THE MAGAZINE OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF JOLIET

SEPTEMBER 2016 DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG

ASK THE PRIEST Don't Be Shy in Talking About Jesus Cristo Es Nuestra Esperanza pg. 6

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Back to School with a Smile and a Backpack pg. 7

WORLD YOUTH DAY Pilgrims Deepen Their Faith During World Youth Day Trip to Poland pg. 12

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Declared a Saint 1 FROM THE BISHOP

Catholic faith. Every parish must be generous in reaching out to those in need and in trying to fashion a better world for everyone. Every OF PARISHES parish must even fulfill specific administrative requirements.

BY BISHOP Nevertheless, over time, each parish will R. DANIEL develop its own “flavor.” It will have its own CONLON traditions, its own points of emphasis, its AND PASTORS own way of doing certain things. Naturally, circumstances will be especially unique in a parish This summer, 16 parishes in the Diocese of Joliet received that gathers together people from a particular new pastors. One of my happiest responsibilities is to go ethnic group. Urban, suburban and rural parishes differ considerably. So do large and small around and preside at their formal installation. parishes. The arrival of a new pastor is an important moment for The basic purpose, though, for all parishes remains the same. The mission given to the a parish community, as well as for the pastor. Parishioners Church by our Lord – proclaiming the Gospel to (most of them, anyway) are saddened to see the former all people and drawing them to salvation in Him – requires constant self-examination and readiness pastor leave and are curious, even anxious, to know what to adapt. Thus, every parish must be ready to kind of new pastor they are receiving. They realize that the change as the needs of the apostolate require. pastor has a great deal of influence over the well-being and Sometimes loyalty to one’s parish may mean a desire to keep things the way they “always” have “flavor” of the parish. been or to focus emphasis on secondary matters. Parishes are not intended to be just comfortable I am aware of this reality, sense of belonging and loyalty gathering places or only a means to satisfy too. When I was assigned as a are important. The down side personal needs. pastor 20 years ago, I replaced is that parish membership That is one reason why changing pastors a priest whose personality and can be viewed as one more periodically is generally useful. The change allows style were completely different consumer commodity. People in a special moment for the parish to assess itself from mine. The parish survived our culture are accustomed to and its effectiveness as an instrument in the both of us! In fact, after a expect things as they prefer it. hands of the Holy Spirit. The pastor is definitely couple of more pastors, it is still So, it may be helpful to not the lord and master of the parish. He is the doing well. But my experience understand what a parish is, servant. But an especially taught me that, while there can and what is its purpose. important part of his be many good matches, the Most importantly, a parish The change service is to assure that the pairing of pastor and parish is a portion of God’s people, allows a special community is being faithful should never be haphazard. the Body of Christ. It is a to its mission and walking moment for the Just as I take the assignment community of disciples who in union with the rest of parish to assess of pastors seriously, worship God, who are nourished the Church. parishioners take parish by the sacraments, who itself and its No parish is an island. membership seriously. There continue to be formed in the effectiveness as Technically, it is a was a time when Catholics faith and who serve each other an instrument in subdivision of the diocese. simply joined the parish in and the world beyond. In that the hands of the If we go way back in whose territory they lived fundamental way every parish is history, all the people of Holy Spirit. or the parish of their ethnic the same. an area gathered with the identity. Today many people Every parish must carry out bishop for Mass. As life join a parish where they feel the same mission entrusted became more complex, and more people became more comfortable. However by Christ to the whole Church. Christians, this arrangement was impractical. So they come to join a parish, Every parish must celebrate the bishop sent out priests to gather portions of parishioners have a strong the liturgical rites according the community in other locations. sense of “ownership.” to the proper norms. Every Enjoy your parish. Enjoy your pastor. But don’t In one way, this is good. A parish must teach the authentic build a wall or a moat.

2 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG ESPAÑOL

OBISPO R. DANIEL CONLON

unos y el mundo más allá. De cambiar según las necesidades esa manera fundamental cada que el apostolado requiere. A ESTE VERANO, 16 PARROQUIAS DE parroquia es la misma. veces la lealtad a la parroquia Cada parroquia debe llevar puede significar un deseo LA DIÓCESIS DE JOLIET RECIBIERON PASTORES a cabo la misión confiada por de mantener las cosas como Cristo a la iglesia entera. Cada "siempre" han sido o a enfocar NUEVOS. UNA DE MIS RESPONSABILIDADES parroquia debe celebrar los el énfasis sobre cuestiones ritos litúrgicos según las normas secundarias. Parroquias no MÁS FELICES ES PRESIDIR adecuadas. Cada parroquia deben ser puntos de encuentro debe enseñar la auténtica cómodo o sólo un medio LAS INSTALACIONES FORMALES. fe católica. Cada parroquia para satisfacer necesidades debe ser generosa para llegar personales. La llegada de un pastor nuevo es un momento a los necesitados y tratar de Esa es una razón por la importante para una comunidad parroquial, tanto hacer un mundo mejor para que el cambio de pastores es como para el pastor. Feligreses (la mayoría de todos. Cada parroquia debe generalmente útil. El cambio ellos) se entristecen al ver que se vaya el pastor cumplir incluso los permite un momento anterior y son curiosos, incluso ansiosos, de saber requisitos administrativos especial para que la cómo es el pastor nuevo que están recibiendo. Se específicos. parroquia se evaluara a dan cuenta que el pastor tiene una gran influencia Sin embargo, con el ORAR! sí misma y su efectividad sobre el bienestar y el "sabor" de la parroquia. tiempo, cada parroquia POR como un instrumento en Yo también estoy consciente de esta realidad. desarrollará su propio NUESTRAS las manos del Espíritu PARROQUIAS Cuando fui asignado como pastor hace 20 años, "sabor." Tendrá sus Santo. El pastor no es el reemplacé a un sacerdote con una personalidad propias tradiciones, sus Señor y maestro de la y estilo completamente diferente a la mía. ¡La propios puntos de énfasis, parroquia. Él es el siervo. Pero parroquia nos sobrevivió a los dos! De hecho, su propia manera de hacer es una parte especialmente después de otro par de pastores, todavía va ciertas cosas. Naturalmente, importante de su servicio bien. Pero mi experiencia me enseñó que, circunstancias serán asegurar que la comunidad aunque puede haber muchos partidos buenos, especialmente únicas en sea fiel a su misión y que este el emparejamiento de pastor y parroquia nunca una parroquia que agrupa a caminando en unión con el debe ser fortuito. personas de un grupo étnico resto de la iglesia. Así como tomo en serio la asignación de los particular. Las parroquias Ninguna parroquia es una pastores, feligreses toman en serio ser miembros urbanas, suburbanas y rurales isla. Técnicamente, es una de una parroquia. Hubo un tiempo cuando difieren considerablemente. subdivisión de la diócesis. Si los católicos simplemente se incorporaban a También lo hacen las parroquias vamos atrás en la historia, la parroquia más cerca de donde vivían o la grandes y pequeñas. todas las personas de un área parroquia de su identidad étnica. Hoy muchas El objetivo básico, sin se reunieron con el obispo para personas se unen a una parroquia donde se embargo, para todas las la Misa. Como la vida se hizo sienten más cómodos. No importa cómo llegan parroquias sigue siendo el más compleja, y más personas a unirse a una parroquia, los feligreses tienen un mismo. La misión dada a la se convirtieron en cristianos, fuerte sentido de "propiedad." iglesia por nuestro Señor, este arreglo era impracticable. En un sentido, esto es bueno. Un sentido de proclamar el Evangelio a todas Entonces el obispo envió pertenencia y la lealtad son importantes. El las personas y trayéndolos sacerdotes para recoger las lado negativo es que miembros de la parroquia a la salvación en Él, requiere porciones de la comunidad en pueden considerarse como un producto más para constante autoexamen y otros lugares. el consumidor. Personas en nuestra cultura están disposición a adaptarse. Por Disfrute de su parroquia. acostumbradas a que las cosas salen como ellos lo tanto, todas las parroquias Disfrute de su pastor. Pero no prefieren. deben estar dispuestas a construya una pared o un foso. Por lo tanto, puede ser útil entender lo que es una parroquia y cuál es su propósito. Lo más importante, una parroquia es una El cambio permite un momento especial para que la porción del pueblo de Dios, el cuerpo de Cristo. Es una comunidad de discípulos que adoran a parroquia se evaluara a sí misma y su efectividad como un Dios, que son alimentados por los sacramentos, instrumento en las manos del Espíritu Santo. que se sigue formando en la fe y que sirve a

3 YOUR COMMUNITY

LOCAL NEWS

“I recall praying the rosary every night, kneeling at my bed, praying the rosary with my parents,” Father Jarosz said, adding that he wanted to make sure that what parish staff, including Tom Uraski, the parish’s director of youth ministry and religious education, had been building in religious education classes, from 5th to 8th grade, would continue for the teens so that they become “leaders and evangelizers of the Gospel.” The first Catholic Teen Night was held at St. Ann Parish on July 15, and it included adoration, confession, a meal, a faith talk, a raffle, an outdoor activity and a bonfire. About 70 youths from around the diocese participated. Some Catholic Man Night adult leaders who helped out included Mike Cemeno and Greg Rodriguez, who spiritually prepared the teens for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while Deacon Bill Johnson gave a talk about living the faith. “The participants also saw that they are loved and appreciated by [observing] all the parishioners who were involved with Catholic Teen Night Helps Youths baking, making hot dogs, setting up and welcoming the teens,” said Father Jarosz, who processed with the Blessed Sacrament Live Out their Faith around St. Ann’s campus, while the teens sang and prayed as part of the procession. The goal of the night was to provide an evening “of spiritual Since 2015, John Krenkel has gone to several events reflection, guidance and growth in helping our teens in the throughout the diocese that focused on evangelizing men, and diocese learn about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Krenkel he noticed that the number of participants grew as the months said. “Our hope was, through the experience, the teens would went by. He also noticed that there was a certain formula to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, and their faith, as the events, which included adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, well, to help them on their spiritual journeys.” confession, a raffle and a faith talk. Krenkel said the hope is to turn Catholic Teen Night “I thought to myself, [the male organizers of into a quarterly event, which will be hosted at various

the ‘Catholic Man Night’ events] ‘They are on to locations throughout the diocese in the upcoming something,’ ” he said. FOR MORE months. So he wondered if a similar formula could work well INFORMATION “Teen ministry is very isolated, where parishes with the teens at his parish, St. Ann in Channahon. on when the next typically will have a teen ministry, but they're doing “I thought there was a natural fit that we can take Catholic Teen Night things in their own parish silo,” said Krenkel, who is this movement from Catholic Man Night to Catholic event will be held part of the youth ministry team and runs the St. Ann Teen Night and start developing a culture of faith in the diocese, football program. “Being able to get kids together and where our teens not only have a faith experience in contact Krenkel at have them be comfortable with other teens really does john.krenkel@ one night but also a fun experience,” said Krenkel, who add a breath of fresh air for them. … I think that is a gmail.com planned the night, along with fellow parishioner, Matt very interesting experiment; it's a social experiment. Stewart. Can we get these kids to be faithful and see if we can Father Peter Jarosz, St. Ann’s pastor, said he was happy that grow this movement in a way that is very purposeful?” the night was modeled after Catholic Man Night. When he was Added Father Jarosz: “With God’s help in this effort, the called to serve two years ago at the parish, he said he felt it was Gospel comes alive and gets the teens excited about the faith. important to create a model of fathers praying with their teens They learned that they are not alone in their journey. … Let us together at home. together know Jesus and make Him known!”

PROGRESS BEING MADE in 2002, and it is a comprehensive set their families and demonstrate a sincere IN COMBATTING CLERGY of procedures established to address commitment to their spiritual and SEXUAL ABUSE allegations of sexual abuse of minors emotional well-being” with the hope of by Catholic clergy. It also contains healing and reconciliation. The Charter for the Protection guidelines for reconciliation, healing, The person who does this reaching out of Children and Young People was accountability, and prevention of further for the Diocese of Joliet is Molly Fara, the established by the United States acts of abuse. And it calls for dioceses director of the Office of Child and Youth Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) “to reach out to victims/ survivors and Protection.

4 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG LOCAL NEWS CONTINUES ON PG. 22 INSIDE September

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"I found it YOUR FAITH YOUR STORIES hard to believe that, even with my faults, 6 ASK THE PRIEST 12 WORLD YOUTH DAY God loves me Don't Be Shy in Talking Pilgrims Deepen Their unconditionally." Faith During World Youth About Jesus - PEGGY Day Trip to Poland O’FLAHERTY 7 CATHOLIC CHARITIES 9 Back to School with a 18 SPECIAL REPORT Smile and a Backpack Amoris Laetitia

8 REFLECTION 20 SPECIAL REPORT "The pope has given us a love Seeing Jesus in Others Pastoral Letter on letter to families — a love letter Pornography inviting all of us, and especially 9 REFLECTION married couples and families, to Who Loves You? never stop growing in love ..."

Cover artwork by Sister Catherine Martin, O.Carm. For more information on her artwork, go to sistersofmountcarmel.org/ - ARCHBISHOP 19 sister-catherine-martin-o-carm JOSEPH E. KURTZ

5 YOUR FAITH

DON’T BE SHY IN TALKING ABOUT JESUS

was watching a clip of a famous magician online. He is an atheist, and he recounted an encounter I that he had after one of his shows. As he was leaving, while signing autographs, someone went up to him and genuinely told the magician how much he enjoyed the show. He then gave the magician a Bible, with his phone number and email inside with these simple words, “Your show meant a lot to me, so I wanted to give to you something that means a lot to me. If you ever want to talk about it, call.” ASK THE PRIEST

The magician was genuinely moved Do I believe belief in Jesus will affect and unequivocal proclamation of by what he called the man’s goodness. someone’s eternal salvation? Yes. the Lord Jesus” (Evangelii nuntiandi Telling the story online, the magician In the face of these questions, all 22). St. John Paul II wrote that “the then looked into the screen and said, of my excuses seem pretty lame. I lay faithful are given the ability and “To all you Christians, why is he the want to invite you to become more responsibility to accept the Gospel first person to do this to me? If you comfortable speaking about Jesus. in faith and to proclaim it in word really believe that Jesus is the way to The only way that this is going and deed, without hesitating to get to heaven, how much must you to happen is if you actually get courageously identify and denounce hate me not to tell me about Him?” uncomfortable and speak about evil” (Christifideles laici 14). Pope These words hit me in the gut. Jesus. Start with “safe” people. Ask Francis states pointedly, “Christians Here is an atheist — who likely still your children about their relationship have the duty to proclaim the Gospel does not believe in Jesus — who with the Lord. Ask your spouse. Ask without excluding anyone” recognized the clearest way to your priest or a sister. Just talk. (Evangelii gaudium 15). identify a Christian who loves and a After that, perhaps go to a couple Frankly, many of us — myself Christian who does not love: if they people in your parish. It would be a included — are not very good at this. I proclaim Jesus. strange thing that everyone comes think that we should change that. I myself have so many excuses for to Mass on Sunday to praise God If you will permit me, I want to passing up this or that opportunity and to receive Jesus in their souls give you a job this month: talk about to talk about the Lord Jesus with and then be uncomfortable to talk Christ with three people in your strangers. Sometimes, I feel awkward. about Him afterwards. Ask someone neighborhood so that they might Other times, I think that they are whom you know about their strongest believe in Him and be saved. This is not ready. Other times, I look at my experience of God — and do it in not just the job of priests or monks or own life and think that I would be the narthex. Ask your kids what they sisters or the “professional religious.” a hypocrite to talk about Jesus 15 learned about Jesus in the homily. This is your job, a job that Christ minutes after using unpleasant words Every pope since the Second Himself gives to you. at the guy who cut me off. But all of Vatican Council has called Catholics these things are excuses. to recognize their central duty as Do I believe in original sin? Yes. a Christian: to speak of Jesus, to Do I believe that Jesus is the Savior of spread His name, to elicit faith in Him Story by Father Michael the world and the gate to heaven? Yes. as the Son of God and as our Lord. Pawlowicz, a parochial Do I believe that without faith it is Pope Paul VI tells us that our witness vicar at St. Matthew Parish, Glendale Heights impossible to please God? Yes. must be “made explicit by a clear

6 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Story by CATHOLIC Maggie Snow CHARITIES

had been very concerned about how they would afford the school supplies, Back to School school physicals, and dental appointments that are required by the with a Smile and school. She had never heard of the fair until a a Backpack friend sent her a message on Facebook. This mother was so thankful and said she didn't know what they would have done without the help they received at the fair. At the Will County fair, one mother arrived at 3 a.m. — eight hours before new school year brings excitement and hope to most the event began, just to secure her place in line. students and their families. The opportunities that lie ahead There’s a very positive and fun energy at the A fairs. The Kankakee Fair is sponsored by Bears are endless. As summer draws to a close, parents rush between Care (the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears) shopping for school supplies, haircuts, and school physicals to and is held at Olivet Nazarene University during prepare for the new school year. However, the preparations are the team’s training camp, which lends to the very different for families who are living in poverty. festive atmosphere. Mary Hines, Back-to-School Fair coordinator in Kankakee County, says, Over 25 years ago, a single mother came into “Families that attend say that it is like a ‘get- Catholic Charities’ DuPage County office and ready-for-school party’ while they get the help asked the staff for help. She told them that she they need. Everyone leaves happy and nobody needed to choose between buying food for the feels judged.” week and buying school supplies for her four One mother wrote this letter of gratitude after children; she didn’t have enough money to do she attended the Kankakee fair with her son: "I both. Catholic Charities provided her with the just wanted to thank you and everyone involved food she needed, and soon after, the first Back-to- for today's event. My son and I attended this School Fair was held. morning. He received a haircut, hearing test, Thousands of families living within the Diocese lunch, school supplies and new books. Just want of Joliet are unable to afford to send their children back to school your organization to know how much this helps with the supplies and confidence they need for success. Since people in tough situations. Everyone was so Catholic Charities' first Back-to-School Fair in 1990, they have friendly. Never having been to an event like this, expanded to offer fairs to students in Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, I thought I'd be judged, but, no, I wasn't. It was and Will Counties. [Each Back-to-School Fair provides different great. My deepest thanks to all of you!" services and school supplies. These events are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors throughout the Diocese of Joliet.] Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Each summer, these fairs help schoolchildren who are living coordinates Back-to-School Fairs to serve in low-income households prepare to return to school with free students living in low-income households in DuPage, school supplies, immunizations, physicals, dental exams, and Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, and Will Counties. more. Additional wrap-around services for other family members To learn more about Catholic Charities’ Back-to- are also offered, including food from the Northern Illinois Food School Fairs and the other services they provide, please visit: catholiccharitiesjoliet.org Bank, employment services, and information from dozens of other community organizations. The families at the fairs each have a different story. At the CLARIFICATION: Last month's article, “Listening to the Kankakee Back-to-School Fair, a mother of four school-age children Homeless,” was about Sister Mary Lou Marchetti, who is a explained that her husband had recently lost his job. The couple religious sister of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet.

7 YOUR FAITH REFLECTION kind and loving to others? The answer can be found in the words of Mother Teresa herself. Listening to her wisdom can help us realize how profoundly Jesus can work in a soul. Mother Teresa was able to recognize Jesus in the human beings whom she encountered daily. Whether they were the poor and the sick who were brought to her houses, or the rich and the powerful whom she encountered in her travels, her message was always the same: “See Jesus in others. Live simply. Take care of the poor.” She didn’t ignore suffering people, but rather embraced them, recognizing them as “Jesus in his distressing disguise.” Through drawing close to them, she knew she was drawing closer to Him. We also know that Mother Teresa experienced great interior suffering, feeling abandoned by God for many years of her life. Most people would not have guessed that by the way she acted outwardly. Reading just a few lines of her words helps us to see the source of her SEEING JESUS joy, even in suffering: God’s love.

IN OTHERS "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired." “OH, HONEY, OFFER IT UP.” This common phrase was heard often around our house when I was growing up. "I have found the paradox that, if you love Whether my brother was complaining about losing something, until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." or I was complaining about being picked on by my brother, this simple phrase was often the response my mother would give us "We think sometimes that poverty is only being kids as we went through the normal growing pains of life. hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own Story by As a youngster, I remember being frustrated with homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Sister Marie this regular reply and asking in my head, “Offer WHAT Isaac, OP, the principal at up?” Whether I never asked out loud, or I didn’t stay The Missionaries of Charity have reason St. Dominic around long enough to hear the answer, this advice to celebrate this month as their own Mother School in bothered me for most of my young life. Teresa was canonized, or declared a saint of the Bolingbrook It wasn’t until after I learned more about suffering Church. On Sept. 4, Mother Teresa of Calcutta that my mom’s oft-repeated counsel began to make was officially named Saint Teresa of Calcutta. sense. One experience that greatly affected me was In many churches around the world, especially reading “Come Be My Light,” a book written about at Saint Peter’s in Rome and in India where the Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the foundress of Missionaries of Charity were founded by Mother the Missionaries of Charity. The book tells of Mother Teresa, there was great celebration and joy. When Teresa’s profound experience of being called by a new saint is declared, it is good to reflect on Jesus to leave the security of an established religious how the saints can be a great source of help to us community and work with the poor in India. We are here on Earth. Because of our baptism, we share familiar with pictures depicting the face of Mother with them the same call to holiness. Teresa, wrinkled and worn, but also many times How can we follow Mother Teresa’s example showing her twinkling eyes or joyful smile as she was today? What suffering of our own, large or small, can captured for a moment going about her daily life of we offer up for love of others? Now, when I overhear helping the poorest of the poor in her beloved India. a mother reply to her young child’s complaint, “Oh, How could someone who saw so much suffering and dear, offer it up” I quietly add, “For the love of Jesus.” herself endured so much suffering still smile and be so Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.

8 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG YOUR FAITH REFLECTION

to school for an advanced She was brought to tears, and degree. Later that day, my we both sat silently looking out WHO LOVES YOU? college-age niece shared about over the lake. In a sense, tears uring a recent summer, my sister her intern experience at Maui represent a prayer, as it is how invited our entire extended family Jim Sunglasses and her hopes we can express or communicate to start her own business. I to God when we have no words to her lake house in Michigan for treasure the time to rest and for such a deep emotion. I our annual family reunion. My parents listen to their challenges and asked her, “How does it feel to have nine children, 28 grandchildren and joys of life. know that someone, being God, six great grandchildren. That particular After dinner one evening, my loves you that much?” sister shared how she struggled Several years back, as I year, we were 32. It was bittersweet, as this with understanding and was wrestling with an issue was the first year at the lake after losing knowing her faith and God as an regarding my self-image my father earlier that year. adult. We shared experiences of and God, a trusted friend knowing God’s existence in our posed a similar question. We We slept in bunk beds, cots, on childhood. We reminisced how were discussing the greatest the floor, in the closet and even our family practiced our faith commandment that we received in tents. Some of our highlights traditions and our certainty from Jesus, “Love the Lord your include boating, fishing, tubing, of God’s presence during my God with all your heart and splashing in the water, pontoon dad’s hospice and final passing. soul and mind” and another Yet she still wrestled with the command, “Love your neighbor Story by rides and relaxing by the fire with Peggy gooey s’mores. My sisters have a mysteries of our faith and what as yourself.” She asked me, O’Flaherty, a zest for life as they laugh loud and she expressed as “rules.” She “Do you love yourself?” and parishioner said, “It makes me sad when “Can you love your neighbor, at St. Mary of often, play in the water like children Gostyn Parish and treasure each child as their people feel that I am not a husband, children fully if you in Downers own. My brother and brother-in- believer if I don’t go to Sunday don’t love yourself?” Just like Grove laws are so patient working with all service.” Then she began to sing with my sister, my friend left the teens as they teach each child her favorite church song for me. me speechless. In all honesty, how to bait a hook. Savoring life and family is the I wasn’t quite ready to answer way they demonstrate their love. “Peter do you love me? that as I had parts of myself that Relaxing at the lake offers countless treasures, Peter do you love me? I didn’t especially like. such as the family ritual of enjoying a cup of The depths of those two coffee in the morning as the sun begins to rise questions my friend posed And again Jesus asked over the peaceful lake. When life is busy, it seems have brought me to tears, have Peter do you really almost impossible to enter into meaningful challenged me to think and conversations with those we love the most. Yet love me? have drawn me into prayer. I lake time provides us these opportunities. found it hard to believe that, One lazy afternoon, while sitting at the edge Then feed my sheep, even with my faults, God loves of the lake, my grown niece shared how she He said. Peter, feed me unconditionally. As I work juggles a career, along with her need to return my sheep.” on areas of my personality and temperament that still need to be “tamed,” I remind myself of, appreciate, and work toward Thomas Merton’s wisdom: “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him, I will find myself, and if I find my true self, I will find Him.”

You can read more of her writings at: creatingspaceinyourlife.com

9 YOUR STORIES

MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA DECLARED A SAINT

IN 1928, Gonxha Agnes The Loreto Sisters assigned her to their mission in India. After a Bojaxhiu, age 18, left sea journey of five weeks, she arrived in Calcutta and then soon her home in Albania and went to the novitiate in Darjeeling. She would later write, “The traveled to Ireland to join heat of India is simply burning.” She completed the required two the Sisters of Loreto. It years of novitiate and professed her vows. From 1931 to 1948, Sister had taken her six years Teresa taught at St. Mary’s Bengali Medium School for girls. She to make this decision. In made her final vows in 1937 and was now Mother Teresa. her application letter to In 1942, Mother Teresa made a private vow not to refuse God the Sisters, Gonxha had anything. In 1946, she experienced a “call within a call.” This sister expressed a desire one of Loreto, having served in India for 20 years, heard a “voice” to day to be a missionary. give up all and go into the slums to serve the poor. Writing to the As a sister of Loreto, she superior of the Loreto sisters, she explained her decision to leave would take the name Sister the community: Teresa, after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, her patron saint and In September 1946 I went to Darjeeling for a holiday, "THEY DON’T patroness of the missions. and there also I made my eight days retreat. On my return to Calcutta I informed my spiritual Father of NEED OUR PITY the following. That God wants me to give myself completely to Him in absolute poverty, to identify AND SYMPATHY. myself with the Indian girls in their lives of self- sacrifice and immolation by tending the poor in the THEY NEED OUR slums, the sick, the dying, the beggars in their dirty holes and the little street children. In a word – to UNDERSTANDING give myself without any reserve to God in the poor of the slums and the streets. (Come Be My Light, 105) LOVE,.”

Story by Father John Welch, With guidance from her Jesuit spiritual director, Father Céleste Van O.Carm., Exem, and the Jesuit archbishop of Calcutta, Ferdinand Périer, Mother who is on the Teresa eventually founded a new congregation, the Missionaries of Board of Members at Joliet Catholic Charity. She would accept young women of any nationality, but they Academy. must identify with the people and culture of India. They were to wear He assists on a white long-sleeved habit with a light blue sari, and a white veil, weekends at Holy Family Parish in sandals, a crucifix, and rosary. Leaving the Sisters of Loreto, she said, Shorewood. was harder than leaving her family.

10 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG COVER STORY

Archbishop Périer officially A saint of darkness “I think a much greater disease is to be established the new community in the Mother Teresa resolved to give “a unwanted, unloved.” When speaking of archdiocese of Calcutta, October 7, hearty ‘Yes’ to God and a big smile for the poor, she counseled, “They don’t 1950. The archbishop gave this advice: all,” but interiorly she was struggling. need our pity and sympathy. They need She was experiencing a dark night of our understanding love, and they need For sufferings you have not faith. She wrote to the archbishop: our respect. We need to tell the poor to look for them. Almighty that they are somebody to us, that God provides for them daily: There is so much contradiction they, too, have been created, by the they are not always what we in my soul. — Such deep longing same loving hand of God, to love and imagined, bodily sufferings for God — so deep that it is be loved” (Come Be My Light, 296). and the sort, but interior painful — a suffering continual The secretary general of the United sufferings, contradictions, — and yet not wanted by God — Nations called her the most powerful failures of our plan, anxieties repulsed — empty — no faith — woman in the world. By then, she for the community, for the no love — no zeal. — Souls hold had more than 350 foundations of work, misunderstandings in our no attraction — Heaven means Missionaries of Charity in 77 countries. relations with other religious, nothing — to me it looks like an She also began male branches of her or families; oppositions empty place – the thought of it religious family. unexpected at times, etc. means nothing to me and yet In January, 1991, Mother Teresa wrote (Come Be My Light, 142) this torturing longing for God. a letter to President George Bush and (Come Be My Light, 169) President Saddam Hussein to work In addition to attending to the at all costs to avoid going to war. She numerous needs of the poor, without Directors related her experiences to listed a catalog of sufferings as the concern for their religious beliefs, the “dark night” described by St. John result of such a war. The poor will suffer Mother Teresa looked for a home of the Cross. more because they have no means of for the dying where they would This dark night was accompanied by escape. She pleaded, “Please choose experience love and would be treated an intense yearning. She understood the way of peace.” with dignity. The government of her suffering, and the work of her Hers was the Gospel path, Calcutta gave her one of the shelters Sisters, to be a response to Christ, responding to Jesus who said, “What for pilgrims at the Kali Temple. She who said from the cross, “I thirst!” In you did to the least of my brothers named the shelter Nirmal Hriday, her Rules, Mother Teresa wrote: “The and sisters, you did it to me” (Matthew Bengal for “pure heart,” in honor General End of the Missionaries of 25:40). She told her sisters to let the five of Mary. Mother Teresa called the Charity is to satiate the thirst of Jesus fingers on their hand remind them of place the “treasure house” of the Christ on the Cross for Love and Souls.” Jesus’ five words, “You did it to me.” congregation. Eventually she would The work went on; her interior Her interior night of faith continued. also open centers for lepers, naming condition remained the same. The poor She came to accept the darkness as one of them Shanti Nagar, were served in larger numbers, and the an identification with the poor of the “City of Peace.” congregation grew rapidly. The outside world, sharing in Christ’s redemptive world was paying attention to her work suffering. “If I ever become a saint, I will and gave her many awards. The first surely be one of ‘darkness.’ ” She had award was from the government of faith, but it was inexpressible. India. By 1975 she had more than 1,000 Mother Teresa died on Sept. 5, 1997, sisters in her congregation. the centenary year of the death of In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Proclaimed by Prize. She challenged the audience “to many during her lifetime as a “saint,” look for those who lived in agonizing Mother Teresa of Calcutta was officially poverty of being unwanted, unloved, canonized by Pope Francis, Sept. 4, or uncared for by their own.” She said 2016. Her feast day is Sept. 5. In this they could begin at home. To a doctor Year of Mercy, the church recognizes she said, “I find the unborn child to be the sanctity of one whose life was the poorest of the poor today … .” dedicated to the works of mercy. THOTFULSPOT © While she and her sisters worked In 2015, there were over 5,100 sisters, with people with diseases, such as active and contemplative, serving in tuberculosis and cancer, she said, 758 houses in 139 countries.

11 YOUR STORY WORLD YOUTH DAY

AN ESTIMATED 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE attended World Youth Day (WYD) in Krakow, Poland, from July 25-31. The Diocese of Joliet was represented by youths, young adults, adult chaperones, priests, and religious from at least 20 parishes, schools and universities. Pope Francis’ presence and personal message to young people were the highlights of the pilgrimage celebration centered on Jesus Christ and His Divine Mercy. The Catholic faith was shared by the WYD pilgrims in many ways, including catechetical talks, adoration, the Way of the Cross, prayer vigils, confession, Masses, concerts, sightseeing and fellowship. The magazine asked several of the pilgrims for their reflections about what they experienced during their trips, and here are some of their answers:

It is difficult to pick the best part of WYD, a trip that was filled with so many holy destinations and culminating with Mass celebrated by Pope Francis; Poland was my third World Youth Day however, here are a few of the moments that stood out for me: Being in the and third host country. Standing at the presence of Pope Francis. Hearing his message in person and witnessing the vigil, surrounded by 2.5 million people, outpouring of love that the youth and young adults have for him. Visiting the I felt at home. I've never been to Poland Shrine of Divine Mercy and standing before the image. Seeing St. Faustina’s or that spot before. I still felt at home, tomb and later praying the Chaplet with the pope in this Year of Mercy! Visiting because WYD is like a destination unto the homeland and birth place of Saint John Paul II. The incredible atmosphere itself, and we feel the presence of the created by the energy and joy of the young people. The determination and Church more strongly there. It was impressive pilgrim spirit displayed as everyone conquered the distances and good to be back. the heat on the way to and from the vigil site. The Mass and events at the Mercy Center (Tauron Arena), especially the presentation by Bishop Robert - KEVIN BYRNES, COORDINATOR OF Barron and adoration accompanied by Matt Maher and Audrey Assad. Imagine YOUTH MINISTRY AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH more than 18,000 young people in silent adoration of our Lord! IN MANTENO - SHEILA STEVENSON, DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF YOUNG ADULT AND YOUTH MINISTRY

12 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Students from St. Scholastica Parish

“... I’M NOT ALONE IN MY FAITH.” - JACOB GARLAND, ST. SCHOLASTICA PARISH

Students from St. Scholastica Parish

My faith has changed because [I realize] I’m not alone in my faith. [Attending WYD] really strengthened my faith because going through an experience as a pilgrim gave me a chance to exercise my faith more with so many other people and so many of my close friends. What struck with me the most was the pope addressing the youth in the church because he just knew where we were coming from, and I felt like he was talking to me personally. [I learned] that you have to go out and see God rather than thinking that He is going to come to you naturally. You have to go see God in other people, and you have to go and try to talk about your faith and pass it on once you get home from WYD.

- JACOB GARLAND, 18, A PARISHIONER AT ST. SCHOLASTICA PARISH IN WOODRIDGE

13 Young people from St. Elizabeth Seton, Naperville Vigil with Pope Francis

Stations of the Cross

Students from St. Joseph Parish

14 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Students from Corpus Christi Parish I was so impressed by the openness of Catholicism displayed by the Polish. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit other countries behind the Iron Curtain. In these other countries, the Catholic population is small, but is definitely coming back. In Poland, Catholicism flourishes. Before I went on the trip to Krakow, I prayed for the ability to communicate. I brushed up on my Spanish and tried to learn some Polish. I knew people from all over the world would be in attendance, and I imagined how great it would be if, like the apostles, the Holy Spirit gave me the ability to speak to others in their own language. I also felt I had something to prove, that as a representative of the United States, Back when I decided to go, I was hoping to deepen my faith by learning I didn’t want the people I met to go away with the about saints and visiting places where they were, hearing what the pope impression that Americans are ignorant of other had to say and maybe have a couple close encounters with God. These cultures or are rude. My prayers were answered. hopes were all fulfilled, and I also had the amazing experience of meeting Although I suddenly couldn’t speak different people of different cultures, sometimes very different, but still being languages, the Holy Spirit was working. connected because we shared a love of our faith and our God. That, along At World Youth Day, it is very common to trade with being in places where saints stood and prayed, really helped me trinkets from your home country with others. I experience and understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. chose to make necklaces with a small picture of a Some of the people I met talked about really cool saints whom I had stained glass window from my church that depicts never heard of. For example, a pilgrim from South Africa introduced the Holy Spirit to trade. I gave these to anybody I me to Saint Luigi Scrosoppi. When I got home, I looked him up. He talked to, whether had a really inspiring life that I'm glad I got to read about, and I started they had something wondering what other life stories of saints I've been missing out on. So I to trade or not. In We are all the decided I'm going to try and learn about more saints and their lives. fact, many of my children of God, the One thing that really stuck out to me the moment I heard it was the favorite memories phrase, "the adventure of mercy." I think it's a really apt description of included offering Church’s future. And life as a Catholic, especially a young Catholic. In order to live a merciful, someone a necklace together Pope loving, Christ-like life in this world, you have to be ready to go outside and seeing the Francis entrusted to your comfort zone, face challenges, endure hardships, have the courage joy on their faces to be different and trust God every step of the way. It's not what people when they realized us the task of are used to. It can be frightening and hard, but it's a mission that God has that nothing was spreading all of the given us, and He's with us, and that's pretty exciting. It is an adventure. expected in return. joy, fraternity, and But having that - MARY CLAIRE TALBOT, A PARISHIONER AT CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH IN CAROL STREAM peace we felt during image of the Holy Spirit with me gave that week.” The best part of WYD for me was during the first day when everyone me the confidence was singing and dancing together. I participated, even though I don't to talk to people from nearly every continent. I normally sing and dance, even when others are. [In terms of how the trip had conversations with people from Poland, Brazil, impacted my faith], I started praying a decade of the rosary every day Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, after it was over since most days during the trip our group had prayed an India, Colombia, the Philippines, Australia, Benin, entire rosary together. the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Slovakia ... all of these young people share in the love of God. - JASON ARENDT, 17, A PARISHIONER AT CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH IN CAROL STREAM We are all the children of God, the Church’s future. And together Pope Francis entrusted to us the task of spreading all of the joy, fraternity, and We will use the messages of the Holy Father over and over again so that peace we felt during that week. I learned that I am all young people will hear them. We have already posted the homilies of not alone in this undertaking, but I have more than the Holy Father on our Facebook page. We need the message of World 2 million others to help me. That is why the trip was Youth Day to impact the young church. so important to me.

- MARK HERWALDT, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY AT CORPUS CHRIST PARISH - SARAH HALWEG, A PARISHIONER AT ST. ELIZABETH SETON IN CAROL STREAM, WHOSE VISIT TO POLAND WAS HIS FOURTH TIME GOING TO IN NAPERVILLE A WYD EVENT

15 Students from St. Joseph Parish

Students from St. Joseph Parish

Seeing the joy of thousands upon thousands of people who were vulnerable enough to let Seeing an entire city overrun God work fully through them was truly inspiring. When Pope Francis said that we can never with hundreds of thousands of fight hate with hate, I realized that, although it may be nerve wracking, someone has to be the jubilant young people, singing first to offer peace, so why not us? This part really resonated with me because effects of the and dancing in the streets was hate circling around in the world right now were constantly on my mind throughout the week. the best part of WYD for me. But Pope Francis didn't seem worried or afraid at all; he seemed willing to offer love and Who else but Jesus could bring peace to anyone he encountered. together so many from such The biggest spiritual lesson I learned on this trip was that you have to be willing to sit diverse backgrounds, speaking in the passenger seat for a while and let God lead you through your life. This has always every language, carrying the flags been difficult for me because I didn't know how to do that. I learned that it requires a lot of of 187 countries, and have the end patience, listening, as well as trial and error, but it is possible, and once you reach that point in result not be rivalry and conflict, your relationship with God, where you fully trust Him to lead you where you need to go, there but joy, smiles, and singing? God is nothing you can't do." is on the move!

- GRACE ULCH, A PARISHIONER AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH IN DOWNERS GROVE, - JOSEPH LEMAY, FROM ST. JOSEPH WHO IS GOING TO BE A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR IN THE FALL PARISH IN DOWNERS GROVE

16 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG Students from St. Scholastica Parish

One thing that Pope Francis said was that we WYD and be able to more frequently see the ways Pope Francis, in (the youth) need to either stop being or not turn in which God provides for me in my daily life. particular, has a into “couch potatoes.” I loved the way that he The biggest lesson I learned on the trip was the wonderful ability put this because it showed how Pope Francis can power of prayer. Throughout the week my group to engage young get a serious message across in a lighthearted, prayed a Divine Mercy novena and was constantly people and connect humorous, and gentle way. He went on to say offering up the challenges and difficulties we had the teachings of the that people need to stop valuing a “comfortable to overcome. As a result, I think that the group Church and the Gospel couch” and place more value on living life. We was able to grow closer to Christ by seeing the to the world we live in put so much effort into establishing a place ways in which he always answered us. today. One of the most where we can be comfortable instead of going My favorite part of WYD was one night when profound things I learned out and helping others — being uncomfortable — our group was super tired and ready for bed, but is that faith transcends and trusting that God will provide us with what we decided to walk into town because we were borders, language we need. told that Matt Maher [a Christian music artist] barriers, and cultural and After going on this trip I am going to try and was going to be giving a concert in the square. social differences. We stop worrying about not having all Some of the girls I was walking with met people from all over the answers all the time and try to live “Time and time were reluctant to leave the dorms, the world, from war-torn more so in the present. Throughout but we went anyway. It turned out Syria to areas of Europe again, Jesus the entire trip I had to learn and trust that there wasn’t a concert. Instead, and Africa who traveled that God has my back and knows provided for me Matt Maher was playing during hundreds of miles and what I can handle. For example, when and knew what adoration in one of the beautiful made countless sacrifices the pilgrimage walk that initially my needs were.” churches in the square. We all sat just to make it to WYD started as a nine-mile walk turned into down and started to pray and just and celebrate their faith. almost 14 miles, or when we walked take in the sounds of the acoustic I learned that my faith into town and couldn’t find a place to eat that guitar inside the cool, candle-lit church. I think is incredibly grounding, accepted our food vouchers, or when I had to share that it was one of the most relaxing, spiritual, no matter the adversity a single shower with 12 girls and sometimes had to prayerful, and powerful moments of my life. Even or daily struggles I am stay up until 2 a.m. to take a cold shower, I learned though adoration was not what we expected, it faced with. I know I can to trust that God knew what my needs were and was what we really needed, and the next day I always count on my faith would take care of me. Looking back, it seems woke up feeling like a new person after getting to guide me. like the trip could be seen as pretty miserable maybe four hours of sleep. Time and time again, - MARGARET KING, and frustrating, but I never felt unsafe, unrested, Jesus provided for me and knew what my needs A PARISHIONER AT ST. underfed, or miserable because God constantly were. PETRONILLE IN GLEN ELLYN, provided for me. I hope that I can continue to live - MEGAN GERAGHTY, 18, A PARISHIONER AT ON HER FIRST WORLD with the patience and trust that I developed at ST. JOSEPH PARISH IN DOWNERS GROVE YOUTH DAY EXPERIENCE

17 YOUR STORIES SPECIAL REPORT

EXCERPT FROM AMORIS LAETITIA ON THE FAMILY: “Families are not a problem; they are first and foremost an opportunity.” (7)

EXCERPT FROM AMORIS LAETITIA ON MARRIAGE: “Each marriage is a kind of ‘salvation history,’ which from fragile beginnings – thanks to God’s gift and a creative and generous AMORIS LAETITIA REUTERS response on our part – grows over time into something precious and uring the spring, Pope Francis released his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris enduring.” (221) Laetitia, or “The Joy of Love.” Pope Francis issued it in response to both the

Third Extraordinary and the Fourteenth Ordinary General Assemblies of the EXCERPT Synod of Bishops in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Specifically, the pope FROM AMORIS LAETITIA ON wanted to “gather the contributions of the two recent synods on the family, while adding THE CHURCH: other considerations as an aid to reflection, dialogue and pastoral practice, and as a help “Seeing things and encouragement to families in their daily commitments and challenges.” with the eyes of Christ…the If you haven’t had time to read it, consider this article a reminder to check it out. Church turns with love to those who The Exhortation in Brief: extreme individualism, the speed and organization participate Pope Francis relies heavily on the final of life, migration, drug use, and pornography, in her life in an imperfect to name just a few. In the face of these, Pope documents of the two aforementioned synods. manner: In fact, the exhortation can be considered to Francis encourages the faithful to both set forth she seeks be a strong affirmation of their conclusions. Jesus’ demanding ideal, and yet never fail “to the grace of Throughout the work, he incorporates substantial show compassion and closeness to the frailty conversion sections of the two synods on the family. of individuals like the Samaritan woman or the for them; she encourages woman caught in adultery.” He begins “The Joy of Love” with an them to do examination of Scripture with its stories of families, The next chapter summarizes the Church’s good; to take births, love, and family crises. A substantial portion teaching on marriage and the family. He loving care of of this first chapter is devoted to a reflection on also re-emphasizes the need to love those each other and the first six verses of Psalm 128. He moves on who participate in the life of the Church in to serve the community in an imperfect manner. This sets the stage for to a consideration of the concrete realities that which they live threaten and challenge the family in today’s world two chapters on love. Chapter four contains and work…” in chapter two: less support from social structures, a beautiful reflection on 1 Corinthians 13:2-7. (78)

18 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG “LITTLE” THINGS MEAN A LOT FROM THE “Amoris Laetitia Pope Francis encourages young USCCB brings “a rich married couples to develop a reflection on the healthy sense of closeness and mission of the stability through shared daily “The pope has family and on rituals such as: given us a love how the Church can equip letter to couples to embrace God’s · A morning kiss; families – a vision for marriage and can · An evening blessing; love letter offer healing for families who · Waiting at the door inviting all of us, and are struggling … [it is] an to welcome each especially married couples inspirational aid for the clergy other home; and families, to never stop and laity who generously · Taking trips together; and growing in love … I accompany couples as they · Sharing household encourage all to read and prepare for marriage and chores. reflect on how the words of throughout their married life, Pope Francis can be applied in both their joys and At the same time, he in our lives, in our families, difficulties.” and in our society.” acknowledges the need to - Bishop Richard J. Malone of balance such routine with - Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz Buffalo, New York, chairman of special celebrations and events of Louisville, president of the the U.S. Conference of Catholic in order to renew “our zest for United States Conference of Bishops’ Committee on Laity, life.” (226) Catholic Bishops Marriage, Family Life and Youth

Pope Francis as pastor is in full relief here. In Chapter eight outlines the Church’s approach BY DOUG CULP it, he demonstrates a deep understanding and to those who participate in her life in an sensitivity to the life of love as expressed in incomplete manner: accompanying, discerning, marriage and family. Chapter five then challenges and integrating weakness. Pope Francis rejects the reader to look at his or her own attitudes on the “casting off” of those in “irregular” situations. pregnancy, children, parents and the elderly. Instead, he opts always for “reinstatement.” Pope Francis follows his expositions on love with Throughout the chapter, he echoes the pastoral some pastoral perspectives. In chapter six, he puts recommendations put forth by the synods in forth general recommendations terms of, for example, the for the formation of priests, separated and divorced religious, laity and seminarians and the divorced and civilly DID YOU KNOW? in matters of family. He also remarried. He says of these affirms the Church’s teaching An Apostolic Exhortation does people, “Hence, it is can no not define Church doctrine and on same-sex attraction: longer simply be said that is considered less authoritative calling for respect for the than papal encyclicals. all those in any ‘irregular’ dignity of those who have this However, it is still more situation are living in a state of attraction, condemning any authoritative than other papal mortal sin and are deprived of unjust discrimination against issuances, such as audiences sanctifying grace” (301). and homilies. these persons, and recognizing The exhortation closes with a that same-sex unions cannot consideration of the spirituality be placed at the same level of marriage and family. Pope as marriage. He next turns his attention to the Francis grounds this spirituality in the communion education of children, including sex education, in of the Holy Trinity; Easter; and freedom, care, chapter seven. In particular, he points out that the consolation and incentive. He leaves us with this moral formation of children can never completely reminder, “No family drops down from heaven be delegated to others. It always remains primarily perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow the duty of the parents. and mature in the ability to love.”

19 YOUR STORY SPECIAL REPORT

PASTORAL LETTER ON PORNOGRAPHY

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a formal statement entitled, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography,” last November at their annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore. The statement, which was developed under the direction of Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, was approved by the full body of bishops 230 to 4, with one abstention.

According to press releases from the USCCB, The statement is organized according to the the statement represents a response to what following topics: Bishop Malone describes as “the pastoral crisis • An overview of the Church’s teaching on brought about by the production and use of sexuality, the human person, and chastity pornography.” Bishop Malone continues, “Virtually everyone is affected by pornography in some • An explanation of why pornography is way. So many people — including within the sinful and harmful DID YOU Church — are in need of Christ’s abundant mercy • A survey of the wide-reaching effects of KNOW… and healing. My hope is that the statement can pornography in our culture Pornography serve as a foundation and catalyst for increased • An examination of the effects of is directly pastoral attention to this challenge at the national pornography on men, women, young connected and local level.” people and children to human • A word of hope and healing to those trafficking, harmed by pornography adultery, THE BASICS • An appendix with a link to targeted domestic The primary purpose of “Create in Me a Clean resources for particular audiences violence, Heart” is to both provide words of “hope and the abuse of healing” to the victims of pornography, and raise The complete text of the statement is available children and awareness about pornography’s all-encompassing online at www.usccb.org/cleanheart. This page abortion. reach and negative impact. The statement is also includes the list of resources referenced addressed primarily to parents, clergy, diocesan by the appendix of the statement, including and parish leaders, educators, mental health resources for support groups, recovery programs professionals, and everyone else in a position to and advice for those dealing with family “help protect children from pornography and heal members struggling with pornography, Internet the men, women, and young people who have filtering tools to block pornographic content and been harmed by its use.” educational purposes.

20 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG THE HIGHLIGHTS QUOTABLE QUOTES Pervasiveness of Pornography While everyone should take the time to read the statement in its entirety (it is only 28 pages with “There is no dignity when the human the footnotes), here are some of the highlights. dimension is eliminated from the person. In short, the problem with pornography % The human person and her/his vocation is not that it shows too much of the 64 · “God created the human person, male and person, but that it shows far too little.” of men view female, in his image and likeness, as the crown -SAINT JOHN PAUL II pornography of creation. Every one of us is a gift, with the monthly* inviolable dignity of a person.” · “Every man and woman, whether called to “[R]emember that you may not treat that person as only the means to an end, as marriage or not, has a fundamental vocation to % self-giving, fruitful love in imitation of the Lord.” an instrument, but you must allow for the 12.5 · “The human person is a unity of soul and body, fact that he or she, too, has, or at least should have, distinct personal ends” and the body shares in the dignity of the image of all searches of God.” -SAINT JOHN PAUL II online are for · “We, and therefore our bodies, are not meant to erotic content** be used but loved.” · “To love others is to recognize them as the gift “No less a concern is moral destitution, they are, to seek what is truly good and best which consists in slavery to vice and % for them, and never to use them and thereby sin. How much pain is caused in families 20 objectify them as something less than persons.” because one of their members – often a young person - is in thrall to alcohol, of all searches The moral reality of pornography drugs, gambling or pornography! How on mobile · “We must state clearly that all pornography is many people no longer see meaning devices are for immoral and harmful and using pornography may in life or prospects for the future, how pornography** lead to other sins, and possibly, even crimes.” many have lost hope!” · “Pornography can never be justified and is -POPE FRANCIS always wrong.” 93% · “Pornography participates in and furthers what Pope Francis has condemned as a ‘throwaway of boys are culture,’ where things and people are used THE PSALM exposed to and discarded. It rejects the equal dignity and The bishops’ statement took its title and organization pornography complementarity between man and woman and from Psalm 51:3-12, which also concludes the before 18 years strikes at the heart of God’s plan for communion statement. According to the New American Bible for of age** between persons by substituting an image Catholics, this lament is the most famous of the seven of the viewer’s own lustful desires – which is Penitential Psalms that pray for the removal of the ultimately illusory — for the reality of a true personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The psalm, known as the Miserere from the first word relationship with another human being.” % of the Latin text meaning “have mercy,” also enjoys 62 · “All pornography exploits both the persons a prominent place in the Divine Office and in other portrayed and the viewer and is devoid of love liturgical celebrations. of girls are and relationship.” exposed to The role of the Church and the “Way of Freedom” THE DEFINITION pornography before 18 years The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2354) defines · “The Church as a field hospital is called to of age** proclaim the truth of the human person in pornography in this way: “Pornography consists love, to protect people — especially children – in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the from pornography, and to provide the Lord’s intimacy of the partners, in order to display them * ProvenMen.org deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity Pornography Addiction mercy and healing for those wounded by Survey (2014) conducted because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate by Barna Group pornography.” (cf. footnote 62 of giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury bishops’ statement) · “Christ is our hope ... We encounter him in to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the ** Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and multiple ways: through Sacred Scripture, the public), since each one becomes an object of base Filtering sacraments, and the whole teaching and life of pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all covenanteyes.com/ 2013/02/19/ the Church. Jesus is the way of freedom.” who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world.” pornography-statistics/

21 CREDITS YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS CONTINUED FROM PG. 4 LOCAL NEWS

Cathedral of St. Raymond Hires New Music Director The magazine of the Catholic Diocese The Cathedral of St. “Being in parish work has been a true blessing, of Joliet Raymond Nonnatus in but achieving the great honor of being appointed Joliet has appointed the music director at the cathedral where I am able SEPTEMBER 2016 James Grzadzinski, to serve the parish community and the diocesan VOLUME 9: ISSUE 8 26, as its new music church as a whole, it's really the capstone of Most Reverend director and organist. everything that I have ever worked for,” he said. “I R. Daniel Conlon Grzadzinski’s am humbled to serve Christ and the Church in this PUBLISHER previous job was as exciting ministry.” Edward P. Flavin DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE music director at He graduated summa cum laude with a BA in OF COMMUNICATIONS Sacred Heart Parish music and with an honors diploma in composition Carlos Briceño in Palos Hills, where he served from October 2011, and aesthetic theory from St. Xavier University EDITOR during his senior year at college, until July 2016. in May 2012. He also minored in philosophy and Jenny Bis During his time at the parish, he was the founding business administration there. In May 2016, he GRAPHIC DESIGNER artistic and musical director of the Sacred Heart earned a graduate certificate in liturgical studies Lorena Chavez Summer Music Series, performing music in many from the Catholic Theological Union. SPANISH TRANSLATOR genres, including the presentation of major choral His philosophy as a music minister is simple: “I'm To submit story ideas and news, works, such as the “Fauré Requiem.” Prior to here to serve the people,” he said. “Walking with send e-mails to [email protected]. that job, he was the principal organist/associate the people on this journey and meeting them where For subscription information, conductor at St. Linus Parish in Oak Lawn, from they are and journeying together closer to Christ. call 815.221.6112. September 2008 until October 2011. That's what I'm about.” Playing music is something he has done since He said he felt blessed to have “phenomenal” he started studying piano at the age of four while talent in the four choirs he will direct, and he growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago. He hopes to help in the process of developing the next started playing at churches since he was seven, generation of pastoral musicians. WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM he said. During high school, he was the associate “We really need people to be called to serve the

Christ is our Hope organist at Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park. Church in this special liturgical ministry,” he said. (USPS 25288) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403. Published monthly. Gift subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual issues are "Progress Being Made in Combatting Clergy Sexual Abuse" continued from pg. 4 $2.50. Send all subscription information and address changes to: Christ is our Hope magazine, 16555 Weber Road, “The diocese has made thousands of people trained It's a challenge to stay positive, Crest Hill, IL 60403; 815.221.6112 or email tremendous progress since the to identify the symptoms or but I know we are making magazine@dioceseofjoliet. org. POSTMASTER: Send implementation of the charter warning signs. And they have progress.” address changes to Christ is our Hope magazine, 16555 back in 2002,” she said. A major the tools to act if they suspect She wants to make sure Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403 ©Christ is our Hope aspect of her ministry is to something is wrong.” that everyone knows that magazine, Diocese of Joliet. make sure that all employees But that still does not those who have been abused ©FAITH Publishing Service. FAITH is a trademark of and volunteers who work with diminish that there is a lot of or suspect a child has been FAITH Publishing Service. No portion of Christ is our Hope minors have been properly pain, anger and sadness in the abused need to call the proper magazine may be published, broadcast, rewritten or trained and have received lives of the survivors and their civil authorities. If the abuse otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part criminal background checks as families. involves a representative of the without prior written authority of the Diocese of a safeguard to ensure the safety “On some days, it’s very, very Catholic Church, they should Joliet and/or FAITH of children, she said. difficult,” Fara said. “It takes also contact Lori Chassee, the Publishing ServiceTM. For reprint information or other The increased attention on an emotional toll on a person diocesan victim assistance questions regarding use copyright material, contact training and background checks to work directly with survivors coordinator, at 815.263.6467. the Christ is our Hope magazine editorial offices at over the years has led to some and to hear their stories and “We have an obligation to the Diocese of Joliet. Periodicals postage paid at positive news: there are less to know the struggles they are protect our youth and our Romeoville, IL and at additional mailing offices. cases of abuse being reported, going through. On most days, vulnerable adults, and we she said. I'm constantly reminded that need to follow through on that “Child abuse still occurs we are helping these people to obligation,” Fara said. throughout the nation,” heal. And we are ensuring this To contact Fara, email her at she said. “But now we have doesn't happen in the future. … [email protected].

22 Christ is our Hope | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.DIOCESEOFJOLIET.ORG THINGS TO DO

Long-time Diocesan Pro-Life Leader Dies IBVM Community to Celebrate Annual Loretto Gala on Sept. 18 Fran Fortier, the former diocesan director of the Respect Life Office, died on June 9. She was 93. The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a religious She was a tireless and politically savvy pro-life advocate who community of Catholic women who seek to spread the volunteered for years to lead diocesan efforts against the Gospel through prayer and ministry – will be celebrating Culture of Death. its 23rd Annual Loretto Gala on Sept. 18 at Chicago Gaelic “She was a remarkable woman of faith, very steadfast, very Park, 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest. The institute fervent, very determined,” said Auxiliary Bishop Joseph M. Siegel. was founded in 1609 by Mary Ward, who believed that He said that the late Bishop Romeo Blanchette, the diocese’s women could respond to the needs of the time and do second bishop, asked her to establish the diocese’s Life Office great things in the service of God and God’s people. after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973. With no Enjoy a cash bar and silent auction at 2:30 p.m. with salary, only expense allowances, she then proceeded to spend dinner at 4:30 p.m., followed by a live auction and raffle. more than 30 years educating, informing, helping, coordinating, Reservations are $85 per person and tables of eight and leading efforts and others as a pro-life advocate. are $650. Advance registration is requested by Sept. “She did it for the cause of the Gospel of Life,” he said. “She 5. To register and pay online, visit support.ibvm.us/ went up and down the diocese. She went to Springfield and eventregistration. Washington, D.C. She testified in front of different committees. For more information please contact the She was not a timid woman and was not afraid to speak her IBVM Office of Development at 630.682.9097 or mind. Yet all her efforts were deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. [email protected]. She attended daily Mass, prayed the rosary each day and was All proceeds will benefit IBVM’s retired and infirmed very active in her parish, St. Walter, in Roselle.” sisters, the ministries of the sisters in education, retreat For many years, she worked a full-time job during the day as work, spiritual direction and work among the poor, a school teacher, and then, after work, would frequently attend disadvantaged and homeless. meetings and then work out of a parish basement or spare room until the pro-life office got space at the Pastoral Center, which Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities was then located in Romeoville. Set for Sept. 9 at Sacred Heart Parish, Joliet As a result, Mary Therese Egizio, who used to work with Fortier, said that Fortier would often work well after midnight. Because of the recent incidents of violence and racial “We called ourselves the ‘Diocesan Second Shift’ [because] tension in communities across the U.S., the president of so much of our work was late evenings and weekends,” Egizio the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recalled. invited all dioceses across the country to unite in a Day Fortier created a newsletter — this was in the days before the of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities on Sept. 9, the internet and computers made newsletters easy to create and feast of St. Peter Claver. The bishops encourage Catholics share — and it was so well done that other respect life offices around the country to gather to pray, reflect, and discern from around the country wanted it mailed to them, Egizio said. action steps. In the diocese, the day will be celebrated She began the Return Ministry for post-abortion healing, which with a prayer service at Sacred Heart Parish in Joliet on evolved into Project Rachel and the Rachel's Vineyard weekend Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. retreats, which are now nationwide. She was instrumental in The USCCB will also be sponsoring a special task force getting Birthright of DuPage County off the ground and was to support bishops in marking the Sept. 9 Day of Prayer, active in other ministries, such as Helpers of God's Precious and more broadly, in promoting peace and healing during Infants, Project Gabriel, the Council of Catholic Women, and the this time of great strain on civil society. More specifically, Illinois Right-to-Life and National Right-to-Life organizations. the task force will help bishops engage the challenging “For 28 years, I shared a desk, a phone and a very busy office problems directly, by various means: gathering and with Fran,” Egizio said. “She knew the political system better disseminating supportive resources and "best practices"; than anyone I knew. She studied under [the late] Father John actively listening to the concerns of members in troubled Hardon, S.J., on weekends so the Church’s teachings were communities and law enforcement; and building strong second nature. Fran would go out on any limb for anything that relationships to help prevent and resolve conflicts. The looked like it might advance life issues or help even one couple task force will conclude its work with a report on its learn Natural Family Planning or carry their child to birth or activities and recommendations for future work to the walk with their loved one to the door of heaven with dignity and November General Assembly. compassion. She loved every single person and treated all with For more information, go to usccb.org/issues- love and kindness, but never compromised her principles. She and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/ and was loved and respected by everyone who knew her — most wearesaltandlight.org/ especially me.”

23 A Message from Bishop R. Daniel Conlon to Pray for Mercy on Sept. 15 Inspired by the Mother of Mercy, I invite every parish and chapel in the Diocese of Joliet to use this upcoming September 15, the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, to pray for an outpouring of God’s love and mercy upon all of us, especially those who experienced abuse as children. I recommend that Mass or other forms of prayer be scheduled that day at a time convenient for people to participate, and that the Universal Prayer (petitions) reflect the need for God’s mercy in the area of child abuse in the Church.

As a bishop, I comprehend that the damage caused by the sexual abuse of minors by ordained ministers of the Church is deep and will last a long time. Still, with Pope Francis, I profess that the

… Church feels the urgent need to proclaim God’s mercy. Her life is authentic and credible only when she becomes a convincing herald of mercy. She knows her primary task, especially at a moment full of great hopes and signs of contradiction, is to introduce everyone to the great mystery of God’s mercy by contemplating the face of Christ….In this Jubilee Year, may the Church echo the word of God that resounds strong and clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, aid, and love. May she never tire of extending mercy, and be ever patient in offering compassion and comfort. [FROM POPE FRANCIS’ FACE OF MERCY, #25]