Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 29 No. 5 November / December 2013

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SSeeee sstory,tory, ppageage 3366 8 ONE OF POPE FRANCIS' 'G-8' CARDINALS TO ADDRESS UDMC In This Issue... Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, one of the eight cardinals advising Pope Francis on reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, CATHOLICS DRAW LINE IN SAND 14 will be the keynote speaker for OVER HHS MANDATE the University of Dallas Ministry Deacon Greg Hall is the Houston Conference, Friday, Oct. 25. (CNS Photo business owner who drilled 800 / Paul Haring) meters through solid granite to free 8 33 miners in Chile in 2010. Now he's FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL OFFER fi ghting to keep the U.S. government 24 MORE THAN FOOD FOR THE BODY from making him pay for abortions and Their work with the homeless seeks abortifacients for his employees. to offer welcome, fellowship, and friendship in the name and person of Christ to those who live on the streets. RAOUL MARTINEZ LOPEZ 23 2244 (NTC Photo / Jerry Circelli) AND GARY PICOU, JR. ORDAINED TO DIACONATE 27 ST. THOMAS CELEBRATES FIRST More than 300 family and friends MASS ON SITE WHERE NEW joined Raoul Martinez and Gary Picou 2277 CHURCH WILL BE BUILT Sept. 14 at St. Michael Church in St. Thomas the Apostle pastor Fr. Bedford as they were ordained to the Antony Mathew, TOR, celebrates the transitional diaconate, moving them fi rst Mass at the site where the parish's one step closer to the priesthood. new church will be built, Sept. 30. (NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen)

ELAINE SCHAD SHARES MEMORIES 28 ST. JUDE WILL DISPLAY ART FROM OF ST. JOHN'S IN VALLEY VIEW 34 AROUND THE U.S. & THE WORLD Children were baptized and grew up Fr. George Foley admires a replica of there, religious education was taught, the Pieta before its installation in the weddings witnessed, and Catholic life new St. Jude Church, which will feature thrived at St. John's in Valley View for art from American churches, Vietnam, decades. The people who shared many and Mexico, among other places. (NTC of those memories came together 3344 Photo / Jerry Circelli) recently to honor their bonds one last time before closing the doors for good. 36 40 DAYS IS STILL PRAYING Fort Worth is one of 307 cities around the world where Catholics and other Christians are offering their prayers for unborn babies, their parents, COVER PHOTOS: and clinic workers, outside abortion MAIN PICTURE: The Gonzales family join in prayer for the unborn, those seeking abortions, and for the conversion facilities. Ann Landry from St. Maria of workers in front of the Planned Parenthood facility's Goretti Parish in Arlington was among sign in Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) those offering their prayers in Fort THREE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE: Individuals Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photo / Juan pray the Rosary in front of the planned Parenthood facility in 3366 Guajardo) Southwest Fort Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photos / Juan Guajardo)

PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 Pope Francis challenges us to evangelical poverty and charity toward all

ope Francis surely doesn't seem like a man of 76. Maybe it's Pall that bike riding in Buenos Aires. Whatever the reason, he Editorial Offi ce: 800 West continues to amaze and surprise us all, continually. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, PUBLISHER: Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; I don't know a single person who doesn't feel challenged to do Monsignor Stephen Berg FAX (817) 244-8839. more for the poor, wherever they are, or to at least examine their Circulation Offi ce: Rita lives to see if how they are currently living stands up to the ex- DIRECTOR OF Garber, 800 West Loop 820 COMMUNICATIONS: S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, ample of evangelical poverty that Francis has provided each of us. Pat Svacina (817) 560-3300. And his radical openness has made that example available to NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC Christians of all stripes and even persons of good will who claim EDITOR: Newsmagazine (USPS 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) no particular faith at all. Jeff Hensley is published six times a year Some have reacted to that openness with suspicion or fear. ASSOCIATE EDITOR: (bi-monthly) by the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese His long — very long — interview in America and other Jesuit Tony Gutiérrez of Fort Worth, Msgr. Stephen Berg, 800 W. Loop 820 S., publications around the world was particularly worrisome to ADMINISTRATIVE Fort Worth, Texas 76108. For many people — and particularly encouraging to others. ASSOCIATE: those who are not registered Judy Russeau parishioners in the Diocese of Some feared that in emphasizing Christian mercy, he was Fort Worth, subscription rates making the Catholic positions on such settled issues as the right WEB DESIGNER: are $18 for one year, $35 for two years, $50 for three to life and our opposition to same-sex marrage less clear. But Chris Kastner years. Periodical postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas. watching his public actions both before and after that interview, POSTMASTER: Send address firmly established that he is willing and able to speak clearly and WRITERS AND changes to North Texas PHOTOGRAPHERS: Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., to act forcefully to enforce the teachings of the Church. Michele Baker Fort Worth, Texas 76108. The part of the interview I thought told us most clearly Crystal Brown Deadline for information for that Pope Francis would lead the Church on the middle ground the North Texas Catholic is Jenara Kocks Burgess noon of the Wednesday two between excessive legalism and too great a laxity toward sin Jaqueline Burkepile weeks before the magazine is published. The NTC is pub- came about two thirds of the way in, where he was reported Jerry Circelli lished bi-monthly, the third as saying, “The church sometimes has locked itself up in small Juan Guajardo Friday of the month, with the following two months as things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the Kathy Cribari Hamer the date of each issue. first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers Joan Kurkowski-Gillen To access current news and of the church must be ministers of mercy above all. The confes- Mike McGee information, fi nd us at www. northtexascatholic.org sor, for example, is always in danger of being either too much of Nicki Prevou The appearance of advertis- a rigorist or too lax. Neither is merciful, because neither of them Donna Ryckaert ing in these pages does not imply endorsement of busi- really takes responsibility for the person. The rigorist washes nesses, services, or products. his hands so that he leaves it to the commandment. The loose COLUMNISTS: Readers must exercise prudence in responding to minister washes his hands by simply saying, ‘This is not a sin’ Denise Bossert advertising in all media. or something like that. In pastoral ministry we must accompany Jean Denton Kathy Cribari Hamer people, and we must heal their wounds." Jeff Hedglen I'm not trying to be an interpreter of Pope Francis, but people Jeff Hensley continue to talk about that interview, and I think they should Father David Mercer do so with this portion of it in mind. Check out our website for David Mills updated news — northtexascatholic.org. Mary Regina Morrell Sharon K. Perkins Jeff Hensley Editor

PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 CHURCH, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWSBRIEFS Council of Cardinals begins work of overhaul of Roman Curia By Cindy Wooden church,” Father Lombardi said. Catholic News Service The vast majority of the Catho- VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis lic Church’s 1.2 billion members are and his international Council of Cardi- laypeople, the spokesman said. Their nals are laying out plans to completely activities and needs are followed by the overhaul the Roman Curia, underlin- Pontifical Council for the Laity, which ing its role of “service to the universal is “very active,” he said, but does not church and the local churches,” the have the profile or authority of a Vatican Vatican spokesman said. congregation, such as those for bishops, As the pope and the eight cardinals for priests, and for religious. he named to advise him were about to At the end of their meeting, council begin the final session of their Oct. 1-3 members announced they would hold meeting, Jesuit Father Federico Lom- their second meeting with the pope Dec. bardi, the spokesman, said the role and 3-5, and they planned to meet again responsibilities of the Vatican secretary Pope Francis prays during a meeting with cardinals at the Vatican Oct. 1. As a series of at the Vatican in February “so that the of state, the revamping of the world consultations aimed at the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy began, the pontiff told his work of the council, especially in this Synod of Bishops, and the Vatican’s group of cardinal advisers that humility and service attract people to the church, not power initial phase, can proceed quickly,” and pride. (CNS photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO via Reuters) attention to the role and responsibil- Father Lombardi said. ity of laity also were major themes of Under the terms of Blessed John Paul said, are going clearly in the direction The eight members, who represent discussion. Only days earlier on Sept. II’s constitution Pastor Bonus, a 1988 of an apostolic constitution to replace six continents, are: Cardinals Francisco 30, Pope Francis made his international reform of the curia, the Secretariat of Pastor Bonus, and not simply “cosmetic Javier Errazuriz Ossa, retired archbishop advisory panel on church governance a State includes two sections: One section retouches or marginal modifications” of of Santiago, Chile; Oswald Gracias of permanent council of cardinals, thereby deals with foreign relations and the other the 1988 document. Mumbai, India; Reinhard Marx of emphasizing the importance and open- deals with internal church matters. Pastor The eight cardinals — six of whom Munich and Freising, Germany; Lau- endedness of its work among his pon- Bonus said the secretariat was to “foster currently serve as diocesan bishops — rent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, tificate’s various efforts at reform. The relations” with other Curia offices and brought to the meeting with the pope Congo; Sean P. O’Malley of Boston; panel, has been informally dubbed the “coordinate their work.” suggestions they received from church George Pell of Sydney; Giuseppe “Group of Eight” or “G-8.” Father Lombardi said the pope and leaders around the world. One of the Bertello, president of the commission Father Lombardi said the group’s the cardinals emphasized the role of the topics mentioned most often, Father governing Vatican City State; and Õscar agenda was partially dictated by the Secretariat of State as “the secretariat Lombardi said, was concern for the role Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, pope’s own timetable. Pope Francis had of the pope,” and said the discussions of the laity in the church and the world. Honduras. In his decree, Pope Francis named Archbishop Pietro Parolin to be included “the hypothesis of a new The pope and his cardinal advisers left open the possibility that he would his secretary of state and had given him figure — the ‘moderator of the curia’” talked about “how to ensure that this change the size of the council. He sug- an Oct. 15 start date, so it made sense to ensure greater communication and dimension of the church’s reality is more gested last summer that he plans to add to discuss how the pope and cardinals cooperation among the Curia offices. adequately and effectively recognized at least one representative of the Eastern saw his role in a renewed curia. The discussions, Father Lombardi and followed in the governance of the Catholic Churches. Catholic University partners with Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng WASHINGTON (CNS) — Chen Foundation, a human rights organiza- imprisoned for his legal work dealing simply over. Guangcheng, Chinese dissident and hu- tion in Concord, N.H. with politically sensitive issues such At the Oct. 2 news conference, man rights activist, will be a visiting fellow At the National Press Club in as forced abortions and land seizures. John Garvey, president of Catholic at The Catholic University of America Wa s h i n g ton Oc t . 2 , C hen told rep or ter s He initially sought refuge at the University, said the university greatly next year working on a book about hu- through a translator that he is “at a new U.S. Embassy in Beijing before Chinese admired Chen’s “bravery in defending man rights abuses in rural China. starting point” and planned to “make officials agreed to let Chen and his basic human rights in China” and that For the next three years, while at concerted efforts to defend the freedom family accept an offer from New York his work went along with the “academic Catholic University’s Institute for Policy of the Chinese people and move forward University as a visiting scholar. mission of a Catholic university.” Research and Catholic Studies in Wash- courageously to defend human dignity, Chen has said that New York Uni- He also said that Chen “provides a ington, Chen also will be supported in and other universal values.” versity has forced him to leave because model for the kind of courageous com- his studies and human rights advocacy Last April, Chen, a blind, self- of pressure from the Chinese govern- mitment to protecting human dignity by the Witherspoon Institute, a think trained lawyer, fled house arrest in ment but the university has maintained and advancing human rights that we tank in Princeton, N.J., and the Lantos China, where he had spent several years that Chen’s one-year fellowship was hope for in our students.”

PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 CHURCH, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWSBRIEFS Venerating Fatima statue, pope entrusts world to Mary in St. Peter's Square

By Francis X. Rocca cluded a recitation of the seven sorrows of Catholic News Service Mary. In a catechetical talk, the pope said VATICAN CITY — Before a congrega- that all believers can emulate the mother tion of more tha n 100,000 in St. Peter’s of God by giving “human flesh to Jesus” Square, Pope Francis formally entrusted when they assent freely to his call. the world to Mary. “Mary points to Jesus,” he said. “She “We are confident that each of us asks us to bear witness to Jesus, she is precious in your sight,” the pope constantly guides us to her son Jesus, said Oct. 13, facing the statue of Mary because in Him alone do we find salva- that normally stands in the shrine at tion. He alone can change the water of Fatima, Portugal. “Guard our lives in our loneliness, difficulties, and sin into your arms, bless and strengthen every the wine of encounter, joy, and forgive- desire for goodness.” ness. He alone.” The short ceremony was the culmi- Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the Oct. 13 is the anniversary of the last nation of a special Marian Day orga- end of a Mass in honor of Mary in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 13. The pope en- apparition of Mary to three shepherd trusted the world to Mary at the end of the Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) nized for the Year of Faith. In his hom- children at Fatima in 1917. Two of the ily during the morning’s Mass, Pope transported the statue, inside a trian- the Vatican guesthouse where he lives. visionaries, Blessed Jacinta Marto and Francis celebrated Mary as a model of gular container resembling a musical At the beginning of an Oct. 12 her brother Blessed Francisco Marto, docility, fidelity, and gratitude to God. instrument case, to Vatican City. The prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square, four were beatified by Blessed John Paul II Many in the crowd held small statue was then brought to the resi- attendants carried the statue on a litter in 2000. Their cousin, Sister Lucia de replicas of the crowned statue of Our dence of retired Pope Benedict XVI at through the crowd and brought it up to Jesus dos Santos, died in 2005, and three Lady of Fatima, which had arrived in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where the front of the basilica. Pilgrims waved years later Pope Benedict exempted her Rome the previous afternoon on a TAP he briefly venerated the statue in the white handkerchiefs in a traditional from the usual five-year waiting period Portugal airlines flight from Lisbon. monastery’s small chapel. Afterwards, gesture of devotion as the statue passed. between a death and the start of a be- An Italian air force helicopter Pope Francis welcomed the statue at Pope Francis led the vigil, which in- atification cause. Archaeological dig reveals Franciscan mission on Georgia barrier island

By Barbara D. King American Indians. Thomas, currently overseeing an- In March 2007, Conventual Francis- Catholic News Service It was only in 1981 that Thomas, other excavation on the island, told the can Father Conrad Harkins, then vice ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, Ga.— curator with the American Museum of group that after the original discovery, p o s t u l ator of t he m a r t y r s’ c au s e , to ok 50 0 S av a n n a h Bi s hop Gre g or y J. H a r t m ayer Natural History in New York, discov- excavations continued for 15 years into pages of documents supporting the case spent Columbus Day visiting the old- ered the mission site after five years of the 1990s until he decided to walk away for their canonization to the Vatican. est church in the diocese for the first excavations. The first call he made was from the island and preserve the site for Thomas, who has spent more than time since he was ordained to head the to then-Savannah Bishop Raymond W. future research. 40 years excavating in the Southwest diocese two years ago. Lessard, saying, “I think I found some- Nature, however, has compelled and Southeast, said the more he stud- Santa Catalina de Guale mission, thing that belongs to you.” him and his students to begin digging ies the missions, the more he becomes located on St. Catherines Island, an un- The connection between the ar- again in recent years. Erosion at the fascinated by the contrast between the developed barrier island 35 miles south chaeologist and the bishop led to a mission site is proceeding at a rapid rate. missions in the Southwest and those in of Savannah, is a 16th-century Spanish reconsecration service conducted by For Bishop Hartmayer, the trip had the Southeast. He has come to think mission rediscovered by archaeologist Bishop Lessard in 1984 when the skel- a twofold purpose. He wanted to see the of the Franciscan missionaries at St. David Hurst Thomas only 32 years ago. etons of two Indians were reburied at mission site where fellow Franciscans Catherines as 16th-century “Peace “This (St. Catherines) is one of the the mission site. Eventually the remains first brought Christianity to the New Corps members.” most important Spanish colonial sites of 432 American Indians that had been World. As bishop of Savannah, he is “Basically there was an alliance be- in the U.S. It needs to be preserved...." excavated and studied in laboratories now in charge of advancing the saint- tween the Church and the Indians that said Thomas. around the U.S. were returned to the hood cause of the Georgia martyrs, five preserved the Indian culture,” he said. In the late 1500s, Franciscan mis- site and reinterred. Spanish friars who were murdered by Instead of forcing religion on the Ameri- sionaries, followers of St. Francis, like On Oct. 14, Bishop Hartmayer paid American Indians in 1597. Two of them can Indians, the Franciscans brokered Bishop Hartmayer, who is a Conventual a visit to the island,and celebrated Mass met their deaths on St. Catherines, two an agreement with them that kept the Franciscan, came from Spain by way at the mission site, now a grassy berm near present-day Darien, and a fifth on Indians’ way of life while incorporating of Cuba to introduce Christianity to outlined by palm trees. St. Simons Island. the teachings of Christianity. PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Legal community NEWSBRIEFS challenged to Knignts contribute $194K to diocesan seek greater good Vocations Office, Deaf Ministry at Red Mass By Joh n Henry Correspondent

Photo by Kathy Cribari Hamer / NTC FORT WORTH — Professionals and Pam Tebow spoke at this year’s pro- students in the legal profession and life dinner Sept. 28. government officials assembled Sept. Pam Tebow speaks 26 at St. Patrick Cathedral for the Red Mass, the annual gathering and celebra- at pro-life dinner tion that asks guidance from the Holy Spirit for those who seek justice. By Kathy Cribari Hamer Homilist Monsignor Michael Ol- Correspondent son, rector of Holy Trinit y Seminar y in Irving, addressed the secular principle of Photo by Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic autonomy — the concept of seeking the FORT WORTH — Pam Tebow, moth- Knights of Columbus Fort Worth Diocese Chapter President Manny Pasillas best resolutions with only the individual er of NFL quarterback and Heismann presents a check for $194,534 to the Very Rev. Dan Kelley, diocesan chancel- in mind, while ignoring and often at the Trophy winner Tim Tebow, addressed lor, at the Knights’ annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner Aug. 13 expense of, the good of society — and a record crowd of 700 at The Bishop’s held this year at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grapevine. Joining them are the the legal concept of the right to privacy. 9th Annual Catholic Pro-Life Banquet Knights’ state deputy, Jim Collins (far left), and Fort Worth diocesan deputy, This principle leads us to lose sight of Sept. 28. Pat Henz (far right). The money was raised by the councils in the diocese, and the responsibility “we have to others or Her national pro-life platform came will go to support seminarians from the diocese and the diocese’s deaf ministry. in 2007 when she mentioned in an society as a whole. …” and, he said, leads ESPN interview she had been advised us to act and believe as though, “society to abort her pregnancy with “Timmy,” ACE program honors Fr. Stephen Jasso exists to serve me as the individual” all and refused to do so. the while blurring our obligation to love The family had moved to the Philip- By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen earn Master of Education degrees from our neighbor. pines, where her husband was working Correspondent the university. Ninety graduates are “How we understand the person in ministry. accepted into the program annually. as autonomous and its harm to human The health conditions were not FORT WORTH — Father Stephen AC E te a c her s h ave s er ve d i n t he d io c e s e beings and the common good to society great in the Phillipines, Pam said, and Ja s s o, TOR , pa s tor of A l l S a i nt s C hu rc h since 1996. are what is most at stake with disagree- she was already 37 and had nearly died in Fort Worth, received the University Fr. Jasso said supporting his par- ments between the Church and other from a case of amoebic dysentery. “From of Notre Dame Sorin Award for Service ish’s school and others in the diocese voices of American society regarding the very beginning it was a difficult to Catholic Schools on Oct. 4 at St. is an easy task. such issues as same-sex marriage and pregnancy. I had profuse bleeding and Rita Church. “I’m privileged to serve Catholic the exercise of religious freedom,” said cramping, and I kept thinking that I Father Timothy Scully, CSC, who education because I’m convinced that’s Msgr. Olson. lost Timmy so many times.” established the Alliance for Catholic what the Church and the country “Soon the common good ceases to The “best doctor in town” treated Education (ACE) program in 1993, needs,” he said emphatically. “We need be reality,” Msgr. Olson said. “It quickly her, ran tests, and told Pam it wasn’t a presented the award following a school solid Catholics with a living convic- becomes an abstract ideal loosely com- baby, it was a “mass of fetal tissue.” She Mass celebrated by Diocesan Admin- tion of the truth they have discovered posed of aggregates of individual inter- said if I ignored her words to have an istrator Monsignor Stephen Berg and through the process of a Catholic ests … all measured the way property abortion, I would die. several Notre Dame priests. University education.” is measured.” “We listened to her and thanked representatives were in town to kick off Catholic schools are a gift to the It is Christ who demonstrates to us her, but ... we had already decided we a 50-city bus tour marking the 20th country, he added. how to conquer such evils. Catholics, would trust our Master.... At the very anniversary of ACE. “We have given this country qual- Msgr. Olson said, have the Gospels, end of my pregnancy the bleeding A volunteer program, ACE sends ity education free of charge. It doesn’t which instruct that “bullying of gay stopped, amazingly, and I was able to Catholic educated man and women into cost the government one penny because people is immoral; spousal abuse is fly to Manila to give birth in a hospital.” classrooms around the country where people who send their children to a evil and sinful and impactful on the After the birth, she said, the physi- they help students achieve academically Catholic school pay twice,” Fr. Jasso common good” and that couples have cian told her husband, “This is a miracle and grow in faith. After two years of insisted, referring to public school taxes. ability and responsibility to decide the baby, because there was just a little tiny service, augmented by online and on- “If you want to give a gift to this country, size of their families through natural bit of placenta intact that whole time.” campus academic work, participants educate well in the Catholic school.” family planning methods.

PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 STAR Sponsorship offers DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE educational opportunities NEWSBRIEFS By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen strapped parents who want a private St. Peter receives Correspondent school education for their youngsters. Seven Catholic schools — All architecture award FORT WORTH — There’s no doubt Saints, Nolan Catholic, Our Lady of the STAR Sponsorship program made a Victory, Our Mother of Mercy, St. By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen d i f ferenc e i n t he l i fe of M a r i a B a r r a g a n. Andrew, St. George, and St. Rita — Correspondent “If I didn’t have the opportunity to currently participate in the program. Photo by Michael McGee / NTC The sanctuary of St. Peter Church. be in the STAR Scholarship Program, Scholarship awards depend on LINDSAY — More art historians may my life would be a complete disaster… grades, performance, effort, and at- visit Lindsay now that St. Peter Church, on the decades-old plaster, Fr. McDaniel honestly!” she said. “I would have been tendance. All applicants must qualify was recognized with a Preservation Proj- thought the needed repairs were just another statistic to add to the Hispanic financially. ect Award from Historic Fort Worth, cosmetic. Then it mushroomed into a dropout rate.” Since its founding in 1993, STAR Inc. One of the “painted” churches of $4.5 million total restoration. Instead, the Nolan Catholic High has awarded 3,500 scholarships valued Te x a s , it i s a l re a dy l i s te d i n t he Nat ion a l “Over the years, the roof had leaked School alumna is a freshman at St. at $4.2 million. Registry of Historic Places. and the plaster began crumbling,” he Mary’s University in San Antonio, “Children receive only a partial Former pastor Father Ray McDaniel explained. “The church is an artistic studying biology and chemistry. scholarship so the parent and the school accepted the honor during a Sept. 28 landmark, so it wasn’t just a matter of “I want to help the less fortunate partner with us,” says Patty Myers, ceremony at the Fort Worth Commu- fixing plaster and brick. We had to put who can’t get proper medical attention, executive director of STAR/CSF Fort nity Arts Center, located in Fort Worth’s back the art that was placed on the walls like low-income families,” she says. Worth. “It’s a three-way investment.” cultural district. in 1919. Architecturally and artistically, Her parents left Mexico to find Currently, 111 youngsters in Fort The Romanesque Revival church, it’s a noteworthy building.” a better life in the U.S. Giving their Worth are receiving a quality educa- built by German immigrants in 1917, St. Peter in Lindsay was designed three children the best education pos- tion at a school of their choice thanks underwent a massive restoration in like other painted churches of Texas sible was part of the plan. The STAR to direct assistance from sponsoring 2009-2010. Repairs were made to the found in the Schulenburg area. Simple (Success Through Academic Readiness) individuals or foundations channeled original stained-glass windows, the tile and unassuming exteriors belie the Sponsorship Program is helping them through STAR. All funds given to roof, and interior walls. burst of breathtaking color waiting for achieve that goal. STAR students are used for tuition. When cracks first began spreading visitors inside. Started 20 years ago, STAR provides Money to manage the program is raised financial assistance to financially- separately. All Saints holds prayer service to pray Catholic Schools announces free / for immigration reform reduced-price lunch & milk programs By John Henry grants increase the crime rate, citing Correspondent research illustrating that immigrants The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools has announced its policy for free “tend to commit fewer crimes than and reduced-price meals for children who are unable to pay for meals served un- FORT WORTH — All Saints Parish native-born Americans.” der the National School Breakfast, Free Milk, or Commodity School programs. hosted a bilingual prayer service Sept. Fr. Jasso also referred to studies that The following parochial schools will participate in the National School Lunch 8 to pray for comprehensive immigra- suggest immigrants would contribute Program: All Saints, Our Mother of Mercy, Our Lady of Victory, St. George, and tion reform to be passed by the U.S. trillions to the gross domestic product St. Rita, all in Fort Worth; Sacred Heart, Muenster; Notre Dame Elementary, Congress. and immediately infuse billions into Wichita Falls; St. Mary’s, Gainesville. The prayer vigil was conducted in Social Security and Medicare funds. St. Maria Goretti School in Arlington will participate in the free and reduced- conjunction with the call by the USCCB Fort Worth City Councilman Sal price milk program. to focus Masses that weekend on the Espino, an All Saints parishioner, shared Under current guidelines, applicants for the free and reduced-price lunch need for humane reform that would how his parents traveled to Fort Worth program must list the Social Security numbers of all adults living in the house- include a path to citizenship. from Mexico with 5-year-old Espino hold. All incomes must also be listed by source, such as Social Security, wages, All Saints pastor Father Stephen and his 3-year-old sister in tow. child support, and pension. Jasso, TOR, led those assembled in “They came to Fort Worth like Everyone wanting to participate in the program must apply again this year prayer at the event, which doubled as so many before them had come,” said at their respective schools, including children who had tickets for the last school an information session. Espino. “Why? Because they had that year. A child must be registered in school before an application will be accepted. “What harm are they doing to our faith that their lives would be better here Participants will be notified within one week after applying if their children country?” Fr. Jasso asked in reference … all they wanted was an opportunity qualify for free or reduced-price lunches or milk. to immigrants. “None. They are a to work and a good education for their In the operation of child-feeding programs, no child will be discriminated blessing.” children. Fort Worth has always been against because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. He decried assertions that immi- a welcoming place.”

PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 UDMC to feature papal advisory committee chair Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez By Michele Baker address given in both English and of the most knowledgeable leaders Correspondent Spanish and numerous breakout of the Catholic Church today, I sessions offered in English, Span- know he will bring a message that The 2013 University of Dallas ish, and Vietnamese, this event is stresses Pope Francis’ important call Ministry Conference (UDMC), one designed to serve the diverse faith for compassion and understanding of the largest Catholic conferences communities that make up the to live out the full Gospel message of its kind in the United States, will universal Church in North Texas. in our daily lives.” take place Oct. 25-26 at the Irving This year’s conference theme, Cardinal Rodríguez will pres- Convention Center. Co-sponsored “Walking Together in Faith,” seems ent an address entitled, “The State by the dioceses of Fort Worth and most fitting as the “Year of Faith” of the Church: The Importance of Dallas, the event is expected to draw enters its final weeks. It is equally the New Evangelization,” in both nearly 5,500 participants, over 100 fitting, then, that one of the Holy English and Spanish. He has also CNS photo/Paul Haring vendors and exhibitors, and will Father’s closest advisors, Cardinal Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez agreed to hold a brief press confer- feature musical performances from Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Mara- ence. His visit to North Texas at this up-and-coming Catholic artists. diaga, SDB, is slated to give the Roman Curia. critical time in the re-shaping of the Now in its seventh year, the an- keynote address. Cardinal Rodríguez was or- Roman administrative structure, or nual conference offers an opportu- Cardinal Rodríguez, the first dained to the priesthood in 1970, Curia, makes this year’s UDMC nity for Catholic liturgical ministers, cardinal from Honduras, is the named auxiliary bishop of Teguci- even more exciting. school teachers, catechists, parish chair of Pope Francis’ newly formed galpa in 1978, and became Arch- Even so, the heart of the con- administrators, and other lay faith- eight-member Council of Cardinals bishop of Tegucigalpa in 1993. In ference remains faith formation. In ful to come together to learn and (nicknamed the “G-8”). The council 2001, he was elevated to the office their joint letter of invitation for this pray, as they live out their faith in is now a permanent advisory com- of cardinal by Pope John Paul year’s UDMC, Monsignor Stephen various ministries. With a keynote mittee to address reforms in the II. Media savvy and charismatic, Berg, Diocesan Administrator for Cardinal Rodríguez is well known the Diocese of Fort Worth, Bishop among Latin American Catholics Kevin Farrell of Dallas, and Thomas as an outspoken interpreter of the W. Keefe, president of the University C hu rc h ’s te a c h i n g s on s o c i a l ju s t ic e. of Dallas, encouraged all who are In a recent press release, Bishop a c t ive i n m i n i s t r y to pa r t ic ipate , s ay- Kevin Farrell of Dallas said, “How ing, “The conference is a wonderful fortuitous that Cardinal Rodríguez opportunity for ongoing formation will join us just after returning from that can rejuvenate those working in the first meeting of the G8. As one the Church today as we assist those we serve to more deeply understand their Catholic faith and grow in spirituality.” The registration fee is $75. For more i n for m at ion or to re g i s ter, v i sit www.udallas.edu/udmc.

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PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 SMG to host Shroud of Turin expert, exhibit Nov. 23

By Tony Gutiérrez his 40-person research team were a biochemist and former lab techni- Associate Editor granted unprecedented access to the cian with the Dallas County Medical shroud and examined it for nearly Examiner’s Office. Dr. John Jackson, the physicist a week. According to the center’s Juarez explained how the nega- who led a team that thoroughly ex- website, www.shroudofturin.com, tives of the Shroud of Turin reveal a amined the Shroud of Turin in 1978, a significant amount of data was three-dimensional lifelike image of and his wife Rebecca, will speak at collected. a male body. St. Maria Goretti Church, 1200 S. The center’s mission is to con- “I can tell you in 34 years, I’ve Davis Dr. in Arlington at 7:30 p.m. tinue “its research on the Shroud of never seen a dead body leave an image Nov. 23. The event will coincide Turin and publishing its findings. We on the cloth, and neither has anybody with an exhibit put together by Most are dedicated to educating the public else I know,” Juarez said, adding that Blessed Sacrament parishioner Louis on all of the important scientific and the only way this could have hap- Juarez that includes a life-size photo- forensic data and evidence concern- pened is through the Resurrection. graph of the shroud in the church’s ing the Shroud.” “The only possible explanation cafetorium. Juarez, who is organizing the is the Resurrection event, what hap- CNS photo/Paul Haring The Shroud of Turin reveals the event at St. Maria Goretti, believes pened in the tomb to that body,” he The Shroud of Turin is displayed in imprint of a man, and is believed to in the shroud’s authenticity, and has said. He explained that the main the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ compiled an exhibit that includes a theory regarding the image is that in Turin, Italy, April 27. following his crucifixion. life-size photograph of the Shroud when Jesus was resurrected, his body The Jacksons, two of the world’s and smaller images of specific parts passed through the shroud, chemi- not just a drawing.” leading authorities on the Shroud of of the Shroud accompanied by dis- cally altering it and leaving the image. For more information about Turin and the founders and direc- plays explaining the significance of “To me it makes logical sense,” the event, call the St. Maria Goretti tors of the Turin Shroud Center of those portions. Juarez said. “The only way you can get pa r i sh of f ic e at 817-274 - 0 6 4 3, or v i sit Colorado, will be giving a talk titled “Once I believed that it is the t h at k i nd of i m a g e for m i s s ome t h i n g the website at www.smgparish.org, or “The Shroud of Turin: past, pres- Lord, I felt I wanted to let other that science can’t explain.” email Louis Juarez at juarez2502@ ent, and future.” In 1978, John and people to understand,” said Juarez, “It’s a very complex image – it’s yahoo.com.

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To Report Misconduct If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who serves the church, you may ․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or e-mail her at [email protected] ․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2462 ext. 102 and ask for the moderator of the curia, Msgr. Stephen Berg To Report Abuse Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services at (800) 252-5400

PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 DIOCESE Diocese to close Year of Faith with Mass, lectures on Lumen Fidei By Michele Baker Worth and Sister Inés Díaz, SSMN, Correspondent delegate for Hispanic Ministry, are organizing the event and are hoping Pope Francis’ first encyclical, for a modest crowd of about 600. Lumen Fidei, will be the center- “Bishop Oscar Cantú will pre- piece of the closing ceremony for side at Mass in which he will preach the Year of Faith in the Diocese of in both English and Spanish,” Fr. Fort Worth. On Nov. 24, an event Mele said in a recent interview. “Af- celebrating the end of this jubilee ter Mass and refreshments, Bishop year declared by now Pope Emeri- Cantú will address Spanish speakers tus Benedict XVI, will take place on Pope Francis’ encyclical Lumen at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish Fidei (The Light of Faith). At the CNS photo/Paul Haring in Arlington. Special guests Bishop same time, Msgr. Olson will give Bishop Oscar Cantú Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of Las a reflection over the encyclical in 1994 and named auxiliary bishop Cruces, New Mexico, and Monsi- English.” University of St. Thomas in Hous- for the Archdiocese of San Antonio gnor Michael Olson, rector of Holy Although a Houston native, ton, he earned his STL (Licentiate in 2008. In January of this year he Trinity Seminary in Irving, will Bishop Cantú has a connection in Sacred Theology) and Doctorate was appointed bishop of Las Cruces. participate in the festivities which to North Texas having earned his in Sacred Theology in Dogmatic Msgr. Olson began his tenure will begin with Mass and conclude Bachelor of Arts degree from the Theology from the Pontifical Gre- as rector of Holy Trinity in 2008. with Evening Prayer. Father Carmen University of Dallas. After receiving gorian University in Rome. Bishop Though a native of Chicago, he came Mele, OP, interim director of Adult his Master of Divinity and Master Cantú was ordained to the priest- to the Diocese of Fort Worth when Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort of Theological Studies from the hood in the Diocese of Houston in his family moved here in 1985 and

PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 was ordained a priest of the diocese link the two by his prophetic actions. in June of 1994. It’s worth noting He has reenergized the faith not only that Msgr. Olson and Bishop Cantú of Catholics, but of many Protestants are friends — both studied at the and even non-Christians.” University of St. Thomas. So, then, what better way to “When we invited Bishop conclude a year that started under Cantú, I found out that he and the pontificate of Pope Emeritus Msgr. Olson were very good Benedict XVI than by getting to friends,” Sr. Inés said in an inter- know the mind and heart of Pope view. “So it’s ver y nice to have them Francis? The aptly entitled Lumen both here with us.” Fidei clearly points to a continuation The closing celebration will of the celebration of faith instituted take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. by his predecessor. 24. Organizers have requested reser- “I think this celebration is a vations in order to have a head count, very good opportunity,” said Sr. however potential participants can Inés. “We are going to finish the b e a s su re d t h at no one w i l l b e t u r ne d Year of Faith, but we must continue away at the door. to grow our faith. Throughout the “Not having a bishop, the diocese we have tried so many differ- faithful of Fort Worth have not had ent things to make sure that people many opportunities to respond to have the chance to learn and grow.” Pope Benedict’s initiative with the For more information, visit Year of Faith,” Fr. Mele said. “The www.fwdioc.org/pages/year-of- Year of Faith was given a tremen- faith. To register for the event, con- dous boost by the initiation of the tact Irma Jimenez at 817-560-2452, pontificate of Francis. Although ext. 360, or by e-mail at ijimenez@ Pope Benedict tied faith and love fwdioc.org. Childcare will be avail- intimately together in his writings, able from 5 to 6 p.m. for those who Pope Francis has been able to visibly make reservations.

PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 In wake of Honduras travel ban, parishioners look for other mission opportunities By Nicki Prevou Wakefield was “overwhelmed and Correspondent humbled” by the outpouring of compassion and interest expressed For hundreds of Catholics across the Diocese of Fort Worth, across North Texas, the grow- he said. ing danger within the country of “I was not prepared for the level Honduras is a source of personal of passion for mission work that I dis- sorrow and concern. The Catho- covered in your diocese,” said Dcn. lic Dioceses of Fort Worth and Wakefield, in a telephone interview Juticalpa, Honduras, formed a with the North Texas Catholic. “I “covenant partnership” in 1998 as visited several parishes, speaking a result of the devastation incurred at the Masses and telling the con- by Hurricane Mitch to the already gregations about our work. There impoverished area. was such tremendous enthusiasm Photo courtesy of Mark Crocker For 14 years, close, personal re- St. Vincent de Paul parishioners (from left to right) Ross and Martha Martinez, for our mission. It was so affirming lationships between Catholics in the Bernice and Mark Crocker, and Jeanette and Elroy Leger traveled to the Father and so exciting.” two dioceses were cemented through Beiting Appalachian Mission Center in Louisa, Kentucky, in August. The couples Seminarians, adult parishio- visits back and forth and through the were all heavily involved in mission work in Honduras, and are now part of their ners, and members of various youth outpouring of humanitarian assis- parish’s effort to find new volunteer projects. groups from across the diocese tance and volunteer labor provided have expressed a strong interest in by members of the Diocese of Fort warnings of increasing violence and the U.S., in a sustained attempt to traveling to Kentucky to serve as Worth. Churches, a hospital, retreat crime in Honduras, given by the share the powerful story of the Fa- volunteers at the mission, said Dcn. centers, rectories, and chapels were U.S. Department of State. ‘At this ther Beiting Appalachian Mission Wakefield. Letty Zatarain agreed, built across the Diocese of Juticalpa, time, with the instability in Hon- Center, located in the Appalachian noting that St. Vincent de Paul while other volunteers focused on duras, it is no longer safe to travel mountains of eastern Kentucky, Church’s mission council is now collecting huge containers full of there,” said Father Tom Craig, who one of the most destitute areas of organizing a group of enthusiastic donated items to be sent by trail- serves as pastor of St. Vincent de the country. parishioners. The group, which ers; building a system to provide Paul Church in Arlington and also The center, part of a Catholic includes numerous veterans of the clean drinking water to villages; and as director of the diocesan Mission mission outreach founded in 1946, Honduras mission trips, will make supporting the work of orphanages Council. “It is truly unfortunate, has an urgent need for volunteers and their first trip in 2014, she said. and schools. because so many, many people of for financial assistance to help lift “Three couples from our parish “In all that was done, the pri- our diocese experienced the rewards families out of generational poverty, have already traveled to meet with mary focus was upon relationships,” of carrying on the mission of Jesus s a id Dc n. Wa k e f ie ld , not i n g t h at one the staff at the center in Kentucky, recalled Letty Zatarain, a member in the Church through our experi- in 10 babies born last year in some and have determined that this looks of the mission council at St. Vin- ences in Honduras. It feels like a Appalachian counties tested posi- like a good fit for us,” said Zatarain. cent de Paul Church in Arlington. real loss to be unable to continue tive for drugs. “The impoverished “We are not looking to just go and Zatarain traveled to Honduras five on in that work.” people of Appalachia are in need of provide financial help,” she added. times over the years to participate in With several parishes now seek- more s er v ic e s b e c au s e of d r u g a bu s e , “We are going with the goal of a variety of service projects. She was ing alternative service opportuni- homelessness, children and families creating relationships, helping to “humbled” and “deeply touched” ties for their well-organized teams in crisis, and the lack of sustainable teach people how to become more by all she learned from the people of volunteers, it is time to explore jobs,” he said. “Many families in the self sufficient. After we have had the of Honduras. “They have so little possibilities for other missionary area live in substandard housing, and initial experience, we will be able to material wealth, but they have tre- activities, including options for conditions are often unsafe. Hun- determine if this, like Honduras, mendous faith,” Zatarain said. “We service within the United States, dreds of home repairs are completed will become a long-term commit- all learned so much, and we all grew said Fr. Craig. At his invitation, by our staff and visiting groups of ment for our parish.” tremendously in our own faith when Deacon Bill Wakefield, who serves volunteers each year. More build- we left the comfort of our homes as the chief financial officer for the ing supplies, fixtures, paint, tools, For more information about the and traveled to be with our friends Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, flooring, windows, doors, and other Father Beiting Appalachian Mission in Honduras.” visited several parishes within the supplies are needed.” Center, visit www.fbamc-ky.org. For With deep regret, Zatarain and Diocese of Fort Worth just this sum- After coming to North Texas more information about the diocesan hundreds of other volunteers across mer. The Texas trip was just one of to share the grim realities of life in Mission Council, visit www.fwdioc. the diocese have listened to the dire his many journeys to dioceses across this corner of rural Kentucky, Dcn. org/pages/mission-outreach-about.

PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 CATHOLIC CHARITIES CCFW staff experience border immersion

Four days spent in June on the border between Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, were “life-changing,” ac- cording to two Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) staff mem- bers. Kate Blackburn, CCFW’s

public relations coordinator, Photo by Marcos Martinez / CRS and Laura Sotelo, director of Parish Relations for the agency, participated in a Border Immer- sion Experience sponsored by the Cecelia, a recent deportee, expal- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) ined her story of walking in the Southwest Regional Office. desert for 8 days in an attempt “The experience was an to crosss the U.S.-Mexico border. incredible opportunity for us, as Catholic Charities representa- plained that she had a small busi- tives, to become better educated ness in southern Mexico, but was about the issues that so many of forced to pay quotas to members of our clients and their families have an organized crime group. Unable faced,” Blackburn explained. “We to provide for her four children, met people who were desperate to she attempted to cross the border enter the United States in order in hope of finding a job in the to provide a better life for their United States that would allow families, and we met others who her to send money back to Mexico. had been deported and are now Now deported after her separated from their families. unsuccessful attempt to enter the Immigration issues became so U.S., Cecilia, like many other mi- personal for us, having witnessed grant mothers, experiences a lack first-hand these people’s faith and of options in her home country. their sense of hope, in spite of their CCFW seeks to help people tremendous suffering.” like Cecilia, said Blackburn, by The immersion experience sharing information about the included visits to the various “broken” immigration system projects of the Kino Border that impacts so many people on Initiative (KBI), a bi-national both sides of the border between Jesuit project that provides help Mexico and the United States. for migrants through the services “Catholic Charities will of Nazareth House, the project’s continue to work within the soup kitchen and shelter. parishes of our diocese, building Often, migrants at the bor- teams and a network of advocates der do not know where to turn to compassionately address im- to receive a meal, find shelter, or migration issues on a grassroots to make a phone call. Nazareth level,” she said. House offers a safe, temporary refuge for people like Cecilia, a For more information about CRS recent deportee who spoke to im- border immersion programs, visit mersion experience participants www.crs.org or www.confrontglo- about her excruciatingly difficult balpoverty.org. For more informa- eight-day journey through the tion about the 43 programs offered desert. by CCFW, visit www.ccdofw.org Through tears, Cecilia ex- or call (817) 534-0814.

PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Catholics draw line in sand over HHS mandate

“It’s time to step up.” ment to comply with the morally objectionable mandate through his — Deacon Greg Hall company health plan, he recalled go- Catholic businessman ing home angry and praying to God for help. Dcn. Hall said he asked God, “Why won’t somebody stand By Jerry Circelli up?” Then deep inside, he heard his Correspondent Creator’s reply, “Yeah, Greg. Why won’t somebody stand up?” Deacon Greg Ha ll prayed hard Dcn. Hall consulted with his earlier this year before waging a wife, prayed more, and then made costly legal battle over a federal an executive decision of the high- law requiring his company to of- est order. fer health insurance for abortion- “There was no way possible, causing drugs, contraceptives, and morally, that I could pay for those sterilization. It was not the first time things that violated our faith,” said Photo courtesy of Deacon Greg Hall Dcn. Hall, a business owner from Dcn. Hall. “On the other hand, our Greg Hall, Catholic deacon and business owner, said he cannot comply with the Cypress, Texas, has had to dig down employees are very important to us, HHS mandate that violates his faith. Earlier this year, he challenged the mandate deep in his soul and stand firm about and we wanted them to have health with a lawsuit. It is not the first time Dcn. Hall has had to dig down deep to his convictions, his company, and insurance. So we sued.” confront a challenge. In 2010 he led the successful rescue of 33 Chilean miners his Christian beliefs. Dcn. Ha ll ’s Februa r y 2013 suit trapped a half mile under solid granite, a dramatic effort that drew worldwide In 2010, the Chilean govern- was made on behalf of his Min- attention and acclaim to both his company and the miners and their faith. Their ment urgently requested that Dcn. nesota-based drilling equipment story was featured in the North Texas Catholic. Hall come up with a plan, man- business, American Manufacturing power, expertise, and equipment to Company, one of three corporations rescue 33 men hopelessly trapped in he owns. His other businesses are in The deacon drew parallels be- Becket maintains an “HHS a collapsed copper and gold mine a Texas and Chile. tween taking on rescue challenges Info Central,” website at www.beck- half mile underground. Dcn. Hall, In April 2013, a U.S. District in Chile and confronting religious etfund.org/hhsinformationcentral. who owns a mining and explora- Court granted Dcn. Hall’s Minne- freedom issues in the United States There, they track the status of all tion equipment company in that sota company a preliminary injunc- today. “When we went to Chile, suits being filed to challenge the South American nation, was faced tion. This represented a temporary the chances of success were very, HHS mandate. Included in that with a multitude of challenges in victory for Dcn. Hall, as he was very slight, because it was so hard. list are eight clients The Becket the rescue. Among the seemingly able to renew his company’s group It had never been done before. Fund represents, including the impossible tasks at hand would health plan without being required But the point was that we either Eternal Word Television Network be drilling a large hole 800 meters to provide and pay for abortifacients, had to stand up and do what was (EWTN), a Catholic global tele- deep through solid granite, with contraceptives, and sterilization. right or just walk away and maybe vision network based in Irondale, no fluids, and reaching the trapped Dcn. Hall does not know the people die. Alabama; Ava Maria University, a miners before t hey sta r ved to deat h. ultimate outcome of the HHS ruling “And for whatever reason, God Catholic higher education institu- Through perseverance and prayer, as it continues through the courts. called us to step up. And I just pray tion in Ave Maria, Florida; and Dcn. Hall and his company, Drill- But of one thing he is certain. He that people now will realize that it’s Hobby Lobby, a national retailer ers Supply International, succeeded. will never violate his Catholic faith time to step up. We don’t have any headquartered in Oklahoma City. After 69 days, all 33 miners were by offering abortion-inducing drugs more wiggle room ... It’s time.” Becket Fund Senior Counsel rescued alive. and the other “services” mandated In all, there are 67 cases and Lori Windham told the North Texas Today, Dcn. Hall faces another by the government. more than 200 plaintiffs involved Catholic that a blatant disregard for challenge involving life and death — “I have no idea what I’m going in challenging the HHS mandate, the Constitution of the United States a U.S. Department of Health and to do i f we lo s e , but I do k now t h i s — according to the Becket Fund for is at the heart of the problem with Human Services mandate, under the I will not pay and I will not comply, Religious Liberty, a nonprofit legal the HHS mandate. Affordable Care Act, forcing compa- regardless. Bottom line. Period.” and educational group. The list “The whole premise of the nies like his to offer heath insurance Dcn. Hall is pleased that other includes nonprofit hospitals, chari- American constitutional system is coverage for abortifacients, as well companies and nonprofits have ties, religious colleges, and Catholic that we are endowed by our Creator as contraceptives and sterilization. joined in the HHS mandate chal- dioceses, as well as for-profit busi- with certain inalienable rights, and When Dcn. Hall found out lenge and encourages more to get nesses. The Diocese of Fort Worth that government exists to preserve from his insurance provider that he involved. “We need people to stand is one of the nonprofit organizations those rights,” Windham said. would be required by the govern- up,” said Dcn. Hall. that has filed suit. “These are not things that can

PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 MORE INFORMATION

• HHS mandate updates and fact sheets from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/hhs-mandate/ index.cfm • Full text of Richard M. Doerflinger’s “Life Issues Forum: Keeping Politics out of Church?” www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/life-issues-forum/life- issues-forum-keeping-politics-out-of-church.cfm • Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Information Central on the HHS Mandate Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen / North Texas Catholic Archives In this NTC file photo, more than 700 people gathered outside the Fritz G. Lanham www.becketfund.org/faq/ Federal Building in Fort Worth on March 23, 2012, to protest the U.S. Department • National Committee for a Human Life Amendment Action of Health and Human Services mandate forcing religious institutions to violate Alerts and Congressional Contacts their consciences. The rally was one of 140 held at cities across the United States. www.nchla.org/action.asp be given or taken away at the whims of Life) encyclical. The pope wrote: In a “Life Issues Forum” column, he in its own institutions? What if it of the government. They are rights penned a prophetic message on the says a Church agency may not serve … we are facing an enormous and that are possessed by the governed. religious freedom topic. He wrote: needy people regardless of those dramatic clash between good and And it is critically important that “Here we are not talking about p e ople’s f a it h, b e c au s e t hen it w i l l not evil, death and life, the “culture our government realize it and that the Church injecting itself into the be ‘religious enough’ to be exempt of death” and the “culture of our courts realize it. Our religious political sphere. Rather, political from a mandate to provide morally life.” We find ourselves not only freedom is at the core of those rights.” forces have injected themselves into objectionable drugs and procedures? “ faced with” but necessarily Jack Sheedy, a local attorney the lives of Catholics and Church What if it says your neighbor, a de- “in the midst of” this conflict: and president of the Fort Worth organizations, substituting their own voted Catholic nurse, has no right to we are all involved and we all Chapter of Legatus, a group of secular ideology for the Church’s her livelihood because she will not share in it, with the inescapable Catholic CEOs and professional values. Some will say the Church help perform abortions? At that point responsibility of choosing to be leaders, agreed. He said the mandate should leave politics alone and con- we must resist, or we will have no- unconditionally pro-life. puts Catholic business owners in a centrate on teaching the Catechism where to go with our faith except the unique predicament. They have to Like others standing firm and serving the needy — but what if hidden recesses of our own minds. decide on either going against their against the HHS mandate, Fr. a political initiative says the Church ‘Politics’ of an especially intolerant moral and religious beliefs and fall- Maletta said we are at a critical may not follow the Catechism, even kind will take over everything else.” ing in line with the new law or not point in the conflict, and people complying with the government must make their feelings known mandate, resulting in heavy fines to elected officials. “We should not and penalties. “It’s mind boggling,” try to accommodate the culture of Sheedy said. The Legatus national death,” Fr. Maletta said. organization, headquartered in Ave Referencing Mark 12:17, which Maria, Florida, is one of the orga- reads “So Jesus said to them, ‘Repay nizations challenging the mandate to C a e s a r w h at b e lon g s to C a e s a r a nd with a lawsuit. to God what belongs to God,’” the At the local level, the Fort priest asked, “Exactly what belongs Worth chapter recently invited to Caesar and what belongs to God? Father Sammie Maletta, pastor of D o e s t he l i fe of t he u nb or n b e lon g to St. John the Evangelist Church in Caesar or to God? Does the sanctity St. John, Indiana, to speak about of marriage between one man and the topic of religious freedom. Fr. one woman belong to Caesar or to Maletta, who studied Canon Law in God? Does religious liberty belong Rome, has been vocal in his opposi- to Caesar or to God?” tion to the HHS mandate. Richard M. Doerflinger, as- Fr. Maletta reminded Catholic sociate director of the Secretariat business leaders in Fort Worth of a of Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. message from Blessed John Paul II C on ferenc e of C at hol ic Bi s hop s , e x- in his 1995 Evangelium Vitae (Gospel pressed similar sentiments recently.

PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

Pope Francis accepts a gift of a 1984 Renault at the Vatican Sept. 7. The silver-white four- door vehicle with 186,000 miles was donated by Father Renzo Zocca of Verona, Italy. (CNS photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO via Catholic Press Photo) Father Ignacio Llorente, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Portland, Ore., and Father Lucas Laborde, a former campus minister and former pastor at St. Patrick's, pose for a photo The pen and inkwell used by St. Thérèse of Lisieux rests on a facsimile of handwritten at the Grand Canyon in Arizona in late July. The two men were among four priests who pages from the saint's Story of a Soul. The artifacts, including her small wooden writing traveled from Portland to the Grand Canyon and were inspired by the warmth of the case, were being displayed for reflection and veneration for the first time in America people they encountered while hitchiking during a tour organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. St. Thérèse after their car broke down. is patron of missionaries and missions. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) (CNS photo/courtesy St. John Society)

Sister Angelique Namaika, a member of the Augustine Sisters of Dungu and Doruma, embraces a Congolese child at a site for internally displaced people Aug. 1 in Congo. Sister Angelique received the 2013 Nansen Refugee Award from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Sept. 17 for her work with women forced to leave their homes in northeastern Congo because of long-term civil strife. (CNS photo/Brian Sokol, courtesy UNHR)

Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth

Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com 1. Prophet in 3. The "D" in LED Numbers 11:16 4. Summed up 2. Leave out 5. Feats

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PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN When Christmas comes, let's embrace the true Kernel of the season Throughout the Bible we encounter the images of chaff and wheat, thresh- ing floor and winnowing It is no coincidence that we fan. For years I wondered what Jeff Hedglen is the Campus the significance of these images Minister at UTA and associate is and how they apply to my life. decorate with pumpkins, corn, director of Young Adult Ministry for After a bit of research and some the diocese. He is also the primary reflection, I discovered that this and wheat stalks at this time convener of Camp Fort Worth’s metaphor is good fodder to pre- many editions. pare for Advent and Christmas, which are approaching sooner of year. These items are not than we might realize. In short, the chaff is the outer just for the Hobby Lobby fall casing that covers the seed, or the separate the holiday chaff from wheat grain. We often hear of the the wheat. This separation does need to separate the chaff from decorations aisle, they are real not have to be literal, meaning the wheat. In days gone by this discarding these non-central was done by beating the stalks aspects of life all over the world. decorations. Rather this separat- of wheat on what was called the ing of the chaff from the wheat threshing floor to separate the is more of a spiritual exercise. We wheat from the chaff. The result do this to remind us of the differ- of this action was a floor filled Bishop William P. Callahan of La Crosse, Wisconsin, blesses the harvest during the ence between the “lightweight” with chaff and wheat, separate, Rural Life Day celebration Sept. 25 on the grounds of St. Adalbert Church in Rosholt. symbols of Christmas and the but all mixed together. Separat- (CNS photo/Joseph O'Brien, THE CATHOLIC TIMES) more substantial, or weighty, real- ing the two was done in a couple 90 degree days, pumpkin spiced to think about an oft complained ity of God becoming human in of ways. You could throw a bunch foods of all kinds, soup in the about reality in our modern so- the Incarnation. of the mixture into the air, and crock pot, and morning jacket ciety: Christmas decorations in The prophet Hosea encour- the wind would blow the lighter wearing. But for many people and stores four months before Christ- ages us, writing 2,500 years ago: chaff away and the heavier grain many parts of the world, this time mas. Each and every decoration I “Like chaff storm-driven from would fall to the ground. Another of year has always been known as see is chaff… unnecessary. None the threshing floor or like smoke way was to use what is called a harvest time. of them are the “seed” of the out of the window. I, the LORD, winnowing fan, which is actu- This is what brought to mind season. Yes they are pretty, color- am your God, since the land of ally a basket where you place the the images of chaff and wheat. It ful, bright, and shiny. Yes I use Egypt; gods apart from me you mixture and shake it, allowing the is no coincidence that we decorate many of them at my own home do not know; there is no savior heavier grain to sink to the bot- with pumpkins, corn, and wheat to celebrate the season. Yes they but me” (Hosea 13:3). tom. Modern technology makes stalks at this time of year. These are magical. But they are not the Yes indeed there is no Savior these rituals obsolete, but the need items are not just for the Hobby central, nourishing, life chang- but God, all other gods are but to separate the two parts of wheat Lobby fall decorations aisle. They ing and sustaining Kernel that is chaff blown by the wind of his remains. are real aspects of life all over the planted in our hearts and blos- coming. Let us burn away all We are in the time of year world. soms throughout our lives. that distracts us from the central when the weather turns a bit So as I looked at stalks of There are many weeks to go reality of Christmas: God become cooler and the leaves begin to wheat still with the chaff at- before the holiday rush is upon man, born in our hearts, prom- change colors. All over Facebook tached, two aisles over from us, and this gives us an advantage ised to come again. I see excitement for the below Christmas decorations, I began this year. Let’s take some time to Come Lord Jesus, come!

PAGE 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 VOICE My childhood phantoms were gradually replaced by images of Jesus By Kathy Cribari Hamer Our house was 900 square feet, Sometimes God would hold both my hands. with two bedrooms, a bathroom It was a good way to feel safe. The smaller than today’s closets, Our basement at stuffed animals were encircled on my bed, and closets that, even then, guarding so I could close my eyes, but if were mini. night... guarded by I shut my eyes and also went into a secret There was absolutely no room for mon- room in the closet, wasn’t that better? sters in our closets. that cigar store Indian, So, in my imaginary safe space that could But when I was growing up, the mon- barely hold seven shoe boxes end-to-end, I ster in my closet was the least of my worries, it was impossible entertained Jesus, the Lord. Entertaining was because I shared a room with my older sister. the correct word, too, because I did all the She loved bossing me, the youngest, and talking. I followed the Catholic school rules blaming me for even the tiniest events. to endure. for effective prayer, beginning with adoration “Quit opening your eyes, Kathy,” my and contrition, saving requests for the end — sister would say, late at night, in our darkened Brown trusts her, like I trusted my sister to dessert if you will — in my little home. bedroom. “Your eyelashes are sweeping against walk downstairs and back. But our ventures But I always got stuck on the thank-you the pillow case and keeping me awake.” usually ended up with a comic-sized holler. portion. Thank you for giving me a new Scary as my sister was, I was more afraid Thankfully, though, in our dark bed- niece. Thank you for my dad getting better. of the basement. It was unfinished, a mass of room at night, there was no monster. (Except Thank you for letting me be a cheerleader. walk-through walls, wood beam frames, so maybe in the other bed.) The list grew yearly, but I repeated them all, when the light was on (a bulb hanging from Our bedroom closet was about five feet adding new ones. the ceiling), the shadows were terrifying. In long, with one rod and a shelf. But I had a Yesterday, at Mass, trying to focus — one room, filled with a coal chute and furnace, vivid imagination, and at night I liked to the most difficult part of prayer for me — I darkness and shadows caused those utilities to close my eyes and create a scene in there — a closed my external eyes, imagined Jesus’s become supersized and animated. sort of playhouse. “My own room.” eyes, and began. “Thank you for my sweet And then there was the six-foot American On one end of the closet, I pretend-placed grandson on the altar carrying the crucifix. Indian, dressed in native garb. The stuffed my bed, with fluffy throw pillows. I imagined Thank you for the two granddaughters hold- image had fronted my uncle’s cigar store, and a powder puff rug, nightstand, frilly lamp, and ing my hands … I found myself reciting a list later, for some reason, moved to our home. roll-top desk. This part of my pretend room, of gifts for which I am sincerely grateful. Our cement-floored basement with had it been real, would have extended through I praise you. Lord God, I said, and I its washtubs, rough-hewn shelves, and dis- the wall, the linen closet, our hallway, and into am sorry for my sins. I paused, and with carded furniture was fun in the daytime. But the upright piano in the living room. my external eyes still closed, I opened my at night, guarded by that cigar store Indian, On the other end of the closet/dream internal ones and realized Jesus was sitting it was impossible to endure. hideaway — the part where our closet door in that same easy chair, the big, fluffy one The steps leading downstairs were long was cut — I dream-created a stuffed winged He always sat in, every day of my life, in the and looming, and whenever I had to climb chair, with ottoman, and a sofa, coffee table, little parlor of my heart. them, I asked for a partner. Unfortunately I and lamp. I loved to imagine how everything I looked at Jesus, smiling. “You are the always got my sister, who would begrudgingly looked, and clever ways to arrange it. Almost reason,” I told Him, “there are no monsters walk with me on whatever errand I was as- every night, with my eyes shut, I went in there. in my closets.” signed. That part went fine. But when we were I can still see that space. finished, my sister would make a mad dash up Somewhere in the many years I slept in Kathy Cribari Hamer and her the stairs, leaving me behind, screaming. that bedroom — from birth into my 20s — husband are members of St. It was like the Peanuts cartoon gag I added something else: the presence of God. Andrew Parish. Her family when Lucy tells Charlie Brown she will Jesus Christ always sat in the big soft life column has been honored hold the football while he kicks it, and she chair, and I would plop down on the ottoman, for excellence repeatedly by the snatches it away at the last minute, leaving leaning forward, looking into his eyes. He Catholic Press Association of him to let out a colossal “AAUGH!” Charlie would lean forward too, looking into mine. the United States and Canada.

PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 VOICE

Stations of the Cross with Polish religious heros interposed

By George Weigel

KRAKOW, Poland — The village sus to the Cross are obviously Roman; from a of Pasierbiec is in the south of distance, their helmets are eerily reminiscent Poland, about 30 miles from the of the familiar SS helmets of World War II. old royal capital of Kracow. And at the 14th station, two contempo- Its church, the Basilica of Our Lady of rary Polish martyrs witness the entombment Consolation, is full of votum gifts testifying of the Crucified One: Father Jan Czuba, to favors received through the intercession martyred in the Congo, and Father Zbig- of the basilica’s namesake. (The church niew Strzalkowski, martyred in Peru. itself reminds me of a comment Pope John The dedication of this shrine, which Paul II’s secretary, now-Cardinal Stanislaw reflects a thoroughly contemporary biblical Dziwisz, once made when we were look- faith, was led by the archbishop of Cologne, ing at a photo album of new churches in Cardinal Joachim Meisner, who once told Nowa Huta, the mill-town built by Polish me that German martyrs, not German theo- communists outside Krakow: “Troppo [Too logians, would be the foundation on which much] Corbusier...”) Christianity in 21st-century Germany would Outside the church, the priests and be rebuilt after the horrors of the 20th centu- people of Pasierbiec have done something ry. Meisner’s presence at the dedication was quite remarkable, however: they’ve recently Sixth Station of the Cross at Pasierbiec, Poland. a powerful sign of the German-Polish rec- constructed a stunning, contemporary (Photo by Roman Szuszkiewicz) onciliation sought by Wyszynski and Karol Via Crucis, in which figures from modern with good”—is inscribed on the Cross. Wojtyla, the future John Paul II, at the end Polish Catholic history are “inserted” into At the seventh station, the second fall, the of the Second Vatican Council; it also em- the traditional Stations of the Cross. The Lord is supported by Father Franciszek Blach- bodied the German prelate’s conviction that bronzes themselves are well-done, but what nicki, founder of the Oasis youth movement in Tertullian’s second-century insight remains is particularly striking about the Pasierbiec which tens of thousands of young Poles were true, 18 centuries later: sanguis martyrum Via Crucis is the idea that animates these catechized during holiday camping trips. semen christianorum [the blood of martyrs is sculptures — the idea that we can, and At the eighth station, where Jesus tradi- the seed of the Church]. should, imagine ourselves living inside the tionally meets the women of Jerusalem, he The post-modern world is a wilder- biblical story. Or, if you prefer, the Pasier- now meets Stanislawa Leszczynska and Ste- ness of mirrors in which nothing is stable: biec Via Crucis is a powerful invitation fania Lacka, prisoners who rescued children even maleness and femaleness, two “givens” to look at the world around us, including born in the Auschwitz concentration camp. throughout recorded human history, are recent history, through lenses ground by At the ninth station, the third fall, the now regarded as “cultural constructs” to be biblical faith. priest comforting the Lord is Blessed Roman altered at will. Reason alone seems unable to Some examples of this optic at work at Sitka, rector of the local seminary in Tarnow offer a powerful antidote to a post-mod cul- Pasierbiec: and a concentration camp prisoner (like sev- ture of unreality. To see the world around us In the depiction of the fifth station, eral thousand Polish priests). from “inside” the biblical story of the human it is Blessed John Paul II, not Simon of At the 10th station, Cardinal Stefan condition can be a reality-check. It’s one our Cyrene, who helps Jesus carry the cross. Wyszynski, primate of Poland during the culture and society badly need these days. At the sixth station, Blessed Jerzy first 33 years of communist rule, holds the Popieluszko, the martyr-priest of Solidarity, clothes being stripped from Jesus — an im- George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fel- relieves Jesus of some of the weight of the age that evokes memories of the cardinal low of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Cross while Veronica wipes the Holy Face; being stripped of his freedom and his dignity Washington, D.C. Weigel’s column is distrib- the message Father Jerzy preached during during three years of house arrest. uted by the DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER, the martial law in Poland— “Overcome evil Viewed close-up, the soldiers nailing Je- newspaper of the Archdiocese of Denver.

PAGE 19 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 VOICE Al Williams helped me come to Jesus He offered Christian witness with openness, hospitality, and courtesy

By David Mills Al Williams died a few days ago, at 91, surrounded by his family. None of you have ever heard of him because he never did anything to bring him- Many of his arguments never convinced self to public notice, much less anything that would carry his name from me — he was, as I say, a conservative western Massachusetts to other parts of the country. Baptist — but his life and words showed me You’ve heard of him at one remove, though. He was one of the biggest reasons that he knew Jesus and that knowing Jesus I became a convinced Christian and eventually came to write for our diocese’s made a man happy and good. newspaper. He lived in the town in which I grew up, and worked at the local uni- versity making things for the psychology department, and was apparently a kind of mechanical genius. The job didn’t pay very much, and he lived simply with his everyone else. Some of those young people, I mention Al here partly so that four children, he and his wife sharing sometime in the fourth quarter or the seventh genuinely good man will have some writ- one cramped attic room, his three boys inning when they felt comfortable, would ten memorial. It’s the least I can do. I crammed into the other. ask a question or make a statement, usually also mention him because after writing Al had cable TV when few people did religious. Al would answer them, always gently so much against so many bad ideas and — it was expensive — so that he could and always shrewdly and always in some way so many assaults on the Catholic faith, I watch the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and that made the attraction of knowing Jesus wanted to say something about the effects Celtics, depending on the season. I don’t Christ obvious, and not only obvious but of godliness. think he missed a game unless he was at compelling. We need good arguments, of course, church. He was a Baptist deacon, who I found his answers did so, anyway. Oth- though a lot of Christians who think attended an old, small, and very conserva- ers did too. Many of his arguments never about these things now say we ought to tive church in the country outside town. convinced me — he was, as I say, a conserva- give up on apologetics, that ideas don’t do And he was a man of obvious good- tive Baptist — but his life and words showed any good, that arguments don’t change ness who loved our Lord with a directness me that he knew Jesus and that knowing Jesus lives. They’re quite wrong. But there and simplicity I have rarely seen since. He made a man happy and good. And if Al knew is still nothing like genuine sanctity to loved the Boston teams but, as I realized Jesus so well, the rest of us, even the smart-al- break down your barriers to belief and only years later, he also watched them ecky and annoying teenage boy I’m sure I was, open your mind and heart. because the games gave young people a could get to know Him too. In my own case, I can say that I saw reason to drop by. He kept a gallon or His youngest son Joel became a very good the truth in St. Thomas and Newman two of vanilla ice cream in his freezer and friend. Why, I don’t remember, because we and Chesterton and so many others, every visitor got a big bowlful. (And that didn’t have much in common. After I left for partly because I saw Jesus Christ in Al itself was no small expense for him.) college, my friend was found to have cancer, Williams. Who has, though he emphati- You would sometimes find circled and I watched him and his father as for two cally did not believe in praying for the around Al’s television a would-be hippie, years he fought what wound up to be a losing dead, my grateful prayers. a guy who lived to work on his muscle battle. They both showed a nobility in suffer- car, a cheerleader, the dweeby guy from ing and a trust in God when the doctors gave David Mills is the executive editor of First the radio club, and an intellectual-type them many reasons to fear that was to me a Things (www.firstthings.com). He can be who felt himself of superior insight to witness to the reality of the things they said. reached at [email protected].

PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 VOICE Life's traumas and tragedies demand more than platitudes and stock motivational phrases

By Mary Regina Morrell

CAN I TELL YOU JUST HOW OFTEN I BECOME FRUSTRATED WITH PLATI- TUDES, MOTIVATIONAL TOMES, AND And those who can move through the THE OFTEN TRITE WISDOM OF SELF- EMPOWERMENT GURUS? times of struggle, of grief and suffering, After 13 years of posting prayer requests to my network of women pray- with integrity, without losing hope in ers, of responding daily during those years to the intentions of those who are the future, who get up every morning struggling with some of the most pain- ful circumstances imaginable, platitudes and carry on in spite of the emotional make me see red. What pithy phrase can you offer the or physical pain and find ways to friend who, within the past 12 months has lost two sons — one to cancer and help others do the same — these are another to suicide? What do you say to the family of the young man, a football player with college scholarships lined up, successful people, these are life’s heroes. who tried to cross the street only to be hit by an 18-wheeler? When I received of the power of intention would have helped losing hope in the future, who get up the prayer request, doctors had already them move forward in their pain and grief. every morning and carry on in spite of the amputated one leg and were trying to save I remember the first few moments after emotional or physical pain and find ways the other. He was still in a coma. Or the my father died. He was in a hospital bed in the to help others do the same — these are young mother of three who was just diag- hospice unit in the room next to my mother, successful people, these are life’s heroes. nosed with a virulent form of cancer, who who was terminally ill. I sat at the foot of his In that hospice room, so many years was not expected to live more than a few bed and sobbed, yelling at God, demanding ago, when I stopped trying to hold God’s months, or the father who accidentally that He explain why all this was happening. feet to the fire, I looked around and saw ran over his own child in their driveway. Exactly what was it God expected me to learn all the other jewels of compassion milling We have prayed for spouses who from all that I had been through in the past about the room with me — people who have disappeared, new parents of infants few years, and now, losing my beloved father would take their newfound wisdom born who have died, families who have lost who hadn’t even been sick a week before. I of grief into the world and be of support everything, including family members, in received my answer immediately — I have to others. I thought of Enid Starkies’ a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane; families forged you in the fires of grief to form a jewel profound words: “Unhurt people are not who are dealing with addiction or abuse of compassion. My response was immediate as much good in the world.” or have become homeless — the amount well — I don’t want to be a jewel of anything. I also remembered, and have held on of prayers sent up to heaven in the almost I want my father back. I want my mother to through the years to the words of Christ, 5,000 days since this group was founded be healed. I want my children to grow up with “I am with you always.” is beyond counting. their grandparents. I want my life to go back There is nothing trite about that. Perhaps, instead of lifting them up in to the way it was! prayer, we should we have told them — But it was in those moments that I truly Mary Morrell is the managing editor of “Choose success!” “Change your attitude, began to understand that life is suffering, as THE MONITOR, the diocesan newspaper of change your life!” “Pain is inevitable, suf- much as it is joy, perhaps more so. And those Trenton, New Jersey. She and her husband fering is optional.” Maybe a few well cho- who can move through the times of struggle, are the parents of six adult sons and live in sen happy faces or a graphic illustration of grief and suffering, with integrity, without Colonia, New Jersey.

PAGE 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 SEEKING GOD’S PATH VOCATIONS Following a vocation means following Jesus Christ

When a person begins thinking about To follow a vocation into the religious life is to following Jesus Christ as a priest, religious follow Jesus Christ. Following a religious call sister, or consecrated layperson, there are many in the Church is not the same as taking a job different reactions from family and friends. in a multi-national non-profit organization. It Sometimes people are very supportive; other is Jesus Christ who calls us to his service and to times, people react very strongly against the attend to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Father Jonathan Wallis, STL, was ordained to idea. Usually, it is a mix of the two. It is important that we all pray for an the priesthood in 2007 and has served as the The religious life is a mystery to many peo- increase of vocations to the priesthood and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth ple. If a person simply sees the Catholic Church religious life. It is equally important that we since June 2013. as a large organization, made up of rules and support our loved ones and friends if they tell regulations, they may not be especially recep- us that they are thinking about answering the and follow the call of Jesus Christ. I n the way tive to the idea that their friend or loved one call of Jesus Christ. We all have a part to play we talk about the Church, priests, religious sis- wishes to dedicate their life to the service of a in encouraging and nurturing vocations in the ters, and consecrated laypersons, we say volumes bureaucracy. Even life-long Catholics who love Church. about whether or not we support vocations. the Church may think that the religious life is For someone to share that they are think- Let us remember that vocations come wonderful — but it isn’t for my son or daugh- ing about entering the religious life is a huge from somewhere. Let us pray that God will in- ter, not for my nephew, niece, or friend. step. It is not easy to follow the call of Jesus crease vocations to the Diocese of Fort Worth What we all must remember is that the Christ in the world. However, each of us can and we may all play our part in supporting and Church is not simply a human organization. encourage and assist those closest to us to hear encouraging them. Chaplain calls it an honor to serve members of military, their families By Seth Gonzales Immaculate Conception Seminary at 1997 for the Archdiocese of Newark, purpose, especially when soldiers Texas Catholic Seton Hall University in New Jersey. New Jersey, Fr. Pawlikowski spent are at war. Diocese of Dallas He remembers being drawn to the three years as a parish priest before “Chaplaincy is missionary priesthood as early as high school. returning to work as an active duty work, not only to the culture of DALLAS (CNS) — Surveying the He graduated from the U.S. chaplain in the Army. the military, but especially when scene at this year’s National Confer- Military Academy in West Point, “I love being a priest,” said Fr. the military is deployed and de- ence for Diocesan Vocation Direc- New York, in 1986 with a Bach- Pawlikowski, who was born in Jersey ployed into harm’s way,” said Fr. tors convention in Dallas, Father elor of Science degree in foreign City, New Jersey. “Being a priest is Pawlikowski, who counts among Matthew Pawlikowski recounted area studies in the Soviet Union. the greatest thing in the world. Get- his heroes, Father Emil Kapaun, a an experience he has often had with He then spent six years of active ting to be a priest for soldiers and Kansas-born Army chaplain who soldiers in the military. duty service as an infantry officer, their families is even better. These died serving prisoners of war dur- “Some of the guys will say, ‘Hey which took him from Fort Benning, are people who go out and do jobs ing the Korean War and who was Chaplain, where’s your weapon?’ Georgia, to Uijeongbu, South Korea, that need to be done, but the rest of recently posthumously awarded the I tell them, ‘Right here,’” said Fr. and then eventually to Fort Bragg, us don’t want to do. They put their Congressional Medal of Honor and Pawlikowski, slapping his hands North Carolina. lives on the line. is a candidate for sainthood. together in prayer with a rosary. When his six years of service “They put stresses on them- “That is really when we are He spoke to The Texas Catholic, were complete, he resigned from ac- selves and their families and make most needed. As Christians seeking newspaper of the Dallas Diocese, tive duty, entered the Army Reserve great sacrifices for our safety. That is the advancement of the kingdom, while attending the vocation direc- and began attending Immaculate a clientele that I think is an honor to we don’t look to give up our lives, tors’ September gathering. Conception in hopes of becoming serve. It’s an honor to be a priest for but if necessary, that’s part of being Although officially an active a priest. During the seminary, he anyone, but especially to serve the Christian,” he said. “As priests, we duty Army chaplain since the sum- found himself, in short order, to be military and their families.” don’t look to give up our lives, but mer of 2000, Fr. Pawlikowski has the unofficial chaplain for Seton While his life as an Army chap- if necessary, if that’s what it means been serving members of the military Hall’s ROTC cadets and officers. lain has been fulfilling, he said, a to take care of God’s people, then as a chaplain since he was a student at After being ordained a priest in chaplain must always remember his that’s what it means.”

PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 TOP LEFT: Deacon Raul Martinez Lopez receives the Book of the Gospels, a symbol of his diaconal ministry. • BOTTOM LEFT: Deacon Gary Picou serves as the Deacon of the Altar immediately following his ordination. • MIDDLE: Dallas Auxiliary Bishop Douglas Deshotel stands with Dcns. Martinez (LEFT) and Picou (RIGHT) shortly after their Ordination Mass. • RIGHT: Raul Martinez and Gary Picou stand before the altar shortly before they are ordained to the tranistional diaconate. One step closer to priesthood STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN Dallas Auxiliary Bishop Douglas Deshotel ordains Raul Martinez and Gary Picou to transitional diaconate CORRESPONDENT

A DEACON’S CALL TO TEACH THE FAITH AND SERVE charity. cou, he wanted to become a priest. After gradu- THE COMMUNITY IS A VOCATION — a seed placed “This requires faith in your own lives and ation, the Houston native entered the seminary by God in the heart of a man. But the family is the nourishment of spirituality,” the bishop sug- but left during his second year of theology to where that seed is nourished and cultivated. gested. “In this way your ministry will be fruit- explore what it meant to be a priest. Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, auxiliary ful as others see that you do what you proclaim.” “I didn’t think I could go forward until I bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, offered words Deacon Martinez’ spiritual growth began understood it better,” he explained. of praise to the parents of Raul Martinez Lopez to flourish at the age of 26 when he attended a Picou moved to Fort Worth and began and Gary Picou, Jr., before addressing the men he Busqueda or “Search” diocesan retreat. working as a mechanical engineer for a small was about to ordain to the transitional diaconate “My life completely changed after that,” firm. After a period of reflection, he re-entered Sept. 14 in St. Michael Church in Bedford. said the native of Coahuila, Mexico. “I started the seminary in 2010 and began his studies at “Because of your families, you are here to- having a relationship with God, and through the Theological College, affiliated with Catho- day to answer the call of Christ to serve as dea- that, experienced a conversion. It led to my call lic University of America in Washington, D.C. con and later, God willing, as a priest,” he said. to the priesthood.” Now, years later, the young seminarian said “Be generous in giving yourselves completely to The former construction worker was sent to he’s looking forward to this next step in his call this service.” Mexico where he studied theology and philoso- to the priesthood. More than 300 friends, relatives, and phy for eight years at the Seminario Hispano “I have a peace about it,” Picou said, antici- former classmates gathered inside the Bedford Santa Maria de Guadalupe and The University pating his ordination. “Each person has to find church to watch the Dallas prelate preside over Pontificia de Mexico. In July 2012, he moved to (out) what it means to be a priest — especially a the ancient rite of diaconal ordination which Wichita Falls and later worked at Fort Worth’s diocesan priest.” includes the promise of obedience to the bishop, Baylor All Saints Hospital to complete his Now that they are ordained, the new dea- the laying on of hands, and presentation of the Clinical Pastoral Education. cons are serving at Holy Family Church in Fort Book of the Gospels. Dcn. Martinez improved his English Worth and the diocesan Vocations Office. Of- “When a man is called by the Church to speaking skills and overcame other challenges in ficial appointments cannot be made while the serve the body of Christ as a deacon, priest, or his journey toward the priesthood. His mother, diocese is without a bishop. bishop, the promise of Jesus — that he would Maria Esther Lopez, and brother, Jose, traveled Both men said the encouragement and be with his Church throughout the ages — is to Fort Worth to witness his ordination. support of parishioners energizes their spirit as brought to fulfillment,” Bishop Deshotel ex- “It hasn’t been easy,” he admitted. “Becom- they continue their priestly formation. The let- plained. “A man who is ordered to the service of ing a deacon proves to me one more time that ters and drawings they get from Catholic school the community follows in the pattern of Jesus God is the one who decides when and where children are particular mood boosters. Christ who came to serve and not be served.” things will happen. His will and grace have “The artwork can be very creative,” Dcn. A deacon’s responsibilities are to proclaim brought me to this day. I ask for everyone’s Picou explained with a chuckle. “And some of the Gospel, explain the sacred text to the as- prayers, so I can persevere in my vocation.” the letters — especially from the younger grades sembly of Christians, and teach the Catholic Deacon Picou was a college sophomore — are so sincere. They thank us for our dedica- faith. He is also instructed to carry on works of when he told his parents, Cathy and Gary Pi- tion and giving our lives (to God.)”

PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Friars are flanked by a team of volunteers during a day serving food and sharing the love of God at St. Benedict’s Mission. From left, they include: Jon Kerr, Denise Zahrah, Noel Santillan, Father Pio Maria Hoffmann, Gil Holloway, Brother Seámus Mary Laracy, Rich Duszynski, Melissa Murnane, Carolina Previto, and Jack Malik.

Bronx-based Franciscan Friars of the Renewal bring Catholic presence to the streets of Fort Worth

often among the first at the mission door to greet the friars and about 10 ddozens off Catholic lay volunteers. “It’s about meeting people and sharing the love peoplelkhi make their way to the h small llSBdi’Mii St. Benedict’s Mission hhouse on of God, and just being a family. We have to be a family and take care of Cypress Street, just south of Lancaster Avenue. They wait for its door to each other out here.” swing open, eager to be greeted by the smile of thick-bearded religious Known as “Angel” to those around her, because of her strong faith, men, dressed simply in gray hooded robes, open-toed sandals, and she added, “This is a spiritual experience. That’s what it’s all about. twisted-rope belts, each adorned with a crucifix. That’s why we’re here, so everybody can experience the love of God.” These are the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, based in the Bronx, Proudly wearing three religious medals and a rosary around her New York. They are here to help spread God’s love in one of the poorest neck, Angel said she is not Catholic — yet. “But, I’ll get there,” she and most crime-ridden areas of North Texas. promises. Inside the house, in the company of the friars, are basic comforts Like the others who come to the mission, Angel looks to the most people take for granted — air conditioning, running water, soap, a friars for hope and support in this area where many of the city’s poor clean restroom, sandwiches, fruits, nuts, desserts, milk, hot coffee, tea, and lonely gather on the eastern fringe of Fort Worth. “I just feel so and juices. blessed,” she said. “It’s the peace. … In the morning, when [the friars] That is not why, however, 200 people will way make their way here do the Scripture readings, it gives me focus for each day.” this day. There are other locations nearby where they can take respite, It was precisely for this reason that the Diocese of Fort Worth’s find food, and seek shelter. They come to St. Benedict’s Mission for a former shepherd, Bishop Kevin Vann, sought a Catholic presence on the different reason. city’s near east side. He contacted the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal “Oh, it’s not about the food at all,” said Angela Richardson, who is in the Bronx about five years ago and received assistance in the form of

PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 four friars to serve the poor in Fort Worth. It was welcome help for an area with the unenviable distinction of being ranked 15 among the 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the U.S. by Neighborhood Scout in 2010. The organization, basing its find- ings on FBI data and local law enforcement statistics, reported that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the area was one in 10. Frank Jeffery, a 53-year-old blind military veteran, who somehow makes his way alone to the mission with a walking stick and an old pack slung across his back, has survived these streets for several years. “I’ve been here before the friary was here,” said Frank. Thankful for the fri- ars’ mission house, Frank explained, “If it wasn’t here, maybe some days I wouldn’t eat.” Frank said the friars have focused on a needful part of the city to carry out their mission. “They don’t work in the Sundance Square area downtown, you know what I’m saying?” said Frank. He added that the friars selected a location “where there really are problems.” Even if it’s just for a cup of coffee, some food and fellowship with people who know his name, St. Benedict’s Mission offers Frank some welcome relief from the rest of the world outside its walls. “Other than that,” he said, “the streets are the streets.” Serving at the Sacred Heart Friary in Fort Worth are four dedicated Another regular visitor to the mission is a young man named David Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who include from left: Father Pio Smith, who simply goes by “D.” Maria Hoffmann, Brother Seámus Mary Laracy, Father Jeremiah Myriam Just seeing the friars walk by, said D, “gives me so much positiv- Shryock, and Brother Isaiah Marie Hofmann. ity.” Inspired by the friars, D said he has learned to turn to Scripture for valuable lessons in life, especially regarding patience and self-control. The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was “For example … ‘You reap what you sow.’ It just tells me that the started in 1987, by eight Capuchin Friars who worked for personal way I treat other people, it comes back to me. I mean every single day and communal reform in the Catholic Church. They sought a return that I walk down these streets, I begin to notice the blessings that have to the roots of Franciscan life. come to me based on the way that I treat other people,” D said. Today, these “Gray Friars” — known for their simple gray Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Brother Seámeus Mary Laracy, habits and the humble, joyful life of a Franciscan — have grown to D pointed to the friar and said, “I really respect the advice that he gives include more than 120 religious brothers serving at nine friaries in me, 100 percent, because it has helped me so much.” the U.S., four friaries in Europe, and two friaries in Central America. D continued, “The smile that I present here and there is based One of the apostolic missions of the Franciscan Friars of the on the confidence this man has given me.” The friar, he said, “let me Renewal is to serve the poor, especially the destitute and homeless. know from the beginning, that you cannot just depend on God to do Brothers live in poor neighborhoods, carrying out their work in every single thing for you in your life. You have to make an effort to do homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and through youth programs. In something.” doing so, they live out the commands of the Gospel and St. Francis. D said that before he got to know the friars and began to listen to In Fort Worth, the friars live at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Fri- them, it was sometimes difficult for him to truly hear God’s message. “I ary near the corner of East Terrell Avenue, next to Our Mother of was thinking my life was just so distant from the Scriptures in the Bible Mercy Church. — his Word. But after I started studying more and more, I’ve seen how A welcome presence in Fort Worth, the friars operate St. Bene- the Scriptures are not very distant from me, really. They have become dict’s Mission on Cypress Avenue in near East Fort Worth, in a closer and closer to me. I am living those Scriptures at this moment.” small building rented from the nearby Presbyterian Night Shelter. To that, Br. Seámeus responded with a positive, “Amen.” Mission doors are open for those in need on Tuesdays, Wednes- D then continued, “When I become upset, I tell myself to be days, and Thursdays. On each of those days, friars and about 10 the better person and walk away from a misunderstanding. … I have lay volunteers enjoy fellowship with the homeless and other guests, learned that the more patient I have become, the stronger I have be- as they serve food and refreshments supplied by area donors. The come. Patience and strength, I have learned, come together.” friars also offer morning and afternoon prayers. In a nearby stor- Reflecting later in the day on the compliments given to him and his age room, transformed into an oratory by the friars, lay volunteers fellow friars by D and others, Br. Seámus said, “It’s very humbling, very take turns maintaining a steady prayer vigil for those they serve. beautiful. Those are nice little gifts the Lord gives you to be part of his The heart of the Franciscan Friars’ work at St. Benedict’s mis- life.” sion is not to duplicate the physical and material services that exist Father Pio Marie Hoffman agrees. A friar for 14 years, he served at in the area, but to address the loneliness, loss of dignity, and lack shelters in the South Bronx and Harlem before arriving at St. Benedict’s of love suffered by those in poverty. Mission in Fort Worth three years ago. For more information on the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and their work in Fort Worth, visit www.cfrtexas.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

PAGE 25 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Volunteer Denise Zahrah is prepared to serve the guests at St. Benedict’s Mission with a smile. Brother Seámus Mary Laracy leads a thankful afternoon prayer for the people served at St. Benedict’s Mission in Fort Worth.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Renewal community and how they live humble lives in serving Jesus and the poorest among us. At the Texas mission, Fr. Pio explained, Until eight months ago, the closest Rich the friars live out their vows, pray, and carry had ever gotten to the friars, however, was ad- forward an apostolate that calls for them to miring their work around the world via special serve the homeless and to preach. EWTN television broadcasts. David “D” Smith is a frequent visitor to St. Benedict’s Upon arriving in Fort Worth and initially Then a friend invited him to travel to St. Mission. Standing with Br. Seámus, D said, “I really working at local homeless shelters and other Benedict’s Mission to take a look at what was respect the advice that he gives me, 100 percent, missions, Fr. Pio said the friars quickly discov- going on inside its doors. because it has helped me so much.” ered their special calling in this area. It was not Upon entering the mission, Rich was to duplicate the efforts of social service orga- taken aback by what he saw. Inside were steady nizations that were already providing food and streams of people passing through, being shelter. Instead, it was to freely give something served food by the religious men he had come else that was lacking in many lives. to admire. It was an environment, he recalled, “No one is starving on East Lancaster, filled with love, compassion, and true caring because people show up and give food all the for fellow human beings. time,” Fr. Pio said. “But they are starving for “I was like, ‘Wow! These are the Fran- humanity; they’re starving for dignity; they’re ciscan Friars of the Renewal!’” Rich recalled, starving for human attention. So we don’t do still excited about that first encounter with the much here other than love them. You want to friars in Fort Worth. Angela Richardson finds peace and focus in the be Jesus to the poor and find Jesus in the poor. “The next day I volunteered here,” Rich presence of friars and volunteers at St. Benedict’s That’s really it.” said. “For a Catholic, this is unbelievable. This One of the many volunteers who assist is so Catholic. And with the friars here, you mission. She is pictured with Fr. Pio (LEFT) and Br. Seámus. the friars by preparing food, serving it to mis- can just feel it. The food, the love, the prayer sion guests, and sharing love and hospitality is — it’s just such a wonderful place. Being with Rich Duszynski. He said he has always been these friars and serving the people here is just impressed with the Franciscan Friars of the absolutely wonderful. This is a great place.”

Paul Gutiérrez said he feels blessed to be nearby the Visitors to St. Benedict’s Mission get service with a Friars and St. Benedict’s Mission. A devout Catholic, Frank Jeffery said he appreciates the food and smile from friars and volunteers. With no questions he makes it a point to stop by the mission during fellowship at St. Benedict’s Mission. He has made asked, the doors are open to those who seek physical afternoon prayer. He is pictured with Fr. Pio Maria friends with the friars and often enjoys telling and spiritual nourishment, or just a moment’s peace Hoffmann. lighthearted jokes to Fr. Pio, left, and Br. Seámus. and some valued fellowship. PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 St. Thomas parishioners gathered under tents at the location of their future church.

St. Thomas the Apostle pastor Father Antony Mathew, TOR, prepares the altar at the first Mass at the parish’s new site Sept. 30. Assisting him is acolyte Bruce Mallory. St. Thomas the Apostle breaks ground for new church Amy Dikes greets parishioners before the Mass BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN larger [church] to hold more people.” begins. CORRESPONDENT Originally, the plan was to build a larger church at the current location in North Fort ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH IS MONTHS Worth. AWAY FROM STARTING CONSTRUCTION ON A “We felt like we belonged in that neigh- LARGER CHURCH, but parishioners have already borhood, but Fort Worth is really growing in made history at the 30-acre site that will be- this area,” explained Dennis Helgeson refer- come their new home. ring to Northwest Tarrant County. “This is a Almost 1,000 people turned out for two history-making moment. The church is really open air Masses celebrated Sept. 30 and Oct. going to blossom here.” 1 at the Bowman-Roberts Road property. The A member of St. Thomas for 17 years, his liturgies were part of a weekend Fall Festival only misgiving is that the parish will lose its organized to raise money for the building fund. close-knit, family atmosphere. Sheltered under a white tent, pastor Father “But this is an excellent opportunity to Antony Mathew, TOR, welcomed the congre- bring that along with us and we plan to do Parishioner Jamie Ladd holds his son, Noah. gation to the church property. that,” he added. “We wanted to bring everyone here to St. Thomas’ new location is already at- celebrate the Eucharist as a community,” he ex- tracting new parishioners. Several Catholic plained. “I want to thank everyone who made families, who recently moved into the adjoining this possible. It’s a beautiful day in the life of neighborhood, saw the signs and tents for the our parish family.” outdoor Mass and stopped by with questions. St. Thomas parishioners have raised more “They didn’t know there was a Catholic than $2 million in cash and $1.38 million in church in the area and stayed for Mass,” said pledges for the building project. CNK Associ- Kevin Kopf, who organized the gathering. ates Inc., the architectural firm that designed “They were pleased to find out a church is be- Simon Najera serves as a lector at the Vietnamese Martyrs Church in Arlington, has ing built close by.” groundbreaking Mass. submitted preliminary plans for a cruciform style structure that will include a main sanctu- ary, small chapel, and parish hall with seating for 1,200 people. Built by the Czech Catholic community and dedicated in 1937, St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Azle Avenue can ac- commodate only 225. Overflow crowds view the Mass on a screen in the nearby parish hall. Longtime parishioner John Thome said the community is excited about the move. Members of the St. Thomas choir lead the Fr. Mathew sits under the tent during the Liturgy “It’s a good idea,” he added. “We need a congregation in singing. of the Word. PAGE 27 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 This sign sits outside of St. John Parish in Valley View. Mass has not been celebrated at the parish since it closed in 2008. (Photo by Elaine Schad)

remembering valley view’s st. john parish Auction brings St. John parishioners together one last time to say goodbye to their closed parish

BY ELAINE SCHAD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“THAT’S A.J. SCHMITZ’S PEW,” SAID A PARISHIONER MUSINGLY. “HE SAT thereafter when an opportunity to purchase land arose. RIGHT THERE EVERY TIME.” The first order of business was to bring their Catholic faith along St. John Catholic Church swung open its doors in welcome, just with them. Those founding families located the little church building in like it has done thousands of times over the past 60-plus years, but this Sanger. They moved it, fixed it up, and got it ready for its first Mass on time was the last time. A.J.’s pew had an auction number on it, the vis- Jan. 3, 1946. St. John’s lived! ible sign that St. John Parish in Valley View would now become a part There were so many loving hands that helped during those days. of the rich history of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Father William Botik (1946-48), the first pastor, hauled cement bricks The memories rushed and wouldn’t stop that day. As a small child, from Pilot Point to build the rectory. Father Thomas Weinzapfel (1948- I would join the many children who would dash across the parking lot 52) followed, establishing the parish religious education program. The to greet a smiling Father Anthony Gajda. We all knew he had candy Sisters of Divine Providence came from St. Peter’s in Lindsay to help in his pocket! Many years later I would delight in seeing my own small teach the children. children do that same dash. Fr. Gajda was standing before my husband Almost four acres still surrounds the church. Instead of mowing it and me on our wedding day more than 37 years ago. He baptized our or making it a parking lot, families would make sure the land was plant- two oldest children. When Fr. Gajda went to be with the Lord follow- ed and harvested. It always made good conversation about mid-summer ing a brief illness, parishioners had to scurry to figure out how to have to see how much the wheat or crop of choice would sell for and have it a large funeral in such a little building. The tent went up, a speaker was posted to the revenue of the parish. rigged, and the only other place besides his beloved Poland that Fr. Ga- The forty-plus families banded together on many projects big and jda loved so dearly, gave him a most loving farewell. small. They built a Parish Hall and a hospitality room, where Lorene’s The pioneer families were well-represented on auction day. As cake went over really big every week with a cup of coffee and some World War II disrupted the lives of so many, the German prisoner of Scripture. Parishioners celebrated the parish’s Golden Anniversary in war camp, Camp Howze, was established in Cooke County. The Bier- 1996 with great glee and with a little festival. The cake walks and pot schenk family farm was one of the properties taken to build the camp. lucks were happy times. And, of course, everyone knew that Alvin was They briefly moved to Pilot Point but moved to Valley View shortly the man to beat every time the St. John’s Men’s Club came together to

PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: A view of the outside of St. John Parish in Valley View in the early 1950s. • The sanctuary of St. John Parish in the early 1950s. • Fort Worth Bishop Joseph Delaney (center) and St. John pastor Father Harry Fisher (left) break ground for the parish’s new catechetical wing in the mid-1990s. (NTC Archives file photos) play dominoes while the Altar Society women services and the diocese’s representative at the day a vision. “We’d like to use the funds to made sure the vestments, altar server garments, auction. “We have four priests who are now build an altar near Fr. Gajda’s grave and for and altar cloths were always pristine. over 80 years old who are still pastors,” he said. the perpetual upkeep of the St. John’s section,” While Fr. Gadja’s 32 years of service That seemed to be the definitive answer that he said. Those present seemed comforted, yet (1952-84) left an indelible mark, each pastor St. John’s as a parish would be no more. another visual that their parish would continue who graced St. John’s left a memory. Father It was evident that day, however, that St. to live in some way. Gerald Cooney’s (1984-1989) message, “Right John’s would live on, not only in the hearts of The new Bl. John Paul II Parish in Denton is right when nobody’s right; wrong is wrong many, but also through the visible signs from a will become home to some of the St. John’s when everybody’s wrong,” was coupled with a legacy of faith. Since it closed as a parish more items used for the Mass. The stained-glass win- major facelift to the parish buildings. While than five years ago, the parish plant has been dows will adorn various homes throughout the parishioners made sure the land was tilled and under the jurisdiction of the closest parish, St. area. The two nativities, the only two nativities the pecans were gathered, Father Harry Fisher’s Mary’s in Gainesville. St. Mary’s pastor Father to ever exist in the parish, will bring Christmas (1989-2000) farming background brought the Victor Cruz, HGN, has been a loving steward, to life in the homes of their new caretakers. parish landscape to life. If he wasn’t gardening gently guiding his new parishioners through Parishioners gathered for one last group outside, he’d be the only person to have tomato what has been an emotional transition. The photo. The picture frame housing the official plants flourishing during the middle of the win- Marian statue which adorned the steeple of the establishment of the parish back in 1946, as ter! He planted trees, picked up trash along the church for many years has been repainted and part of the then Diocese of Dallas, was taken roadway, and replaced that old cu lvert that had placed in front of the St. Mary’s administra- down and will become part of the diocesan ar- always caused the water to divert in the wrong tive offices. The St. John’s Chapel is now open chives. The small arch that had nestled around direction. Father Bart Landwermeyer (2000-01) in the former convent chapel at St. Mary’s. Our Lady during so many May crownings had Spencer, one of the largest cats to walk the Entering the chapel, one sees that it is literally stood alone in the corner with its tiny roses face of the earth. And who could ever forget Fa- a “little St. John’s.” Much of the interior of still in place. ther Joseph Meledom (2001-08), who loved his the existing church has been moved into the By day’s end, the two holy water fonts that native India, but who endeared himself to the smaller space, including the altar, pews, Sta- blessed every visitor at the church entry re- parishioners, so much so that he still wears the tions of the Cross, and more. mained for that last moment. “I’d love to have black Texas cowboy hat they presented him. Since it has been a tradition to celebrate one of these,” Lisa said. “Jennifer’s teaching, “Is there any chance that we could still get Mass in the St. John’s section of the Valley and she would like to put this in her class- a priest?” queried a parishioner to Peter Flynn, View Cemetery every All Souls Day, Fr. Victor room,” she said. “I think I’ve got a Phillips in diocesan vice chancellor for administrative shared with those attending the auction that my pickup,” Billy said. St. John lives.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Diocesan Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Peter Flynn addresses parishioners gathered at St. John for an auction selling the church’s furnishings and religious art. • Parishioners stand in front of their church building next to Father Victor Cruz, HGN, (far left), pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Gainesville, which is absorbing the community. • This nativity set was one of many items up for sale at the auction. (Photos by Elaine Schad) PAGE 29 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Celebrating f service Four Sisters of St. Mary of Namur celebrate co

STORIES AND PHOTOS BY JOAN KUR

LEONARD FLORI STILL REMEMBERS HOW THE at St. Andrew, recognized the dedication and FAMILY FELT WHEN HIS SISTER, DOROTHY ANN, service of Sister Cecile Faget (70 years), Sister LEFT HOME TO JOIN THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF Dorothy Ann Flori (70 years), Sister Donna NAMUR IN 1943. Marie Crochet (50 years), and Sister Gabriela “We were tearful,” admits the Garland Martinez (50 years). resident who grew up in Waco as part of a large, “During their combined 240 years, they loving family. “She would sing beautiful duets have served their own community and hundreds with my other sisters all the time. I missed of people in different ministries,” said Msgr. that.” Scantlin in his homily. “They have been minis- Dorothy Ann’s parents were emotional but ters of faith, teachers in school, and promoters supportive as they watched one of their three of the Second Vatican Council. We have joy in daughters walk through the convent door. Her our hearts as we celebrate with them today.” father had considered a religious vocation and Answering the call to religious life isn’t al- studied for the priesthood before deciding to ways easy, he pointed out. After the Vatican II, serve God in other ways. the number of new vocations dwindled, and the “The Church really did better work of the Church became more difficult. with him married. From our family, “But joy comes in fulfilling God’s will and there were two religious vocations,” God’s way in our life,” said Msgr. Scantlin who Sister Dorothy Ann Flori explained. serves as auxiliary chaplain for the local congre- “We have a brother who’s a priest gation. “That somehow sustains us.” too!” The four honorees followed similar paths Her brother, Father David Flori, pastor in carrying out God’s will. All went to schools of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Richard- operated by the Belgium-based order known for son, joined Monsignor Joseph Scantlin, pas- its teaching ministry. tor of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish of Ar- Sr. Cecile Faget was born in New Orleans lington, and Franciscan Fathers Tom Stabile but moved with her family to Dallas where and John Shanahan of St. Andrew Parish in she first encountered the Sisters of St. Mary Fort Worth, in celebrating a Jubilee Mass of Namur as a 10-year-old at St. Edward’s that honored Sr. Dorothy Ann and three Academy. other longtime members of the Sisters of St. “I’ve been with them ever since,” enthused Mary of Namur. The Mass of The Blessed the jubilarian who served on the English faculty Virgin Mary Cause of Our Joy, held Aug. 31 at the University of Dallas for 10 years.

COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sisters Donna Marie Crochet, Gabriela Ma SSMN, renew their vows at their Jubilee Mass at St. Andrew Aug. 31. • Sr. David Flori. • Srs. Dorothy Ann and Cecile, both celebrating 70 years, Mass. • Monsignor Joseph Scantlin prays over Srs. Gabriela and Do offertory gifts to the altar. • A display board features the lifetim of the four sisters. • Sr. Cecile stands with her niece, Ann Yearc brother, Angel Martinez (LEFT), and grandnephew, Nicolas Mar joined by other priests who support the Sisters in celebratin Gabriela and Donna, both celebrating sisters, stand before Sr. Donna with her niece, Jodie, and niece’s husband, Phil B Dorothy Ann, Gabriela, and Donna Marie face the congregat

PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 four lives of e to God ombined service of 240 years with four jubilees

KOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT

In 1995, she traveled to Africa to help the and Kay Kolb gave English instruction, and I order’s missionary sisters in Rwanda. Today, provided the Spanish portion of the course with she continues to tutor students in English and Sister Dorothy Powers.” Spanish. That original structured formation of lay Sr. Cecile, who was drawn to the religious ministers at the diocesan level later evolved into life as a young child, wishes more women would the Blessed John Paul II Institute: School of Lay answer the call to serve God as a sister. Ministry/Why Catholic? Today Sr. Gabriela is “It’s a happy life and a special way of conse- director of Hispanic Ministry and Faith forma- crating yourself totally to the Lord,” she said. tion at St. Joseph Church in Arlington. Influenced by the sisters who taught her at Sr. Dorothy Ann Flori attended St. Mary Resurrection Catholic School in Houston, Sr. Academy of the Sacred Heart in Waco from Donna Crochet decided to join their commu- first grade through high school. One of her nity after high school. Her principal ministry is classmates, the late Sister St. John Begnaud, teaching pre-school and kindergarten young- gave the valedictorian address at graduation. Sr. sters. Tending to the demanding needs of little Dorothy Ann was the class salutatorian. ones doesn’t tire the veteran educator. The diminutive nun served as a principal “It requires a lot of energy but it keeps me in Sisters of St. Mary schools throughout Texas. young,” insisted Sr. Donna who plans to retire For 20 years, she worked in Arlington — first at at the end of the academic year. “I’ve enjoyed St. Maria Goretti and then Holy Rosary (now every minute, but after 30 years, it’s time.” St. Joseph Catholic School). Sr. Dorothy Ann During summer vacations, she volunteered now tutors children at Our Lady of Victory for 15 years at Casa de Esperanza in Houston, a School. home for infants with HIV/AIDS. Ann Yearca traveled from Dallas to attend Sister Gabriela Martinez, another Houston the 70th anniversary jubilee of her aunt, Sr. native, taught catechism classes with the Sisters Cecile. of St. Mary before joining the order in 1963. “I’m amazed and proud of all the good For 18 years, she worked for the Diocese of Fort work she’s done over the years,” Yearca said, Worth and helped organize and develop the expressing a sentiment felt by so many gathered first bilingual ministry training program in the for the celebration. “The sisters are wonderful diocese in 1977. “I was very involved in training role models. It’s nice to see good people in the lay ministers for parishes,” Sr. Gabriela recalled. world lighting the way for the rest of us.” “(School Sisters of Notre Dame) Pat Miller

rtinez, Dorothy Ann Flori, and Cecile Faget, . Dorothy Ann with her brother, Father , sing hymns at the beginning of the onna Marie after they delivered the e accomplishments of each ca. • Sr. Gabriela with her rtinez. • Msgr. Scantlin is g the Jubilee Mass. • Srs. the beginning of Mass. • Billeaudeau. • Srs. Cecile, tion at their Jubilee Mass.

PAGE 31 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Promise to serve Sister Lola ‘Ulupano professes her first vows as a Sister of St. Mary of Namur

SISTER LOLA ‘ULUPANO PROMISED TO SHOW HER CONGREGATION — THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF NAMUR — something they had never seen before during her profession of first vows ceremony at St. Michael Church. She did not disappoint. The native of Tonga asked members of her ethnic parish community to incorporate some of their religious customs into the Aug. 17 Mass celebrated by Father Sister Lola ‘Ulupano stands with her Jeff Poirot. They honored her father, St. Michael Deacon Sangote request with a rousing Procession ‘Ulupano, before her profession of of the Word marked by uplift- first vows. ing music from the Tongan choir, Sister Mary Meridian, provincial for the Sisters’ Western Province, presents dancing, and a float. Sr. Lola with her cross, symbolizing her membership in the community. The Worshippers stood enthralled cross belonged to the late Sister St. John Begnaud, who requested that it be as four girls, resplendent in tradi- given to the newest member of their community. tional dress, performed rhythmic dance steps up the center aisle of of life really reminded me of Ton- tage to visit her grandmother who the church. Behind them four ga,” said Sr. Lola who lived with was unable to attend the ceremo- men, wearing ta’ovala mats tied three other novices in Brazil. ny. The elderly woman thanked with kafa rope, carried a young But there was also a darker her granddaughter for giving her boy — seated inside a symbolic side to her visit. Seeing homes life to Jesus. Dcn. ‘Ulupano proclaims the Gospel boat — on their shoulders. Raised with dirt floors and holes in the “She reminded me that I at his daughter’s first vows Mass. in his hands was the Book of the ground for toilets exposed her to almost died as a very young baby Gospels which he slowly lowered the extreme poverty that defines from a fever,” said the sister, who to Deacon Sangote ‘Ulupano, Sr. some Brazilian neighborhoods. left Tonga 14 years ago. “She was Lola’s father, who waited at the “I’ve never seen such poor so happy that Jesus gave me a sec- foot of the altar. people in my life ,” the sister ex- ond chance at life and now I have “I’ve kept it a secret. This is plained. “I felt so close to them, chosen to follow Him.” the first time the sisters will see especially the children. Looking at Fr. Jeff Poirot shared similar this type of procession,” enthused them is like looking at Jesus. It’s enthusiasm in his homily. Offer- the new sister days before the spe- an ache in my heart. I wanted to ing his blessing and words of en- cial liturgy. “We have a lot of big help them.” couragement, he told the sister the Sr. Lola stands with Holy Family processions in Tonga.” Now back in the United life she has chosen is a good one. pastor Father Jeff Poirot. Sr. Lola’s profession of first States, Sr. Lola plans to earn a There will be difficult times, vows was the end of one stage in degree in elementary education the priest admitted. her vocation process and the be- and strengthen the call to serve “But there’s a whole lot of ginning of another. The 34-year- God that’s been in her heart good stuff and joyous times,” he old has already completed forma- since childhood. Raised by her said. “Msgr. (Charles) King always tion as a postulant and two and a grandmother in Tonga, the young told me, ‘It’s a great life. Just don’t half years as a novice. Part of her sister comes from a long line of take it too seriously.’ Those are time in the novitiate was spent in her family’s vocations. An uncle words that a lot of us should live Brazil where she learned Portu- and cousin are priests, an aunt is a by.” Members of St. Michael’s Tongan guese and tutored school children nun, and her father is a deacon. Referring to the day’s “Mar- community brought elements of in reading. Before professing her first tha and Mary” Gospel, he advised their culture into the procession at “I fell in love with the people. vows, Sr. Lola traveled to the the beginning of the Mass. Their friendliness and simple way South Pacific island of her heri- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Embarking on a new vocation Sister Soledad Quintero enters the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur

SISTER SOLEDAD QUINTERO’S DECISION TO JOIN THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF NAMUR IS ROOTED IN A PARISH GATHERING SHE ATTENDED AS AN IMPRESSIONABLE 7-YEAR-OLD. “A missionary spoke to us about his ministry and showed us pictures of his work continue the formation process for another in Africa,” says the native of Puebla, Mexico two years. who grew up in a very religious family. “That’s Sr. Soledad currently teaches Spanish- when I first got the idea of being a sister.” speaking courses for the diocese’s John Paul As an 18-year-old, Soledad took a course II Institute and enjoys working with youth on evangelization that deepened her call to and young adults. Time spent living in the religious life. She became involved in parish novitiate house and getting to know the activities and joined a lay community in Mex- other sisters has been both enlightening and ico called the Asociacion Apostolica Jesuscristo enriching. Divino Amor (Apostolic Association of the “I feel I have grown and my relation- Divine Love of Jesus Christ) — a group she ship with God has become deeper,” says was a part of for 24 years. the 44-year-old. “I’ve had the opportunity “While I was with the association, I to know the life and testimony of different became friends with Sister Inés Diaz, who is sisters and have seen strength, love, persever- a Sister of St. Mary of Namur,” Soledad ex- ance, and dedication.” plains. “I felt a call to deepen my response to Sister Soledad Quintero, SSMN, smiles after the Aug. Her advice to others contemplating the God’s call, and I shared this desire with her.” 31 Mass for the community’s jubilarians. Sr. Soledad same path she has chosen? Make a decision After talking to a priest, the discerning became a novice in the community Aug. 10. and don’t vacillate. Consider visiting a con- young woman took time to reflect on her de- vent, Sr. Soledad suggests. cision and visited Sr. Ines’ religious commu- “I’m an only child. My father died “It’s a great option that opens the door nity. She entered the convent as a candidate/ when I was 8 months old but my mother is to happiness, self-giving, and plentitude,” she postulant on Jan. 12 after living with the very happy for me and totally supports my continues enthusiastically. “It’s a life full of sisters at the Our Lady of Victory Center in vocation,” says Sr. Soledad, who entered the meaning, joy, and continued surprises. Come Fort Worth for a year. community’s novitiate on Aug. 10 and will visit me!”

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE once worn by the late Sr. St. John Begnaud. Before she died last the young sister to maintain a bal- August, the longtime member of ance of service to God and service the community requested that her to others in her ministry. cross be given to the newest mem- “Sr. Lola my hope and prayer ber of the religious order. for you is that in the days and “Sr. Lola had a long journey years to come, you will be able and has blossomed,” Sr. Merid- to balance the Martha and Mary ian told the North Texas Catholic. in you so you will be an instru- “She’s followed our charism for ment of God’s love, presence, and many years, so we’re happy to peace,” he said. “And in minister- celebrate with her today.” ing to all those you love and serve, A second novice, Sr. Soledad you will be energized by being Quintero, joined the Sisters of St. closely connected to God.” Mary of Namur in early August. After professing vows in front “So we see new life and new of the congregation, the provin- growth,” she added. “Sr. Lola cial of the Sisters of St. Mary of adds to our multiculturalism. She At the end of her first profession Mass at St. Michael Parish in Bedford, Sr. Namur, Sister Mary Meridian, brings in the Tongan culture and Lola stands with the members of her new community, the Sisters of St. Mary presented Sr. Lola with the cross that’s a first for us.” of Namur, along with Fr. Poirot (far left) and Dcn. ‘Ulupano (far right).

PAGE 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Father George Foley offers a sneak peak at some of the church art he's assembled

By Jerry Circellilli Fr.FFlf Foley from a Catholic Chli church Correspondent that was closed in Milwaukee. The Stations of the Cross are With dedication of a new church among many artifacts traveling building for St. Jude Parish in from Catholic churches closing in Mansfield only a few months northern cities to the new St. Jude away, local Catholics are abuzz being built in Mansfield. with speculation about what they “When you’re building might find inside. Some have a church and you have these heard that stained-glass win- resources that already exist dows created in the 1850s will somewhere else, why reinvent the be installed, while others tell wheel?” Fr. Foley asked. “So I of life-size statues of the saints thought, ‘Let me go and see what’s carved by artisans in Mexico. Still available.’” Fr. Foley brings his visitor others are talking about an altar Fr. George Foley, pastor of St. Jude Church in Mansfield, pulls back a plastic tarp and pulpit tooled by craftsmen in to reveal a hand-carved white marble altar made by artisans in Vietnam. (NTC to the new church building for a Vietnam from some of the world’s Photo / Jerry Circelli) glimpse of four antique stained- finest marble. The list of Church glass angel windows already treasures being discussed seems In an exclusive interview with After visiting with woodcarv- installed along the top wall. They endless, even to the point of being the North Texas Catholic, St. Jude ers in Mexico last year, Fr. Foley are protected by plastic from dust somewhat unbelievable. Some Church Pastor Father George fell in love with their work. Their stirred up in the final construc- people have even passed along Foley unlocked doors and pulled first creation was a 10-foot figure tion phases of the church interior. rumors that a white marble replica back tarps to reveal cherished of Jesus on the cross. Just recently, The church is filled with painters, of the “Pietà” has been delivered artifacts that will be part of the it was placed 15 feet above the electricians, trim specialists, and a to the parish and will be placed diocese’s newest house of worship. altar in the new church. host of others. inside the church entrance. On the first leg of the jour- “I want this church to be the In all, 30 stained-glass win- The fact of the matter is — ney around the St. Jude Parish focal point for Catholics in the dows will add dramatic color to it’s all true. More than 100 holy grounds, in a peaceful neighbor- town of Mansfield,” said Fr. Foley. the church, including 14 antique treasures have been secured, and hood at the historic center of “I want it to be the place where windows repurposed from closed the new St. Jude Church has been Mansfield, Fr. Foley brings his people can go in and feel they’re churches and 16 transferred constructed to accommodate visitor to the parish center. Mean- in God’s house, they’re in his from the current St. Jude church them. dering through dim hallways, Fr. temple. That’s all I want. I hope building. Foley arrives at his destination — its beauty is something people can Fr. Foley traveled to Boston, Detail of St. Anthony of Padua holding a quiet room tucked away at a far appreciate for the next 100 years.” where he obtained a 163-year-old child Jesus carving. (NTC Photo / Jerry corner of the building. He inserts Ready to arrive any day now stained-glass window depicting Circelli) a key in the door, swings it open, from Mexico are carvings of St. flips on the light switch and says, Kateri Tekakwitha (the first Na- “Meet Padre Pio, St. Anthony tive American saint in the U.S.) of Padua, St. Jude, and a host of and an angel. But sharing space others.” There, standing silently, with the saints already in this but with a presence that fills the temporary storage room are more room, are life-size carved wooden treasures. Along the floor are 14 statues of the saints. ceramic Stations of the Cross, Soon they will take their painted in earth tones and finely places in the new church, but detailed. They were obtained by today they share storage space with 3-foot-high wooden Nativity carvings. Included are Jesus in his Baby Jesus in the manager is among manger, Mary, Joseph, the three the several nativity pieces carved in kings, a shepherd, a burro, and an Mexico for the new church. (NTC Photo ox. All were hand-made in Mexico. / Jerry Circelli)

PAGE 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 Beverly Hills, California, donated it. According to the Arte Devine website, the replica is cast in Car- rera marble from a mold derived from the original “Pietà” and produced under license with the Vatican Observatory Foundation. “The result is a precise reproduc- tion that is faithful to the original “Pietà” in every detail,” according to Arte Devine. Admiring the details of the One of four antique angel stained-glass piece, Fr. Foley predicts it may windows high along the wall of the draw crowds. “I think people church.. (NTC Photo / Jerry Circelli) are really going to enjoy seeing Carvers in Apaseo el Alto, Mexico, earlier this year created a 10-foot figure of Jesus that has now been placed above the altar at the new St. Jude Church in Man- this. I hope that the ambience it sfield. (Photo courtesy Fr. George Foley) will bring to the church will lead passion for the entire Catholic people to feel closer to God.” Church is as healthy and vibrant Reflecting on three busy today as it was when he was or- John the Baptist, with an angel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On years of drawing up plans with his dained in Pretoria, South Africa, looking on as he baptizes Christ. tables and along the floor are building committee, working with 55 years ago. A master stained-glass artist in other treasures. the Diocese of Fort Worth, and “God has been very good to England created the piece. Three “I’ve always had a love for recruiting help from dedicated me,” says Fr. Foley, reflecting on additional window panels were antiques,” says Fr. Foley. “They and generous parishioners on the his life and the latest accomplish- also obtained in Boston. never become personal antiques. project, Fr. Foley sometimes has ments about to unfold. Fr. Foley also secured six They become part of the parishes difficulty believing that the trans- “I often think of Solomon. stained-glass window panels from where I serve.” formation is taking place at his David called him in and said, a church that was closed in Min- Just across the street, inside parish in Mansfield. The current ‘God has informed me that I am neapolis. All of the windows are the garage of the church rectory, church seats 667 people, far too not going to build the temple that being reconditioned in Waco. Fr. Foley prepares to unveil a few for a dynamic parish that now I wanted to build and he has cho- The priest makes his way masterpiece. The priest enters a includes 3,700 families. sen you to build it.’ to the sanctuary and draws back security code and up goes the ga- The new church, with a “That this project comes my a large sheet of heavy plastic. rage door. To the right is his SUV, 23,000-square-foot interior, can way while I am in this parish is Beneath it is a white marble altar and to the left is a recasting of seat 1,700 people. just another unbelievable story in from Vietnam. On the front is a Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” The piece A few months away from his my life. I am so happy here. I am stunning carving of Christ and weighs 800 pounds, measures 7 80th birthday, Fr. Foley possesses in utopia as far as I’m concerned, his disciples at the Last Supper. and a half feet high, 6 feet wide, a clear vision for the future of St. as far as Catholicism is concerned. Even a non-believer would have to and 3 and a half feet deep. Arte Jude Church in Mansfield and It’s unbelievable, and I just ask, pause and admire this work of art. Devine, an organization based in an appreciation of its past. His ‘Why me? Why me?’” “Where do you even see something like this?” asks Fr. Stations of the cross and their bases await placement on the walls of the new St. Jude Church building. They were obtained Foley. A marble podium and from a church closed in Milwaukee. (Photo by Fr. George Foley) lectern, also carved in Vietnam, sit nearby and are still uncrated, while a matching baptismal font has just been unpacked. Across the walkway from the new church building are the parish offices. It is here, in a con- ference room adjoining Fr. Foley’s workspace, where more treasures are stored. A beautiful statue of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, obtained from a closed church in Milwau- kee, stands next to a conference table. Near her is a painting, extending from floor to ceiling,

PAGE 35 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 40 Days for Life rally and vigil begins in Fort Worth, 300 strong

By Jerry Circelli During her brief and compel- Correspondent ling remarks, Podell looked out at the crowd of pro-life support- Along a short bend of road on ers and said, “I can’t tell you how “When a woman decides to John Ryan Drive in Southwest grateful we are at Gladney that have an abortion, her mind Fort Worth exists a strange jux- you guys are going to be here is set. If anything is going to taposition of services — one of- across the street for the next 40 help change her mind, it will fering life for the unborn and the days. I personally think that it is be God. We pray that God other death. The Edna Gladney divine intervention that Planned will help people discover right Center for Adoption and Planned Parenthood happened to go up from wrong.” Parenthood may be next door next to an adoption agency.” — Evangelina Perez, Fort neighbors, but they stand in stark Podell extended her arm in the Worth. Our Lady of Guada- contrast to one another. Planned direction of the Edna Gladney lupe Church Parenthood resembles a bastion Center and continued, “We built set back behind a stone wall, with this sidewalk and gate for women “I’m in the Knights of Co- no hint of what goes on inside. who are looking for another an- Catholic commentator and author lumbus, I’m pro-life, I’m Next door, at the Edna Gladney swer, so they can come through a Catholic and I will do Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, talks to Center for Adoption, the frontage participants at the rally Sept. 25. that gate and find the hope they everything I can to protect is designed with a life-size metal (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) are looking for.” the sanctity of life. Whenever statue of a young boy running Podell invited pro-life volun- I hear of a pro-life event, I’m in the grass, trying to set his kite door to the newly constructed teers to lead women to that adop- there. The people I meet at 40 aloft. Behind him are the words: 19,000-square-foot Planned tion center entrance as they carry Days for Life do great work. “A Future and a Hope.” Parenthood facility. Inside that out their mission, adding, “We They’re very inspiring and It was here, with a clear view building, Planned Parenthood appreciate what you’re doing. God they inspire me.” of Planned Parenthood as the makes available clinical abortions, bless you.” — Jim Shehan, Benbrook, St. backdrop, that organizers of 40 abortion pills, and counseling — With the comfort of knowing Peter the Apostle Church Days for Life kicked off their lo- procedures and prescriptions for there were friends in the neighbor- “This is a huge public wit- cal pro-life prayer vigil Sept. 25. what Blessed Pope John Paul II hood, 40 Days for Life organizers ness. What’s going on in this Fort Worth is one of 306 cities termed, “the culture of death.” continued the rally with keynote country is a holocaust and we participating around the world. just can’t sit by idly and stay This includes 273 locations in the More than 300 participants of different faith backgrounds showed up U.S. and 33 cities in nine other to help kickoff the 2013 40 Days for Life prayer campaign on Sept. 25. at home.” Participants peacefully lined the sidewalk across from the new Planned — Tim Schauf, Aledo, Holy nations. Tens of thousands of vol- Parenthood building in Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) Redeemer Church unteers have made commitments to the 40 Days for Life mission “It’s very important for to end abortion through a vigil people to be aware of what of prayer, fasting, and peaceful goes on here at this abor- activism. The lengthy campaign tion clinic. During the 40 continues through Nov. 3. days that people are out here Although she was not on the praying, they’re going to be agenda to address the 300-plus looking and staring into the people gathered for the 40 Days face of evil.” for Life kick-off, Janice Podell — Chuck Pelletier, Director, was welcomed to the microphone Mother and Unborn Baby Care by organizers of the event. As Center, Catholics United For community education coordi- Life of North Texas nator with the Edna Gladney Center, Podell works right next

PAGE 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 “The ancient pagan Roman empire was no friend to human life. Abortion and infanticide ran rampant,” Karlen said. “Jesus Christ knew that Caesar didn’t have the last word. That’s why he didn’t send disciples out two by two to lobby the Roman senate to legally ban abortion. He sent his disciples out two by two to pro- claim the Gospel, to give witness to the good news of the Lord’s plan for hope, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, and to rescue lost men and women from the clutches (L-R) Roque Magallanes, Olga Watson, Anne Landry, Mary Berger, and Julie Tembrek pray the Rosary together during outside the Planned Parenthood of Satan.” Karlen concluded with a chal- Anne Landry of St. Maria Goretti clinic in Southwest Fort Worth Oct. 11. (NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo) Parish in Arlington prays the Ro- lenge for volunteers. Pointing to sary with other parishioners during speaker Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Planned Parenthood. He said the Planned Parenthood building, 40 Days for Life Oct. 11, outside who holds a Ph.D. in Theology they were all “victims,” just as the he said, “They have built a fortress Planned Parenthood in Southwest and Biblical Interpretation. He di- unborn babies are victims of the here. How else can I describe that, Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Juan rects the Crossroads Initiative, an abortion industry. D’Ambrosio except as an abortion fortress? Guajardo) international apostolate of evan- asked the crowd to pray for fami- They are counting on us getting gelization and renewal, is a New lies, employees, and babies “so we tired and going away,” he said. York Times best-selling author, can say down the road, when this “I know that you won’t let and has appeared on national tele- clinic is closed, that we were part them outlast you, because you vision news shows. of this battle and the battle was understand the stakes,” Karlen For the Fort Worth audi- won by love.” told the crowd. “You know this ence, D’Ambrosio quoted Saint Emcee Steve Karlen, who is a matter of life and death. I Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always. serves as the director of North know that they won’t outlast you I shall say it again: rejoice!” – Phi- American outreach for 40 Days because you will fight the good lippians 4:4 for Life, echoed D’Ambrosio’s fight. You will finish the race. You “There is cause for rejoicing comments. He encouraged volun- will keep the faith, because you — right here,” D’Ambrosio said, look- teers to remain strong and stead- the body of Christ, his hands and ing toward the new $6.5 million fast over the next 40 days. his feet — will come here to bring Planned Parenthood building. “Don’t despair,” Karlen said. the light of Christ to this place Christopher Abrego, a UTA He explained that in 2004, 40 “We have our Lord and Savior that is so desperately in need of it. graduate student, prays the Rosary during 40 Days for Life on Oct. 11 Days for Life started in front of Jesus Christ who knows what it’s “The light shines in the dark- outside Planned Parenthood in a Planned Parenthood clinic in like to walk in our shoes. He min- ness and the darkness does not Southwest Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Bryan/College Station and contin- istered in a world similar to ours. overcome it. Let us begin.” Juan Guajardo) ued there for three years before it expanded globally. Last month, he L-R) Sharon explained, the Planned Parenthood Brown, and Walter facility in Bryan/College Station Brauer and his closed. If it could happen there, it wife, Tamita, all could happen here, he explained. from St. Michael's Parish in Bedford, D’Ambrosio also discussed pray together new abortion restrictions in Texas during 40 Days for that are helping to close abor- Life on October 11 tion clinics and save unborn lives. outside Planned As people at the rally cheered, Parenthood in Southwest Fort D’Ambrosio cautioned, “It’s a Worth. (NTC Photo tremendous victory, but the battle / Juan Guajardo) is still on.” He implored volunteers not to cast judgment on the moth- ers or employees walking into

PAGE 37 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 November 3, Thirty-first we instantly knew each other. visiting impoverished areas, gawk- There was no condemnation in ing and taking photos as though Sunday in Ordinary Time. her gaze, although I felt over- at a poverty “theme park.” Indeed, Cycle C: Readings: dressed in my normal clothes. But if people come just to take a look 1) Wisdom 11:22-12:2 her eyes held me and said, unmis- as detached observers, it’s grossly Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 takably, “Remember me.” disrespectful, and the grumbling 2) Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 At that moment I knew I had is justified. Gospel) Luke 19:1-10 to change my attitude toward But, just as Jesus wanted to others. I knew that from then on, dine at Zacchaeus’ home, some- By Jean Denton I had to join my life to the life of times the poor want us to see and remember having a Zacchaeus this girl and to make her, and oth- know them. They want to spend I moment once, and it changed er people struggling in difficult time with us sinners who’ve never my life, just as it changed the life circumstances, my concern. before paid them much attention of Zacchaeus, the main character Since that encounter I’ve been or even considered a relation- back to Haiti many times. There ship with them. Incredibly, they in this week’s Gospel. “He has gone to stay at I was on my first visit to Hai- and elsewhere, I’ve heard grum- welcome us! ti, straggling behind my group the house of a sinner.” bling. Just as Jesus’ disciples com- Few things are as earthshak- of Catholic journalists, priests – Luke 19:713 plained about Him eating with ing as such an experience. It is and Protestant ministers walking sinners, some people who have Jesus in the flesh. through a crowded maze of shan- understand its meaning and relate invested much time and work I always will remember that ties in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince’s to it. serving the poor of the Third young girl, how she drew me in worst slum. Then someone in a doorway World complain about people and opened my life to Christ. Overwhelmed by this impov- caught my eye. She was a girl of erished mass of humanity, I felt about 15, pregnant and holding small and insignificant, but I very a small child. Her feet were bare, QUESTIONS: much wanted to see it. I searched her T-shirt dirty and torn. She Have you ever had a Zacchaeus moment? How have you experienced the scene before me for a way to looked straight into my eyes and Jesus coming to you in a personal way? How has it changed you?

November 10, Thirty-sec- “[God] is not God of the dead, All were great, God-loving when we have lost someone we love people. Two seemed to be taken dearly. Nonetheless, the fact that ond Sunday in Ordinary but of the living, for to him all are too soon, and the other’s passing death is not the end is a core tenet Time. Cycle C. Readings: alive.” was “just right,” if that makes any of our faith. 1) 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 — Luke 20:388 sense. In my faith-filled mind, The only way I know to really Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 I know our destiny is death and embrace this truth is simply to let 2) 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 resurrection and eternity with go and believe. My mind will never Gospel) Luke 20:27-38 Jesus. In my flesh-feeling heart, fully grasp it so I have to just fall it just hurts. Increasingly, as my into this truth. Years ago, I wrote a By Jeff Hedglen years grow longer, I know many song with this sentiment in mind: I don’t think I will ever un- more stories of life ending — yet I Falling into the arms of Jesus/ derstand it. I probably am not have no more answers. supposed to, but it bothers me As a human, death is our There I find the trust that I seek./ that life can end so suddenly for destiny; as a Christian, it is not our Falling into the arms of Jesus/ some, and for others it can end destination. In this week’s Gospel, like a light that you move away Jesus says that God “is not God of There I go, oh, when I am weak./ from ever so slowly. the dead, but of the living, for to You watch it teasingly flicker, him all are alive.” What an amaz- Falling into the arms of Jesus/ then come back, then flicker ingly beautiful truth. Yet, it is a That is when I know that I am again, going on and on as hopes truth that is not easy to hold on to home. repeatedly rise and fall until fi- nally — agonizingly — it goes out. The first example just hap- Still, for others life ends with pened to a friend. QUESTIONS: hundreds of kisses each night be- The second was my mother. How does hearing Jesus say that everyone is alive in the eyes of God fore bed after 60 wonderful years The third was my brother’s help you understand death? What do you most want to remember of marriage. in-laws. about someone you love who has passed into eternity?

PAGE 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE

November 17, Thirty-third “By your perseverance you will Through Fire and Flood.) Typically devastation, persecution, and suf- Sunday in Ordinary Time. secure your lives.” after such disasters, the indomi- fering, Jesus assures his disciples — Luke 21:19 table parishioners would roll up that He will preserve them from Cycle C. Readings: their sleeves, rebuild trouble if they but persevere and 1) Malachi 3:19-20a their beloved houses trust Him. Psalm 98:5-9 of worship and start Easier said than done, 2) 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 over. right? Gospel) Luke 21:5-19 If the churches It’s human nature, when of Texas immi- threatened by destruction and By Sharon K. Perkins grants were that chaos, to either try to escape the magine a European Catholic important to their danger, deny that it exists, or find Iimmigrating to the United spiritual stability, our own solutions and fix the situ- States in the late 1800s, leav- the magnificent ation. The readings today call for ing home, family, and familiar Jerusalem Temple in none of these. Rather, according customs behind. Unable to speak today’s Gospel was to the advice of St. Paul, we are to English very well, the immigrant even more central to roll up our proverbial sleeves, con- and his family find friendship, a the life of the first- duct ourselves in an orderly and network of support and the famil- century Jew. Hence exemplary manner, do the work iar sounds of their native language ture destroyed by a violent storm Jesus’ warning of its utter destruc- God has given us to do, and per- — in the parish church. that demolishes all but the steeple. tion, of “wars and insurrections,” severe until the day that the same Imagine that same church, In 19th and early-20th-century “earthquakes, famines, and earth, sea, and sky, which caused which had been so lovingly con- South Texas, it was not unheard plagues,” must have been terrify- so much havoc, unite in joyful structed a few years before, and of for little country churches and ing and almost inconceivable. Yet praise to the Lord who brings which was the anchor of their schools to succumb to tornadoes, even in the face of such certain “justice with its healing rays.” social and spiritual lives, burn- hurricanes, or fires, sometimes ing to the ground. But even that more than once. (In fact, a his- QUESTIONS: wouldn’t compare to the anguish tory of the Texas Catholic Church Have you experienced the loss of someone or something that provided of seeing the newly rebuilt struc- during that period is aptly named stability in your life? How were you able to persevere in hope and trust?

November 24, Feast of our “For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” particle “the god particle,” it would be necessary to proclaim in Lord Jesus Christ, King — Colossians 1:19 an unmistakable manner the mes- of the Universe. Cycle C. in his Letter to the Colossians of sage of St. Paul to the Colossians. Readings: Jesus, and referring to the Messiah St. Paul also says of Jesus that “in 1) 2 Samuel 5:1-3 as the “image of the invisible God, him were created all things in Psalm 122:1-5 the firstborn of all creation. … He heaven and on earth, the visible 2) Colossians 1:12-20 is before all things, and in him all and the invisible” and that “all things hold together.” Gospel) Luke 23:35-43 things were created through him Perhaps it’s no coincidence and for him.” that Pope Paul VI changed the Perhaps it’s simply a matter of By Jeff Hensley name of the feast to encompass God in his wisdom allowing us aving been writing about all of creation the same year that a peek at the grand and glorious Heach week’s Scripture read- Neil Armstrong took a few steps extent of the cosmos and who it ings for a number of years, I on the moon. Perhaps Pope Paul is who rules it — even before we was shocked to find that I’d not anticipated that in our day, when had any idea just how much of it noticed that the name of the liturgical calendar. particle physics declares a tiny there was. feast of Christ the King, the last The Scripture readings for Sunday of the liturgical year, is this week reflect a similar change now named the feast of Our Lord in perspective, from the Old Tes- QUESTIONS: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe tament expectation of the Messi- Do you ever become confused about just how great God is? Do you — and has been since 1969 when ah, or anointed one, coming as a think it’s possible to project the degree of God’s compassion and power Pope Paul VI made changes to the king of Israel, to St. Paul writing from this cosmic view of his power?

PAGE 39 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE December 1, First Sun- “For our salvation is nearer now than when we offer. Consequently, they were day of Advent. Cycle A. first believed; … put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” swept away in a flood. It’s the ultimate case of what Readings: — Romans 13:11,14 we call missing the boat. 1) Isaiah 2:1-5 family offer what she says is be- Libby has realized she can’t Psalm 122:1-9 coming a tiresome refrain: “One control or know when the right 2) Romans 13:11-14 day, when you aren’t looking for person will come along to share Gospel) Matthew 24:37-44 him, he’ll come along.” She has her life. But while she keeps a standard response: “I’m 30. I watching for him, she is prepar- By JeanDenton want to have a family. I’m always ing herself to be able to fully love read in a recent magazine looking.” and serve another. She is trying I article that an increasing num- As we enter the season of Ad- to be more generous and selfless; ber of young American women vent, hopefully that same intensity she is practicing patience, forgive- are choosing to remain single. characterizes our desire for God in ness, and kindness, so that her Although they may enjoy dating our lives — so that we are always hoped-for partner will find in her and the company of men, they looking for Him. Our human na- everything he needs. wish to pursue careers or other ture, as God created it, constantly So it must be as we watch con- interests unencumbered by com- wants deeper meaning that only stantly for God. We practice the mitments to spouse and children, God can provide. For that, we explained, that they weren’t look- ways of Christ so that whenever it explained. watch and wait. ing for God and hadn’t prepared He comes to enter our lives we are Not so for Libby, the But the Scriptures for this for the possibility of a new, more prepared to return his love and 30-something woman in my fam- week urge us to more than simple meaningful life that God would serve Him in gratitude. ily. She has long desired to have watchfulness. “You also must a husband and children, and she be prepared,” Jesus Himself told QUESTIONS: makes no secret of the fact. But his disciples. Their forefathers in How can you prepare yourself for Christ to enter your life? What spe- she hasn’t found the right man. the days of Noah got so lost in cific attitudes and behaviors do you need to change in order to be one Well-meaning friends and their selfish, worldly interests, He with Him?

December 8, Second Sun- “He will baptize you with the It was like being born again. day of Advent. Cycle A. This week’s readings tell of Holy Spirit and fire.” similar, though admittedly much Readings: — Matthew 3:11 weightier, new beginnings. Isaiah 1) Isaiah 11:1-10 speaks of a “day” when lions will Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 lie with lambs and babies will 2) Romans 15:4-9 play with cobras. The Gospel tells Gospel) Matthew 3:1-12 tally new environment. of the great moment when John The first day of school was the Baptist calls for repentance nerve-racking. Yet, I distinctly and announces the One who will By Jeff Hedglen remember the moment a new door usher in the change foretold by grew up in Michigan. In el- was opened and my life changed. Isaiah and take this prophecy I ementary school, I had a num- It was my first class, History. The a step further to send the Holy ber of friends. We played whiffle girl in front of me, a cheerleader, Spirit and fire. ball in a vacant lot, built forts in turned around and said, “Hi.” I One of the paradoxes of our the woods, spent the night in a was flabbergasted! I could not be- faith is that God never changes, pop-up trailer, and did regular person. Maybe they were the ones lieve someone of the “social” class but when we follow God, we childhood guy kinds of things. who changed. Maybe I should at school gave me the time of day. never stay the same. As Christ- Everything was great. Then came have changed to be friends with It was then that I realized that mas approaches let us beseech the junior high school. them. Whatever the reason, they this move to Texas was an oppor- unchanging God of change and I have no idea what happened, became the cool kids, and I was tunity to start over. These people brace ourselves for the new things but when school began, some left to be in a “lower” class in the had not left me behind in junior that await us, most of which will of my friends from the previ- schoolyard. high. They had no idea who I was. not be under the tree. ous school year left me in their Halfway through my tenth collective dust. It was befud- grade year, my family moved to QUESTIONS: dling and a bit heartbreaking. Texas. I was uprooted from all I Was there ever a time when you had a new beginning in your life? What As far as I knew, I was the same had known and planted in a to- are you doing to prepare the way of the Lord in your life this Advent?

PAGE 40 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE December 15, Third Sun- “See how the farmer waits for the of baptizing young children rests to the faith development of their day of Advent. Cycle A. precious fruit of the earth, being upon the assumption that parents, adult members. patient with it until it receives the grandparents, and godparents will Advent calls us to a patient Readings: indeed continue what the waters waiting for the coming of the Lord early and the late rains.” 1) Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 of baptism have begun, helping — but not a passive one. As the Psalm 146:6-10 —James 5:7 youngsters to develop deep roots seeds in the earth receive heaven’s 2) James 5:7-10 of trust in God that will serve moisture at critical times, taking Gospel) Matthew 11:2-11 them later in life. it in and developing to full poten- However, our historical tial, so too must we eagerly receive By Sharon K. Perkins emphasis on catechizing chil- the life-giving grace of God that is aving spent all of my dren has often caused Catholics available to us as adults, nurturing Hformative years on a farm to neglect the “late rains” that the transforming presence of Jesus with a father who raised field enable adult faith to mature in our lives through communal crops, I became intensely aware and bear fruit. It’s a familiar worship, prayer, works of service, of the importance of rain — as story — adults who were “sac- and even study. well as the timing of its arrival. ramentalized” as children but Only then can we become as My dad was almost obsessed who left the Church soon after fruitful as God intends for us to with the daily weather forecast, drier years the corn crop was often Confirmation, never to return, be. Only then can we become, like and for good reason. If rain didn’t characterized by scorched, stunted or parishes that expended most of John the Baptist, the messengers fall soon after the planting, either stalks and underdeveloped ears of their resources on programs for who truly prepare the way for the seeds didn’t sprout at all or the grain, all for lack of moisture. young people with nary a thought Christ in the world. young seedlings weren’t able to put Faith can be likened to a crop down adequate roots. in that it requires nurturing to Another critical time was help it grow. Much talk focuses QUESTIONS: when the plants were maturing on the important role of parents As an adult, what have you done to intentionally nurture your faith and and forming the seed heads that as primary educators of their help it mature? What do you find most helpful to your growth in Christ were to be harvested. Thus, in children in the faith. The practice — communal worship, private prayer, works of service, or study?

December 22, Fourth instructions about how we are to “Behold, the virgin shall live our lives. Such instructions Sunday of Advent. Cycle A. conceive and bear a son, come through sources as diverse Readings: and they shall name him as Micah’s simple admonition to 1) Isaiah 7:10-14 Emmanuel.” act justly and walk humbly with God and Jesus’ teachings to put Psalm 24:1-6 — Matthew 1:23ab 2) Romans 1:1-7 others first. Gospel) Matthew 1:18-24 Pope Francis is asking all of us to be more active in reaching out to invite those who feel estranged By Jeff Hensley from the Church. He asks us to be hough I don’t recall Pope mindful of the needs of the poor, TFrancis using the term and he doesn’t mince words. “dream” or “prophecy” to describe conceive, and bear a son, and shall ‘God is with us.’” Personally, I know I can’t do what he has been asking of the name him Emmanuel.” Contrast this with Paul’s everything, but I also know that church, his statements often have In the Gospel, an angel ap- introduction to his Letter to the I can do something. Since I know that feel to them. He speaks pears to Joseph in a dream, telling Romans. It is a straightforward that our God is a God who speaks prophetically, minus the old King him to not “be afraid to take statement of who Paul is, but more to his people and expects their James language: “Thus saith the Mary your wife into your home. importantly, who Jesus is. obedience, I’m determined to try Lord.” … She will bear a son and you Most of what we know about to do the last thing I think God Two of the readings for this are to name him Jesus.” Then the the will of God for our lives comes asked of me. He doesn’t like for us weekend do speak of dreams and angel tells Joseph point blank that in statements like this and in to be inattentive. prophecies. Isaiah speaks in ap- all this is “to fulfill what the Lord parent anger when Ahaz refuses had said through the prophet: ‘Be- to ask God for a sign. Then Isaiah hold, the virgin shall conceive and announces the coming of the Lord bear a son, and they shall name QUESTIONS: given as a sign: “The virgin shall him Emmanuel,’ which means Is God asking you to reach out to others in invitation or charity?

PAGE 41 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2013 NOTICIAS

Mayas en Chiapas reciben Misa, sacramentos en dos de sus idiomas

CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (CNS) — Los aproximadamente ocho años en tradu- mayas que hablan tzotzil y tzeltal ahora cirse, se usarán en su diócesis y en la p o d r á n a si s t i r a l a M i s a en su len g u aje , y vecina Arquidiócesis de Tuxtla Gutiérrez. hasta casarse en una ceremonia católica La Misa se ha estado celebrando que sigue su lengua materna. en la diócesis con la ayuda de intérpre- El papa Francisco aprobó las tra- tes, excepto durante las homilías, dijo ducciones de las oraciones de la Misa el obispo Arizmendi en un artículo y de la celebración de los sacramentos publicado en el periódico La Jornada. en las dos lenguas indígenas usadas en “Es fuente de gran alegría para CNS foto / L’Osser vatore Romano el estado Chiapas, dijo el obispo Felipe nuestra comunidad porque les da la El Papa Francisco reza en la capilla de San Francisco de Asís, la PORCIÚNCULA, Arizmendi Esquivel de San Cristóbal confianza de que su lenguaje es recono- en el interior de la BASÍLICA DE ASÍS DE SANTA MARÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES en Italia el de Las Casas. cido por la Iglesia, y que puede usarse 4 de octubre. Las traducciones al tzotzil y tzeltal, en celebraciones con total seguridad... dos lenguas mayas habladas por un doctrinalmente así como culturalmen- El papa hace un llamado desde estimado de 650,000 personas, son te”, dijo. las oraciones usadas en Misas, ma- El uso de los lenguajes en la Iglesia Asís para que la Iglesia renuncie ‘al trimonios, bautizos, confirmaciones, tiene precedente. El difunto obispo espíritu del mundo’ confesiones, ordenaciones y unción Samuel Ruiz García, quien lideró la de los enfermos. Diócesis de San Cristóbal de Las Casas de ASÍS, Italia (CNS) — El papa Francisco y abrazó una vida de pobreza. El obispo Arizmendi dijo el 6 de 1960 al 2000, aprendió a hablar cuatro le hizo un llamado a la Iglesia entera a “Esta es una buena ocasión para octubre que los textos, que tardaron idiomas mayas. fin de que imite a San Francisco de Asís, invitar a la Iglesia a despojarse”, dijo el abrazando la pobreza y despojándose del papa, añadiendo que dirigía su invita- “espíritu del mundo”, mientras hacía ción no solamente a la jerarquía sino a El papa convoca sínodo para discutir su primera peregrinación como papa todos los que forman la Iglesia, y que a la cuna del santo de quien tomó su se refería a la renuncia de complacencia familias, divorcio y recasamiento nombre papal. espiritual como de riquezas materiales. “Un cristiano no puede coexistir “Es tan triste encontrarse con un CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) gobierna las anulaciones matrimoniales con el espíritu del mundo”, dijo. La cristiano mundano, que cree que goza — La difícil situación de católicos di- también “tiene que ser revisada porque los mundanidad “nos lleva a la vanidad, a la seguridad de la fe y la del mundo. vorciados y recasados será un tema de tribunales eclesiásticos no son suficiente la arrogancia, al orgullo. Y esto es un Uno no puede tener ambas”. discusión importante cuando obispos para esto. Es complejo, el problema de la ídolo que no viene de Dios”. El papa fue acompañado a Asís mu nd i a l mente s e reú n a n en e l Vat ic a no atención pastoral al matrimonio”. E l papa h a bló e l 4 de o c t ubre , f ie s t a de por los ocho miembros del Consejo de en octubre del 2014. Tales problemas, dijo, ejemplifican San Francisco de Asís, en la sala llamada Cardenales que e l papa nombró pa r a que El Vaticano anunció el 8 de octubre una necesidad general de perdón en la “lugar para deshacerse de las vestiduras” le aconsejen en materia de gobierno de que una sesión extraordinaria del Sínodo Iglesia de hoy día. de la casa del arzobispo de Asís, en donde la Iglesia Universal y de reforma de la de los Obispos se reunirá del 5 al 19 de “La Iglesia es una madre y ella debe el santo se despojó de sus ricas vestiduras burocracia del Vaticano. octubre de 2014 para discutir los “retos v i aja r p or e s te c a m i no de l a m i s er ic ord i a pastorales de la familia en el contexto y encontrar una forma de misericordia Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada de la evangelización”. para todos”, dijo el papa. El Papa había dicho ante los repor- La reunión de octubre del 2014 será Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada teros que le acompañaban en su avión una “reunión general extraordinaria” por parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, regresando de Río de Janeiro en julio, del sínodo, la cual, según el Código empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: que el próximo sínodo exploraría una de Derecho Canónico, se realiza para ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número “atención pastoral del matrimonio un “atender asuntos que requieren una (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico a [email protected] tanto más profunda”, incluyendo la solución rápida”. Este se compondrá en ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 ■ cuestión de la elegibilidad de los católi- su mayor parte de los presidentes de las o llamar al Centro Católico al número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por el canciller/moderador de la curia, el monseńor Stephen Berg. cos divorciados y recasados para recibir conferencias episcopales nacionales, los la Comunión. líderes de las Iglesias Católicas Orientales Mecanismo para reportar abuso El papa Francisco añadió en aquel y los directores de las principales oficinas Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Servicios de protección (Servicios de momento que la ley eclesiástica que del Vaticano. protección de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400.

PÁGINA 42 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 VOZ Cómo prepararnos para los días festivos venideros

POR EL PADRE CARMELO MELE, OP

EN EL BANQUETE PRO VIDA ESTE SEPTIEM- BRE, LA SEÑORA PAMELA TEBOW ATRAJO LA ATENCIÓN DE LAS SETECIENTAS PERSONAS QUE De hecho, el Año de la Fe, que estamos terminando en ATENDIERON EL EVENTO CON UNA CHARLA SENCILLA Y SINCERA. Elaboró cuatro temas — estos días, destaca el papel de todos los fieles en la Nueva cada uno comenzando con una “m” — para sostener la lucha contra el aborto. Dijo la Evangelización. Particularmente las fiestas del fin de año señora Tebow que siempre hay que tener en cuenta el maestro, el manual, la mentalidad, proporcionan oportunidades de desempeñar las tareas de y la misión. El mismo esquema puede ser- virnos en hacer frente a los retos del tiempo la evangelización. festivo que ya nos acercan. Para los latinos las fiestas comienzan temprano con el Día de los Muertos, el 2 de Pam Tebow, madre del jugador de la NFL Tim Tebow, fue la oradora principal noviembre. La ocasión provee oportunidad en la CENA CATÓLICA PRO-VIDA este pasado 28 de septiembre, cuando compartió para reflexionar sobre nuestra muerte mien- acerca de su decisión de no abortar a su hijo no nacido entonces, pese a las tras nos acordamos de los personajes que nos recomendaciones de su médico. (FOTO POR K ATHY C RIBARI H AMER / NORTH TEXAS C ATHOLIC) habrán formado como personas. Entonces llega el Día de Acción de Gracias cuyo signi- ficado para los inmigrantes, con una firme (Mateo 18,15-17). Tal vez el mejor modo hacemos para recordar a los pobres. Muchas creencia en Dios y un profundo aprecio para para nosotros católicos de aprovecharnos de caridades como la Campaña del Desarrollo este país, está superando la fe de los nativos. la Biblia es la misa. Ella nos presenta pasajes Humano dependen de nuestra generosi- Quince días después, muchos latinos cele- apropiadas al tiempo y llenos del significado dad en este tiempo. También tenemos que brarán la fiesta más sugestiva de todas. Pues para la asimilación, como es la Eucaristía invitar a nuestros conocidos, los que se han Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es símbolo de misma, en nuestras vidas. distanciados de los sacramentos, para que la fe, de la misericordia, y de la patria. Sólo Leer la Biblia día y noche a lo mejor no participen de nuevo. Es la coherencia entre la Navidad, cuando festejamos al niño Dios nos favorece nada si no tenemos la men- nuestro testimonio a la gracia de Dios en por su condescendencia a compartir las prue- talidad de estar conforme a los modos de nuestras vidas, y la justicia con que tratamos bas humanas, sobrepasa el día de la Virgen. Cristo. Eso es, tenemos que desarrollar un a todos, que dará a los desviados el motivo Se cumplen las fiestas con el Año Nuevo en espíritu de servicio. Un judío practicaba este para remontar el camino de la fe. que vemos el porvenir con la esperanza. espíritu por muchos años, permitiendo a los Se dice que el americano, en promedio, Durante todo este tiempo queremos trabajadores cristianos en su ciudad celebrar aumenta diez libras durante las fiestas del mantener nuestros ojos fijos en el maestro la Navidad con sus familias. Cada año hacia fin del año. La mayoría de nosotros quiere Jesús. Si los otros se nos acogen con “Feliz tareas como entregar pizza o vigilar un edi- evitar esta probabilidad como un riesgo de Navidad” o con uno de los saludos placebos ficio de oficina el 25 de diciembre para que salud. Sin embargo, esto no es tan impor- que se ofrecen hoy día, tenemos que recor- el trabajador regular pudiera pasar el día en tante como aprovechar este tiempo para dar que Él está al fundamento de todo este casa. Nunca pedía nada como recompensa. crecer como hombres y mujeres de la fe. No tiempo. Jesús nos enseña que el propósito de Hay una crítica de la Iglesia que dice es difícil. Sólo tenemos que enfocarnos en la celebración no es buscar la glorificación que la jerarquía sólo quiere que los fieles el maestro Jesús, el manual de la Biblia, la de nosotros, sino reconocer la bondad de oren, paguen, y obedezcan. No es verdad. mentalidad del amor abnegado, y la misión Dios hacia los hombres y mujeres y darle las Más que nunca el Papa y los obispos ven a de la evangelización. gracias por habernos regalado la familia, la los laicos tomando la responsabilidad para comunidad, y la Iglesia. la misión de proclamar el Reino de Dios El Padre Carmelo Conocemos a Jesús de la Biblia, nuestro al mundo. De hecho, el Año de la Fe, que Mele, OP, es el manual para cada estación de la vida. La Bi- estamos terminando en estos días, destaca el director interino del blia nos explica cómo mostrar el amor a Dios papel de todos los fieles en la Nueva Evan- DEPARTAMENTO DE y al prójimo (Marcos 12,29-30), cómo evitar gelización. Particularmente las fiestas del fin CATEQUESIS para la los excesos de la celebración (Filipenses 4,8- de año proporcionan oportunidades de des- DIOCESÍS DE FORT 9), y cómo defendernos contra las amenazas empeñar las tareas de la evangelización. Lo WORTH.

PÁGINA 43 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 ARRIBA A LA IZQUIERDA: Diácono Raúl Martínez López recibe el Evangeliario, símbolo de su ministerio diaconal. • IZQUIERDA ABAJO: Diácono Gary Picou sirve como diácono del altar inmediatamente después de su ordenación. • MEDIO: Obispo auxiliar de Dallas Douglas Deshotel se encuentra con los Diáconos Martínez (IZQUIERDA) y Picou (DERECHA) poco después de su Misa de Ordenación. • DERECHA: Raúl Martínez y Gary Picou de pie ante el altar poco antes de ser ordenados al diaconado transicional.

Un paso más acercándolos al sacerdocio HISTORIA Y FOTOS DE JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN Obispo auxiliar de Dallas Douglas Deshotel ordena a Raúl Martínez y Gary Picou al diaconado transitorio CORRESPONSAL

LA LLAMADA DE UN DIÁCONO PARA ENSEÑAR LA FE obras de caridad. Después de su graduación, el nativo de Hous- Y SERVIR A LA COMUNIDAD ES UNA VOCACIÓN — “Esto requiere fe en sus propias vidas y el ton entró en el seminario, pero lo dejó durante una semilla puesta por Dios en el corazón de un nutrir su espiritualidad”, sugirió el obispo. “De su segundo año de teología para explorar lo que hombre. Pero la familia es donde esa semilla es esta manera, su ministerio será fructífero y los significa ser sacerdote. alimentada y cultivada. demás verán que hacen lo que proclaman”. “No creía que podía seguir hacia adelante El Obispo J. Douglas Deshotel, obispo au- El crecimiento espiritual del Diácono Mar- hasta que lo entendiera mejor”, explicó. xiliar de la Diócesis de Dallas, ofreció palabras tínez comenzó a florecer a la edad de 26 años Picou se mudó a Fort Worth y comenzó a tra- de elogio a los padres de Raúl Martínez López y cuando asistió a un retiro diocesano. bajar como ingeniero mecánico para una pequeña Gary Picou, Jr., antes de dirigirse a los hombres “Mi vida cambió por completo después de empre s a . D e spué s de u n p er ío do de re f le x ión, volv ió que estaba a punto de ordenar al diaconado tran- eso”, dijo el nativo de Coahuila, México. “Em- a entrar en el seminario en 2010 y comenzó sus sitorio el pasado 14 de septiembre en la Iglesia de pecé a tener una relación con Dios, y por eso, estudios en el Colegio teológico, afiliado a la Uni- San Miguel en Bedford. experimenté una conversión. Esto me llevó a mi versidad Católica de América en Washington, D.C. “Debido a sus familias, están aquí hoy para llamado al sacerdocio”. Ahora, años más tarde, el joven seminarista responder a la llamada de Cristo para servir como El ex trabajador de construcción fue envia- dijo que está deseando que llegue el próximo paso d i á c ono s y de spué s , si Dio s qu iere , c omo s a c erdo - do a México, donde estudió teología y filosofía en su llamado al sacerdocio. tes”, dijo. “Sed generosos en darse por completo durante ocho años en el Seminario hispano de “Tengo una paz al respecto”, dijo Picou, a sí mismos para este servicio”. Santa María de Guadalupe y en la Universidad anticipando su ordenación. “Cada persona tiene Más de 300 amigos, familiares y antiguos pontificia de México. En julio de 2012, se mudó que encontrar lo que significa ser sacerdote — compañeros de clase se reunieron en la iglesia de a Wichita Falls y más tarde trabajó en Baylor All especialmente un sacerdote diocesano”. Bedford para ver el prelado de Dallas presidir el Saints Hospital de Fort Worth para completar su Ahora que están ordenados, los nuevos diá- antiguo rito de la ordenación diaconal, que incluye educación pastoral clínica. conos sirven en la Iglesia Sagrada Familia y en la la promesa de obediencia al obispo, la imposición El Diacono Martínez mejoró su ingles y Oficina diocesana de vocaciones en Fort Worth. de las manos, y la presentación del Evangeliario. superó otros desafíos en su camino hacia el sa- Nombramientos oficiales no se pueden realizar “Cuando un hombre es llamado por la Iglesia cerdocio. Su madre, María Esther López, y su mientras la diócesis esté sin obispo. pa ra ser v i r a l Cuer po de Cristo c omo u n d iác ono, hermano, José, viajaron a Fort Worth para ser Ambos dijeron que el estímulo y el apoyo de sacerdote u obispo, la promesa de Jesús — que testigos de su ordenación. los feligreses energizan su espíritu a medida que estaría con su Iglesia a través del tiempo — es “No ha sido fácil”, admitió. “Llegar a ser un continúan su formación sacerdotal. Las cartas y llevado a su cumplimiento”, explicó el obispo Des- diácono me demuestra una vez más que Dios es dibujos que reciben de los niños de las escuelas hotel. “Un hombre que está ordenado al servicio el que decide cuándo y dónde ocurrirán cosas. católicas elevan de manera particular su estado de la comunidad sigue en el patrón de Jesucristo, Su voluntad y gracia me han traído hasta este de ánimo. que vino a servir y no ser servido”. día. Pido las oraciones de todos, para que pueda “Las obras de arte pueden ser muy creativas”, el Las responsabilidades de un diácono son perseverar en mi vocación”. Diacono Picou explicó con una sonrisa. “Y algunas anunciar el Evangelio, explicar el texto sagrado El Diácono Picou fue un estudiante de segun- de las cartas — especialmente de los grados más a la asamblea de los cristianos, y enseñar la fe do año universitario cuando le dijo a sus padres, jóvenes — son tan sinceras. Ellos nos agradecen por católica. También se encarga de llevar a cabo Cathy y Gary Picou, que quería ser sacerdote. nuestra dedicación y el dar nuestras vidas a Dios”.

PÁGINA 44 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 Manifestación y vigilia de 40 días por la vida comienza en Fort Worth con más de 300 POR JERRY CIRCELLI evento. Como coordinadora para CORRESPONSAL la educación de la comunidad en el Edna Gladney Center, Podell trabaja A LO LARGO DE UNA CORTA CURVA DE justo al lado de las recién construidas JOHN R YAN D RIVE EN EL SUROESTE DE instalaciones de Planned Parenthood Foto por Juan Guajardo / North Texas Catholic F WORTH, EXISTE UNA EXTRAÑA ORT con más de 19.000 metros cuadrados Fieles de Parroquia Santa Elizabeth Ann Seton, Gustavo y Nancy Rodríguez guían DE SERVICIOS YUXTAPOSICIÓN — una de nueva construcción. Dentro del a sus niños en el rezo del Rosario fuera del Planned Parenthood después del Planned Parenthood ofreciendo vida para los no nacidos edificio, ofrece comienzo de la manifestación. y la otra muerte. El Edna Gladney abortos clínicos, píldoras para abor- Center for Adoption y el Planned tar y consejería — procedimientos de libros mejor vendidos del diario estas instalaciones fueran cerradas, Parenthood pue den s er ve c i no s , p ero y prescripciones para lo que deno- New York Times, además de haber que fuimos parte de esta batalla, y están en marcado contraste el uno minaba el Beato Papa Juan Pablo II aparecido en varios programas de la batalla fue ganada por el amor”. con el otro. Planned Parenthood se “la cultura de la muerte”. noticias en la televisión nacional. El maestro de ceremonias Steve asemeja a un bastión situado detrás Durante su breve y convincente “Hay motivo de alegría aquí”, Karlen, el director de servicios de 40 de un muro de piedra, sin ninguna comentario, Podell miró a la multi- dijo D’Ambrosio, mirando hacia días por la vida en Norte América, pista de lo que sucede en su interior. tud de partidarios pro-vida y dijo: el nuevo edificio de $6.5 millones concluyó con un desafío para los Al lado, en el Edna Gladney Center “No puedo expresar lo agradecidos de dólares de Planned Parenthood. voluntarios. Señalando el edificio for Adoption, la fachada está diseñada que estamos en Gladney que ustedes Explicó que en el 2004, 40 días por de Planned Parenthood, dijo, “Ellos con una estatua de metal de tamaño van a estar aquí en la calle por los la vida comenzó en frente de un han construido una fortaleza. ¿De n at u r a l, de u n n i ño c or r iendo p or u n próx i mo s 4 0 d í a s . Yo p er s on a l mente centro de Planned Parenthood en qué otra manera puedo describirlo, prado, trata ndo de la nza r su cometa creo que es una intervención divina Bryan / College Station y conti- sino como una fuerte o fortaleza al aire. Detrás de él están las pala- que Planned Parenthood estableció nuó allí durante tres años antes de dedicada al aborto? Creen que nos bras: “Un futuro y una esperanza”. un centro al lado de una agencia de expandir a nivel mundial. El mes vamos a cansar y desaparecer”, dijo. Fue aquí, con una vista clara adopción”. Podell extendió el brazo pasado, explicó D’Ambrosio, la “Sé que no van a dejar que ellos de Planned Parenthood como telón en la dirección del Edna Gladney instalación de Planned Parenthood sobrevivan, porque ustedes entien- de fondo, que los organizadores de Center y continuó, “Nosotros cons- en Bryan / College Station cerro den todo lo que está en juego”, Karlen los 40 días por la vida iniciaron su truimos esta acera y puerta para las su establecimiento. Si sucedió allí, les dijo a la multitud. “Ustedes saben manifestación pro-vida el pasado 25 mujeres que están buscando otra podría suceder aquí. que esto es una cuestión de vida o de septiembre. Fort Worth es una de respuesta, para que puedan entrar D’Ambrosio también se refirió muerte. Yo sé que ellos no persistirán las 306 ciudades que participaron por esa puerta y encontrar la espe- a nuevas restricciones al aborto en más que ustedes, porque ustedes lu- alrededor del mundo. Esto incluye ranza que están buscando”. Texas que están ayudando a cerrar charán la buena batalla. Terminarán 273 lugares en los Estados Unidos Podell invitó a los voluntarios clínicas de aborto y salvar vidas por la carrera. Mantendrán la fe, porque y 33 ciudades de otros nueve países. pro-vida a guiar a las mujeres hacia nacer. Mientras el público en la ma- ustedes — el Cuerpo de Cristo, sus Decenas de miles de voluntarios se la entrada del centro de adopción nifestación aplaudió, D’Ambrosio manos y sus pies — vendrán aquí han comprometido a la misión de 40 al llevar a cabo su misión, y agregó: advirtió: “Es una gran victoria, pero para traer la luz de Cristo a este días por la vida para terminar con el “Apreciamos lo que están haciendo. la batalla continua”. lugar que tan desesperadamente aborto a través de una vigilia de ora- Que Dios los bendiga”. Imploró a los voluntarios no lo necesita. ción, el ayuno y activismo pacífico Con la tranquilidad de saber emitir juicio sobre las madres o los La campaña todavía necesita de 24 horas continuas cada día. La que habían amigos en el barrio, empleados que entran a las instala- personas que se comprometan e se larga campaña continúa hasta el 3 organizadores de 40 días por la ciones de Planned Parenthood. Dijo inscriban para orar durante la noche. de noviembre. vida continuaron la marcha con la que todos eran “víctimas”, como Igualmente, le damos la bienvenida A pesar de no estar programada destacada participación del Mar- los bebés no nacidos también son a toda persona que deseen orar en una charla a más de 300 personas celino D’Ambrosio, el director de víctimas de la industria del aborto. cualquier momento, incluso si no reunidas para el lanzamiento de los Crossroads Initiative, un apostolado D’Ambrosio le pidió a la multitud se ha registrado. Para obtener más 40 días por la vida, Janice Podell internacional de evangelización y a rezar por las familias, los emplea- información, o para inscribirse fue recibida como portavoz del renovación. También es un escritor dos y los bebés, para que pudieran para una hora específica, visite evento por los organizadores del cuyos libros han salido en las listas todos decir al final del camino, si www.40daysfortworth.com.

PÁGINA 45 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 El Cardenal Óscar Rodríguez, presidente del comité asesor papal, estará en UDMC

Por Michele Baker servir a las diversas comunidades el Cardenal Rodríguez se unirá a Corresponsal religiosas que componen la Iglesia nosotros justo después de regresar universal en el Norte de Texas. de la primera reunión del comité La Conferencia para el minis- El tema de la conferencia de papal. Como uno de los líderes más terio de la universidad de Dallas del este año es “Caminando juntos en conocedores de la Iglesia Católica de 2013 (UDMC), es una de las mayo- la fe”, muy adecuado, pues el Año hoy, sé que va a traer un mensaje que res conferencias católicas de su tipo de la Fe entra ya en sus últimas subraya la importante llamada del en los Estados Unidos. Se llevará semanas. Igualmente apropiado es Papa Francisco para la compasión y a cabo el 25 y 26 de octubre en el que uno de los asesores más cercanos la comprensión a vivir plenamente Centro de convenciones de Irving. Las del Papa, el Cardenal Óscar Andrés el mensaje del Evangelio en nuestra diócesis de Fort Worth y Dallas es- Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, está vida cotidiana”. tán copatrocinando la actividad. Se programado para dar el discurso El Cardenal Rodríguez presen- espera que el evento atraiga a cerca de apertura. tará un discurso titulado “El estado de 5000 participantes, más de 100 El Cardenal Rodríguez, el denado sacerdote en 1970, nombra- de la Iglesia: la importancia de la vendedores y expositores, y contará primer cardenal de Honduras, es do obispo auxiliar de Tegucigalpa Nueva evangelización”, en inglés y con las actuaciones musicales de el presidente del recién formado en 1978, y se convirtió en arzobispo en español. También ha acordado nuevos artistas católicos. consejo de ocho miembros del Papa de Tegucigalpa en 1993. En 2001, celebrar una breve conferencia de Con sesiones en inglés y en Francisco. El consejo es ahora un fue nombrado cardenal por el Papa prensa. español, y numerosos otros talleres comité consultivo permanente para Juan Pablo II. La cuota de inscripción es $75. tanto en inglés, español y vietna- ayudar a reformar y reestructurar En u n reciente comu nic ado de Para más información o registrarse mita, este evento, que está en su la Curia Romana. prensa, el Obispo Kevin Farrell de para el evento, visite www.udallas. séptimo año, está diseñado para El Cardenal Rodríguez fue or- Dallas dijo: “Qué casualidad que edu/udmc. Diócesis cerrará el Año de la Fe con Misa y conferencias sobre Lumen Fidei

Por Michele Baker dogmática por la Pontificia universi- del pontificado del Papa Francisco. Corresponsal dad Gregoriana de R om a . E l Obi sp o Aunque el Papa Benedicto conectó Cantú fue nombrado obispo de Las íntimamente la fe y el amor en sus La primera encíclica del Papa Cruces en enero de este año. escritos, el Papa Francisco ha sido Francisco, Lumen Fidei, será la pieza El Monseñor Olson comenzó capaz de visiblemente vincular los central de la ceremonia de clausura su mandato como rector del Semi- dos por sus acciones proféticas. Se del Año de la Fe en la Diócesis de nario Santísima Trinidad en 2008. ha revitalizado la fe no sólo de los Fort Worth. En el 24 de noviembre, Aunque nativo de Chicago, llegó a c atól ic o s , si no de muc ho s prote s t a n- un evento para celebrar el final de la zona cuando su familia se trasladó tes e incluso no cristianos”. este año jubilar, tendrá lugar en la en 1985, y fue ordenado sacerdote “Creo que esta celebración es Parroquia del Santísimo Sacramento de la diócesis en junio de 1994. El una oportunidad muy buena”, dijo en Arlington. Invitados especiales Monseñor Olson y el Obispo Cantú la Hermana Inés. “Vamos a terminar serán el Obispo Oscar Cantú de estudiaron juntos en la Universidad el Año de la Fe, pero hay que seguir Las Cruces, Nuevo México, y el la encíclica Lumen Fidei (La Luz de Santo Tomás. hacia delante para hacer crecer Monseñor Michael Olson, Rector de la Fe) en español y el Monseñor La celebración de clausura se nuestra fe. A lo largo de la diócesis del Seminario Santísima Trinidad en Olson dará una reflexión sobre la llevará a cabo de 3 a 4:30 PM el 24 hemos intentado muchas cosas di- Irving. Las festividades comenzarán encíclica en inglés. de noviembre. Los organizadores ferentes para asegurarse de que las con la Misa y concluirán con la ora- Aunque originario de Houston, piden que hagan reservaciones para personas tienen la oportunidad de ción de la tarde. El Padre Carmen el Obispo Cantú tiene una conexión saber la participación total, sin em- aprender y crecer”. Mele, OP, director interino de la con el norte de Texas, ya que ganó su bargo, pueden asegurarse que no se Para más información, visite Catequesis de adultos de la diócesis de después de haber ganado un título les negará la entrada. www.fwdioc.org/pages/year-of- Fort Worth, y la Hermana Inés Díaz, de licenciatura de la Universidad de “El no tener obispo en Fort faith. Para registrarse al evento, SSMN, del Ministerio Hispano, están Dallas, antes de obtener una maestría Worth ha limitado las oportunida- llame a Irma Jimenez al 817-560- organizando el evento. en divinidad y una maestría en estu- des para que los fieles puedan respon- 2452, extensión 360, o por correo El Obispo Cantú presidirá dios teológicos de la Universidad de der a la iniciativa del Papa Benedicto electronico a [email protected]. la Misa y predicará tanto en in- Santo Tomás en Houston. Después XVI con motivo al Año de la Fe”, dijo Se ofrecerá cuidado de niños de 5 a 6 glés como en español. Después el obtuvo una licenciatura en sagrada el Padre Mele. “Al Año de la Fe se de la tarde para aquellos que hagan Obispo Cantú reflexionará sobre teología y un doctorado en teología le dio un gran impulso por el inicio reservaciones.

PÁGINA 46 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 Reunited Missionaries

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48

Worth, with no idea that a Marianist commu- nity existed here, could be called coincidence. What was about to unfold after that, however, can only be described as divine Providence. In late August, Br. Bosco traveled along with the Marianist brothers and a priest who celebrated Mass for the retired Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur at Our Lady of Victory Center Photo courtesy of Sr. Roberta Hesse, SSMN Photo courtesy of Sr. Roberta Hesse, SSMN Chapel in South Fort Worth. Br. Bosco was in- Sister Roberta Hesse, SSMN, spent 35 years as a Sr. Roberta visits a school in the Democratic Republic troduced to the sisters, and they learned he was missionary sister in Africa. She returned to the of the Congo when she returned in 2011. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Democratic Republic of the Congo for a visit in 2011. All the sisters warmly welcomed their new visi- Here she visits a mother and her infant. tor, but one of the nuns, Sister Roberta Hesse, was particularly inquisitive. “Where in the Congo are you from?” Sr. worked in their garden, mended fences, and Roberta asked the young man. brought them “pawpaw” (papaya) from time to “Kikwit,” Br. Bosco said. time. “They taught us how to work for what we “I was in Kikwit,” Sr. Roberta said. “We received and to be responsible,” Br. Bosco said. lived on Avenue Tshikapa.” Since that initial meeting this past Au- “What’s your name?” asked Br. Bosco, gust, Br. Bosco tries to visit Sr. Roberta and Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC who as a child had lived nearby. the other Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur at Br. Jean Bosco Mukolo, SM, earned a four-month “Sister Roberta,” she said. Our Lady of Victory Center whenever he has fellowship administered by the U.S. Department of “Oh, Sr. Roberta!” Br. Bosco exclaimed, the opportunity. “Whenever I can get there, I State and is working on the Financial Empowerment taking her hand. “I know you! I know you! am there,” he said. Program with the YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant You gave us milk!” “I will always remember what Sr. Roberta County. Carol Klocek, executive director of the In that moment, Sr. Roberta began to rec- and the other sisters did in the Congo. She was organization, said when presented with the offer ognize familiar features of his face and visions a missionary, and she did a lot for our country. to host Br. Bosco, “I just jumped at the chance.” of the many young children she had served in If today I am who I am, it is because I passed her 35 years as a missionary in Africa, includ- through them — in Catholic faith and doing ing 25 years in the Congo. good and the name I bear — both in terms of providing him, so he can return to his country “I could still see his little face and I spiritual support and physical support that I to continue his mission to help his people. thought, ‘I know that boy,’” Sr. Roberta said. received from them. “I know God is giving me a message here. “But he was a kid then. He has the same face, “The sisters lived as we lived. They always Some kind of message,” Br. Bosco said. but he’s a grown man now. We all change after tried to help the local community.” “After seeing Sr. Roberta, I feel renewed, a few years, but I knew it was him.” For both Br. Bosco and Sr. Roberta, the empowered. I feel engaged. I see myself ready At the same time, specific memories of chance meeting is still surreal. Each is still to do better, to do more. She spent all her time this sister flooded into Br. Bosco’s mind. “I got somewhat in a state of disbelief that they have and energy and life for the people of the Con- this feeling inside of me. Then I just started re- been reunited after three decades and a half- go. She loved them and she is still loving them. membering all these events and what I received world away from their original encounters. Whenever I see her, she is here, but her heart is from her,” he said. “What I feel,” said Sr. Roberta, “is that still there, in my home,” Br. Bosco said. This was Sr. Roberta. He remembered this boy has come this far and how he got to “She is carrying in her heart the dreams her vividly. This was the nun who bandaged Texas is — I don’t say coincidence — but by of all the Congolese people — the suffering of his bare feet many times, who tended to his the gentle hand of God weaving our lives. And all the men, women, and children. They need bumps and bruises, who gave him oatmeal now we get to this one place. Here he is. And schools, water, food, electricity, and so many and milk in the mornings. This is the sister, so what is God asking of me? To just sit here things. She is still a part of that dream for who along her other missionary sisters, pro- and let him go back? No. … I know what he every Congolese to grow and live a better life vided shoes and clothing. The sisters gave him needs is human support and he also needs … to become somebody, like an American kid notebooks, pens, pencils, and school supplies. financial support. who has a vision, who has a future, who can And Sr. Roberta, he recalled, provided strong “I get on my knees and pray for those dream. spiritual guidance all along the way. things for him every day.” “She gave so much to me and my fellow In return for what he received, the young Br. Bosco is thankful for the prayers and countrymen, and now it is my turn to do what boy drew water from the river for the sisters, contacts the experienced missionary sister is I can do.”

PAGE 47 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 GOOD NEWSMAKER Reunited Missionaries Chance encounter finds Congo Marianist brother reconnecting with SSMN missionary from his past

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

AS A BOY GROWING UP IN WHAT IS NOW THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, JEAN BOSCO “MBAU” MUKOLO FOUND GREAT COMFORT AND SUPPORT IN THE COMPANY OF THE CATHOLIC MISSIONARY SISTERS IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD. He even adopted his Christian name at the suggestion of the sisters, who saw something special in the After three decades, Brother Jean Bosco youth. Saint John Bosco dedicated Mukolo, SM, was reunited with Sister his life to the betterment and Roberta Hesse, SSMN, at Our Lady of education of disadvantaged Victory Center in South Fort Worth. The children and others in dire need series of events that led him there can of help. For three decades, Jean only be explained as divine Providence. Bosco Mukolo, now age 35, has (Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC) strived to live up to the name. After completing primary and secondary school in his country, she learned of his background Jean Bosco went on to become a and experience, Klocek said she Marianist brother, with his forma- didn’t waste time committing the tion taking place in Ivory Coast YWCA to the fellowship project. in West Africa. He then earned a “I just jumped at the chance,” she bachelor’s and master’s degree in said. Nairobi, Kenya. Through eight From the time Br. Bosco years of study there, he immersed walked in the door at the YWCA, himself in social work programs an almost unbelievable series of to help street children, women, events has unfolded. First, when and the poor. Upon his return to the YWCA director and her col- the Democratic Republic of the leagues discovered Br. Bosco was Congo (DRC), Brother Bosco a member of a religious order worked hard to start up the In- — something they were unaware stitut Supérieur d’Informatique fellowship in the United States the YWCA’s Financial Empow- of before his arrival — they con- Chaminade (Chaminade Institute through the Community Solu- erment Program to help move tacted the Marianist community of Computer Science) — a school tions Program administered by women out of poverty and into a at Nolan High School. It proved with a three year computer-related the Bureau of Educational and life of financial independence and to be the perfect placement both studies program. He now serves Cultural Affairs of the U.S. De- self-sufficiency. in terms of a temporary residence as general director of the school, partment of State. Through that Local YWCA Executive and a welcoming community for which has grown to include 500 four-month practical fellowship, Director Carol Klocek said she Br. Bosco. students in Kinshasa, DRC. which runs through Decem- was contacted earlier this year The fact that Marianist Br. Br. Bosco’s accomplishments ber, Br. Bosco was placed with by an official with the Commu- Bosco had traveled more than earned him the distinction of the Young Women’s Christian nity Solutions Program and was 7,500 miles from Kinshasa to Fort being named one of only 56 lead- Association of Fort Worth and asked if her organization would be ers from 34 countries earning a Tarrant County. He is working in willing to host Br. Bosco. When CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

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