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

Three Million worshippers crowd Rio’s Copacabana Beach for World Youth Day Closing Mass

Among them were young Catholics from the Diocese of Fort Worth

Father Khoi Tran and Father James Wilcox were ordained to the priesthood June 29 at Vietnamese Martyrs Church Read about the event and their vocational stories pp. 32-35; español 50-51 In This Issue... 1122 12 UDMC’S ‘WALKING TOGETHER IN TWO VERY POPULAR POPES TO 6 FAITH’ BACK FOR YEAR SEVEN BECOME SAINTS VERY SOON Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez, archbishop The way has been cleared for the of Tegucigalpa, will keynote this year's sainthood causes of Blessed John XXIII gathering of 6‚000 Catholic faithful and Blessed John Paul II. and religious educators from across the South.

14 ST. MARK BREAKS GROUND Emphasizing that where they came WORLD YOUTH DAY IN RIO 23 together to celebrate their unity in Young people from St. Elizateth Christ was less important than that they Ann Seton and St. Thomas Aquinas came together as the Body of Christ, parishes joined Pope Francis and 3 the people of St. Mark Church moved million others, experiencing a sense of 1144 shovelsful of dirt. Pentecost.

SHARING IN MINISTRY 30 26 COURT LOUISE CELEBRATES ITS Once again we’re reminded of those CENTENNIAL AS A CDA AFFILIATE things that won’t get funding if we Regents and offi cers of the Catholic don’t all pull together. Buildings won’t Daughters of the Americas joined the get repaired; youth ministries won’t get members of Court Louise, the most funded; seminarians’ expenses won’t venerable of the CDA affi liates in the get paid. The goal is $3 million. 2266 diocese and the fi rst chartered here — in 1913. HOW DID GARY CANGEMI GIVE LIFE 38 TO A PRO-LIFE CARTOON? 32 FR. KHOI TRAN AND How does a commercial artist and FR. JAMES WILCOX political cartoonist become godfather Two of our local seminarians were to a tribe of in-the-womb cartoon ordained to the priiesthood at characters — led by Umbert? Vietnamese Martyrs Church June 29. Their stories are moving and attention- COVER PHOTOS: grabbing, as is Kathy Cribari Hamer’s MAIN PICTURE: Pilgrims crowd Copacabana Beach as 3322 description of the ancient ritual of Pope Francis celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth ordination. Day July 28 in Rio de Janeiro. During the service the pope commissioned an estimated 3 million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders. (CNS photo/Paulo 42 FR. JONATHAN WALLIS Whitaker, Reuters) Fr. Jonathan is the new director of CORNER PICTURE LOWER RIGHT: Pilgrims from the Vocations for the diocese, and the Diocese of Fort Worth pose in front of the world-famous story of how he himself came to be a Christ the Redeemer statue shortly after arriving in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, July 22. (Photo courtesy of Randell Labio) Catholic priest is one of a lifetime-long CORNER PICTURE LOWER LEFT: Archbishop Gustavo calling. Pretty fascinating. Garcia-Siller ordains Khoi Tran and James Wilcox to the 4422 priesthood in the ordination Mass, June 29, at Vietnamese Martyrs Church in Arlington. (NTC/Kathy Cribari Hamer)

PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Sometime soon the Diocese of Fort Worth will have a new bishop!

ounting up the U.S. dioceses that have been without a bish- C Apostolic Nuncio Editorial Offi ce: 800 West op the longest,it won't be long before the Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, in Washington announces a new bishop for Fort Worth. Though PUBLISHER: Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300; no one knows the time or a name, the anticipation is growing. Monsignor Stephen Berg FAX (817) 244-8839. Having just read Patrick Foley’s biography about the first DIRECTOR OF Circulation Offi ce: Rita Garber, 800 West Loop 820 bishop of Texas, Bishop Jean-Marie Odin (Missionary Bishop, COMMUNICATIONS: S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, Jean-Marie Odin in Galveston and New Orleans), I've developed Pat Svacina (817) 560-3300. NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC a deeper appreciation for the hard work that is involved in lead- EDITOR: Newsmagazine (USPS ing a diocese. 751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) Jeff Hensley is published six times a year Bishop Odin's circumstances were exceptionally difficult. ASSOCIATE EDITOR: (bi-monthly) by the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese Texas was very much mission territory in the same sense that we Tony Gutiérrez of Fort Worth, Msgr. Stephen would think of missionary lands in modern times. ADMINISTRATIVE Berg, 800 W. Loop 820 S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108. For Conditions were primitive, travel was undertaken at great ASSOCIATE: those who are not registered risk. Only someone highly motivated to spread the Gospel would Judy Russeau parishioners in the Diocese of Fort Worth, subscription rates be willing to undergo such hardships. WEB DESIGNER: are $18 for one year, $35 Much of his travel was undertaken to be able to knit together for two years, $50 for three Chris Kastner years. Periodical postage the farflung pieces of his diocese, the entire state of Texas. Hav- paid at Fort Worth, Texas. ing watched Bishop Kevin Vann as he sought to make all the WRITERS AND POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Texas churches in the 28 counties of our large diocese feel connected PHOTOGRAPHERS: Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S., to the rest of the Church, I can see many similarities between Michele Baker Fort Worth, Texas 76108. the work of a missionary bishop and a modern bishop. Crystal Brown Deadline for information for the North Texas Catholic is Bishop Odin had on occasion to seek alliances with civil Jenara Kocks Burgess noon of the Wednesday two Jaqueline Burkepile weeks before the magazine government to get back property the Republic of Texas had taken is published. The NTC is pub- from the Catholic Church. He had to lobby the legislature for the Jerry Circelli lished bi-monthly, the third Juan Guajardo Friday of the month, with most basic of rights, the right of the Church to its own property. the following two months as Kathy Cribari Hamer the date of each issue. Today bishops must lead their people in making sure Catholic Joan Kurkowski-Gillen To access current news and beliefs are able to be expressed in the public square in health- Mike McGee information, fi nd us at www. care, immigration, protecting human life, funding for the poor. northtexascatholic.org Nicki Prevou The appearance of advertis- It seems no matter how much things change, they remain Donna Ryckaert ing in these pages does not quite similar. imply endorsement of busi- nesses, services, or products. As a frontier bishop, Bishop Odin had to rally the people of COLUMNISTS: Readers must exercise God to be well formed in their faith; he had to make sure there prudence in responding to Denise Bossert advertising in all media. were adequate clergy to serve the people’s spiritual and sacra- Jean Denton mental needs, travelling all over Europe, if necessary, to bring in Kathy Cribari Hamer new workers to tend the people of God. Jeff Hedglen I’ve watched our bishops for 25 years pursue the same goals. Jeff Hensley It’s always hard to serve an evergrowing Catholic population. Father David Mercer Pray for our new bishop. The work remains difficult, the David Mills hours long and arduous. Whoever he is, pray for him. Mary Regina Morrell Jeff Hensley Sharon K. Perkins Editor

PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 CLERGY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH

REV. JUAN G UERRERO, CORC, upon presentation as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Baptist Par- Arlington, effective July 28, 2013. by the Regional Director of the Confraternity of ish, Bridgeport; St. Mary Parish, Jacksboro; and REV. RAY MCDANIEL, from Pastor of St. Peter the Operarios of the Reign of Christ, is assigned Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, the Apostle Parish, Lindsay, is assigned Parochial as Parochial Administrator of Holy Name of Decatur, effective May 19, 2013. Administrator of St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Jesus Parish, Fort Worth, effective Feb. 1, 2013. REV. ANH TRAN has resigned as Pastor of St. Lewisville, effective Aug. 1, 2013. REV. JOSEPH O RLOWSKI, FSSSP, upon presentation Francis of Assisi Parish, Grapevine, for medical REV. PHILIP PETTA, from Parochial Vicar of St. by the District Superior, is assigned as Chaplain reasons, effective May 29, 2013. Matthew Parish, Arlington, is assigned Parochial of The College of Saints John Fisher and Thomas REV. LUIS R UNDE, OFM, has returned to his prov- Administrator of St. Peter Parish, Lindsay, effec- More, Fort Worth, effective March 7, 2013. ince from Sacramental Priest at Sacred Heart of tive Aug. 1, 2013. REV. JOHN KARANJA, SAC, upon presentation Jesus Parish, Breckenridge, and Jesus of Nazareth REV. JOHN STASIOWSKI retired as Pastor of St. by his religious superior, is assigned as Parochial Parish, Albany, effective May 31, 2013. Philip the Apostle Parish, Lewisville, effective Vicar of St. Stephen Parish, Weatherford, effec- REV. THOMAS D’SOUZA, SAC, upon presentation Aug. 1, 2013. tive March 26, 2013. by his Religious Superior, from Priest in Residence REV. JAMES FLYNN, from Pastor of St. Thomas REV. JOSHUA W HITFIELD, upon the recommenda- at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Mineral Wells, Aquinas Parish, Pilot Point, is assigned as Paro- tion of the Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Graford, is as- chial Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, of the Chair of St. Peter, is assigned to the Diocese signed as Parochial Administrator of St. John Grapevine, effective Aug. 1, 2013. of Dallas from Pastor of St. Mary the Virgin Par- the Baptizer Parish Bridgeport; St. Mary Parish, REV. THOMAS KENNEDY, from Pastor of Holy ish, Arlington, effective March 31, 2013. Jacksboro; and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Angels Parish, Clifton, and Our Lady of Gua- REV. TIMOTHY PERKINS, upon presentation of Mary Parish, Decatur, effective June 1, 2013. dalupe Parish, Morgan, is assigned as Parochial the Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of the REV. KARL S CHILKEN is assigned as Parochial Ad- Administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Chair of St. Peter, is assigned as Parochial Ad- ministrator of St. Paul Parish, Fort Worth, from Pilot Point, effective Aug. 1, 2013. ministrator of St. Mary the Virgin, Arlington, his studies in Canon Law at Catholic University REV. ISAAC O ROZCO, from Director of Vocations, effective April 1, 2013. in Washington, D.C., effective June 1, 2013. Diocese of Fort Worth, is assigned as Parochial REV. GERARD M ARY A NYANWU i s re t u r n i n g to t he BROTHER AUGUSTINE LIEB, TOR, upon presen- Administrator of Holy Angels Parish, Clifton, diocese from April through October, 2013, and is tation by his Religious Superior, is assigned as and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Morgan, assigned as a Supply Priest, effective April 1, 2013. Transitional Deacon of St. Andrew Parish, Fort effective Aug. 1, 2013. REV. ALBERT HAASE, OFM, upon presentation Worth, effective June 1, 2013. REV. MICHAEL MOLONEY, from Parochial Vicar by his religious superior, is assigned as a Supply REV. AUGUSTINE NGUYEN, CMC, upon presen- of St. Patrick Cathedral Parish, Fort Worth, is as- Priest, effective April3, 2013. He will be in resi- tation of his Religious Superior, is assigned as signed as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, dence at St. Francis Village, Crowley. Parochial Vicar of Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Wichita Falls; St. Mary Parish, Windthorst; and St. REV. E. THOMAS WIGGINTON has retired as Pas- Arlington, effective June 1, 2013 Boniface Parish, Scotland, effective Aug. 1, 2013. tor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Fort Worth, REV. JONATHAN WALLIS f rom Di re c tor of C ate c he - REV. FERNANDO P RECIADO, from Parochial Vicar effective April 8, 2013. Father Wigginton will sis for the Diocese of Fort Worth is assigned as of Sacred Heart Parish, Wichita Falls; St. Mary live with his sister in West Fort Worth. Vocations Director of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Parish, Windthorst; and St. Boniface Church, REV. JACOB ALVARES, SAC, has returned to his without prejudice to his assignment as Sacramental Scotland, is assigned as Parochial Administrator province in India, from Pastor of St. John the Priest at St. Rita Parish, Ranger; St. Francis Xavier of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Breckenridge, Baptizer Parish, Bridgeport; St. Mary Parish, Parish, Eastland; Holy Rosary Parish, Cisco; and and Jesus of Nazareth Parish, Albany, effective Jacksboro; and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin St. John Parish, Strawn, effective June 12, 2013. Aug. 1, 2013. Mary Parish, Decatur, effective April 11, 2013. REV. CARMEN MELE, OP, is assigned Interim REV. ALBERT FRANCIS K ANJIRATHUMKAL, HGN, REV. EMMANUEL L EWIS has returned to his diocese Director of the Department of Catechesis of from Sacramental Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, from Priest in Residence at Holy Cross Parish, the Diocese of Fort Worth, in addition to his Seymour, and St. Mary of the Assumption Par- The Colony, effective April 15, 2013 role as Director of Hispanic Adult Catechesis ish, Megargel, is assigned as Parochial Vicar of REV. HECTOR M AGALLON, CORC, upon presenta- and the Blessed John Paul II Institute, effective St. Patrick Cathedral Parish, Fort Worth, effec- t ion by t he R e g ion a l Di re c tor of t he C on f r ater n it y June 12, 2013. tive Aug. 1, 2013. of the Operarios of the Reign of Christ, is assigned REV. GERALD GORDON, TOR, from St. Andrew REV. CRUZ MANUEL HOLGUIN, from Parochial as Parochial Vicar of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Parish, Fort Worth, is being assigned by his Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Denton, Fort Worth, effective April 17, 2013. Religious Superior to Franciscan University of is assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Par- REV. JOHN A NTONY P ERIKOMALAYIL, HGN, upon Steubenville, Ohio, effective June 30, 2013. ish, Arlington, effective Aug. 1, 2013. presentation by his Religious Superior, is assigned REV. DOMINIC HONG NGHIA, CMC, will return REV. JAMES WILCOX, upon ordination to the as Sacramental Priest at Sacred Heart Parish, to his province in Missouri, from Parochial Vicar priesthood, is assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Seymour; St. Joseph Parish, Rhineland; St. Mary of Vietnamese Martyrs, Arlington, effective July John the Apostle Parish, North Richland Hills, of the Assumption Parish, Megargel; and Santa 28, 2013. effective Aug. 1, 2013. Rosa Parish, Knox City, effective May 1, 2013. REV. DOMINIC ROAN NGUYEN, CMC, upon pre- REV. KHOI TRAN, upon ordination to the priest- REV. REEHAN SOOAI ANTONY, SAC, upon pre- sentation by his religious superior, is assigned as hood, is assigned as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate sentation of his Religious Superior, is assigned Parochial Vicar of Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Conception Parish, Denton, effective Aug. 1, 2013.

PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 DCYC draws DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE SSMNs celebrate 1,500, focuses on NEWSBRIEFS 150 years serving Year of Faith DFW Airport interfaith senior chaplain in North America Sister Mary Merdian, provincial has audience with Pope Francis superior of the Western Province of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, based in Fort Worth, recently announced the beginning of a Year of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the 150 years that the sisters have served in North America. Banners were hung on the Mother- hou s e bu i ld i n g on Sh aw St re e t to i n it i ate

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Serra Club the Year, with the theme “Gratitude for Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, presents the past, Hope for the present, Vision at DCYC. for the future.” The sisters are planning a liturgy By Jacqueline Burkepile and reception at St. Patrick Cathedral Correspondent in Fort Worth Nov. 16. They are also More than a thousand youth from Photo by courtesy of DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy The Rev. D.D. Hayes, an ordained bishop of several non-denominational con- maintaining a Facebook page to keep across the Diocese of Fort Worth united gregations who also oversees the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy, presented supporters updated on other events to “open the door of faith” at the 17th Pope Francis with a DFW Airport paperweight during a June 19 audience in St. scheduled during the year-long cel- annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Con- Peter’s Square. Rev. Hayes also gave Pope Francis a handmade rosary crafted ebration. It can be accessed at: www. ference July 12-14 at the DFW Hyatt by Marge Wick, a former employee of the chaplaincy program, who belongs facebook.com/ssmnwesternprovince. Regency Hotel. With more than 1,500 to St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell. When Rev. Hayes asked Pope Fran- The order, founded in Belgium in youth and adult leaders present, DCYC cis to bless a cross and several medallions for friends, the pontiff placed his 1819, planned to send a small band of focused on the Year of Faith, inviting hands over the minister’s and said a prayer over the items. “I’m not Catholic, missionary sisters to the U.S. to assist middle school and high school students but I know he has a love of people and is reaching across the aisle to people Jesuit missionary Father Pierre Jean to open their hearts to the Lord through of other religions,” Rev. Hayes said. “His message in St. Peter’s Square was DeSmet, with his work among native singing, dancing, workshops, prayer, about unity and how we all need to follow Christ.” peoples in St. Louis. Before departure and the sacraments. plans could be finalized, the Civil War During a keynote presentation Knights raise over $38K to help cover broke out, making it impossible for those Saturday morning, Father Agustino plans to materialize. Still determined to Torres, CFR, said that Jesus must be medical expenses for member’s son be missionaries in America, five sisters, “real” in our hearts. He invited youth f rom fou r d i f ferent Eu rop e a n c ou nt r ie s , EDITOR’S NOTE: to reflect on Jesus’ resurrection and on This story is adapted from benefit clay shoot and auction at Fossil responded to an invitation from the how it changes their lives. a press release from Knights of Columbus Pointe Sporting Grounds in Decatur. bishop of Buffalo, New York, and started Fr. Torres also focused on God’s Council 12553. Each of the shooting stations was spon- a school there in September 1863. saving plan. He assured the youth that At 15 years of age, Weston Luke sored by charitable donors, as well as Ten years later, three sisters were sent they were created for a purpose: to fulfill has endured roughly 50 surgeries due the main room where lunch was served. to Texas, responding to a call from the God’s mission in their lives and to draw to the chronic gastrointestinal and Dozens of Knights helped to orga- s e c ond bi s hop of Te x a s , C l aude D ubu i s . souls to Jesus. respiratory maladies he’s carried since nize and manage the event, with help Their initial efforts in Waco quickly “I’m a poor sinner, but they came birth. He and his mother are constantly from Boy Scout Troop 65, Weston’s spread through the northern parts of up to me and said, ‘I felt like God was flying between their home in Texas and troop. Eighteen Scouts and their leaders Texas, and by 1905, the sisters had speaking to me.’ And he is!” Fr. Tor- the hospital in Ohio where he receives served lunch and cleaned as a way to begun schools in Sherman, Denison, res told the NTC, adding that it was specialized medical treatment. show support for their fellow Scout, who Fort Worth, Dallas, and Wichita Falls. “a m a z i ng” to be able to be u sed by G od. “A common thing everyone says is despite his illness is a First Class Scout. The international congregation Seventh-grader Isabella Thies that they pray for us. That is comfort- An auction was held to raise addi- — serving today in nine countries — explained how she hopes to live what ing and reassuring as we face these hard tional funds. Though Weston couldn’t currently numbers 172 sisters and ob- she learned at the conference. “DCYC times,” said Weston’s father, Ben. attend because he was receiving treat- lates in North America, including the helped me with my relationship with What keeps the family going is their ment Ohio, his father and two brothers Canadian, Eastern, and Western prov- God because they make it fun to faith in God and the support they receive thanked the donors and volunteers. inces. Members are engaged in prayer grow spiritually and get closer in your from family, friends, and Ben’s fellow Days after the event, donations con- and ministries including education, church,” she said. “I think I’m going Knights of Columbus from St. Mark tinued to pour in, and when the final administrative and pastoral ministry, to go to adoration more and just spend Council 12553 in Denton. count was held, the council had raised social work, spiritual counseling, and more time worshipping.” On July 13, the council sponsored a $38,200 for the Luke family. work with immigrants and refugees. PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 NEWS FROM THE VATICAN Pope clears the way for the canonizations of John Paul II, John XXIII By Cindy Wooden gation for Saints’ Causes “have Catholic News Service expressed their hope, and the Holy Father has accepted it,” Fr. Lom- VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis bardi said. If Pope Francis “had signed a decree clearing the way for any doubts, we wouldn’t be here” the canonizations of Blesseds John announcing the consistory to ap- Paul II and John XXIII, even in the prove Blessed John’s canonization. absence of a second miracle attrib- “As we all know very well, uted to Blessed John’s intercession. John XXIII is a person beloved in After Pope Francis met July 5 the Church. We are in the 50th an- with Cardinal Angelo Amato, pre- niversary year of the opening of the fect of the Congregation for Saints’ Second Vatican Council, which he Causes, the Vatican published a list convoked. And I think none of us CNS file photo / Paul Haring CNS photo / Joe Rinkus Jr. of decrees the pope approved related Ble s s e d John X XIII’s p ainting is s e en in a Blessed John Paul II is pictured here has any doubts about John XXIII’s to Blessed John Paul’s canonization museum dedicated to him in his home arriving in Miami for the start of his virtues,” the spokesman said. “So, and 11 other sainthood causes. of Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII, Italy. 1987 trip to the United States. the Holy Father is looking toward Publishing the decrees, the Vat- his canonization.” ican also said, “The supreme pontiff of the Little Sisters of the Catho- Blessed John’s cause, Vatican spokes- John XXIII was beatified in approved the favorable votes of the lic Motherhood attributed being man Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, 2000 after Sister Caterina Capitani ordinary session of the cardinal- cured from Parkinson’s disease to said the movement in the late pope’s of the Daughters of Charity attrib- and bishop-fathers regarding the his intercession. cause does not indicate a general uted her healing from dying from canonization of Blessed John XXIII The congregation members, change in Church policy. complications following stomach (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) and has according to news reports, also The members of the Congre- surgery to his intercession. decided to convoke a consistory that looked at the cause of Blessed John will also involve the canonization of and voted to ask Pope Francis to Blessed John Paul II.” canonize him without requiring a Normally, after a pope signs miracle. According to Church rules a decree recognizing the miracle — established by the pope and sub- needed for a canonization, the pope ject to changes by him — a miracle consults with cardinals around the is needed after beatification to make world and calls a consistory — a a candidate eligible for canonization. gathering attended by any cardinal Father Paolo Molinari, SJ, the who wants to and is able to attend longtime head of the College of — where those present voice their Postulators — or promoters of saint- support for the pope’s decision to hood causes — has explained that proclaim a new saint. in the sainthood process, miracles A date for a canonization cer- are “the confirmation by God of a emony is announced formally only judgment made by human beings” during or immediately after the that the candidate really is in heaven. consistory. Fr. Molinari also said that for The cardinals and archbishops decades theologians have explored who are members of the saints’ con- the possibility that such a confir- gregation met at the Vatican July 2 mation could come by means other and voted in favor of the pope rec- than someone experiencing a physi- ognizing as a miracle the healing of cal healing. For instance, Victoire Floribeth Mora Diaz, a Costa Rican Rasoamanarivo in Madagascar was who was suffering from a brain an- beatified in 1989 after accepting as a eurysm and recovered after prayers miracle when a wind-swept brush fire through the intercession of Blessed stopped at the edge of a village whose John Paul. He was beatified in 2011 inhabitants invoked her intercession. after Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre Announcing the decision about

PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 In first encyclical, pope celebrates faith as the light of human life By Francis X. Rocca possible through good works alone. Catholic News Service “Those who live this way, who want to be the source of their own righteousness, find that the VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ first encyclical, l at ter i s s o on deple te d a nd t h at t he y a re u n a ble e ven Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), is a celebration of to keep the law,” the pope writes. “Salvation by Christian faith as the guiding light of a “successful faith means recognizing the primacy of God’s gift.” and fruitful life,” inspiring social action as well as Faith finds its fulfillment in the life, death, devotion to God, and illuminating “every aspect and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he writes. By of human existence,” including philosophy and virtue of his humanity, Jesus is both the object the natural sciences. of faith and the ultimate model and mediator The document, released July 5, completes for all believers. a series of encyclicals on the three “theological “Christ is not simply the one in whom we virtues,” following Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus believe,” Pope Francis writes. “He is also the one Caritas Est (God is Love) (2005) on love and Spe with whom we are united precisely in order to Salvi (Hope Saves) (2007) on hope. Publication of believe. Faith does not merely gaze at Jesus, but the encyclical was one of the most awaited events sees things as Jesus himself sees them, with his of the Year of Faith which began in October 2012. own eyes: it is a participation in his way of seeing.” Pope Benedict “had almost completed a first This participation means that faith inevitably d r a f t of a n enc yc l ic a l on f a it h ” b e fore h i s re t i rement makes a Christian part of Christ’s mystical body, in February 2013, Pope Francis writes, adding that the Church. “By its very nature, faith is open to “I have taken up his fine work and added a few the ‘we’ of the Church; it always takes place within contributions of my own.” her communion,” the pope writes. Image courtesy of Ignatius Press Commentators will likely differ in attribut- The Church transmits the faith across time Ignatius Press released a hardcover, high-quality ing specific passages, but the document clearly “through an unbroken chain of witnesses,” al- edition of Lumen Fidei in August. recalls the writings of Pope Benedict in its exten- lowing us to “see the face of Jesus,” Pope Francis sive treatment of the dialogue between faith and writes. “As a service to the unity of faith and its attainable through autonomous reason alone but reason and its many citations of St. Augustine, integral transmission, the Lord gave his Church requires love, a “relational way of viewing the world, not to mention references to Friedrich Nietzsche the gift of apostolic succession.” which then becomes a form of shared knowledge, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Accordingly, members of the hierarchy stand vision through the eyes of another and a shared On other hand, warnings of the dangers of as the authoritative teachers of the contents of vision of all that exists.” idolatry, Gnosticism and Pharisaism, a closing Christian faith. The “magisterium of the pope and By affirming the “inherent order” and har- prayer to Mary as the “perfect icon of faith,” and the bishops in communion with him,” the pope mony of the material world, and “by stimulating a section on the relevance of faith to earthly jus- writes, “ensures our contact with the primordial wonder before the profound mystery of creation,” tice and peace echo themes that Pope Francis has source and thus provides the certainty of attaining Christian faith encourages scientific research, while already made signatures of his young pontificate. to the word of Christ in all its integrity.” dispelling the philosophical relativism that has Lumen Fidei begins with a brief survey of the Yet faith in its fullness is more than doctrine, produced a “crisis of truth in our age.” biblical history of faith, starting with God’s call Pope Francis writes; it is “the new light born of an Faith also inspires respect for the natural en- to Abraham to leave his land — “the beginning encounter with the true God, a light which touches vironment, by a llowing believers to “discern in it a of an exodus which points him to an uncertain us at the core of our being and engages our minds, grammar written by the hand of God and a dwell- future” — and God’s promise that Abraham will wills, and emotions, opening us to relationships ing place entrusted to our protection and care.” be “father of a great nation.” lived in communion.” According to Pope Francis, faith has proven The Bible also illustrates how men and women Thus the primary means of transmitting faith itself essential to the promotion of “justice, law, and break faith with God by worshipping substitutes is not a book or a homily, but the sacraments, peace,” by contrast with failed modern ideologies for him. especially baptism and the Eucharist, which that also claimed those goals. “Idols exist, we begin to see, as a pretext for set- “communicate an incarnate memory, linked to “Modernity sought to build a universal ting ourselves at the center of reality and worship- the times and places of our lives, linked to all our brotherhood based on equality,” he writes, “yet we ping the work of our own hands,” the pope writes. senses; in them the whole person is engaged as a gradually came to realize that this brotherhood, “Once man has lost the fundamental orientation member of a living subject and part of a network lacking a common reference to a common father which unifies his existence, he breaks down into of communitarian relationships.” as its ultimate foundation, cannot endure. the multiplicity of his desires ... Idolatry, then, is The belief that the “Son of God took on our “We need to return to the true basis of broth- always polytheism, an aimless passing from one flesh” and “entered our human history” also leads erhood,” the pope writes. “Faith teaches us to see lord to another.” Christians “to live our lives in this world with ever that every man and woman represents a blessing Pope Francis sees another way of turning greater commitment and intensity,” he writes. for me, that the light of God’s face shines on me from God in the Pharisees’ belief that salvation is For faith, Pope Francis writes, truth is not through the faces of my brothers and sisters.”

PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS More Catholic schools transitioning to a president / principal model

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Pl a quem i ne s , L ou i si a n a , w i l l joi n St . The job of a Catholic school tional program. Correspondent John as president. principal has become increasingly “Another way to look at it is U.S. Catholic secondary complex, Miller points out. the president is the chief executive The complex job of managing, schools have used the president/ “Many people who rise to the officer and the principal is the chief improving, and promoting Catholic principal model for 25 years, and position of principal do so because operating officer,” Miller said. education just got a little easier at St. it is becoming more common they’re good teachers interested in A school’s president handles John the Apostle School. Beginning in Catholic elementary/middle curriculum, or they like dealing with the finances, development, strate- this year, the kindergarten through schools, according to diocesan kids and parents but they lack other gic planning, marketing, and grant eighth grade campus in North Rich- School Superintendent Don Miller. skills,” he explains. “They haven’t writing. He or she also deals with land Hills will adopt the president/ In the Diocese of Fort Worth, Nolan been prepared as fundraisers, mar- community relations. The prin- principal model. It’s a strategy that Catholic and Cassata High Schools keters, and business professionals.” cipal’s chief focus is the students, divides multiple administrative roles have employed a principal and presi- Successful Catholic schools teachers, and parents and how they and responsibilities between two dent for more than 10 years. in today’s world rely on that ex- relate to academic programs. individuals. Last year, Holy Trinity and pertise. The president/principal Both the president and principal Amy Felton, former assistant Our Mother of Mercy Schools model allows one administrator (the share responsibility for the Catholic principal, was named principal experimented with the model and president) to focus on the overall identity of the school and the spiritu- for the 2013-14 academic year. will continue to use it. The diocese direction of the school, while the al leadership of the faculty and staff. David Dean, an experienced is encouraging other schools in the other (the principal) manages the Catholic school administrator from diocese to consider the idea. day-to-day operation of the educa- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Erin Vader is the school’s principal. CATHOLIC CHARITIES “I’m in charge of public rela- Twenty percent of the Catholic tions, fundraising, enrollment, and schools in the diocese currently use those types of things,” he explains. the model, and the superintendent “Advertising for enrollment is key to expects that number to increase. the success of the school, so I work The addition of a president to the on those strategies quite a bit.” administrative team can eliminate Barks’ efforts to increase en- the need for an assistant principal. rollment, find sponsorships, and “It’s not an extra position but a communicate with the nearby more defined division of responsibil- community takes a lot of pressure ities,” the superintendent continued. off the principal. NTC Photo / Juan Guajardo St. John’s principal hopes im- “I think it’s very helpful in that Rick Kubes, former vice president of Kubes Jewelers in Fort Worth, poses plementing the president/principal way,” he adds. “It’s always better with Rachel Roberts, coordinator of Catholic Charities’ Noche de Fiesta model and the relocation of North to have two people when there are fundraiser on July 16 at Catholic Charities main campus. Richland Hills’ city hall near the so many facets to take care of in Noche de Fiesta shoots for $535K campus will help the school grow. education.” “The city is moving its offices More parishioners from Our Rick Kubes laughs when he This is a tremendous source of right behind us,” Felton explains. Mother of Mercy are volunteering recalls that he started helping out financial support for the event, “So this is going to allow Mr. Dean, at the school and an overall increase in the family business at age 6. and here we have Rick sharing our new president, to create a great in support is noticeable. Barks, who Recently retired, he admits that his time with us, as well. He helps relationship with the city. People graduated from Catholic elementary some wondered how he’d occupy with the planning process and in will know we are here and that will and secondary schools in Virginia, is himself after a lifetime at Kubes obtaining donations of auction build our school up.” optimistic about the future of Our Jewelers of Fort Worth, which items. It’s t r u ly hu mbling to w it- The new organizational struc- Mother of Mercy School. is owned and operated by three ness this level of commitment.” ture is working at Our Mother of “Part of my job is giving people generations of family members. Catholic Charities has al- Mercy, where Michael Barks was innovative ideas on how to pay for an Kubes knew that he didn’t ways been special to his family, appointed school president last June. education in difficult times,” he says. want to spend time just work- s ay s K ub e s . “My pa rent s , Jo e a nd ing on his golf game, he says. Rita Kubes, raised their eight “I realized that my passion was children with tremendous faith. for service, for helping out in Catholic Charities has always the community. Because of my been my mother’s favorite char- involvement with Catholic Chari- it y, s o we fe e l l i k e we a re honor i n g ties, I’m able to pursue this pas- her and my dad, who passed away sion, and to feel like I’m making eight years ago, when we support a p o sit ive i mpa c t ,” s ay s K ub e s . “It this wonderful organization.” doesn’t get any better than that.” Noche de Fiesta will be Rachel Roberts, coordina- held Saturday, Aug. 24, at the tor of Catholic Charities Fort Omni Fort Worth Hotel at 1300 Worth’s (CCFW) annual Noche Houston St. in downtown Fort de Fiesta fundraiser, calls Kubes’ Worth, with registration begin- support for the agency a “tremen- ning at 6 p.m. Organizers expect dous form of advocacy. He has approximately 800 participants brought in hundreds of volun- and hope to raise $535,000 at teers, partners, and participants this year’s event, says Roberts. in our events, especially through “I get so excited about Noche de Fiesta, which now raises Catholic Charities, because, over half a million dollars a year like our own business, it is run in support for our 43 programs.” with passion, with integrity, and Roberts notes that Kubes with respect for everyone,” says Jewelers is the presenting sponsor Kubes. “I’m grateful for the op- for Noche de Fiesta, now in its portunity to be involved.” 21st year. “They offered to serve as presenting sponsors for five For more information about consecutive years, and this is the Noche de Fiesta, visit www. third year of that sponsorship. ccdofw.org o r ca l l 817-53 4 - 0 814 .

PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 New El Paso bishop sees a diocese ‘deeply committed to Catholic faith’ By Andy Sparke Monsignor Jean-François Bishop Mark J. Chavez, / Christ photo CNS Editor, Rio Grande Catholic Lantheaume, charge d’affaires at Seitz delivers Diocese of El Paso the apostolic nunciature in Wash- the homily July ington, read the message from Pope 9 during the EL PASO (CNS) — Bishop Mark Francis relieving Bishop Seitz of his Mass for his J. Seitz promised to lead his flock duties as auxiliary bishop of Dallas installation as into a new century characterized and appointing him the sixth bishop the sixth bishop Catholic Grande Rio by the New Evangelization as he of El Paso. His appointment was of the Diocese of was installed bishop of the nearly announced May 6. El Paso in the El 100-year-old Diocese of El Paso. San Antonio Archbishop Gus- Paso Convention In a homily presented in both tavo Garcia-Siller conducted the and Performing English and Spanish, Bishop Seitz installation rite. Arts Center. addressed more than 4,000 people In his homily, Bishop Seitz re- who attended the installation Mass counted his visits to parts of the El grants, people so dear to the Lord.” to open a new chapter in the history at the El Paso Convention and Per- Paso Diocese in the time since his Next March, the Diocese of El of the diocese in this new century.” forming Arts Center July 9. appointment was announced and Paso will mark the 100th anniversary “The world needs the testimony He promised to listen for the said, “I can see the diocese is deeply of it s fou nd i n g by Pop e Piu s X . M a de of faith now more than ever,” he voice of the Lord in the words of the committed to the Catholic faith.” up of 10 counties covering 26,700 said. “This is the time for the new priests, the deacons, the laity “and Noting that the city of El Paso square miles in the western tip of evangelization.” the voices of the poor, for I am sure derives its name from El Paso del Texas between New Mexico and Bishop Seitz replaces Bishop he will speak through them.” Norte, “the pass of the north” trav- Mexico, the diocese has a Catholic Armando X. Ochoa, who was named “I will have confidence in the eled by early Spanish explorers and population of more than 650,000. to the Diocese of Fresno, California, voice of Holy Father Francis and the missionaries, he said it has long been Bishop Seitz told those gathered in December 2011, while remaining magisterium of the Church,” he said. a beacon for “refugees and immi- for his installation, “I will call you apostolic administrator of El Paso. Maronite priest with Texas ties to head Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon

ST. LOUIS (CNS) — Father Ab- Hastings / Sid photo CNS Bishop-elect ronite Missionaries, 1986-1988, dallah Zaidan, a Maronite priest Abdallah and as assistant rector of Our Lady with Texas ties, and rector of Our Zaidan of the of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, Lady of Mount Lebanon-St. Peter U.S. Maronite 1988-1990. Maronite Cathedral in Los Angeles, Eparchy of Our From 1990 to 1994, he was pas- was named by Pope Francis July 10 Lady of Lebanon tor at St. George Maronite Church in to replace Bishop Robert J. Sha heen is pic ture d July 12 San Antonio. In 1990, while pastor as head of the Maronite Eparchy of at the Maronite of St. George, Fr. Zaidan established Our Lady of Lebanon. While serv- Pastoral Center Our Lady of Lebanon in Lewisville ing as pastor of St. George Maronite in St. Louis. and Our Lady of the Cedars Parish Parish in San Antonio, Fr. Zaidan in Houston. helped establish Our Lady of Leba- good shepherd,” he told the group in Born in Kosaybe, Lebanon, The Eparchy of Our Lady of non Maronite Parish in Lewisville in a prepared statement. “I promise to Bishop-designate Zaidan was or- Lebanon, the equivalent of a diocese, 1990, along with another mission in lay myself down at the service of the dained a priest in 1981 and pro- extends across 34 states, ministering Houston. His episcopal ordination Church and even place my human fessed final vows as a member of the to 34,000 Maronite Catholics living is set for Sept. 28 at the Shrine of weakness into his hands to remind Maronite Lebanon Missionaries in in an area extending from the West Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, myself of the need to be humble.” 1984. He has been cathedral rector Coast to Ohio, West Virginia, and Lebanon. Bishop-designate Zaidan said in Los Angeles since 1994. Alabama. In 2002, the eparchy’s Bishop-designate Zaidan said he has chosen the phrase “thy will Bishop-designate Zaidan re- headquarters were relocated from at a reception at the Maronite Pasto- be done” as his episcopal motto. “I ceived a licentiate in theology from Los Angeles to St. Louis. There are 45 ral Center in St. Louis July 12, that promise to work hard, to reach out Holy Spirit University in Kaslik, parishes with priests in the Eparchy he was “humbled” by Pope Francis’ to all, to strengthen the weak and Lebanon, in 1986, and a license in of Our Lady of Lebanon, one of two decision to name him bishop. encourage the faithful to move for- philosophy in 1987. eparchies in the United States, with “I will strive to the best of my ward the message of the New Evan- After his ordination, then-Fr. an additional seven missions without abilities to be the good shepherd gelization, the message of love that Zaidan’s served as assistant rector priests. The other is the Eparchy of following the example of Christ, the is much needed in today’s world.” of the minor seminary of the Ma- St. Maron in Brooklyn, New York.

PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 DIOCESE Closing a year, but opening a faith-filled future Bishop Cantú to speak at diocesan Year of Faith closing Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las fully handed down by the Church, his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cruces, New Mexico, will give the and on the Bread of Life, offered as the University of Dallas and his keynote addresses at the diocesan sustenance for his disciples.” The licentiate and doctorate degrees celebration of the closing of the diocesan closing will offer local from the University of St. Thomas Year of Faith. The bilingual event Catholics a further opportunity to (Angelicum) in Rome. includes Holy Mass, at which fulfill this goal. He was ordained a priest in Bishop Cantú will also preach. The program begins at 3 p.m. 1994 for the Diocese of Galveston- The celebration will be held at Bishop Cantú will deliver his key- Houston. In 2008 Bishop Cantú This past February Bishop Cantú Most Blessed Sacrament Church note in one language while speakers was ordained as an auxiliary bishop was installed as the second bishop on Sunday, Nov. 24. of the other language discuss Pope for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. of Las Cruces. The Year of Faith began Oct. Francis’ new encyclical Lumen Fi- 11, 2012, marking the 50th anni- dei. At 4:30, the arrangement will versary of the opening of the Second be reversed. Mass will begin at 5:30 JD Trucking Vatican Council. In his statement and a reception will follow. More General construction work/repairs inside and out including topsoil, announcing the holy year, then detailed information will be sent sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, concrete, backhoe, and Pope Benedict XVI wrote: “We out to parishes. tractor services. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083. must rediscover a taste for feeding Bishop Cantú was born in ourselves on the Word of God, faith- 1966, in Houston. He earned John Paul II Institute to open six new sections

This September the John Paul and through e-mail correspondence. II Institute, the diocesan lay min- The John Paul II Institute oper- istry formation program, will begin ates with a large grant from Sharing its basic two-year curriculum in six in Ministry. Participants are asked sites throughout the diocese. Partici- to pay $90 per year for tuition and pants meet approximately six hours their parishes, an additional $90. per month from September to June. More information and registra- There will be new sections in tion forms are available on-line at English at Assumption of the Blessed www.fwdioc.org/pages/john-paul- Virgin Mary Parish in Decatur, 2-institute-about, through e-mail meeting usually on the second Sat- by contacting [email protected], urday of the month; the diocesan or by calling 817-560-3300, ext. Catholic Center in Fort Worth, on 317. Registration should be made every other Wednesday evening; before Sept. 1.

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 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 DIOCESE Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez to be keynote speaker at UDMC

Cardinal Oscar Andrés ist for the UD School of Ministry. face off on their choices, their lives, Rodríguez-Maradiaga, Archbishop “Our sessions cover a wide variety their families. of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, will be of topics, including theology, min- Monsignor Eduardo Chávez, the keynote speaker for both the istry, teaching, parish leadership, co-founder and rector of the Insti- English and Spanish sessions at the parenting, and social justice. We tute for Guadalupan Studies, and a sevent h a nnua l Universit y of Da lla s also welcome over 100 exhibitors canon of the Basilica of Our Lady of Ministry Conference (UDMC). and offer a liturgical art display, Guadalupe, will also give a plenary The UDMC, with the theme musical performances by Catholic address in English Oct. 26, and in “Walking Together in Faith,” is artists, and multiple worship oppor- Spanish Oct. 25. Msgr. Chávez, co-sponsored by the Dioceses of tunities, including a closing Mass.” who also co-authored Our Lady of Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Cardinal Rodríguez is one Guadalupe: Mother of the Civiliza- UD School of Ministry, and will of the eight cardinals tasked with tion of Love w it h Supreme K n i g ht of CNS photo/Paul Haring be held Oct. 25-26 at the Irving advising Pope Francis in reviewing Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Columbus Carl Anderson, will be Convention Center, 500 W. Las Pastor Bonus, the apostolic constitu- speaking on Our Lady of Guada- Colinas Blvd., Irving. tion governing the Roman Curia. will be given Friday, Oct. 25, and lupe as a model for evangelization. The UDMC will have ap- He joined the Salesians in 1961, in Spanish on Saturday, Oct. 26. Registration for the conference proximately 105 English sessions, and was ordained a priest in 1970. Author Leslie Morgan Steiner is currently open. The registration 41 Spanish sessions, and four Viet- In 1978, he was named auxiliary will give a plenary address in Eng- fee is $55 for those who register by namese sessions. bishop of Tegucigalpa, and was lish Oct. 26. Steiner’s book, Crazy Sept. 25, $75 for those who register “We are the largest annual named archbishop in 1993. In 2001, Love, a memoir of surviving domes- between Sept. 26 and Oct. 11, and ministry conference in the South, Pop e Joh n Pau l I I m a de h i m t he f i r s t tic violence in her first marriage, is $100 for on-site registration. with more than 12 Texas and cardinal from Honduras. He also a New York Times bestseller. She is For more information about Louisiana dioceses represented,” serves as president of Caritas Inter- also editor of the anthology Mommy the conference, visit www.udallas. said Geralyn Rea, events special- nationalis. His keynote in English Wars: Stay-at-home and career moms edu/udmc, or call 972-265-5811. St. Francis de Sales program aims to train catechists to teach the faith

A new program designed to preaching and writings of Catholic from the Catechism”; and “Teaching teach catechists not only the basics teaching brought many back to the According to Age.” of the Catholic Church, but also Catholic Church. For the time being, classes how to teach it themselves, is coming “My hope is to form catechists are only being offered at the two to the Diocese of Fort Worth. The in the faith or to help people who locations. St. Francis de Sales Basic Catechist want to be effective witnesses in “The key was to start slow and Formation Program will offer once- their parish communities,” said De not overextend ourselves,” De La a-month classes from August this La Torre, who is a great admirer of Torre said, though he added he is year through May 2014. St. Francis de Sales. open to meeting demands for more. “It’s a new program aimed at “The goal is to empower faith- “We wanted to start with one or two helping catechists learn to teach the ful Catholics as catechists, and main sites and expand from there.” faith,” says Marlon De La Torre, strengthen the Catholic identity of De La Torre said that several diocesan director of Children’s our parishes and programs.” pastors and parish directors of re- Catechesis and Catechist Forma- The program is also meant to ligious education have reached out tion. “It’s something that’s been in propel those who complete it to go St. Francis de Sales to him and are looking forward to the works for over a year.” further if they wish. De La Torre using the program to train not only The program is named for St. said individuals can be trained in a The program is being offered in parish employees, but also catecheti- Francis de Sales, patron saint of specific pastoral ministry through English at St. Maria Goretti Parish cal volunteers. educators and teachers. As both a the John Paul II Institute School of in Arlington, and in Spanish at Our “It’s very positive that pastors priest and later bishop of Geneva, Lay Ministry, or eventually, obtain Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Fort are recognizing the need to have a Switzerland, then a Calvinist strong- a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Worth. Classes include topics such well-informed staff that can teach hold, his clear, simple, and gentle theology. as “What is Catechetics?”; “Teaching the faithful,” he said.

PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Parishioners form 40-foot tall letters spelling St.Mark for an aerial photo at the site where new church buildings will rise. (NTC/Mike McGee) St. Mark breaks ground for new church — images Church as Body of Christ By Michele Baker in all those in attendance. Eventually, a church and religious tinuing to “pay the mortgage” even Correspondent “We have a church on Penn- education buildings will be built. after they’d paid off their first build- sylvania Drive. We’re leaving that “ T he s e t h i n g s t a k e t i me ,” Fly n n ing, their combined efforts provided Parishioners, priests, invited guests, church,” said event Chairman Bret said. “But the people of St. Mark’s the financial footing needed to move and well-wishers from near and far Curran. “We will have a church here have been very patient, determined, forward with a building project. But gathered for the groundbreaking of on this site soon. But the most impor- and generous. They’re a great group.” even with money in the bank, plans the St. Mark Parish Activity Center t a nt C hu rc h i s w h at’s here. We are the In fact, patience would be to expand their facilities were any- Saturday, Aug. 3. Even temperatures Church. We are the Body of Christ.” the most apt word to describe the thing but straightforward. creeping steadily higher couldn’t To illustrate this important journey the people of St. Mark With ground broken for the dampen the spirits of the assembly point, those invited to turn the have made over the past 20-plus new Parish Activity Center, the old celebrating a watershed moment in ceremonial shovels for the ground- years. Initially formed as a mission property on Pennsylvania Drive is the parish’s history. breaking included representatives of parish of Immaculate Conception being sold. While recognizing this as Initially conceived as an inti- the parish’s seminarians, teens, small Church in 1990, St. Mark became a bittersweet moment, since the old mate gathering of 50 to 100 people, children, founding members, building a separate parish in July 1995 with church was full of memories, speaker organizers expanded the event when committee members, and newly-reg- the late Father Eugene Sweeney, SM, after speaker at the groundbreaking they received over 650 RSV P cards. istered parishioners. Also breaking the as the founding pastor. Since then, ceremony kept the focus on what The modest tent that was to cover g rou nd were for mer pa s tor Fat her Ti m the parish nearly quadrupled from makes Church. the assembly became a refreshment Thompson; Diocesan Administrator 400 to nearly 1,600 families, literally Dennis Petit, Pastoral Coun- station. Seating and sound equip- Monsignor Stephen Berg; Peter Flynn, outgrowing its space. Fortunately cil chairman, summed it up well ment were brought in, and musi- diocesan Vice Chancellor for Ad- for them, Fr. Sweeney had taken a when he referenced the daily read- cians were added to the festivities. ministrative Service; Peggy Krueger, long view in terms of finances and ings leading up to Aug. 3. “In the And if that weren’t enough, the 600 mayor of Argyle; and several priests planning for growth. book of Exodus, Moses encounters people gathered stood on 40-foot- representing local clergy. “One of the first things we did the burning bush and he’s told to by-140-foot letters that spelled out Situated on 28 acres of land in on the Finance Council was create remove his sandals because he is on “St. Mark’s” while an airplane took South Denton and bordering on the a ‘Burn the Note’ campaign for our holy ground,” Petit said. “Well, this an aerial photo of the site. city of Argyle, the St. Mark Parish first building,” said Mike Nieswi- is about to become Holy Ground. Yet most striking even in the Activity Center will be the first of adomy of the building committee. This is about us: the Body of Christ. midst of the excitement surrounding four buildings at the new site on the “And in 2000 we did it. Then we We move forward as the Body of an event years in the making, was Northwest corner of the intersection started a capital campaign along Christ, housing the Body, Blood, the true spirit of Church manifested of Crawford and John Paine Roads. with ‘All Things Possible.’” By con- Soul, and Divinity of Christ.”

Everyone from kids and moms and dads to former pastors, Msgr. Stephen Berg, and neighboring pastors gets into the shoveling (NTC/Mike McGee)

PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, to lead Southwestern Lieutenancy’s 2013 annual meeting and investiture

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Cardinal strengthen the practice of Christian Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of life among its members, to support the Equestrian Order of the Holy through spiritual and financial Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will travel means the works of the Catholic from Vatican City to Fort Worth Church in the Holy Land, and to to lead the Order’s Southwestern support the preservation and propa- Lieutenancy’s 2013 Annual Meet- gation of the Faith in those lands. ing and Investiture October 25–28. Annually, the Order’s 23,000 The meeting and investiture members in 61 regional lieuten- w i l l be held at t he Om n i For t Wor t h ancies across the globe provide Hotel, with Masses celebrated at St. financial support to the Pope to be Patrick Cathedral, Fort Worth's Our used on projects in the Holy Land Lady of Guadalupe Church, and ranging from church and school The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre funds Catholic institutions operating in Vietnamese Martyrs Church in Ar- construction to humanitarian aid, social services in the Holy Land, including Hogar Niño Jesus which serves handicapped l i n g ton. T h i s ye a r’s I nve s t it u re M a s s and repairing and maintaining holy abandoned or needy children. It was founded by the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the will be celebrated Oct. 27, the feast sites such as the Basilica of the Holy Virgin of Matará, a religious community of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. of the Order’s patroness, Our Lady Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the site of Queen of Palestine. The purpose of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and In recent years the annual contribution tion of the Holy See with a new investiture is to bring new members resurrection. of the Southwestern Lieutenancy has charge: to uphold the works of into the order. Between 2001 and 2010, al- exceeded $1 million per year. the Patriarch, while preserving About 1,000 Knights and La- most $80 million was sent to the The Order’s history of protect- the spiritual duty of propagating dies of the Order will be in atten- Holy Land. ing the faith, the Holy Sepulchre, the faith. This structure and mis- dance, including Daniel Cardinal The Order’s Southwestern and holy places extends back to the sion survive today. The Order’s DiNardo archbishop of Galveston- Lieutenancy of the United States First Crusade and its French noble- headquarters are in Vatican City. Houston, who is the Grand Prior is the largest in the U.S., and has man leader, Godfrey of Bouillon. Cardinal O’Brien was ap- of the Southwestern Lieutenancy, consistently been ranked second of Following the Crusades, the Order pointed Grand Master of the Or- numerous Bishops from across the all lieutenancies world-wide in aid diminished in Jerusalem but lived der by Pope Bened ict X V I, Ma rch four states of the lieutenancy (Ar- provided to the Holy Land. The only on in priories across Europe. In the 15, 2012. He had previously held kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, lieutenancy to contribute more than 14th Century, the Holy See paid the positions as fifteenth archbishop and Texas), priests, religious, laity, the Southwestern Lieutenancy is Egyptian Sultan to grant Franciscan of Baltimore, seventh archbishop and more than 140 new investees the Lieutenancy of Germany which Friars Minor the right to protect the for the Military Services, and of the Order. receives funds through mandatory Christian holy sites. In 1847, Pope auxiliary bishop of New York. He The purpose of the Order is to church taxes collected by the state. Pius IX restored the Latin Patriarch was ordained to the priesthood of Jerusalem, modernized the Order, by Cardinal Francis Spellman on and placed it under the direct protec- May 29, 1965. Model of a parish church, Stella Maris, being built with funds from the Order in AD Aqaba, Jordan, pictured in the 2012 edition of the EOHS magazine . Building site in Rameh (Galilee) of the Latin Patriarchate high school. Funding of schools open to attendance by Christians and members of both the Jewish and Muslim faiths are among projects funded by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

Pope Francis celebrates Mass with bishops, priests, religious and seminarians in the Cathedral of St. Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro July 27. The Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired metropolitan archbishop of Washington, and Bishop Mark cathedral rises J. Seitz laugh together before Bishop Seitz was up some 246 installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese feet and can Darien Arndorfer, 6, uses beads and of El Paso, July 9 in the El Paso Convention hold 20,000 string to create a rosary during Vacation and Performing Arts Center. (CNS photo/Christ people. This Bible School Aug. 1 at St. Bernard Chavez, RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC) cruciform School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (CNS of light is photo/ Sam Lucero, THE COMPASS) what grasped Pope Francis’ attention in the photo below. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis looks up as he arrives to celebrate Mass with bishops, priests, religious, and seminarians in the Cathedral of St. Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro July 27. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) World Youth Day pilgrims walk Copacabana beach at sunrise in Rio de Janeiro July 28. Following the tradition of World Youth Day, pilgrims camped out the night of the vigil to attend the event’s closing Mass. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) Cross-Words By Mark Simeroth Across & Down: 1. Five books of Moses 4. Expanses www.sheepdotcom.com 2. Musical drama 5. Severe 3. Denote

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PAGE 16 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN

Pope Francis invites us all to 'sing a new song'

IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE JORGE MARIO BERGOGLIO BECAME THE But how do we make our lives this new FIRST POPE TO TAKE THE NAME FRANCIS, and what a six song? In the words of Pope Francis: “We Jeff Hedglen is the Campus months it has been. From the Minister at UTA and associate early days of his papacy where cannot keep ourselves shut up in parishes, director of Young Adult Ministry for the social media outlets were the diocese. He is also the primary exploding with quotes from his in our communities, when so many people convener of Camp Fort Worth’s daily Masses, shared videos, and many editions. pictures of seemingly his every are waiting for the Gospel!” Francis said. “It move, and tales of his shunning the typical “royal treatment” that usually accompanies his new role is not enough simply to open the door in trouble in the dioceses! I want to in the Church. This past summer see the church get closer to the at World Youth Day in Rio de welcome, but we must go out through that people. Janeiro was more of the same. As I was reflecting on all I did not get to attend door to seek and meet the people! " I saw and heard with regard to personally, but I followed the pil- World Youth Day, it became clear Pope Francis blesses Walmyr Junior, 28, during a meeting with to me that Pope Francis took the grims’ progress via Facebook and political, economic, and cultural leaders in Rio de Janeiro July Twitter and tuned in to the Vigil 27. The young man, who overcame drug abuse and is now a stance of the iconic “Christ the Service and closing Mass. What a youth minister, shared his story of life transformation Redeemer” statue that overlooks — his discovery of a loving God and church. Rio de Janeiro: Arms open wide, scene on the famed Copacabana (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Beach! There were an estimated simultaneously calling, healing, 3 million people camping out on our life to be identified with that to spread it to the entire world. welcoming, and offering Himself a beach… to see the Pope! It was of Jesus; it is sharing his senti- Not coincidentally “Go and make for the pilgrims of World Youth such a powerful display of the ments, his thoughts, his actions. disciples of all nations” was the Day. faithful, of the young Church, of And the life of Jesus is a life for theme of World Youth Day 2013. But there is one huge dif- the magnetism of Pope Francis, others. It is a life of service” But how do we make our ference between the statue and of the uniting power of the Body Wow, the new song we sing lives this new song? In the words Francis. The pope is not immov- of Christ. to the Lord is our life! A life lived of Pope Francis: “We cannot keep able and concrete. He not only Pope Francis did and said for Jesus, a life imitating Jesus, a ourselves shut up in parishes, speaks the “set in stone” teachings many things that have been life that is directed at others, a life in our communities, when so of the Church, he animates them commented on, but the thing of service. That is a song I want many people are waiting for the with his actions. Yes it is messy that stands out in my mind was to sing! Gospel!” Francis said. “It is not when he visits slums and jumps a passing phrase in his homily This message is so needed for enough simply to open the door out of the pope-mobile to hug at the World Youth Day Mass. the modern world. All too often in welcome, but we must go out and pray over strangers, but the While reflecting on the Responso- the song of our lives is off key through that door to seek and mess he creates inspires people to rial Psalm he said: “The open- when compared to this challenge meet the people! live what they believe. And living ing words of the psalm that we from Francis. We live for our If we do this right, he says, what we believe is what puts the proclaimed are: ‘Sing to the Lord advancement, our pleasure, our we will make a mess. “What is it tone in the note, the beat in the a new song’ (Psalm95:1). What is desires, our wants, our goals, our that I expect as a consequence of rhythm, and the meaning to the this new song? It does not consist agendas, in short, for ourselves. World Youth Day? I want a mess. lyric of the song of our lives. So of words; it is not a melody; it is Jesus ushered in the King- We knew that in Rio there would sing to the Lord the song of your the song of your life; it is allowing dom of God and commanded us be great disorder, but I want life, and let the mess begin!

PAGE 17 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 VOICE

Some dwellings require a vocation But Heaven welcomes all believers — with a song By Kathy Cribari Hamer The second best way to wake up “But I’m excited equally, just to work in the morning is smiling. The best with the people of God.” way is to wake up singing. Larry is a living juke- Father Khoi shared the underpinnings My husband, Larry, is a guy with signa- of his faith: “Something my grandma taught ture cheerful ways — especially in the morn- me stuck in my mind. It was on the day she ing. His jolly nature encounters life with box, and our home is departed for the USA — a day I still regret the spunk of a comedy writer, the finesse of in my life. an inspirational speaker, and the skill of a built with bricks and “She wanted to talk to me. I was young “Name that Tune” contestant. at that time, and wanted to play with my Each morning, Larry meanders between song. I am blessed to cousins. Grandma called for me, and I didn’t kitchen and office singing, “Oh, my darlin’ pay attention. Before she left she told me Clementine….” or creating a humorous live there. this: ‘Always remember you are poor, because dichotomy, with “The Gambler” and “I’m when you are poor you will always need God. Getting Married in the Morning.” And you will always need other people.’ He likes to sing “Taste of Honey,” with There are reasons I’ll never live in an or- “That was the greatest lesson, that al- “Ba-ba-ba-Buh-bum” lyrics, but his favorite is dinary rectory, much less a three-story one. ways sticks in my mind… Little did I know the “Andy Griffith Show” theme. “You have to I was born to be mother of five children, so it was the last time I would ever talk to her, whistle it,” Larry says, remembering how Andy my vocation is that, and I am delighted it is. because she passed away when she got to and Opie whistled, carrying fishing poles. But, in my life as a Catholic journalist, America, nine months later.” Larry is a living jukebox, and our home there have been times I felt closely bonded I love learning from my friends, the is built with bricks and song. I am blessed to to the priesthood. After participating in de- newest priests in our diocese. live there. cades of ordinations, I’ve absorbed spiritual As a Catholic, I have been privileged to One time I jokingly told Bishop Vann feelings from these men who spent their lives grow, not just in the palm of God’s hand, I’d become a priest just to live in the house preparing for what God intended. but in the twinkle of his mind. He sheltered he lived in, next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They studied philosophy and theology, me, and gave me every possible blessing. The old house of red bricks is a treasure, reading volumes, where most of us absorbed I may not have had a religious vocation, with upstairs balcony, gorgeous windows, no more than college survey courses. They nor will I ever live in the bishop’s house. But fabulous stairway. It is my dream home. bonded with the Lord the rest of us speak to I live in the best home of all, with a joyful Never having been ordained, nor given in ways that are cursory by comparison. husband, who today woke me with “You Are birth to a bishop, I know I’ll never live there, I’ve been privileged to interview these My Sunshine.” not for a weekend or even a day. Hence, I men — most recently James Wilcox and I also live with knowledge of what I can volunteered to be a priest or whatever it took Khoi Tran, before they were ordained. I be if I follow Jesus. to get in the door. came away yearning for what propelled This is what I try to do: Follow Him The bishop and I were at an ordination them to their vocations. step by step. And brick by brick. If I do rehearsal the day I made my observation, Father James gave me a snapshot of his those two things, I will end up in my real “Bishop Vann, is it too late to get on the faith. He said, “You hate to think, ‘Oh my dream home, in Heaven. ‘ordain women’ bandwagon? Because that’s life is so great. Because it could be some- And oh! There will be singing. the only way I can envision living in that thing else. We don’t know why our lives gorgeous home.” take particular paths and other people’s take The bishop smiled (his eyes rolled) and different ones. Kathy Cribari Hamer and took me on a full tour. I got to see inside the “All we can do is listen to God and her husband are members huge refrigerator and become acquainted make sure He’s the one on the path with us. of St. Andrew Parish. Her with his player piano and vintage music rolls. That has been with me through the whole family life column has been I shall always remember that day. It was the discernment process. I’m excited to be a recognized repeatedly by the closest thing to visiting the world’s best “bed priest and to have the blessing of being a Catholic Press Association of and breakfast.” With musical entertainment. priest. That’s great and wonderful. the United States and Canada.

PAGE 18 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 VOICE

Really living The Gospel of Life (whoops)

By Anne McGuire

I walked briskly into my co- worker’s office to drop off some papers before going about the rest of my day. Her elderly husband was there with her, but I didn’t stop to say hello before continuing with my objective. They were on their way out the door; I was merely concerned with carrying out my task. I barely acknowledged his presence, if at all. As I finished my business with her, he looked at me and called me out for not greeting him. Although he was teasing, the accuracy of his point struck me and continues to nudge my conscience, even as I think about the event days later. How often do I see people — even look them in the face — but not acknowl- edge their presence? Whether this stems from my own insecurity, laziness, or any with deep religious awe to rediscover the same outlook is due to all others, whether other reason, the effect is the same: I ability to revere and honor every person” (32). someone I only make eye contact with am failing to step outside of myself and When I studied abroad for a semester while walking through the grocery store or recognize with wonder the person in front with about 160 other students from my col- my best friend. of me, who was created by God and is lege, I initially thought of many of them as Both my encounter with my colleague’s now held in existence by his love. As Pope strangers. Yet in time, I grew to be struck husband and the experience with my study Benedict said in his homily at the begin- by the incredible richness and beauty of the abroad group encourage me to take the ning of his pontificate, “Each of us is the individual people with whom I traveled, extra moment to pause and recognize the result of a thought of God. Each of us is studied, and worshipped. They became people the Lord places in front of me – even willed, each of us is loved, each of us is three-dimensional as I learned about their if only to send a smile in their direction as necessary.” Do I treat the people I encoun- families and shared experiences with them we pass each other in the hall. I am grateful ter each day according to this truth? Do that the adventure of traveling provides. It for these reminders. I pray that the Lord I acknowledge the dignity that each of us wasn’t as though they were less worthy at will grant all of us the grace to really see the has, as one who is precious to God? the beginning of the semester of the rever- people He puts in our paths, and to look on In Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of ence and honor to which Pope John Paul them with Christ’s loving gaze. Life), Pope John Paul II recognizes that, II called us. I just saw more clearly as time as a “people for life ....we need first of all progressed. to foster, in ourselves and in others, a con- That experience taught me to appreci- Anne McGuire is a staff assistant for the Sec- templative outlook.” He goes on to say that ate the beauty – and humanity – of each retariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Confer- “such an outlook arises from faith in the person. Although I was given this moving ence of Catholic Bishops. For more informa- God of life, who has created every indi- experience with my fellow students over the tion on the bishops’ pro-life activities, please vidual as a “wonder” and that “it is time... course of getting to know them better, the visit www.usccb.org/prolife.

PAGE 19 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 VOICE

In the new atheists’ meaning-less universe Mother Theresa and the microbe have equal value — none

By David Mills

“In the most general terms humanism is the idea that the human animal is the site of To give him his due, [Gray] has a point. If the world is without meaning, some kind of unique value in the world,” explains the English phi- as many of the older secularists believed, there’s no particular point to losopher John Gray in his new book The Silence of the Animals. This idea that man man. You aren’t any more important to the universe than your dog. If is special is, he says, completely, utterly, totally wrong. you and Spot get hit by a car and the medics treat Spot and not You are, in other words, of no more importance or value in the universe than you, you have no reason to complain. your dog. Or the squirrels in the trees outside, or the mice in the basement, or the tiny one-celled creatures living in your drains and at the bottom of the bathroom trash bin. Mother Theresa? kids say, same difference. As far as Gray’s con- tians did the belief that man is the site of Equals a beagle. Your newborn baby? cerned, we’re all whistling past the graveyard. a unique value in the world. Nature had Same as a housefly. In a recent column (not published in the drawn a clear line between man and all You may say, “This guy can’t really NTC), we talked about the weird view that the the other animals, even the most intel- mean that,” but he does. As he writes in idea of the self is an illusion. ligent. One of the revealing things about the book, “In a strictly naturalistic view The idea that man is an animal no dif- Gray is that he has a much, much lower — one in which the world is taken on its ferent from any other animal is just as weird view of man than they did. He invites us own terms, without reference to a Creator but even more popular in the circles of the into a much darker world than the secu- or any spiritual realm — there is no hier- sophisticated and secular. Gray was a professor larists of my childhood. archy of value with humans somewhere at Oxford and also taught at Harvard and Yale. To give him his due, he has a point. near the top. There are simply multifari- His new book was published in this country If the world is without meaning, as many ous animals, each with its own needs. by a prestigious publisher. A reviewer in the of the older secularists believed, there’s no "Human uniqueness is a myth inherited English magazine Literary Review called it “a particular point to man. You aren’t any from religion, which humanists have re- very important book, and, I believe, a great more important to the universe than your cycled into science.” one which will in the future, if we have one, be dog. If you and Spot get hit by a car and His view of man follows directly read by wiser generations than ours.” the medics treat Spot and not you, you from his view of the world. “The world When I was growing up and reading have no reason to complain. is without meaning,” he believes. “There Gray’s predecessors among the skeptics and Gray’s honesty provides another is nothing of substance in our world,” secularists, the people who rejected religion al- backdoor argument for Christianity. If meaning nothing you can get your hands ways explained that they rejected it in defense you sense, as any sane person does, that on and no place you can safely stand. of what they often called “human values.” man matters, that there’s something to “Our lives are shaped by fictions,” Religion with its primitive and narrow view of man that separates him from the other he explains, meaning that man not only things restricted and oppressed people, keeping animals, you will find that belief most se- made up the God who created and loves them from being all they could be. Everyone cure among those who say every Sunday, the world but made up any other belief would be happier if only they didn’t have to “For us men and for our salvation . . .”. that life has a meaning and purpose. He’s worry about God. just as hard on atheists as he is on Chris- But the secularists I read all held a high David Mills is the executive editor of FIRST tians. We believe in the Easter bunny, view of man. They were what Gray dismisses THINGS (www.firstthings.com) and author they believe in the tooth fairy, but as the as “humanists.” They held as strongly as Chris- of DISCOVERING MARY.

PAGE 20 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 VOICE

It takes faith in oneself to walk on water And then only if we embrace God's plan for us

By Mary Regina Morrell

When my children were young each of them had a favorite TV show they would be content to “At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take watch over and over again. One of my youngest loved “Seabert the Seal,” an courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said animated series about two young friends and an orphaned seal who band together to save other animals from harm. Today to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command my son has the heart of an animal rescuer, fostering Great Danes, taking in strays me to come to you on the water.’ both wild and tame and has entered the realm of all “Seaberts,” having earned a diving certification. My youngest, I’m almost embar- but having returned to the story with an older he knows that fear is the root of doubt. rassed to say, was enamored with “Conan and more experienced heart, I have uncovered a With that assurance, Peter was able to the Barbarian.” This may well explain his wealth of wisdom from the book’s author, J.M. walk on water because he first made sure fascination with stage fighting and fenc- Barrie, who wrote the gem, “The moment you it was what Jesus wanted him to do. Peter ing, both of which he had to learn while doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to knew in his heart that there is no reason in drama school in NYC, and which he be able to do it.” Having read it again, I imme- to fear when we are embracing God’s will thoroughly enjoyed when cast in the role diately thought of Peter the Apostle in a boat on for us. And even though Peter faltered in of Friar Tuck for the New York Renais- the sea, and reframed Barrie’s words: The mo- a moment of weakness, when his human sance Faire. ment you doubt whether you can walk on water, nature gave in to fear, his faith spurred And then there was son number two, you cease for ever to be able to do it. him to turn again to the Lord, who was who would watch an early “Peter Pan” Barrie’s quote seems to be addressing the there to save him, and who gave the disci- with Mary Martin day after day, and power of believing in oneself, and certainly ples a unique opportunity to grow in faith while he never seemed to develop a pen- has graced any number of motivational post- when he asked, “Why did you doubt?” chant for flying or pirates, I often thought ers over the years. But the depth of the truth I like to imagine that, when the he must have been unnerved a bit by the about doubt can more fully be understood winds died down, Jesus and the disciples whole idea of Never Never Land, because through the teaching of Scripture, through sat in the boat and discussed this question he most certainly did not want to stay a the story of Peter, and disciples terrified at the — as we would do in faith-sharing ses- child forever. Even in grammar school he sight of Jesus walking on the water toward sions — each of them looking into their always did his homework on time, went them in the storm. hearts to discern how fear had gotten the to bed early to be ready for the morning “At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take cour- best of them. It would have been a time bus, saved his money and was completely age, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to him for learning that while faith in oneself is self-sufficient before he went to college. in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to important, we cannot truly walk on water In fact, his brothers delighted in calling come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ unless we first embrace God’s plan for us him “the old man” when he was still in Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on and have faith in Christ. his twenties. the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how This son did, however, become a [strong] the wind was he became frightened; teacher of language arts, always impress- and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, Mary Morrell is the managing editor of ing on his students the value of good save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out his THE MONITOR, the diocesan newspaper of literature and great stories, both reading hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you Trenton, New Jersey. She and her husband them and writing them. of little faith, why did you doubt?’” are the parents of six adult sons and live in I was never really a fan of “Peter Pan,” “Take courage,” Jesus says first, because Colonia, New Jersey.

PAGE 21 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 VOCATIONS Following a vocation means following Jesus Christ By Father Jonathan Wallis The world teaches us that we will their work. We are blessed to have Vocations Director be happy only when we have made over 30 seminarians studying for ourselves happy. the priesthood. Ultimately, this is What does Jesus Christ want The Church teaches us that a blessing from Almighty God. He me to do with my life? How does he happiness lies in following someone knows our needs and He has heard want me to serve him in the Church else: Jesus Christ. We can only truly and answered our prayers. Let us and in the world? be happy when we lay down our pray that He sends more men to These are the two most impor- lives in service of Jesus Christ. Only study for the priesthood and that tant questions any Vocations direc- when we lose our lives can we find those He has called remain faithful. tor hopes people ask themselves. Following the will of Jesus the source of all life — Jesus Christ. Please pray for me as I under- Following our vocation in life is Christ takes us out of ourselves. The I wish to thank those who take this new task in service of the nothing more than following the world te ache s u s t hat we w i l l on ly be served in the Vocations O ffice be- Diocese of Fort Worth. You can will of Jesus Christ. happy when we find self-fulfillment. fore me and I will strive to build on count on my prayers! Priests, Seminarians find annual VAP helpful in discernment process By Jacqueline Burkepile I was very timid and reluctant to give my complete will over decision to attend seminary. Correspondent Fr. Wilcox added his advice to to God. I thought it wouldn’t be fun or fulfilling. But seeing others considering attending the “L ord, open t he hea r ts of ma ny program in the future. men and women to courageously their fulfillment helped me to eliminate that reluctance and “It was extremely helpful to consider a vocation to the ordained learn about religious orders in ad- ministry or consecrated life.” This give my will completely over to God. dition to the diocesan priesthood,” prayer, found on the Serra Interna- said Fr. Wilcox. “It puts a person in tional website, sums up the purpose — Seminarian Maurice Moon contact with the right people to help of the Vocation Awareness Program one discover God’s will.” held every summer in the Dioceses of fore entering the seminary. Diocese Ronaldo Mercado, originally Seminarian Joe Keating, origi- Fort Worth and Dallas since 1990. of Fort Worth seminarian Maurice from Holy Family Parish in Vernon, nally from St. Mark Parish in Den- Sponsored by the Serra Clubs Moon from St. Philip the Apostle also said the presentations and panels ton, also said the VAP could be a of Fort Worth and Dallas, the VAP Pa r i s h i n L e w i s v i l le s a id t he prog r a m were especially informative and inspi- good step forward for those who allows those discerning the priest- eliminated doubts he had had. Now rational when he attended in 2006. may be called to the priesthood or hood or consecrated life to experi- in his fifth year of seminary, he said “My reservation and anxiety to consecrated life. ence a reflective three-day weekend. seeing so many religious people and respond was gone and every presen- “It will demystify some things Through the Serrans’ fundraising having the opportunity to speak tation provided lucidity and clarity and it will, at the very least, answer efforts and generosity, there is no with them influenced him to enter of what my vocation is in life,” said some questions for you,” said Keat- expense for participants. Various after the weekend concluded. Mercado. ing. “You may not come out of it with priests and religious orders invite “I was very timid and reluctant Mercado said he took advan- a decision, but that’s OK. It’s a step participants to hear them speak to give my complete will over to tage of everything the VAP recom- along the process of discernment.” about this lifestyle, as well as ask God. I thought it wouldn’t be fun mended to assist him throughout Diocesan Vocations Director questions. The VAP also offers the or fulfilling,” said Moon. “But see- the discernment process: a spiritual Father Jonathan Wallis said that at- opportunity for prayer, adoration, ing their fulfillment helped me to director, prayer, and Eucharistic tending a VAP in 1999 helped him and the sacrament of Reconciliation, eliminate that reluctance and give adoration. He then entered the to enter the seminary, and that as as well as a private audience with the my will completely over to God.” seminary in 2008 after three years a seminarian, he worked the VAP bishops of each of the two dioceses. “Their lives helped me see that of discernment. that Fr. Wilcox attended in 2005. The program occurred this year at God was working in my life. I could Newly-ordained diocesan priest “Many of the men who are the Universit y of Da lla s June 21-24. picture myself like them: wearing a Father James Wilcox, parochial vicar presently in the seminary and are Seminarians from the Diocese habit or a cleric and being a priest,” of St. John the Apostle Parish in priests for the Diocese of Fort Worth of Fort Worth said the Vocation he added. “I was able to find out North Richland Hills, also attended attended the VAP,” Fr. Wallis said. Awareness Program played a pro- how they lived on a daily basis and the VAP in 2005 before entering “The VAP is a very important aspect found role in their discernment be- how they were called.” formation. He said it affirmed his of discernment in our diocese.”

PAGE 22 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Background: Youth and young adults from St. Elizabeth World Youth Day 2013 in Rio, gave local young adults Ann Seton Parish in Keller and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Pilot Point participate in a Holy Hour at the Basilica of a sense of Pentecost the Immaculate Conception in Botafogo, Brazil, July 23. (Photos this page courtesy of Randell Labio) By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Gospel is for everyone, not just offer one perspective. World Youth Day brings Correspondent for some. Do not be afraid to go “It’s a whole different aspect young people and the Holy Fa- and bring Christ into every area of when you see people from around ther together, so they can better Anna Carroll experienced life, to the fringes of society, even the world praying together,” he understand his role as the Vicar of something she didn’t expect to those who seem farthest away, added. “There’s no way kids can Christ, Gutiérrez added. And one to find in Brazil — joy. most indifferent.” experience that without World of the highlights of the journey A sophomore at Southern The Holy Father’s message Youth Day.” for the Fort Worth entourage was Methodist University, she wanted hit home with an 18-year-old The spirit generated at World catching a glimpse of the pope, to go to World Youth Day 2013 from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Youth Day allows young people to “up close and personal.” with her St. Thomas Aquinas Mark Artiles is postponing college feel the joy of being Catholic. The first day the North youth group to feel closer to God. to spend the next nine months “They see the Church is Texans arrived in Brazil, they The pilgrimage did that and more as part of the National Evange- alive, young, and vibrant,” he said were walking down the sidewalk for the 19-year-old. lization Team. He’ll travel the with enthusiasm. “Everyone came looking for a place to eat when “There was a moment when U.S. offering peer-based spiritual together in Rio with the pope and a motorcycle escort whizzed by. we met some young people from retreats and training for youth experienced the sacraments. It set The group ran to the street as the Brazil on the street and began ministry leaders. a fire that hopefully youth will Pope’s motorcade passed. teaching each other songs and “Pope Francis is such a great spread to their communities.” “Our kids were waving at dances. It wasn’t just fun. There example of who Christ is calling Witnessing the global Church him and he was waving back was so much joy there,” Carroll us to be,” explained Artiles who created a feeling of Pentecost, at us. We couldn’t believe it,” said, describing the impromptu is impressed by the pontiff’s focus Gutiérrez said, remembering a Gutiérrez said, describing the gathering of like-minded souls. on the poor. “He tells us not to particular moment during the six- random sighting. “There is so “The whole trip was just amazing.” serve others for attention or fame day schedule. much love for this man and what The college student was part but because it’s what Christ wants “We were on the street with he represents.” of a diocesan group of 27 young us to do. That’s inspired me to get Brazilians, Argentines, Australians, Jordan Mascari of Pilot Point men and women from St. Eliza- out of my comfort zone.” and people from Spain, other parts said his experience at World Youth beth Ann Seton Parish in Keller The graduate of Keller’s Cen- of Europe as well as Latin and Day cemented his faith. Seeing and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in tral High School now understands South America, and we were all the millions of people on Copaca- Pilot Point who journeyed to Rio what it means to be a missionary chanting the same songs and danc- bana Beach waving their various de Janeiro for the July 23-28 in- at home. ing,” he recalled. “I told the kids countries’ flags was a feeling he’ll ternational event. Started by Pope “We can change the lives of that for a moment, it felt like Pente- never forget. John Paul II in 1984, there have the people around us just by living cost. All the nations were together “I remember thinking the been 13 World Youth Day cel- our faith,” he added. and despite different languages, we world still cares about God and ebrations. This year’s theme was Jason Spoolstra is pleased experienced the same joy because his Church because God still cares evangelization, and the schedule the pilgrimage sparked a sense of we share the same faith.” about the world,” he said. of activities — Mass, Stations of unity and purpose in the group. the Cross, prayer vigils, and cat- The St. Thomas Aquinas youth (center, with guitar) echesis — were designed to help minister attended the 2005 World Brother Timothy Pio Sgoutas, CFR, from Fort Worth, leads participants grow in faith. Youth Day in Cologne, Germany pilgrims from the Diocese of Fort Worth in Evening Prayer on Sunday, July 28. Using World Youth Day in and appreciates the event’s trans- Brazil to mark his first official formative power. He partnered visit overseas, Pope Francis urged with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton the estimated crowd of 3 million youth minister Gabe Gutiérrez to be revolutionaries. With the to organize the trip, then hired a words, “Go and make disciples of Catholic booking agency to ar- all nations” (Matthew 28:19), he range lodging and transportation. asked them to share their experi- “I wanted the young people ence of faith and proclaim the to experience the universality of Gospel to all people. the Church and see people from “Where does Jesus send us? different walks of life and coun- There are no borders, no limits,” tries,” Spoolstra explained. he said, during the closing Mass Gatherings that bring Catho- on Copacabana Beach. “The lics together from across the U.S.

PAGE 23 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Pope commisions young people to become Missionaries without borders

Cardinals stand beside the altar as Pope Francis celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) By Cindy Wooden like to, if you have the time,” the it is sharing his sentiments, his you go,’ but ‘All of you go.’ We are Catholic News Service pope said. Instead, he command- thoughts (and) his actions.” sent together.” ed them to proclaim the Good “The life of Jesus is a life for “Be creative. Be audacious,” RIO DE JANEIRO — Pope News to the world. others,” the pope said. “It is a life he said. “Do not be afraid.” Francis commissioned some 3 Sharing the love and mercy of service.” Pope Francis thanked the million young people to join forc- of God and the salvation offered The pope did not mince hundreds of bishops and thou- es and form what could be called by Christ through the Church “is words with his young audience, sands of priests who accompanied Missionaries Without Borders. born not from a desire for domi- telling them: “Evangelizing means their young pilgrims to Rio, but “Where does Jesus send nation or power, but from the bearing personal witness to the told them the pilgrimage was just us?” he asked World Youth Day force of love,” the pope told the love of God, it is overcoming our one step on the young people’s pilgrims July 28. “There are no young pilgrims, who were joined selfishness, it is serving by bend- journey of faith. borders, no limits: He sends us to on the beach by tens of thousands ing down to wash the feet of our “Continue to accompany everyone.” of Rio residents and other Latin brethren, as Jesus did.” them with generosity and joy, help On the white sand of Co- Americans, including Brazilian Pope Francis said he knows them to become actively engaged pacabana beach — under partly President Dilma Rousseff, Argen- how daunting it can be to rec- in the Church; never let them feel sunny skies, a relief after days tine President Cristina Fernandez ognize that each Christian bears alone,” he said. of rain in Rio — Pope Francis de Kirchner, Bolivian President personal responsibility for sharing He gave the younger genera- celebrated the closing Mass for the Evo Morales, and Suriname’s the Gospel with his or her actions tion a final instruction, “As you July 23-28 celebration of World President Desi Bouterse. and words, but Jesus told the first return to your homes, do not be Youth Day Rio. But even more special guests disciples and tells disciples today, afraid to be generous with Christ, Although retired Pope Bene- were present: The pope invited a “Be not afraid.” to bear witness to his Gospel.” dict XVI had chosen the theme for couple and their baby girl, who “Jesus does not leave us alone; It can change the world, the gathering — “Go and make has anencephaly (missing part of he never leaves you alone,” the he said. “Bringing the Gospel is disciples of all nations” — it was her brain), to come forward dur- pope said. bringing God’s power to pluck up tailor-made for Pope Francis, who ing the offertory. Pope Francis And the Church does not and break down evil and violence, continually tells Catholics: “Go met the family July 27 as he was leave any of its members, or even to destroy and overthrow the bar- out. Go forward. Keep going.” leaving Rio’s St. Sebastian Cathe- small groups, to go it alone, he riers of selfishness, intolerance, “Sharing the experience of dral and invited them to partici- said. “Jesus did not say: ‘One of and hatred.” faith, bearing witness to the faith, pate in the Mass. Under Brazil’s proclaiming the Gospel: this is a abortion laws, the couple would command that the Lord entrusts have been able to abort the child, Twelve World Youth Day pilgrims stand with Pope Francis for grace before to the whole Church and that in- but chose not to. lunch at the archbishop's residence in Rio de Janeiro July 26. The pope showed cludes you,” he told his beachfront With the father carrying the the world on his first international trip that his forte as a communicator is the (CNS congregation, which included baby, the parents walked up to the simple, seemingly artless action that resonates powerfully in context. photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO) hundreds of thousands who had pope wearing shirts with a Portu- spent the night on the sand, sleep- guese message on the back: “Stop ing or not. abortion.” Long journeys, days of rain, In his homily, Pope Fran- and sometimes improvised accom- cis told the young people that modations did not dampen the evangelizing requires a personal spirits of the World Youth Day witness of love for God and love participants, and Pope Francis for others, especially the weak, the told them that if they did not poor and the defenseless. share their experience of God’s When the psalm says “Sing love with others it would be “like a new song to the Lord,” he said, withholding oxygen from a flame it is not talking about a certain that was burning strongly.” set of lyrics or a specific melody, Jesus did not tell his disciples rather “it is allowing our life to to share the Gospel “if you would be identified with that of Jesus;

PAGE 24 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 In Brazil, pope’s simple, unscripted actions resonate powerfully By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

RIO DE JANEIRO — If Blessed John Paul II had an actor’s mas- tery of the dramatic gesture and Polish pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro Pope Francis blesses a woman in a wheelchair as he arrives for the closing Pope Benedict XVI engaged the cheer as Pope Francis announces Mass of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo/Ueslei Marcelino, faithful most effectively through that World Youth Day 2016 will Reuters) his learned and lucid writing, take place in Krakow, Poland. (CNS Pope Francis showed the world photo/Paul Haring) on his first international trip that ing on luxuries in a world where Pope Francis said nothing his forte as a communicator is children starve. during the trip about moves to the simple, seemingly artless ac- It was during that ride that liberalize Brazil’s abortion laws Krakow, Poland, tion that resonates powerfully in Pope Francis used his already because, as he told reporters on his context. famous gift for spontaneity to plane back to Rome, “young peo- to host World During his visit to Brazil salvage what could have been a ple understand perfectly what the Youth 2016 July 22-28 Pope Francis said little dispiriting mishap. The swarming church’s point of view is.” But he that he had not already said more of his car by pedestrians and the symbolically espoused the defense By Francis X. Rocca than once during his still-young driver’s decision to enter rush-hour of unborn human life during the Catholic News Service pontificate. He repeated force- traffic, where the papal motorcade culminating Mass of World Youth ful calls for social justice, a more promptly got stuck, briefly seemed Day, when he welcomed a married RIO DE JANEIRO — Krakow, humble and empathetic church to augur only more chaos. couple and their baby born with Poland, will be the site of the next leadership, and a more active and Instead, the incident became only part of her brain; they had World Youth Day, in 2016. engaged laity. a chance for the pope to display chosen not to abort even though Pope Francis made the an- But given the historic nature his almost magical rapport with current Brazilian law would have nouncement shortly after cel- of the occasion — the first Latin crowds, when he was seen open- permitted them to do so. ebrating the final Mass of this American pope returning to his ing his window and greeting the The surprise inflight press year’s World Youth Day before native continent — he must have very people that members of his conference was the pope’s final a crowd of more than 3 million known that everything he said security detail were frantically symbolic act of the trip, remark- people on Copacabana beach. and did here would take on special pushing away. able above all for the sheer fact Upon hearing the pope’s significance, and he made exten- Images of Pope Francis’ that he did it and for the way that words, young pilgrims from Po- sive use of the setting. visit to a Rio “favela” — his walk he carried it out. Known during land shouted joyfully, waving red The display began even before down the streets of shanties, and his days as a cardinal for refus- and white Polish flags. he left Rome, when the pope was the tears in his eyes behind the ing interviews, he proved with a “It is a joy, an honor and a photographed carrying his own altar of the slum’s little chapel no-holds-barred exchange that, great responsibility for us,” Car- briefcase onto the plane, sending a — will surely leave more lasting though he may usually be too dinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Kra- characteristic message of humil- impressions than anything he said busy for journalists, he certainly is kow said in a statement, noting ity: the menial work of carrying there. not afraid of them. that 2016 will mark the 1,050th the bag was a task he reserved for Similarly, his speech to what Having already charmed anniversary of the establishment himself. the Vatican called the “ruling them on the flight from Rome of Christianity in Poland. Pope Francis’ entrance into class of Brazil” — a gentle call to by greeting each one personally, Krakow is the former epis- the city of Rio in a modest com- dialogue and “social humility” in he then spent 80 minutes gamely copal see of Blessed John Paul pact van instead of the usual large a country shaken by massive anti- answering their questions, follow- II, who founded the tradition of sedan — an image that instantly government protests — was clear ing seven days of activity that had World Youth Day in 1986. turned the Fiat Idea into a world- and thoughtful, yet less eloquent left all the reporters exhausted. The 2016 event will be the famous model — was an exhorta- than his embrace of a recovered In that way, the 76-year old pope second World Youth Day to take tion to simplicity for clergy and drug abuser and former favela also showed that, in the game of place in Poland, after the 1991 laypeople alike, consistent with his resident on the stage before the dealing with the press, he is well celebration in Czestochowa. previous complaints about spend- dignitaries. prepared to stay ahead.

PAGE 25 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 The brightly colored robes of Texas CDA regents and state officers, regents from other Texas CDA courts, as well as the bright red robe of Olga Samaniego, second vice national regent (second from left on front row) added a sense of pagaentry to the Centennial Mass in St. Patrick Cathedral, June 22.

Local CDA member Jane Savoy poses with the Catholic Daughters of the America banner commemorating its founding date of June 22, 1913. Beside her is Texas CDA State Regent Peggy Rosales. Catholic Daughters of America’s original Fort Worth court, Court Louise, celebrates its

Concelebrating the Centennial Mass were (L to R) Fr. Jeff Poirot, Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Stephen Berg, and Msgr. Joseph Pemberton.

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen “We decided to come in and their lives,” enthused Kelly who and co-hosts the American Way Correspondent watch,” explained Tresia Kelly was impressed with the organiza- Awards with the Fourth Degree who shepherded granddaughters tion’s long-standing traditions Knights of Columbus. The Five young girls sat in Catherine, Lily, Bella, Lauren, and charity work. “We might be program honors Catholic School the back pew of St. Pat- and Kaitlyn into the cathedral. looking at some future members eighth-graders. rick Cathedral on June The special liturgy, dedi- here. You never know.” “Just 100 years ago on this 22 and watched an older cated to Our Lady of Grace, During the morning Mass very day, a group of courageous generation of Catho- brought together more than 150 and luncheon that followed, women got together and decided lic women celebrate Catholic Daughters from across members of the Catholic Daugh- they needed to do something 100 years of faith and Texas. Wearing the distinctive ters of America Court Louise 209 more in God’s name for the com- faithfulness. robes or sashes of their chap- were praised for their dedication munity,” said Kay Fuhrman, a The youngsters — age seven ters, representatives participated to God and community. Named 50-year member who served as the to 17 — came to the cathedral in a processional at the start of in remembrance of Sister Louise luncheon’s emcee. “It was a time for confession and stayed to wit- the Mass. The flurry of colors Hays, SSMN, who was the supe- when women just didn’t go out ness the Catholic Daughters of added a spark of pageantry to the rior of St. Ignatius Academy from and do things on their own.” the Americas Court Louise 209 occasion. 1889 to 1905, the organization Initially, Catholic women mark the organization’s centennial Based in New York, the is credited with offering religion in Fort Worth organized as an anniversary with a Mass concele- Catholic Daughters of the Ameri- classes for handicapped children auxiliary for the Knights of brated by Diocesan Administrator cas is the largest Catholic wom- in the 1960s, establishing the St. Columbus and were known as Monsignor Stephen Berg, Cathe- en’s group in the United States. Ann’s Home for young career the Daughters of Isabella. They dral Rector Monsignor Joseph “What do I hope my grand- girls, and supporting seminarian reorganized as the Catholic Pemberton, and Father Jeff Poirot, daughters learn from these education. Today the court assists Daughters of the Americas Court pastor of Holy Family Parish in women? I would love for them to the retired and elderly Sisters of Louise 209 on June 22, 1913. At Fort Worth. go on to serve the Lord the rest of Our Lady of Victory Care Center one time, the group boasted more

PAGE 26 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Local CDA members Vera Fowlkes and Jackie Berry strike a sisterly pose in the St. This large framed, yellowed document is the original charter Patrick’s Parish of Court Louise, issued in 1913.It was displayed along with Community Pat Dickerson, past regent of Court other memorabilia documenting the organization's history Center. Louise (2010-2012) points out a and honors. The table at right above displays documents and detail in a photo to Rosie Stockwell awards from the Catholic Daughters and proclamations from of Edinburgh, Second Vice Regent for Governor Rick Perry and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. Texas Catholic Daughters of America, PHOTOS BY JOAN KURKOWSKIGILLEN than 300 members. Current bers of Court Louise exemplify zation that has survived 100 years. St. Mary of Namur. membership is 27. the CDA’s motto “Unity and It’s a sisterhood of women who “I signed my application “Our court is not very big, Charity.” have chosen to serve God for 100 to become a Catholic Daughter and I’m thrilled to see so many “In unity, we march for years. That’s a remarkable testa- when I was 21 — a week before people here,” Fuhrman told the life, we walk for a disease, we ment to faith and faithfulness,” she I became a Catholic,” says the North Texas Catholic. “We’re small pass the hat for someone who observed. convert, who remembers rolling but we still do quite a bit of good needs help, and we get on our Volunteerism is falling off bandages during World War II work. I’m proud of what we do. knees and pray for the special across the country, but the CDA and hosting birthday parties at It’s all for God’s glory. That’s intentions in our hearts,” she leader doesn’t attribute the decline St. Teresa’s Home for children. where we get our strength and explained. to selfishness. “It’s been an important part of ability to do what we do.” The guest speaker admitted “I think our society just wants my life.” A proclamation from Texas changing economic times has everything to be easy. People still Reinvigorated by it’s mile- Governor Rick Perry, presented made the fundraising efforts and care and may even have faith. They stone anniversary, Court Louise during the luncheon, underscored volunteer work done by Catholic just don’t understand commitment 209 plans to launch a membership the decades of civic and charitable Daughters more important than and what it means to be faithful,” drive in the fall. projects spearheaded by Court ever in parish communities. she declared. “The Catholic Daughters Louise. In another proclamation, “We’re a force to be reck- Eileen Farrell, one of Court are alive and well and still have Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price de- oned with. For 100 years, you Louise’s most faithful and dedicated so much to contribute to the clared June 22, 2013 as Catholic have been that force in Fort members, organized the centennial Church,” said Msgr. Pemberton, Daughters of the Americas Day. Worth,” Rosales added. anniversary gathering for her col- who served as the group’s chaplain State and national leaders of Second Vice National leagues. The 89-year-old event chair during his 15-year tenure as pas- the Catholic Daughters also of- Regent Olga Samaniego echoed was thanked with a bouquet of tor of Holy Family Church. “To fered their congratulations. Peggy the sentiment in her address. flowers and celebratory sheet cake see so many women come to this Rosales, state regent, said mem- “This is not just any organi- which she donated to the Sisters of event is inspiring.”

PAGE 27 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 28 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 PAGE 29 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Sharing in Ministry aims to raise $3 million for ongoing needs of parishes, ministries in diocese

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen of Catholics,” explains the pastor, Correspondent who makes himself readily avail- able to students for confession Daily Mass means stand- or counseling. “Universities are ing room only for students at Bl. where the Church has needed to John Paul II University Parish and be for a long time.” Catholic Center in Denton. About Helping new parishes like 20 people crowd into the small, Bl. John Paul II establish a pres- renovated chapel used for liturgy, ence in Denton is one of the ways prayer, and adoration. Sharing in Ministry furthers the “We’re at our limit until we mission of the Catholic Church can build a new church,” explains in North Texas. This year’s cam- pastor Father Kyle Walterscheid. paign hopes to raise $3 million The parish was formally es- for seminarian training, operating tablished on July 1, 2012 to serve grants to parishes and schools, Catholic college students, faculty, Catholic Charities, educational and others living near the Uni- programs for children, youth, and versity of North Texas and Texas adults, and the marriage tribunal. Woman’s University. To accom- Since 1983, ministries funded modate the growing number of by Sharing in Ministry, have young people and families coming served people from all walks of to Sunday services, four Masses life in ways an individual parish are offered in rented space at dif- could never do. ferent university locations. “During the past 29 years, Support from Sharing in more than $57 million has been Ministry (SIM), the annual di- contributed to the appeal. This city parishes in the diocese receive Ministry grant really helps,” Dcn. ocesan appeal which begins the helps the diocese which has grown operating grants to supplement Novak continues. weekend of Sept. 7-8, will help to more than 700,000 Catholics vital ministries and programs. Providing programs that al- the new parish purchase property and 90,000 households,” says Pat Sharing in Ministry pays the low young people to experience for parking and the construction Miller, who works in the diocesan stipend for two part-time youth faith reaps countless blessings, in- of a larger sanctuary. Office of Advancement. ministers who work at Sacred cluding the possibility of religious “We are very grateful for A portion of the money col- Heart in Seymour, St. Mary of vocations. Bishop [Kevin] Vann’s vision and lected is returned to individual the Assumption in Megargel, St. “And they are our future,” the Sharing in Ministry. Without sup- parishes for in-house projects. Joseph in Rhineland and Santa deacon points out. “Pope Francis port, this initiative could not be Parishes receive 10 percent of do- Rosa in Knox City. calls youth ‘the face of the Church.’ accomplished,” Fr. Walterscheid nations made to the appeal and 50 “We would like to offer If we don’t encourage participa- says, referring to the Diocese of percent of everything contributed young people the same things tion, they will fall away. We want Fort Worth’s former bishop. over their parish’s goal. More than larger parishes can,” explains Dea- them to be active in campus Mass attendance fluctuates $258,000 was returned last year con Jim Novak who serves all four ministry as college students. That’s with school breaks, but as many as to assist parish improvements and parishes as parochial administra- harder to do if you don’t have pro- 200 to 300 people can arrive for ministries. tor. “We like them to go to youth grams in the home parish.” worship services on a given Sun- “The ‘parish share’ part of the conferences, leadership camps, Rural faith communities day. Making the sacraments easily campaign is an incentive,” Miller retreats, and participate in service face different challenges than accessible to college students is explains. “People like to know projects to help people in our urban churchgoers. The ongoing critical. When young people leave their parish will benefit, with community and beyond.” drought and declining employ- home and go away to college, they part of the money coming back to Small, rural parishes cannot ment opportunities have taken an are exposed to other influences. them for local needs.” pay someone to lead those activi- economic toll on the farming and Some drift away from faith alto- For many rural parishes, of- ties with money from the Sunday ranching industry. gether or join other religions. fering a versatile, thriving youth church collection. “We’re struggling and Shar- “We have a great potential to ministry is a concern. More than “We can’t manage it with ing in Ministry is there for par- reach out to the next generation 52 percent of the rural and center- normal funds, so the Sharing in ishes who want to build a quality

PAGE 30 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 youth ministry,” Dcn. Novak We’re struggling and Sharing in Ministry is Men studying for the priest- adds. “Being there for a young hood are not allowed to have off- person deciding a future vocation there for parishes who want to build a quality campus employment because their is definitely where we need to be.” curriculum, which includes theol- After a vocation is discerned, youth ministry. Being there for a young person ogy and philosophy, is so rigorous. Sharing in Ministry continues to “All of us who have been help. Educating a seminarian for deciding a future vocation is definitely where in the seminary depend on the one year now costs $45,000, and generosity of others,” Fr. Wallis the cost is climbing. Generous con- we need to be. continues. tributions and collections totaling Nine new seminarians will $770,000 cover most of the annual — Deacon Jim Novak, Parochial Administrator begin their studies this fall. Many expense, but Sharing in Ministry for Sacred Heart, St. Mary of the Assumption, are young, recent high school dollars are needed to reduce un- graduates. The number of local funded tuition costs. The Diocese St. Joseph, and Santa Rosa Parishes men answering a call to religious of Fort Worth currently has 34 life is impressive the Vocations men studying for the priesthood. He believes one of the great of resources.” director says, adding, “God has Sharing in Ministry pays for blessings of the Catholic Church On the weekends, the Voca- answered a lot of our prayers.” the annual convocation of seminar- is that seminarians spend so much tions director travels to four outly- No one likes talking about ians, assists with tuition, stipends, time in formation. It’s a nine-year ing parishes in Ranger, Strawn, fundraising, he admits, but Shar- and other costs involved in prepar- program for a young man entering Cisco, and Eastland to celebrate ing in Ministry is one of the life- ing a man for the priesthood. the seminary after high school. Mass. Prior to that, he served lines in the diocese. “For each man, we’re dealing “That allows a long time parishioners at St. Matthew in “Things cost money. That’s with costs into the tens of thou- for him not only to learn facts, Arlington. the reality of the material world sands every year,” says diocesan but also how to integrate those “So I know, very well, where we live in,” Fr. Wallis reasons. Vocations Director Father Jona- facts,” Fr. Wallis explains. “The the money comes from and how “But Sharing in Ministry is one than Wallis. “It’s one of the costs reality is that nine years is a long hard people work,” he adds. “We way we can take the material we have in the diocese where the time and that takes money and do not waste money when it goods we have and turn them into money is given and spent directly.” resources. But it’s a wise allocation comes to educating seminarians.” spiritual gain.”

PAGE 31 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Ready to Serve STORIES AND PHOTOS BY KATHY C

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller lays hands on Deacons Khoi Tran and James Fr. Wilcox prays over his parents Archbishop Garcia-Siller wipes excess chrism oil At the end of their ordination Mass, Father Wilcox, ordaining them to the priesthood. at the end of his ordination Mass. from Fr. Wilcox’s hands with the maniturgium. (right) process out of Vietnamese Martyrs

IN THE ASSEMBLY THAT DAY SAT PARENTS, AUNTS been eagerly awaiting the ordination day. “I Msgr. Berg, answered, “After inquiry AND UNCLES, SIBLINGS, AND ONE 94-YEAR- joked with him,” Fr. Tran said. “‘Grandma among the Christian people and upon the rec- OLD GRANDFATHER WHO HAD FOSTERED AND passed away young,’ I told him; ‘you are living ommendation of those responsible, I testify that GRATEFULLY ANTICIPATED THIS ORDINATION. the years she couldn’t live, in order to wait for they have been found worthy.” But Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, the largest me.’” “Relying on the help of the Lord God and capacity church in the Diocese of Fort Worth, Fr. Wilcox’s mother, JoAnn, remembers our Savior Jesus Christ,” the archbishop con- and among the largest capacity Vietnamese par- her son’s discernment process. “I wanted him cluded, “we choose these men, our brothers, for ishes in the United States, was completely filled. to be a priest,” she said. “But after a certain age, the Order of the Priesthood.” There were well-wishers, classmates, deacons, I thought, ‘Maybe not.’” When he did discern, “It was a humbling moment,” Fr. Wilcox seminarians, and more than 50 brother priests. however, she remembered emotionally, “I was said. “I could feel the Holy Spirit influencing All were gathered to celebrate the day elated.” my heart. I knew it was beginning. James Wilcox and Khoi Tran had waited for, Presiding at the June 29 Liturgy of Ordi- “Then we each knelt before the archbishop not only through years of study, but for most of nation was Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, and placed our hands in his. The usual pledge their lives. metropolitan archbishop of San Antonio, who would have been, ‘Do you promise obedience to Both men were raised Catholic, with expressed his gratitude for the invitation to “pre- me and my successors?’ But in our case, because Wilcox and his siblings growing up in Dallas at side at this ordination of two brothers in Christ. we are without a bishop, the archbishop asked, St. Pius X Parish, and attending Bishop Lynch “I have been following closely the develop- ‘Do you promise obedience to the ordinary?’ High School. Tran, the oldest of two broth- ments of your diocese since Bishop Vann was “The concept goes beyond any one man ers, had lived in Vietnam, alternately with his asked to go to Orange County,” the archbishop and any one person,” Fr. Wilcox said, “so we parents and grandparents, until he was 10, when said, “and I can tell you that Monsignor Steve were promising obedience to the ordinary (the the family resettled in Wichita, Kansas. Berg has done tremendous work to keep the bishop of the diocese, whomever that may be), “My grandma and grandpa were the ones unity and the proclamation of the faith through not to an individual.’” who shaped my faith,” Fr. Tran said. “My these past few months. He is a good priest of After that, the two men lay on either side grandma was blind, and even though we were Christ. He has served you well.” of the altar, while the Litany of the Saints was poor, she would save some money, and every The ordination liturgy began after the Gos- sung. “As I lay there, I was humbled and en- Sunday she would hire a poor man living down pel was proclaimed, when the two candidates ergized to know two things,” Fr. Wilcox said. in our neighborhood to take us to church in his were called forth and presented to the arch- “One, that all the people in the church at that cycle rickshaw. bishop. “Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother time were asking God to bless us with his grace; “We would go to church every Sunday, and Church asks you to ordain these our brothers and that the saints, those beside us and those we prayed the Rosary every night as a family. to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Msgr. who had gone before us, were participating in My grandpa was the one who taught me how to Berg pronounced, and Archbishop Garcia- a special way, because we are all called. It is pray; he would be the one leading the prayer.” Siller asked in reply, “Do you know them to be part of the eternal nature of the Church, both It was that grandfather, now 94, who had worthy?” forward and in the past, that we are all part of

PAGE 32 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Fathers James Wilcox and Khoi Tran are ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fort Worth at Vietnamese Martyrs Parish June 29

CRIBARI HAMER / CORRESPONDENT

r James Wilcox (left) and Father Khoi Tran Frs. Tran and Wilcox stand before Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller Archbishop Garcia-Siller kneels to receive a blessing from s Parish in Arlington June 29. the altar shortly after being vested. presents a chalice to Fr. Tran. Frs. Wilcox and Tran at the end of their ordination Mass.

the ministry.” “God providentially gave me a second the danger of the Church becoming closed in After the men rose from their prayer, the maniturgium set,” Fr. Tran said, more seriously. on itself, of being self-referential. This is a kind archbishop laid hands on their heads, silently “It had been made by the Carmelite sisters in of theological narcissism. This narcissism does praying over them, conferring upon them the Houston, so I was able to give the first set to my not reach out to heal wounds. Narcissism pre- office of priesthood. This ancient sign of ordi- parents, and the second to my Grandpa. vents us from being truly missionary…. There is nation is the most solemn moment of the rite, “When I went to Wichita after my ordina- no room in leadership in the Church for narcis- and after that took place, the laying-on of hands tion, I had the honor of blessing a new place for sistic priests.” was ceremoniously repeated by each priest pres- my grandmother’s ashes — my grandpa wanted “It was what I needed to hear,” Fr. Tran ent at the liturgy. to move them to Wichita from where they were, said. “The Church does not need narcissistic “I was getting emotional at that time,” in Houston. I blessed the new resting place and priests, but priests who will lay down their own Fr. Tran said. “I felt unworthy of this amazing saw one thing my grandpa had put into the lives.” wonder and love, and that God had led me to niche was the maniturgium I had given him.” “The Holy Father has also pointed out that be there. I cried at that moment. I felt God’s “I think I can put all of my feelings from washing feet is not purely symbolic,” the arch- love for me in spite of my unworthiness.” ordination in one sentence of St. Thérèse of bishop said. “A man accepting a liturgical ritual, Family members and special priest mentors Liseux, The Little Flower. ‘All is Grace.’ Every- confined to the sanctuary, and clearly defined vested the new priests with stole and chasuble, thing is grace. Everything that happened in my by rubrics, is not acceptable in the Catholic after which the archbishop anointed their hands life — 11 years of formation, ups and downs.” Church. Rituals are important. But worship is with holy chrism. “At the sign of peace, I was just excited,” the operation, the awesome experience of the “A special embroidered linen cloth, the Fr. Wilcox said, detailing the huge bear hugs he community. maniturgium was used to wipe the excess chrism gave out generously to all his friends and col- “That is, when liturgical celebrations are from our hands,” Fr. Tran said, explaining the leagues. “The Holy Spirit was with me — and accompanied by ministers who are ready to tradition of presenting that precious cloth to so many of these priests had played a huge part wash the feet of sinners — In other words, it their mothers, at their first Masses. Similarly in my journey. is a very messy job, just as real shepherds spend they would present their fathers with the stoles “Once Mass started, that was when it hit long hours in the hot sun tending their sheep; worn when celebrating their first confessions. me,” Fr. Tran said. “I thanked God for sending protecting them from robbers, nourishing them “I was very proud,” JoAnn Wilcox said, of this archbishop. He was outstanding, his homily with food and water — that is a good shepherd her son’s presentation at his first Mass. “The took me right at the heart.” in the Church, according to the heart of Jesus.” two cloths were together in a beautiful box. It Archbishop Garcia-Siller had said, “My At the end of the ordination Mass, in the was very emotional.” brothers, this is a joyous occasion. A momen- enormous, fully packed Vietnamese Martyrs “The tradition is that when the parents go tous occasion. It is also very profound. You are Church, Archbishop Garcia-Siller knelt humbly to heaven they can give those things to God,” being entrusted with the priesthood of Jesus on the altar stairs to receive the first blessings Fr. Tran said with humor. “My son is a priest! Christ. What does this mean today? from Father James Wilcox and Father Khoi Let me into heaven! “Pope Francis has constantly pointed out Tran.

PAGE 33 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Ready to Serve For Deacon James Wilcox, it was the ‘little grass fires’ that pointed him to the priesthood

FATHER JAMES WILCOX DID NOT FIND HIS 40TH Newly ordained BIRTHDAY AT ALL UPSETTING. FOR A LOT OF Father James PEOPLE, 40 IS A “FREAK-OUT,” HE SAID, USING Wilcox leads A POPULAR TERM. BUT APRIL 4, 2013 DIDN’T a part of the BOTHER HIM AT ALL. Eucharistic “When I looked at the dates, I knew this Prayer at his was the year I would be ordained a priest! So I ordination Mass was always kind of looking forward to 40, in celebrated by hopeful anticipation.” Archbishop Born, raised, and educated in Dallas, Fr. Gustavo Garcia- Wilcox was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siller of San Siena Parish in Carrollton before his June 29 Antonio (right) ordination to the priesthood. He is now the at Vietnamese parochial vicar of St. John the Apostle Parish Martyrs Parish in North Richland Hills. in Arlington Fr. Wilcox trod a simple path toward June 29. his vocation, but in some aspects not just geographical; he discovered his goal largely in about a six-month period. The proverbial ‘little grass fires’ continued Trinity Seminary. “Without knowing how it “Many things happened in a very small when he attended a CHRP — Christ Renews all works,” Fr. Wilcox said, “I thought, ‘Well period of time,” he said, telling of his journey His Parish — retreat. Later on, “When I was I’ll go to that, make a decision, and then to the priesthood. “The way I have described it thinking about ‘what shall I do?’ a friend of begin in August’” if moved by God to enter in the past is: not a burning bush, but several mine said, ‘Well, you should go be a priest — seminary. little grass fires. That’s the way I can think of that’s what you’ve always wanted to do.’ And His anticipated three months turned out it. And the small things happened in about six I thought that was really interesting, coming not to be “a very quick turnaround.” The semi- months.” from him.” nary gave him a year of discernment. After graduating from Bishop Lynch High And then there was his move to Carroll- The program helped confirm that he School in Dallas, he earned a bachelor’s in ton. “I had played piano at Mass for church should enter the seminary, and so after a year business administration from the University of since high school,” he said. “And when I first of prayer and spiritual direction, he entered in Texas at Dallas, and an MBA from the Uni- walked into St. Catherine of Siena Parish, I 2006. Fr. Wilcox did two years of pre-theology versity of Texas at Arlington. He then began talked to the music director and asked if they study and philosophy, and then two years of working in human resources at a publishing needed someone to play. They said yes — they theology, a pastoral year, and two final years company. There, he thoroughly enjoyed his just had somebody who had moved away. So I of theology. work until, while working in the company’s was able to continue that ministry. “I loved the internship,” said Fr. Wilcox, sales department, he was traveling on business “But I would never put the weight of my who served at St. Mark Parish in Denton and found himself with extra time to read and vocation on any one event,” he said. “I would under Father Tim Thompson. In addition to think. not put it on work, I would not put it on the Fr. Thompson, he looked to the late Monsi- “‘Is this what I am supposed to be do- retreat. I wouldn’t say, ‘this was the reason I gnor Charles King, then pastor of Immaculate ing?’ I thought. That time I spent traveling went to the seminary.’” Conception Parish also in Denton, as a men- sort of gave me the opportunity to examine When he began to investigate what tor. “That year was really great — it was an my life.” was involved in attending the seminary, Fr. affirmation that the Lord is calling me to be a It was his early 30s, and the young man Wilcox said, “The interesting part of that is parish priest.” wondered, “Am I living where I need to be? when I told my dad that I was going to go to “My prayer through the whole thing, What is my goal? What’s the ultimate goal?” the seminary, he said, ‘When you were 15 I especially in these latter days has been to fall “I think when we ask that question is was pretty sure you were headed that way.’ He in love with the entire people in the Diocese of when, if we are situated appropriately, we turn said, ‘You were interested in it, and I really Fort Worth,” Fr. Wilcox said, “and specifically to God,” he said, “When we start looking at felt like, maybe that’s where God was calling to fall in love with the people of the parish things like ‘should I be married, do I want a you.’” wherever I’m assigned. I’m just asking God to large family?’ then we open ourselves up to Finally, in summer 2005, he attended a help me be who I am supposed to be for them, God,” he said. vocation awareness program weekend at Holy and to remain humble in these days.”

PAGE 34 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 In Father Khoi Tran’s journey to the priesthood, he’s learned to follow God’s plan, not his own

“MY PERSONALITY TYPE IS I AM A VERY Newly ordained ORGANIZED PERSON. I LIKE TO ORGANIZE. I LIKE Father Khoi TO PLAN THINGS.” Tran prays And yet, for most of Father Khoi Tran’s over his family, life, he has been encountering and enduring including his events that were unorganized, and usually not grandfather the result of a plan. who had In 2007, he was discerning between the looked forward Diocese of Dallas and the Diocese of Fort to this day, Worth for his vocation path. “I had heard good his ordination things about the Diocese of Fort Worth — the Mass at great bishop we had, Bishop Kevin Vann — Vietnamese and then the fraternity among the priests, and Martyrs Parish seminarians. So that attracted me,” he said. in Arlington “I prayed to God. I said, ‘God! Father, this June 29. is what I am going to do. I am going to give both vocations directors a call and I’ll leave it nism and everything. whole life so far had always contained an ele- in your hands. Whoever calls me back first, I “My dad was not supposed to be in there ment of sacrifice, but none of that seemed to will join.’ Father Kyle Walterscheid [then Fort for a very long time, but because he was a me- break his sunny, positive spirit. Worth diocesan Vocations director] called me chanic, they got free labor — free labor to fix He finished school in Wichita, and after back right away. And then I said, ‘Okay, God, all their cars. My mom waited for him during high school, took off for Dallas where he that’s your will.’” that time.” While she was waiting, he said, she would join the Congregation of the Most Holy Fr. Tran was ordained to the priesthood secretly studied the faith and became Catholic. Redeemer (Redemptorists), an order with for the Diocese of Fort Worth June 29, and is His father was released in 1983, and Khoi was strong Vietnamese roots, as a seminarian. After currently the parochial vicar of Immaculate born in 1984. five years, he discerned that he was not being Conception Parish in Denton. The future priest said his vocation devel- called to be a Redemptorist. At birth he was thought to be a “miracle oped during the first nine-and-a-half years of “There were ups and downs,” Fr. Tran baby,” because, during his mother’s Caesarian his life, while living with his devout Catholic said, with his typical cheerful spin, “but I section delivery, doctors discovered tumors on paternal grandparents in Vietnam, because his felt like my five years with the Redemptor- her ovaries, that should have prevented concep- parents could not afford to take care of both ists helped me to be more attentive to those tion. The “miracle” continued when 7 1/2-year- their children. Four other children — cousins who live around me, and to be able to live in a old Khoi experienced a dream that portended — also lived in the grandparents’ home be- community.” his vocation. He saw a vision of a priest. cause their parents had escaped Vietnam and His grandmother had, after all, taught “I couldn’t see his face, because his back could not take the children with them. him some things about living in a community, was against me, so I only saw his back and “My grandmother was very holy, very pi- and about poverty. then I saw Jesus and Mary there. And then ous, and she taught me many, great lessons in “My grandma, she was very humble, and Jesus said ‘I want you to be a shepherd for my life,” Fr. Tran said. “My grandma and grandpa one of the things that she taught me always Church,’ and the priest seemed very timid, and were the ones who shaped my faith.” His stuck in my mind.” On the day they departed put his head down, and Jesus said, ‘Do not be grandmother was blind and couldn’t take her for the U.S., which was also the last day he’d afraid, I am with you.’” grandchildren to Mass, so, even though they see her alive, she asked to talk to her grand- “I thought in my head, ‘Oh it’s only a were poor, she saved some money to hire a son. “Before she left, she told me this: ‘Always dream. It’s only a dream.’ But he had the poor man living in their neighborhood to take remember that you are poor because when you same dream repeatedly, so he took it as a sign. them to Sunday Mass with his cycle. are poor you will always need God. And you “Maybe that is what God is calling me for.” The grandparents instilled that faith foun- will always need other people.’” Fr. Tran’s family has four members — an- dation, and in 1992 they left for the United “My whole 11 years in formation,” Fr. other son, Khoa, came after Khoi. The family States. When they left, young Khoi again lived Tran said, “what God has taught me is ‘Don’t did not have a great start, however. “My par- with his parents until October of 1994, when plan anything.’ I thought I planned to be a ents were married around 1975 [in Vietnam], his father petitioned for asylum. Redemptorist and I didn’t turn out to be a at the end of the Vietnam War. My dad was “We were granted asylum, to come over Redemptorist. put in prison for almost eight years because of here, so we came over and reunited with the “I like to plan things. But God is very, his involvement with the war. The communists rest of the family, in Wichita, Kansas,” he said. very creative in his ways of telling me, ‘You didn’t call it prison, though,” Fr. Tran said. When they came to America, he put aside know, your life is in my love and that is all you “They called it ‘re-education camp,’ where they thoughts of the priesthood. “I kind of pushed need.’ So now I am a little bit more relaxed. reeducate you to the new ideology, commu- that behind,” said the young man, whose Whatever happens, happens.”

PAGE 35 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 RESPECT FOR LIFE Governor signs Preborn Pain Act, restricting abortions across state By Tony Gutiérrez director of the diocese’s Respect Life Pro-life Reuters Stone, / Mike photo CNS Associate Editor Office. “We’re going to have to con- supporters tinue to pray and advocate that these participate in Governor Rick Perry signed the bills don’t get challenged in court.” a procession in Preborn Pain Act into law July 18. Demma also thanked the scores Austin, July 9 as The Texas Senate passed the of people from the Fort Worth the Legislature Preborn Pain Act shortly after mid- Diocese who “rushed to Austin” to met to consider night July 13. The act, which will support the pro-life legislators dur- the Preborn restrict abortions across Texas, was ing the debates. Pain Act. passed by the state House July 10. “I was very pleased with the In a statement released July 8 by turnout of Fort Worth Diocese ad- • Require physicians to provide ity standards to address abortion the Texas Catholic Conference, the vocates,” he said. “They responded women with their own emergency complications, requires compliance bishops of Texas asked the faithful by finding their own transportation contact information or that of other with FDA standards for distributing throughout the state to join them in response to the call for support health care personnel and the nearest the abortion drug RU-486, requires in “prayer and action to protect the at the Capitol.” hospital in case of complications; abortion providers to have admitting lives of the unborn in our state.” According to the House Re- • Beginning Sept. 1, 2014, require privileges at nearby hospitals, and “To succeed, our voices must be search Organization, the act will: all abortion facilities to meet the prohibits abortion after five months heard by state lawmakers in acting • Ban all abortions after 20 weeks, same minimum standards required of pregnancy, when scientific evi- to reverse the culture of death that with an exception to save the of ambulatory surgical centers. dence shows babies can feel pain,” continues to seep into our society,” mother’s life or prevent “irreversible • Prohibit anyone other than a the bishops said. the bishops said. physical impairment,” or if there is physician from giving, selling, dis- The bill was reintroduced July 1 “The success of the [Preborn a “severe fetal abnormality”; pensing, administering, providing, in a second special legislative session Pain Act] is a testament to the cour- • Require a physician performing or prescribing an abortion-inducing called by the governor. The bill was age of the pro-life community in or inducing an abortion to have ad- drug to pregnant women. introduced in the first special session Texas and to the pro-life legislators mitting privileges at a hospital with “The bill takes a common in June, but failed to pass the Texas we’ve elected,” said Mike Demma, Ob/Gyn services within 30 miles; sense approach to improving facil- Senate as Senate Bill 5 on June 28. All forms of human dignity flow from the dignity of the unborn By Mike Demma with that individua l love He bestows everything in the middle. We cannot man. Abortion is somehow polished Respect Life Director individual dignity. justify serving one aspect of life and up by the words “women’s health” Saving the most vulnerable, the ignoring another. or “women’s rights” or even “family Someone once told me that “the unprotected babies and the souls Should we not feed and shelter planning.” But abortion is nothing Catholic Church is the Church of the of their parents, should naturally our brothers who suffer from drug more than the denial of the dignity living”; a profound statement which compel us to care for the poor and abuse, alcoholism, or a disorder which of the unborn human life. It cannot made me think, “W hat is ‘not living’ the weak. Concern for the living as keeps them down? God asks us to help be used as mitigation of financial bur- about a baby in the womb?” I real- well as the unborn is a natural and them up, no matter what the cause. den, population control, or avoiding ized that if we possess foundational fulfilling demonstration of God’s All have the dignity of life. All are his hardship. All of this political rhetoric dignity for unborn human life, we commandment: “Love one another.” children, flawed though we may be. is used to avoid our responsibility to might then be passionate about all There seems to be a polarized Should we not open the doors recognize the dignity of human life human life. Human life deserves passion for charity which two sides and share the great gifts God has be- regardless of the circumstances of dignity from conception, which then justify as love, but see as opposing stowed on this country to those who its conception. Abortion can never flows naturally to all human life, views. These two passions are Social seek a better life? Would we not seek be used as a solution to social or regardless of its frailties and faults. Justice and Pro-life. Amazingly some the same? Do we view those who have personal problems. Dignity is the condition of being consider these efforts in competition less as somehow having less dignity? To restore the foundation of the worthy of respect and love, rooted in for time and treasure. Recognizing their dignity means giv- dignity of human life, we must start the fact that we are made in the im- If we examine our modern cul- ing them the respect they deserve. early in the catechesis of our children. age and likeness of God, and given tural challenges, we can identify the In today’s culture, the word Dignity must be firmly planted in ev- his special love for us over all other cause of the problem. It is the lack of “choice” is used to hide the dignity ery mode of teaching that we expose forms of life. God does not just love respect for the dignity of human life of human life. Choice cannot be used all of us, He loves each of us, and from the beginning to the end and for violating God’s gift of dignity to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PAGE 36 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Pam Tebow to be keynote speaker at 9th annual Bishop’s Catholic Pro-Life Dinner

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen director, said attendees at this year’s To achieve that goal, the Dio- Correspondent banquet will find Tebow’s testimony ceses of Fort Worth and Dallas co- riveting. sponsor two informative pro-life When pressured to abort her “She’s a very good speaker and “boot camps” each summer. The fifth child, Pam Tebow rejected has lived the decision,” he said. “Her Respect Life Office also introduced the doctor’s recommendation and life is devoted to the pro-life cause.” a nine-month, spiritual adoption placed her faith in God. A few Demand for Tebow’s pro-life program into every Catholic school months later, the 37-year-old mother talk grew after a 30-second com- in the diocese. Materials help stu- gave birth to a healthy boy named mercial aired during Super Bowl dents learn about the development Tim, who grew up to become an XLIV. CBS was heavily criticized of unborn children while praying All-American quarterback, Heis- for broadcasting the Focus on the for unborn souls in heaven. At the man Trophy winner, and player in Family-sponsored ad in which Pam end of the year, many schools have the National Football League. Tebow describes her son, Tim, as a a baby shower with gifts donated to Courtesy of Ambassador Speakers Bureau Tebow will share her thoughts “miracle baby.” The words “pro-life” Pam Tebow the Gabriel Project or crisis preg- about that decision and its pro-life or “abortion” were never spoken, but nancy centers. message at The Bishop’s 9th An- viewers were encouraged to “cel- hours without sleep to attend the Individuals can support minis- nual Catholic Pro-Life Dinner set ebrate family and celebrate life.” A hearings, debates, and vote. “It was tries helped by the Bishop’s Pro-life for Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Omni poll showed that 5.5 million people intense. The opposition was rude, dinner by purchasing an individual Fort Worth Hotel. rethought their stance on abortion crude, and sometimes violent.” $85 ticket or sponsoring a table. Sponsored by the diocesan after seeing the advertisement. By comparison, pro-life advo- Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. Respect Life Office, the event raises “We’re hoping the guest speaker cates of all faiths remained calm and 28, with dinner served at 7:30 p.m. money for ministries that protect, is going to be a very big draw,” prayerful in the Capitol’s gallery The 2013 dinner will include silent nurture, and sustain human life Demma said. “Money raised from during the legislative process. and live auctions. from conception to natural death. the dinner helps us do some impor- “They were Christian in their Demma expects a large turnout Youth for Life education projects, tant work.” actions,” he added proudly. for the 2013 Bishop’s pro-life dinner. Gabriel Project assistance to wom- The diocesan Respect Life Of- Youth for Life programs are As Fort Worth awaits a new bishop, en facing a crisis pregnancy, and fice recently joined with other pro- another priority. the fundraiser is an opportunity to post-abortion care offered through life advocates to successfully lobby “If we’re going to change the showcase strong support for pro-life Rachel Ministries, are some of the state legislators to pass a bill banning world of abortion and save lives, it’s ministries, Demma pointed out. hands-on programs receiving sup- abortions after 20 weeks. Governor going to be with our youth and not “We need the Knights of Co- port. The Respect Life Office also Rick Perry signed the landmark leg- just with our laws,” Demma pointed lumbus, Catholic Daughters, and encourages prayer and worship ac- islation into law on July 18. out. “It’s up to us to educate youth parish organizations to come and tivities in parishes as well as civic ac- “We actively advocated for the so, regardless of what the law states, demonstrate for our new bishop — tion promoting pro-life legislation. bill,” said Demma, explaining that our young men and women respect whoever that might be — that Fort Michael Demma, Respect Life some pro-life volunteers went 27 the dignity of life at all stages of life.” Worth is pro-life!”

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE situations, all conditions, and all ramifications in between must be to our children, our young adults, and accounted for and not used as excuses to ourselves. We must reinforce the for disregarding the dignity of life. concept of dignity in our Catholic The Culture of Death which schools, in our religious education, pervades us is an infection. Treating in our youth programs, in our marital the infection without eliminating the preparation, and from the pulpit. We s ou rc e w i l l not suc c e e d . Stoppi n g t he will then build motivation to take Culture of Death starts by ending care of the less fortunate by teaching abortion and restoring dignity to a sense of life’s dignity at every age. every human person. The sense of love and dignity will not Pro-life is where Social Justice grow and mature into adulthood if begins. Both are an essential part of we do not plant the seed in the hearts fulfilling God’s command. They of our children. cannot and should not be in compe- Dignity is integral to the be- tition with each other. Pray for our ginning of life, and is never lost. All society to embrace a Culture of Life.

PAGE 37 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 A Labor of Love

Cartoonist Gary Cangemi does his part for the pro-life movement through ‘Umbert the Unborn’

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOAN KURKOWSKI-GILLEN / CORRESPONDENT

SOME DEDICATED PRO-LIFE WORKERS JOIN PROTEST MARCHES. OTHERS QUIETLY PRAY IN FRONT OF ABORTION CENTERS. GARY CANGEMI CHANGES HEARTS AND MINDS ABOUT ABORTION WITH A CARTOON CHARACTER. The talented graphic artist is the creator of “Umbert the Unborn” — a comic strip published regularly in the National Catholic Register and 100 diocesan newspapers and magazines (including the North Tex- as Catholic), church bulletins, and newsletters around the world. More than a million fans look forward to the regular antics of the precocious, pre-born baby boy as he anticipates life and all its potential from the comfort of a mother’s womb. Cangemi gave birth to the witty, thoughtful character in 2001 after years of crafting edgy, often negative political cartoons. “I wanted to do something positive for the pro-life movement,” says the resident of Scranton, Pennsylvania. “It was a cause I sympa- thized with but never contributed my time to.” Remembering a political cartoon he once did featuring a fetus who took issue with being called “a blob of tissue,” Cangemi conceived a comic strip featuring an unborn baby with a face, personality, and voice. “I thought it would give a certain reality and humanity to the unborn child instead of objectifying it,” he reasoned. “The comic strip is about celebrating life in the womb and giving the unborn child dignity.” Some of the character’s musings are designed to draw a smile or laugh. “I realize I’m getting all the nutrition I need in here,” Umbert ob- serves in one panel. “What I could really go for is a triple thick shake. Hello? Womb service?” Others are more thought-provoking and tackle controversial issues. “Who says I’m unviable?” an outraged baby asks. “Because I’m dependent on my parents for everything? Because I can’t live outside the womb on my own? By that standard I won’t be viable till after college!” But Umbert’s creator says his intentions aren’t confrontational. Gary Cangemi, creator of “Umbert the Unborn,” holds a copy of his book, “I don’t want to confront people except to point out their own il- Umbert the Unborn: A Womb With a View, at a booth he sponsored at the logic. At the same time, I’m not shy about addressing pro-life issues,” National Right to Life Committee Convention held at DFW Airport June 27-29. says the cartoonist who admits to using the word “abortion” only oc- casionally. “I didn’t want to water down Umbert and make it mundane, so he talks about abortion from the naive perspective as a child who adviser. hasn’t experienced the outside world yet.” One colorful persona spent only a limited time in Umbert’s world. Helping the cartoon character tap into the emotions and psyche of Joyce for Choice ran against the comic strip star when he campaigned a growing audience are a cast of other preborn pals. There’s tiny but as- for President of the Unborn States of America. Umbert won the elec- sertive Vita the Viable, resident bookworm Elwood the Expected, one- tion by forfeit when Joyce for Choice’s mother phoned Planned Parent- inch tall embryonic Cousin Eb from Texas, frozen embryo Fredo, and hood to make an appointment. a guardian angel who nurtures the growing boy and acts as a spiritual “I don’t understand. What happened to my opponent, Joyce for

PAGE 38 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Sometimes I make people laugh and give them a good chuckle. That draws them in. Then, after I have their attention, I hit them with something poignant. — Gary Cangemi creator of “Umbert the Unborn”

With the help of audience participation, Gary Choice?” Umbert questioned after being de- Cangemi isn’t imagining new adventures Cangemi draws a comic strip at a workshop he led clared the winner. for his characters, he operates a graphic arts at the NRLC Convention June 28. “Her mother exercised it,” another charac- studio, serves as chairman for Pennsylvanians ter responds somberly. for Human Life, and speaks at pro-life events The perfect mix of wit with weighty mes- like the recent National Right to Life Com- sage, makes Cangemi’s readers think. mittee (NRLC) Convention in Grapevine. “Sometimes I make people laugh and give During a workshop presentation, the ardent them a good chuckle. That draws them in,” pro-life advocate crafted a comic strip with the cartoonist says, explaining his approach. help from convention participants to publish “Then, after I have their attention, I hit them in the future. with something poignant.” “Thinking on my feet is one of the Drawing Umbert is a labor of love for things I do,” he said with enthusiasm. “I love the Rockville, Maryland, native who grew to think out loud under pressure. Deadlines up learning how to sketch on used paper his don’t bother me.” father, a printer, brought home from work. Unlike other cartoonists who achieve He refined his talents as a student at Robert success and live off royalties, Cangemi has no E. Peary High School where a popular comic plans to retire. The cause he fights for is too strip, drafted for the student newspaper, re- important. ceived an Award of Excellence from the Mary- “I hear from a lot of women who’ve had land High School Journalism Association. miscarriages. They honor me by saying my After three years in a Jesuit seminary strip sustained and lifted their spirits,” says discerning a call to the priesthood and a the married father of three who gives unborn short stint as a human services employee, the children the attention and respect they de- quick-thinking caricaturist decided to pursue serve. “Those things just blow me away and a career as a full time freelance artist. Twenty I’m very gratified.” years later, inspired by legendary cartoonist But the feedback isn’t always positive. Charles Schulz, he created Umbert. A pro-choice activist from Austin spotted “Schulz’ “Peanuts” was a very powerful Cangemi’s booth at the 2013 (NRLC) con- comic strip. It was spiritual and had a very vention and called the image of Umbert the Christian theme to it,” Cangemi says, describ- Unborn “deeply unsettling.” She mentioned ing what he believes made the pop culture his cartoon in an online rant demeaning the classic so appealing. comic strip and the pro-life gathering. To honor Schulz, the cartoonist borrowed Critics like her ask: How can a fetus have a feature from Peanut’s character Charlie friends and a computer? How does an unborn Brown for Umbert. baby think, speak, or do things? “Both characters have a curlycue on their “If they find that absurd, what about head,” he discloses. “Umbert’s is vertical where Garfield and Snoopy?” he points out. “These Charlie Brown’s is horizontal. It’s a little things make millions of dollars, but no one tribute.” thinks twice about humanizing a cat or dog.” Like the “Peanuts” franchise, “Umbert Cangemi fields the occasional vitriol he the Unborn” is developing a fan base thanks receives from pro-abortion advocates with a to books, (Umbert the Unborn: A Womb With polite, respectful response. a View and Umbert the Unborn: Labor of Love) “After all, I want to change their hearts a website, T-shirt, and other novelties. When and minds, too.”

PAGE 39 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 For more than three decades, Leonardo Defilippis has played the role of holy figures in the Church through Saint Luke Productions. His roles have included (from left to rig Apostle, in The Gospel According to John; and St. John Vianney, in Vianney. (Photos courtesy of Saint Luke Productions) Bringing the saints to life Leonardo Defilippis’ dramatic theater productions bring audiences face-to-face with the saints

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

ESPECIALLY DURING HIS MOST DEMANDING DAYS of St. Luke. They charged no admission, with Vianney; The Confessions of Saint Augustine; ON THE JOB, LEONARDO DEFILIPPIS IS A SAINT. their only income derived from donations made Saint Francis; John of the Cross; The Gift of THE CHARACTERIZATION, OF COURSE, IS IN THE by churches and schools where they performed. Peace; and The Gospel According to John. THEATRICAL SENSE, BUT DEFILIPPIS TAKES ALL Through their strong Catholic faith Dramas have earned numerous national and OF HIS DIVINE ROLES SERIOUSLY. As president and encouragement in the form of personal international awards and have been aired on and founder of Saint Luke Productions, correspondence from Mother Teresa, the cable and network television stations. based in the state of Washington, Defilippis couple forged ahead with their career and Vianney, one of the most recent projects is on his 33rd year of evangelization through ministry. Saint Luke Productions, named undertaken by Defilippis, is based on the life live theatre, feature film dramas, radio and for the central Church figure in their first of St. John Vianney of France, patron saint of television programs, and DVD distribution. endeavor, now enjoys a long history of success. priests. It was recognized by Pope Emeritus St. Francis, St. Luke, St. John the Apostle, The nonprofit production company has put on Benedict XVI as a model for priests and laity St. John of the Cross, St. John Vianney, St. thousands of live performances throughout the and has toured throughout the United States, Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Augustine are just United States, Canada, and Europe. Canada, and abroad. a few of the roles Defilippis has played in the Performances have been staged at Probably one of the best-known works course of his long career. Portraying Jesus churches, theaters, schools, convents, by Defilippis was the film, Thérèse: The and his saints for more than three decades, penitentiaries, and even at World Youth Story of a Soul. It was the first major motion while also producing and directing, has had Days in both Denver and Rome. Audiences picture distributed solely by an independent its challenges. Married for 29 years and the have included Church leaders, government Catholic film company and funded entirely father of seven children, Defilippis began his dignitaries, concentration camp survivors, by donations, Defilippis said during a recent career as a Shakespearean actor performing at and many more. In addition, television films stop in Fort Worth. The producer was here the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the Old have been broadcast internationally. Dramatic to talk with members of the local chapter of Globe Theatre in San Diego, and the Oregon productions are also distributed via digital Legatus, a group of dedicated Catholic CEOs, Shakespeare Festival. media. presidents, managing partners, business In 1980, the young actor teamed up with Saint Luke Production’s live dramas and owners, and their spouses. his now-wife, Patti, to put together a touring films have included: Maximilian: Saint of Playing so many important roles, said show, The Gift of Peace, based on the Gospel Auschwitz; The Passion According to Saint Luke; Defilippis, fulfills his long-held passion to help

PAGE 40 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 ght): St. Maximilian Kolbe, in Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz; St. Augustine, in The Confessions of Saint Augustine; St. John the

When people attend a live production, they meet a real, living person — a human being. Faith comes he said, to connect with people of all ages today. “It is a prophetic message of our time, to life and you realize that the longing in your where God wants to tell us, ‘Be not afraid. My mercy is more powerful than evil. Turn to me. heart for goodness, for happiness, and for peace is Trust in me. I long to give you a peace that the world cannot give.’ matched by the longing of God for you, personally... “We all have loved ones in our families who feel that their sins and their lifestyles have — Leonardo Defilippis separated them irreparably from their loving Founder, Saint Luke Productions Father. They’ve lost hope, they’ve lost faith. They’re lukewarm, they’re indifferent,” said Defilippis. people hear the Word of God on a personal At age 60, Defilippis possesses the same Through the message of St. Faustina, he level. boundless energy he had when first venturing continued, “We can help people understand “When people attend a live production, into the profession that he said allowed him, that God never gives up on a single soul.” they meet a real, living person — a human “to use my talents to serve God.” Profound messages and a better being,” Defilippis said. “Faith comes to life Defilippis is now pouring energy understanding of our faith can be gleaned and you realize that the longing in your heart and enthusiasm into a multimedia drama from holy men and women who came before for goodness, for happiness, and for peace scheduled to open this fall, titled, Faustina: us and led exemplary lives, Defilippis said. is matched by the longing of God for you, Messenger of Divine Mercy. And while all the saints he portrays lived in personally, face-to-face, eye-to-eye.” St. Faustina, born in Poland in 1905, had different times under various circumstances, As an actor, Defilippis said he realizes visions as a young nun around 1930. Jesus there is one central figure who remains the audiences look to him to become the real appeared to her with a message of mercy for focal point for Saint Luke Productions. person he portrays. And playing the part of a all mankind. His message focused on trust “Performing saints points us constantly

saint, or Jesus himself, is among the hardest in God and mercy toward one’s neighbors. back to one person — Jesus,” Defilippis said. work any actor can take on, he said. The young nun recorded it all in a diary now “He is always the catalyst for change in our While it is true that Defilippis relies known as, Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul. world that is everlasting. on his Shakespearean training and acting Pope John Paul II beatified Faustina in “Think about every other movement in experience, it is through prayer, religious study, 1993 and named her as the first saint to be the history of mankind. What does it do? It and reflection that he approaches each role. canonized in the new millennium on Divine turns to dust. That is why the Church is truly “I have learned, really, that it is the Holy Mercy Sunday, April 30, 2000. a miracle.” Spirit that sustains an actor. My job as an actor Defilippis said the performance will is to get out of the way and let God use me as coincide with the 75th anniversary of St. For more information and video clips from his instrument.” Faustina’s death. It is the perfect opportunity, productions, visit: www.stlukeproductions.com.

PAGE 41 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Fr. Jonathan Wallis, director of Vocations for the Diocese of Fort Worth, feels right at h o m e i n N o r t h Te x a s , w h e r e h e a t t e n d e d TC U and developed a strong relationship with BByy JerryJerry CircelliCircelli / CorrespondentCorrespondent the Catholic Church. (Photo by Jerry Circelli) Journey Home The son of an Episcopal priest, diocesan Vocations Director Father Jonathan Wallis followed an inner calling to serve the Catholic Church

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN FATHER JONATHAN WALLIS FEELS LIKE HIS to him. That way of thinking, however, really didn’t take root until 1996, CHILDHOOD IS COMING BACK TO REVISIT HIM AS HE GOES ABOUT HIS CALLING the year he graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth with TO SERVE CATHOLICS IN THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH. The son of an a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Episcopal priest, Fr. Wallis regularly accompanied his father on a lengthy There were, however, those unexplainable moments earlier in his life church circuit in Wyoming. And when his father served at churches in when he developed a curiosity about the Catholic faith and priesthood. Fr. Wisconsin and Missouri, the youngster was often right there by his side. Wallis can’t explain exactly why he began researching Catholic priesthood As director of Vocations, Fr. Wallis is tasked with helping people when his high school class was asked to write a paper on career interests hear and follow the call of Jesus Christ and his Church in the sprawling during his freshman year. He never followed through on the research and Diocese of Fort Worth, which includes more than 710,000 Catholics, in wrote about possibly becoming a lawyer, instead. As a high school senior, 28 counties, with 89 parishes and missions. In addition, the priest travels a Fr. Wallis was asked in what direction his future studies would eventually church circuit, just as his father did. The journey is different now, taking lead him. He replied, “You know what? I think I’m going to end up being place not in Wyoming, but in Texas, serving Catholics in Ranger, Cisco, a Catholic priest.” Strawn, and Eastland. It’s a 220-mile round-trip from Fort Worth every Even today, Fr. Wallis does not know why he responded that way or weekend. why Catholicism and the priesthood even entered his mind. “As soon as I was ordained,” said Fr. Wallis, “it seemed like I was liv- “It was always sort of in there,” said Fr. Wallis, further explaining, “It ing my own years of growing up all over again.” would kind of float up and then go away.” Fr. Wallis recalled how his father prepared sermons, traveled to deliv- Reflecting now, Fr. Wallis said becoming a Catholic priest and serv- er them, counseled those in need, visited the sick, called on people at nurs- ing the Church was something God was calling him do. ing homes, and performed myriad other duties. “I would ride along with “It was almost like something written on my heart, so deep inside,” him and saw the inner life and the inner workings of a parish,” he said. he said. While Fr. Wallis never entertained the thought of being an Episcopal While at TCU, Catholicism began to grow on the young student. “I priest, the idea of being a part of the Catholic clergy sometimes occurred did more thinking about the Eucharist,” said Fr. Wallis. “I thought about

PAGE 42 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 how the Catholic Church has never “I learned to put much greater Diocese of Fort Worth is blessed waivered on its teaching about the with more than 30 seminarians. As Eucharist — body, blood, soul, and trust in God’s providence, and I’ve director of Vocations, he is involved divinity.” in getting to know each one of them By 1997, he was accepted into ended up in places I never thought I as they travel on their faith journeys. the Church. He taught music part would.” He is also visiting with women who time and worked in a retail store at are discerning religious life, as well Bass Performance Hall before decid- — Fr. Jonathan Wallis as others considering ways they can ing to enter Assumption Seminary in serve the Catholic Church in the San Antonio in 2000. in places I never thought I would.” diocese. By 2007, the subtle message that had been The experiences he gained along the way In addition to priesthood and religious life, written on his heart, so deep inside, proved to have all come together to enrich the priest’s un- Fr. Wallis pointed out that Catholic vocations be a blessing for Fr. Wallis and the Diocese of derstanding of his own vocation in the Church. include marriage and single life. Married cou- Fort Worth. He had truly immersed himself When he served as director of Catechesis, for ples live out their vows of faithful love through in the study of his faith, obtaining a Bachelor’s example, Fr. Wallis sometimes drew on his mu- the sanctity of marriage. They are responsible of Sacred Theology from St. Paul University sic education and experience for insight. for helping their spouses grow in love and faith. in Ottawa, Canada, and a Master’s of Theol- One analogy involves jazz and cateche- They have opportunities to serve their parish ogy from Oblate School of Theology in San sis. “With jazz, you have to know your scales,” communities and the Church in many different Antonio. In the summer of that year, he was said Fr. Wallis. “You have to memorize them, ways. Those called to single life are also able to ordained as a Catholic priest by Bishop Kevin and they need to be second nature for you. But devote their time and energy to the service of Vann at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth. then you also need to add your own creativity.” others. They also have multiple opportunities to In 2010, after three years as parochial vicar The fusion of those two elements are needed to help the Church with their gifts. at St. Matthew Parish in Arlington, Fr. Wallis make great jazz music, said Fr. Wallis. Fr. Wallis has a suggestion for everyone as was sent to study at the Pontifical Gregorian The same can be said about being a strong they consider their own vocations: “Follow Jesus University in Rome, where he earned a Licenti- Catholic. “We really should know the Cat- Christ’s call to you with great love and courage. ate in Sacred Theology with a concentration echism,” Fr. Wallis continued. “We should know Jesus Christ will give you the strength to do in Dogma in 2012. Upon returning to Fort what the Church teaches and [its] history. With what He asks you to do. Be not afraid.” Worth, he served briefly as priest secretary for that understanding and knowledge, we can He said the greatest need in our Church Bishop Vann, before being appointed director put our faith into practice in various situations today “is that we all serve Jesus Christ and his of Catechesis in August 2012. Then, in June of where we have to make personal decisions. The Church with willing, open, and loving hearts.” this year, he was named director of Vocations. two need to be blended together.” As for his own calling, Fr. Wallis said he During his circuitous journey to the priest- Past experiences have also helped Fr. Wallis will continue to listen to God, serve where he is hood, Fr. Wallis said he sometimes wondered clearly see the universality of the Church. From needed, and use his background and experiences if he should have taken a more direct route. the Vatican in Rome to the small churches to help others prepare for Church service. “And “There are times that I wished I had entered the along the western edge of the diocese, where I will rely on God’s grace,” Fr. Wallis said. seminary earlier. But I’m 39 years old now and he celebrates weekly Masses, the priest has “I just want to be the kind of priest that I I have had time enough to look back and realize witnessed the connection. In Rome, he gained would want to have — somebody who preaches it was for the best. I’m very grateful that God is further insight about the Church around the well, is faithful, and takes his vocation seriously. smarter than I am. I learned to put much great- world, he added. For that, I need to use the gifts that God has er trust in God’s providence, and I’ve ended up As for the present, Fr. Wallis said the given me.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. JONATHAN WALLIS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Fr. Wallis spent Christmas day 2011 at the Vatican. Two years of study in Rome taught Fr. Wallis a lot, not the least of which was the universality of the Church and the important role played by each diocese, each parish, and each individual. • Fr. Wallis remained faithful to his alma mater, TCU, during his stay in Rome. A passionate TCU football fan, he shows his true colors in this photograph with Sr. Anna Ramie, RSM, with the Bishop’s Office of U.S. Visitors to the Vatican in Rome. • Fr. Wallis with seminarians, a Franciscan brother and their Italian language professor in Assisi, Italy. PAGE 43 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 September 1, Twenty- and watched as the many people being served approached to get second Sunday in Ordinary food. He watched as the woman Time. Cycle C. Readings: slicing the ham sliced and sliced 1) Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 and sliced without the ham seem- Psalm: 84:4-7, 10-11 ing to grow any smaller. As people 2) Hebrews 12:18-19; 22-24a continued to pour past the table, Gospel) Luke 14:1, 7-14 the ham lasted until all who had come to their little feast had eaten By Jeff Hensley their fill. Stories like this followed the n his 1982 book, Miracles in El “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the work of the prayer group wherever IPaso, theologian Father Rene crippled, the lame, the blind.” — Luke 14:13 Laurentin documents many stories they served. Many ministries and of a prayer group’s ministries with admonishes his listeners, “When So he and his small band enterprises emerged from that the poor who scavenged recyclable you hold a lunch or a dinner, do of believers put together a meal initial action, including a food trash at a dump in Juárez, Mexico, not invite your friends or your to carry to the garbage dump co-op, health care ministries, and beginning in the 1970s. brothers or your relatives or your to share with the families who on and on. The desire to work with wealthy neighbors, in case they worked there on Christmas Day. But all of it began with the these poor families, who not only may invite you back and you have There were flour tortillas, meat group’s simple obedience to a scavenged items from the Juárez repayment. Rather, when you hold to roll up in them — and a ham. Scripture through which Jesus city dump but also lived on its a banquet, invite the poor, the One of those who went to the asked them to throw what Father grounds, grew out of a simple crippled, the lame, the blind.” dump was, Frank Alarcon. He sat Rick Thomas termed, “a little question asked by Father Rick “When have we ever,” Father on the tailgate of a pickup truck party for the poor.” Thomas, the Jesuit priest who Rick is reported to have asked, QUESTIONS: led the group. He looked at the “been obedient to the simple Have you ever seen the power of obedience to the messages of Scripture last few verses of today’s Scrip- request Jesus makes of us in this ture from Luke in which Jesus Scripture?” yield unexpectedly positive results?

September 8, Twenty-third “Who ever knew your counsel, meant to be, the music will get The band scattered, but the Sunday in Ordinary Time. except you had given wisdom there. It will happen. I trust God. members kept a close friendship. Right now, I have to think about In maturing, the others each have Cycle C. Readings: and sent your Holy Spirit from on high? " other things and this ministry is looked to Phil as a role model, large- 1) Wisdom 9:13-18b — Wisdom 9:17-18 something I have to do.” ly because of his commitment to a Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17 Phil understood what this life guided by Christ’s Spirit. Most 2) Philemon 9-10, 12-17 weekend’s Scripture from Wisdom remain professional musicians; Gospel) Luke 14:25-33 points out: Our “mortal” delibera- some, dedicated Christians. All are tions are uncertain at best, and successful, compassionate people. By Jean Denton “what is within our grasp we find Phil now directs more than 50 hilip Hamrick is a gifted with difficulty,” but the wisdom musicians in leading thousands of Psinger-songwriter. Several years given by the Holy Spirit guides us Christians in worship. He writes ago, his band had developed to a along a straight the path. music that enriches their prayer. point where it had a good chance Phil had always been open He writes other music that he cat- of succeeding in the competitive about how his faith guided his egorizes as outside the “Christian music industry. Its strong musi- life. His band members respected music” genre. But it all carries the cianship, tight vocal harmonies, him and accepted his decision. Gospel message that inspires him. and thoughtful lyrics were delight- Their desire was based on an Philip Hamrick isn’t on the ing a growing audience. The group were the heart of the music. But unsure chance of success. Phil’s charts. But he continues to take believed the time was ripe to begin he’d just gotten married and felt decision was based on his certain his counsel from the Holy Spirit. the work necessary to take their a responsibility to his new wife. faith that the Holy Spirit showed As for his music, wherever it is music to the next level on tour. He’d also been offered a stable job him God’s desire. meant to be, trust God it is there. The band was ready. But Phil leading a fledgling music ministry was not. in a growing church. QUESTIONS: No one loved the band more He tried to explain to his What are some choices you currently face with uncertainty? What at- than Phil. His tunes and lyrics disappointed bandmates, “If it is tachments keep you from seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit?

PAGE 44 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE

September 15, Twenty- “He ran to his son, embraced him to and hug someone to whom I walked away from in this week’s fourth Sunday in Ordinary and kissed him.” felt instantly connected although Gospel reading. It is this same we had never met before. Conver- feeling that he longed for while Time. Cycle C. Readings: — Luke 15:20 sation after conversation, laugh wishing to eat the pig slop after 1) Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 after laugh, smile after smile, squandering his inheritance. And Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 there was one common denomina- it is this exact acceptance and love 2) 1 Timothy 1:12-17 tor: family. that he received upon his return Gospel) Luke 15:1-32 It did not matter that, for home. example, one of my cousins has I think all of us at one time spent the last 27 years in Italy. or another are the prodigal or the We had a great time sharing our faithful child, or the parent or stories about life, family, faith, ups friend longing for the return of a and downs. It seemed much more loved one. For each of these situa- like we grew up down the street tions one thing remains constant. By Jeff Hedglen from each other than that we God is waiting with open arms to his summer I met some really had just met a few hours before. throw us a big party. Our past is Tfantastic people while on va- The love and instant acceptance not of concern to God; Our turn cation in San Diego. The strange I received from everyone was back toward home is the focus of part about this is that these people overwhelming. his longing. For when we turn our are members of my family. It’s This feeling of family and ac- eyes upon Jesus we become the hard to believe that after 48 years ceptance is what the younger son source of the Father’s joy. on the planet there are members of my family that I have yet to countries. meet. But my mother is one of 10 The occasion for my visit to QUESTIONS: children, and my father is one of San Diego was a family reunion nine, so there are many cousins for my mother’s side of the family. Where do you feel most at home? Has there ever been a time when you all over the country and in other It was simply amazing to say hello felt like the prodigal child? What helped you to turn back “home”?

September 22, Twenty-fifth “He raises up the lowly from the strating that true riches consist Sunday in Ordinary Time. dust…to seat them with princes.” not in material things, but in the heart!” Cycle C. Readings: — Psalm 113:7-8 It is this kind of attitude that 1) Amos 8:4-7 eschews the angry, self-centered Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8 polarizations and tensions be- 2) I Timothy 2:1-8 brothers and sisters.” tween “haves” and “have-nots,” Gospel) Luke 16:1-13 Pope Francis also made it clear seeking instead to please God and that overcoming inequality doesn’t advance the good of the other By Sharon K. Perkins consist merely in political up- regardless of his or her social sta- ope Francis was the catalyst heaval or a personally disengaged tus, according to 1 Timothy. As Pfor a great deal of media at- method of throwing money at so- the Gospel illustrates, it is not the tention as he traveled to Brazil for cial problems. Rather, he praised amount of one’s wealth that mat- World Youth Day in July. True contributes to social injustice, the the generous practices of the poor ters — it is one’s trustworthiness to form, he visited one of Rio’s pope stated, “No one can remain who welcomed him: “I am well with what one is given. notorious favelas, or slums, not for insensitive to the inequalities that aware that when someone needing Pope Francis’ teaching is not a photo op, but to stroll through persist in the world! Everybody, food knocks at your door, you a new one. But his continuous its rainy streets, visit the dwellers according to his or her particular always find a way of sharing food; actions of solidarity with the poor in their homes, and deliver a mes- opportunities and responsibilities, as the proverb says, one can always and the marginalized compel us sage that is very much in keeping should be able to make a personal ‘add more water to the beans!’ … to hear the message of the Gospel with this Sunday’s readings, espe- contribution to putting an end And you do so with love, demon- afresh and to act on it. cially the denunciation from the to so many social injustices.” He prophet Amos. further advocated a “culture of QUESTIONS: Criticizing the “culture of self- solidarity” that regards others How can you make a personal contribution to ending social injustice? ishness and individualism” that “not as rivals or statistics, but How can you deepen your own solidarity with the poor?

PAGE 45 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE

October 6, Twenty-seventh “For the vision still has This is faith: looking back Sunday in Ordinary Time. its time, presses on to upon God’s vision of life and believing it. Cycle C. Readings: fulfillment, and will not Luke’s Gospel expands the 1) Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 disappoint.” point in saying we should live that Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 — Habakkuk 2:3 faith by being a servant of God’s 2) 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 vision. We find fulfillment in Gospel) Luke 17:5-10 ple on board died. Larry survived by serving God — and the life God climbing through an opening envel- gives us — whatever happens. By JeanDenton oped in flames. He suffered serious I’ve known Larry and Chris- ome people, it seems, have more burns to his face, arms, and hands. tine since we were teenagers. They Sthan their share of suffering. His recovery was painful and long, enjoy much love with their family My friend Larry is one of them. including numerous skin grafts and and friends. With humor and I thought of him when I read physical therapies. confident generosity Larry always this weekend’s scriptural lament, Now, Larry can recall mo- buoys the spirits of everyone “How long, O Lord? I cry for help ments when he wondered how long, O Lord? is answered by the around him. Always. but you do not listen!” long, O Lord? But they were fleet- Lord’s firm reminder of how to When his beloved sister died For a time it seemed that ing. Christine, their daughters, remember the ways of God: Write recently, he was gratified to deliver Larry faced sorrow upon sorrow: and others were at his side. “I had down the vision clearly, so it can her eulogy. Beforehand, he said, A year after his older brother’s a lot of support, some role models, be easily read. For the vision still “I’ll be fine. It’s hard to go through untimely death, Larry and his and my faith,” he said. He remem- has its time … and will not disap- these things. But it’s what we do.” wife Christine lost their 3-day-old bers distinctly a moment of clarity point; if it delays, wait for it, it He believes the vision. A faith- infant son. Within another year he experienced in the hospital will surely come.” ful servant. ’ both of Larrys parents died. when he realized and accepted the QUESTIONS: His life got back on an even presence and the workings of God keel, but then, 15 years ago, he was in the whole situation. Considering your own life and trials, what “vision” of God would you in a plane crash. Two of the six peo- In Habakkuk, the cry How write down to strengthen your faith?

October 13, Twenty-eighth “If we have died with but they can be confusing and Sunday in Ordinary Time. challenging when one’s illness is him we shall also not healed. This lyric in a song Cycle C. Readings: live with him; if we written by Wayne Watson was a 1) 2 Kings 5:14-17 persevere we shall also huge comfort to me at the time of Psalm 98:1-4 my mother’s death: “Home free, reign with him.” 2) 2 Timothy 2:8-13 eventually, at the ultimate healing Gospel) Luke 17:11-19 — 2 Timothy we will be home free.” The idea is 2:11-12 that when a loved one passes away from illness he or she has experi- By Jeff Hedglen enced the ultimate healing. hen my mother was first God does desire to heal and Wdiagnosed with lung cancer room. The tests showed her cancer pray and read the Scriptures. Her make us whole, but many times our whole family was devastated. was gone. We were amazed and faithfulness was rewarded in one it does not happen the way we After many weeks of chemother- overjoyed! Like Naaman and the final way; she died on Good Fri- think it should. In these times let apy and radiation, she was tested one leper in this week’s readings, day, going home with Jesus! us stand with St. Paul and remain to see if the cancer was still there. we thanked God for the blessing. St. Paul in the second reading faithful, for when we do, we The week before her appointment, A year later, her cancer re- speaks to how we were feeling: “If stay planted in the will of God. she pinned a relic of St. Thérèse of turned, and all the prayers we we have died with him we shall Christ’s suffering has redeemed Lisieux to her clothing and prayed offered did not save her. We also live with him; if we persevere all human suffering. Thus, unit- for her intercession daily. wondered: Why did the prayers we shall also reign with him.” ing our suffering with Jesus’ may In keeping with the “shower “work” one time and not the Stories of healing in the not take away the pain, but it can of roses” that often accompanies other? Did God stop listening? We Bible are wonderful to read, bring meaning to our journey. the intercession of St. Thérèse, my didn’t know what to think. mother encountered roses every We did our best to remain QUESTIONS: day — sent to her in a bouquet, on faithful. Even in the midst of her Have you or someone you know ever experienced a miraculous healing a card, smelling their scent in her pain, my mother continued to — or endured long suffering? If so, how has this impacted your faith?

PAGE 46 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 WORD TO LIFE

October 20, Twenty-ninth “Remain Moses isn’t in the midst of the appointed by Jesus, and he seeks — Sunday in Ordinary Time. faithful to military fray but he is waging the the prayers, support, and practical battle nonetheless, visibly support- assistance of good priests in exer- Cycle C. Readings: what you ing the people with “the staff of cising his pastoral duties. 1) Exodus 17:8-13 have learned God” in his hand, recruiting two But the epistle today reminds Psalm 121:1-8 and believed, of his best priests to prop up his us of another critically important 2) 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 arms when he becomes weary, and role of bishop — that of teacher. because you Gospel) Luke 18:1-8 seating himself on a rock in order According to Christus Dominus, know from to remain steady. teaching is “conspicuous among the By Sharon K. Perkins whom you Christus Dominus states that principal duties of bishops.” It is the bishops, “having been appointed bishop who enables those he shep- uring this Year of Faith, learned it.” by the Holy Spirit, are successors herds to “remain faithful to what DCatholics have been encour- — 2 Timothy aged to revisit the documents of of the apostles as pastors of souls,” you have learned and believed.” It the Second Vatican Council in 3:14 and “they are sent to continue was the bishops of the early Church the 50th year of their promulga- throughout the ages the work of who ensured that the sacred Scrip- tion. The four great dogmatic Christ, the eternal pastor.” tures were preserved and would be and pastoral constitutions usu- Like Moses, a bishop carries preached for ages to come. ally receive the most attention. the “staff of God” — the crozier In following Jesus’ Gospel ad- However, one of the lesser-known local and universal. — in his hand as a symbol of his monition to “pray always without council documents, the Decree on Today’s first reading isn’t about shepherding. He derives his au- becoming weary,” let us remem- the Bishops’ Pastoral Office in the a bishop, but in many ways it il- thority and steadfastness from the ber to pray for our shepherds, the Church (Christus Dominus), has lustrates what good pastoral leader- “rock” of Peter, the first shepherd bishops of the Church. great significance for Catholics ship is all about. Moses, faced with QUESTIONS: today because it reminds us of the the crisis of war with the Amale- tremendous importance of holy kites, exercises wise leadership in Fort Worth is waiting for a new bishop. What do you suppose will be and competent bishops for the delegating Joshua to choose good the gifts he will bring to the office? What will be his concerns? Have you ongoing life of the Church, both warriors and engage the enemy. considered praying for him, now, even before he comes to lead us?

October 27, Thirtieth “The Lord will rescue me from Sunday in Ordinary Time. every evil threat and will bring Cycle C. Readings: me safe to his heavenly kingdom.” 1) Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 — 2 Timothy 4:18ab Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 2) 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Gospel) Luke 18:9-14 In his second letter to Timo- thy, the Apostle Paul, writing as someone who also traveled greatly By Jeff Hensley and at great risk to proclaim the recently read Patrick Foley’s Gospel, says, “I am already being I biography of missionary bishop ers who would listen to his words. his mission work. poured out like a libation, and the Jean-Marie Odin. As the first Bishop Jean-Marie Odin He had traveled across the time of my departure is at hand. bishop of Texas, he arrived in the had a great love for the Native Atlantic from his native France I have competed well; I have Republic of Texas in 1840. In Americans of his territory, for the to serve in rural Missouri, where finished the race; I have kept the 1845 Texas became a state, ex- Mexicans who lived there, the Eu- early on he did much of the same faith….” At the end of his service panding greatly the territory this ropeans, and the Americans who kind of itinerant ministering as the second archbishop of New far-traveling bishop would have immigrated into Texas or were of the word and the sacraments Orleans, where he spent the last to tend. native to the area. — when he was able to spare nine years of his ministry, Arch- And travel it, he did. He rode He lived simply and was once time from his teaching work at a bishop Jean-Marie Odin, would horseback on primitive roads; reproved for his worn and torn seminary in a small settlement 80 have well been able to echo Paul's he walked through swamps and vestments when he showed up for miles from St. Louis. brave words. wilderness, all for the love of God a visit with the archbishop of New and to bring the Gospel, the sac- Orleans. Often in his travels, he QUESTIONS: raments, and the presence of the was stricken with life-threatening Have the stories of the evangelizing work of the saints and servants of Church to Catholics and any oth- illnesses. Always he persisted in the Church been an inspiration to you? How have they influenced you?

PAGE 47 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 El Cardenal Rodríguez será NOTICIAS el orador principal de los ministerios en el Sur, con más de Encíclica celebra en la conferencia 12 diócesis representadas en Texas y de UDMC Louisiana”, dijo Geralyn Rea, especialis- fe como luz de ta en eventos de la Escuela del Ministerio. El Cardenal Oscar Rodríguez, ar- “Nuestras sesiones abarcan una amplia vida humana zobispo de Tegucigalpa, Honduras, será variedad de temas, como la teología, el orador principal para ambas sesiones la pastoral, la enseñanza, el liderazgo CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — en inglés y en español de la séptima parroquial, la paternidad y la justicia La primera encíclica del Papa Francisco, Conferencia anual del Ministerio de la social. También damos la bienvenida Lumen fidei (La luz de la fe), es una ce- Universidad de Dallas (University of a más de 100 expositores y ofrecemos lebración de la fe cristiana como la luz Dallas Ministry Conference: UDMC, una exhibición de arte litúrgico, actua- que guía una “vida exitosa y fructífera”, por sus cifras en inglés). Su discurso en ciones musicales de artistas católicos, y i n spi r a dor a de l a a c c ión so c i a l y l a de vo - español será el sábado 26 de octubre. múltiples oportunidades de adoración, ción a Dios, e iluminando “todo aspecto L a c on ferenc i a U DMC tend r á apro - incluyendo una misa de clausura”. de la existencia humana”, incluyendo la Francisco, añadiendo: “He tomado ximadamente 41 sesiones en español, Las inscripciones para la conferencia filosofía y las ciencias naturales. su buen trabajo y le he añadido unas y patrocinada por las Diócesis de Fort están abiertas. La cuota de inscripción El documento, publicado el 5 de cuantas contribuciones mías”. Worth y de Dallas y por la Escuela del es de $55 antes del 25 de septiembre, julio, completa una trilogía papal sobre Advertencias de los peligros de la Ministerio de la Universidad de Dallas, $75 entre el 26 de septiembre y el 11 de las tres “virtudes teologales”, siguiendo idolatría, el gnosticismo, y el farisaísmo, se llevará a cabo el 25 y 26 de octubre octubre, y $100 para quienes se inscriban las encíclicas del Papa Benedicto XVI, una oración de cierre a María como el en el Centro de Convenciones de Irving, el día de los eventos. Para obtener más Deus Caritas Est (2005), sobre la caridad, “perfecto icono de la fe”, y una sección 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. información sobre la conferencia, visite y Spe Salvi (2007), sobre la esperanza. completa sobre la relevancia de la fe “Somos la mayor conferencia anual el sitio web www.udallas.edu/udmc. El Papa Benedicto “casi había en la justicia y la paz terrenales hacen terminado el primer borrador de una eco de los temas que el Papa Francisco El Instituto Juan Pablo II abre seis encíclica sobre la fe” antes de su retiro ya ha usado como marcas de su joven en febrero del 2013, escribe el Papa pontificado. secciones nuevas mes; y en la Parroquia de San Jorge en Fort Worth, el lunes, cada quince días. El Papa despeja camino a canoniza- El Instituto Juan Pablo II, el pro- El Instituto Juan Pablo II funciona grama diocesano de la formación de por una beca donada por la organización ciones de Juan Pablo II, Juan XXIII ministros laicos, empezarán su currículo Compartir en Ministerio. Se pide a los básico de dos años en seis sitios a través estudiantes que paguen $90 cada año Por Cindy Wooden CNS por Fotos de la diócesis. Los participantes se reúnen como cuota y a sus parroquias, otros $90. Catholic News Service por aproximadamente seis horas men- Se dispone más información y el CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — El sualmente de septiembre hasta junio. formulario de inscripción en el sitio Papa Francisco firmó un decreto des- Habrá secciones nuevas en español web: www.fwdioc.org/files/ijp2-basic- pejando el camino para la canonización en la Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís comp-application-form-spanish.pdf. del beato Juan Pablo II y también ha Los beatós Papas Juan XXIII (IZQUIERDA) en Grapevine, reuniéndose usualmente También, se puede conseguirlos en- decidido pedirles a los cardenales del y Juan Pablo II (DERECHA). el primer sábado del mes; en la Parro- viando un email a [email protected] o mundo que voten sobre la canonización quia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe llamando a 817-560-3300, ext. 317. La del beato Juan XXIII, aun en ausencia convocar un consistorio que también en Wichita Falls, el tercer sábado del inscripción termina el 1 de septiembre. de un segundo milagro. involucrará la canonización del beato Después que el Papa Francisco se Juan Pablo II”. Mecanismos para reportar la conducta sexual inapropiada reuniera el 5 de julio con el cardenal Normalmente, después que un Papa Ángelo Amato, prefecto de la Congre- firma un decreto reconociendo el mila- Si usted o alguien que conozca es víctima de conducta sexual inapropiada gación para las Causas de los Santos, el gro necesario para la canonización, el por parte de cualquier persona que trabaje para la iglesia, sea voluntario, Vaticano publicó una lista de decretos Papa consulta a los cardenales de todo empleado, o miembro del clero, puede reportarlo de las siguientes maneras: que el Papa aprobó, relacionados con la el mundo y llama a un consistorio — ■ llamar a Judy Locke, Coordinadora de asistencia para víctimas, al número canonización del beato Juan Pablo II y reunión a la que asiste cualquier cardenal (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201, o, mandarle correo electrónico a [email protected] otras 11 causas de santidad. que quiera y pueda — donde los pre- ■ llamar al número de emergencia para el abuso sexual: (817) 560-2452, Ext. 900 Al publicar los decretos, el Vaticano sentes expresan su apoyo a la decisión ■ o llamar al Centro Católico al número: (817) 560-2452, ext. 102 y preguntar por también dijo: “El sumo pontífice aprobó del Papa de proclamar un nuevo santo. el canciller/moderador de la curia, el monseńor Stephen Berg. e l voto f avor a ble de l a s e sión ord i n a r i a de Una fecha para la ceremonia de ca- Mecanismo para reportar abuso cardenales y obispos-padres respecto a la nonización es anunciada formalmente Llamar al Ministerio de familias de Texas Servicios de protección (Servicios de canonización del beato Juan XXIII (Án- solamente durante o inmediatamente protección de niños) al número:(800) 252-5400. gelo Giuseppe Roncalli) y ha decidido después del consistorio.

PÁGINA 48 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE /OCTUBRE 2013 VOZ El don de la Fe

POR PADRE CARMELO MELE, OP

LA MUJER SE LE ACERCÓ AL SACERDOTE EN LA matrimonio, la multiplicación de “amigos” por embargo, la fe requiere nuestra participación. FUNERARIA. QUERÍA ALIVIARSE DEL CORAZÓN. las grandes redes sociales, la capacidad de vaca- Primero, es necesario que pidamos al Señor el SU HIJO, UN PADRE DE FAMILIA, MURIÓ CUANDO cionar en cualquiera parte del mundo trayendo don o, como pidió el padre del endemoniado ESTABA PRESENTANDO UNA LECCIÓN DE DOCTRINA. sólo la tarjeta de crédito, etcétera — son no más en el evangelio, el aumento de la fe. Entonces, Dijo ella: “Estoy contenta”. ¿Cómo podía estar que vanidades, a veces pecaminosas. La fe hace la fe exige que cambiemos de actitud. Mucha contenta después de la muerte repentina de su posible que se dé cuenta cómo la satisfacción de la resistencia al creer hoy en día proviene del hijo? ¿Había problemas entre él y ella? Pero ella verdadera proviene de imitar al Señor Jesús en cinismo acerca de la Biblia y la doctrina de la le aseguró al sacerdote lo contrario: “Siempre su apertura para, y sus sacrificios por, los demás. Iglesia. Sí, es cierto, las historias relatadas en fue un buen hijo. Nunca tuve que pedirle dos Como prueba de que la fe nos posibilita la Biblia fueron escritas después de un proceso veces para hacer una tarea. Nunca me dijo que percibir mejor la realidad, tenemos el ejemplo de de ser transmitidas por boca, en lo cual a veces le pidiera yo a uno de sus hermanos hacerlo”. los santos. Se dice que Santo Domingo de Guz- recibieron cambios y adornamiento. Pero esto no E ntonc e s l a mujer d io su r a z ón: “E s toy c ontent a mán, fundador de la orden que lleva su nombre, significa que no contengan una verdad tan trans- porque mi hijo murió sirviendo al Señor”. Fue hablaba solamente “con Dios o de Dios”. Pero de cendente en su base que los relatores estuvieran un testimonio de la fe casi del calibre de la de ningún modo era una persona cerrada o difícil. dispuestos a entregar sus vidas atestiguándola. Abraham cuando se preparaba para sacrificar Su primer biógrafo lo describió así: “Durante Sobre todo la fe exige una nueva manera a su propio hijo en obediencia a Dios. el día nadie se mostraba más sociable que él... de vivir. En lugar de pensar mayormente por En su primera encíclica Lumen Fidei, el Viceversa, de noche, nadie era más asiduo que nuestra propia comodidad, la fe nos mueve a Papa Francisco describe la fe como una luz que él en velar en oración….” Más recientemente, considerar a los demás y que actuemos por su nos ayuda ver. Con la lámpara de la fe se puede la Santa Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz, Edith bien. Como un ejemplo, a lo mejor queremos ver lejos y profundo. Con la fe el creyente mira Stein, mostró la serenidad en los días antes de pa sa r el c a lor de a gosto en el a ire acond icionado más allá que los altibajos de la vida y hasta la su martirio. En una carta, escrita cuando con de nuestras casas, pero le fe nos recuerda de los misma descomposición de la muerte al final otros era prisionera de los Nazis, dijo que todos ancianos en asilos sufriendo particularmente en de la vida. La fe te levanta para vislumbrar el estaban “calmados y alegres”. Asimismo, en el este tiempo por falta de visitantes. horizonte de la eternidad con Dios. Allí “sin último mensaje que le pasó a un ferroviario en penas ni tristezas” vivirá en la felicidad con los el camino a Auschwitz, le pidió que saludara El Padre Carmelo justos de todos tiempos — tanto los buenos de a sus amigos del pueblo y les dijera: “Estamos Mele, OP, es el otros lugares como también a sus seres queridos. viajando al Oriente”. Al Oriente se refirió tanto director interino del La fe también le ayuda al creyente como a Auschwitz como al Señor Jesús, siempre para DEPARTAMENTO DE una lupa a escrudiñar la naturaleza de todas los cristianos el sol naciente. CATEQUESIS para la cosas. Sabrá que los arreglos que la sociedad Como el Papa recalca en su encíclica, la DIOCESÍS DE FORT alaba como avances — la cohabitación antes del fe es un don de Dios que recibimos gratis. Sin WORTH.

Cerrando un año pero abriendo un futuro lleno de fe presentación en un idioma mientras que los hablantes del otro idioma El Obispo Cantú hablará en el cierre del Año de la Fe compartirán sobre la nueva encí- clica, Lumen Fidei, del Papa Fran- El Reverendísimo Oscar Cantú, apertura del Concilio Vaticano II. En cisco. A las 4:30 pm, se invierten los STD, Obispo de Las Cruces, Nuevo su comunicado anunciando el Año papeles. La Misa comenzará a las México, dará la presentación princi- Santo, el entonces Papa Benedicto 5:30 pm y al finalizarla seguirá una pal en la celebración diocesana del XVI escribió: “Debemos descubrir recepción. Información más detal- cierre del Año de la Fe. El evento de nuevo el gusto de alimentarnos lada será enviada a las parroquias. bilingüe incluye la Santa Misa por con la Palabra de Dios, transmitida El Obispo Cantú nació en 1966 el Reverendísimo Oscar Cantú, fielmente por la Iglesia, y el Pan de la en Hou s ton. Obt uvo su B a c h i l ler ato que también ofrecerá la homilía. Vida, ofrecido como sustento a todos en Artes y Humanidades de la Uni- La celebración se llevará a cabo en los que son sus discípulos”. El cierre versidad de Dallas y su Licenciatura la Parroquia Santísimo Sacramento el diocesano les ofrecerá a los católicos y Doctorado de la Universidad de fue ordenado obispo para ser vir con domingo 24 de noviembre. locales una nueva oportunidad para St. Thomas (ANGELICUM) en Roma. el Arzobispo José Gómez de San El Año de la Fe comenzó el 11 cumplir con este objetivo. Fue ordenado sacerdote en Antonio. Este pasado febrero, el de octubre de 2012, marcando el El programa comienza a las 1994 por la Diócesis de Galveston- Obispo Cantú fue instalado como quincuagésimo aniversario de la 3:00 pm. El Obispo Cantú dará su Houston. En 2008 el Obispo Cantú el Segundo Obispo de Las Cruces.

PÁGINA 49 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE /OCTUBRE 2013 Listos Para Servir HISTORIA Y FOTOS POR KATHY CR

Monseñor Gustavo García-Siller, arzobispo de San Antonio, impone las El Padre Wilcox ora sobre sus Monseñor García-Siller, Arzobispo de San Al final de la Misa de ordenación, e manos sobre los diáconos Khoi Tran y padres al final de su Misa de Antonio, limpia el exceso de aceite crismal de las Khoi Tran (derecha) salen en proces James Wilcox, ordenándolos sacerdotes. Ordenación. manos de Padre Wilcox con el manutergio. Vietnam en Arlington el pasado 29

EN LA ASAMBLEA DE ESE DÍA ESTABAN SENTADOS estado esperando con ansias el día de la ordenación. que han sido hallados dignos”. LOS PADRES, TÍOS, HERMANOS, Y UN ABUELO “Yo bromeaba con él”, dijo el Padre Tran. “‘La abuela “Confiando en la ayuda del Señor, nuestro DE 94 AÑOS DE EDAD QUE HABÍA FOMENTADO Y falleció joven’, le dije, ‘usted está viviendo los años Dios y Sa lvador Je sucristo”, concluyó el a r z obispo, AGRADECIDAMENTE ANTICIPADO ESTA ORDENACIÓN. que ella no pudo vivir, con el fin de esperar por mí’”. “elegimos a estos hombres, nuestros hermanos, Pero la Parroquia de los Mártires de Vietnam, JoAnn, la madre del Padre Wilcox, recuerda para la Orden del Sacerdocio”. el templo parroquial con más capacidad en la el proceso de discernimiento de su hijo. “Yo quería “El momento fue una lección de humildad”, Diócesis de Fort Worth, y entre las más grandes que fuera sacerdote”, dijo. “Pero después de cierta dijo el Padre Wilcox. “Pude sentir el Espíritu parroquias vietnamitas en los Estados Unidos, edad, pensé: ‘Puede ser que no.’” Cuando hizo su Santo influenciando mi corazón. Sabía que estaba estaba completamente llena. Había personas solo discernimiento, sin embargo, recordó con mucha empezando”. pa ra desea rle bien, compa ñeros de cla se, diáconos, emoción, “Estaba eufórica”. “Entonces cada uno de nosotros nos arrodilla- seminaristas, y más de 50 hermanos sacerdotes. Presidiendo la Liturgia de Ordenación del 29 mos ante el arzobispo y colocamos nuestras manos Todos se reunieron para celebrar el día en que de junio fue el Arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller, en las suyas. La promesa usual seria: “¿Me prometes James Wilcox y Khoi Tran habían esperado, no Arzobispo metropolitano de San Antonio, quien obediencia a mí y a mis sucesores?” Pero en nues- sólo a través de los años de estudio, pero para la expresó su agradecimiento por la invitación a “pre- tro caso, ya que estamos sin un obispo, pidió el mayor parte de sus vidas. sidir esta ordenación de dos hermanos en Cristo”. arzobispo, “¿Prometes obediencia a su Ordinario?” Ambos hombres fueron criados católicos, “He estado siguiendo de cerca los desarollos “El concepto va más allá de un solo hombre Wilcox y sus hermanos creciendo en Dallas en la en su diócesis desde que el Obispo Vann se le pidió y una sola persona”, dijo el Padre Wilcox, “así que Parroquia San Pío X y asistiendo a Bishop Lynch ir al Condado de Orange”, dijo el arzobispo, “y les estábamos prometiendo obediencia al Ordinario High School. Tran, el mayor de dos hermanos, puedo decir que el Monseñor Steve Berg ha hecho (el obispo de la diócesis, quien quiera que sea), no había vivido en Vietnam, viviendo alternamente un enorme trabajo por mantener la unidad y la pro- a un individuo”. entre sus padres y abuelos, hasta que tuvo 10 años, clamación de la fe a través de estos últimos meses. Es Después de eso, los dos hombres se postraron cuando la familia se restableció en Wichita, Kansas. un buen sacerdote de Cristo. Les ha servido bien”. a ambos lados del altar, mientras se cantaba la Le- “Mis abuelos fueron los que dieron forma a La liturgia de la ordenación comenzó después tanía de los Santos. “Cuando estaba allí postrado, mi fe”, dijo el Padre Tran. “Mi abuela estaba cie- de que el Evangelio fuera proclamado, cuando me sentí con mucha humildad y lleno de energía al ga, y aunque éramos pobres, ella ahorraba algo de los dos candidatos son llamados y presentados al saber dos cosas”, dijo el Padre Wilcox. “Uno, que dinero, y todos los domingos iba a contratar a un Arzobispo. “Reverendísimo Padre, la Santa Madre todos los miembros de la iglesia en ese momento hombre pobre que vivía en nuestro barrio para que Iglesia le pide que ordene a estos hermanos nuestros estaban pidiéndole a Dios que nos bendijera con nos llevara a la iglesia en su triciclo de pasajeros. a la responsabilidad del sacerdocio”, dijo Monse- su gracia, y que los santos, los que estaban junto a “Íbamos a la iglesia todos los domingos, y ñor Berg, y el Arzobispo García-Siller respondió nosotros y los que nos habían precedido, estaban rezábamos el rosario todas las noches en familia. preguntando: “¿Sabes si son dignos?” participando de una manera especial, porque todos Mi abuelo fue el que me enseñó a rezar; él fue el El Monseñor Berg respondió: “Después de somos llamados. Es parte de la naturaleza eterna líder de la oración”. indagar entre el pueblo cristiano y por recomen- de la Iglesia, tanto en avance como en el pasado, Fue ese abuelo, ahora con 94 años, que había dación de los responsables, yo doy testimonio de que todos somos parte del ministerio”.

PÁGINA 50 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE /OCTUBRE 2013 Padres James Wilcox y Khoi Tran son ordenados sacerdotes para la Diócesis de Fort Worth en la Parroquia de los Mártires de Vietnam el pasado 29 de junio

RIBARI HAMER / CORRESPONSAL

el Padre James Wilcox (izquierda) y el Padre Los Padres Tran y Wilcox de pie El Arzobispo Gustavo García- El Arzobispo García Siller se arrodilla para recibir ión de la Parroquia de los Mártires de ante el altar poco después de ser Siller le presenta un cáliz al una bendición de los Padres Wilcox y Tran al final de junio. investidos. Padre Tran. de la Misa de Ordenación

Después de que los hombres se levantaran de ¡Déjame entrar al cielo!” “El Papa Francisco ha señalado constante- su oración, el arzobispo impuso sus manos sobre “Dios providencialmente me dio un segundo mente el peligro de una Iglesia auto-referencial, sus cabezas. Significa que el poder del sacerdocio manutergio”, dijo el Padre Tran, más en serio. encerrandose en sí misma. Se trata de una especie se confiere por el obispo al imponer las manos “Había sido hecho por las hermanas carmelitas de narcisismo teológico. Este narcisismo no llega sobre el candidato, transmitiendo a éste el poder en Houston, así que pude dar el primero a mis a curar heridas. El narcisismo nos impide ser que el propio obispo ha recibido de Cristo. Este padres, y el segundo a mi abuelo”. verdaderamente misioneros.... No hay lugar en el antiguo signo de ordenación es el momento más “Cuando fui a Wichita después de mi ordena- liderazgo de la Iglesia para sacerdotes narcisistas”. solemne del rito, y después de que se llevó a cabo, ción, tuve el honor de bendecir un nuevo nicho para “Era lo que necesitaba escucha r”, d ijo el Pad re la imposición de las manos se repitió ceremonio- las cenizas de mi abuela — mi abuelo quería moverlas Tran. “La Iglesia no necesita sacerdotes narcisistas, samente por cada sacerdote presente en la liturgia. a Wichita desde donde estaban, en Houston. Bendije sino sacerdotes que entreguen sus propias vidas”. “Me emocioné en ese momento”, dijo el Padre el nuevo nicho, lugar de descanso para las cenizas, “El Santo Padre también ha señalado que el Tran. “Me sentí indigno de esta increíble maravilla y vi que una cosa que mi abuelo había puesto en lavado de pies no es puramente simbólico”, dijo y el amor, y que Dios me había llevado allí. Lloré el nicho fue el manutergio que yo le había dado. el arzobispo. “Un hombre que acepte un ritual li- en ese momento. Sentí el amor de Dios para mí, “Creo que puedo poner todos mis sentimien- túrgico, se limita al santuario y, siendo claramente a pesar de ser indigno”. tos de la ordenación en una frase de Santa Teresa definido por rúbricas, no es aceptable en la Iglesia Miembros de la familia y sacerdotes mentores de Lisieux, La Florecita. “Todo es gracia. Todo Católica. Los rituales son importantes. Sin embar- especiales vistieron a los nuevos sacerdotes con la lo que pasó en mi vida — 11 años de formación, go, el culto es lo que hacemos, es la impresionante estola y la casulla, después de la cual el arzobispo altas y bajas”. experiencia de la comunidad. ungió sus manos con el santo crisma. “D u r a nte e l si g no de l a pa z , e s t a ba muy emo c io - “Es decir, cuando las celebraciones litúrgicas “Un paño especial bordado de lino, manuter- n a do”, d ijo e l Pa d re Wi lc ox de s c r ibiendo lo s g r a nde s son acompañadas por los ministros que están gio, se utilizó para limpiar el exceso de crisma de abrazos que dio con generosidad a todos sus amigos dispuestos a lavar los pies de los pecadores — en nuestras manos”, dijo el Padre Tran, explicando y colegas. “El Espíritu Santo estaba conmigo — y otras palabras, es un trabajo muy mugriento, como la tradición de presentar esa tela preciosa a sus muchos de estos sacerdotes habían desempeñado verdaderos pastores que pasan largas horas en el madres, en sus primeras misas. Del mismo modo, un papel muy importante en mi viaje”. sol caliente atendiendo a sus ovejas, protegiéndolas le presentarían a sus padres, las estolas usadas al “Una vez que comenzó la Misa, fue cuando de ladrones, nutriéndolas con alimentos y agua — celebrar sus primeras confesiones. me di cuenta” dijo el Padre Tran. “Le agradecí a ellos se convierten en buen pastores de la Iglesia, “Me sentí muy orgullosa”, dijo JoAnn Wilcox Dios por enviar a este arzobispo. Fue excepcional, según el corazón de Jesús”. de la presentación de su hijo en su primera Misa, la homilía me llegó al corazón”. Al final de la Misa de ordenación, en la enor- “Los dos paños estaban juntos en una bonita caja. El Arzobispo García-Siller había dicho: me, completamente llena Iglesia de los Mártires de Fue un momento muy emocional”. “Hermanos míos, esto es motivo de alegría, una Vietnam, el Arzobispo García-Siller se arrodilló “La tradición es que, cuando los padres van ocasión memorable y también muy profunda. A humildemente en las escaleras del altar para recibir al cielo, le pueden dar esas cosas a Dios”, dijo el ustedes se les está siendo confiado el sacerdocio las primeras bendiciones del Padre James Wilcox Padre Tran con humor. “¡Mi hijo es un sacerdote! de Jesucristo. ¿Qué significa eso hoy? y el Padre Khoi Tran.

PÁGINA 51 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE /OCTUBRE 2013 PÁGINA 52 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 PÁGINA 53 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTIEMBRE / OCTUBRE 2013 REVIEW Book: Missionary Bishop Jean-Marie Odin’s heroic travels laid the foundation for the Church in Texas

By Jeff Hensley / Editor

ANY IMAGES YOU MAY HOLD OF THE LIFE OF A mission trips for quite some time, on occa- BISHOP WILL NEVER BE QUITE THE SAME AFTER sion making extended forays into mission YOU READ DR. PATRICK FOLEY’S MISSIONARY territory as far distant as Little Rock. In writ- BISHOP: JEAN-MARIE ODIN IN GALVESTON ing of their mission trip, Dr. Foley describes AND NEW ORLEANS. The life of a missionary part of their trip as being along a “direct but bishop, which Jean-Marie Odin was the extremely hazardous path to Little Rock … very embodiment of — was a rough and the two missionaries were forced to negotiate tumble affair in the American frontier he their way over a dangerous swampy terrain came to from his native France in the 1830s, without the guide they had hired. He had de- Image courtesy of Texas A&M University Press and where he served until his death as the termined that the venture appeared too men- PUBLISHED BY: Texas A&M University Press Archbishop of New Orleans at the end of acing and left the priest and seminarian to CATEGORIES: History - Religion - Texas History the 1860s. return to his home.” Little Rock itself, they PAGE COUNT: 224 Jean-Marie grew up in a farming family found to be a “frontier village where violence, PRICE: $40.00 in Hauteville, France. Perhaps it was those drunkenness, and lawlessness abounded as a humble beginnings tending his family’s sheep normal way of life.” great dangers (including attacks by Coman- that helped prepare him for the physical rig- By the 1830s, Fr. Odin had become che raiders, outbreaks of Yellow Fever, and ors of his life in the little-developed west. the president of the seminary at The Bar- various life-threatening illnesses) to proclaim After completing his own studies for rens, and as a friend of the first bishop the Gospel, establish new faith communi- the priesthood at The Barrens, a seminary of St. Louis, Bishop Joseph Rosati, also a ties, and help them raise money to build in Missouri, he taught seminary classes and Vincentian, he was chosen to accompany the first Catholic churches in their com- theology classes for laymen there, rising him to the second provincial council of the munities. Then he would travel to Europe, to a position of prominence in the small hierarchy of the Catholic Church in America ranging from France to Ireland to Poland to seminary marked by his surpassing all other in Baltimore in the fall of 1830. Fr. Odin so Italy, always seeking out seminarians, broth- students in the study of theology. distinguished himself in these meetings, he ers, and priests to serve settlers from their The young Father Odin was driven was chosen to carry their decisions to Rome countries, and questing for a religious order by a desire to bring the Gospel especially to present to Pope Gregory XVI. brave enough to establish a community of to local Catholics, but also to the Native His trip from Baltimore to his home in nuns in Texas. Through his recruitment American populations of the area, and the Hauteville, France, and then on to Rome trips, begun as a young vicar apostolic in largely unchurched Nativists, who were to present the findings of the council was his 30s and continuing as he reached into more united by their dislike of Catholics to become a familiar path for the future his 50s as the first bishop of Texas, he laid a than by their active faith. He and a kindred bishop of Texas. He continued on from his foundation for the Church of Texas. spirit, seminarian John Timon (later Father meetings with the pope to recruit priests and The sum total of the missionary activity Timon), would venture out to find people to brothers from all over Europe for the Vin- of Jean-Marie Odin is beyond impressive. minister to, within 15 to 20 miles from their centians’ American missions. Most of us must reach back to the works of home base. They would gather local settlers Later in his career, after he became the the Apostle Paul to find an example of such for the celebration of Mass and the other Vicar Apostolic of Texas in 1838 and later, prolific planting of churches among peoples sacraments, and Timon, whose heritage was after Texas was accepted into the Union and so diverse in ethnicity and language. Irish and therefore was more comfortable became a full diocese, with Jean-Marie Odin Reading of Jean-Marie Odin’s life will with his English than Fr. Odin, would do elevated to the rank of bishop, he would re- change your perception of the hierarchy and the preaching. Fr. Odin would celebrate the peat many of these same patterns of his early the Church, perhaps even your own relation- Mass on these occasions. priestly life. ship to the hierarchy and the Church it helps Frs. Odin and Timon engaged in these For 20 years in Texas he would brave hold together.

PAGE 54 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 Rediscovering the Missionary Bishop

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 We are human beings who live in a society in which marriages, threats to religious freedoms, and we are always commanded to seek the truth of other issues, he reflects on the first man to serve as bishop in Texas. history. Because the truth of history is our story. “I often think, ‘How would Odin have It’s who we are. It’s what we believe. reacted to that?’” When asked just what would Odin do to- day, Foley is quick to respond, “He’d be right — Dr. Patrick Foley there with Cardinal Dolan saying, ‘Let’s stand Author, MISSIONARY BISHOP up and say No!’ I have no doubt about that.” Foley holds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, valuable writing about Spanish Catholic history. full of appointments, honors, awards, and of- archbishop of New York, in high esteem. The history of Catholic Spain and Texas fices held, articles written, as well as books he “To me, he’s one of the great heroes, Catholic history are not the only specialized has authored and for which he has served as because he’s not backing down. He’s another fields of study for Foley. He is an expert on the contributor. In addition to his native English Odin. And we need somebody like that, who is history of Catholics in the American Southwest, language, he speaks, reads, and writes in Span- standing up for the faith.” Catholic Ireland, and the Vincentian Order’s ish and German. He is skilled at Church Latin Foley was deeply honored recently when missionary work, as it ranged from Missouri and is studying French, Gaelic, and Italian. he received a letter from the archbishop, who to Texas, to name only some of the areas about Foley continues to learn and become requested a copy of the new book and the au- which he is noted for his research and writing. stronger in his faith by continually reading thor’s curriculum vitae. Foley was the first editor of the Texas the writings of St. Thomas More, St. Teresa It was not the first time, however, that Catholic Historical Society’s Catholic of Ávila, St. Augustine, Blessed John Paul II, Foley has shared his work with highly respect- Southwest: A Journal of History and Culture and Blessed John Henry Newman, Catholic histo- ed leaders in the Catholic Church. served in that position for 19 years. In 2006 he rian Christopher Dawson, and many others. In 1987, prior to Pope John Paul II’s visit was named editor emeritus. Foley also edited The noted historian said the more we learn to San Antonio, he received a call from an offi- and served as consultant for several other about the history of the Church, the deeper we cial with the San Antonio Archdiocesan Papal Catholic reviews and bulletins. His work has grow in faith and trust in God. Foley contends Visit Office. appeared in more than 140 publications. that a stronger grasp of our Church history and “He said, ‘We need an essay written for the The historian also has a long history our nation’s founding principles would help pope summarizing the Church in Texas, so he of learning about Catholicism and teaching many people develop a true understanding of can study it before coming to San Antonio.’” others. issues involving religious freedoms, the sanctity Foley said he suspected he received the call After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1959 of marriage, and the God-given right to life. because he was president of the Texas Catholic from California State University’s Chico State “We are human beings who live in a soci- Historical Society at the time. “So I said, ‘OK.’ College, Foley went on to receive a master of ety in which we are always commanded to seek Then I very innocently asked, ‘Who do you art’s degree from Santa Clara University, also the truth of history,” Foley said. “Because the want to write it?’ He said, ‘You,’ and I nearly in California. In 1983, Foley earned his Ph.D. truth of history is our story. It’s who we are. It’s dropped the phone.” in history from the University of New Mexico what we believe.” Not one to refuse a request on behalf with a well-received dissertation about the At the heart of the story of our history, of the Holy Father, Foley made a priority of Church in Spain. Foley said, is Jesus Christ. “To me, the center completing a comprehensive 30-page booklet Since 1965, Foley has taught history at of civilization is the Holy Eucharist. … When titled, The Birth of Catholicism in Texas: The several colleges across the United States. Now we go to Mass, we know that the Holy Eucha- Era of the Franciscan Missions. It was written professor emeritus at Tarrant County College rist we are receiving is the Body and Blood of exclusively for the pope. Several months later, in Fort Worth, Foley served as a full-time Christ. And that’s what strengthens us.” Foley received one of the highest honors of his professor of history there from 1975 to 2002. As to why he has used that strength for life when the man we now know as Blessed From 1993 to 2010, he also served as visiting the majority of his 80 years to teach and write Pope John Paul II sent him a Papal Medallion, fellow at the College of Saint Thomas More about history, especially that of the Catholic honoring him for his work on the booklet. (now Fisher-More College) in Fort Worth. In Church, Foley said, “What has come to me, Foley received another memorable honor 2010, he was appointed to teach Church histo- and Odin has reinforced this, is that we were when he was knighted by King Juan Carlos I ry for the diocese’s Pope John Paul II Institute created by God for a purpose in life. And we of Spain in 2007. Foley was recognized with School of Lay Ministry. all have to figure out what that is. I’m a histo- knighthood for his exhaustive research and Foley’s vitae, which runs to 17 pages, is rian and that’s what He wants me to do.”

PAGE 55 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2013 GOOD NEWSMAKER Rediscovering the Missionary Bishop Renowned Catholic historian Dr. Patrick Foley discusses his dedication to Church history and his new book about Jean-Marie Odin, Texas’ first bishop

BY JERRY CIRCELLI / CORRESPONDENT

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, DR. PATRICK FOLEY HAS BEEN SOLIDLY FORMED IN HIS FAITH BY ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE BISHOPS EVER TO SET FOOT ON THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT. A Catholic Dr. Patrick Foley at home in his office historian who has made his home with his latest book, Missionary Bishop: in the Diocese of Fort Worth Jean-Marie Odin in Galveston and New for 38 years, Foley has spent the Orleans. French-born Odin first set past two decades researching and foot in America in 1822, and in 1847 writing about the life of Jean- he became the first bishop of the Marie Odin, the first bishop of the Diocese of Galveston, encompassing Diocese of Galveston, which once the entire state of Texas. (Photo by spanned the entire state of Texas. Jerry Circelli / NTC) The result of Foley’s work is a fascinating must-read biography entitled, Missionary Bishop: Jean- of Texas, restored Catholic prin- Marie Odin in Galveston and New ciples, and lit a fire in the spirit of Orleans. (See “Book Review: Mis- the faithful. And he did it under sionary Bishop” on page 54). constant threat from marauding Although his work in Comanches, yellow fever epidem- America spanned nearly 50 years, ics, and other challenges faced on starting in 1822, Odin has clearly the Texas frontier. reached across the centuries and “His main concern was that connected with us in our modern no matter what the history of the times through Foley. The histo- country was, and those were dif- rian has been immersed in Odin’s ficult times, it was that the priests, diaries, letters, and other writ- the nuns, and brothers be able to ings that have, before now, been carry out their mission,” Foley tucked away in historical archives. said. Of the three books Foley has Foley also explained that written, in addition to more than Texas Catholic flock, the greater in the mid-1800s. Catholicism Odin was a man who stood up 50 others to which he has contrib- his respect grew. had fallen into decline, along with for Catholicism and its Christian uted his talents, the author’s work “He is one of my great he- many of the Church’s missions doctrines. on Odin is the most gratifying, roes,” Foley said. “It’s because of during that time. Odin brought The historian and author said he said. what he stood for.” in devout priests to replace those when he hears about the growing “I was just drawn in by this In the course of his work who had fallen away from their travesty of abortion, the increas- great missionary,” said Foley, in Texas during its years as a faith, legally reclaimed and rebuilt ing legal sanctions of same-sex adding that the more he learned republic and then a state, Odin churches whose titles had been about the first shepherd of the literally re-evangelized residents acquired by the new government CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

PAGE 56 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER/ OCTOBER 20132013