713-87 Missouri Catholic Conference Good News Bringing the light of Christ to Missouri.

July/August 2013

Vol. 32 No.4 Francis, Rebuild My Church! In This Issue: As our culture becomes increasingly secu- special concern for the poor. Other work- larized, the faces tremen- shops will offer practical advice on soup Francis, Rebuild My dous challenges. Religious liberty is under kitchens, maternity homes and how par- Church! attack as is the institution of marriage. ishes can better respond to the needs of the Funding cuts jeopardize essential public most vulnerable in their community. of Des Moines services to the poor, the sick and the frail to Address MCC Annual elderly - vulnerable people Catholics are Moral theologian Fr. James Knapp (Ken- Assembly called upon to protect. The culture of death rick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, MO) will 2013 Annual Assembly marches on with abortion on demand still address the present state of the institution Workshop Line-Up legal. of marriage and what lies ahead in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision. MCC Annual Assembly How do Catholics confront these chal- A former Missouri state senator (Franc Flo- Registration lenges? The Missouri Catholic Conference’s tron) will sit down for an interview about 2013 Annual Assembly seeks to answer this the Missouri General Assembly – is it bro- Don’t Miss the St. question by finding inspiration in the ex- ken or does it properly represent the people Francis Drawing ample of our new Holy Father and the saint of Missouri? whose name he has adopted, St. Francis of Assisi. These are just a few of the many workshops participants will be able to choose from. The keynote speaker will be the Most Rev- This Good News offers a list of all the work- erend Richard E. Pates, bishop of the Dio- shops so you can plan now which ones to cese of Des Moines, . Bishop Pates attend. Also in this Good News is a registra- chairs the U.S. ’ Committee on In- tion form you can complete and mail to the ternational Justice and Peace. He has dealt MCC, or you can register by simply visiting “Blessed are the extensively with the question of how Cath- our website at www.MOCatholic.org. peacemakers, for they olics can act in solidarity with the poor and shall be called the chil- marginalized, including immigrants and Over the years the MCC Annual Assembly dren of God. (Mt. 5:9) those living in poverty in emerging na- has become known as a premier event for The true peacemak- tions. (See article on page 2 for more) Catholics to attend. It is not just about be- ers are those who pre- coming better informed; the assembly of- serve peace of mind and body for love of There will be a variety of workshops, many fers an opportunity for Catholics to meet our Lord Jesus Christ, of them building on the theme of the as- and share the challenges they face in their despite what they suf- sembly: “Francis, Rebuild My Church!” own communities and parishes. The bish- fer in this world.” One workshop will invite participants to ops of Missouri are on hand and the day “Meet St. Francis of Assisi.” Another work- closes with an inspiring Mass at historic St. St. Francis of Assisi shop offered by St. Louis Peter Church across from the State Capitol. Edward Rice will discuss ’ - 1 - Bishop of Des Moines to Address MCC Annual Assembly The keynote address at the Missouri only “do no harm,” but also to “do Catholic Conference’s Annual Assem- good” in ways that respect the in- bly this year will be given by the Most herent right of emerging nations to Reverend Richard Pates, Bishop of develop. “Solidarity,” he explained, Des Moines, Iowa, and Chairman of “excludes exploitation and domi- the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Inter- nation.” national Justice and Peace. Bishop Pates went on to describe Born in St. Paul, , Bishop several areas of U.S. foreign pol- Pates served as the Auxiliary Bishop icy that could benefit from the of the Archdiocese of St. Paul from Church’s teaching on solidarity. 2001-2008. In 2008, he was appointed The Cuban Embargo, for example, by Pope Benedict XVI to be the ninth which has been in place for over bishop for the Diocese of Des Moines. five decades and attempts to pro- mote change in Cuba through iso- Bishop Pates has served on a number lation, has proved to be a failure. of committees of the United States “Solidarity teaches us that engage- Conference of Catholic Bishops (US- ment, not isolation, is the way to Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines. CCB), and was elected chairman of enhance human rights in Cuba,” he needs “to freeze immediately expan- the Committee on International Jus- explained. tice and Peace in November 2011. This sion of settlements, withdraw ‘illegal outposts,’ ease movement for Palestin- committee has a mandate to advance The existing U.S. embargo “hurts or- ians by reducing military check points “the social mission of the Church dinary citizens and compromises the and refrain from disproportionate on international peace through pol- ability of charitable organizations, military responses.” icy development, advocacy, educa- including the Catholic Church, to tion, outreach, and acts of ecclesial provide essential services to the most “Lasting peace is built on justice for solidarity.” marginalized Cubans.” Bishop Pates both peoples,” Bishop Pates explained. related how aid workers in Cuba have As Pope John XXIII proposed in Pa- In a recent speech Bishop Pates gave told him that they have been ham- cem in Terris, “lasting peace among at Catholic University of America pered by their inability to get U.S. nations cannot consist in an equal in Washington, D.C., the bishop ad- products to assist their efforts due to supply of armaments but only in mu- dressed solidarity and U.S. foreign the embargo. policy. He spoke of the growing inter- tual trust.” (No. 113). dependence of nations, repeating the Another example of a foreign pol- Regardless of what topic Bishop Pates words of Pope John XXIII in Pacem icy uninformed by solidarity is the presents at the Annual Assembly, one in Terris that declare, “no State can fit- Israeli - Palestinian conflict, which can expect that he will present it in a tingly pursue its own interests in iso- Bishop Pates explained has continued manner consistent with the philoso- lation from the rest, nor, under such to exacerbate problems there. Pales- phy of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint circumstances, can it develop itself as tinians must promote security by halt- known for his peaceful, holy and un- it should. The prosperity and progress ing attacks on civilians, and blocking assuming manner, and whose often of any State is in part consequence, illegal arms shipments. “They need to cited prayer starts with “Make me a and in part cause, of the prosperity disavow clearly and forever their radi- channel of your peace; where there is and progress of all other States.” (Pa- cal ranks who have proposed the de- hatred, let me bring your love.” cem in Terris, No. 131) struction of Israel,” he said.

Bishop Pates remarked that solidar- At the same time, he proposed, Israel ity requires powerful nations to not

- 2 - 2013 Annual Assembly Workshop Line-Up The 2013 Annual Assembly of the Mis- ties, St. Louis, MO vier Orozco, OFS, PhD, Director of His- souri Catholic Conference will feature 16 panic Ministry, Archdiocese of St. Louis, workshops. There are two workshop ses- Fellowship of Catholic University St. Louis, MO sions, one in the morning and one in the Students (FOCUS) and the afternoon. Read the workshop descrip- Meet Saint Francis of Assisi tions below to decide which workshops New Evangelization This workshop will discuss the life and you would like to attend. Include your Every aspect of our society is in need of vision of St. Francis of Assisi. It will top four choices on your registration the saving power of Jesus Christ and His follow his conversion from a young form so the MCC can plan accordingly. Church. How can we respond to this call? One answer is college students, and ambitious son of a wealthy cloth merchant to his becoming the “little Confronting Violence: Hot Spots who are emerging from campus as the leaders of tomorrow. This workshop poor man” who sought to “rebuild the Policing as Progressive Social Policy will explore how FOCUS reaches col- Church.” The session will also discuss Place-based or “hot spots” policing lege students and how you can partici- how the vision of St. Francis has influ- strategies have proven effective in - re pate in the new evangelization. enced the Church and still has relevance for Catholics of today. ducing serious violence in urban ar- Presenter: Matthew P. McCartney, Direc- eas. Less appreciated is the connection tor of Philanthropy-Central Region, Fel- Presenter: Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM, PhD, between hot spots strategies and other lowship of Catholic University Students, Senior Director, Ethics, Catholic Health forms of crime prevention, including Golden, CO Association of the United States, St. Lou- those supported by faith communities. is, MO This workshop presents evidence on Is the Missouri General the effectiveness of hot spots policing The New Catholic Land Movement: Assembly Broken? in reducing crime and the compatibility Restoring the Family through a of this approach with efforts to turn of- MCC Executive Director Mike Hoey fenders away from crime through social will conduct an interview with former Return to the Land services and support. state legislator Franc Flotron about The Catholic Land Movement began Presenter: Richard Rosenfeld, PhD, Cu- whether the Missouri General Assem- almost a century ago in Britain. This rators Professor of Criminology and bly truly represents the people of Mis- movement sought to return the family Criminal Justice, University of Missouri- souri. Past and present practices of the to the natural environment of the farm. St. Louis, St. Louis, MO general assembly and the effect of term Although the original movement fell limits will be discussed. Workshop par- apart, it is now being revived by way ticipants will hear stories of Flotron’s of the New Catholic Land Movement. Disaster Planning: Good Stewardship Come learn about this movement and Saves Lives experience in seeking to advance pro- life and school choice legislation in the its impact on family life! After a disaster your resilience is direct- Missouri Senate. Presenter: Kevin Ford, organic farmer, ly related to what you and your family Presenters: Franc Flotron, former Repub- Nashville, KS did before the disaster to prepare. In lican State Senator and current lobbyist, addition to helping yourselves, you can Chesterfield, MO; Mike Hoey, Executive help your and your community. The New Evangelization and Director, Missouri Catholic Conference, Learn how you can save lives and pre- Eco-Friendly Family Planning Jefferson City, MO vent damage by planning ahead and This workshop will explore the negative practicing good stewardship. environmental impact of contraception Presenter: Susamma Seeley, MPA, Direc- Latino Catholicism and how natural family planning (NFP) tor of Disaster Response, Catholic Chari- Latino Catholicism represents a diversi- offers a healthy and environmentally ties of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO ty of cultures and traditions. It is a faith friendly way to plan a family. We will heritage that has a deep devotion to also discuss how NFP is being promot- Faces of the Poor Mary, a strong family unit and a vibrant ed around the world as part of the new spirituality. This workshop will explore evangelization of the Catholic Church. Since 2000 the percentage of Missou- the richness of Latino Catholicism and Presenter: Diane Daly, Director of Office rians living in poverty has nearly dou- how it is enhancing Catholic churches of Natural Family Planning, Archdiocese bled. Who are the poor among us? In in our state. Participants will also learn of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO this workshop you will get to meet some practical ways to engage Latino Catho- individuals facing poverty, hear their lics in their parish community and local Pope Francis and the Poor Among Us stories and learn what organizations, church. Bienvenidos! such as Catholic Charities, are doing to In his brief time as Supreme Pontiff Presenters: Fr. Daniel Robles, , help them and how you can be a part of of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope St. Eustachius Catholic Church, Por- the effort to reduce poverty. Francis has shown himself to be a voice tageville, MO; Sharon Weidelman, Di- for the poor. As many welcome this Presenter: Karen Wallensak, Executive of Family Life Ministries and “new” focus, concern for the poor is as Director of Catholic Charities Communi- Religious Education, Immaculate Con- old as the Church Herself. Pope Francis ty Services and clients of Catholic Chari- ception Church, Springfield, MO ; F. Ja- - 3 - illustrates that the Church is “ever an- rect interaction enriches the lives of the cient, ever new.” Come learn how from poor as well as the volunteers. ancient times to the present, the poor Presenters: Helen Manson, Coordinator have always been with us and how the of Holts Summit Soup Kitchen; Anne Erb- Church has tried to respond to Christ schloe, President of Fulton Soup Kitchen; disguised in the poor. and Ruth O’Neill, Coordinator of Loaves Presenter: Most Reverend Edward Rice, and Fishes Soup Kitchen, Columbia, MO Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of St. Lou- is, St. Louis, MO St. Francis and the Crusades For modern Catholics, the Crusades Renewing Parish Life: can be a source of bewilderment and Leadership Training and controversy. St. Francis, a man of peace, Annual Assembly Congregation-Based Outreach also took part in the Fifth Crusade. This Most parishes are stretching to find seminar will examine why that posed Youth Schedule enough leaders and to move them into no contradiction in the Middle Ages the right roles. This workshop will de- and how the lessons of the Crusades can (6th grade and up) scribe proven tools of community still be of value for the Church today. outreach to build your ministries: re- Presenter: Thomas F. Madden, PhD, Pro- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. sponding to God’s call for your parish, fessor of History, Director of the Center Stream Ecology and Stewardship for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, building relationships through sacred Streams are important ecosystems St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO conversations and sparking vitality for and an essential part of our water critical ministries. resources. This workshop, geared Presenters: Rev. Msgr. Jack Schuler, Pas- St. Raymond’s Society: Stabilizing the toward youth, introduces stream tor of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, St. Pro-life Tripod ecology, including the relationships Louis, MO; Rev. David Gerth, Executive St. Raymond is the patron saint of un- between organisms that rely on Director of Metropolitan Congregations born babies, newborns and expectant moving-water habitats and factors United, St. Louis, MO; Molly Fleming- mothers. This workshop will discuss the degrading our streams. Learn about Pierre, Policy Director, Communities mission of St. Raymond’s Society in sup- what you can do and how to be a part Creating Opportunity, Kansas City, MO porting mothers who choose life; giving of stream stewardship. special attention to long term support Presenter: April Perry, Stream Team Saving Catholic Schools after the child is born. Come learn the Volunteer, Water Quality Monitoring Catholic schools have a long tradition of origins of this local group that grew Assistant, Missouri Department of from community support into an orga- providing quality education in Ameri- Conservation, Jefferson City, MO ca. Unfortunately many K-12 Catholic nization fulfilling its mission to partner with mothers, provide resources and schools are closing their doors. Why 11 a.m. – Noon are they closing and what can be done promote self-sufficiency. about it? This workshop will examine Presenters: Mike Hentges and Steve Legislative Scavenger Hunt enrollment trends, the driving forces Smith, business men, co-founders of St. The State Capitol contains a wealth behind school closures and discuss new Raymond’s Society, Jefferson City, MO of history about Missouri and the innovative programs and legislative ef- legislative process. What a perfect forts designed to save Catholic school- State of Marriage after place for a scavenger hunt! Don’t ing for this and future generations. U.S. v. Windsor: Where Do We Go miss this opportunity to have fun Presenter: John T. James, PhD, Associate from Here? while learning about our state Professor, Educational Leadership and The Catholic Church has always taught government. Prizes will be awarded. Higher Education, St. Louis University, that marriage is the union of one man St. Louis, MO and one woman. This seminar will ex- 12:15 p.m. Lunch (free) plore the Church’s teachings on this im- Serving the Poor: Soup Kitchens portant institution, and will also exam- 1:15 p.m. – 3 p.m. and Beyond ine what lies ahead for us as Catholics Mock Legislature One of the most common ways of serv- in light of state and federal efforts to Join other youth from around ing the poor is through a soup kitchen. redefine marriage to include the union Missouri in debating controversial Providing hot meals in a warm, wel- of same-sex couples. bills that have been discussed in coming setting is good for the body and Presenter: Fr. James Knapp, SJ, STD, As- the Missouri General Assembly. sistant Professor of Moral Theology, Ken- the soul. But soup kitchens can be a Youth are asked to follow all rules doorway to provide additional services rick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, MO for the poor by connecting them with and procedures that Missouri other resources in the community. This Representatives and Senators follow panel will explore practical aspects of day-to-day in the Missouri General setting up soup kitchens and providing Assembly. community services and how this di- - 4 - MCC Annual Assembly Registration Saturday, September 28, 2013, State Capitol, Jefferson City, Mo. Three ways to register: Please rank your workshop 1. Mail this form to: Missouri Catholic selections (1-4): Conference, P.O. Box 1022, Jefferson Confronting Violence: Hot Spots Polic- City, MO 65102-1022. ing as Progressive Social Policy 2. Register online at MOCatholic.org. Disaster Planning: Good Stewardship 3. Call 1-800-456-1679. Saves Lives PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. Faces of the Poor Name(s): Fellowship of Catholic University Stu- dents (FOCUS) and the New Address: Evangelization Is the Missouri General Assembly City: ZIP: Broken? Latino Catholicism Telephone: Meet Saint Francis of Assisi Parish & City: The New Catholic Land Movement: Restoring the Family through a Return Email: to the Land The New Evangelization and Total # in family attending: Eco-Friendly Family Planning Transportation Total # preferring vegetarian Pope Francis and the Poor Among Us meal: I am driving. Renewing Parish Life: Leadership Train Child care [ ] Will drive others. ing and Congregation-Based Outreach Saving Catholic Schools [ ] My children will participate in I need a ride: child care. Names & ages: (5-12) [ ] Bus from Kansas City, Spring- Serving the Poor: Soup Kitchens and field area, or St. Louis Beyond [ ] Add my name to a carpool list St. Francis and the Crusades [ ] My children will attend the youth St. Raymond’s Society: Stabilizing the activities. Names & ages: (6th grade Other Pro-life Tripod and up) [ ] I have a disability and would like State of Marriage after U.S. v. Windsor: assistance. Where Do We Go from Here? “Francis, Rebuild My Church!” Schedule 9:30 a.m. Registration 10 a.m. Keynote Address, “For me, he is the Bishop Richard E. man of poverty, the Pates, Des Moines man of peace, the 11:15 a.m. Morning Workshops 12:15 p.m. Lunch (free) man who loves and 1:15 p.m. Afternoon Workshops protects creations ...” 2:30 p.m. Closing Session - Pope Francis 3:15 p.m. Closing Mass, Concelebrated by Missouri Bishops, St. Peter Church - 5 - Missouri Catholic Nonprofit Org. Conference U.S. POSTAGE PAID PO BOX 1022 Jefferson City, MO Jefferson City, MO Permit #42 65102-1022

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Phone: (573) 635-7239 Fax: (573) 635-7431

Missouri Catholic Conference

MOCatholic Don’t Miss the St. Francis Drawing! The names of all those who attend this year’s Online at MCC Annual Assembly will be placed in a drawing for three prizes that will be awarded MOcatholic.org at the closing session. First prize is a 23 inch tall lawn statue of St. Francis of Assisi; sec- Board of Directors ond prize is a sturdy, brown wood Franciscan Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson rosary; and, third prize is a biography of St. General Chairman Archbishop of St. Louis Francis of Assisi. Must be present to win.

Most Rev. John R. Gaydos Executive Chairman Bishop of Jefferson City

Most Rev. Robert Finn Vice Chairman Bishop of Kansas City/St. Joseph

Most Rev. James Johnston Bishop of Springfield/Cape Girardeau

Most Rev. Edward Rice Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of St. Louis

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