project Gabriel volunteers Development grant program. It Go to recently decided to spread the will be held at 7 p.m. and will www.okcatholicbroadcasting.com spiritual roots of their program a be available through video- little deeper when they attended a for the current schedule of programs. conferencing sites at parishes retreat at St. Gregory’s Abbey di- in Lawton, Enid, Clinton and rected by Father Charles Buckley, Woodward. The deadline for local O.S.B. Founding member Mary grants is Sept. 1. Brooks said the group reflected on For over 40 years CCHD has “living in the moment” and “draw- helped to make long-term changes ing boundaries to prevent getting in the economic condition of burned out.” It is the volunteers’ communities. CCHD supports intention to continue with their programs that are aimed at own spiritual formation as well as breaking the cycle of poverty. share some of the spiritual wisdom The annual collection, to be held of our Catholic faith to the women on Nov. 17 and 18, gives local and families they serve. 14 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic

Youth Taking a Stand at the Crossroads Eight students from “Crossroads” stop for morning Mass and a photo with Father Ray Ackerman at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond. These young men and women are a pro-life group walking across America. Starting on the West Coast May 10, they plan on reaching Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11. More information can be found at WWW.crossroadswalk.org.

The Journey Toward Helping Others Begins With Prayer

We can often get overwhelmed by others have given God wants us to give Him what we this command. This means to live the those in need. Our mailboxes can be from their surplus, have. Recall the time Jesus multiplied beatitudes. (St. Matthew Chapters 5- stuffed with heart-wrenching details while she has done the loaves and the fishes given to Him 7). of the plight of this group or the other. so from her poverty.” by a boy (Matthew 15:32-39). With the Begin with prayer, asking God to We can have empathy for friends (Luke 21:1-4). young man’s contribution, thousands show you a need and how you might and neighbors who may seem to be Time and again, were fed that day. help in the effort of an organization carrying heavy crosses in their lives, God shows us that God will not be outdone in or individual. Our donation or and wonder what we can do. Reaching He multiplies our generosity. God can work miracles contribution may seem like a drop in out to others and supporting our efforts. This is true in By Bill Zalot without us, but I know God prefers to the bucket, but remember the poor parish community is a way of giving anything we do. Yet, do it with our help. Working with Him widow. Jesus made a big thing of her thanks to almighty God for what we we may need to be pushed into taking and through Him we can impact contribution. He did so because she have been given and what He has action. Nudged like the boy who gave people’s lives. When this happens, I gave all she had. She did so because done for us. five loaves and two fish. We may have believe God smiles. In God’s economy, I she knew it was all God’s anyway. In four short verses Saint Luke tells to be put to task as those in the think He expects it of us. Are we not us the story of the poor woman who Temple. called to be the arms, legs and feet of Bill Zalot is a freelance writer. gave all she had. This poor woman Christ knew the woman understood Christ for others? Although he has struggled with spastic placed two small coins in the collection that all she had was God’s. She had For as Saint Francis said, “Live the cerebral palsy his entire life, he writes extensively for a number of Catholic plate. Jesus knows hearts and said, “I faith God would provide for her needs. Gospel always, when necessary use publications. He recently authored tell you truly that this poor widow put Perhaps the woman in Luke’s gospel words.” Each time we reach out to his first book, “From Where I Sit,” a more in than all the rest; for those knew it from her life experience. help someone in need, we are fulfilling collection of his writings over the years. Across Oklahoma PTO Sets Final Event Sponsorships are still available. God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled a la Oficina del Vida Familiar al OKLAHOMA CITY — Bingo at St. Entry fee is $550 per team or $140 Marriage (El Plan de Dios para (405)721-8944 para registrarse. No James Catholic Church, 41st and per person. To register, please visit un Matrimonio lleno de Alegría hay cuidado de niños. South McKinley Avenue, will be held our website at www.bmchs.org Teología del Cuerpo) — Theology July 26. Food and beverages reason- , or contact of the Body School Sets Golf Tourney Patricia Hudacko, Development ably priced will be served at 5:45 p.m. ¿Te has preguntado que es el amor? GUTHRIE — St. Mary Catholic Director, at 842-6638 Ext. 239 for Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. All games ¿Es lo mismo el amor y el Sexo? School will hold its second annual more information. including two blackouts are $10. Door ¿Cuál es el verdadero significado Fall Golf Tournament on Saturday, prizes and special recognition will be de la sexualidad Humana? ¿Qué Oct. 6 at Silverhorn Golf Club, 11411 Beginning Experience — given for all players born in July. A importancia tiene la sexualidad N. Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma City. Hope for a new beginning Magnavox 37-inch flat screen TV will dentro del matrimonio? En nuestros Shotgun start at 8 a.m. Check-in at be given away in October and all There is help for the heartache of días todos dicen tener una opinión 7:30 a.m. Cost is $75 per player/ players get an entry into the drawing. separation, divorce and widowhood pero solo hay una que supera a $300 per team (includes golf, cart, at a Beginning Experience Weekend. todas ellas. La opinión de Dios es la range balls, goody bag and lunch). Irish to Host Clancy Tournament This weekend program helps deal más importante porque él es el Those interested in playing should OKLAHOMA CITY — Bishop with the natural grief process and Criador de todo. Ven y descubre lo contact the school at (405) 282-2071. McGuinness Catholic High School is offers an opportunity, through God, que Dios nos dice en cuanto a la hosting Clancy’s 2012 All Sports Golf for turning the pain of loss into sexualidad humana. Este programa Pilgrimage Sunday Classic on July 23 at Twin Hills Golf an experience of positive growth. será todo en español y está abierto and Country Club. Make plans to Trained team members who have a todo el público. Sirve como un PRAGUE — Pilgrimage Sunday join us for this 18-hole tournament suffered the loss of a loved one share suplemento a parejas preparándose will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at featuring a four-man scramble with a their own experience as they lead para el matrimonio como también the National Shrine of the Infant shotgun start. Tournament play be- participants through presentations, enriquecimiento para parejas Jeasus of Prague, located at 304 Jim gins at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded private reflections and small casadas. Thorpe Blvd. to the first, second and third place, group sharing. The next Beginning El programa tomara lugar el Mass begins at 11 a.m., including a longest drive, hit the green and Experience Weekend, which is Sábado, 21 de Julio en el Centro blessing of the sick and a blessing closest to the pin. Check-in begins at sponsored by the Archdiocese of Pastoral Católico, 7501 N.W. of the children, with lunch at noon. noon. The putting green and driving Oklahoma City, will take place at the Expressway, Oklahoma City de 9:00 At 1 p.m., a Litany of the Infant range will be available. There will Catholic Pastoral Center, July 20-22, a.m. – 3:00 p.m. La registración Jesus and Adoration of the Blessed be an awards dinner following 2012. empieza a las 8:30 e el costo por la Sacrament will be held. tournament play. Proceeds benefit the Contact the Office of Family Life at comida es $14.00 por pareja y For more information, call (405) Fighting Irish athletic programs. 721-8944 for registration information. $7.00 por persona. Por favor llame 567-3080. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 15 Head of Vatican Court Describes Leaks as Grave Crimes Asked about a priest in the By Sarah MacDonald Diocese of Belleville, Ill., who in Catholic News Service June was removed as a pastor CORK, Ireland (CNS) — The because he introduced new word- head of the Vatican’s highest court ing in the liturgy to make it “more described the spate of leaks of meaningful,” Cardinal Burke confidential Vatican documents as explained that any priest who took “most grave crimes” and warned such liberties would have been that those responsible must be warned by his bishop. Only if the discovered and “appropriately priest persisted, Cardinal Burke sanctioned.” explained, would sanctions be Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, pre- imposed. fect of the Supreme Court of the “The priest is the servant of the Apostolic Signature, said the confi- rite. Christ has given us the sacred dentiality of Pope Benedict XVI’s liturgy in his church and the priest communications must be respected serves. He is not the protagonist,” in order for the Pope to carry out Cardinal Burke said. his work in service of the church. “It is absolutely wrong for the “It is not a question of hiding priest to start making changes to anything but of respecting con- make it more interesting because science,” the U.S.-born cardinal he wants to make the liturgy told reporters following his address better,” he added. to the Fifth Fota International Cardinal Burke also warned Liturgy Conference. against excessive use of the con- He added that he was appalled celebration of liturgy and called for by what had happened in the the practice to be reviewed where events dubbed “VatiLeaks” by the it is used repeatedly. He told the Italian media. conference that excessive use of Cardinal Raymond L. Burke “I am trusting and praying that concelebration could result in these people will be discovered and priests losing sight of the fullness right to worship as one pleased. had a direct impact on their public they will be properly sanctioned,” of their office and an understand- “The thinking behind this is that lives. he said. ing of the Eucharist as a sacrifice. religion has nothing to do with Commending the U.S. bishops for Speaking July 9, the final day After Cardinal Burke’s public life and that within your their stance on the federal contra- of the three-day conference focus- presentation, the cardinal spoke church or chapel you can worship ceptive mandate under the health ing on the theme “Celebrating with Catholic News Service about as you please, but that can’t have reform law recently upheld by the the Eucharist: Sacrifice and the U.S. bishops’ “Fortnight for anything to do with your public U.S. Supreme Court, the cardinal Communion,” Cardinal Burke Freedom,” commending the nation- life,” he said. said he was “praying for them that discussed the Eucharist as wide campaign to address what Cardinal Burke warned that they will be able to continue even sacrifice in canonical history. church officials consider govern- such thinking was “absolutely in the face of persecution.” The cardinal particularly ment infringements on religious contrary” to the Christian under- He said what the bishops were mentioned Canon 818, which safe- freedom. standing of conscience. He stressed attempting to achieve was “needed guards against a priest celebrating Cardinal Burke criticized that sacred liturgy, which was the to save (the United States) from a Mass introducing his own wording, government actions and policies conference’s focus, had a direct sort of totalitarianism in which prayers or preaching according to that, he said, were aimed at reduc- impact on forming Catholics’ con- the state dictates what people are his own judgment. ing freedom of conscience and the sciences and, as a consequence, to think and do.”

Father Rother continued from Page 1 Church, Okarche (birthplace of Roman Phase — First Stage — this body determines the evi- approve publication of a decree Father Rother) Documents received and checked dence for the reality of martyrdom. on martyrdom of the Servant of October 2007 — July 2010 — for juridical validity Documentation and report referred God. If issued, the Servant of God Formal inquiry on martyrdom — to the Cardinals and Bishops who becomes “Venerable.” documentation assembled, inter- March 2012 — Juridic Validity are members of Congregation for Second Stage Part 2. views collected and assembled affirmed the Cause of Saints Matter of miracles is taken up by the Congregation. A July 20, 2010 — Closing cere- As of Today There are additional stages study is made, examined by the mony; Mass at the Cathedral of July 2011- July 2012 — Relator — In the Second Stage Part 1. Congregation and a report made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, of cause appointed; Positio of Final study by the congregation of the Holy Father who then decides OKC; Report of the Tribunal and virtues/martyrdom prepared. Cardinals and Bishops with find- to proceed. documentation sealed and sent Positio submitted and examined by ings ultimately referred to the Third Stage: to Holy See, Vatican City particular congress of theologians Holy Father. Holy Father must /Canonization

Issues continued from Page 12 Sister Stella was frustrated with expel the congregation from his collaborator with the NPA. many other ordinary people who the response of the local priest and diocese. Soria, she said, sent her Marist Sister Noemi Degala, gave their lives so that others can bishop, who told the press that she roses on Valentine’s Day for the executive secretary of the Sisters live lives worthy of human beings. had not coordinated her visit with following two years. Association in Mindanao, said There are lots of journalists, local church officials. Yet, Sister No roses arrived this year, how- Sister Stella is a victim of what’s church workers and peasants who Stella said she had informed the ever, and Sister Stella said the known as “red-tagging” in the have given up their lives for the priest of her visit. army is at it again, this time Philippines. Filipino people,” she said. “And we have a pontifical right spreading the word throughout “She’s being vilified as a member Sister Stella said her congrega- as Benedictine missionaries to go eastern Mindanao that she is a of the NPA,” said Sister Noemi. tion wants to send her back to where we want. We are not under member of the New People’s Army “How can they do that to a sister Europe in October, and she’s torn the bishop. We are free. masquerading as a nun. That’s who is only being true to her about whether to go. “Environmental issues know no what happened last October just religious calling to speak on behalf “If people are dying by the boundaries. He should be happy before Father Faustino Tentorio, a of those who are silenced?” thousands, it’s high time to go out that a sister traveled that far on a 59-year old Italian member of the Sister Noemi said the violence from our chapels and do some- bad road to reach that isolated Pontifical Institute for Foreign and threats against church thing. But my community is afraid place,” she said. Missions, was gunned down in workers are just part of a larger I will be killed. The other sisters In the wake of the incident, Arakan. Father Tentorio was a pattern of repression. are proud of what I’ve been doing, Sister Stella said the bishop well-known opponent of mining, “It’s not just church workers who but they’re afraid for me. pressured her to not press charges and in the weeks before his are being attacked. The attacks on “They want me to live life against the military officials assassination, various local Sister Stella and Father Tentorio happily. But why worry about my involved. She said she reluctantly military and paramilitary groups are better known because they are life if people are afraid, and ordi- agreed, afraid the bishop might spread the word that he was a church people, but there are so nary people are killed every day?” 16 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic State A Crossroads of Human Trafficking By Rex Hogan Mark Elam, Coalition Director For the Sooner Catholic of Oklahomans Against OKLAHOMA CITY — Ask an Trafficking Humans, recently Oklahoman which state has the talking to a group at St. Eugene highest human trafficking activity Catholic Church about issues and the answer probably will be of human trafficking in the state New York or California. of Oklahoma. Ask a law enforcement officer in New York or California which state has the most activity related to human trafficking and the answer off I-40, it happens,” Elam said. they’ll give is Oklahoma. Patty Keeley, who directs the That’s what Mark Elam, director Safe Place Safe Community of Oklahomans Against Trafficking program, said it was the second Humans, told a group attending a time Elam has presented a meeting about human trafficking at program at St. Eugene. Keeley said St. Eugene Catholic Church. when she first started working in “Oklahoma is the crossroads of the program, she knew nothing human trafficking. Look at the about human trafficking. interstate highways we have here,” “I was like most people, I Elam said. “One-third of all young thought that happened in Third girls who are being taken to be sex World countries,” she said. slaves go through Oklahoma.” “It’s all about greed,” Elam said. Last October Bethany police “Human trafficking produces found the dismembered body of a the second highest income for 19-year-old woman behind a criminals behind drug sales,” he Homeland grocery store. Police said. later arrested a man and charged Elam said Oklahoma is a prime him in connection with the target for predators looking for woman’s murder. Police say young girls to turn into prostitutes. the motive was trafficking. “We’re No.1 in the percentage “She was beheaded as an of teenage pregnancy, we’re example to the other girls, ‘Do what No.1 in single parent households I say or this will happen to you,” and we’re No.1 in the percentage Elam said. of children going to bed hungry,” he Last January, police raided a said. house in southwest Oklahoma City “Oklahoma has the reputation and made four arrests. Police said that if you want a young girl, then the four adults were named by just drive through and stop at a Homeland Security Investigation truck stop. officials as a group responsible for “It’s up to us to stop it. Victims human trafficking. All four were need to know it’s not their fault booked into the Oklahoma County Neighbors living in the Oaks in their upscale neighborhood. and there’s someone to call who can Jail after a Homeland Security Addition near Kilpatrick “It needs to be known it happens help.” Investigation claims the group was Turnpike and Eastern received in Oklahoma. It happens at 10th For more information, go to responsible for aiding and abetting fliers in May detailing an alleged and McKinley, it happens at www.Oathcoalition.org or phone with human trafficking. human trafficking ring operating McKinley Park, at the McDonald’s O.A.T.H. at (405) 418-8445. The Supreme Court Has Ruled. Now What? The U.S. Supreme Court’s long- most health plans, of other people’s abortions. Under Act” (H.R. 1179, S. 1467) and the awaited ruling on two key HHS and two other the Act, all but one plan on each Protect Life Act (H.R. 358, S. 877) provisions of the Affordable Care federal agencies exchange may cover elective — has already been introduced Act (ACA) was issued June 28. are requiring most abortions, and lower-income in Congress, and H.R. 358 has Few could have anticipated the employers, includ- enrollees may receive tax credit already passed in the House. outcome in National Federation of ing Catholic and subsidies to purchase these plans. Learn more about these bills Independent Business v. Sebelius. private organiza- To date, less than one-third of the at www.nchla.org and www.- The Court upheld the constitution- tions, to fund and states have enacted such opt-out usccb.org/conscience. ality of requiring individuals to facilitate steriliza- laws. In his homily at the July 4 By Susan E. enroll in a health plan — the linch- tion, contracep- ACA fails to prevent govern- Closing Mass of the Fortnight for Wills, Esq. pin of the ACA. Writing for the tives and abortifa- mental bodies under the Act from Freedom, Archbishop Charles J. Court, Chief Justice Roberts up- cients against violating the conscience right of Chaput, OFM Cap, exhorted all held that requirement as a law their conscience. Individuals with providers, businesses, health Catholics, Christians and people ful exercise of Congress’s constitu- a conscientious objection to such insurers and enrollees who refuse of good will: “We live in a time tional authority to impose taxes. coverage are similarly impacted. to be involved in abortion. that calls for sentinels and public Since the ruling was announced, To date about two dozen lawsuits And there are other manifesta- witness. … it has been all but impossible to have been filed to challenge the tions of ACA’s abandonment of You and I are responsible for turn on the television or radio or infringement upon religious liberty longstanding federal policies on this moment. Today. Now. We go online without hearing a that this rule creates — and none conscience rights. Recall the need to ‘speak out,’ not only for reporter, pundit, expert, talk show of these suits is undercut by the discovery last summer that HHS religious liberty and the ideals of host or caller raise some question Court’s decision to uphold two had given initial approval to at the nation we love, but for the about the Court’s decision: It’s all other specific provisions of the Act. least three state programs for sacredness of life and the dignity guesswork wrapped in speculation ACA allows for the direct fund- “high risk” insurance pools that of the human person — in other inside a conjecture. ing of abortion through $11 billion would have allowed federal fund- words, for the truth of what it The Chief Justice’s rationale that the Act allocated for ing for abortion coverage. means to be made in the image for upholding ACA’s individual community health centers, by an This approval was subsequently and likeness of God.” So let’s get to mandate is of less immediate avenue that bypassed the usual rescinded by HHS only after work! concern than the law’s serious appropriations bills and hence political protest. ACA reportedly Susan Wills is Assistant Director deficiencies on religious liberty and evaded the Hyde amendment contains over 1,000 instances for Education & Outreach, United rights of conscience. against funding abortion. where HHS “shall” or “may” take States Conference of Catholic Here is a brief reminder of Unless a state enacts “opt out” some regulatory action or where it Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life what’s at stake as a result of the legislation, all individuals purchas- is empowered to “determine” some- Activities. To learn more about Supreme Court’s ruling: ing a plan that includes abortion thing. the Catholic bishops’ activities Under the Act’s mandate for coverage are required to pay a Corrective legislation — the on conscience protection, visit including “preventive services” in separate premium to cover the cost “Respect for Rights of Conscience www.usccb.org/conscience. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 17 Calendar JULY 21 The Lay Missionaries of of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of $140 per person. To register, visit 15 The Secular Franciscan Order Charity, the Secular (Lay) Order Jesus - Oklahoma Community www.bmchs.org, or contact Patricia of St. Francis Fraternity meets of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta,at and Province of St. Therese Hudacko at 842-6638 Ext. 239 for at 1:15 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Hospital St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish, meets at Little Flower Church, more information. Chapel. For more information, call Edmond, on the first and third Oklahoma City, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 Jim Disbrow at 830-8688. Saturday of each month beginning p.m. For more information, call AUGUST with Mass at 7:30 a.m. in the chapel. Katherine Payne at (405) 210-4826 or 3 First Friday Sacred Heart Mass 17-25 Monthly Novena to The For more information, contact Toni Betty Sharp at (405) 408-4275. at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Infant Jesus. Nine days of novenas Harrelson at (405) 341-2199, or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to Infant Jesus of Prague monthly. [email protected]. 21 St. Charles Singles Dance at is at 5:30 p.m. with the Sacrament of During these nine days, the novena the church, from 7 to 11 p.m. For Reconciliation available prior to prayers will be as follows: Monday- 21 Teología del Cuerpo. ¿Te has more information, call Al at 631-0763. Mass. Mass is at 7 p.m. Those want- Friday following noon Mass, Saturday preguntado que es el amor? ¿Es lo ing to learn more about First Friday following 6 p.m. Mass, and Sunday mismo el amor y el Sexo? ¿Cuál es el 22 Pilgrimage Sunday. Mass Devotion and the practice of conse- following 11 a.m. Mass. verdadero significado de la sexuali- begins at 11 a.m. and includes bless- crating the family and home to the dad Humana? ¿Qué importancia ing of the sick and blessing of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will find 19 TAP into FAITH! Father Ray tiene la sexualidad dentro del matri- children, noon lunch, 1 p.m. Novena materials available after Mass. For Ackerman, new pastor of Saint John monio? En nuestros días todos dicen prayers to Infant Jesus of Prague, more information, call the Office of the Baptist Church, Edmond. Come tener una opinión pero solo hay una Litany of the Infant Jesus, and Family Life at (405) 721-8944 or out for drinks or dinner, hear an que supera a todas ellas. La opinión Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Diane Grim at (405) 528-6252. interesting talk on important de Dios es la más importante porque National Shrine of the Infant Jesus Catholic issues, and meet other él es el Criador de todo. Ven y des- of Prague is located at Saint 5 Byzantine Liturgy will be offered Catholic adults. Bring your friends. cubre lo que Dios nos dice en cuanto Wenceslaus Catholic Church at 304 on Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Single or married, ages 21 to 121. a la sexualidad humana. Este Jim Thorpe Blvd. in Prague. (405) Church, 3939 W. Tecumseh Road, 8 p.m. talk, 8:45 p.m. Q & A. Stay programa será todo en español y está 567-3080, or shrineofinfantjesus.com. Norman. For more information, call afterwards for fellowship. Tap into abierto a todo el público. Sirve como Father Phil Seeton at (580) 536-6351. Faith is at Louie’s, at the corner of un suplemento a parejas preparán- 23 Bishop McGuinness Clancy’s 2nd and North Western, Edmond dose para el matrimonio como 2012 All Sports Golf Classic at 8 Catholic War Veterans USA. Questions? Call Alison Giordano at también enriquecimiento para pare- Twin Hills Golf and Country Club. Oklahoma Memorial Post 168 will 639-9787. jas casadas. El programa tomara This 18-hole tournament features a hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. lugar el Sábado, 21 de Julio en el four-man scramble with a shotgun in the Sunnylane Family Reception 20-22 Beginning Experience Centro Pastoral Católico, 7501 N.W. start. Tournament play begins at 1 Center located at 3900 SE 29th St. in Weekend. This weekend program Expressway, Oklahoma City de 9 a.m. p.m. Each team selects the best shot Del City, every second Wednesday. helps deal with the natural grief – 3 p.m. La registración empieza a from the tee through the last putt. For more information, contact Ken process and offers an opportunity, las 8:30 e el costo por la comida es Prizes will be awarded to the first, at (405) 739-0036 or by email at through God, for turning the pain of $14 por pareja y $7 por persona. Por second and third place, longest drive, [email protected]. loss into an experience of positive favor llame a la Oficina del Vida hit the green and closest to the pin. growth. The next weekend will be Familiar al (405)721-8944 para Check-in begins at noon. There held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, registrarse. No hay cuidado de niños. will be an awards dinner following For a full and up-to-date the tournament. Proceeds benefit July 20-22. Contact the Office calendar, visit us online at of Family Life at 721-8944 for 21 The Community of the Secular the Fighting Irish athletic programs. registration information. Order of the Blessed Mary Entry fee is $550 per team or www.soonercatholic.org Jobs Box Director of Hispanic Ministry Elementary Education or middle Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, Certificate in middle school subject The Archdiocese of Oklahoma school English. Please send a resume Okla. 73120. The application form specific certification areas of science City is searching for a Director and copy of teaching certificate to may be found at www.archokc.org. and math. Interested individuals of Hispanic Ministry (full-time Tammy Jacobs, P.O. Box 485, should be able to share their faith position). Minimum qualifications Okarche, Okla. 73762, email tjacobs- Junior High Science Teacher within an academic challenging include bachelor or master’s degree @holytrinityok.org , or fax (405) resumes to St. Mary Catholic School, Norman is accepting applications for degree, several years of experience in 263-9753. Attention: Sheila Whalen-Guthrie, the position of junior high science this type of position or ministry could Principal, 502 E. Warner, Guthrie, teacher. In addition to classroom be substituted, at least five years of Okla. 73044. Full-Time Teaching Position instruction, the teacher is also experience in Hispanic Ministry on responsible for co-chairing the school the parish and/or diocesan level, The Catholic School of St. science fair and coordinating student Buckley Team Coordinator as well as experience in ecclesial/- Eugene in Oklahoma City is accept- paperwork for district, regional and St. Gregory’s University is ministerial leadership and planning ing applications for a certified fourth- state science fairs. All applicants looking for a coordinator for the required. Must be bi-lingual grade teaching position for the 2012- must hold current Oklahoma teacher Buckley Team. The essential (English/Spanish) and a practicing 2013 school year. CSSE is a faith- certification. Mail or fax resumes to functions of the position are to over- Roman Catholic. Applications filled community where teachers Leslie Schmitt, Principal, All Saints see the Buckley team, a student (required) are available online at and families work together to grow Catholic School, 4001 36th Avenue, ministry program. Responsible for www.archokc.org or by request from spiritually and academically. Please NW, Norman, Okla. 73072, fax (405) recruitment, selection, training, Father William L. Novak, VG, at the send a resume and copy of teaching 447-7227. scheduling and supervision of team Catholic Pastoral Center, (405) 721- certificate to Suzette Williams, members. Promote the Catholic 5651. Applicants must submit a CSSE, 2400 W. Hefner Road, and Benedictine Identity and complete and up-to-date resume and Oklahoma City, Okla. 73120. Full-Time Kindergarten mission of St. Gregory’s University. two letters of recommendation. St. Mary’s Catholic School in Includes evening and weekend Lawton is seeking persons of faith Special Education Teacher hours. Qualifications: Bachelor’s wanting a challenging career in Middle School Teaching Position Good Shepherd Catholic degree in Theology or Pastoral Catholic education. Will have the School at Mercy in Oklahoma City Ministry is preferred. Bachelor’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton following opening for next year: is seeking a full-time teacher to degree and experience in Catholic School in Edmond is now kindergarten/full-time. Degree and teach children ages 3-9 with autistic Youth/Young Adult Ministry will be accepting applications for a middle certification are preferred for teach- spectrum disorders in an 11-month considered. Practicing Catholic in school teaching position for the 2012- ing positions. All applicants should school-year program beginning in good standing. Mature understand- 13 school year, science certification is submit resume and copy of applica- August 2012. The teacher must hold ing of the Catholic faith. Ability preferred. Please send résumé and tion, in addition, for teaching a standard Oklahoma Teaching to communicate creatively and certification to Angie Howard at positions, submit transcripts to Paolo Certificate in special education and pastorally to young adults. Ability to (405) 340-9627, or email to J. Dulcamara, 611 SW ‘A’ Avenue, either elementary education or early work in a collaborative ministry [email protected]. Lawton, Okla. 73501. Call (580) 355- childhood education. Preference for a environment. Instrumental musical 5288 to schedule an interview. candidate who has completed train- ability is desirable. Completion of Middle School Language Arts ing in Applied Behavior Analysis and Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Safe Holy Trinity Catholic School experience teaching children with Middle School Opening Environment Training Program. in Okarche is accepting applications autism. Please submit Archdiocesan St. Mary Catholic School in Position is part time with anticipated for a full-time middle school application along with a resume and Guthrie is accepting applications for start date of 8/1/12. language arts teacher. Qualified copy of teaching certificate to Dr. teaching positions for the 2012-2013 Interested candidates should applicants must hold a current Donna Kearns, Good Shepherd school year. Applicants must hold a submit their cover letter and resume Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in Catholic School at Mercy, 13404 N. current Oklahoma Teaching to [email protected]. 18 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic ‘FOCUS’ and a Goal Brzozowski Meets With Students to Spread Words of Faith

By Ray Dyer The Sooner Catholic HARRAH — Anna Brzozowski has one FOCUS when it comes to meeting with college students — bringing them to understand the unlimited, merciful love their Savior Jesus Christ has for them. Brzozowski is a Campus Missionary for “FOCUS,” which stands for Fellowship of Catholic University Students. For five years she served as a camp counselor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp. When she returned to the camp just prior to the Fourth of July, she was greeted like a celebrity. Younger female counselors swarmed around her “Anna B, Anna B” they called out as they realized she had arrived. A graduate of Texas State University, the personable Brzozowski found herself called to the FOCUS ministry after it was introduced to her. A standout basketball player, Brzozowski said she was like many young people today. “I was confused, lonely and not living the life Christ wanted for me,” she said. It was at this time she was introduced to “FOCUS,” the campus ministry created by Curtis Martin of EWTN fame. A Anna Brzozowski is greeted by a swarm of smiling counselors as she arrived at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp. young woman approached her and Photo by Aliki Dyer began talking with her about her relationship with Christ. With a degree in physical A member at Saint Teresa that God could never love them Brzozowski said she took the education, Brzozowski has put off of Avila Parish in Harrah, enough to forgive them. conversation as “a sign from God” entering the market, instead Brzozowski said the impact of Through Focus, Brzozowski that she needed to develop a agreeing to work for two years for FOCUS at Arizona State said college students come to deeper and more intimate relation- FOCUS as a campus coordinator. University has been dramatic. understand that God loves ship with Him. She will leave for Arizona In its first year, 105 students them more than they could ever “It was like God was telling me, State University in August, signed up to participate, and from imagine and that His Grace and ‘You’re not trying hard enough to not returning to Oklahoma that number 21 “student leaders” Mercy is always available, “24 find me,’” Brzozowski said. She until December when she is have emerged. Two male students hours a day.” then started attending FOCUS scheduled to meet with Archbishop have entered seminary and one “All they have to do is ask,” she meetings and Bible studies while Coakley. woman has chosen to pursue a said. “And then develop an ongoing at Texas State. Soon she was Brzozowski said FOCUS religious calling. dialogue with God.” living the way she knew God chapters are being developed at Brzozowski said FOCUS is If you would like to know more wanted her to and was experienc- the University of Oklahoma and greatly needed at this time as the about FOCUS or help support ing great joy in her life. The Tulsa University this year with culture of death constantly stalks Brzozowski, go to www.focuson- college party scene was no longer plans to tackle Oklahoma State young people. She said so many line.org/goto/4011. Brzozowski meaningful and life was so much University in hopefully the near young people believe they have can be contacted by email at fuller, she said. future. done so much wrong in their lives [email protected]. Help for the Widowed, Separated or Divorced I will heal them and lead them I wanted out of the terrible he answered, I asked several myself out of the stinky mud. I will give full comfort to them stinky mud hole in which I seemed questions. “Do I have to stay the If you are looking for answers I, the Creator who gave them to keep wallowing. If only I could whole time from Friday evening about how to deal with the changes life. find someone who had been through through early Sunday afternoon? in your life, please join us for 59:18-19 (nab) the same sort of loss and would How much touchy feely stuff is the next Beginning Experience understand how devastated I felt. involved and what if it makes me Weekend, which is scheduled to be It was as though my life had no uncomfortable? What are the rooms held July 20, 21 and 22 at the I have done the same job for purpose. I needed direction. I and meals like?” He did well under Pastoral Center, which is located at almost 30 years, putting numbers thought I was a strong person interrogation and I decided to 7501 NW Expressway in Oklahoma into the same computer software but I couldn’t make decisions. attend because he sounded like City. that I no longer think about it too What was the future to be? someone who understood the empty The $100 fee required in Okla- much. But something had happened At Mass one Sunday, the priest spaces. Maybe there were people homa City pays for registration, and I was completely unaware recommended a program listed in who could help me move on in my supplies, lodging and meals. Call that my ability to do that job had the bulletin about a weekend life. the Office of Family Life at (405) deteriorated until it was brought retreat for widowed, separated That retreat turned out to be the 721-8944 or Marka Acton at (918) to my attention that a month’s and divorced people called best thing I have done for myself in 724-8928 if you have any questions work was full of errors and incon- Beginning Experience. The weekend years! There are many who have or for additional information. We sistencies. I was ashamed and had looked interesting so I phoned. suffered and found themselves will be glad to help. to face the reality that I was not My list of questions was prepared single again. I felt as though the Life can be filled with joy once bouncing back from the end of my and I wanted answers before I people helping were angels sent to again — you just have to reach marriage. committed to anything. When give me the hand I needed to pull out. Sooner Catholic July 15, 2012 19 Bishops Criticize Proposed House Panel Aid Cuts WASHINGTON (CNS) — A proposed $16 billion cut in the na- tion’s Supplemental Nutritional and Assistance Program is “unjustified and wrong,” said a joint letter from the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic and international justice committees, leaders of Catholic Relief Services and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The cuts in SNAP, once known as food stamps, “will hurt hungry children, poor families, vulnerable seniors and struggling workers,” said the July 10 letter, addressed to Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., the committee’s ranking Democrat. “At this time of economic hardship and continued high unemployment, the committee should protect essential programs that serve poor and hungry people. To cut programs that feed hungry people in the midst of economic turmoil is unjustified and wrong,” the letter said. “A just farm bill requires shared sacrifice by all but cannot rely on disproportionate cuts to essential services for hungry, poor and vulnerable people,” it said. The letter was signed by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace; Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency; and James Ennis, executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The letter critiqued the Agriculture Committee’s Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. The full committee was to meet July 11 to consider the more than 100 amendments to the measure; a vote had not been scheduled as of mid-day. The bill must pass out of committee before the full House can consider it. The Senate passed its version of the farm bill in late June. It contained only $4 billion in SNAP cuts, which Senate Agriculture Committee members said could be achieved by rooting out waste, fraud and abuse. Any differences between the House and Senate versions would have to be resolved by a joint House-Senate conference committee. The current farm bill expires Sept. 30. The letter from Catholic leaders lauded the House Agriculture Committee’s work on international food security and development, say- ing that it “wisely allocates” $400 million annually for Food for Peace non-emergency programs to help combat the underlying causes of long- term hunger in the poorest countries. And while criticizing the SNAP cuts, the letter said an increase in Emergency Food Assistance Program funding “will help churches, charities and food pantries serve hungry people in our communities.” The letter said full funding for conservation and rural development programs “is essential to promote stewardship of creation and help rural communities thrive. 20 July 15, 2012 Sooner Catholic

Faith, Hope and Love Await Youth Camp Attendees By Ray Dyer The Sooner Catholic OLOG — The words “Faith, Hope and Love” jump out to all who make their way to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp. The sidewalk chalk is a colorful statement to the joy that springs forth from the hundreds of young campers who attend weekly sessions during the summer. This summer is no exception. While the campers enjoy a week filled with prayer and worship, they also fall head first into any number of fun activities such as canoeing, swimming, archery, basketball, arts and crafts, volleyball, soccer and much more. And while the campers take great delight in these activities, the young people who serve as camp counselors seem to get just as much from coordinating the non-stop action. “Oh, this is the greatest job ever,” said Madeline Mahoney. This is Mahoney’s fourth summer to serve as a counselor at OLOG. A nursing student at the University of Oklahoma and a member of Epiphany Church in Oklahoma City, Mahoney said counseling at OLOG is not really like work. “I would probably pay them to let me work here, it’s so wonderful,” she said. “It’s not even like a job.” David Crall, a second-year counselor and a sophomore at OSU, said OLOG is a “great environment” for campers as well as counselors. Crall said he attends Our Lady of Sorrows in Chandler, just a short drive from OLOG, which is situated in a picturesque location along the Photos by Aliki Dyer Oklahoma and Lincoln County lines. “This is just really a special place,” and is a student at Oklahoma City Tasetano jokes with the middle he said. Community College. This is his fourth school students, spraying them with Tony Tasetano is from Tuttle year to serve as a counselor. sunscreen before they take a dip in Corpus Christi Church in Oklahoma the camp pool. City and plans to study early child- “I love it,” he said, referring to his hood education at OSU-OKC. counseling position. Woods said physical injuries are Nancy Housh serves as Director of few and far between at OLOG. The the Youth and Young Adult Ministry kind of first aid she is more apt to for the Archdiocese. She has been administer usually requires a cool director of OLOG for 23 years. Housh drink of Gatorade and a pat on the said the counselors are usually young back. people who enjoyed attending OLOG “I deal with homesickness the as campers. They know the camp first few days of camp more than inside and out and have a calling to anything else,” Woods said. “They just work with young people. need someone to listen to them. They Cycy Woods serves as the first aid want that family feel they left at coordinator at OLOG. She attends home.”