Newsmagazine

Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 27 No. 11 December 2011 New Anglican Ordinariate Anglicans will be able to become Catholic and retain elements of their liturgy and traditions in national structure parallel to Military Ordinariate, as of Jan. 1

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, speaks from the floor of the Fall Bishops' Meeting of the USCCB. Cardinal Wuerl has served as the Vatican's representative helping gauge the interest of Anglicans in the U.S. wanting to come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. (CNS photo / Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

Bishop Kevin Vann anoints the forehead of one of the catechumens from the St. Peter the Rock community of former Anglicans who were received into the Catholic Church at. St. Patrick Cathedral Sept. 25. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) Cardinal Wuerl: Ordinariate Holy See names Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann as for former Anglicans in the U.S. will be created Jan. 1 Ecclesiastical Delegate for Pastoral Provision Bishop Vann responds to his appointment as Editor's Note: The following news Fall meeting of the U.S. Conference Doctrine of the Faith. release was distributed to local news of Catholic of Bishops in Baltimore. Among the duties of the Ecclesi- Ecclesiastical Delegate for Pastoral Provision media outlets Tuesday Nov. 15, after Bi s hop Va n n i s suc c e e d i n g Ne w- a s t ic a l D e le g ate i s to en su re t he for mer the announcement was made by the ark Archbishop John J. Myers who has Anglican ministers in formation re- By Patricia Zapor Catholic Church, and 35 of those United States Conference of Catholic been the delegate since 2003. Bishop ceive thorough theological, spiritual, Catholic News Service have received initial approval from Bishops in Washington, D.C.: Vann assumes the office of delegate and pastoral preparation for ordained BALTIMORE — A new the Congregation for the Doctrine immediately. ministry in the Catholic Church. ordinariate — functionally similar of the Faith. A s t he E c c le si a s t ic a l D e le g ate for Once formation is completed, the to a diocese — will be created That means they can move to atholic Diocese of the Pastoral Provision, Bishop Vann former Anglican minister becomes Jan. 1 to bring Anglicans into the the second stage of approval, which Fort Worth Bishop will be the Holy See’s delegate assist- eligible to petition for Sacred Orders, U.S. Catholic Church, announced includes a criminal background Kevin W. Vann has ing former Anglican ministers who which leads to the diaconate and Washington Cardinal Donald W. check, psychological evaluation, and been appointed the have been received into the Catholic priesthood. Wuerl during the annual meeting recommendations from the Catholic Ecclesiastical Del- Church and who wish to be ordained The Pastoral Provision is under of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishop where he lives and from his egateC for the Pastoral Provision in a s C at hol ic pr ie st s. T he Pa stor a l Pro - the jurisdiction of the Holy See’s Bishops Nov. 15. Anglican ecclesiastical authority, the United States by the Holy See, v i sion h a s b e en i n e f fe c t i n t he Un ite d Congregation for the Doctrine of the Cardinal Wuerl also said 67 he said. Washington, D.C. Cardinal Donald States since 1980. This appointment Anglican priests have submitted their Wuerl announced Tuesday during the is made by the Congregation for the BISHOP VANN, P. 20 dossiers seeking ordination in the ORDINARIATE, P. 21 PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 ShepherdOur Speaks

While being grateful for the gift of religious freedom in our country, there is also a need for ‘New Evangelization’ in our modern world.

Dear Brothers and world. Th is, of course, was one of the primary of believers attains force and vigor that can visions of the Second Vatican Council, and never fade away. Faith grows when it is Sisters in Christ, the call to a New Evangelization was certainly lived as an experience of love received and he month of November reinforced and often repeated by Blessed Pope when it is communicated as an experience of John Paul II and our current Holy Father Pope grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because gives us much to refl ect Benedict XVI. However, there have been two it expands our hearts in hope and enables us upon and prayerfully recent events that seem to be hastening the to bear life-giving witness: indeed, it opens T arrival of the New Evangelization and signaling the hearts and minds of those who listen to celebrate not only as Catholics, an even more urgent need in our modern world respond to the Lord’s invitation to adhere to but also as citizens of this great for a new and compelling witness to Christ. his word and become his disciples. The first event was Pope Benedict — Apostolic Letter, Porta Fidei, 7 country of ours. First, the month XVI creating the new Pontifi cal Council of November is the month that we for Promoting the New Evangelization, Th erefore the Year of Faith will not only (Ubicumque et Semper). The creation of allow all of us to more deeply learn and know remember those who “have gone this Pontifi cal Council shows that the New our faith, but to put our faith in action. Th e before us marked with the sign Evangelization is a major priority in the Church Year of Faith will encourage all of us to become and the function of the Council is to provide more de eply ro ote d i n ou r C at hol ic ident it y a nd of faith.” the guidance, support, and resources to the mission so that we can become more eff ective Bishop Kevin Vann We began this month with the great feast of Church to more fully implement the New witnesses to the presence of Christ who is present blessed Th anksgiving, but to especially off er All Saints in which we celebrate the “great Evangelization. In addition, the Holy Father and working in the world through the Church. my heartfelt gratitude to so many of you for cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that is also called for the subject of the next General I think it is also very important that we your dedication and service to the parishes and the Communion of Saints in heaven and ask Assembly of Bishops in October to be the seek to more fully understand what the task the work of the Diocese. We should all be very for their prayers and intercession for us who New Evangelization and its implementation. and work of the New Evangelization entails. thankful to be in a Diocese that is so vibrant are the Church on earth still continuing our Traditionally, this General Assembly will be Th is, of course, will be the work of the new and growing, and all of the good work in our pilgrim journey of faith. Th e feast of All Saints followed by an Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Pontifi cal Council in Rome and of the General Diocese of building up the Body of Christ is unique in that it is a celebration of all the Benedict XVI on the New Evangelization. Assembly of Bishops in October, but as we would not be possible without your generosity saints in heaven, not only the ones who have Th e second event occurred last month move forward here in the United States and in and dedicated work. been offi cially proclaimed saints by the Church, when Pope Benedict XVI called for a Year of our own local Church in Fort Worth, we need We also need to recall that Th anksgiving but all the unnamed saints that are in heaven Faith to be celebrated throughout the entire to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help has been a part of our national heritage from who fought the good fi ght and ran the race Church beginning on Oct. 11, 2012 through us discern our work and activities in the New the very beginnings of our history as a nation, and now enjoy fullness of life with the Lord the end of November 2013. Th is Year of Faith Evangelization. and it is a holiday and tradition that is deeply in paradise. Th is feast is a reminder that each corresponds with the 50th Anniversary of the Recently, Cardinal Wuerl of the Archdiocese Christian. Th anksgiving, as we all know, dates of us, no matter our state and vocation in the opening of the Second Vatican Council and also of Washington, D.C. gave an excellent address to back to some of the fi rst European settlers who Church, is called to be holy, to become a saint. the 20th Anniversary of the promulgation of the seminarians at the Seminary of the Immaculate colonized North America. We commemorate The following day, Nov. 2, we then Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this Year Conception in Huntington, New York that their great feast of Th anksgiving off ered to God celebrated the feast of All Souls in which we of Faith, the Holy Father is calling upon the gives us some good insight. In his address, for the blessings of life, freedom, health, and remember in a special way and pray for the poor Church to once again rediscover the gift of our Cardinal Wuerl sees the urgency of the New protection as they began their new life in the souls in Purgatory or the Church Suff ering, who f a it h, p a r t ic u l a rly a s e x pre s s e d i n t he do c u ment s Evangelization as a response to the growing New World. Th us, Th anksgiving for us today are being purifi ed and prepared for everlasting of Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic threat of secularism and the increasing attempts should remain the same — to take some time life in heaven. Th e feast of All Souls reminds us Church, so that through a profound spiritual to deny the Christian roots of our country and to thank God for the blessings of our lives, our of our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are one renewal, there can be a serious commitment cu lture. He a lso sees t he Ne w Eva ngeliz ation a s faith, our country, and our freedom to live our with us in the Body of Christ, the Church, who throughout the entire Church for a New a re-proposing of the Gospel to a culture that faith without persecution or permission. are in need of our prayers and sacrifi ces to bring Evangelization. Th e Holy Father states: once had, but lost its Christian roots: Th is precious gift of religious liberty in our about in God’s grace their fi nal purifi cation for country is also a reminder to all of us that we “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Cor 5:14): What brings a new urgency to our mission is heaven. In fact, praying for the dead and for the have an obligation, as members of the Church, it is the love of Christ that fi lls our hearts the recognition of just how widespread and souls in Purgatory should be a regular part of to participate in the missionary mandate that and impels us to evangelize. Today as in the profound is the new secularism…Unlike our Catholic life as it is part of our obligation to Christ gave to the Church — and to each one past, he sends us through the highways of evangelization eff orts that began with the love our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially of us — to make disciples of all the nations. the world to proclaim his Gospel to all the apostles and continued for centuries with those in Purgatory who are solely dependent Every member of the Church, by virtue of peoples of the earth (cf. Mt 28:19). Th rough missionaries going out to foreign lands where upon our prayers and sacrifi ces for their fi nal their Baptism, and by becoming sharers in the his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the Gospel had never been heard of, the new transformation in Christ. As we so often pray prophetic mission of Christ, is called to give the people of every generation: in every age evangelization begins right in believers’ own in our Catholic Tradition: witness and testimony to the Gospel of Jesus he convokes the Church, entrusting her backyards, preaching to “those who are May the Divine assistance remain always with Christ through both our actions and words. with the proclamation of the Gospel by a convinced they already know the faith and us, and may the souls of the faithful departed, With all this in mind, we have heard much mandate that is ever new. Today too, there it holds no interest for them.” through the mercy of God, rest in peace. about the call to the New Evangelization in is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment the recent history of the Church, and that the to new evangelization in order to rediscover In addition, Cardinal Wuerl also noted November for us in the United States Church, as we head into the Th ird Millennium the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for that several decades of poor catechesis and is also the month of Th anksgiving. I want of Christianity, is at the dawn of a renewed era communicating the faith. In rediscovering his theological confusion has resulted in a couple to take this opportunity to wish all of you a of evangelization and dialogue with the modern love day by day, the missionary commitment of generations of Catholics who are poorly NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 3 CONTENTS North December 2011 Texas Features Departments catholic Sixteen local Catholics, lay and 4-5 Briefly PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin W. Vann religious, are to receive papal honors 6-7 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Pat Svacina By NTC Staff 12-13 Voices EDITOR: Jeff Hensley ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Gutiérrez Nolan Catholic honors Hall of Fame ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Judy Russeau inductees at Golden Homecoming Catechesis 8 11 WEB DESIGNER: Chris Kastner By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen CIRCULATION: Rita Garber

14 Features REGULAR COLUMNISTS: UDMC teaches, informs, and Denise Bossert 15 inspires more than 5,000 this year Jean Denton 26-27 Word to Life Kathy Cribari Hamer By Joan, Juan, Michele, and Crystal Jeff Hedglen Jeff Hensley Spanish David Mills Beautiful St. Boniface Church in 28-30 Mary Regina Morrell 23 Scotland celebrates its Centennial Sharon K. Perkins Lucas Pollice By Jenara Kochs Burgess 31 Calendar Father John Rausch Father Kyle Walterscheid CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Baker Crystal Brown Advent's waiting, watching, begins Jenara Kocks Burgess Juan Guajardo he 30-foot Christmas tree was trussed inside orange plastic netting, Scripture columns look at the readings for the second through the fourth Sundays Kathy Cribari Hamer helping it assume a more aerodynamic shape, as it zoomed past me on of Advent on Pages 26 and 27. John Henry a fl atbed truck. A Christmas tree moving at 70 miles an hour down the Joan Kurkowski-Gillen loop in morning rush hour traffi c. I can't think of a better image for how Jeff Hedglen discusses how we can choose to respond to the use of the new T English language translation of the Roman Missal on Page 14. Mike McGee the commercial and tinsel- hung aspects of the Season are rushing in on us. Wendy Pandolfo The Bishop's Blog at www.fwdioc.org gives you his comments at the Donna Ryckaert If you're looking for some refl ections on the Advent Season, this issue abounds time of the recent U.S. Bishops' announcement of the formation of the Anglican Kristin Zschiesche with them. Lucas Pollice's column on Page 11 gives an overview of the entire Ordinariate and a whole lot more. Take a look at our new Vatican/National video scope of Advent; across from Lucas's column on Page 10, is a piece about Editorial Offi ce: 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas clips from Catholic News Service at www.fwdioc.org/ntc. or visit us on 76108, (817) 560-3300; FAX (817) 244-8839. repentance and changing one's life, wrapped around the ministry of John the Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Facebook: "North Texas Catholic Newspaper" for fresh material. Baptist, and his presaging the coming of Jesus who would bring the power of the Worth, Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300. Jeff Hensley NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) is Holy Spirit with the baptism he would introduce; three of the four Word to Life Editor published monthly, by the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who are not registered parishioners in the Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates are $20 for one year, $40 for two years, $60 for three years. Periodical postage paid at Fort catechized and who need the faith re-proposed to them with solid begun an “envisioning” process within the Diocese that will help Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas and clear catechesis that lays out a firm foundation for what the me evaluate the current reality of our Diocese and discern the Catholic, 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76108. Church teaches and believes. He states that the New Evangelization “signs of the times” to help develop some priorities and vision Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is noon of the Wednesday two weeks before the paper is published. The NTC needs to reach out to “those who have been baptized but never for moving forward over the next five years. There will be more is published the third Friday of each month with the date of the really evangelized…These are the people who were raised in the to come on this after the New Year, but I wanted to ask for your following month as the date of issue. faith, often received their sacraments, but for whom “the Gospel prayers that the Holy Spirit will guide this process and help me To access current news and information, fi nd us at www.fwdioc. org/ntc doesn’t mean anything in particular.” as your Bishop, and those who assist me in my office of teaching, The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply Cardinal Wuerl’s words are important because they remind sanctifying, and governing, to see the Lord’s plan for our Diocese endorsement of businesses, services, or products. Readers must us that the mission fields for the New Evangelization are not and the work that He wishes to accomplish in our local Church. exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. necessarily in some far away country, or are filled with people In the meantime, I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving, who have never known Christ. The mission fields for the New and I look forward to celebrating with you the holy season of Evangelization are here and now, in our families, parishes, schools, Advent and also the new translation of the English Roman Missal. workplaces — the mission fields are in the midst of our ordinary May this time be a great moment of grace and renewal in our lives lives and the people we encounter. and our families. We live in a very challenging and exciting time in the Church, and whenever there are great challenges, the Lord always provides us with great graces and gifts. The upcoming Year of Faith is one + Bishop Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD of those great moments of grace in challenging times and will be Diocese of Fort Worth a great opportunity for all of us in the Diocese to rediscover the gift of our Catholic faith, not only for our own relationship with Christ, but also so we can grow together in our communion of faith to become more effective witnesses of our Catholic faith and ambassadors of the New Evangelization. On another note, I wanted to make you aware that I have PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011

New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addresses the U.S. bishops Nov. 14 during their annual fall meeting in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Nancy Briefly Phelan Wiechec) Church, National, Pope Benedict XVI waves to participants in a Vatican conference on research using adult stem & International cells Nov. 14. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photos) Reclaim truth about Jesus' Church, Archbishop Dolan tells bishops Pope: Embryos can't be BALTIMORE (CNS) — Archbishop to restore the luster, the credibility, the destroyed for any research Timothy M. Dolan of New York called beauty of the church.” on his fellow bishops Nov. 14 to But he cited “chilling statistics we VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In rejecting The Pontifical Council for Culture communicate to the world that the cannot ignore” that “fewer and fewer of research using embryonic stem cells, the partnered with NeoStem Inc., a U.S. sinfulness of the church’s members is our beloved people — to say nothing Catholic Church is not trying to impede company researching and marketing not “a reason to dismiss the church or about those outside the household of science or delay treatment that can save adult stem-cell therapies, to sponsor the her eternal truths, but to embrace her the faith — are convinced that Jesus lives, Pope Benedict XVI said. conference, “Adult Stem Cells: Science all the more.” and his church are one. The church’s opposition to the use and the Future of Man and Culture.” In his first presidential address “So they drift from her, get mad at and destruction of embryos flows from The 30 speakers, along with patients since election as president of the U.S. the church, grow lax, join another, or just the conviction that all human life is who had been treated with stem cells, Conference of Catholic Bishops last give it all up,” Archbishop Dolan said. “If sacred and that destroying the most looked not only at the scientific progress November, Archbishop Dolan opened this does not cause us pastors to shudder, defenseless will never lead to a true being made with adult stem cells, but and closed with the words: “Love for I do not know what will.” benefit for humanity, the pope said also at the cultural, ethical, and political CRS 'sand dams' helps Kenyans avoid starvation Jesus and his church must be the passion He also acknowledged the Nov. 12 to participants in a Vatican- issues surrounding the research, its use Henry Lesokoyu , chief of the Samburu community of Kipsing, Kenya, shows off the of our lives.” enthusiasm of “young people, new sponsored conference on research using and its availability. successful community farm made possible by the improvement of a sand dam. The Describing the church as a spiritual converts, and recent arrivals” as well as adult stem cells. The pope said the church supports dam traps water that would otherwise run off in seasonal rivers. The upgrade was family that “to use the talk show “the wonderfully deep and radiant faith of “When the end in view is so eminently research with adult stem cells, which part of a Catholic Relief Services drought emergency relief project. (CNS photo/ vocabulary ... has some ‘dysfunction,’” he Catholic immigrants who are still a most desirable as the discovery of a cure for have the possibility of developing into Jennifer Hardy, Catholic Relief Services) For a brief story from Catholic News Service, said the bishops’ “most pressing pastoral welcome — while sadly harassed — gift degenerative illnesses, it is tempting for a variety of specialized cells and can go to www.catholicnews.com and search on "sand dams" challenge today is to reclaim that truth, to the church and the land we love.” scientists and policy-makers to brush alleviate degenerative illnesses by aside ethical objections and to press ahead repairing damaged tissues. with whatever research seems to offer the By calling for respect for the ethical Believers must oppose violence to promote true faith, says pope prospect of a breakthrough,” the pope said. limits of biomedical research, the pope ASSISI, Italy (CNS) — Taking 300 religious do not identify with any single religion. standards. chanted a poem, shaking a rattle made of However, “the destruction of even said, the church does not seek “to impede leaders with him on pilgrimage to Assisi, After a train ride of almost two hours “As a Christian, I want to say at this an animal tusk. one human life can never be justified scientific progress, but on the contrary to Pope Benedict XVI said people who are from the Vatican, Pope Benedict and his point: Yes, it is true, in the course of history, Eleven of the pope’s guests spoke in terms of the benefit that it might guide it in a direction that is truly fruitful suspicious of religion cannot be blamed for guests arrived in Assisi and were driven force has also been used in the name of the before Pope Benedict did. conceivably bring to another,” he said. and beneficial to humanity.” questioning God’s existence when they see to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Christian faith. We acknowledge it with Patriarch Bartholomew said the 25 believers use religion to justify violence. for the morning gathering focused on great shame,” Pope Benedict said. years since Blessed John Paul II’s Assisi Christian volunteers are signs “All their struggling and questioning “testimonies for peace.” Christian leaders, like all religious gathering have included the 9/11 terrorist is, in part, an appeal to believers to purify Entering the basilica before the leaders, he said, must work constantly to attacks in the United States and the Arab of God's love, says pope their faith so that God, the true God, pope, the delegates created an unusually help their followers purify their faith and Spring democracy movement “which Through volunteer work, Christians others without reward, satisfaction, or becomes accessible,” the pope said Oct. colorful congregation: They wore white, be “an instrument of God’s peace in the has not put an end to tensions between become signs of God’s love in the world, any recompense,” the pope said. 27 during an interfaith gathering in the black, or crimson robes or business suits; world, despite the fallibility of humans.” communities.” Pope Benedict XVI said. At the same time, through volunteering Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. on their heads were skullcaps, turbans, But a lack of religion isn’t the answer “The place of religions in the changes Especially at a time of serious “we also become visible instruments of his Marking the 25th anniversary of the scarves, or veils. to world peace, he said. under way remains ambiguous,” the economic crisis, moral uncertainty and love in a world that still profoundly yearns first Assisi interfaith gathering for peace, The pope condemned the use of The Nazi death camps clearly proved patriarch said, echoing the concerns of social tension, Christian volunteers for that love amid the poverty, loneliness, hosted by Blessed Pope John Paul II in religion to excuse violence and the use of that “the denial of God corrupts man, robs many Christians that more radical followers show “that goodness exists and that it marginalization, and ignorance that we see 1986, Pope Benedict brought together violence to impose a religion, as well as the him of his criteria (for judging right and of Islam may not protect the rights of is growing in our midst,” the pope said all around us,” he said. the religious leaders and — for the first growing violence resulting from “the loss wrong) and leads him to violence,” the Christian minorities in the countries that Nov. 11 in a speech to participants at a Pope Benedict also asked the time — four philosophers who describe of humanity” that comes from denying the pope said. have thrown off dictatorships. Vatican meeting on Catholic volunteer meeting participants to step up efforts to themselves as humanists or seekers who existence of God and of objective moral On the other hand, he said, those who “We must oppose the deformation of activity in Europe. involve young Catholics in volunteer work have not found faith, but are seeking, also the message and symbols of religion by Pope Benedict XVI leads an interfaith peace meeting in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels The two-day meeting, sponsored by as “a way to grow in the self-giving love are “pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace.” perpetrators of violence,” said the Orthodox in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 27. Pictured from left are: Julia Kristeva, Bulgarian-born philosopher and the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which which gives life its deepest meaning.” “These people are seeking the truth, spiritual leader. psycholanalyst; the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches; promotes and coordinates Catholic “We must not be afraid to set they are seeking the true God, whose image A Hindu representative from India, charity, was held in conjunction with before them a radical and life-changing Archbishop Norvan Zakarian of the Armenian Apostolic Church; Anglican Archbishop Rowan is frequently concealed in the religions Shrivatsa Goswami, said the leaders needed the European Year of Volunteering. It challenge, helping them to learn that our Williams of Canterbury; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople; Pope Benedict; because of the ways in which they are often to ask themselves why interreligious brought together about 160 bishops hearts are made to love and be loved. It Rabbi David Rosen, representing the chief rabbinate of Israel; Wande Abimbola, president of practiced. Their inability to find God is partly dialogue has not had a greater impact on and representatives of charitable is in self-giving that we come to live life a Nigerian institute that promotes study of the culture and traditional religion of the Yoruba the responsibility of believers with a limited the world situation in the last 25 years. organizations from 25 countries. in all its fullness,” he said. people; Shrivatsa Goswami, a Hindu delegate; Ja Seung, head of South Korea's Buddhist Jogye or even falsified image of God,” he said. “Are we missing the inward part of The pope thanked the European Kristalina Georgieva, the European order; and Kyai Haji Hasyim Muzadi, a Muslim delegate. (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters) “They challenge the followers of the journey?” he asked. “Dialogue will be volunteers and “the millions of Catholic commissioner for international religions not to consider God as their own a futile exercise unless we undertake it volunteers who contribute, regularly and cooperation, humanitarian aid, and crisis property, as if he belonged to them, in such with humility, forbearance, and the desire generously, to the church’s charitable response, was one of the speakers at the a way that they feel vindicated in using force to respect the ‘other,’” whether or not they mission throughout the world.” meeting. She told Vatican Radio Nov. 10 against others,” the pope said. return that respect, he said. As he wrote in his first encyclical, that volunteering is “extremely strong” Sitting to the pope’s right were Orthodox Hasyim Muzadi, general secretary Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love), the pope in Europe, with about 100 million people Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of of the Indonesia-based International said Catholic charitable activity isn’t formally volunteering on the continent Constantinople and Anglican Archbishop Conference of Islamic Scholars, could not simply philanthropy, it’s a reflection of or abroad each year. Rowan Williams of Canterbury, and to his attend, but sent a speech. He said people Christian faith and the obligation to love While volunteers meet many of the left were Rabbi David Rosen, representing of different faiths must work together to others as Christ loved. needs a government probably should, the chief rabbinate of Israel, and Wande build on something they all share: “a hope “His grace perfects, strengthens, volunteers are essential because the Abimbola, president of a Nigerian institute for the creation of human harmony, justice, ,and elevates” the basic human vocation needs are overwhelming and emergency that promotes the study of the culture and prosperity, and an improved standard of to love others and “enables us to serve situations are increasing, she said. traditional religion of the Yoruba people. He human life.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 5

Deadline approaches for summer pilgrimage to the shrines of France with Bishop Vann, Father Ciski, TOR The deadline for the Franciscan University includes the beaches of Normandy and Briefly Pilgrimage to the shrines of France June the American Military Cemetery at St. 30 to July 9, 2012 is approaching. The Laurent . pilgrimage, to be led by Bishop Kevin Parts of two days and one full day in Local & State Vann and Father Michael Ciski, TOR, Lourdes will offer pilgrims opportunities associate pastor of St. Maria Goretti on two days to take part in the miraculous AT LEFT: At a reception following the White Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral Oct. 18, members Church in Arlington, will include Lyon, baths and blessing of the sick, as well as of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal community interact with health care professionals and Ars, Paray-Le-Monial, Chartres, Mont- two opportunities to take part in the awe- other participants from the evening's liturgy. (Photo by Crystal Brown) St.-Michel, Normandy, Lisieux, Paris, inspiring evening candlelight procession. and Lourdes. A deposit of $350 per For more information, contact person for the 10-day pilgrimage must Franciscan University Pilgrimages Health care is a vocation, says Bishop Vann at annual White Mass be made by Dec. 23. at 1(800)437-8368 or go to www. By Crystal Brown time in medicine that he was called to in that field,” he said. “I would encourage a vocation in medicine. According to a letter of invitation franciscan.edu/pilgrimages. NTC Correspondent the priestly ministry. all people in health care to come to a While she had always wanted to be from Bishop Vann outlining the tour Arrangements for the Franciscan “One aspect of this was certainly knowledge of the Church’s teachings. a nurse, she decided on a different path destinations and details, much of the University Pilgrimages sponsored The Liturgy uses the color white as being ‘up close and personal’ with The Church teaches what is best for in college. Then, about a month before Catholic history of France and that journey are made by Peter’s Way Tours a symbol of hope and comfort, two suffering and death, but the other was the humanity, the ways of God, and God she turned 24, she was diagnosed with nation’s contributions to the Church and Inc. of Jericho, New York. They can be important mindsets in finding peace realization that each of the names on the wishes all the best for us. If we can come ovarian cancer and placed on hospice the world will be explored. reached by phone at (800)225-7662 or for the sick and those who treat them. slips on the test requisitions, the blood to understand that, to convey that to the care. “Even during times of secularization, (516)605-1551. Their e-mail address Physicians and medical students, counts, CBCs, ‘Chem 6s’, and other tests public and to our patients," he said, "then “When I was diagnosed, it gave me turmoil, and war — great saints, is [email protected]. Their web many in white coats, gathered inside at that time (which surely seem ancient ultimately God’s will and what’s best for a new perspective of what it’s like to be wonderful works of art, and a high site is www.petersway.com. Estimated St. Patrick Cathedral Tuesday, Oct. 18, now) was a real human person who was our patients are in alignment.” a patient,” she said. “I think that’s why I level of culture,” have been among the package price per person is listed as to celebrate the annual White Mass. either sick, suffering, or dying,” he said. The bishop’s homily also reflected survived, to be a better person and a better gifts the French have offered,” writes $3,495 plus $550 departure taxes and Commonly held near the feast day “Thus, I could not separate the person and this message while elaborating on nurse. It gave me empathy.” Bishop Vann. The tour will include the fuel surcharges with prices subject to of St. Luke, patron of physicians and his or her life from the tests that I was suffering and the defense of life. While Kilmurray is now in the process of contributions of holy French saints St. change due to fluctuations in currency health care workers, the White Mass is doing. The spiritual could not be taken in the midst of these struggles, he transitioning her career from nurse to John Vianney, the Cure of Ars; St. Vincent rates of exchange, fuel charges, and a reminder to those professionals of the apart from the physical.” reminded those present of St. Paul’s paramedicine. de Paul; St. Margaret Mary Alocoque; St. other associated costs. All admissions ministry associated with their vocation. Rijo Philip had a similar experience, words; “the Lord stood by me and gave “I believe in care from the womb to John Eudes; and St. Catherine Labore, and travel and hotel are covered by the “Yet on this feast day of St. Luke, as only the understanding of his calling in me strength so that through me the the tomb; that’s my ideal,” she said, “and touring their humble childhood homes , tour’s price, some meals are not. Pilgrims the disciples are sent forth to ‘proclaim life went from priest to medicine. proclamation might be completed.” I don’t think we should be limited in the celebrating Mass at and visiting the holy must provide their own transportation to the Kingdom of God,’” said Bishop Kevin While still an undergraduate, Philip “Being sent forth these days care we give to people. sites associated with their lives. and from Newark Airport. Vann during his homily, “all of you are decided to pursue the priesthood, but to proclaim the Kingdom of God as “A lot of times I feel like what I do is Highlights of the tour include According to tour information the sent forth to proclaim the Kingdom of after his first year of seminary he felt a Catholic health care professionals lost among the paperwork and politics explorations of Medieval Paris and the initial deposit of $350 per person must God daily in your profession and ministry stronger calling toward healing. means proclaiming the redemptive and [the White Mass] just kind of reaffirms Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, a cruise be paid by check or money order by Dec. of health care, … to teach and remind “My spiritual directors said that kind value of suffering, the worth of every that what I do is a calling, not a career on the Seine, and a day at the site of 23. Balances may be paid by credit card, those around you of the sacred reality of of ministry wouldn’t necessarily have a human person created in the image or a job.” the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 that subject to a $100 surcharge. the human person created in the image place in the priesthood, the type of healing and likeness of God,” Bishop Vann said, and likeness of God, whose lives here and I was interested in,” he said. “and the absolute necessity of freedom ultimate destiny belong to God, and not Philip left the seminary and is now a of conscience and religious liberty, which to humanity.” fourth year medical student at the Texas is called into question and under threats A former medical technician, College of Osteopathic Medicine on the and duress… As he did for St. Paul, so Bishop Vann identified with the medical West Side of Fort Worth. He does for us.” professionals. It was through his “I’m firm in that I’m called to finish It was a time of suffering that experiences and reflection during his medical school and carry out my vocation ultimately lead Trinity Kilmurray toward

Eight new members from Diocese of Fort Worth inducted into Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at San Antonio meeting Eight newly inducted members of the Equestrian Order of the year in San Antonio October 21-24. Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem are pictured with Bishop Kevin The Order is a world-wide apostolate whose aims are Vann. Left to right are: David and Lisa Fischer, Nic and Janine to strengthen in its members the practice of Christian life, Stevens, Bishop Vann, Barbara and George Shrewsbury, and to sustain and aid the charitable, cultural, and social works Ann and Michael Porter. In addition to the new inductees, and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, and Members from three Catholic Daughters of the Americas campus courts attended a state campus court 56 other members of the Fort Worth section attended the to support the preservation and propagation of the Faith in conference/retreat Oct. 28-30. Delegates from UNT/TWU in Denton included vice-regent Kirsten Bloss, a UNT Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Lieutenancy held this those lands. senior (third row, fourth from right); treasurer Rocio Villegas, a TWU junior (second row, third from right); and recording secretary Myrna Avila, a TWU junior (front row, third from left). Also in attendance were state regent Carolyn Malik (third row, second from left); and state campus court chairman Barbara Britton (second row, third from left). (Photo courtesy of Terrie Vacek) CDA campus courts attend state conference/retreat, seek ways to move members toward faith, service The second Catholic Daughters of the a lot of opportunities to not only feel to Denton from St. Mary’s court is a Rosary Americas (CDA) Campus Court Biennial closer to CDA as a whole, but they also walk: Members walk around a park or Conference/Retreat was held Oct. 28-30, gave us an opportunity to talk about the on campus and pray a Rosary together. 2011 in San Antonio. Six of the nation’s13 problems we’re having in our own courts Celebrant Father Skip Stander, Bells CDA campus courts are located in Texas. and to tackle them together,” said Kirsten of Saint Mary’s chaplain, simplified Participating were University of Bloss, a senior at UNT and vice-regent for the many options offered in life and in North Texas/Texas Woman’s University, the campus court in Denton. Scripture saying, “How we do what we Denton; Saint Mary’s University, San The members in attendance shared do for God’s glory is shown by how we Antonio; and University of the Incarnate the successful results of their various use our gifts in word and deed. Recognize Word, San Antonio. Texas also has service events stating that their “idea the need and then move into your motto campus courts at Baylor University, bank” is used for strengths and interests of unity and charity.” University of St. Thomas, and Stephen that move members forward in faith with Bloss said she and the other UNT/ F. Austin University. service events. TWU delegates plan to put that into “The state officers provided us with Bloss said one idea she’d like to bring practice. PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Bishop Vann announces papal honors Diocese to be presented to 16 outstanding members of the diocese Dec. 13 Editor's Note: This is adapted from an Oct. 24 press release.

Bishop Kevin Vann announced Monday, Oct. 24, that papal honors had been bestowed by His Holiness Pop e B ene d ic t X V I to 16 d i s t i n g u i s he d members of the Diocese of Fort Worth. The honors were announced during a special luncheon ceremony at the diocesan Catholic Center. The Papal honors will be conferred by Bishop Vann during

Vesper Services with Conferral of ABOVE: Bishop Kevin Vann speaks to the honorees Pontifical Honors Tuesday, Dec. 13 and their families at a luncheon ceremony at the at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral. diocesan Catholic Center. Even though the honors will not be RIGHT: The PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE CROSS (LEFT) and conferred until then, Bishop Vann BENEMERENTI medal (RIGHT) are displayed during the allowed those present at the luncheon luncheon. (PHOTOS BY DONNA RYCKAERT / NTC) to hold and examine the certificates and medals to be awarded. our Diocese. These individuals are “The Catholic Diocese of Fort tireless workers in the vineyard of Worth is blessed to have many men the local Church who live out their religious. Bishop Vann said he hopes to and women who are dedicated to their Catholic faith, and, as St. Paul says in be able to have another series of these Catholic faith, to their communities Thessalonians, ‘work quietly.’” recognitions in the future. and to their families,” Bishop Vann The Papal honors announced by Those receiving the various Papal said. “Because of their exemplary Bishop Va n n have been g ra nted by t he honors and their biographies are on apostolic work and ministry, Pope Holy See for many years and are among the next page. Benedict has conferred these long- some of the important recognitions standing honors to members of that can be conferred upon laity and CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Sister Juliana Tran, CSFN has been a very much involved in the planning of the University Sister Juiliana is recognized for her of Dallas Ministry Conference which is jointly sponsored by the The PONTIFICAL E QUESTRIAN ORDER OF ST. GREGORY THE GREAT dedicated work with the diocesan Catholic Dioceses of Fort Worth and Dallas. Pollice, his wife was established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI and is bestowed Vietnamese community, from Mary, and their children are members of St. Maria Goretti Parish. on men and women in recognition of services to the Holy See working in the catechetical area and the Church, unusual laborers, and the good example set in in the largest Vietnamese church Heather Reynolds their community and country. in the diocese, Vietnamese Reynolds is recognized for Martyrs, to assisting the diocesan bringing Catholic Charities of Patricia and Arthur Dickerson Tribunal Office. Sister Juliana Fort Worth, Inc., into closer Pat and Art Dickerson are is well-respected in her religious concert with the Diocese by receiving the St. Gregory community whose faith is exemplary. Sister Juliana is currently preserving the Catholic identity Award for their well-known, in graduate school in Philadelphia. of both the board and staff while legendary, and highly reaching out to all in need in appreciated commitment to The BENEMERENTI MEDAL was created by Pope Pius VI in the the Diocese’s geographical area faith, the diocese, and St. Patrick late 1700s. In 1832 Pope Gregory XVI instituted the medal to regardless of religious affiliation. At the age of 31, Reynolds also Cathedral. The Dickersons recognize individuals who have exhibited long and exceptional is recognized for spearheading a $16 million capital campaign to continue to be actively involved service to the Catholic Church, their families, and community. relocate and construct a new Catholic Charities center. Heather in various aspects of the diocese In 1925, the medal was expanded to recognize persons in service and her husband John are members of Holy Family Parish. and St. Patrick. Art is involved in a range of St. Patrick Parish of the Church from both civil and military as well as the laity life, including overseeing renovation of the Cathedral and the and the clergy. Jean Riley construction of the pastoral center. Pat also is deeply involved at Riley is recognized for her St. Patrick’s. She is a member of the Catholic Daughters, the Altar Michael D. Barks tireless work as the diocesan Society, and works to promote St. Patrick devotional life. Barks is recognized for his representative for persons with work as a member of the Our special needs. Wheelchair-bound The PRO-ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE CROSS was established in 1888 Mother of Mercy School advisory herself, Riley is a respected by Pope Leo XIII and has evolved to recognize distinguished council. Barks not only is a advocate for the disabled both service to the Church by laity and clergy and is the highest award strong proponent of Catholic with the Church and the local to laity by the Papacy. education to help African- Fort Worth community who American students to overcome demonstrates her commitment Sister M. Devota Sweeney, SSMN barriers and to advance in life, to her faith through religious painting and her parish life. Riley Sister M. Devota, a Wichita but he also was instrumental in is a member of St. Rita Parish. Falls native, is recognized for a the construction of a new school. Barks lives out his faith by also lifetime of work as a member of serving as a role model for young African-American men as an Ann Ruston Healey the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur instructor and mentor for Junior Knights of St. Peter Claver, as Healey is recognized for her serving as a school principal a JROTC instructor, and through his many parish works. Barks dedicated and relentless work to in the Diocese as well as in and his wife Marie are members of Our Mother of Mercy Parish. form the first Permanent Deacon England. She also served as the Formation Program and directed order’s provincial superior and Peter M. Flynn the program for 26 years before on the order’s General Council Flynn is recognized for 26 retiring. Her tenure and her life in Belgium. At 90-years-old, Sister M. Devota is at Our Lady of years of dedicated work to the are marked by her dedication, Victory Center in Fort Worth. Most recently, she was missioned Diocese and to Bishops Joseph pastoral skills, and loyalty to at Notre Dame High School in Wichita Falls. Delaney and Vann. Flynn began the Church. Healey served the as director of stewardship and National Association of Diaconate Directors as vice-president, Brother Al Kuntemeier, SM development and now is vice and president. She was the first and remains the only woman Brother Al is recognized for chancellor for administrative elected to the presidency of this national organization. Healey is his service to Nolan Catholic services and finance director a member of St. Andrew Parish. High School where he has been which requires him to be deeply a faculty member for the last 30 involved in all aspects of one of the fastest growing dioceses Daniel Shine years. Brother Al has served as in the United States. Flynn is deeply committed to his faith Shine is recognized for 50 years a role model and touched the and his family. Flynn and his wife Shirley are members of St. of dedicated services to Our lives of thousands of students Bartholomew Parish. Lady of Queen Peace Parish as a guidance and academic and to the Diocese in an array counselor while living out his Guadalupe (Lupe) and Deacon Emilio (Popo) Gonzalez of a rea s, f rom cha iring t he pa rish faith during his 60 years as a religious. The Gonzalezes are recognized building committee that guided for being “bridge builders” construction of its new church, Brother Paul McMullen, TOR between Hispanic and Anglo to serving on the diocesan capital Brother Paul McMullen is communities at their parish, campaign committee and various recognized for his respected Immaculate Conception of diocesan boards and projects. Shine demonstrates his deep faith work throughout the diocese Denton, as well as mentors to by serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion particularly for his recent service newly arriving seminarians from and, as a Knight of Columbus and, leading the annual benefit for as the pastoral administrator of Mexico. The Gonzalezes live the diocesan seminary burse, as well as other services. Shine and St. Bartholomew Church, out their faith as well as their his wife Sue are members of Our Lady of Queen Peace Parish. his work on various diocesan commitment to family by welcoming immigrants to the parish boards and sacramental and community. Popo is a permanent deacon while Lupe is on Ann Louise Smith assignments and his work staff at Immaculate Conception. Smith is recognized for dedicated with the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular of Saint pastoral work with young people Francis in the diocese and as well nationally and internationally. Lucas Pollice and college students as a campus He was a staff minister at St. John Parish in North Richland Hills Pollice is recognized for dedicated minister both in Fort Worth and and served as the vocations director for his province as well as a work as director of the diocesan Wichita Falls as well using her member of the General Curia staff of the TOR at SS. Cosmas Catechesis Department to nursing and pastoral skills to serve and Damian Church in Rome. He also was parish administrator ground the Catholic Diocese of children and those in hospitals. at St. George Parish. Fort Worth’s catechetical and As an Oblate of the Sisters of formation programs strongly St. Mary of Namur, Smith has Donna Ryckaert took all of these photos except for the photo in foundational pastoral and continually demonstrated her great faith, care, and love for all Catholic teaching and ensuring persons to whom she ministers and particularly the members of of Sister Juliana Tran (COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF that the tenets of the Catholic faith reach the faithful while her community. She is also on the diocesan Conduct Review NAZARETH), and the photo of Daniel Shine (COURTESY OF DANIEL SHINE). maintaining a deep commitment to his family and community. He Board. Smith is a member of the TCU Catholic community. PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Alumni inducted into Nolan Catholic Hall of Fame during school's Golden Jubilee homecoming

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

Nominating someone you’ve never met for induction into your alma mater’s Hall of Fame is a bit unusual, admits Anna Marie McKendry Chamblee. The handsome, smiling image of Don Thompson, which hangs in the hallway of Nolan Catholic High School, always intrigued Chamblee, a 1979 graduate. “He died in Vietnam but I didn’t know when or how it happened,” she Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC Members of Nolan's 1978 state championship basketball team were inducted into their alma confesses. Chamblee taught religion, mater's Hall of Fame at the school's homecoming Oct. 21. The school is celebrating it's 50th year. speech, and theater at Nolan from 1986 to 1994, giving her even more made noteworthy achievements in their that redistributes unused food to opportunities to view Thompson’s lives and careers. Nominees must also missions and agencies in need — and portrait. “Whenever I passed his likeness exemplify Marianist characteristics and helped organize an auxiliary for the at school or heard his name, it just the school’s motto Esto Dux — “be a Sisters of St. Mary of Namur. touched my heart. I can’t explain why.” leader.” This year’s induction ceremony So when the Hall of Fame A war hero, a dedicated medical was part of Nolan’s 50th anniversary committee began soliciting nominations doctor, a community volunteer, and a observance. The Catholic, college for its 2011 induction ceremony, history-making sports team are now preparatory school opened in 1961 and Chamblee’s thoughts returned to the members of Nolan’s growing Hall of the campus combined Fort Worth’s all fallen soldier who graduated from Fame. girls Our Lady of Victory Academy Nolan in 1966. While researching his After finishing first in his class at with the all boys Laneri High School. life, she found out the former student the University of Texas Medical Branch Alumni celebrated their alma council officer and football star was in Galveston, Dr. Davidson practiced mater’s golden anniversary with special killed in 1970 when the helicopter he medicine in Fort Worth from 1978 to mum corsages and a larger than average was piloting crashed under fire while 2002. Former chief of medicine at St. turnout for the homecoming gridiron escorting a medevac mission. He was Joseph Hospital (since closed), the St. contest between the Nolan Vikings and just 22 years old. Andrew parishioner also supervised Bishop Dunne Falcons. Recognized many times for the EKG departments at three major Being received into Nolan’s Hall bravery during his brief military career, Fort Worth hospitals in the 1990s. His of Fame during the school’s 50th Thompson received two final honors — many patients included the Marianist anniversary celebration is special, said the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service Brothers at Nolan and the Sisters of St. Rosemary Hayes. and the Purple Heart — posthumously. M a r y of Na mu r at Ou r L a dy of Vic tor y “The experience was very Nolan keeps the hero’s memory alive who appreciated his knowledge, care, sentimental and I felt proud. I’ve always with the Don Thompson Memorial compassion, and sense of humor. loved doing things for Nolan,” explains Award which is presented annually Nolan athletes who won the Hayes, who serves as a liaison between to the athlete who best exemplifies 1978 state championship in basketball the alumni office and former students. Chaminade/Marianist characteristics. were honored for their place in the She wrote one of the letters This year, Chamblee and members school’s sports history as well as nominating her classmate, Don of the class of 1966 petitioned the Hall making their mark in the world post- Thompson, to the Hall of Fame. of Fame committee to include his name graduation. The team’s state title is “I think the kids going to Nolan on the 2011 list of honorees. the only basketball championship ever now will appreciate Don’s story when “He learned what service meant achieved by the school. Players who they hear it,” Hayes adds. “He was a at Nolan and was willing to serve beat Central Catholic by four points good person.” his country before he was asked,” under the direction of Coach John Chamblee wrote in her letter of Dickerson to win the state honors nomination. “It is my hope that others include Keith Hampton, James Bilardi, To Report Misconduct will be influenced by this remarkable Ralph Gilmore, Anthony Board, If you or someone you know is a young man whose life was ended in a Keith Wilson, Donald McDevitt, victim of sexual misconduct by supreme act of bravery.” Matt McGinnis, Jim Johnson, Paul anyone who serves the church, you Thompson’s father, Charles, Robinson, Chuck Lincoln, Lee Friday, may and several siblings were present to and Kevin Angell. Assistant coach • Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, see their loved one remembered at Bryan Kincannon, trainer Mike (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 the Nolan Catholic Hall of Fame Wallace, statisticians Pat Gilmore or e-mail her at [email protected] induction ceremony Oct. 21 during Pierret and Sue Mannion Brown and • Or call the Sexual Abuse Homecoming festivities. Recognized manager David Handler were also Hotline along with Thompson were Dr. James acknowledged with applause. (817) 560-2452 ext. 900 E. Davidson, M.D, ’68; Rosemary Rosemary Childress Hayes, who • Or call The Catholic Center at (817) 560-2452 ext. 102 and Childress Hayes ’66; and the 1978 organized and continues to coordinate ask for the moderator of the State Championship Basketball team. the Lazarus Ministry at St. John the curia, Father Stephen J. Berg Sponsored by the Nolan Catholic Apostle Church, was recognized for Alumni Association, the Hall of her tireless service to the Fort Worth To Report Abuse Fame was started three years ago to community, her church, and alma Call the Texas Department of Family acknowledge former students and mater. She is the co-founder of Tarrant Protective Services (Child Protective Services) at (800) 252-5400 other school supporters who have County Harvest — an organization NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 9 Educate the Children gala raises more than $7,000 for Nuestra Señora del Carmen School Story and photos by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent

The annual Educate the Children Catholic Charities Spotlight: gala ended on a high note thanks to a dinner guest who left the banquet Refugee Employment Services coatless. After watching people place enthusiastic bids for silent auction items made in Bolivia, an anonymous donor offered her own Bolivian made shawl to the Nov. 5 fundraiser held in the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. The attractive, brown wrap, embellished with a gold-stitched floral design, fetched $250 in a last minute ABOVE: Master of ceremonies turned bidding war encouraged by master of auctioneer Henry del Castillo encourages ceremonies turned auctioneer Henry a bidding war for a Bolivian-made shawl, del Castillo. modeled by Karla Badillo. Photo by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic More than $7,000 raised from RIGHT: Monsignor Phil Johnson, pastor Bhola Dhimal, a client of Catholic Charities, poses for a photo on Nov. 10 at the Omni the dinner and auction supports a emeritus of St. Michael Church in Bedford Hotel in Fort Worth. He started working at the hotel this year. school in Cabezas, Bolivia started by Father Robert Thames, a missionary Bolivian culture and his dedication to Editor's Note: This is the first in filling out the application, priest from the Diocese of Fort a ministry that serves 45 towns and article in a continuing series coached him in interview Worth. Heritage Family Dentist 22,000 Catholics in one of the poorest the NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC is techniques, and set up the in Colleyville, owned by Roland regions in South America. During his running to spotlight the different initial appointment with the Limosnero and his wife, Jennifer, was keynote address, the pastor emeritus of programs of Catholic Charities. human resources manager at the event’s major sponsor. St. Michael Church recalled traveling the hotel. She accompanied Educate the Children, a program to Bolivia to see his longtime friend. and before I knew it, I was headed for Bhola Dhimal, a grateful him to the meeting, noting of the diocesan Mission Council, One outing took them to the home Bolivia,” teased the parishioner, who resident of the United States with satisfaction that her client provides sponsorships for many of the of a parishioner for dinner — an made the trip twice, staying each time since 2008, may not yet be made a positive impression. 450 sixth- through twelfth-graders experience that left an impression on for three weeks. an American citizen, but the “He got a job, working in the who leave their impoverished villages the visiting Texan. He’s seen firsthand the poverty 46-year-old married father of kitchen, very quickly,” she for an education. Started in February “The kitchen was a ‘lean-to,’ of the people in the Archdiocese of three has shared the recent noted. “He just needed a little 2004, the Nuestra Señora Del Carmen and there was a bubbling pot where Santa Cruz. Bolivia is the second plight of millions of other help, and that’s why we’re here.” School has grown over the years to they were cooking,” Msgr. Johnson poorest country in South America. adults across the country. After Bhola is thankful for include adult education courses and remembers. Two -t h i rd s of it s c it i z en s l ive b e low t he nearly three years of steady the help he received through technical training for older students. Nearby, a small shelf stored every poverty line — an income calculated employment in a Fort Worth CCFW, he said. “The service Fr. Thames, by way of a video, spoon, dish, and pan belonging to the at $1,234 a year. fruit-cutting factory, Bhola, given by Catholic Charities is told the audience he is trying to make homeowners. “If you really want to change a Nepalese-speaking refugee very good and it is very useful the school as self-sufficient as possible. “Finally, Bob and I sat down to someone’s life, you provide an from Bhutan with still-tentative to people like us, because of the He hopes new vegetable gardens, eat with this older gentleman,” the education. And that’s what Educate English language skills, was language barrier. I have been planted by students, will supply the speaker said, continuing his story. the Children does.” laid off in February when the working steadily for several school with fresh produce and allow “Ever ybody else were in cha irs a rou nd The Bolivian government factory closed. Determined to months, and I help my family young workers to earn spending the room talking.” mandates schooling for children regain steady employment, he to pay my bills because of my money. Woodcarving, pastry making, Noticing that only three through the sixth grade. Few high immediately turned to Catholic job. So, if I continue my work, sewing clothes, and mattress making people were dining, Msgr. Johnson schools exist in the rural areas. Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) my future will be good in the are among the other trade programs immediately whispered to his friend, “Educate the Children provides for help. USA!” now available. “Bob, I don’t think they have enough high school and remedial training,” “Bhola and his family In asking for continued support, food.” the chairman said, noting that 62 members were originally CCFW serves more than Fr. Thames appealed to each listener’s “They have plenty of food,” Fr. graduates of Nuestra Señora del settled here in Fort Worth with 110,000 individuals and sense of solidarity. “The human family Tha mes a ns wered quick ly. “They just Carmen are now attending the the help of another agency,” families in need each year. should support one another. It’s what don’t have enough dishes.” university in Santa Cruz. “In total, explained Nadine Maalouf, More than 90 cents out of God wants,” he insisted. “They don’t need more than three ETC is serving 786 students of all a case manager with CCFW every dollar donated goes “Hopefully, we’ll be very plates because there’s never more than ages who otherwise would have no Refugee Employment Services. directly to provide services conscious of that,” Fr. Thames said, three people at a meal,” Fr. Thames opportunity at all.” “When he became unemployed, through over 40 programs, before inviting supporters to witness reasoned. “And when they do have Bishop Kevin Vann has traveled he knew that Catholic Charities empowering clients to become faith in action at his rural parish more, they just sit around, take turns, to Cabezas twice and celebrated Mass Fort Worth would help him to self-sufficient. In 2010, and school. “You see the school (in and enjoy each other’s company.” in some of the surrounding villages prepare a résumé and set up job CCFW resettled 633 refugees pictures), but you don’t know where the The simplicity of life in Bolivia with Fr. Thames. The school is a interviews. We offer that kind and helped 89 percent of kids come from or meet their parents. gave Msgr. Johnson an appreciation for testament to its founder, he told the of assistance — and more — to them to find employment It would be interesting for you to see the two worlds Fr. Thames straddles. North Texas Catholic. promote self-sufficiency with within six months. For more the challenges they were brought up Henry del Castillo, chairman of “Fr. Thames lives a life of great all refugees and asylees for up information about services with and the advances we’re trying to the Educate the Children committee, prayer and missionary zeal,” the bishop to five years after their arrival and opportunities to help, make in the school to better society met Fr. Thames at St. Michael Church said. “He’s made a big difference in in the United States.” call (817) 534-0814, email at large.” where the priest gave a sermon about the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz, and Bhola hoped to obtain to infocatholiccharities@ Monsignor Philip Johnson, who Nuestra Señora del Carmen before a by extension, the Diocese of Fort a job at the Omni Hotel in ccdofw.org, or visit www. attended Assumption Seminary in special collection was taken for his Worth. It gives the local Church a downtown Fort Worth, said catholiccharitiesfortworth. San Antonio with Fr. Thames, praised mission. sense of mission outreach, so this is an Maalouf, so she assisted him org. his classmate’s understanding of “I spoke with him in the vestibule important event to support.” PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Advent, a Time of Turning John the Baptist’s call to repentance is a call for a new beginning By Father Herbert Weber necessary since I held nothing used this man’s story as an example Catholic News Service against him. Even so, I was of turning a life around. Although delighted to know that he was John’s call for repentance must have was watching a basketball amending his life. The new person been jarring to some who heard game between two that he was becoming was only him, his message was exceedingly Catholic high schools possible with his acceptance of his hope-filled. when, at halftime, a man previous failure. In John’s mind, it was clear approached me and asked His repentance gave him a new that repenting provided a readiness ifI I remembered him. beginning. But repentance goes for the “one mightier” than he was When I said that I didn’t, beyond being sorry. who was coming. In this way, John he gave me his name and noted When someone is sorry, was ushering in the Messiah, who, that he had been my student in there is regret and even sadness. in turn, would bring about the freshman religion class 20 years Repentance, however, adds the kingdom of God! earlier. Then he added that he was intention and action of starting In the movies, John the Baptist in Alcoholics Anonymous and was anew. is often portrayed as a wild man truly sorry for the hard time that he My former student, with the who shouted at the people to had given me when I taught him. help of a strong 12-step program, confess their sins. Then I did recall that he had was able to begin his life again. Admittedly, his appearance been a very big and strong 15-year- And though he may not have used must have given the impression of old who was always causing trouble the word “repentance,” his words to one who did not conform to social in the classroom. me carried that message. norms. Yet, his words were full of Hearing his apology was not John the Baptist could have possibility. Those who heard him, even Herod, were attracted by what he said. John’s call to repentance, along with his baptism of repentance, ushered in the new age of the Messiah. John did more than tell the people to be sorry; he wanted them to discover an entire new way  col x " of living. He even sent his disciples This statue of Jesus and St. John the Baptist seen in the narthex of Our Lady of the Americas directly to Jesus and then told them Church in Rochester, New York, shows Jesus submitting himself to the baptism of John, out of to follow him. obedience to his Father. (CNS photo/Mike Crupi, CATHOLIC COURIER) Ted was a young man who I met while visiting the local juvenile It is hard to be new while acknowledged that his ritual was detention center. He was bright and everything around harkens to the limited, compared to what Jesus ad coming clearly conscious of the mistakes he old way. will offer: baptism with the Holy had made and that had caused his Repentance is most successful Spirit. That baptism of the Spirit arrest. Like many other detainees, when it takes the repentant person is the very entrance into the new he continually repeated that he had into a new world. relationship with God! learned his lesson. Just before being That, too, is what John the On the second Sunday of Catholic released, he told me emphatically Baptist intimated in his baptism. Advent, we hear how the prophet that I would never see him there Through repentance, people were Isaiah (Chapter 40:9) calls the again. being made ready for the new era people to prepare the way for the About six months later, I was of the Messiah, the one who was Lord. These lines, in turn, lead saddened to see Ted’s name back baptized by John. to the joyful words: “Here is your on the list. When we talked, I The holy season of Advent God!” Charities reminded him of his declaration I can’t imagine more hope- sees John the Baptist as a primary that he would not get into any witness of what took place. He was filled words than those for anyone more trouble. the one who called people to look who is struggling. “What happened?” I asked. to the coming of Christ. He was John, who called people to With new insight, he said the one who reminded people that repentance, embodied this message Worn that he had left the center with their old ways have failed. He was of anticipation and excitement. great intentions. But he returned the one who offered hope to the Knowing that God was coming to the same home in the same people who needed a new shepherd among the people, he wanted them neighborhood with the same (Isaiah 40:11). to be ready to live in the new world friends in the same school. Before John also contrasted his that would soon be theirs. long, he was back doing the same baptism with that of Jesus. campaign behavior as before. Father Herbert Weber is the founding Using water, a common What Ted learned was that, element for Jewish ablutions, pastor of Blessed John XXIII Parish, for most people, the desire to begin John offered a cleansing to Perrysburg, Ohio. Copyright © again requires a new setting. people. But even as he did this, he Catholic News Service, 2011 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 11 Catechesis Th e season of Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ By Lucas Pollice

dvent is one of the more Lord, make straight his paths” (Isaiah 40:3). Council which Blessed Pope John Paul II stronger ecclesial commitment to new beautiful seasons in As we prepare to celebrate the fi rst coming has called “the gift of the Holy Spirit to evangelization in order to rediscover the of Christ at Christmas, the Church calls us the Church of our day.” Th is vision for the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for Athe liturgical calendar. back to a simple child-like faith and to make Church and her life of faith expressed by the communicating the faith. In rediscovering Unfortunately, it can become easy straight the paths in our own lives to Christ. Council Fathers and particularly by Pope his love day by day, the missionary How can we be an eff ective witness of Christ Paul VI in his visionary encyclical Ecclesiam commitment of believers attains force and to overlook this season with all of if we do not know Him and embrace Him Suam is threefold: doctrinal awareness, vigor that can never fade away. Faith the business and distractions of our fully? What are the things in our lives that spiritual renewal, and dialogue and witness: grows when it is lived as an experience of lives as we prepare for Christmas. keep us from fully embracing Christ? love received and when it is communicated Th e season of Advent provides for We want this Year to arouse in every as an experience of grace and joy. It makes However, Advent is a true blessing us a perfect example of this kind of faith believer the aspiration to profess the faith us fruitful, because it expands our hearts that we need to be aware of and take in Mary. It was her simple, yet profound in fullness and with renewed conviction, in hope and enables us to bear life-giving faith that brought about the Incarnation with confi dence and hope. It will also witness: indeed, it opens the hearts and advantage of, as the Church calls us of Christ. Had it not been for her humble be a good opportunity to intensify the minds of those who listen to respond to the back to a simple child-like faith as we surrendering to the will of the Father, our celebration of the faith in the liturgy, Lord’s invitation to adhere to his word prepare for the coming of Christ. salvation in Christ would not have been especially in the Eucharist, which is “the and become his disciples. possible. Advent calls us to refl ect upon the summit towards which the activity of —Porta Fidei, 7 Th e season of Advent has a dual focus. profound words of Mary, “Behold I am the the Church is directed; ... and also the During the fi rst two weeks of Advent, the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me source from which all its power fl ows.” Th erefore, this Advent season presents readings at Mass focus on the reality and according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary At the same time, we make it our prayer for us the perfect opportunity to begin to eventuality of the Second Coming of Christ. surrendered everything to God, holding that believers’ witness of life may grow in refl ect upon this vision of the Holy Father It is a time when we pause and look into our nothing back, and through this gift of herself credibility. To rediscover the content of the and to begin here and now to prepare hearts and ask: “Am I ready for when the to God she was able to receive the very gift faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and ourselves for the celebration of the Year of Lord comes again?” Th is is a very important of God Himself. Ultimately, Christ desires prayed, and to refl ect on the act of faith, Faith in our families, in our parishes, and in question that we should constantly be asking nothing of us but our friendship and the is a task that every believer must make his our local Church of Fort Worth. I encourage ourselves, for we do not know the day nor gift of ourselves, that He may transform us own, especially in the course of this Year. everyone to take the time to read the Holy the hour when the Lord will come to us, so that we might receive fullness of life. In —Porta Fidei, 9 Father’s Apostolic Letter in order to embrace whether that be at the actual Second Coming a day and age when we can make things so this providential moment in history and or when the Lord calls us to Himself at the complicated, the season of Advent calls us Th rough this Year of Faith, the Holy the calling of the Holy Spirit to deepen our end of our own lives. Either way, we will to this child-like faith and abandonment to Father is fi rst calling each and every one of us knowledge and the living out of our Catholic have to give to Him an account of our lives Christ. to grow in our knowledge and understanding faith in order to engage our modern world in and how we lived our lives loving God and Th is kind of faith and friendship in of the Catholic faith, especially as presented the New Evangelization: others around us. Christ will be the focus of the upcoming to us in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Th us, this first half of Advent calls us Year of Faith that was recently announced by so that we can be spiritually renewed in our Intent on gathering the signs of the times in to an examination of conscience and to Pope Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Letter Catholic identity and mission as the People the present of history, faith commits every joyful conversion. We know that the Lord Porta Fidei or “Th e Door of Faith” that will of God, entrusted with the mission of Christ. one of us to become a living sign of the is victorious and will come again, but do we begin on October 11, 2012. Th e Holy Father It is through this doctrinal awareness and presence of the Risen Lord in the world. share in his victory? Do we live our lives in has called this Year of Faith so that the entire authentic spiritual renewal that we are led to What the world is in particular need a way that builds up the Kingdom of God, Church may once again rediscover the great our participation in the New Evangelization of today is the credible witness of people or hinders it? Are we truly living as salt of gift of our Catholic faith, and also allow in which we become authentic and powerful enlightened in mind and heart by the the earth, bringing Christ to the ordinary our faith to be a light to the entire world. witnesses of Christ and the love and word of the Lord, and capable of opening places of everyday life? Advent reminds Th is Year of Faith is particularly unique in salvation that is off ered through his Church. the hearts and minds of many to the desire us that just as Christ became incarnate in that it commemorates the 50th anniversary Th is New Evangelization cannot come to for God and for true life, life without end. the womb of Mary, we must make Christ of the opening of Vatican II as well as fruition unless we renew our own faith and —Porta Fidei, 15 incarnate in our culture and in our world, the 20th anniversary of the promulgation commitment to living out our Catholic faith so that it may become impregnated with of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with renewed commitment and vigor. As the Th e Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei of Pope the grace and mercy of Christ. Th at is our which is one of the great gifts and fruits Holy Father states: Benedict XVI can be accessed online at calling as Catholics. Evangelization and of the Council. Both of these landmark www.vatican.va. witness is not optional. What is needed today anniversaries provide all of the faithful to a “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Cor 5:14): more than ever is Catholics living lives of deeper refl ection on not only the content of it is the love of Christ that fi lls our hearts Background photo: Advent Wreath (CNS holiness that are radiant with the light of our faith as expressed in the Catechism of the and impels us to evangelize. Today as in photo by Lisa A. Johnston) Christ, Catholics who are willing to bring Catholic Church, but also how we are called the past, he sends us through the highways about the civilization of love and the culture to become through our own enrichment of the world to proclaim his Gospel to all of life. What is needed today is a simple, of faith and spiritual renewal, instruments the peoples of the earth (cf. Mt 28:19). Lucas Pollice is director of Catechesis and Adult yet powerful faith centered on the Person of of the New Evangelization envisioned by Th rough his love, Jesus Christ attracts to Faith Formation and RCIA for the diocese. Jesus Christ. Vatican II and Blessed Pope John Paul II. For himself the people of every generation: Lucas holds a degree in theology from the Th is is exactly what the last two weeks Benedict XVI, this Year of Faith calls upon in every age he convokes the Church, Franciscan University of Steubenville and has of Advent call us to do. On the Th ird Sunday the Church at the beginning of the Th ird entrusting her with the proclamation a master’s degree in theological studies from the of Advent we are reminded of the words Millennium to once again refl ect upon the of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever Institute for Pastoral Th eology of Ave Maria prophesied in Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the vision and mission of the Second Vatican new. Today too, there is a need for University. PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice Wisdom comes by listening, Eight-year-old creationists; But we have to put it into action It’s an instinctively obvious position... By David Mills By Mary Morrell hey look at you with such trusting eyes, your children “May the Lord make your love increase t remains a mystery when they’re little. You or [Gardner], the child and overflow for each other.” explain something to them, that what we want naturally thinks one — 1 Thessalonians 3:12 I and feel a parent’s joy in F so much for ourselves havingT taught them something about the way, and he has to learn aving lived in a home with world. And then they look up at you, with multiple teenagers, I can is often the hardest to those trusting eyes, and ask “Well, what to think another way. But say unequivocally that give to someone else — about … ?” Their question may be a good maybe the child actually they have a unique way one or a bad one, though in my experience of enlightening parents to love, tenderness, time, it was usually a good one. Good or bad, you sees something real and just Htheir own version of the truth. In my house, I forgiveness — those realize that they have minds of their own, very often got the “quote.” and they’ve already formed some ideas on the needs to see it better. A favorite among them, especially when things that make the subjects you think they’re learning about for asked to explain some errant behavior, was, words [I love you] the first time. “What can I say, I ‘walk to the beat of a It’s a bit of a shock, let me tell you. different drummer.’” a reality. “Eight year olds are creationists, warning. That’s perfectly reasonable. I often wondered if Thoreau would give independent of whether their parents are Something like this seems true of that them a “high-five” or chastise them for using fundamentalists or atheistic scientists,” wrote instinctive creationism that vexed Professor the quote out of context. There is, after all, a Harvard professor of education in a press Gardner. The child sees that the world something to be said for learning the whole let so many other opportunities slip away release I just stumbled across. “Presumably must have had a beginning and therefore lesson. before then. this is because eight-year-olds are interested Someone to begin it. That’s a perfectly But I suppose I am as guilty of inspiring I don’t remember who wrote that in origins, and the default assumption is sound philosophy, even if the philosopher the “quotation response” as anyone, because, quote, but the words increased my resolve that the world was created at a certain time, happens to be eight years old. He may not as many writers would acknowledge of to let those I love know how I feel. But with its requisite plants and animals, and has know anything about the details of how the themselves, I have a fondness for quotations, sometimes there are no words harder to say never changed.” world began and developed, and may be too. than the very three that everyone wants so The professor, Howard Gardner, utterly ignorant of evolutionary theory, but Whether they are little gems of wisdom much to hear. And so I have often faltered, argued that the children make up their own he knows that the world did not just pop up that give some direction to our day, or are letting days and weeks go by without explanations for things, and what he called on its own. uniquely beautiful ways of expressing a saying, “I love you,” to the very people who their “intuitive theories” often contradict Something like this lies behind the thought that I wish I had written myself, I mean the most to me. the ideas teachers want them to learn. The Church’s belief in the natural moral law. As find I am drawn to these mini-lessons. It remains a mystery that what we problem, he insists, is that the children don’t the Catechism says, quoting Pope Leo XIII, Often someone else’s words can provoke want so much for ourselves is often the think well, because they’re children. “The natural law is written and engraved in us to memories, both painful and sweet, and hardest to give to someone else — love, “Our scholarly disciplines can only the soul of each and every man.” God made us remind us of things we should have learned, tenderness, time, forgiveness — those be mastered if we get rid of these faulty instinctive moralists, to borrow Gardner’s term. but sometimes forget. things that make the words a reality. explanations and construct, often slowly and We can’t get away from it, the Catechism That was my experience on the day I I believe that is why God gave us painfully, better kinds of explanations. Put insists. “Even when it is rejected in its very signed the contract to sell the home in which Jesus — to lead us in loving — and why he sharply, evolutionary theory is not intuitive; principles, it cannot be destroyed or removed I grew up. inspires some to write the beautiful words creationism is. And that is why eight year from the heart of man. It always rises again in The house had been on the market for that may move others to love fully and olds are invariably creationists, whether their the life of individuals and societies.” more than a year, overdue taxes had been freely; words like those of William Childs: parents are fundamentalists or atheists.” We may have trouble working out accumulating for nearly three years, and the “Do not keep alabaster boxes of your love Gardner seems to be right about children the details of the moral law, and we will stress was mounting as I faced another winter and tenderness sealed up until your friends being instinctive creationists, judging from often want to ignore it. This the Catechism worrying about who would shovel the snow are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness, the examples I’ve known, but I think he’s recognizes. “The precepts of natural law or make sure the heat stayed on in this house speak cheering words while their ears can wrong about the value of the eight year are not perceived by everyone clearly and located in a snow belt of upstate New York. hear, and while their hearts can be thrilled old’s intuitions. For him, the child naturally immediately. In the present situation sinful Still, as I signed my name to the last of and made happier by them.” thinks one way, and he has to learn to think man needs grace and revelation so moral and three copies of the contract for which I had Amen to that, William. Amen. another way. But maybe the child actually sees religious truths may be known ‘by everyone fervently prayed, tears welled up in my eyes something real and just needs to see it better. with facility, with firm certainty and with no as I thought of all I had lost with the death Mary Morrell is a freelance writer who Take the child’s natural fear of the dark. admixture of error.’” (The quote is from Pope of my parents. lives in Colonia, New Jersey. She and her He may think a monster is hiding under the Pius XII.) In that moment I recalled the words of a husband are the parents of six adult sons. bed. The parent has to convince him that Our Lord told us to be like little children. favorite quotation: Mary has worked as a writer for RENEW there is no monster hiding under the bed, and Like the children Gardner studied, we know “Looking back, I have this to regret, that International, has served as Managing Editor that he can turn out the light and go to sleep. some things to be true, even if we don’t always too often when I loved, I did not say so.” of THE MONITOR, Catholic newspaper of the Yet being afraid of the dark is not get the details right. Which is why God gave I remembered once again the image of Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey and maintains really unreasonable. What is unreasonable his children the Church, to help us know my father, waving goodbye from his driveway a blog at http://wellspringcommunications. is the way the child explains his fear and his better what we do know for sure. as my family drove away that winter day. It typepad.com/god-talk-and-tea. Mary has inability to distinguish safe places like his was the last time I would see him alive, and been writing her regular syndicated column, room from dangerous ones. He knows that David Mills is executive editor of FIRST THINGS the last opportunity I would have to tell him "Things my Father Taught Me" for more than night is a time when bad people are out, He can be reached at [email protected]. that I loved him — and I let it slip away as I a decade. and bad things can happen to you without com. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 13 VOICES of the CHURCH opinions, stories, wisdom, and personal voice The truth about Santa Claus Just how do we Many believe, from G.K. Chesterton to Fr. John Dietzen do watchful By Gerald Costello waiting here? By Jeff Hensley Former founding editor of two Catholic Editor, North Texas Catholic diocesan newspapers and former president of the Christophers, Gerald Costello answers the 30-foot Christmas tree passed question: “We believed that a certain benevolent person me on the freeway this morning, doing 70 miles per hour. I guess Where would we be without Santa Claus? A did give us those toys for nothing. And I believe it still. I have that's a little bit how Catholics tend to feel during this season of watchful waiting that or a surprising number of merely extended the idea. Then I only wondered who put the toys in we call Advent. people, the answer comes The fact that I was speeding up easily: a lot better off. That’s the stocking. Now I wonder who put the stockings by the bed, and to merge into freeway traffic made the a disappointing response, to the bed in the room, and the room in the house, and the house on the "being left behind" feeling even more be sure, and most of us would pronounced. objectF to it strongly. Even though he springs planet, and the great planet in the void. Once, I only thanked Santa The Holidays of one description or from a secular background, Santa is now another are on us, as shoppers (ourselves part of the Christmas scene. And viewed Claus for a few dollars and crackers. Now, I thank him for stars and included) start to flock to the stores, in the right light, he can easily draw people trying not to get left too far behind. into the true meaning of the season, leading street faces, and wine and the great sea...” So where does the inwardness us to thoughts of the incomparable Gift that and the quiet reflection find a place to God gave us on that first Christmas day. express itself in our lives? How do we That’s the way, at any rate, that G.K. G.K. Chesterton purposefully set aside a bit more time for Chesterton saw it. The sentiments of that reflecting on how we are living out, in an famed British author of a century ago, incarnational way, our Christian lives? who wrote on a dizzying array of subjects, Maybe we set aside a little time in were relayed at this time last year by Father the mornings. For some of us, that's our John Dietzen, whose question-and-answer best time for thinking about things. The column was distributed by Catholic News day's worries and schedules haven't taken Service. hold of our brains, and there's a little more Father Dietzen was replying to a writer energy to think about God and living in a who was uneasy with her friends because way that shows He's in our lives. they intended to tell their children that And maybe we take some Santa was just a myth, one eagerly embraced extended time on a weekend, or on an by merchants only because it led to more afternoon off, spent reading Scripture, sales at Christmas time. She was right to contemplating what Jesus coming into our be upset, Father Dietzen said, turning to world — and our lives — means to us. Chesterton to help make his point. He To make sure we really do have some wrote of the way Chesterton remembered evidence that God makes a difference in Christmas mornings, when his stockings who we are, perhaps we volunteer a bit were filled with good things that he had more, pick a child's name and Christmas not worked for or even been good for. He wishes from an Angel Tree of one sort accepted the explanation that was given: or another, fill a food box for the parish that a being called Santa Claus, someone of ultimate source of it all...I hope your friends Father Dietzen a credit to this profession holiday drive, or work a shift putting the “peculiarly fantastic goodwill,” was kindly reconsider.” and a wonderful priest. When he wrote boxes and baskets together. disposed toward him. Father Dietzen went That’s one of my favorite Father about “a certain benevolent person” of Or maybe we go out of our way to on to quote Chesterton: Dietzen columns, and I suspect it was one “fantastic goodwill,” he was on perfectly be nice to that neighbor who has been a “We believed that a certain benevolent of his as well. familiar ground. thorn in our sides, remembering that the person did give us those toys for nothing. It was also one of his last. After 35 Babe in Bethlehem came to bring peace, And I believe it still. I have merely extended years of answering readers’ queries in the Gerald M. Costello is a former president to teach us to love our enemies, to teach the idea. Then I only wondered who put the “Question Corner,” Father Dietzen died of The Christophers. A 1952 graduate of us to take care to treat our neighbors as toys in the stocking. Now I wonder who put earlier this year at the age of 83. I counted the University of Notre Dame, he was the we would ourselves like to be treated. the stockings by the bed, and the bed in the him as a friend for all of those years and founding editor of two Catholic newspapers: If we do some of these things, then room, and the room in the house, and the then some, and it occurred to me that the THE BEACON in Paterson, New Jersey, and perhaps by the time we're ready to catch house on the planet, and the great planet in “Santa column” of a year ago would be a CATHOLIC NEW YORK. Now retired, he holds up to our own evergreen and place it in the void. Once, I only thanked Santa Claus fine way to remember him. an honorary doctorate in letters from St. the family room, the star atop the tree for a few dollars and crackers. Now, I thank John Dietzen was unfailingly John's University, New York. The Catholic won't just be a sign that we know what him for stars and street faces, and wine and conscientious in his priesthood and in Press Association has presented him with its you're supposed to put on the topmost the great sea...” his writing, making sure that his readers two highest awards, the St. Francis de Sales branch of the tree, but will truly signify Father Dietzen went on to draw the got the information they sought and that Award and the Bishop John England Award. that this is a place where the Prince of obvious lesson. “Call Santa Claus a myth or it conformed with Church teaching. I Peace can be found, that our homes have what you will,” he wrote, “but in his name know for a fact that his answers went far For a free copy of the Christopher News become the humble manger, prepared to parents — and all of us who give gifts at beyond those that appeared in the column; Note, LIVING THE GOLDEN RULE, receive our King. this special time of the year — are putting everyone with a serious question got a write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, Then Advent's watchful waiting will one another in deeper touch with the personal reply. New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@ have been fulfilled. ‘peculiarly fantastic goodwill’ which is the That’s one of the things that made christophers.org PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Features

we all change every day, a little at a time. As we grow older Change is coming our bodies change along with our perspective. I remember being young and idealistic with great vision. Now I tend to be pessimistic and have bifocals. Change is constant, so we in the liturgy. might as well get on board with it. By now most of us know there are some changes coming to the Mass. The changes are in no way as extreme as the ones my parents experienced in 1965 as a result of the Second We can choose (Karen Callaway/CATHOLIC NEW WORLD) Vatican Council, but that doesn’t mean that they will not A mother and son make an Advent wreath at St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville, Ill., in ruffle some feathers. November last year. Advent, a season of joyful expectation before Christmas, begins Nov. 27 our attitude. Many of the responses we are so used to saying are this year. By Jeff Hedglen changing slightly, and this is going to make going to Mass a bit uncomfortable. In this situation we have a choice. We number of years ago our youth ministry program can either be like my friend Paul and scream “CHANGE met in the church sanctuary, as it was the only space IS BAD!” Or we can take a breath and see what God has Aat our church that could hold a group that size. We waiting for us in the changes to the Roman Missal. always set up in the middle with half of the group on each If you take the first option, you will simply be dragged side of the center aisle. I began to feel that the center aisle kicking and screaming into was separating the group too much, so one Sunday I decided I for one, welcome the future of the Church to have us all sit on the left side of the aisle. When one of my because this change is adult leaders, Paul, came in and saw the new arrangement, he this change. For too happening whether we like it said, loudly, though reverently, “CHANGE IS BAD!!!” or not. But if you choose the long now, I have I hear that a lot when things change, though I never second attitude, you might hear it when someone gets a raise at work, or when the rain been mindlessly just be amazed at the change (CNS photo/Theresa Laurence, TENNESSEE REGISTER) stops and the sun comes out, or when a new child is born that happens in you. Dominican Sister Mary Diana Dreger talks with patient Augustina McKlean during a follow-up into a family, or when a couple says “I do” in front of their responding at Mass I for one welcome this visit at St. Thomas Family Health Center South in Nashville, Tenn., recently. As both a sister family and friends, or when you put on your winter coat after change. For too long now I and medical doctor, she continues the legacy of Catholic health care firmly rooted in Middle months of storage and reach in the pocket and find a twenty have been mindlessly responding at Mass. Try as I might, Tennessee since the Daughters of Charity founded St. Thomas Hospital in 1898. dollar bill, or in any other of a host of situations when the I cannot seem to be fully engaged with all the responses. change that has occurred is something you either like, were Because of the changes I will have to be paying attention hoping for, or are happily surprised to have experienced. to my part of the ancient back and forth dance of words, The “bad” changes seem to be the ones that do not, at gestures, music, and ritual, if I am to fully participate. least in our immediate opinion, make our lives better, or Yes it will be strange and uncomfortable and are beyond our control — a control we wish we had in the frustrating… at first, but before we know it the phrase “And situation — or things that break up our comfortable routine. with your spirit” will be second nature, as will all the other This is not to say that all change is good. There are new phrases. On a personal note, pay careful attention to the certainly times when the change that comes to us is far from newly worded Gloria, I find it to be simply beautiful! I have something we would classify as positive, but like it or not, one wish for you as you encounter the changes at Mass this change is a part of how the world works. Advent : May the Lord be with you!

Though in Texas it is not as dramatic as other parts (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

of the country, there are four seasons in a year. The earth Jeff Hedglen, youth minister at St. Bartholomew Parish in (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters) naturally goes through a cycle of change to slough off the Southwest Fort Worth, is the principal organizer of Camp Fort Franciscan friars free doves during the interfaith peace meeting at the Basilica of St. Francis in dead and wounded parts, rest, and then come back with Worth each summer. Readers with questions can contact Jeff at Assisi, Italy, Oct. 27. Led by Pope Benedict XVI the gathering marked the 25th anniversary of vigor with new growth and abundant fruit. Additionally [email protected]. the first such meeting in Assisi called by Blessed John Paul II. Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth www.sheepdotcom.com Across & Down:

1. Book before Habakkuk 4. Topple 2. Selfless love 5. Patches up 3. Sanctuary

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5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 15 Five years of Day 1 'Walking together in Faith'

Photo by Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Francis George, OMI, focused Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic his talk on lay ecclesial ministry. Conference participants fill the arena at the Dallas Convention Center Oct. 28 during Cardinal Francis George's opening keynote address. Cardinal Francis George opens fifth annual University of Dallas Ministry Conference with keynote address

More stories about the University of Dallas Ministry By Joan Kurkowski Gillen / Correspondent Conference can be found online at www.fwdioc.org/ntc.

echnologyech was part of the audience as Cardinal Francis a renowned Catholic scholar discuss how lay clarified, “but to change the Church enough so ecclesial ministry can help the Church carry she could enter into dialogue with the world, so George,Ge OMI, delivered the keynote address opening the out its mission to shape the world. the world would be changed.” T A Chicago native, Cardinal George served The purpose of ministry, he continued, is 20201111 UUniversityniv of Dallas Ministry Conference (UDMC) held Oct. as president of the United States Conference to introduce the world to its Savior by sharing 28-29 inside the Dallas Convention Center. of Catholic Bishops from 2007 to 2010. He is both the visible and invisible gifts of Christ. the author of two books on the Catholic faith Preaching the Gospel, the seven sacraments, As the Archbishop of Chicago spoke about the growth of lay and received a doctorate of sacred theology in and apostolic governance are the outward gifts ecclesial ministry and its importance to the Church, many conference ecclesiology from the Pontifical Urban University of Christ. There are also the invisible gifts of in Rome. grace, faith, and virtue. attendees recorded his remarks on smartphones or used computer “Ministry is what we do, but mission is why “These gifts tell us about Christ,” the we do it,” Cardinal George told the assembly of theologian explained. “Sacraments are acts of keypads to note the presentation’s highlights. For the first time, 5,200 Catholic school teachers, parish employees, the risen Christ that create new relationships. participants were able to access the schedule of events and other church volunteers, and clergy who packed the They connect people to Christ so we become his convention center arena. “Since the mission of people. By accepting these gifts in his family, we pertinent conference information on mobile devices thanks to a new the Church is to convert the world, you have to become related to everybody else.” application introduced by the University of Dallas. Organizers also look at the relationship between Church and The mission of the Church, he continued, is world. That’s what the Second Vatican Council to share these gifts more universally and widely revamped the conference’s website to make it user friendly. set out to do.” so the whole world comes to know its Savior After two global wars, class struggles ignited in his Body — the Church. Spiritual gifts of “More people were using computers and collaboration with the Dioceses of Fort Worth by the Russian Revolution and Nazi racism, evangelization and material gifts offered through other forms of technology this year than in and Dallas, the fifth annual “Walking Together the world was a divided place when Pope John stewardship of God’s bounty, are shared with the past,” observed Oscar Carranza, UDMC in Faith” ministry conference featured inspiring XXIII called Catholic bishops to St. Peter’s the help of ministries, the cardinal pointed out. coordinator. “As a conference we’re moving talks, upbeat musical performances, and Basilica in 1962. The Church’s role, the late Calling the development of lay ecclesial in that direction. We want to provide access informative workshops designed to enrich the pontiff determined, was to unite the human ministry a defining moment in the Church, to everyone, particularly tech savvy youth faith of both professional lay ministers and the race, promote peace, and stop genocide. Cardinal George explained for the audience, what ministers.” average “person in the pew.” This year’s gathering “The purpose of the Second Vatican Council Sponsored by UD’s School of Ministry in also gave North Texans the opportunity to hear was not to change the Church,” the cardinal SEE CARDINAL GEORGE, P. 16 PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Five years of 'Walking together in Faith' Day 1 Marlon De La Torre shares tools for effective catechesis By Michele Baker special place for a crucifix, Bible, candle, Correspondent and seasonal items is more than a matter of mere decoration. They create a context that A capacity crowd of religious education helps engage students. Using these tools can teachers and directors filled all the chairs build on what De La Torre calls a “natural and lined the walls and back of the meeting inclination” to evangelize. room where Marlon De La Torre, Director Moving beyond the external, he then of Catechist Formation and Children’s discussed matters of technique, citing a Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth, nu mb e r of c om mon e r r or s t h a t c a n u nd e r m i ne gave a workshop titled, “They Said What? a teacher’s efforts. Among these were failing How Not To Teach the Catholic Faith.” The to give the essential points of the lesson up session was part of the University of Dallas Photo by Jeff Hensley / NTC front, trying to cover too much material, Ministry Conference which took place Oct. Marlon De La Torre, diocesan director of Catechist putting forth personal beliefs rather than 28-29 at the Dallas Convention Center. Formation gave a presentation on "what not to do" as a sticking to solid Church teaching, and relying De La Torre, a natural born teacher, catechist on Oct. 28, the first day of the conference. too heavily on textbooks rather than taking communicated his ideas with passion and cues from the learners. acuity. He holds degrees in education, Torre said, teachers must take their own faith “The book is a guide,” De La Torre ABOVE: Conference theology, and counseling from Franciscan formation and witness seriously, living out explained. “Don’t panic if you can’t get attendees hold hands University of Steubenville and has 15 years of the call to holiness to which they will help through every chapter,” he said, relating that during the Lord's catechetical experience upon which to draw. their students respond. when he was a Catholic school principal he Prayer at the closing Using the ecclesial method — a process There are concrete ways to express this would tell his teachers to expect to get through Vigil Mass Saturday of preparation, proclamation, explanation, witness, according to De La Torre, that only a portion of the material presented in Oct. 29. In his homily, application, and celebration — as an ideal gradually lead the student into grasping the the religion books. “When you rely too much Dallas Bishop Kevin framework, De La Torre pointed out common lessons being taught. One of the most effective on the book,” he said, “the book becomes the Farrell emphasized errors that inhibit the successful transmission and important ways to witness begins with teacher rather than you.” that evangelization of the faith in catechetical settings. the learning environment. After all is said and done, however, De La was not only the job “First and foremost,” he began, “you “Your classroom is a sacred space,” Torre comes back to the instructor’s personal of priests or Church must be a living witness of Christ in the he said “So make sure it has the things walk. “If you are truly living your faith,” he employees, but all the way you teach.” In order to do this, De La that we associate with the sacred in it.” A said. “They will learn.” lay faithful.

Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Members of Denton-based bilingual praise band Jesus Team A (Jesus Te Ama), from left to Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Members of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team (TOBET), from left to right, right, Greg Rochford on the bass guitar, Carl Napoli on percussion, Manuel Bravo on guitar Father Fernando Preciado, parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Church in Wichita Falls, Marcus Nino, Jason Guenther, Executive Director Monica Ashour, and David Cole, chat and vocals, and Vince Lujan on guitar and vocals perform on a stage in the exhibit hall. visits with a conference attendee in the Dallas Convention Center's exhibit hall. at their information booth in the Dallas Convention Center's exhibit hall.

a sign of the times,” he added with certainty. “It’s a sign of how demonstration by world renowned artist and UD art professor the Holy Spirit is shaping us to be a better Church — a Church Lyle Novinski and a liturgical art display featuring paintings and Cardinal George… more in line with how Christ would want us to be in order to pictures from across the country. introduce the world to Him.” UDMC offered insight and information, a plethora of FROM PAGE 15 Asked for her reaction to Cardinal George’s address, Laurent workshops presented in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, the term means. In Catholic terminology the word “lay” means Triplett immediately opened her iPad to retrieve her notes. The addressed topics ranging from the revised translation of the baptized person and ecclesial pertains to a church. Ministry is the director of children’s and adult formation at St. Catherine of new Roman Missal to scouting as youth ministry. Many sessions work of sharing God’s gifts for the sake of the Church. Siena Church in Carrollton appreciated the prelate’s explanation offered on Friday were geared toward Catholic school educators. “Lay ecclesial ministry therefore means participation in of the relationship sacraments have to the world and to the people Dr. Rafael Rondon, principal of Sacred Heart School in pastoring,” he continued. receiving them. Muenster accompanied 35 members of his staff to the two-day All lay ministers bring people to Christ, but a lay ecclesial “I teach baptism preparation class, and I get a lot of puzzled conference. He encouraged everyone — from the faculty to the minister discerns a call to do it publicly and in the name of looks from people when I tell them this sacrament is a reality. It custodial and cafeteria workers — to attend the program. the Church. It’s a pastoral relationship that is not based on the truly does change something,” she said. “The school is not a separate entity. It’s part of the ministry sacrament of Holy Orders. A rep e at c on ferenc e p a r t ic ip a nt , Tr iple t t s a id t he a n nu a l e vent of the Church,” the principal reasoned. “And so everyone who “Lay ecclesial ministers not only need expertise, but g ive s her a n opp or t u n it y to me e t ot her s i nvolve d i n p a r i s h m i n i s t r y. works there is working toward fulfilling the mission of the Church recognition from the head of the local church — the bishop — “It’s easy to get secluded in a parish with a small staff who through that particular ministry.” who commissions them,” the cardinal added. “It’s done in such work with parishioners. It’s wonderful to come to a place where Earlier in the day, Cardinal George described the post- a way that the parish knows this pastoral associate or director of you can see thousands of people working toward the same goal Vatican II ecclesiology of the Church as a series of relationships religious education is not the pastor’s hired help. He or she has a — leading others to Christ.” of accountability. status — a relationship to the Church, by reason of being called.” Growing in size and stature, the 2011 UD Ministry “I really like that way of thinking about it,” Rondon said, Cardinal George believes lay ecclesial ministers will Conference hosted 67 speakers, 109 exhibitors, and musical reflecting on the opening address. “It brings to light the Church’s strengthen the Church, so it can accomplish its renewed mission. performances by 12 Christian musical groups and individual teaching that we are all responsible for each other. None of us “The development of lay ecclesial ministry in the Church is artists. Conference goers were also treated to a sculpture acts in a vacuum.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 17 Five years of 'Walking together in Faith' Day 2 Chris Vaughan offers guidelines for young adult outreach By Crystal Brown and every one of us to do something to bring the Correspondent kingdom of God to the world.” That can be giving of self to others and living The teen years are filled with family, friends, as a modern day missionary. Vaughan said young and church organizations helping steer a young adults are missionaries in a very true sense. mind in the right direction. Once that child grows “Traditionally missionaries went to pagan into a young adult and moves on to college, that lands to convert people,” he said. “What has safety net is often left behind. become of our culture? We have become pagan. Chris Vaughan touched on the difficulties of Things we would not have talked about 20 years living as a young adult “in the world, but not of ago are on reality TV for the world to see. That’s the world” during a family-oriented lecture at the a call no matter if you are single or married: Be a

Un iver sit y of D a l l a s M i n i s t r y C on ferenc e , O c t . 29. Photo by Crystal Brown / NTC missionary and proclaim Jesus Christ.” Young adult ministry in the Church is Chris Vaughan, diocesan director of Family Life, gave a Vaughan also believes young adults need to relatively new, Vaughan said. In the ‘40s the norm presentation on young adults living "in the world, but not act as sacramentals in the world, to help direct the was to meet in high school, fall in love, get married, of the world" on Oct. 29, the second day of the conference. hearts and minds of those around them to God. Photos by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic have children, and join parish life. Later on the “Priests and nuns who wear the habit are LEFT: Bishop Kevin courtship phase moved into the college years. But through people. sacramentals,” he said.”We don’t need to look Vann greets conference now young adults stay single longer and often live “You have friends, roommates who will never like Mother Teresa. There are people in this attendees outside with roommates who may not share their faith and come to church,” he said. “They could give out world who see that and run. We need to be a the arena following then fall away from a religious lifestyle. money, and you would be hard pressed to get them sacramental presence in the world. We need to the closing liturgy. In “Or you’re living alone with no one to kick to go. But you have an audience, them, and your be God’s visible sign.” closing remarks for the you out of bed to go to church,” Vaughan said, witness can be what eventually leads them to a David Ringwald, a senior at the University of conference and for the “to tell you not to look at that on the Internet.” relationship with Jesus Christ.” Dallas, said he left the talk with some new ideas Mass, Bishop Vann He reminded the audience, comprised of both Another way to live out the love of God is by to take back to his own diocese after graduation, reflected that the large young adults and older adults, of how to transcend finding a vocation. Not necessarily the priesthood to build a young adult program. attendance at this being part of the world. He included the passion or religious life, Vaughan said, but the grand “I chose this [lecture] because young adult year's conference was they show for their faith as a way to do that. calling for an individual’s life. ministry is lacking back home,” he said. “That’s a sign of hope for the Of all the many ways God brings his love “Part of that vocation is fidelity to God and why UD has been good for me. All the young future of the Church. into the world, Vaughan said, the main way is preaching the Gospel,” he said. “God calls each adults can get spiritually fed there.”

Photo by Crystal Brown02 / North Texas Catholic Photo by Crystal Brown / North Texas Catholic Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Conference attendees walk underneath a UDMC display on their way to the arena, A mix of young adults and parish workers and volunteers attend a workshop about A woman at the conference looks at a picture of a sculpture of a pregnant Blessed where high-profile speakers and musical performances were featured. young adult ministry given by Chris Vaughan. Virgin Mary in the art exhibit at the University of Dallas Ministry Conference.

this, and it was actually because of what we now know is a myth.” you’re going to go out there and say, ‘Wow, there are some really It was Patrick Borders’ first time to attend, and it was Christina exciting things happening in the Church,’” he said. John Allen… Borders’ second time. Both young adults, from Sacred Heart Parish The event closed Saturday afternoon with a Mass celebrated by in Dallas, are involved in young adult ministry and volunteer at Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann and Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell. FROM PAGE 18 their parish as Sunday school teachers. In his homily, Bishop Farrell encouraged the large audience to take basis of class membership rather than as individuals,” Allen said. “This is a great place to come get information for your own w h at t he y le a r ne d f rom t he c on ferenc e to le a d a “ne w e v a n g e l i z at ion” “… In a moment of conflict or confusion about something feeding and your own life,” Christina Borders said of the conference. — that is, once again bring the Word of God to those Catholics happening in the Church… I would invite you to remember this Scott and Nelda Lawson, parishioners at St. Joseph Parish in who have received it and heard it, but have “fallen away” from presentation and remember that beneath the surface veneer of Arlington, also attended the conference. The married couple said their faith, or ignore their faith. He encouraged the participants uniformity, you are always going to find inevitable diversity of they always learn something they can apply either to their parish to strive to learn more about Scripture and the Catechism. human experience. So try to make sure that when you are engaging classrooms or use to enrich their parish community. “After 2,000 years are we going to allow our Catholic faith issues in the Church,” he continued. “Engage not on the basis of Nelda Lawson said that as a catechist she finds a lot of what to lie dormant, the Word of God to be forgotten about, to be assumptions of the whole class, but try as much as you can to she has learned at the ministry conference helpful to her when ineffective in our world?” Bishop Farrell asked. “That doesn’t engage them on the basis of a realistic, well-informed analysis of she teaches. “It’s so hands-on, and I learn what other people are depend only on the priests or on the professional catechists who what is actually happening. That’s not going to magically make all doing, not only here but in other states.” work in our parishes, it depends on each and every one of us. We our problems go away, but it will at least ensure that the discussion Scott Lawson, who has been a full-time youth minister in the must know our faith and we must live out our faith.” we’re having is rooted in reality, rather than mythology.” Fort Worth Diocese for 10 years, said that he learns something Bishop Kevin Vann gave the closing comments and reminded Patrick Borders and his wife, Christina, both enjoyed new every time he attends the conference. conference-goers that there is a lot of hope for the future of the Allen’s presentation, although they hadn’t heard of him before “No matter what your level of expertise or experience, you Catholic Church, as evidenced by the strong attendance at the event. the conference. can always find nuggets here and there that you can use in your “This conference, which is the work of so many of the “It definitely gave us the facts to respond to those myths, because ministry; that’s what stuff like this does,” Scott Lawson said, adding committee of Dallas and Fort Worth and the University of Dallas we do hear [them] all the time, even from Catholics,” Christina that he recommends the conference to every Catholic. and everybody who worked together, is a great sign of faith and Borders said. “People have actually left the Church because of “Some of these sessions really inspire you as a Catholic because joy to all of Texas and beyond,” Bishop Vann said. PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Five years of Day 2 'Walking together in Faith'

Photo by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic Vatican correspondent John Allen gave two presentations Photo by Crystal Brown / North Texas Catholic on the second day: "Five myths about the Vatican," and Work from 27 liturgical artists was featured in the Ballroom A Lobby of the Dallas Convention Center. Mediums included stained glass, bronze, mosaic, and photography. "The Pope's PR problem." Respected Vatican correspondent John Allen debunks five myths about the Vatican on second day of conference More stories about the University of Dallas Ministry By Juan Guajardo / Correspondent Conference can be found online at www.fwdioc.org/ntc. oror some participants at the University of Dallas Ministry anddhhd who had no experience in Catholicism, who “The Vatican simply ain’t that rich,” Allen was covering the Vatican for his very first time. said. F Conference,C their experience at this year’s event on Oct. 28-29 “He got the classic deer caught in the But what about the valuable paintings, wawass likelike a live Mythbusters episode, sans the explosions but with the headlights look, looking like ‘Dear God, what am the sculptures by Michelangelo, the frescoes, I going to do with this?’” Allen said of the reporter. the Pieta? same mix of wittiness and cold, hard facts. Allen explained that what left the reporter The art is priceless, but Allen explained that stunned was that he was without an understanding it’s the artistic patrimony of humanity and as such Through light jokes, personal stories, and clear explanation, John of Italian (the working language of the Vatican), “it can never be sold. It can never be bargained Allen, Jr., an award-winning, long-time correspondent for the National or a basic understanding of the language of the for,” and that any money collected from the tours Catholic Church (knowing a little theology, and museums is usually put back into restoring Catholic Reporter, a Vatican analyst for CNN, and author of six liturgy, Canon law), or an understanding of the that artwork. bestselling books on the Vatican, guided his audience of approximately or g a n i z at ion a l l a n g u a g e of t he Vat ic a n ( k now i n g Allen said the Vatican can get away with a the differences between a congregation and a relatively low operating budget because of the 60 people through an explanation of popular myths about the Vatican. council). Without those three, he said, then one low salaries of the officials there. He told a story won’t understand the action. about a Dutch priest friend working for the He was just one of the dozens of presenters result from misunderstanding, assumptions, and “If you master those three codes, you can Vatican, who, despite his high ranking, earns at the UD conference which drew approximately blanket statements. figure out pretty much anything you want to only $13,000 a year. 5,200 people — including laity, clergy, teachers, Among the misconceptions Allen listed know,” Allen said. He also dispelled the myth of Vatican diocesan workers, and catechists. In its fifth year, was the myth of Vatican secrecy or the notion He also debunked the myth of Vatican careerism (explaining that most priests and the conference, put on by the University of Dallas that “the Vatican is this dark, byzantine, occult wealth, or the false assumption that the Vatican officials there didn’t apply for the job, and had no and co-sponsored the by Dioceses of Fort Worth environment in which you never know what’s is an “over-rich environment.” Allen presented the idea how they got there) and ultra-centralization and Dallas, drew its biggest audience and brought going on.” crowd with the concrete facts that the Vatican’s (most Church decisions are made at the diocesan together various prominent Catholic ministers But in fact, the Vatican is very transparent annual operating budget is approximately $270 and parish level, not at the Vatican. Only on topics and professionals from near and far to present Allen said — the issue is that the Vatican is such a million (pretty efficient for serving 1.2 billion of faith and morals is administration top-down). on topics ranging from adult faith formation singular and unique institution that it doesn’t use Catholics worldwide) and has property, stocks, But misconceptions are not just limited to the and evangelization to social justice and youth the same rules or language of other institutions, investments and patrimony totaling $1.1 billion Vatican, Allen explained, adding how there are ministry. a nd t h at m a k e s it h a rd to u nder s t a nd w h at’s g oi n g — not exactly chump change. But not over-the- myths about many other categories in the Church. Allen, who was presenting at the conference on there. To explain, Allen told the audience of top either, as Allen proved by comparing that to “I frankly think in the Catholic Church for his fourth time, went on a myth-debunking an experience he had while reporting on then- other large private institutions like the University we have an epidemic of treating people on the spree with his presentation, “Five Myths about Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2000. Allen had met of Notre Dame and Harvard, which have $7 the Vatican.” He said that the five myths all a New York Times reporter who wasn’t Catholic billion and $31 billion in patrimony, respectively. SEE JOHN ALLEN, P. 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 19 Area Knights of Columbus donate wheelchairs to Veterans' clinic By Crystal Brown only had three at the time, for a clinic this size. Like Correspondent he said the day [Webster] dropped them off, he was seeing them all over because that’s how desperately When the Veterans’ Administration we needed them. We appreciate all you do.” Outpatient Clinic in Fort Worth moved to a new Bimal Chaudhry, Program Manager for facility four times the size of its previous one, they Voluntary Services, hopes the Knights will donate realized they had a serious need for their veterans an additional five chairs to fulfill their patients’ — wheelchairs. need for mobility. “Thank you so much and we George Webster, district deputy for Knights look forward to getting five more and that’s it,” of Columbus District 20 in East Fort Worth, also Chaudhry said, laughing. “We won’t bother you saw the shortage the day he came to donate 16 TVs for a long time.” to the clinic situated in Southeast Fort Worth just The Global Wheelchair Mission purchases i n side L oop 820. He took word of t h i s i nade qu ac y $500 wheelchairs in bulk at a cost of about $150 to the Knights’ state leadership meeting in July each and delivers them by sea containers around and came back with 10 wheelchairs for the facility the world. Numerous service organizations aid through the Global Wheelchair Mission. in their distribution including Rotary, Lions, Webster, a 27-year veteran, brought the chairs Kiwanis, and the Knights of Columbus. the same day he, himself, had an appointment Knights of Columbus’s involvement with the at the clinic. mission started in 2003 with 2,000 wheelchairs ABOVE: Members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus carry flags “I saw the wheelchairs rolling around the distributed in Afghanistan. Since then, about during a presentation of wheelchairs at the veteran's clinic Oct. 28. same day,” he said. “Boy did that make me feel 20,000 chairs have gone out to countries across (Photo by Crystal Brown / NTC) • LEFT: Knights District Deputy George good. There was joy in my heart for what the the globe from councils in the United States and Webster drops off 10 wheelchairs in July. (Photo courtesy of George Knights had done.” Canada. Webster) • BELOW: Webster speaks at the Oct. 28 gathering where the Area Knights joined together on Friday, Following the January 2010 earthquake Knights donated more wheelchairs. (Photo by Crystal Brown / NTC) Oct. 28, to donate an additional five chairs to in Haiti, Knights personally delivered 1,000 the VA clinic. wheelchairs sponsored by the Supreme Council “Our veterans here have made a lot of for those injured in the disaster. sacrifices,” Webster said, during a formal “This is a world-wide mission,” Webster said, presentation of the wheelchairs. “This clinic “because the Catholic Church is all over the world.” has done an outstanding job, but they had an He said the Knights are blessed and honored to be additional need.” able to help in this way. “We support our veterans. Operations Manager Teresa Whitley, said You can’t do too much for them. the clinic logged about 230,000 patients last year. “If you think you have it bad, all you have to “Orga niz ations like yours rea lly help us meet some do is look around,” he said, motioning to patients of the needs of our veterans,” she told the Knights. in the clinic. “We all are blessed. The more we “We really were short on wheelchairs. I think we give, the more God gives us back in return.” Sonogram Bill regulations cause abortionist at Fort Worth Planned Parenthood to resign at end of 40 Days campaign

By Tony Gutiérrez that this abortionist did not quit his working together to bring about Associate Editor job due to a change of heart. He quit change. because of the inconvenience pressed “If you try to act without prayer As a result of new regulations put upon him by a change in the law,” or pray without action, it’s not going in place by the Sonogram Bill passed wrote Jeff Williams, communications to happen,” he said. by the Texas Legislature in its last director for 40 Days for Life in Fort Diocesan Catholics Respect Life session, the abortionist who performs Worth in an e-mail sent to prayer Director Chanacee Ruth-Killgore said abortions at Planned Parenthood at volunteers, urging continued prayers she was grateful for the temporary 301 S. Henderson St. in Fort Worth for the abortionist’s conversion. victory and encouraged continued resigned his position on Nov. 5 one “ W hen we s end out g u ide l i ne s for prayer. day before the end of the 40 Days for praying, we include the abortionist, the “It’s the fruit of so many people’s Life campaign, temporarily ending nurses, the guards, the administrators, hard work, and it’s a blessing to have surgical abortions being performed and everyone that’s a part of the these people in our diocese who are at that location. abortion industr y here in Fort Worth, willing to commit to contact their The 75-year-old abortionist that they’ll turn from the evil of representatives and to commit to traveled from Tyler to perform surgical abortion and seek out mercy, healing, prayer,” she said. “It’s important to abortions on Thursdays and Fridays and forgiveness,” Williams said in an encourage continued prayer and each week, every other Wednesday, interview. efforts in advocacy.” and the second and fourth Saturdays The Planned Parenthood facility Pelletier said he and others would of the month. Because the regulations is one of three surgical abortion facilities be forming an Every Day for Life required that women seeking abortions outside of hospitals in Fort Worth. The campaign to maintain the prayerful have a face-to-face consultation with other two, Whole Woman’s Health presence after the 40 Days campaign the surgeon and ultrasound at least on South Main Street, and West ended. 24 hours prior to the procedure, the Side Clinic on Las Vegas Trail, are “I told the people at the rally, abortionist had to travel an extra two still performing abortions. Pelletier ‘They will be killing babies on day 41; days to be able to sta r t doing abor tions said before the Planned Parenthood stick with us.’” a s soon a s he a rrived on the designated abortionist’s resignation, the three For more information, contact abortion days, said Chuck Pelletier, facilities were collectively performing Pelletier at [email protected] director of Mother and Unborn Baby up to 200 surgical abortions per week. requesting information specifically Care in Fort Worth. Pelletier emphasized the power about sidewalk counseling or Every “One thing to keep in mind is of prayer and the legislative efforts Day for Life. PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Bishop Vann will lead Pastoral Provision priests and leaders of Anglican Pastoral Provision, Catholic faith communities, react to news of Anglican work with Ordinariate FROM PAGE 1 mer Anglican ministers can become Ordinariate and Bishop Vann's appointment Catholic priests, sponsored by a di- Faith. As the Congregation’s delegate, ocesan bishop. The process includes By Tony Gutiérrez Bishop Vann is responsible for the the gathering of information by the Associate Editor on-going work and application of the candidate and his sponsoring bishop Former Episcopalian priests who Pastoral Provision in the United States. concerning his suitability for ordina- have been received into the Catholic Along with announcement of tion. This information is then sub- Church over the years expressed joy Bishop Vann’s appointment, Cardi- mitted to the Holy See. In addition, following the Nov. 15, announcement nal Wuerl also announced that the academic assessment and certification of Bishop Kevin Vann’s appointment Personal Ordinariate for Anglicans of each candidate is conducted by a as Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Pas- in the United States for entering into theological faculty designated by the toral Provision in the United States, full communion with the Catholic Ecclesiastical Delegate. and that the Personal Ordinariate for Church will be erected on the So- The Pastoral Provision was former Anglicans in the U.S. would lemnity of Mary, Mother of God, created by the Holy See in 1980 in be established Jan 1, 2012. January 1, 2012. response to requests from Episcopal Bishop Vann succeeds Arch- Cardinal Wuerl was named as priests and laity who were seeking bishop John Myers of the Archdiocese Vatican Congregation for the Doc- full Communion with the Catholic of Newark, New Jersey, in this role, trine of the Faith's delegate and the Church. Cardinal Bernard Law a nd w i l l a s si s t for mer Prote s t a nt m i n- head of an ad hoc committee of U.S. served as the first delegate. He was isters, most of whom come from the bishops to lead efforts in the United appointed as the Ecclesiastical Del- Anglican tradition, to receive Holy States to incorporate Anglican egate in 1981. Archbishop Myers was Orders in the Catholic Church. The groups into the Catholic Church in the second delegate in 2003. Bishop Ordinariate, under the direction of September 2010. Bishop Vann and Vann is the third delegate. Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic con- Worcester, Massachusetts Bishop Since implementation of the stitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, will Robert McManus are members of Pastoral Provision, approximately 100 allow former Episcopalians in the Former Anglican priest Timothy Perkins shares his joy at being received into the Catholic Church with the ad hoc committee. men have been ordained as Catholic U.S. to come into the Church and members of St. Peter the Rock community, Sept. 25, in St. Patrick Cathedral. That day 24 members of The ad hoc committee has priests, seven personal parishes or still retain much of their liturgical their community were received into the Roman Catholic Church. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) assisted the Congregation for the communities have been established, heritage and patrimony. Doctrine of the Faith in assessing the and a B o ok of D ivin e Wo r ship has been “ T he ne w s t h at Bi s hop Va n n w a s Perkins said he has been encour- Father James Hart, pastor of level of interest for establishment of authorized. appointed Ecclesiastical Delegate, aged by not only the members within St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in a Personal Ordinariate for Anglican For more information about the I couldn’t think of a better bishop his community, but by other Catholics Keller, who was ordained under the groups in the United States. Pastoral Provision, go to: http://www. for that job,” said Charles Hough, a as well. Pastoral Provision in 1996, said it was T he U. S . C on ferenc e of C at hol ic pastoralprovision.org. former Episcopalian priest who was “People are encouraged, en- a great honor for Bishop Vann to be Bishops describes the Anglican Or- Twenty-four Fort Worth area among 24 members of the St. Peter the thused, and inspired by what’s going appointed Ecclesiastical Delegate. dinariate as follows: As “geographic Anglicans were received into full com- Rock community who were received on,” he said. “I think they see the fruit “It’s a big responsibility. He’s regions similar to dioceses but typi- munion with the Catholic Church into the Catholic Church Sept. 25 of of God in this.” been so very much involved in the cally national in scope. Parishes in during a Mass of Reception on Sep- this year. “He’s in a diocese with a long Hough said that he, Perkins, and affairs with Episcopalians in this these ordinariates are to be Catholic tember 25, 2011 at Fort Worth’s St. history with the Pastoral Provision,” Hough’s son, Charles Hough, VI, also diocese, simply because this area is yet retain elements of the Anglican Patrick Cathedral. Hough continued, “and has an excel- a former Episcopalian priest, have all the area from which most of them heritage and liturgical practices. They Bishop Kevin W. Vann presided lent relationship with the Episcopal b e en a c c epte d i nto St . M a r y S em i n a r y come,” he said. are to be led by an ‘Ordinary,’ who at the Mass of Reception during Diocese of Fort Worth.” in Houston, where they will begin a Fr. Hart also added that the will have a role similar to a bishop, which the former Episcopalians were Hough is one of three spiritual si x- to n i ne -mont h prog r a m of pr ie s t ly apostolic constitution was a “very but who may be either a bishop or received into the Catholic Church. leaders for the community which had formation in January. generous, gracious, and truly gospel- a priest.” The new Catholics have come from been meeting at the diocesan Catholic Though these men are at the or iente d out re a c h of t he Holy Fat her While Bishop Vann’s work as four A ng lic a n pa rishes in t he Greater Center until recently. The commu- beginning of their journey toward to those in the Anglican Commu- Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Pas- Fort Worth region. The Anglicans are nity is divided into three fellowships: ordination as Catholic priests, the Dio- nion... As head of the Congregation toral Provision is distinct from the some of the first to enter the Catholic St. John Vianney in Cleburne, which cese of Fort Worth has several priests for the Doctrine of the Faith, [then- Personal Ordinariate, Cardinal Wil- Church after the Universal Church Hough leads; St. Peter the Rock in who have already received Holy Orders Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger] was liam Levada, Prefect of the Congre- responded to Anglicans who sought Arlington, led by Timothy Perkins, under the Pastoral Provision. In inter- very instrumental in overseeing the gration for the Doctrine of the Faith, union with Catholics. another former Episcopalian priest; views with the North Texas Catholic, Pastoral Provision, and it was under communicated to Bishop Vann that Bishop Vann, who has been the and Blessed John Henry Newman they expressed their own excitement his purview that I was received into it will be important to ensure that bishop of the Catholic Diocese of in Keller, led by Louis Tobola, also at the news of the establishment of the the Church.” effective lines of communications Fort Worth since July 13, 2005, also a former Episcopalian priest who is new ordinariate and Bishop Vann’s Father David Bristow, pastor and cooperation exist between the is the USCCB Episcopal Liaison to still in the process of coming into the appointment as Ecclesiastical Delegate of St. Mary of the Assumption Par- Pastoral Provision Office and the the Catholic Health Association and Catholic Church with the members for the Pastoral Provision. ish on the near South Side of Fort Ordinariate. a member of the USCCB Committee of his fellowship. “We’re excited. It’s simply a time Worth, who was ordained under Bishop Vann said he is humbled on Migration and the Committee on Hough said he hopes the three of thanksgiving,” said Father Allan the Pastoral Provision in 1998, to succeed Archbishop Myers. Canonical Affairs. At the state level, fellowships will plant the seeds for Hawkins, pastor of St. Mary the Virgin said he was excited just to renew “I have known of the important Bishop Vann is a leader at the Texas new parishes in the Ordinariate once Parish in Arlington, which is the only his friendships with other former work and blessing of the Pastoral Conference of Bishops and provides it is established. Anglican Use parish in the diocese Episcopalian priests with whom Provision for many years, especially leadership for various initiatives “We’re fully Catholic, but we’re and hosted the national Anglican Use he had served. in the Diocese of Fort Worth,” Bishop which includes serving as the Texas bringing with us a heritage the Holy Conference this summer. “I was an Episcopalian priest Vann said. “I am grateful for the op- Bishops’ Liaison to the Texas Mission Father thinks is going to be a great “I spent my life working toward for a long time (25 years),” he said. portunity to serve in this important Council and to the Catholic Hospitals value to the Church,” Hough said. this,” said Fr. Hawkins, who was or- “A lot of men who will be coming in capacity for the life of the Church in of Texas Association and, with Lub- “It’s the culmination of the Oxford dained under the Pastoral Provision through the Ordinariate are friends the United States.” bock Bishop Placido Rodriguez, on Movement. All of us have prepared for in 1994. “At 14, I realized the need of mine, and it will be a very happy The Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Tri-Conference Committee of full reunion, and this allows this to for unity within the Church, and for day for me to be close to them again the Pastoral Provision administers Bishops, Men and Women Religious happen. The Holy Father is reaching Anglicans, that meant reunion with the way we were when we were the process by which married, for- of the State. out to Anglicans, including myself.” Rome.” Episcopalian.” NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 21 Bishops' Meeting Ordinariate will provide a bridge for former Anglicans FROM PAGE 1 The physical location of its may be led by a priest, who will have in the United States by the Holy See, and historic matter has been a blessing offices will be determined after the a role similar to a bishop, according was announced by Cardinal Donald as well.” Cardinal Wuerl told reporters ordinariate is erected. Cardinal Wuerl to the background material. An Wuerl Tuesday, will oversee this Congregations that wish to after the session with the bishops that sa id he a ssu med t hat a n ord ina r y w il l ordinary who is not a bishop will not process of screening and formation become a part of the ordinariate. Anglican parishes with a total of about be named at that time. be allowed to ordain priests, however. in the U.S. Bishop Vann succeeds Cardinal Wuerl continued, will go 2,000 members have so far asked to “I remain convinced that this So, Cardinal Wuerl explained, Newark Archbishop John J. Myers through a program of catechesis become part of the Catholic Church ordinariate will be a true expression of ordinations for the ordinariate may who has served as Ecclesiastical based on the United States Catholic through the process established in the Catholic Church because of your need to be done by “one of us” until Delegate since 2003, Bishop Vann Catechism for Adults. 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI engagement in the steps leading up to the ordinariate has its own bishop. assumes the office immediately. A great many details remain to issued an apostolic constitution, the acceptance of the candidates for Cardinal Wuerl did not say where Responding to the announcement be decided about how the ordinariate Anglicanorum coetibus. Cardinal ordination and for your involvement the Anglican communities seeking to of h i s app oi nt ment , Bi s hop Va n n s a id , will function, he added. Parishes Wuerl was named by the Vatican to in the catechetical formation of the become Catholic are located. Two “I have been blessed to work closely in the ordinariate will have the head an ad hoc committee for the members of the congregation seeking suc h p a r i s he s h ave a l re a dy c omple te d with Archbishop Myers (who is a option of using either The Book of constitution’s implementation. membership in the ordinariate,” he the transition, one in Fort Worth long-time friend) as the Ecclesiastical Divine Worship, a Vatican-approved The constitution authorizes the said. “Your involvement is one of the (For more information on the Fort Delegate for the Pastoral Provision. I liturgical text based upon Anglican creation of an ordinariate to bring in guarantees of the well-being of the Worth Anglican community members’ have also had the blessing and liturgies, or the Roman Missal used Anglicans, or Episcopalians as they ordinariate as it is established and reception into the Catholic Church experience, as diocesan bishop, of in other Catholic churches. are known in the United States, begins to receive both clergy and Sept. 24, see www.fwdioc.org/ntc/ ministering with, and getting to Questions raised by bishops who seek to leave their tradition and congregations.” Pages/AnglicansReceived.aspx), and know, our communities and priests after Cardinal Wuerl’s presentation join the Catholic Church but retain The U.S. ordinariate will be the the other in Bladensburg, Maryland, of the Pastoral Provision. touched on issues such as whether certain elements of the Anglican second one created under Anglicanorum which were accepted in ceremonies A special mention of gratitude the newly ordained priests of the liturgy and traditions. coetibus. The Ordinariate of Our Lady in September and October. They will ne e d s to b e m a de of For t Wor t h Bi s hop Anglican ordinariate might be The process was established to of Walsingham was established for become a part of the new ordinariate Joseph Delaney and his work with the available to help out in other parishes accommodate whole congregations England and Wales in January of when it is established, though for individuals and priests who made this and vice versa, such as for priests on who choose to join the Catholic this year. It is led by Msgr. Keith now they come under the jurisdiction journey in past years,” Bishop Vann vacation; and whether parishioners of Church after they have become Newton, a former Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth and continued. “In many ways, they Catholic churches would be free to disaffected with the Anglican Church who is married and was ordained the Archdiocese of Washington, were ‘pioneers’ in this movement of participate in the Anglican parishes. over recent changes, such as the a Catholic priest. It includes about respectively. faith, which certainly has its roots in The answer to both questions ordination of women, the ordination 1,000 individuals in 42 communities. A Vatican-approved pastoral Cardinal Newman and the Oxford was yes. Priests working across of openly gay priests, and blessing of Its priests include five former provision has since 1980 provided Movement, reflecting the words of ordinariate lines, so to speak, would same-sex marriages and partnerships. Anglican bishops, according to a way for individual Protestant the Lord in St. John’s Gospel ‘that all need permission from the bishop or Cardinal Wuerl’s announcement background information distributed clergymen to be ordained for U.S. may be one.’ I believe that this practical ordinary, as currently is required in the final hour of the public by the USCCB. Catholic dioceses. It also allows a nd p a s tor a l e x p er ienc e ,” Bi s hop Va n n when priests work in other dioceses, portion of the annual meeting The Catholic Church does not A n g l ic a n p a r i s he s to b e c ome C at hol ic said, “will be a great assistance to me Cardinal Wuerl said. in Baltimore brought immediate allow married priests — whether parishes. Three have done so and in the coming years. I would also say Contributing to this article was Jeff logistical questions, such as the those in Eastern rites that allow priests are referred to as “Anglican use” that the support and encouragement of Hensley, editor of the NORTH TEXAS relationship between the ordinariate to be married, or former clergy from communities, according to the Bi s hop s’ C on ferenc e i n t h i s i mp or t a nt CATHOLIC. — which will cover the entire U.S. — other churches who have become background material. and the dioceses in which the former Catholic — to become bishops. The Anglicanorum coetibus Anglican priests will live. Therefore, the new ordinariate applies to the entire world and allows A n g l ic a n c om mu n it ie s to b e re c eive d into the Catholic Church through new ordinariates instead of through existing dioceses. U.S. Catholics may be familiar with an ordinariate in the form of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, an ordinariate which serves U. S . m i l it a r y c h apl a i nc ie s a rou nd t he world. Its offices are in Washington, and it is headed by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio. In addition to the approvals by the Vatican, the background checks and psychological evaluations, the candidates for ordination as Catholic priests also will go through a program of priestly formation approved by the Vatican, Cardinal Wuerl said. Bishop Vann pays off World Series bet The program is based at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, either on- St. Louis Archbishop RobertCarlson tips his hat in gratitude to the camera Nov. 14, the first day of the campus or through the university’s Fall Bishops' Meeting in Washington. Bishop Kevin Vann, had just handed him the Stetson, part of his distance-learning program, he said, payoff on the bet the two had made on October's World Series. Bishop Vann of course bet that the and should take six to nine months Texas Rangers would defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the seven-game Series. The good-natured bet to complete. also involved "genuine Texas barbecue," and $10 for every run scored throughout the series to be paid Bishop Kevin Vann of the to the winning team's local Catholic Charities. Had the Rangers won the Series, Bishop Vann would Diocese of Fort Worth, whose have received a sampler of St. Louis local favorites including toasted ravioli, pretzels, beer, and root appointment as the Ecclesiastical beer, and a Cardinals' cap. (CNS Photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) Delegate for the Pastoral Provision PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011

Photo by Michael McGee / North Texas Catholic Bishop Vann reflected that the presence of the cemetery Photo by Michael McGee / North Texas Catholic adjacent to the parish is a reminder of the communion the Photo by Michael McGee / North Texas Catholic Photo courtesy of Jerry Smith A sketch of the original church building. faithful share wih those who have gone before them. A reception was held in the Knights of Columbus Hall following the Nov. 5 centennial Mass. A picture of the front of the church today. St. Boniface Church celebrated its centennial anniversary of serving 100 : the people of Scotland, Texas, with a Mass and reception Nov. 6 By Jenara Kocks Burgess Scotland. His paternal grandfather’s home, Correspondent which still stands across from the church, is a landmark, and was the rectory for St. Boniface St. Boniface Church in Scotland, Texas, priests beginning in 1941 for many years. celebrated 100 years as a church reveling in “And I was born here., my parents were its identity as the “Jewel of the Prairie” with a married here in Scotland, and I was baptized Centennial Mass and lunch Nov. 6. here. We moved to Muenster in 1926, but my Bishop Kevin Vann — who celebrated fat her kept his business here for ma ny yea rs. He the Mass with Father David Kraeger, TOR, owned a store here. My mother was a school pastor of St. Boniface and St. Mary Church teacher,” he said. in Windthorst, Father Jerome Ward, and St. Boniface Cemetery, which is behind Monsignor Tom Weinzapfel — said during his the church, was established the same year as the homily that the light that streams through the church, in 1911, and the first burial took place in beautiful stained-glass windows of St. Boniface 1912. Over the past 100 years, parishioners have are a reminder of the church’s nickname, “Jewel been its caretakers, including the oldest living of the Prairie.” parishioner to attend the centennial celebration, “A jewel is something that can reflect light, 92-year-old Hugo Teichman, according to the where maybe, it could not be seen before,” said history book. Bishop Vann in his homily. “That is all of you Bishop Vann took a walk in the cemetery Photo by Michael McGee / North Texas Catholic — the living jewels. This family of faith has St. Boniface was at full capacity at a special centennial Mass held Sunday, Nov. 6. Bishop Kevin Vann celebrated the Mass, and before Mass and noted during his homily reflected the light of Christ to all here for all of was assisted by current pastor Father David Kraeger, TOR, Father Jerome Ward, and Monsignor Tom Weinzapfel, who was that November has been called the month of these years — in good times and in bad,” he said. born in Scotland and baptized in the parish. the faithful departed since at least the ninth At the end of Mass, Fr. David Kraeger century because it begins with All Saints Day thanked the parish members for all the hard cemetery was later replaced by a decorative metal lifetime Scotland resident, expressing her and All Souls Day. work, which he said they had done on their own, fence encompassing the church and cemetery. gratitude, “that the Bishop has allowed a priest “That reflects for us, our communion with asking only a few questions of him. The fence was replaced in 2005 with its present to come from Windthorst, so that we can have all who have gone before us marked with the The centennial book committee members black iron fencing intersected with rock columns Mass on all the special occasions, funerals, and sign of faith as, the liturgy says. That truly is were among those who helped. They met every at spaced intervals by Pauline Vieth, the late weddings. exemplified here,” he said, “through the care Monday night for a year and a half to compile mother of Margaret Smith in memory of her “And we just hope and pray that it will of your cemetery, especially this month, where the church’s history, said Mary Baumer, one of husband and Smith’s father, Frank Vieth. always be here for our children,” she said. your loved ones who have built this community the members. Agnes McDonald, Chris Hemmi, The interior of St. Boniface still features Both the parents of Stallcup and her of faith await the resurrection on the last day.” Margaret Smith, Jerry Smith, Pat Hemmi, the original side altars, stained-glass windows, husband, Harold, can trace their family tree The saints are also memorialized through Patsy Stallcup, and Jane Hemmi were the other statues, stations of the cross, pews, altar base, back to Scotland’s first settlers. Patsy’s father the church’s many beautiful original statues, centennial book committee members. parts of the communion railing, and chandelier. Herman Frerich and grandfather J.B. Frerich which arrived on a train from Henrietta after The books were sold for $5 at the Knights Jerry Smith, whose wife Margaret is a were both postmasters of the Scotland Post their long journey from Italy. of Columbus Hall afterward during the Scotland native, said during the last renovation Office. Parishioners, including one of the nuns anniversary lunch. in 2009, which was in preparation for the Patsy Stallcup’s mother, Eleanor Baumhardt from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Construction on St. Boniface began in centennial, they tried to restore the interior to Frerich, played the organ for the church for 67 who taught school and religion at the church 1910 and was completed in 1911 at a cost of its original appearance by replacing plywood years. She only quit three years ago because of until 1952, once witnessed the Blessed Mother $10,000, according to the St. Boniface Catholic in the sanctuary with decorative pressed metal her failing eyesight. And at 90 years of age, in the Pieta statue crying, which is noted in a Church 1911-2011 history book. tiles. The body of the church had always been Eleanor attended the celebration as the oldest book on miracles called, Signs, Wonders, and “I think it’s important to celebrate it [the pressed metal, according to the church history. living woman parishioner. “She was at the Response by A lb er t J. Heb er t , SM . M a r y B au mer centennial] because it reminds everybody of Other improvements in 2009 included new church constantly. She devoted all that to the had a copy of the book on display during the their heritage and all the different changes carpet throughout, a fresh coat of paint, and Blessed Mother,” Stallcup said. “My mom has celebration lunch. that have taken place in the church, said Pat refurbishing of the pews and kneelers. a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.” “I’m so proud of our ancestors — for the Hemmi, who has lived in Scotland with her Bishop Joseph P. Lynch, bishop of what During his homily, as Bishop Vann sacrifices they made for this church, and that husband Bill for 41 years. Her husband’s family was then the Diocese of Dallas consecrated and thanked everyone who helped with the we are able to be here today,” said Edna Krahl, is from Scotland. “But really, our church, is dedicated the church on June 11, 1913. Before celebration and attended, including the three as she looked at the church memorabilia on basically the same. And that’s what I like about the church was built, the people of Scotland priests who concelebrated the Centennial Mass display at the Knights of Columbus Hall during it,” she added. attended Mass in Windthorst or at the school with him, singling out Msgr. Tom Weinzapfel, fellowship after the Mass. The history book confirms that the in Scotland every three months when Father whom he called a close friend. He noted that Four generations of her family have been church kept its original appearance over the P.H. Kline came from Henrietta. According to Msgr. Weinzapfel was a link to the history of baptized at St. Boniface, she said. Krahl, who years despite several renovations. The biggest the Scotland history, the parish enthusiastically the St. Boniface parish family. is from Windthorst, and her husband, Robert differences in the exterior are the shorter welcomed Fat her Ferd ina nd Schie ssel, by tra in Msgr. Weinzapfel, who has been a priest William, who is from Scotland, met while steeple, brick siding, and the rock columns. from Henrietta on Sept. 22, 1911. for 65 years and also attended the fellowship witnessing a wedding at the church. And the fence, which was originally wooden “I feel very blessed that we still have our after the Mass, said his mother’s father, J. H. “I just love our church. I feel so close to and separated the church grounds from the Catholic church here,” said Patsy Stallcup, Meurer, sold off the 60,000 acres that became God there,” she said. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 23 MSU students and alumni celebrate 25 years of campus ministry

By Jenara Kocks Burgess Correspondent

n Oct. 22 and 23, Midwestern State OUniversity's Catholic Campus Center in Wichita Falls celebrated its 25th year of bringing the Light of Christ to the campus. “I really have a hard time putting into words how meaningful being here with the students is,” said Debbie Neely, who has been the MSU CCC director for the past 11 years. "I could have never imagined the life and the light that come through this building with the students," she said. Photo by Jenara Kocks Burgess / North Texas Catholic Alumni of Midwestern State University's Catholic Campus Center gathered with Sacred Heart pastor Father Hoa Nguyen, who celebrated the 25th anniversary Mass at the center Oct. 23.

The MSU CCC celebrated its 25th campus for the ministry, Pliska kept cardboard college students coming and just to know there anniversary with an open house Saturday file box drawers in her car, met with students in are other people in the U.S. and throughout afternoon, Oct. 22 and a tailgate party before rooms at the MSU student center, taught Bible the world who are Catholic and to be able the MSU Homecoming game the same day. At and theology courses at the Methodists' Wesley to connect and bond with them,"said Travis the anniversary Mass Sunday, Oct. 23 every Foundation, typed memos at Our Lady Queen Aponte, a 2007 MSU graduate with a criminal seat in the center was filled. of Peace Church's office, and held barbecues for justice degree. Aponte works as a civilian police Father Hoa Nguyen, who celebrated the students in public parks and in her back yard. officer at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita anniversary Mass, is pastor of Sacred Heart In January 1986, ground was broken to Falls. He attended the anniversary with his wife Church in Wichita Falls, and is frequently construct the MSU Catholic Campus Center. Rachel, a 2006 MSU graduate. involved in activities in support of the Sunday Sept. 28, 1986, the MSU CCC was Because many of the students are from M idwe s ter n C at hol ic C om mu n it y. I n h i s hom i ly opened and dedicated by then Bishop Joseph other countries and often volunteer for the he said that MSU CCC's 25th anniversary Delaney and former MSU President Dr. Louis center's music ministry, the MSU CCC Mass celebration was important for one reason: Rodriguez. music has an international flavor as songs Photo courtesy of MSU CCC "To continue to bring the presence of God The building, which cost about $200,000, and instruments native to these international The late Bishop Joseph Delaney blesses the inside of the Midwestern in the midst of this university and to carry out was built with funds provided by the Sharing students' countries are beautifully incorporated. State University Catholic Campus Center during the new building's the mission of Christ when He came here on in Ministry diocesan fund, according to an A lot of the music at the 25th anniversary Mass dedication in September 1986. Earth." article in the Nov. 7 1986 issue of the North was very upbeat with the use of the bele drum Fr. Nguyen said that in the second Texas Catholic. and tambourine punctuating the songs. reading for that day, St. Paul commends the Neely, who became the MSU CCC director Over the years, the Wichita Falls Thessalonians for imitating the disciples' in 2000, is one of the only three ministers that community has been an integral part of the example and being a light to the world for those the facility has had over the last 25 years. Pliska Catholic Campus Center. Several parishioners who do not yet know God. He said St. Paul and Mary Rak were the other two. from both Our Lady Queen of Peace Church is not only talking to the Thessalonians but Neely said the students definitely have and Sacred Heart Church attended the 25th to the Church today — that all the members "hearts for service" and have helped with the anniversary Mass. The priests who celebrate must live their lives with the purpose to be that Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Habitat for the Masses on Sunday evening are always from beacon of light for the world. Humanity, Texoma Christian Care Center, surrounding parishes. Three generous men "We have to ask ourselves, is the existence of North Texas State Hospital in Wichita Falls and from Our Lady Queen of Peace in Wichita t he C C C m a k i n g a d i f ferenc e at t h i s u n iver sit y ? the ARC, as well as putting on confirmation Falls designed and handcrafted the tabernacle. If it is only for us to gather together, to have fun retreats for rural area Catholic churches. Christ the King Church in Iowa Park donated and enjoy ourselves, it would have no effect on The students went on two mission trips to the altar and ambo in 2006. Sacred Heart the university, and I would think we should shut Mexico in May 2009 and 2010, and plan to help Church was the site of the Midwestern State it down because it would not mean anything. with the rebuilding of Joplin, Missouri, along University Catholic Campus Center’s first But rather, our existence here is to become that with another Catholic Campus Ministry called Awakening retreat, an endeavor that involved beacon, to become a place of hope, to become Team Matthew 25 this summer, Neely said. 37 retreatants and more than 80 student staffers that space where we are always reaching out to And the university has recognized all of in April of this year, Neely said. those who are less fortunate so we can connect that service by awarding the MSU CCC the "I think so many little and big moments with them." James L. Stewart service award in 2003, 2005, of grace have happened over the years and to Photo courtesy of MSU CCC According to the book, Sacred Heart 2007, 2009, and 2011. celebrate that and honor the tradition that is MSU CCC students take a day trip to the Wichita Mountains near Parish: 100 Years of Growth and Service edited "I t h i n k it's n ic e to h ave some t h i n g here for being continued is very important," Neely said. Lawton, Oklahoma, in Spring 2002. by Max Kintner, Catholic Campus ministry at MSU began sometime in the early 1970s with the "Newman Club." Masses were sometimes celebrated at the Episcopal School chapel across the street from the university, and meetings were held in the home of one of the club's first presidents, David Wegman, or the Methodist Wesley Foundation adjacent to the campus. In 1983, the Diocese of Fort Worth hired the first full-time campus minister to serve

MSU, Mary Pliska, according to Kintner’s book. Photo courtesy of MSU CCC Photo courtesy of MSU CCC Since the diocese did not have a building on Construction on the Midwestern State University Catholic Campus Center begins in early 1986. Members of the CCC's leadership pose for a photo after earning the MSU John L. Stewart service award in 2005. PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011

we included them,” Felicia said of the Eppes said. “They still see their lives new book repository and study center as one of mission.” Maryknoll… eventually built. “The parishioners The work and accomplishments helped build it. We (through donations of bu i ld i n g i n B ol iv i a were si g n i f ic a nt , FROM PAGE 32 and the like here in the States) provided but, Jason said, the ultimate motive the financial resources. They provided was to proclaim and live the Gospel Answering the call the labor.” in solidarity with the people. And in doing so, the community The most important element The Gehrigs began their journey claimed ownership to its new gemstone. — especially with the teenagers they to mission with a short-term, seven-day Jason Gehrig’s water projects had encountered — Jason said, was to “help mission trip through the Christian the same Maryknoll mission blueprint, them realize that someone loves them. Foundation for Children and Aging including one in which the villagers Remind them of that relationship soon after their marriage in the late were required to contribute financially with Jesus.” 1990s. to the materials. And so it was that way when the Jason and Felicia Gehrig pray with their ABOVE: Maryknoll Father Gerald Kelly speaks “That sealed it for us,” said Felicia, The projects had dual objectives, Gehrigs found their friend Lydia. children during the Oct. 30 Mass. during the Oct. 30 Mass. who called her husband the catalyst of course. They needed to not only The Gehrigs stood by Lydia, and BELOW: Sister Patricia Ridgley, SSMN, director for hearing the call. “We both felt the be finished, but safeguards were in doing so extended help to so many margins, accompanying them in their of the Maryknoll Mission Education Center in Holy Spi r it c a l l i n g u s to do s ome t h i n g , ne c e s s a r y, to o, to en su re su s t a i n a bi l it y. others in her predicament. day-to-day lives. Dallas, speaks at the reception. to be with the people.” That included educating the people on A child study center in the “ We’re a l l c a l le d to m i s sion. S ome In Bolivia, where each of the maintaining the infrastructure. That community now serves 100 children give by going on missions — some of Gehrigs’ three children were born, sustainability is, Jason Gehrig said, ages 6 months to 4 years old. It provides us are called overseas, and others local, Felicia used her talents to teach in El “what makes me most proud.” food and education and is affordable and some both. Some give financially. Alto’s public school system, as a high The Gehrigs moved to Fort for parents, who can feel good about “But together we can all bring school English teacher and also in an Worth in 2007, but mission is their leaving their children there. about the Kingdom of God on earth.” elementary setting. way of life. Jason serves as a member Lydia, too, was able to get a job Anyone with an interest in “We went there with the idea ‘what of the Water Engineers for the there. learning more about the mission are the needs of the people?’ not about Americas, a small group of engineers “For me, mission is about of the Maryknoll Society should w h at ‘I ’ w a nt to do,” Fe l ic i a G e h r i g s a id . who advise Third World countries on relationship,” Felicia Gehrig said. “It’s contact Alfonso Mirabal, a mission The parish pastor pointed out the water projects. about being a good neighbor. educator at the Maryknoll Mission need for a new library to serve the needs Felicia has continued her vocation “Jesus was a good neighbor. Education Center of North Texas. of 15,000 parish youngsters. as a teacher, at St. George. Jesus was the ultimate missionary. He can be reached at (214) 821-4501 “We talked to the neighbors, and “They’re still doing great work,” He walked with people living on the or by email at [email protected]. Maryknoll history traces path of service in diverse locales By Dennis Sadowski The cause for sainthood is as much to honor the Maryknoll society’s WASHINGTON (CNS) — Two co-founder as it is to honor the priests, one common vision of mission significance of the American mission to the world. outreach, Fr. Walsh added. Father James A. Walsh, a priest “The Church is not fully itself from the Archdiocese of Boston who unless it is in mission,” he said. “In founded the Catholic Foreign Mission many ways Maryknoll represents the Bureau, and Father Thomas F. Price, a significant outreach of the American diocesan priest from North Carolina, Church.” both envisioned a U.S. Catholic As the Maryknoll presence grew mission to people around the world. in Asia, priests and sisters helped Their discussion during the 21st (CNS photo/courtesy of Maryknoll Mission Archives) establish new religious orders for International Eucharistic Congress in Father James A. Walsh women in China and Korea. In the Mont re a l i n 1910 le d to t hei r fou nd i n g midst of World War II, Maryknoll the Catholic Foreign Mission Society 1919 at age 59 from a burst appendix. priests expanded their ministries of America — now known as the Bishop Walsh died at Maryknoll to South America with missions in Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers — a headquarters north of New York Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. year later with the blessing of Pope City in 1936 at age 69, but his vision Maryknoll sisters soon followed Pius X. of American service as missionaries and also started ministries in Nicaragua Within a year the society around the world was being carried and Panama before the war ended. expanded to include religious women, out by new leaders. Ministry expansion continued the Maryknoll Sisters. Soon the For his work as co-founder of the along the way. In 1946, the order sent society accepted brothers and then Maryknoll society and a missionary, its first missionary priests to East Africa lay missionaries, who today serve in he is being promoted for sainthood to establish a mission in Tanganyika. 26 countries. by the order. A formal presentation Opportunities for ministry continued Maryknoll is observing its of his case is being prepared for the to grow through the 1990s with new centennial and is the U.S. church’s Archdiocese of New York. missions opening in Asia, Africa, Latin official missionary arm. Father Michael P. Walsh (no America, and the Pacific islands. Fr. Walsh, who was consecrated a relation), vice postulator of the One of the first missionaries in country. The following year Chinese work. In 1980, Sisters Ita Ford and bishop in 1933 in Rome, made his f irst sainthood cause, described Bishop China, Father James E. Walsh (also communists gained control of the Maura Clarke were among four jou r ne y to A si a i n 1917 to f i nd a m i s sion Walsh as “on fire” for American foreign no relation), became a bishop for the government and began harassing churchwomen killed in El Salvador field in China for priests of the order. missions. country in 1927. He originally arrived Catholic clergy. After a decade of during that country’s long, bloody He was given the mission of Yeungkong “The thing that set him apart was in China in 1918 with Fr. Price and struggle, Bishop James E. Walsh was civil war. and Loting. Before long Maryknoll had that in a sense he had great ambitions ministered there until the death of arrested and sentenced to 20 years in Over the decades, lay missioners missionary priests and sisters in Japan, for the American Church,” Fr. Walsh Bishop James A. Walsh, when he isolation in prison. He was released in have taken on an important role in Korea, and the Philippines. explained. “But in another sense returned to New York to head the 1970, after 12 years of imprisonment the Maryknoll community. The In 1918, Fr. Price followed Father there was nothing ambitious about Maryknoll order. and returned to the U.S. He died in first lay missioner, Dr. Harry Blaber, Walsh to China and was named him (outside of mission work). He The Vatican requested that he 1980 at age 90. volunteered in 1930. Today dozens of superior to three young priests at the discovered a remarkable trust that return to China in 1948 because of At least two other Maryknollers lay missioners serve the poor in diverse mission. He died in Hong Kong in God would provide.” his experience and knowledge of the were targeted for their religious communities around the world. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 25 PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“What sort of persons “Rejoice always. Pray ought you to be, conducting without ceasing.” yourselves in holiness — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” December 11, Third — 2 Peter 3:11-12 Sunday of Advent. Cycle B. Readings: 1) Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 December 4, Second Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 2) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Sunday of Advent. Gospel) John 1:6-8, 19-28 Cycle B. Readings: 1) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 2) 2 Peter 3:8-14 By Jeff Hensley Gospel) Mark 1:1-8 alking the shore of a local lake at dawn some years ago, I Wencountered a man in his mid-20s walking in the opposite direction. The sunrise was magnificent: golden yellows, pinks, and blues By Sharon K. Perkins mingling dramatically in the clouds. He was amazed. “I didn’t know sunrises like this existed,” he said. “I’d here is nothing like studying a foreign language to make one learn only seen them in paintings.” Tand appreciate how grammar works. I grew up speaking English as It was a gorgeous but very real masterpiece of a sunrise, and he was my native language, so I didn’t care all that much about English grammar impelled to tell someone else how magnificent it was, to share that — but when I studied Spanish in high school and Greek in college, I experience with another human being. figured out that certain parts of speech functioned differently than I at That’s what the new evangelization is like: each of us appreciating first thought. afresh the wonder that is the incarnation of Jesus, each of us unable to For example, the word “advent” means “coming” — and I always contain our joyful reaction to this great Good News. placed that word in the future tense. As in: “He’s coming to the restaurant The readings for this week’s joyful Gaudete Sunday of Advent are for dinner,” meaning that he’s not here yet but at some point he will be. full of excitement at Jesus’ coming birth. Isaiah anticipates the awaited With that rationale, “Christ is coming again” could be construed as some Messiah, the Lord’s anointed, who will be sent “to bring glad tidings to event in the future that really doesn’t affect me yet. So for anyone prone to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives … procrastination, understanding Christ’s promise in that way is simply an to announce a year of favor from the Lord.” invitation to postpone the personal change that conversion entails. Mary’s canticle, delivered on hearing the news that she would bear But Advent is not simply about preparing for some future occurrence. If God’s son, praises God’s gift of favor on her, his lowly servant. I really understand the word “coming” as a present participle (which it is), Then, in John’s Gospel, John the baptizer points toward the coming the “advent,” or “coming” of Christ, means that it is a continuous action. Savior as one who is already among the people, but whom they do not Advent reminds us not only that Christ will come again at the end of time recognize, one who is so great that John is unworthy to untie his sandal. (on a day and hour known only to the Father) but that Christ is breaking How can we not be filled with joyful anticipation, seeing anew how into human history — indeed, everyone’s story — all the time. As today’s great is the compassion and the salvation that is offered us by our God. epistle explains, there is really no “delay” on God’ part — thus, we should This same enthusiasm for the Gospel spread like wildfire among the always live our lives in expectation, always ready, like John the Baptist, to native peoples of the Americas in the 16th century after Mary appeared “prepare the way of the Lord.” Also, as is clear in both the first reading and to one of them as a young, pregnant Aztec woman in Aztec clothing. the Gospel, that preparation, first of all, entails repentance and restoration Millions of native people converted to Christianity as a result of that event of right relationship with God. in which Mary opened the door to the Gospel. Unlike human beings, God does not procrastinate or delay. Through Get ready. Soon we will celebrate Jesus’ first coming, even as we the Son, he continually reaches out in love to you and me. According to anticipate his second. He is among us even as we await him. Can we the grammar of faith, we need Advent as a reminder not to procrastinate in recognize him and point him out to others? our response to God’s invitation. QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: How can you live your life in charity toward others in a way that How have you “procrastinated” in your response to God’s invitation shows that Jesus is among us? How can you prepare yourself to be to conversion and change? How can this season of Advent strengthen ready to share this great Good News, lovingly, when the opportunity your resolve to prepare the way of the Lord in your life? presents itself? NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 27

Word to Life Readings Refl ections

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am “[He] is the refulgence of his the handmaid of the Lord. May glory, the very imprint it be done to me according to of his being.” your word.’” — Hebrews 1:3 — Luke 1:38

December 25, Solemnity December 18, of the Nativity of the Lord Fourth Sunday (Christmas). of Advent. Cycle B. Readings: Cycle B. Readings: 1) Isaiah 52:7-10 1) 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Psalm 98:1-6 Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 2) Hebrews 1:1-6 2) Romans 16:25-27 Gospel) John 1:1-18 Gospel) Luke 1:26-38

By Jean Denton By Jeff Hedglen ndy stood at the lectern practicing reading aloud the prayers of the Afaithful before Mass. His father stood at his side helping with a word remember the moment like it was yesterday. It was a realization I had here and there. Andy, 30, has several learning disabilities. Reading is no I fought against, denied whenever it was mentioned and resisted with easy task. But as a young man steeped in his faith and very much a part of every fiber of my being. In that not-as-horrifying-as-I-thought-it-would-be his church community, he was pleased to be invited to be a lector at Mass moment, I realized I was just like my dad. on this recent Sunday. When I was a boy, one of my jobs was to stand by my father while After his informal rehearsal, he appeared to be relaxed and ready. He he worked around the house fixing a car, repairing the lawnmower, or walked to the back of the sanctuary and took his place with the other lay building things in the garage. My role in each of these endeavors was ministers waiting to start the processional. Someone asked, “Are you all to get the tool he needed from the toolbox and then return it when we set?” finished, but I had to wipe the tool off before it was put back. Andy flashed a smile. “Yes,” he said, and then added, “but I might I silently hated doing this. After all, I had friends to play with and make a mistake.” Still smiling, he said this with no trace of apprehension, time to waste in the local woods. Why was I being taken away from these but just as a matter of fact. important tasks? It may have seemed unlikely that a man who has difficulty reading Fast-forward 15 years and find a young adult Jeff working on his could lead the assembly in public prayer. “How can this be?” he might have car. When I finished I wiped off all my tools as I returned them to the asked. But Andy fully trusted in his being chosen for his role. toolbox. As I watched myself doing this task, I froze mid-wipe and was In this weekend’s readings for the last Sunday of Advent, two people simultaneously mad at myself and a little proud. I simply could not believe chosen by God had questions about their crucial roles in his plan for that I had taken on the trait from my father that I had hated as a kid. Yet humankind. David was picked to lead God’s nation. Mary was called upon at the same time, I grudgingly admitted that I was glad I was like my dad. to bear the Son of the Most High into the world. Neither understood how Like it or not, we are a lot like our parents. This is true for all humans, it could possibly work out. But they trusted in the unfathomable power of including Jesus. The Letter to the Hebrews informs us, in this Christmas’s God and gave themselves to his purpose. second reading, that Jesus is the “very imprint” of his Father’s being. Jesus, As we prepare, this season, for Christ to enter our lives, the Scripture too, is just like his dad. This, of course, is the truth of the Incarnation and encourages us to have this same belief that we have found favor with him the impetus for all decking of halls, adorning of trees,kl;agj' and wrapping and to trust in his purpose and prepare well for the tasks, large and small, of presents. that he has for us. Jesus is the radiance of his Father and the very imprint of the Father’s Andy does. It was evident when his time came to read the prayers. His being. This radiance and imprint are passed along to us through our gentle, strong voice spoke out very slowly and with such care that everyone baptism. So in a very real way, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus we gathered, felt the full intention of each word prayed earnestly for all of us. celebrate the imprint of God on our soul. This may just be the best Christmas present of all.

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: To what role, large or small, do you believe God is calling you at this What are some ways you are just like your parents? Do any of these time? Do you have doubts about it? How can you prepare for the similarities surprise you? What characteristics do you share with task? God? PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Nuestro Pastor Habla Mientras estamos agradecidos por el regalo de la libertad religiosa que disfrutamos, la Nueva Evangelización se necesita en nuestro mundo moderno Queridos Hermanos y sigue siendo reiterado a menudo por nuestro experiencia de gracia y gozo. Nos hace actual Santo Padre Benedicto XVI, que sin fecundos, porque ensancha el corazón en Hermanas en Cristo, duda sigue reforzándolo. Sin embargo, se han la esperanza y permite dar un testimonio producido dos acontecimientos recientes que fecundo: en efecto, abre el corazón y la l mes de noviembre nos da mucho parecen estar acelerando la llegada de la Nueva mente de los que escuchan para acoger la para reflexionar y celebrar con Evangelización y señalan una necesidad aún invitación del Señor a aceptar su Palabra nuestras oraciones, no sólo como más urgente en nuestro mundo moderno de para ser sus discípulos. católicos, sino también como ciu- un nuevo y convincente testimonio de Cristo. — Carta Apostólica Fidei Porta, 7 Edadanos de este gran país nuestro. En primer E l pri mer e vento f ue c u a ndo el Papa B ene- lugar, el mes de noviembre es el mes en que dicto XVI estableció el nuevo Consejo pontificio Por tanto, el Año de fe no sólo nos permitirá recordamos a aquellos que “nos han precedido para la promoción de la nueva evangelización conocer más a fondo nuestra fe, sino también en el signo de la fe”. Comenzamos este mes con (Ubicumque et Semper). La creación de esta poder poner nuestra fe en acción. Este Año de fe la gran fiesta de Todos los Santos en el que se Consejo muestra que la nueva evangelización es nos animará a ser más profundamente radicados celebra la “gran nube de testigos” (Hebreos 12:1) una prioridad importante en la Iglesia, y la fun- en nuestra identidad católica y la misión, para que es la comunión de los santos en el cielo, ción del Consejo es proporcionar la orientación, que podamos ser testigos más eficaces de la y pedimos sus oraciones y su intercesión por apoyo, y recursos a la Iglesia para promover más presencia de Cristo, que está presente y activo nosotros, que somos la Iglesia en la tierra, aún cabalmente la nueva evangelización. Además, en el mundo a través de la Iglesia. continuando nuestra peregrinación de fe. La Monseñor Kevin Vann el Santo Padre pidió también que el tema de la Creo que también es muy importante que fiesta de Todos los Santos es única por ser una próxima Asamblea general del sínodo de obispos tratemos de mejor comprender cuál es la tarea celebración de todos los santos en el cielo, no en octubre fuera la Nueva Evangelización y y el trabajo de la Nueva Evangelización. Esto, sólo los que han sido oficialmente proclamados tan vibrante y en crecimiento, y de todo el buen su práctica. Tradicionalmente, cada Sínodo de por supuesto, será la obra del nuevo Consejo y santos por la Iglesia, sino por todos los santos trabajo en nuestra Diócesis para la edificación Obispos es seguido por un documento del Papa del Sínodo de obispos en octubre, pero a medida anónimos que están en el cielo, que pelearon del Cuerpo de Cristo, que no habría sido posible llamado Exhortación apostólica. En este caso el que avancemos aquí en los Estados Unidos y en la buena batalla y corrieron la carrera, y ahora sin su generosidad y dedicación. Papa Benedicto XVI escribiría sobre la Nueva nuestra iglesia local en Fort Worth, tenemos que disfrutan de la plenitud de la vida con el Señor También tenemos que recordar que el Día Evangelización. buscar la guía del Espíritu Santo para que nos en e l p a r a í s o. E s t a f ie s t a e s u n re c ord ator io p a r a de acción de gracias ha sido una parte de nuestro El segundo evento ocurrió el mes pasado ayude a discernir nuestro trabajo y actividades cada uno de nosotros — no importe nuestro patrimonio nacional, desde los comienzos de cuando el Papa Benedicto XVI pidió un Año en la Nueva Evangelización. estado y vocación en la Iglesia — de nuestro nuestra historia como nación, y es un día de de fe que se celebrará en toda la Iglesia desde Recientemente, el Cardenal Wuerl de la llamado a la santidad para llegar a ser santo. fiesta y tradición profundamente cristiana. El el 11 de octubre 2012 hasta finales de noviem- Arquidiócesis de Washington, DC dio una Al día siguiente, el 2 de noviembre, cele- Día de acción de gracias, como todos sabemos, bre del 2013. Este Año de fe corresponde con excelente conferencia a seminaristas en el bramos la fiesta de Todos los Santos en la que se remonta a algunos de los primeros colonos el 50º aniversario de la apertura del Concilio Seminario de la Inmaculada Concepción en recordamos de manera especial y oramos por europeos que emigraron a América del Norte. Vaticano II y también el 20º aniversario de la Huntington, Nueva York, que nos provee una las almas del Purgatorio o la Iglesia purgante Conmemoramos su gran fiesta de acción de promulgación del Catecismo de la Iglesia Cató- buena percepción. En su discurso, el Cardenal — esas almas que se purifican y se preparan gracias ofrecida a Dios por las bendiciones lica. En este Año de fe, el Santo Padre hace una Wuerl ve l a u r g enc i a de l a nue v a e v a n g e l i z a c ión pa r a l a v id a e ter n a en e l c ie lo. L a f ie s t a de To do s de vida, libertad, salud, y protección, al ellos invocación a la Iglesia a redescubrir una vez más como respuesta a la creciente amenaza del los Santos nos recuerda a nuestros hermanos y comenzar su nueva vida en el Nuevo Mundo. el don de nuestra fe, conforme a lo expresado secularismo y los crecientes intentos en negar hermanas en Cristo, que son uno con nosotros Por lo tanto, el Día de acción de gracias debe en los documentos del Concilio Vaticano II y las raíces cristianas de nuestro país y cultura. en el Cuer po de Cristo, la Ig le sia, que nec e sit a n seguir siendo lo mismo para nosotros hoy – un el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, para que a También ve la Nueva Evangelización como de nuestras oraciones y sacrificios para llevar a día donde tomamos tiempo para agradecerle través de una profunda renovación espiritual volver a proponer el Evangelio a una cultura cabo por la gracia de Dios su purificación final a Dios por las bendiciones de nuestras vidas, pueda surgir un serio compromiso a lo largo de que alguna vez tuvo, pero perdió, sus raíces para el cielo. De hecho, orar por los muertos nuestra fe, nuestro país y nuestra libertad de toda la Iglesia para una Nueva Evangelización. cristianas: y por las almas del purgatorio debe ser una vivir nuestra fe sin persecución o permisos. Afirma el Santo Padre: parte normal de nuestra vida católica, ya que es Ese don precioso de la libertad religiosa Lo que trae nueva urgencia a nuestra mi- parte de nuestra obligación de amar a nuestros en nuestro país es también un recordatorio “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Co 5, 14): si ón e s e l r e con o c im i e n t o d e c u á n e x t e n d i d o hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, especialmente para todos nosotros que tenemos la obligación, es el amor de Cristo el que llena nuestros y profundo es el nuevo secularismo ... A aquellos en el purgatorio, que dependen exclusi- como miembros de la Iglesia, de participar en corazones y nos impulsa a evangelizar. Hoy diferencia de los esfuerzos de evangelización vamente de nuestras oraciones y sacrificios para el mandato misionero que Cristo le dio a la como ayer, él nos envía por los caminos que comenzó con los apóstoles y continuó su transformación final en Cristo. Como tan a Iglesia — y cada uno de nosotros — de hacer del mundo para proclamar su Evangelio durante siglos con los misioneros saliendo a menudo rezamos en nuestra tradición católica: discípulos a todas las naciones. Cada miembro a todos los pueblos de la tierra (cf. Mt 28, tierras extranjeras, donde nunca se había de la Iglesia, en virtud de su bautismo, y al 19). Con su amor, Jesucristo atrae hacia sí oído hablar del Evangelio, la nueva evan- “Que el auxilio divino permanezca siempre convertirse en partícipes de la misión proféti- a los hombres de cada generación: en todo gelización comienza justo en los propios con nosotros. Y que por la Misericordia de ca de Cristo, está llamado a dar testimonio y tiempo, convoca a la Iglesia y le confía el patios de los creyentes, predicándole a “ los Dios, las almas de todos los fieles difuntos ser testigo del evangelio de Jesucristo a través anuncio del Evangelio, con un mandato que están convencidos de que ya conocen descansen en paz. Amén”. de nuestras acciones y palabras. Con todo que es siempre nuevo. Por eso, también la fe y no tiene ningún interés para ellos”. esto en mente, hemos oído mucho acerca de hoy es necesario un compromiso eclesial Noviembre para nosotros en los Estados la llamada a la nueva evangelización en la más convencido en favor de una nueva Además, el Cardenal Wuerl también señaló Unidos es también el mes de Acción de gracias. historia reciente de la Iglesia, y que la Iglesia, evangelización para redescubrir la alegría que varias décadas de una pobre catequesis y Quiero aprovechar esta oportunidad para de- mientras va entrando en el tercer milenio del de creer y volver a encontrar el entusiasmo una confusión teológica se ha traducido en un searles a todos un Día de acción de gracias lleno cristianismo, está en los albores de una era de de comunicar la fe. El compromiso misio- par de generaciones de católicos que están mal de bendiciones, pero sobre todo ofrecerles mi renovada evangelización y diálogo con el mundo nero de los creyentes saca fuerza y vigor catequizados y que necesitan que se les vuelva a más sincero agradecimiento a tantos de ustedes moderno. Esto, por supuesto, fue una de las del descubrimiento cotidiano de su amor, proponer la fe con una catequesis sólida y clara, por su dedicación y servicio para las parroquias, visiones principales del Concilio Vaticano II, y que nunca puede faltar. La fe, en efecto, que establece una base firme de lo que la Iglesia y su trabajo para la Diócesis. Todos debemos el llamado a una Nueva Evangelización, que crece cuando se vive como experiencia de estar muy agradecidos de estar en una diócesis fue repetido por el Beato Papa Juan Pablo II y un amor que se recibe y se comunica como CONTINUADA A LA DERECHA NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 29 Noticias de la Iglesia

El cardenal Gianfranco El papel de la Iglesia en ayuda de los inmigrantes Ravasi, presidente del Consejo pontificio para la cultura, observa mientras Tommy es indispensable, dice el obispo de Brownsville G. Thompson, ex secretario del Departamento de salud SAN ANTONIO (CNS) — Un la fuerza y el valor que solamente el y servicios humanos, da una charla en una conferencia de obispo católico dijo ante un públi- “Nunca podemos Señor puede dar”. co reunido en San Antonio que la “El remedio más permanente prensa sobre células madres Iglesia debe trabajar en favor de los actuar como si nuestra y efectivo que podamos ofrecer en en el Vaticano. (Foto CNS/ Robert Duncan) inmigrantes, predicar el evangelio y fe no tuviera nada que estos tiempos de prueba es lo que enfocarse en los jóvenes. ver con el bienestar siempre hemos hecho, solamente que Después de trazar el esquema de con mayor sentido de generosidad y la cambiante dinámica del fenómeno general de nuestros urgencia”, dijo el obispo. de la inmigración y la violencia, y de hermanos y hermanas “Necesitamos enseñar el Evan- referirse a algunos de sus efectos en y la comunidad más gelio, preparar a nuestro pueblo Vaticano se asocia con compañía para las comunidades locales, el obispo para los sacramentos, propiciar una amplia”. D a n ie l E . Flore s de Brow n s v i l le of re - experiencia real en comunión con discutir investigación con células madres ció su punto de vista sobre el papel Cristo y la iglesia, y darles a todas —Obispo Daniel Flores que tiene la Iglesia al percatarse de las generaciones que vienen detrás de CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) opiniones del Vaticano, dijo. Diocesis de Brownsville la realidad de las fronteras. nosotros el sentido del noble llamado — Las nuevas biotecnologías pre- Padre Tomasz Trafny, quien Y enfatizó la necesidad “de a ser valientes, amables, buenos, sentan preguntas en los campos de trabaja con el cardenal en asuntos de llamar la atención hacia el grito de realistas”. generosos y misericordiosos”. la medicina, la economía, la ética religión y ciencia, dijo: “Luchamos los inocentes que sufren”, y la tarea Y se refirió a esas leyes como un El obispo Flores les suplicó a los y la filosofía, y el Vaticano planifi- para encontrar el socio adecuado” de unir la vida de los jóvenes a la de motivo de vergüenza nacional “pues padres de familia que pasen tiempo caba evaluarlas todas durante una y, aunque NeoStem es un negocio, la iglesia. los funcionarios estatales y federales con sus hijos respectivos, diciendo conferencia de tres días dedicada “es uno que tiene una declaración Lo que llamó una ruina des- no pueden llegar a una solución total, que esos hijos son los que están en a la investigación usando células ética muy clara” de que no destruirá tructiva afecta a ambos lados de la cohesiva, humana y realista para la mayor riesgo, especialmente entre las madres. embriones humanos para obtener población del Río Grande, dijo, e actual crisis”. edades de los 11 o 12 años, pues a esa El Consejo pontificio para la células madres. hizo un llamado tanto dirigido a El obispo Flores dijo que la edad han venido siendo reclutados cultura se asoció con NeoStem, Inc., Las células madres tienen el po- los Estados Unidos como a México tendencia de secularización en los por los grupos criminales y de drogas. compañía estadounidense que inves- tencial de desarrollarse como muchos para que se luche en contra de la Estados Unidos significa que los Tales adolescentes (o niños) “to- tiga y mercadea terapias de células otros tipos de células y son usadas cultura de violencia y muerte que se esfuerzos hechos por personas reli- man la decisión de ganar dinero en madres adultas, para patrocinar la primordialmente para regenerar teji- ha apoderado de la zona fronteriza. giosamente motivadas que tratan de forma rápida y fácil o correr el riesgo conferencia internacional que había dos o sistemas dañados en el cuerpo. “Un pueblo justo distingue entre influir en el discurso nacional con de ser golpeados si deciden llevar una de llevarse a cabo del 9 al 11 de no- Ejecutivos de NeoStem dijeron que las el inocente y el culpable”, dijo, y “un frecuencia no son tomados en cuenta. vida de adolescente honesto e ir a la viembre, “Células madres adultas: células madres adultas están siendo gran pueblo generoso responde a la Sin embargo, dijo, “nunca po- iglesia, asistir a clases de educación ciencia y cultura del hombre y la usadas para tratar leucemia y otros súplica de la viuda y de los huérfanos, demos actuar como si nuestra fe no religiosa”, dijo. cultura”. cánceres, enfermedades cardiacas y de los que lloran la pérdida de un tuviera nada que ver con el bienestar “La violencia de las fronteras”, El cardenal Gianfranco Ravasi, desórdenes de autoinmunidad. hermano, sobrino o nieto”. general de nuestros hermanos y her- dijo, “no se relaciona simplemente presidente del consejo, dijo que en el Durante una conferencia de El obispo Flores habló en la manas y la comunidad más amplia”. con la seguridad en la línea de demar- campo moderno de la investigación pren s a en e l Vat ic a no e l 8 de nov iem- iniciación de un reciente simposio El obispo Flores exhortó a su cación entre dos naciones soberanas; se entrelazan todo tipo de intereses bre para discutir la reunión sobre las sobre inmigración en la institución público a no desesperar, diciendo también se sostienen luchas en las potenciales, incluyendo los servicios células madres, al cardenal Ravasi y al llamada Mexican American Catholic que ese sentimiento “drena los re- fronteras del alma que señalan la médicos y los intereses económicos. padre Trafny se les unió el Dr. Robin College. cursos humanos y espirituales de la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte, Buscando un socio para promover la L. Smith, principal oficial ejecutivo Y dijo que la Iglesia debe de gente”; en lugar de eso, los invitó “a la gracia y el pecado. La conciencia investigación y la discusión acerca de NeoStem, y Tommy G. Thomp- insistir en “que las leyes actuales de que se abrieran a la ancha corriente de un individuo de once años es el de las células madres adultas, el va- son, exsecretario del Departamento inmigración no son ni lo suficiente- de gracia que nos nutre a todos, principal campo de batalla en las ticano quería un colaborador cuyas de salud y servicios humanos de los mente humanas ni lo suficientemente para que podamos revestirnos con actuales guerras fronterizas”. prácticas éticas coincidieran con las Estados Unidos y candidato repu- blicano al senado por Wisconsin. Thompson, católico, dijo a reporteros que el descubrimiento de enseña y cree. Afirmó el cardenal de nuestra vida cotidiana y con la la diócesis que me ayudará a evaluar bién la nueva traducción del Misal las células madres, y la capacidad de que la Nueva Evangelización tiene gente que encontramos. nuestra realidad actual, y discernir Romano en inglés. Que este tiempo obtenerlas de embriones, creó “mu- que llegar a “aquellos que han sido Vivimos en un tiempo muy los “signos de los tiempos” para sea un gran momento de gracia y de cha confusión, mucho dolor, algo de bautizados pero no evangelizados de difícil y emocionante en la Iglesia, y ayudar a desarrollar algunas de las renovación en nuestras vidas y en promesa y mucha discusión”. verdad”... Estas son las personas que cada vez que hay grandes desafíos, el prioridades y la visión de avance en nuestras familias. Afortunadamente, dijo, la cien- fueron educadas en la fe, a menudo Señor siempre nos da grandes gracias los próximos cinco años. Habrá más cia ya ha comprobado la utilidad de recibieron sus sacramentos, pero para y dones. El próximo Año de fe es uno sobre esto después del Año Nuevo, las células madres adultas, las cuales quien “el Evangelio no quiere decir de esos grandes momentos de gracia pero quería pedirle por sus oraciones pueden curar humanos sin tener que nada en particular”. en tiempos difíciles, y será una gran para que el Espíritu Santo me guíe + Obispo Kevin W. Vann. JCD, DD destruir embriones humanos. Las palabras del Cardenal oportunidad para todos nosotros en este proceso, y me ayude como Diocesis de Fort Worth “Simplemente no creo que el Wuerl son importantes porque nos en la diócesis a redescubrir el don su Obispo, al igual que a los que hombre pueda diseñar algo superior a recuerdan que los campos de misión de nuestra fe católica, no sólo para me ayudan en mi oficio de enseñar, lo que el Buen Señor ya nos ha dado: para la Nueva Evangelización no nuestra propia relación con Cristo, santificar y gobernar. Espero poder nuestros cuerpos. Eso es lo que amo están necesariamente en algún país sino también para que podamos ver el plan del Señor para nuestra de esta ciencia y de esta conferencia; lejano, ni están llenos de personas crecer juntos en la comunión de la Diócesis y la obra que desea lograr es acerca de células madres adultas”, que nunca han conocido a Cristo. fe, para ser testigos más eficaces de en nuestra Iglesia local. dijo. La terapia usando células ma- L os c a mpos de misión pa ra la Nueva nuestra fe católica y embajadores de Mientras tanto, deseo que dres depende de “la sabiduría divina Evangelización están aquí y ahora, la Nueva Evangelización. ustedes tengan un Día de Acción dentro de nosotros para supercargar en nuestras familias, parroquias, En otra nota, quería hacerles de gracias lleno de bendiciones, y nuestros cuerpos e irnos por ese escuelas, lugares de trabajo —los saber que he comenzado un proceso espero poder celebrar con ustedes camino para intentar erradicar la campos de misión están en medio p a r a e s t a ble c er u n a “v i sión” dent ro de el santo tiempo de Adviento y tam- enfermedad”. PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 Noticias de la Iglesia En estudio se comprueba que hay más optimismo y menos depresiÓn entre las personas que asisten a la iglesia en base semanal

WASHINGTON (CNS) — En 11 de noviembre. La investigación que ver con la identificación religiosa, pasados estudios se comprueba que se llevó a cabo por Eliezer Schnall, redes sociales o asociaciones”, dijo. Asistencia religiosa las personas que asisten a servicios profesor adjunto de psicología clí- “Por ejemplo, p o d r í a s er v i r de s i s t e m a religiosos, por lo menos una vez nica de la Universidad Yeshiva en de apoyo pero desanimar para la y optimismo a la semana, tienden a vivir más Nueva York. relación con otras personas que tiempo y más saludablemente. En una entrevista por teléfono no pertenecieran al mismo credo Los que asistían Ahora, en una nueva investigación, con el Catholic News Service, el 10 religioso, o ser fuente de rivalidades servicios religiosos se comprueba que las personas que de noviembre, Schnall dijo que en relaciones matrimoniales o semanales eran: van con frecuencia a la iglesia también el estudio había sido un segundo alimentar desacuerdos” con otros gozan de años adicionales con mayor paso natural después de la primera familiares o amigos, añadió. • 56% MÁS DADO a ser optimista optimismo y mayor apoyo social que investigación en donde se comprobaba Pero en lugar de eso, los otras personas que no lo hacen. que las personas que asisten a servicios investigadores encontraron que las • 27% MENOS DADO a estar deprimido E n u n e s t ud io de 92 ,0 0 0 mujere s religiosos semanalmente habían mujeres que asistían a los servicios de edad posterior a la menopausia, se tenido un menor índice de mortalidad religiosos, sin tomar en cuenta la • 54% MÁS DADO a decir que tienen comprueba que de las que informan durante el periodo de ocho años frecuencia, “tenían mayor posibilidad un fuerte apoyo social de asistencia semanal a servicios durante los cuales se llevó a cabo de informar de más alto apoyo social religioso, un 56 por ciento tiene el estudio, menor al índice de las que el nivel promedio”, se decía en el más probabilidad de estar arriba del personas que asisten poco o nada. estudio. Las personas que asistían en promedio en términos de nivel de El nuevo estudio fue “el primero base semanal o con mayor frecuencia Fuente: Journal of Religion and Health ©2011 CNS optimismo. También tenían menos en donde ver” si había factores tenían un 54 por ciento de mayor (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC) posibilidades de sentir depresión o negativos o tensiones sociales que se probabilidad de contar con apoyo de distinguirse por hostilidad cínica. revelíaran con la asistencia frecuente social. Schnall le dijo a CNS que animosidad que luz”, dijo. Con el título en inglés Psycho- a la iglesia, en especial entre las “Observamos la práctica los investigadores no se fijaron E l e s t ud io, en e l que s e ut i l i z a ron logical and Social Characteristics personas de un grupo tan grande, dijo religiosa de cerca de 100,000 mujeres deliberadamente en una religión datos del Women’s Health Initiative Associated with Religiosity in Women’s Schnall. Y comparó esos factores con y, al quererlo o no, se encontraron específica del estudio de estas mujeres. Observational Study (Estudio de Health Initiative Participants (Ca- los efectos secundarios negativos que lazos más fuertes entre la asistencia “Nos dimos cuenta que en tiempos iniciativa de observación de salud racterísticas psicológicas y sociales pueden acompañar a veces el uso de a la iglesia o sinagoga o cualquier posteriores al 11 de septiembre, de mujeres) llevado a cabo por asociadas con la religiosidad de mu- medicamentos beneficiosos. otro lugar de culto y un punto de comparando y contrastando una mucho tiempo, fue auspiciado por jeres participantes en una iniciativa E l e qu ip o de i nve s t i g a c ión a s entó vista positivo acerca de la vida”, dijo religión con otra... en manos de los el National Heart, Lung and Blood de salud), el estudio se publicó en el que “quizá podría haber algunas un boletín de prensa con relación al que tienen hachas que afilar, ese tipo Institute of the National Institutes Journal of Religion and Health, del tensiones sociales que tuvieran algo estudio. de comparaciones podría crear más of Health.

Las personas cristianas que ofrecen sus servicios Mecanismos para reportar la conducta voluntarios son señal del amor de Dios, dice el Papa sexual inapropiada Si usted o alguien que conozca es víc- CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) acudieron cerca de 160 obispos y Al mismo tiempo, a través Kristalina Georgieva, tima de conducta sexual inapropiada — Por medio del trabajo voluntario, representantes de organizaciones de del voluntariados “nos hacemos Comisionada europea de cooperación por parte de cualquier persona que los cristianos se convierten en señal caridad de 25 países. instrumentos visibles del amor de internacional, ayuda humanitaria y trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, del amor de Dios en el mundo, dijo El Papa les agradeció a las Dios en un mundo que todavía añora respuesta ante crisis, fue una de las empleado, o miembro del clero, puede el Papa Benedicto XVI. personas voluntarias de Europa y “a los tal amor en medio de la pobreza, oradoras de la reunión. Y ella dijo por reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: Radio Vaticana, el 10 de noviembre, Especialmente en tiempos de millones de voluntarios católicos que la soledad, la marginalización y la • llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora seria crisis económica, de inseguridad contribuyen, regular y generosamente, ignorancia que vemos alrededor que el servicio voluntario “es de asistencia para víctimas, al número moral y de tensiones sociales, las con la misión de caridad de la Iglesia nuestro”, dijo. extremadamente fuerte” en Europa, (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle personas cristianas que ofrecen sus por todo el mundo”. El Papa Benedicto también con cerca de 100 millones de personas correo electrónico a [email protected] servicios voluntariamente demuestran Tal y como lo había escrito en su pidió a los participantes de la que ofrecen servicios voluntarios • llamar al número de emergencia para el “que la bondad existe y que crece en primera encíclica que en latín lleva el reunión aumentar sus esfuerzos para formalmente en el continente y en el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, medio de nosotros”, dijo el Papa, el nombre de Deus Caritas Est, el Papa involucrar a jóvenes católicos en el extranjero, cada año. Ext. 900 11 de noviembre, en una alocución dijo que las actividades de caridad voluntariado como “una forma de Y aunque las personas • o llamar al Centro Católico al número: para los participantes en una reunión católicas no son solamente filantropía, crecimiento en el amor, dándose uno voluntarias alivian las necesidades que (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar del Vaticano para el estudio de la sino un reflejo de la fe cristiana y mismo a los demás, lo que le da a la probablemente los gobiernos deberían por el canciller/moderador de la curia, el actividad de personas voluntarias la obligación de amar a nuestros vida su más profundo significado”. resolver, los servicios voluntarios son padre Stephen Berg. católicas en Europa. semejantes como Cristo los amó. “No debemos temer de esenciales, pues las necesidades son Mecanismo para La reunión que duró dos días, “Su gracia perfecciona, fortalece plantearles un incentivo radical abrumadoras y las situaciones de reportar abuso fue auspiciada por el Pontifical y eleva” la vocación humana de cambio de vida, ayudándolos a emergencia aumentan, dijo. Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Por ejemplo, dijo, “en 1975 suce- council cor unum, que tiene como fundamental de amar a nuestros aprender que nuestro corazón está Texas Servicios de protección (Servicios misión la promoción y coordinación semejantes y “nos permite que nos hecho para amar y ser amado. Y es en dieron 78 desastres de la naturaleza”, de protección de niños) al núme- de caridades católicas, y se tuvo en pongamos al servicio de otros sin este darse uno mismo que llegamos oficialmente reconocidos como tales, ro:(800) 252-5400. conjunción con el Año de servicios esperar premio, satisfacción ni a vivir la vida en toda su capacidad”, en el mundo; sin embargo, en 2010 voluntarios en Europa. A la reunión recompensa”, dijo el Papa. dijo. aumentaron a 385. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 31 Events Calendar Around the Diocese and region December Dates January Dates 2 20 Classifieds THE THREE-AND-A-HALF STORIES OF CHRISTMAS ANNUAL RESPECT LIFE MASS 7 to 9 p.m. - St. Andrew Parish, 3312 Dryden Rd., Fort Worth. For informa- 7 to 8:30 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. tion, contact the parish offi ce at (817) 927-5383. For information, contact Chanacee Ruth-Killgore at (817) 560-2452 ext. 257. Business Manager 3 21 St. Andrew Catholic Church (Fort Worth, TCU area) CALIX SUPPORT GROUP ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING MASS has an exciting full-time opportunity for experienced 10 a.m. - A monthly support meeting for Catholics who are alcoholic and 7 p.m. - St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For infor- fi nancial, HR, IT and front offi ce manager. Successful those struggling with addiction and seeking recovery. Holy Family Church, mation, contact Patricia Gonzales at (817) 560-3300. candidates must have high integrity, possess 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth. For information, contact Deacon Joe proven results as a business leader, and have strong Milligan at (817) 431-5369.. 26 collaboration, communication, strategic planning FORT WORTH DIOCESAN MINISTRY WITH LESBIAN AND GAY and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to CATHOLICS, OTHER SEXUAL MINORITIES, FAMILIES, FRIENDS 4 be a pastoral administrator. Qualifi cations include: WINDTHORST ANNUAL GERMAN SAUSAGE MEAL 7 p.m. - Catholic Renewal Center, 4503 Bridge St., Fort Worth. For informa- 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - St. Mary’s Parish Hall, corners of Highway 281, 25, and tion, contact Father Warren Murphy at (817) 927-5383 or Dorene Rose at bachelor’s degree in accounting, fi nance or related 174 in Archer County. For information, contact Jerry Horn at (940) 423- (817) 329-7370. fi eld with a minimum of five years experience in a 6444. management/supervisory capacity overseeing the 27 administration and operations of an organization. 10 FAMILY MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR UNBORN BABIES Nonprofi t organization experience and practicing SINGLES SERVICE PROJECT / CHRISTMAS SHOP 6:30 to 9 p.m. - St. Andrew Parish, 3312 Dryden Rd., Fort Worth. For infor- Catholic is preferred. For consideration, submit 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 210 W. South St., Arlington. For information, contact mation, contact Alice Curran at (817) 927-5383. Susan Prizzi at [email protected]. résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. 28 Application deadline is Nov. 20. 11 DIOCESAN SINGLES MASS SINGLES SPIRITUAL / SOCIAL - ‘THE LITTLEST WISE MAN’ 7 p.m. - St. Joseph Church, 1927 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. For infor- Facility Manager 3 p.m. - Scott Theater, 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth. Reservation deadline is mation, contact Tony Scardino at (817) 703-4312 or Peggy Spears at (9817) St. Andrew Catholic Church (Fort Worth, TCU Dec. 1. For information, contact Susan Prizzi at [email protected] or call 507-5350. (817) 690-9599. area) has an exciting full-time opportunity for experienced facility manager. Successful candidates A CONCERT OF WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS Mass For Families With Special Needs must have high integrity, possess proven results as a 7 p.m. - Good Shepherd Catholic Community, 1000 Tinker Rd., Colleyville. Families with special needs fi nd it diffi cult or facility manager, and have strong collaboration and For information, call the parish offi ce at (817) 421-1287 or visit the parish communication skills, and good mechanical aptitude website at www.gscc.net. uncomfortable at times to celebrate Mass together. In an eff ort to support these families and include those with a working knowledge of all phases of building 12 that are sometimes viewed as disruptive, Holy Family construction and building and grounds maintenance, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION Catholic Parish, 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth, is with the ability to be a pastoral administrator. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth. For information, now off ering a monthly Mass that welcomes any and Qualifi cations include: a minimum of fi ve years contact Joe Govea at (817) 292-3819. all special needs families. Th is Mass is celebrated the experience in a higher-level facility management/ second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Holy supervisory capacity overseeing the administration 18 and operations of buildings and grounds for MASS FOR AFRICA Family Chapel. For more information, contact Robyn an organization. Bachelor degree or relevant 3 p.m. - St. Joseph Parish, 1927 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. For informa- Flores at (817) 228-8812 or [email protected]. tion, call the parish offi ce at (817) 472-5181 or Michelle at (817) 542-6425. certifi cations, bilingual (English/Spanish) and practicing Catholic is preferred. For consideration, submit résumé and cover letter to resume@ standrewcc.org. Application deadline is Nov. 20.

Youth Ministry Coordinator Offi cial Assignments St. Maria Goretti Parish is seeking a part-time youth ministry coordinator for the high school confi rmation program. Must be able to work evenings and List of Clergy Appointments, by Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD weekends. Applicants should have at least two years experience in Catechetical Ministry. A bachelor’s Rev. Edward Salazar, SJ, has been assigned to Montserrat Retreat House, Lake Dallas, eff ective Sept. 26. degree is preferred. Send résumé and cover letter to: [email protected]. Rev. Louise Runde, OFM, with consent from his religious superiors, is appointed parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Fort Worth, from parochial vicar of St. Michael Church, Bedford, eff ective Nov. 27. General Construction Services Rev. Amado Vallejo Garcia is appointed parochial vicar of St. Jude Church, Mansfi eld, from parochial vicar of General construction work/repairs inside and out in- Sacred Heart Church, Wichita Falls, eff ective Nov. 27. cluding topsoil, sand, gravel, washed materials, drive- ways, concrete, backhoe, and tractor services. Custom Rev. Fernando Preciado is appointed parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Church, Wichita Falls, and sacramental ministry to the Hispanic communities in Windthorst and Knox City, from parochial vicar of St. Michael Church, mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. Bedford, eff ective Nov. 27.

Rev. John Swistovich, is appointed pastor of St. Michael Church, Bedford, from sabbatical at the Institute for Advertise in the North Texas Catholic Continuing Th eological Education at the North American College in Rome, eff ective Dec. 1. For information call Rev. Rodrigo Serrano is appointed to leave of absence, eff ective, Oct. 19. (817) 560-3300 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC, DECEMBER, 2011 PAGE 32 Good Newsmaker Century of Mission By John Henry / Correspondent LayLay mmissionariesissionaries rreflecteflect oonn overseas experiences at Photos by Donna Ryckaert local celebration for Maryknoll Society's Centennial hehe young mother sat in her small home in a mmountainous region of Bolivia, knitting a Tsweaterweater for her young daughter. Lydia wept, but not from the joy that accompanied the recent birth of her second daughter. She was consumed with loneliness and despair. She was not alone, though. She had as friends Felicia and Jason Gehrig, Maryknoll Society lay missioners working in El Alto, formerly a suburb of the capital city of La Paz now struggling to meet the demands of being one of Bolivia’s fastest-growing cities. “I said ‘Lydia, are you OK? This is such a joyous occasion, celebrating the birth of your daughter. She’s beautiful and healthy.” Lydia had no money to feed her girls, no clothes for them, and no family to watch the children so she could find work. “I don’t know what to do,” Lydia cried. “I don’t know Jason and Felicia Gehrig (second and third from left) and their children, pose with lay missioner Ken Eppes (far left), Maryknoll Father Gerald Kelly (second from right), and Bishop Kevin Vann at a reception following a Mass commemorating the Maryknoll Society's centennial at St. George Parish in Fort Worth what to do.” Oct. 30. The Gehrigs spent seven years serving as lay missionaries in Bolivia, where all three of their children were born.

Lydia’s walk of life stands out for Felicia and Thomas F. Price, who led the first group of four harassing and persecuting Catholic clergymen Dorothy Kazel and Maryknoll lay missioner Jean Jason Gehrig, who recently recalled their seven newly ordained priests — among them, Father and women. Donovan in El Salvador, in 1980 in the midst of years as missioners in South America at a diocesan James Edward Walsh — to China in 1918. (The When then-Bishop Walsh was asked by his that country’s civil war. event recognizing the Maryknoll Society’s 100th founding priests bought a farm near New York Maryknoll superiors about his safety, his faith The Maryknolls, Bishop Vann said, “still anniversary at St. George Parish in near Northeast City and named it after the Blessed Virgin Mary.) and courage were on full display. inspire me, and their lives reflect some of Pope Fort Worth Oct. 30. The priests were joined in China a few years “To put up with a little inconvenience at my John Paul II’s writings, especially [in regard] to “We knew she wasn’t alone,” Felicia Gehrig later by the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, age is nothing,” Bishop Walsh, by then in his 60s, our task to always proclaim the Gospel.” said. “There were so many other families in her founded in 1912 by Molly Rogers and recognized is said to have replied, according to an account Ken Eppes, a lay missioner and organizer of situation.” as a religious order in 1920. The Maryknoll Lay some years ago in Our Sunday Visitor. “Besides, the 100th anniversary event here, discovered the Missioners were formed in 1975. I am sick and tired of being pushed around on Maryknolls while working as a missioner in Peru Caring for the least among us The three work as partners today to serve 27 account of my religion.” in the mid-1970s. countries all over the world. Eventually, he was arrested, and in 1959 he “They quickly became my heroes,” Eppes The Gehrigs, who met as students at Texas Bishop Kevin Vann, celebrant of the was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He served 12 said. “I thought to myself, ‘They do mission right.’” A&M University and married in 1997, brought 100th anniversary Mass at St. George, said the years before being suddenly released. Maryknoll Father Gerald Kelly, director their talents to Bolivia in 2000 — she as a teacher, Maryknolls “captivated” and “inspired” him and Bishop Walsh’s experience is a prominent of Maryknoll’s Southern Region for Mission and he as an engineer. his classmates as a boy in Catholic school in Illinois. example of the uncertainty and danger sometimes Education and Promotion, said in his homily at Their calling to walk with the indigenous In particular were the stories of James Edward involved in mission. St. George: “We are all missionaries, all called p opu l at ion of E l A lto fol lowe d i n t he g re at t r a d it ion Walsh, who was forced to go underground to Perhaps the most notable tragedy was the to bring the good news to all ends of the earth.” of the Maryknoll Society missioners founded continue his ministry when the communists took abduction, rape, and murder of Maryknoll in 1911 by Father James A. Walsh and Father over the Chinese mainland in 1949 and began Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clark, Ursuline Sister SEE MARYKNOLL, P. 24

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This cake commemorates the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers' 100th anniversary at a reception held at St. George Parish.