‘Singing Priest’ Faith Value Most Americans of faith value religion returns in their life. How important is religion in West your life? Fr. Arturo Pestin, left, who very somewhat was called back to his home 49% 40% diocese in the Philippines in CATHOLICS 2006 after serving in Midland, returned to the 65% 28% Diocese of San Angelo and PROTESTANTS was installed as parochial ANGELUSServing the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas administrator in Fort 72% 18% Volume XXVIII, No. 10 OCTOBER 2007 Stockton in September. MUSLIMS

Dioce-Scenes/Pg. 20 Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life: July 6, 2007 ©2007 CNS October 2007 S M T W T F S FESTIVAL SEASON ‘I am grateful 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 for Catholicism 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 over the years’

THIS MONTH By Jimmy Patterson daily email spiritual jour- in the Diocese Editor nal called “GodIssues” West Texas Angelus and distributes it to over 13 -- Fall Festival, St. Mary 10,000 recipients. Denison Queen of Peace, Brownwood DALLAS -- Dr. Jim spent the last few days of 14 -- Fall Festival, St. Boniface, August and most every Olfen. Denison, who pastored Midland’s First Baptist day of September writing 18 -- Celebration of White Mass about the deep meanings (for those in medical professions), Church from 1988-94, Sacred Heart Cathedral, San recently completed a of ’s book, Angelo, 6:30 p.m. nearly month-long study which is already being 21 -- Fall Festival, St. Ambrose, Wall into Mother Teresa’s hailed as a book that may 21 -- Body of Christ, Diocesan High posthumously released one day go down as one of School Youth Event, UTPB, Odessa. book “Come Be My the most important spiritu- 26-28 -- Marriage Encounter Light,” praising the tradi- al works ever written. Weekend, Midland “I have been grateful 28 -- Priesthood Sunday tions and liturgy of the church. for Catholicism across NOVEMBER 3-4 -- Special the years,” Denison said. Collection for Sister Diocese in San Denison, currently Pedro Sula, Honduras. C.V. Pickett, left, Eloy Rodriguez and Kenneth Dye, of St. Therese Parish in Carlsbad, Pastor of Teaching at “I'm grateful for the DIOCESAN DATES/Pg. 4 work to prepare sausage for the combined Fall Festival at Carlsbad’s St. Therese and St. Park Cities Baptist Church's traditions and

FESTIVAL CALENDAR/Pg. 5 Paschal in Sterling City Sept. 16 Photo courtesy Ginger Bruton/St. Therese Church in Dallas, writes a (Please See DOUBTS/17)

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED ADDRESS SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 TX ANGELO SAN INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ANGELUS... SAN OF DIOCESE ANGELO

From the Bishop’s Desk Priesthood Sunday From the Editor 1829 BOX PO October is a special Parishioners throughout the When the paperwork is month dedicated to Diocese of San Angelo will signed and the differ- our Blessed Mother have the opportunity to express ences resolved, whatever under the title of Our building ultimately springs their thanks, gratitude and up in S. Midland will bear Lady of the Rosary. prayer to their pastors as a way As this year’s feast the name of Father Tom of celebrating Priesthood Kelley, the much loved falls on Sunday, it is priest who resurrected not given a special Sunday, observed this year on Sunday, October 28. This year, southsiders and filled liturgical recognition. them with not only the Holy Spirit but the However, I encourage our parishes the World Marriage Encounter spirit of empowerment./Pg. 3

during this month to have some spe- has designated the same day

US POSTAGE US PAID

OPOI ORG. NONPROFIT SAN ANGELO, TX ANGELO, SAN cial devotion to remember Mary as World Priest Day. Festival Season 44 NO. PERMIT under her title of Our Lady of the Catholic reflections on Diocesan Briefs/Pg. 2 All around the diocese, it’s party Rosary. I will pray the Living Rosary time as parishes hold their with the children of the city of San ‘Come Be My Light’ Pg. 16 annual festivals. Angelo on Oct. 9./Pg. 2 Story, Photos/Pgs. 8-9

Web Site: www.san-angelo-diocese.org Daily Blog: www.theangelusonline.wordpress.com Page 2 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus

From the Bishop’s Desk Special anniversaries of Mary’s apparitions are upcoming By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI 1917. These children were the bearers of Marian mes- whatever Jesus asks us to do. She especially is there Diocese of San Angelo sages that had great influence on world events. to help us do what Jesus wants us to do in moments February 11, 2008 will mark the 150th anniversary of temptation and trials, reminding us that as a loving October is a special month dedicated to our Blessed of the apparition of Mary at Lourdes, France in 1858. mother she will always protect us. Mary is our moth- Mother under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. As During that beautiful apparition to Bernadette, Mary, er, but first she is our sister in faith and the great this year’s feast falls on Sunday, it is not given a spe- as she had done in other apparitions, asked that we model of how we are to follow Jesus in a spirit of cial liturgical recognition. However, I encourage our pray often the rosary and that we devote ourselves to humility, love and surrender. At the Annunciation, parishes during this month to have some special prayer and penance as we strive to make every effort Mary gave us the theme song of her life: “Behold, I devotion to remember Mary under her title of Our to follow her son, Jesus Christ. During this appari- am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me Lady of the Rosary. I will pray the Living Rosary tions Mary announced herself to little Bernadette as according to your word.” [Luke 1:38] Bishop with the children of the city of San Angelo on Oct. 9. the Immaculate Conception and it was only four years The anniversary of these special apparitions and all Michael D. The months of October 2007 and February 2008 earlier the Pope had proclaimed the dogma of the feast days of Mary are moments for all of us to renew Pfeifer, OMI mark special anniversaries of two great apparitions of Immaculate Conception of Mary. our devotion to her as the mother of God and mother Mary that have had great impact not only on the spiri- As we reflect on these wonderful apparitions of of the Church and our mother. We especially honor tual life of the Church, but also on the direction and Mary, we recall that she only gave us one command her by praying the rosary, but we show that we are history of our contemporary world. On October 13, in all of sacred Scripture—“Do whatever He tells her true children by striving to imitate her example of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, we recall this year you.” [John 2:5] These words of Mary from the wed- love, hope, and faith as our sister in faith by living the 90th anniversary of the apparition that Mary made ding feast of Cana, remind us that the only thing that each day the best way we can the will of God for our to the three peasant children in Fatima, Portugal in she wants for us as our Mother is that we follow circumstances of life.

DIOCESAN BRIEFS October devotions nership update, an afternoon break, Eucharist Financial assistance will be especially appreci- Czech Heritage Month Join us for the Recitation of the Most Holy and dinner. A dance is scheduled to begin at ated this year, to help in recovery efforts from The 76th Texas Legislature has declared Rosary and the offering of flowers to Our Lady, 6:30 p.m. the flooding caused in September by Hurricane October as Czech Heritage Month in Texas, a Monday through Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Our For more information, call Sister Adelina Felix. commemoration dating back to July 1999. Lady of Guadalupe , 1401 Garcia, OSF, at the Office of Education and The Diocese of San Pedro Sula includes The Czech Heritage Society of Texas will be Garden Lane, Midland. Mass outside of the Formation, Diocese of San Angelo (325) 651- part of the Caribbean coast of Honduras. The celebrating its 25th anniversary and in the Shrine will follow at 7 p.m. For more informa- 7500. Chamelecon and Ulua River valleys also sus- Diocese of San Angelo, Bishop Michael Pfeifer tion, call the church at 432.682.2581 issued the following decree in support of the tained a good deal of flooding. While the hurri- Priesthood Sunday observance: White Mass on Oct. 18 Parishioners throughout the Diocese of San cane lost much of its punch when it hit land, “In accord with the request of the Czech The diocese’s first White Mass, celebrating Angelo will have the opportunity to express their the rainfall caused some damage. In the area Heritage Society of Texas and to show our those in the health care industry, will be at 6:30 thanks, gratitude and pray for their pastors as a of Santiago, the corn and bean crops were appreciation for the great contribution the p.m., Thurs., Oct. 18, at Sacred Heart way of celebrating Priesthood Sunday, destroyed and there was some loss of homes. Czech people have made to the Catholic Cathedral in San Angelo. observed this year on Sunday, October 28. Some people were lost in the floods. Church in Texas and to the wider community, I The White Mass coincides with the obser- The observance is also used to promote Bishop Michael Pfeifer has already sent a gift am very happy to proclaim October as “Czech vance of the Feast of St. Luke, patron saint of prayers for vocations to the priesthood and reli- to the Diocese of San Pedro Sula. Leticia Heritage Month” in the Diocese of San Angelo. I the medical profession, also on Oct. 18. gious life. Parishioners are also encouraged by ask that all pray for God’s blessings upon the Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his Bishop Pfeifer to prepare a dinner or party for Velasquez of the Diocesan Partnership Team wrote, "Thank you to the economic help sent to generous Czech people who have done so name and the Acts of the Apostles, has been their pastor or pastors. much to make us what we are today. God’s our diocese, for the prayers and the message of identified by St. Paul as "beloved physician." This year, the World Marriage Encounter has peace.” White in the term White Mass refers to the designated the same day as World Priest Day. Bishop Pfeifer. Thank you for your concern and Sincerely in Christ, traditional color of the garb worn by medical The diocese traditionally celebrates Priesthood friendship, which unite us and shorten the dis- Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer professionals. Sunday on the last Sunday of October. tances between us." Bishop of San Angelo ‘Body of Christ’ Youth Event Marriage Encounter Weekend The annual, Diocesan High School Youth Married Couples: Marriage Encounter offers Event, will be from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. a weekend experience designed to give cou- 21, at the University of Texas-Permian Basin ples the opportunity to learn a technique of lov- gymnasium in Odessa. ing communication that they can use for the Themed “The Body of Christ,” this year’s event rest of their lives. The next Marriage Encounter will feature Tammy Amosson is an author, speak- weekend will be in Midland on Oct. 26-28. For er, itinerant minister and workshop facilitator. She more information or to register for the weekend, is the founder of Spiritual Fitness Ministry, dedi- call Valentin and Maria Gomez 325.835.7044 or cated to encouraging those seeking to live rela- email [email protected]. tionally in mind, body, soul and spirit. Registration is $20; late registration, post- marked after Oct. 13, is $25. Fees cover registra- Special collection for sister tion, supper and a dance Saturday evening. diocese, San Pedro Sula Doors open at 9 a.m. Oct. 21, and the day Each year the parishes of the Diocese of begins with welcome, an opening prayer and San Angelo take up a special collection for the music and games at 10 a.m. Tammy will begin Diocese of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. This the first of two presentations at 11:15 a.m. Also year's collection dates are November 3 & 4. on the day’s agenda, lunch, a Honduras part- The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 3

From the Editor Working Together What Fr. Tom Kelley stood for in life should stand today when honoring his legacy

By Jimmy Patterson

ith all the buildings and businesses that have sprouted up around the Rankin Hwy.-Interstate 20 Wcorridor beautifying and otherwise “corporatizing” the southside of Midland, it's interesting to think that maybe the most important addition to this part of town is still just a dream in the minds of folks like Luisa Valencia and hundreds of others. What will do this part of town an even greater good is a library bearing the name of one of the most influential people who ever graced this oft-neglected acreage south Thousands protested immigration policy in Los Angeles recently. CNS Photo of Front St. What's preventing dream from becoming Patterson reality, at least right now, Valencia says, is Our best should formulate new immigration policy the Midland County Commissioners refusing to allow the library to be termed a "learning center." Librarians are librar- By Bishop Michael Pfeifer Congress, and failed our nation. This of the more serious and complicated ians and have degrees in applied library science, but they are debate was truly a case of more heat issues we face as a nation. This should often not educators in the strict sense. Supporters were hop- The recent national debate on immi- than light, more passion than progress. not surprise us, but it should not dis- ing for a learning center, a place where children can receive gration reform was a failure. At its Often, anger trumped wisdom, myths suade us either. The issue about immi- tutoring; commissioners will approve only a "library." core, immigration is about workers overwhelmed facts, and slogans gration reform is frustrating and com- It is that one item that seems to be at least temporarily who come to our land to try to secure replaced solutions. plicated, and sparks much emotion. But holding up the process, but one thing is for certain: When better lives for themselves and their After this recent debate in our we have to do better. We have to find a the paperwork is signed and the differences resolved, what- families by their labor. The recent vital Congress, we are a society more divid- way to re-start the discussion, to re- ever ultimately springs up at Wolcott and Gist will bear the national immigration discussion polar- ed, a people more confused, and a name of Father Tom Kelley, the much loved priest who lift- ized our people, paralyzed the nation unable to move forward on one (Please See IMMIGRATION/6) ed up southsiders and filled them with not only the Holy Spirit but the spirit of empowerment. It will be three years this coming February since Fr. Tom Del Escritorio del Obispo died, but his impact is still felt every day, not just by Our Lady of San Juan Catholic Church parishioners, but by any Anniversarios especiales de las apariciones de Maria southsider who ever voted, or who ever drove a kid to school on the southside or had a child bused somewhere por el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer losas apariciones de María que han igual como en otras apariciones, else in this town. Fr. Tom's impact is still there, felt tangibly tenido un gran impacto, no sola- nos pidió que recemos frecuente- by the many people who have endured and lived their entire Octubre es un mes especial dedi- mente en la vida espiritual de la mente el rosario y que nos lives in south Midland. And it is felt by many, many others cado a nuestra Madre Bendita bajo Iglesia, sino también en la direc- dediquemos a rezar y hacer peni- in this town as well. el título de Nuestra Señora del ción e historia de nuestro mundo tencia mientras nos esforcemos "He touched the lives of so many people," Valencia told Rosario. Como este año este día de contemporáneo. El 13 de octubre, hacer cada esfuerzo de seguir su me. "One of the things he loved so much was the children fiesta cae en domingo, no se da la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de hijo, Jesucristo. Durante estas around him. He established several scholarships for children reconocimiento especial litúrgica. Fátima, recordaremos este año el apariciones, María se anunció a to attend St. Ann's School and receive an education." Sin embargo, anímo a nuestras 90 aniversario de la aparición que Bernadita como la Concepción Pfeifer parroquias que durante este mes María hizo a 3 niños campesinos Inmaculada y solo habían sido cua- There are several things I will always remember about Fr. tengan una devoción especial para en Fátima, Portugal en 1917. Estos tro años antes que el Papa había Tom. One was the fact that he converted the cry room at recordar a María bajo su titulo de niños eran portadores de mensajes proclamado el dogma de la church into a chapel. Fr. Tom wanted the church's cry room Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Marianos que tuvieron gran influ- Inmaculada Concepción de María. to become a 24/7 place of holiness where people could pray Rezaré el Rosario Viviente con los encia en eventos mundiales. Al reflexionar en estas maravil and feel the real presence of Jesus Christ. niños de la ciudad de San Angelo El 11 de febrero del 2008 mar- losas apariciones de María, When Fr. Tom called for the cry room to be converted el 9 de octubre. cará el aniversario 150 de la apari- recordemos que nos dio solo un into a chapel, he knew he would have to answer calls of Los meses de octubre del 2007 y ción de María en Lourdes, Francia concern -- Where are we going to put the children when febrero del 2008 marcarán aniver- en 1858. Durante esa hermosa they become noisy?, those concerns came. sarios especiales de dos maravil- aparición a Bernadita, María, al (Mira OBISPO/18) (Please See KELLEY/17) Page 4 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus DIOCESAN DATES Amnesty International betrays basic mission Bishop’s Calendar by rejecting the most fundamental right: birth OCTOBER By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI How sad. These words of divine the USA. He stated, “The essential 11-12 -- SAN ANTONIO, Board Meeting of MACC 13-15 -- OKLAHOMA CITY, Meeting of the Holy Sepulchre defiance of Kate will come back to work of protecting human life and 16 -- ABILENE, Holy Family – Talk to RCIA Groups at 6:30 p.m. At its recent meeting in Mexico haunt her. promoting human dignity must carry 17 -- CRANE, Good Shepherd – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. City, Amnesty International In an August 20th interview with on, but we will seek to do so in 18 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – White Mass at 6:30 p.m. approved for the first time an abor- Vatican Radio, Cardinal Tarcisio authentic ways, working most close- 20-21 -- BEAUMONT, St. Anthony Cathedral – Centenary Mass tion-rights policy. The Amnesty Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, ly with organizations who do not 25 -- ABILENE, Sacred Heart – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m. International Executive Committee also commented on Amnesty’s oppose the fundamental rights to life 26 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – Diocesan Liturgy supported this measure despite indi- recent decision. He spoke specifical- from conception to natural death.” Comm. cations that substantial numbers of ly to the reasons behind the pro- Father Frank Pavone, the founder 26-28 -- SAN ANTONIO, Youth Retreat at the Grotto members disapproved. International abortion change—namely, to protect and director of Priests for Life, told 30 -- MIDLAND, St. Stephen – Speak to RCIA Groups at 6:30 p.m. polling in the U.K. chapter showed women who are victims of sexual LifeNews.com about his concern a plurality against it. assault. “Certainly one must combat over the decision. “Amnesty NOVEMBER In preparation for the meeting in violence against women, the inhu- International was founded to protect 1 -- SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – All Saints Day Mass , Mexico City, Kate Gilmore, man form of violence which is rape, human rights, yet it now treads upon Noon Amnesty’s deputy secretary-general, and struggle together to defend the the most fundamental human right, 2 -- SAN ANGELO, – Calvary Cemetery – All Souls Day Mass, 11 a.m. criticized the Catholic Church’s dignity of women, of any woman,” the right to life,” said Fr. Pavone. 3 -- SAN ANGELO, – Mass to remember the 375th Anniversary of the opposition to this policy stating that the cardinal said. “To fail to protect the right to life Founding of the First Mission in Texas on Rio Concho Drive at 10 a.m. “Our purpose invokes the law and However, he said, one can never renders suspect one’s advocacy of 4 -- SAN ANGELO, – San Angelo Coliseum – Feast of Sharing the state, not God.” Kate, Amnesty, push for the taking of another any other human right.” 5-7 -- PITTSBURGH, Oblate Convocation since it was born was all about God. human life, “even if it is the fruit of In reviewing the history of the 9-11 -- DES MOINES, Iowa – National Catholic Rural Life Conference Amnesty from its very beginning violence,” and added, “Violence foundation of Amnesty 11-15 -- BALTIMORE – Annual Meeting of the National Conference of was God-centered, respecting the cannot be answered with violence, International, one will see that in the Catholic Bishops divine image in each individual. murder with murder.” mind of its founder, who converted 16-17 -- Rest and Prayer Amnesty International has now Bishop William Skylstad, to Catholicism, God—the Divine— 18 -- WINTERS, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - Mass at 8:30 a.m. not only alienated itself from the President of the U.S. Conference of had a special place to play in the 19 -- SAN ANGELO, Staff Mass at 8:30 a.m. and Staff meeting at 11:00 Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted that good work of Amnesty a.m. Catholic Bishops, who pleaded for Amnesty International’s abortion International, St. Margaret – Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Amnesty to not approve this new policy used the same language that 20 -- SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – Audit Meeting of the abortion policy, but also from God. has allowed on-demand abortion in (Please See AMNESTY/18) Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Finance Council 22 -- SAN ANGELO,, Sacred Heart Cathedral – Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:00 a.m. Combating pornography with the law 23-25 -- Rest and Prayer 27 -- MIDLAND, St. Ann – 7 p.m. Pastoral Visit By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI pornography industry are strewn from assumption, and every law legislates 29 -- BIG SPRING, Mass at Cornell Unit Prison 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. coast to coast. They include sexually morality. Think of all the criminal The White Ribbon Against abused children, corrupted teens, laws—those against theft, rape, mur- Pornography [WRAP] Campaign, degraded and violated women, addict- der, robbery, and so forth. Defining Christ The King Retreat Center October 28-November 4, is a splendid ed men, broken marriages, ruined what is morally right and wrong is and 12-14 -- Diaconate Training Program time to reflect on the role of law in neighborhoods, AIDS victims, and always has been the essence of the 15 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Group combating pornography. ultimately the very soul and humanity legislative function. Public morals are 16 -- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5-6 p.m. Some would allege that you are of a nation. the business of the entire community, 19 -- Bishops’ Staff Day of Reflection advocating censorship by urging Others object to restrictions on and it is public morality that obscenity 19-21 -- Engaged Encounter enforcement of state and federal pornography, alleging that there is no laws are designed to safeguard. 22 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Group obscenity laws. The fact is that clear definition on the books. The def- The pornography business takes the 23 -- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament obscenity is not protected speech, and inition given by the Supreme Court beauty of real love and converts it into 25-28 -- Women’s Walk to Emmaus enforcement of obscenity laws is not isn’t perfect, but it is workable. Again, soulless, commercialized slime. The 29 -- Heart of Mercy Prayer Group “censorship,” anymore than enforce- the fact is that before sexual material porn-fighters protect healthy sexuality 30 -- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5-6 p.m. ment of laws against child pornogra- can be judged obscene and therefore with the key ingredients of love, ten- phy, fraud, perjury, and treason. unprotected by the First Amendment, derness, commitment, and the privacy NECROLOGY-NOVEMBER Others propose that since pornogra- a judge or jury must determine: 1) of intimate moments. phy is prevalent, American people that the average person, applying con- Our society was founded on the 10 -- Rev. James Coleman (2002) must want it and accept it. The fact is temporary community standards, concept of “ordered liberty.” No soci- 19 -- Rev. Frank Zimmerman, C.M. (1999) that almost every national poll has would find that the work, taken as a ety will long prosper – let alone sur- 23 -- Rev. Colm Mulligan MSC (2003) shown that the majority of Americans whole, appeals to prurient interests; 2) vive – with a government powerless to 27 -- Rev. Michael Dwyer MSC (1997) are opposed to the traffic in pornogra- that the work depicts or describes, in a protect public morality and people phy and support legal measures to patently offensive way, sexual content incapable of or unwilling to exercise Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Workshops curb it. The majority care, but they specifically defined by the applicable restraint. Enforcement of obscenity San Angelo Deanery are confused and discouraged in the law; and 3) that the work, taken as a laws alone will not eliminate all hard- October 23 -- Tuesday, St. Ann, Sonora, 6:30-9:30 pm face of a highly organized pornogra- whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, core pornography, but enforcement Midland/Odessa Deanery phy industry and its defenders. political, and scientific value. will reinforce the message that October 18 -- Thursday, St. Joseph, Fort Stockton, 6:30-9:30 pm Some individuals would state that Some would say that you cannot legis- pornography is a moral and social October 22 -- Monday, Sacred Heart, McCamey, 6:30-9:30 pm pornography is a victimless crime. late morality. However, reviewing the evil. The truth is that the victims of the laws shows all law rests on moral The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 5 PARISH FESTIVALS Diaconate Candidates, Diocese of San Angelo, Texas, September 2007 Oct. 13 -- St. Mary Queen of Peace, Brownwood St. Mary Queen of Peace will hold its annual Fall Festival Sat., Oct. 13th, 10 am- 5 pm, featuring a live and silent auction, Country Store, Mystery Gifts, Loteria, chil- dren's petting zoo and activities, games and inflatables for youth, and delicious food including Gorditas.

Oct. 13-14 -- St. Ann's, Colorado City, TX The St. Ann’s Fall Festival will be at the Mitchell County Ag Barn in Colorado City, Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10:00am--12:00am, and Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. --7 p.m. (Menudo sales begin at 8 a.m.!) The festival will be two days of great food and lots of fun and entertainment for the entire family! Also featuring a cake & pie baking contest, washer tournament, silent auction, music, dancing and much, much more!

Oct. 14 -- St. Boniface, Olfen Saint Boniface Fall Festival Sun., Oct. 14 Featuring Homemade Sausage made in Olfen by parishioners. 11 am. Dining Room Lunch Meal ($7 Plates-to-go & Drive-thru) Noon--Games & Entertainment; 1 pm. Auction Festivities; 3 pm. Candy Drop , Dressing & Sausage Meal Adults $7, Children 10 & Under $4 Oct. 21 -- St. Ambrose, Wall St. Ambrose Fall Festival, 11 am- 2 pm Turkey, Dressing, Sausage Dinner Adults $7.00, Child $3.00 Oct. 21--Sacred Heart, Coleman Diaconate candidates and their wives. A deacon, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is “a servant to all.” The 27th annual Texas Fiesta at Sacred Heart is scheduled for 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 21 on San Saba Street in Coleman. An authentic Mexican Dinner will be served Bishop accepts 31 into diaconate program from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and will feature enchi- ladas, tacos, beans, rice, salad, drinks and a dessert. Plates $6 adults, $3 children. Children’s games, horseshoe tournament, Candidates publicly declare intention to seek ordination as deacon cow patty bingo, concessions, silent auction, country store, cake walk and more. Team On Saturday, Sept. 8, Bishop Michael D. ing their intentions, Bishop Pfeifer accepted bution of Holy Communion, in assisting at signups begin Oct. 1 ... bids on cow patty Pfeifer, OMI accepted 31 men to be “candi- them as Candidates for the permanent dia- and blessing marriages, in the proclamation bingo open Oct. 1. Dinner and raffle tickets dates” for the permanent diaconate. The conate. of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding on sale now from parishioners. Rite of Candidacy was celebrated at the The Sacrament of Holy Orders can be cel- over funerals, and in dedicating themselves Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart in San ebrated no more than three times in a man’s to the various ministries of charity.” Oct. 28 -- Angelo Angelo. Moreover, the wives of these men life. The first celebration of the Sacrament In the summer of 2005, a diaconal team Catholic School along with other family members and friends of Holy Orders occurs at his ordination to was assembled and it began to review appli- The ACS Oktober Fiesta is October 28 on the Holy Angels Campus from 10 a.m.-4 celebrated this important and ancient ritual. the diaconate. The second celebration cations of men to study for the permanent p.m. The Rite of Candidacy is a liturgical event occurs at his ordination to the priesthood. diaconate. By November 2005, 48 husbands in which the man publicly declares his inten- And, the third celebration occurs at his ordi- and wives began meeting monthly at Christ Nov. 11 -- St. Joseph, Rowena tion to seek ordination and requests that the nation to the episcopacy (bishop). the King Retreat Center, preparing and dis- The 85th Annual St. Joseph Fall Festival in Rowena will be held Sun., Nov. 11. The bishop formally accept him to be a candidate Interestingly, an archbishop or a cardinal or a cerning God’s call. Since that time, 31 men theme is "We Remember" continuing the for the permanent diaconate, allowing him to pope is appointed to this position by an remain active in study and discernment centennial year and also honoring and proceed in study and discernment. In the “installation” and not by means of a sacra- of this vocation. This discernment process remembering military veterans. Noon Meal of liturgy, Bishop Pfeifer acknowledged that the ment. for the permanent diaconate is multi-faceted turkey, dressing, Rowena German sausage and all the trimmings, auction, pastors and teachers in charge of their for- Perhaps the role of a deacon is best and not limited to one man. Rather, there games, Country Store. Some of the mation had given a favorable account of expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic are several groups involved in the discern- Centennial displays will be up for those who their progress. Bishop Pfeifer asked these Church #1570, which reads, “…the ‘deacon’ ment of a Candidate: the man, the wife, the did not make it to the Centennial men if they were resolved to complete their [is a] servant of all. Among other tasks, it is pastor, the educators, the diaconal team, and Celebration. The day begins with flag raising ceremonies at the new Veterans Monument preparation and if they would commit them- the task of deacons to assist the bishop and the bishop. All discern actively God’s will dedicated at the Centennial. selves to prepare their mind and spirit to pro- priests in the celebration of the divine mys- vide faithful service in charity. After declar- teries, above all the Eucharist, in the distri- (Please See DIACONATE/17) Page 6 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus Concho Valley CARES to move from talk to action OBITUARIES Henrietta Wilke San Angelo community leaders stress importance of making progress in drug epidemic

Concho Valley CARES met Thursday, Committees continued to take shape as Ministered in Holy Redeemer Sept. 20, 2007, to continue work spear- On Page 8: attendees signed up and chairmanships Parish, Odessa from 1986-1989 headed earlier this year by Bishop were filled. Committee members sched- Michael Pfeifer to address the substance ! Midland Drug Task Force uled meetings to begin taking action based SISTER HENRIETTA WILKE, O.L.V.M., abuse problem in West Texas and provide hears from students; also on the group’s discussions and will report age 81, a resident of Victory Noll, died on community solutions. plans to begin action meas- to the “Core Group” in a meeting August 25, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. in Holy Family Representatives from SAISD, youth, October 22 at 1 p.m.. Health Care Center at social service agencies, the San Angelo ures; Concho Valley CARES continues to Victory Noll, Huntington, Chamber, media, law enforcement, judi- ! Almost 300 Andrews par- investigate the possibility of applying for . cial system, religious groups and business the Weed and Seed Grant offered by the ents, community members Sr. Henrietta entered the members all attended the meeting held in Department of Justice. Sanchez and Congregation of Our Lady the administrative offices of SAISD. Heather Ward, Director of Family hear from Sheriff Bud Jones of Victory Missionary Sisters Eric Sanchez, director of the Alcohol about their town’s problem Services for the Children’s Advocacy and Drug Abuse Council of the Concho Center of Tom Green County, met with on October 27, 1944 and Valley moderated the meeting and led dis- ! Big Lake’s ‘Friends of Tim Vasquez, San Angelo Chief of Police, made first vows on August cussion while encouraging active partici- Hope’ program. to discuss collaboration on this effort. 5, 1947. She also served in pation on identifying the community’s Currently, the CV CARES (Concho the missions in Arizona, students voiced their perspectives regard- Sister California, Colorado, risk/protective factors. Valley Community Action and Resources Henrietta Wilke Sanchez stressed the importance of ing the drug problems on high school for Empowerment and Success) member- , Indiana, moving from discussion to action and campuses, as well as, provide suggestions ship includes 28 local agencies and nine , Utah and Vermont. She also urged attendees to sign up for committees for solutions that included parental private individuals and welcomes anyone served at Odessa’s Holy Redeemer Catholic and begin working toward goals and involvement and peer-to-peer education. in the community ready to work for Church from 1986-89, and as coordinator of objectives adopted by CV CARES. The possibility of a teen court along the change. For more information on the Victory Noll for a total of 13 years (Holy Dr. Carol Bonds, SAISD superintendent line of the program in Midland, Texas, efforts of CV CARES, contact the Family and OLV Buildings). welcomed guests and shared programs was discussed. Catholic Diocese of San Angelo at 325- Sister Henrietta was born in St. Rose, Ill., on currently underway in the school system The students’ comments and concerns 651-7500 or the Alcohol & Drug Abuse January 12, 1926 to Stephen Wilke and Mary to address substance abuse. generated questions from the group about Council for the Concho Valley (ADAC- Tebbe Wilke. She is survived by her sisters, S. The participants listened while SAISD their suggestions and experiences. CV) at 325-224-3481. Martha Wilke, OLVM, S. Priscilla Wilke, OLVM, both residing at Victory Noll, Mary Ann Hempen of St. Rose, Ill., Bertha Kluemke IMMIGRATION: Present status quo unacceptable, unsustainable of Breese, Ill., and Irma Korte of Highland, Ill., and by a brother, Andrew Wilke of St. Rose, Ill. (From 3) have to find ways to bring these people out in our dialogue with other countries espe- Her brother, Raymond Wilke, preceded her in of the shadows, to protect them from cially with our neighbors to the south. death. exploitation and to regularize their status Both sides in the last national debate on A vigil service was held August 27, with call- engage the hard issues, to search for practi- for their sake, and for the sake of our immigration fell short sometime. In this ing one hour prior to the service at Victory Noll cal and realistic solutions. The recent nation. discussion, we must continue to take seri- Chapel, 1900 West Park Drive. debate in our Congress brought out some !Like the rest of society, immigrant popu- ously legitimate concerns about protecting Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated of the worst in us. Now we need to draw lation includes a small number of people our borders, curbing the flow of unlawful August 28, with calling one hour prior to the on the best in us if we are ever going to who do damage to our community and immigration, the potential displacement of Mass at the Victory Noll Memorial Chapel. move forward as a whole, healthy society engage in dangerous behavior. These peo- native workers, and the possibility of Rev. Thomas Fahey presided. and nation. ple, like others who harm our society, must exploitation within guest worker programs. Burial was at the Victory Noll cemetery. There is a temptation for all of us to look be caught and punished, but their reprehen- These issues are not to be ignored, exag- McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home was in charge sible acts cannot be used to be demonize gerated, dismissed, or used as political at reality through the eyes of ideology, fear, of arrangements. or wishful thinking. However, there are millions who contribute to our economy weapons. some inescapable facts: and society. Basic morality insists as regards the !The present immigration status quo is ! One-dimensional solutions may be sim- immigration debate that the search for the Rev. Jim Delaney unacceptable and unsustainable. The sys- ple, but they are often illusions and can common good should prevail over the pur- REV. JIM DELANEY, OMI, who served at tem is broken. We need a far-reaching and make things worse. There is no fence long suit of narrow economic and political inter- comprehensive reform. enough or high enough that can wall out ests. In addition, immigration policies and Sacred Heart Church in Big Spring for more !Immigrants come to our nation because the human and economic forces that drive practices need to promote family unity and than 30 years, passed away Saturday, September they find work here that allows them to immigration. protect children. We need a different 1, 2007, at the Oblate Madonna Residence offer some hope and dignity to their fami- !Immigration reform cannot start or stop debate, a constructive discussion that nei- retirement center in San Antonio. He was 97 lies. The work they do is a contribution to at our borders. U.S. policy must help over- ther diminishes our nation nor divides our years old and in recent months had been in fail- our society. come the pervasive poverty and depriva- people, but achieves realistic, practical and ing health. !There are some 12 million undocument- tion, the violence and oppression that push principal steps toward reform. A national Rosary was at the Oblate School of Theology ed people among us, most of whom are people to leave their own lands. Policies on discussion that is based on reality, civility, Memorial Chapel September 9. workers. Our economy and communities debt and development, foreign aid and morality, and consistency – properly under- Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at depend on them. We cannot wish them global trade, poverty and unemployment, stood – can lay the groundwork for real Oblate School of Theology Memorial Chapel away or simply send them away. For prac- are essential elements of any effective progress. September 10 and burial at Oblate Cemetery. tical, economic, and moral reasons, we immigration reform, and must be included The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 7

No easy answers seen for Making Sense Out of Bioethics questions surrounding True compassion in the midst of tragedy persistent vegetative state By Fr. Thad Pacholczyk lethal doses of morphine and another Sciences, was one of the five experts Catholic News Service sedative to nine patients in the hospital. brought in by the state of Louisiana to As the floodwaters were rising in the Many who have learned of her actions analyze the deaths. He described the situ- -- As discussions continue about days after hurricane have called her a hero, believing she was ation this way: “The complete hospital the latest Vatican documents on artificial nutrition and Katrina, the situation motivated by true compassion. records, autopsy protocols and post- hydration for those in a persistent vegetative state, one went from bad to Louisiana’s Attorney General, however, mortem toxicological analyses of the nine thing is clear: Although the medical community is worse at Memorial after consulting with a panel of medical patients who died were thoroughly developing a standardized definition of what consti- Medical Center in experts, concluded that she perpetrated a reviewed by several highly experienced tutes a persistent vegetative state, no one knows pre- New Orleans. When multiple homicide. forensic pathologists, a toxicologist and cisely how many patients fall into that category. the electricity failed, While the debate continues as to what other medical experts. We unequivocally The National Institute of Neurological Disorders flashlights became Dr. Pou did or did not do, compassion concluded that the cause of death in all and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health says necessary to carry out and heroism should never be confused these cases was acute combined drug tox- patients in a persistent vegetative state "have lost simple tasks. There Fr. Pacholczyk with intentionally overdosing patients or icity and that the manner of death was their thinking abilities and awareness of their sur- was no running water. loved ones in order to end their lives. The homicide.” roundings but retain noncognitive function and nor- Human sewage streamed through the act of directly taking innocent human life These same experts also concluded that mal sleep patterns." hospital corridors. Many patients could is always incompatible with true compas- the possibility of the deaths being due to "Some patients may regain a degree of awareness not be evacuated, were crying out, and sion. a tragic medical mistake was statistically after persistent vegetative state," according to the suffered greatly in the stifling heat. Much Upon further examination of the facts unlikely. “Accidental overdoses would institute's information page on coma and persistent of the medical staff had already left. The of the case, experts have suggested that need to have occurred nine times vegetative state. "Others may remain in that state for few who remained began to think they Dr. Pou was not simply managing the between 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., all on years or even decades." might never be rescued. pain of her patients by providing them one floor, to every patient who was left A spokesman for the institute said it does not keep The conditions were “less than third with a medically indicated dose of mor- on the floor,” observed Dr. John Young, statistics on how many patients are in a persistent world,” according to Dr. Anna Maria phine. Dr. Cyril H. Wecht, past president vegetative state in the United States at any given Pou, who was accused of administering of the American Academy of Forensic (Please See BIOETHICS/19) time. Estimates from other sources, however, put the number somewhere between 10,000 and 40,000. Dr. John Collins Harvey, a physician and moral Preaching Points on In Vitro Fertilization theologian who is a senior research scholar at By John M. Haas, Ph.D., S.T.L. Pastoral Suggestions overcoming infertility in our day. Georgetown University's Center for Clinical The Nat’l Catholic Bioethics Center There is a very high incidence of infer- There are grave problems with IVF, Bioethics, puts the figure at the upper end of that Philadelphia, PA tility in our society. Acknowledge the and Catholics should avoid ever using it. range. He said it is important to note that there are suffering of infertile couples and the nat- Catholics should also understand why it two types of persistent vegetative state. Pastoral Concerns ural desire of married couples for chil- is wrong: In one type, a patient's heart stops for more than Catholic couples make use of IVF with dren. First, it goes against God’s plan for the six minutes before it is started again and the cerebral great frequency. This is a highly immoral Infertility is not a new problem. Sarah, way children are to come into the world. cortex, which he said "expresses personhood," is procedure that should be avoided. It the wife of Abraham, could not conceive, Children are to be conceived exclusively dead. Although the lower part of the brain may con- often leads to couples having to make nor could Elizabeth, the mother of John through the physical expression of love tinue to maintain the patient's breathing, heart rate terrible choices about the disposition of the Baptist. between a husband and wife. In IVF, and other bodily functions, he said, there are "no their embryonic children after the con- The Bible tells us that not any way of technicians, rather than the husband and cognitive possibilities." clusion of the procedure. There will be having a child is in accord with God’s wife, perform the actions that bring In the second type of persistent vegetative state, parishioners or family and friends of plan for our well-being. There are means about life in a glass dish in a laboratory Harvey said, patients suffer a blow to the head or parishioners who will have had children of overcoming infertility that are accept- where the reproductive cells of the hus- an alcohol- or drug-induced state that "poisons the through this procedure. There is the need able to the Church. band and wife are mixed together. cells of the cerebral cortex and knocks it for a to avoid appearing to condemn them In vitro fertilization, in which babies Second, some embryos, some tiny willy-wally." In those cases, recovery of cognitive while pointing out the grave moral prob- are brought into being in glass dishes, is functioning is possible. lems with the procedure. probably the most common approach for Please See IN VITRO/19)

Over 70,000 items in stock! Mon.-Fri. Pilgrim Journeys – Regina Tours 9 a.m.ó6 p.m. Celebrating 25 years serving Alexandra Morris, CDS g‹‚w…À· Saturday West Texas Catholics! 9 a.m.ó5 p.m. International Specialist Religious Store 325-653-8011 Let us show you some of the Christmas Fairs of as one of the ways Out of Town? Call 800-759-1807 [email protected] of Celebrating Advent and the Birth of Jesus. Consider going for the Feast of Christmass for a relaxed and peaceful experience for the whole family. Rosaries, Jewelry, Statues, Crosses, Bibles, Books, Quinceanera, Wedding and Confirmation items. [email protected] www.pilgrimjourneys.joystar.com 624 West Avenue N First Communion Dresses, Veils and gifts. San Angelo, TX 76903 Habla Espanol - Phone orders are welcome! Page 8 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus Drug Abuse in the Diocese

Midland anti-drug efforts continue Big Lake students By Jimmy Patterson Editor promote drug-free The Angelus environment with Relationships, family and the need to return to God were center stage ideas in a third meeting of community leaders in ‘Friends for Hope’ Midland as the Bishop’s Communitywide Editor’s Note: Originally published in The Drug Taskforce met to address methods to Ozona Stockman. combat the seemingly endless flow of ille- gal narcotics and alcohol abuse, particular- By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI ly among teens and young adults. Midland superintendent Sylvester As we are all aware, the drug situation is Perez’s Student Leadership Council escalating throughout West Texas. At the same answered questions submitted by the com- time, it is very encouraging to know that there munity leadership present, expressing that are new community efforts being made to they most definitely know what drugs do address this critical problem that is so detri- and expressed that having a parent serve mental to the people of our communities, espe- as a positive role model by not drinking cially to the youth. Since the huge drug raid and doing drugs would make a profound that took place in the area almost a year ago, I impression on not doing drugs themselves. have been diligently promoting efforts to bring Committee members agreed to continue together all the leadership elements of our local looking into two main areas: relationship Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter, left, and MISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Perez, at community, and surrounding communities, to based community service for offenders the bishop’s Drug Taskforce Committee in Midland, Oct. 3. address this urgent issue and to promote a drug- deemed not at risk, and the establishment tem has worked with much success, accord- dependency counselors Kerry Faudree, and free environment. There is already in our area of drug courts. ing to John Klassen, a federal prosecutor in Bruce Cooper, with PDAP, agreed that a wonderful program called Friends for Hope, Officials in Midland have expressed Midland and a member of the bishop’s task many young drug users turn to drugs based in Big Lake, led by Nina Hallmark, that interest in setting up these drug courts, a force. because of the absence of a loving and for the past few years has been making signifi- system that would require a commitment Relationship-based community service caring relationship. Such relationship- cant headway in preventing the use of drugs from a judge to meet personally with offend- would allow offenders to work off commu- based service would help in filling that and assisting those who are caught in the drug ers, take a personal interest in the progress of nity service hours mandated by assisting void. cobweb. their treatment and recovery. There is cur- people, and not carrying out chores such as The committee will meet again in After much study and many meetings by rently not such a “therapeutic drug court” in filing or taking out trash. Counselors on the November. myself and representatives of the Catholic the state of Texas, but in other states the sys- committee, including licensed chemical Churches of the area with leaders of all seg- ments of our community, and after much study Almost 300 crowd Our Lady of Lourdes in about which might be the most effective pro- gram, I am convinced that for the present, Andrews for drug awareness presentation Friends for Hope, along with its affiliate pro- gram STAR, is doing the most to help over- In line with the bishop’s come the drug problem by promoting in a drive against drugs, a proactive way a drug-free environment. Drug Awareness Basically the approach of Friends for Hope is Seminar was held at to act as an advocate for victims of family vio- Our Lady of Lourdes lence, sexual assault, and other crimes through Catholic Church Parish providing or arranging assistance through the Hall in Andrews on various services they provide. In addition September 19. Deputy Friends for Hope provides many varied pro- Mark Greenhaw and grams in the area of prevention and education, Sheriff Bud Jones were realizing that domestic violence and assault are the guest speakers. usually related to drug and/or alcohol abuse in There was even a pres- the family. entation of the Andrews The STAR program, under the umbrella of Police Dog Drug Friends for Hope, involves youth themselves in Sniffer. Allan the leadership effort to address this critical situa- Heronema, President of tion, and especially to bring a positive and the Parish Council was empowering message into our schools. the Master of Ceremonies. There (Please See HOPE/18) were 285 parents and children present. The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 9 Our Catholic Faith Parents have many questions on how to pray with their children

By Father William J. Byron, SJ words together. This is a point where a par- with those in distant lands can begin to root implications of the Christian doctrine of the Catholic News Service ent or teacher can encourage children to itself in their consciousness. Incarnation. Ever so gently, children can be imagine themselves as so many links in a A family photograph album can become a helped to see God suffering in human In 2006 I published "A Book of Quiet hand-holding ring that reaches around the prayer book, as can a school yearbook, an beings who suffer. Prayer" (Paulist Press) and am in the world. An unseen God can be imagined to address book, a scrapbook, a family tree. Talking about beautiful things is a great process of putting the be somehow, somewhere at the center of Anything that can evoke memories of days way to point to God as reflected in all final touches on its the circle -- looking out, listening, smiling. past and loved ones who have left this things beautiful as well as to suggest that sequel due in 2008, The hand being held on either side can be world can stimulate prayerful reflection God is at work behind every sunrise and "Praying With and for imagined as a small hand, big hand, young about their lives, their values, loves, sunset, behind every blooming flower or Others." So, I've had hand, old hand, black, white or yellow dreams, disappointments, achievements flying bird. But birds fall and flowers fade; some interesting conver- hand, the hand of a soldier or sailor, the and, most of all, their faith. the earth quakes and skies grow dark. sations lately with par- hand of a farmer or factory worker, the Words alone are not enough in talking So expect questions about evil, illness, ents who want to discuss hand of an athlete or movie star. Anyone at about God or sharing faith-related ideas war and natural disasters that are theologi- praying with their chil- all who can be presumed to be open to God with young children. Drawing materials cally challenging to anyone engaged in an dren. can be imagined by the child to be present have to be at hand. Spoken words or lines honest exploration of the question of what Talking to children in the circle. on paper can provide surprise responses to God is like. Dialogues with children about about God begins in infancy and develops An atlas of the world in the lap of an the question: "What is God like?" spiritual things will produce growth on both through stages marked notably by mealtime adult can be used as a prayer book for However God-talk is initiated with chil- sides of the conversation. and bedtime prayers. There is a sense of page-turning children. Their minds can be dren, elders have to be ready to say who Pray with your children and you will wonder associated with a child's idea of stretched along lines of global conscious- and what God is in their own lives as they begin to notice growth in them and also in God. ness and their hearts are opened in gratitude listen to children speak of God in theirs. yourself. Memorization of prayers is helpful for to the Creator of the world. They can be "What does God look like?" opens up a children. Very early on, children tend to encouraged to pray for children less fortu- specifically Christian avenue of reflection E-mail: [email protected]. hold hands and recite or sing prayerful nate than they are, and a sense of solidarity that draws out (literally or figuratively) the

Learning the faith: Something we can all take note ASK FATHER WEBSTERR By Tony Magliano a compilation of over 100 years of The call to become peacemakers. Catholic News Service outstanding social justice and peace Judging from letters to editors of Whatever happened documents authored by popes, the diocesan papers throughout the The start of the school year for , international United States, I find that most readers to communal youngsters and teens provides a natu- conferences of bishops and the United objecting to the social justice and ral reminder to adults that learning is States Conference of Catholic peace positions I take do so from a penance services? really a lifelong adventure! The habit Bishops. Sadly, they attract more dust purely nationalistic and/or militaristic of learning is an essential ingredient than readers. mentality. to living a wise and joyful life. And Catholic social teaching's highly While everyone is entitled to his or Q. I am wondering what hap- that especially applies to continually developed set of principles and reflec- her opinions, we are instructed by pened to communal penance learning about the faith. tions are designed to help faithful popes and bishops to base our politi- ceremonies where a group is Yet, sadly, countless adult Catholics Catholics apply the liberating mes- cal, economic, ecological and social given absolution. We had some put very little effort into deepening sage of the Gospel to catastrophic judgments first and foremost on several years ago, and I've never seen a more their knowledge of the faith. It social, economic, ecological and Catholic teaching, and not primarily pious bunch of Catholics in my life. Now I won- appears that many have come to the political problems facing humanity, on our feelings, political party affilia- der: Who decided that it must be face-to-face conclusion that having attended such as abortion, hunger, poverty, tion or the opinions of government before a priest? (Iowa) parochial elementary school, Catholic global warming and war. leaders. high school or even a Catholic col- The central themes of Catholic With over 100 years of Catholic A. I think it will help first to review the different lege, they therefore largely know the social teaching are: social teaching to learn from, where forms of the sacrament of penance, or reconcilia- faith. Not so! Actually, they have only The protection of all human life and should one begin? I suggest starting tion, offered by the church. Today there are three scratched the surface. the promotion of human dignity. with three very challenging docu- rites for celebrating this sacrament. First is the rite But when one considers the infinite The call to participate in family and ments: The Second Vatican Council's for reconciliation of individual penitents. This is the wisdom of God, the bottomless community life. Pastoral Constitution on the Church one-on-one "private" ritual similar to traditional pri- wealth of sacred Scripture and 2,000 The promotion of human rights and in the Modern World and Pope John vate confession with which most Catholics are years of holy tradition, it becomes responsibilities. Paul II's encyclicals "On Social familiar. clear that all of us still have much to The preferential option for the poor Concerns" and "The Gospel of Life." Second is the form most familiar to many learn. and vulnerable. For a summary of the aforementioned Catholics today, reconciliation of a number of peni- Nowhere else is a weakness in the The safeguarding of workers' digni- documents get a copy of the fourth tents with individual confession and absolution. As knowledge of church doctrine more ty and rights. edition of "Catholic Social Teaching: the ritual for penance points out, this form shows more evident than in the area of Catholic The building of global solidarity Our Best Kept Secret" from clearly the social or ecclesial nature of penance. Everyone social teaching. and the common good. Maryknoll's Orbis Books and the Unfortunately known as our best- The care for God's creation. Center of Concern. (Please See ASK/17) kept secret, Catholic social teaching is The universal destination of goods. Page 10 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 11 FALL FESTIVALS A Catholic Tradition Above, below and below right, festival preparation from the 2006 Max and Dorothy Schuman, St. Ann’s, Midland Fall Festival at St. Joseph's-Rowena.

Heath Wyatt and baby Kaitlee Wyatt, work on the auction com- mittee at St. Boniface in Olfen. So, too, does Bob Fuchs, far left, who one of the parish’s sausage cook- ers.

St. Joseph's Fall Festival in Rowena. 2006 Parishioners from St. Joseph's Church in Rowena prepare the beef for Festival workers prepare plates for the drive- Monsignor Larry Droll visits at the St. Ann’s Fair. the German sausage for their annual Fall Festival. Even Fr. Bhaskar thru Line. Plates consisted of turkey, dressing, Morugudi, second from left, joins in the fun. German Sausage and all the trimmings.

Last year’s St. Stephen’s Fall Festival in Midland featured Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, at far left, and, as Cookie Monster. Several fair goers also brought goods to the Helping Hands Sam Chirico, left; Morgan Pool, and Rachel Cox helped serve up truck. the funnel cake at St. Ann’s.

Future American Beauty Queen Maddie Moravcik, at St. Ann’s. Parishioners work at the St. Therese/St. Paschal Mission, a joint fair Workers with Fr. Bhaskar at St. Boniface in Olfen. operation of the church in Carlsbad and Sterling City. St. Ann’s Family Fair Photos by Karen Patterson. Page 12 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus Family YouTube: Could it be the next way to minister? By Therese J. Borchard Blue. That was cool. I could get feedback his hair to "I Feel Pretty" and Bill and Hillary depression no less? I got to re-experience that Catholic News Service immediately. I could post immediately. Clinton's rendition of "The Sopranos." seventh-grade insecurity when you're sure the Everything happened simultaneously. A virtual David Bohrman, CNN's Washington bureau popular girls won't like you. I don't consider myself a movie producer, world before my eyes! Wow! chief, told Washington Post staff writer Jose But my readers were kind. They knew it was but last week I filmed But Beliefnet wanted me to take it a step fur- Antonio Vargas: "This is the first time that risky for me to invite them even further into five short flicks. That's ther with video blogs, or vlogs as they are online video gets a seat at the table to help my world, and they appreciated that I took that right. Three of them are commonly called. elect a president." risk. "Now I know for sure you're the real already posted on At first I hesitated. Talk to my computer as if Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the thing!" one person wrote. Like I said, it's much YouTube.com. it's my best friend and have that conversation Annenberg Public Policy Center at the harder to hide behind video than text. I never, ever thought I be public property? I don't know. University of Pennsylvania, believes that Although maneuvering this new media feels would be one of those But then I did some homework. I looked at what's happening on YouTube is "the equiva- about as comfortable as driving a car for the Gen-X techno nerds doc- some YouTube videos; I studied other people's lent of the networks broadcasting the Kennedy first time (blindfolded), it is actually a religious umenting every hiccup of blogs. Video certainly added a new dimension and Nixon debate in 1960." experience because it's about connecting with her day and posting it to some sites, an authenticity of the author that I'm sure a few folks shook their heads back others by way of shared experience. So, in that online. is difficult to pull off with the right words then, thinking, "Yikes, aren't we imposing on way, YouTube is a helping hand in a variety of Borchard But I am. alone. I realized that body language and image their privacy?" ministries: like spreading faith, hope and love And you will be soon, are powerful messengers. I didn't know how I'd feel either once I saw to a world that needs it now more than ever too. And I read stories that claim the initial signa- my face and heard myself talk on YouTube. before. I started experimenting with all this new ture moments of the 2008 campaign have Would I regret making myself even more vul- Therese Borchard is a columnist for the technology when I launched my blog Beyond occurred on YouTube: John Edwards combing nerable to the public, and on the taboo topic of Catholic News Service.

Bill & Monica Dodds Boys will be boys, but why exactly?

By Bill and Monica Dodds "Boys have a lot of Huck Finn in them -- tomers of all of it, but it was the holy cards Catholic News Service they don't, on average, learn as well as girls that still can have such a strong influence by sitting still, concentrating, multitasking, today. Let's start with the top 10 reasons boys listening to words. For 20 years, I have Their general style -- featuring soft, femi- will be boys: been taking brain research into homes and nine-looking images -- came to be known 10. Mud. classrooms to show teachers, parents and as "l'art St. Sulpice." You've probably seen 9. Burps. others how differently boys and girls learn. that style: the blond, blue-eyed Jesus who 8. Dares. Once a person sees a PET or SPECT scan looks as if he had never been outside with- 7. If the squeaky of a boy's brain and a girl's brain, showing out serious sunscreen. wheel gets the the different ways these brains learn, they The heroes of the early church, Peter, grease, perhaps the understand." Andrew, John, James and all the rest, are loud voice wins the You can read more at: www.gurianinsti- so wan and delicate it appears they did not ... "discussion." tute.com/wash_post.html. have the strength to lift a fish stick let 6. Yesterday is alone a full fish net. And the saints of later long gone and The Lives of Tough-Guy Saints centuries, including those who really had to tomorrow is far, far You may be unaware of this, but a style be tough (like the North American martyrs, away. of art from the early 19th century may still for instance), appear to have gone to the 5. The bigger or Bill & Monica Dodds be influencing how your sons think about same beautician and cosmetologist. faster something is -- a truck, dinosaur, Jesus and "guy saints." Then, too, sometimes biographies of the scar, spit wad -- the cooler it is. It can be argued that those (misinformed) saints can be just as ... sappy. (Excuse us. 4. Life can be an adventure if you want it attitudes trace their roots back to Paris Just as "inaccurate.") Why? Because, Answers: to be. about 170 years ago. That was when a lot again, their was a time when that "roman- 3. Pushing, bumping, shoving, grabbing of Catholic religious material was made by tic" style was popular. 1. P and wrestling are not technically "fight- French companies in the area of the city A suggestion: Take the time to find ing." known as rue St.-Jaques and the Church of images and biographies that depict the 2. G 2. Girls will be girls. St. Sulpice. saints -- these strong-willed and coura- 3. H 1. God. (Male and female he created By 1862 some 20 firms mass-produced geous heroes of the faith -- more accurate- 4. G and marketed holy water fonts, candles, ly. The true stories of what they did despite them.) 5. P On the Web: The Hard-wiring is medals, statues, crucifixes, nativity sets, all the challenges and disappointments they Different rosaries, scapulars, lace pictures and holy faced tend to show an amazing mental, 6. H In an article in , edu- cards. physical and spiritual toughness. 7. P cator and author Michael Gurian writes: Catholics in the United States were cus- The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 13 JUST 4 KIDS Jesus tells people to listen to prophets

esus looked around at the people who had come to hear him preach. He had told them several parables about lost Jsheep, lost coins and a lost son. He had also told them about a dishonest steward and the kingdom of God. He decided to tell a story about listening to the prophets. "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and READ MORE ABOUT IT: At the same time, the emperor was seeking fine linen and dined sumptuously each day," Jesus said. "And Luke 16 a wife. He sent a painter around to lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with Q&A paint pictures of the single women. sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell 1. What happened to Lazarus after he died? When the painter returned and the emperor 2. What was the first thing the rich man looked at the paintings, he decided he want- from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his asked Abraham to do? ed to marry Rhipsime. When Rhipsime was sores." told, she did not want to marry the emperor. Jesus paused to allow his listeners to imagine the rich man BIBLE ACCENT She escaped with Gaiana, who was in The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells charge of her, on a ship bound for Alexandria. and Lazarus in their minds: a man in good health living in luxury, us: "The Gospels are the heart of the From there they continued on to a convent in a sick man living in poverty. Scriptures because they are our principal Armenia. "When the poor man died," Jesus continued, "he was carried source for the life and teaching of the incar- The king of Armenia learned that Rhipsime away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man nate Word, our Savior." The history of the was hiding in his country and ordered her Gospels is further broken down into three brought to him. He too fell in love with her also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he stages. and wanted her to marry him. She refused. was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and The first is the life and teaching of Jesus. He ordered her and many of the other sisters Lazarus at his side." The Gospels tell us of the miracles and from the convent put to death. deeds Jesus performed and the lessons he We honor these women on Sept. 29. Jesus knelt down as if he were the rich man, and he said, taught for us to learn from. "Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip The second is the oral tradition, which BIBLE TRIVIA of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering tor- means the apostles told about the life of What are the three sacraments of initiation? ment in these flames." Jesus after he had ascended into heaven. They were empowered by knowledge and Answer: baptism, Eucharist and confirma- Then Jesus stood as if he were Abraham answering the rich understanding given to them by the Holy tion. man. "My child, remember that you received what was good Spirit. during your life time while Lazarus likewise received what was The third stage is the actual writing of the PUZZLE Gospels. The authors recorded stories that After the books of the Bible listed bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. had been told and combined them with oth- below, write P if they are one of the prophets, "Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established ers that had been written down to establish a G if they are one of the Gospels or H if they to prevent anyone form crossing who might wish to go from our truthful biography of Jesus. are history: side to yours or from your side to ours." Every Mass includes a reading from one of the Gospels. 1. Isaiah _____ Then the rich man pleaded, "Then I beg you, father, send him 2. Mark _____ to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS 3. 1 Kings _____ warn them, lest they, too, come to this place of torment." St. Rhipsime 4. Luke _____ Rhipsime (d. 312) was one of a group of 5. Ezekiel ______Abraham replied, "If they will not listen to Moses and the young women who had taken vows not to 6. 2 Chronicle _____ prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise marry, but to dedicate their lives to the service 7. Amos ______from the dead." of the Lord. (Answers on Pg. 12) Page 14 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus Nation/World/Vatican Students say Jena rally a chance to take stand against racism By Peter Finney Jr. American men,” said Gabrielle Jackson, 21, said. Catholic News Service a senior psychology major from Houston and The protesters complained that previous vice president of the student government incidents of white students attacking black NEW ORLEANS — About 170 students association at Catholic-run Xavier. students did not draw similar charges. A few from Xavier University of Louisiana were “It just made me think. I have a younger days after a black student sat beneath a among thousands from across the country brother, and it could have happened to him. “whites-only” tree on school grounds in who converged on Jena, La., Sept. 20 for a You can’t allow unfair treatment of people of August 2006, three hangman’s nooses were rally protesting what they believe were any race to just happen,” she said. strung from the tree. No white students were excessive charges filed against six black Jena Among the initial charges were attempted prosecuted for committing a hate crime. High School students for beating a white murder and conspiracy to commit murder. “Basically, the message is that you can’t classmate last December. Since then the charges have been reduced to keep your eyes blind to racism,” said Reuben Local authorities estimated the crowd in second-degree battery and conspiracy to Battley, 21, a senior biology major from the tens of thousands. Members of the Xavier commit battery. Shreveport who is president of the student University student government association, LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed government association. “As students we who organized the three busloads of students Walters, the lead prosecutor, defended his should address it when things happen. A lot who made the trip, said their presence at the actions by saying it was incorrect to describe of people were calling this the new civil rally was important because the case of the the beating incident as a schoolyard fight. rights movement. I feel like this should make teens, who became known as the Jena 6, The white student was knocked unconscious, a difference.” highlights what they consider to be unequal but he was treated and released from a hospi- Jackson said she thought the rally, which treatment blacks receive from the criminal tal and attended a school ring ceremony that included hundreds of college students, belied justice system across the country. night. the perception that “African-American young “When I initially heard about it on “The injury that was done to (the white stu- people aren’t people who care, as people Protestors line the streets of Jenna, La. Facebook, what happened to them seemed to dent) and the serious threat to his survival CNS Photo be unfair treatment of some young African- has become less than a footnote,” Walters (Please See JENNA/19) Vatican: We must steer clear of ‘logic of profit’ Filipino priest named a

By Catholic News Service bishop while helping CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope out at New York parish Benedict XVI said overemphasizing the “logic of profit” can bring ruinous effects, as seen in CENTERPORT, N.Y. -- Chances are Msgr. Crispin B. global poverty and the ecological crisis. Varquez won't soon forget his experience as an assistant this The pope spoke about the demands of econom- summer at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport. ic justice during a Sunday blessing Sept. 23 at his During his working vacation in summer villa in Castel Gandolfo outside Rome. the Rockville Centre Diocese -- Earlier in the morning, he made similar remarks and what was his first trip to the during a Mass at the nearby hill town of Velletri. United States -- the Filipino Addressing several hundred pilgrims in the priest learned that Pope Benedict courtyard of his villa, the pope said money “is not XVI was going to name him a ‘dishonest’ in itself, but more than any other thing bishop. it can close people off in a blind selfishness.” On Oct. 18, he will be installed He noted that Pope John Paul II had praised Pope Benedict XVI as the bishop of Borongan in the positive elements of the modern global economy, Philippine province of Eastern especially when it leaves room for human free- ter of balance. Making a profit is not in contradiction Samar. The diocese has a dom. But Pope Benedict said his predecessor also under- with justice, he said, but the church teaches that a fair Catholic population of more than stood that capitalism should not be seen as the only valid distribution of goods takes priority. 400,000 and covers 1,675 square economic model. At a Mass celebrated outside the cathedral of Velletri, miles. It is a poor region where “The hunger and ecological emergencies point to the pope said the question of economic fairness presents people depend on farming and growing evidence that the logic of profit, if dominant, itself in crucial decisions people must make in life. fishing to survive. increases the disproportion between the rich and the poor “Fundamentally, what is involved is a decision "I look forward to the challenge," said Bishop-designate and brings a ruinous exploitation of the planet,” Pope between selfishness and love, between justice and dis- Varquez, who chose "humility and simplicity" as his episcopal Benedict said. honesty and, finally, between God and Satan,” he said. motto. "I trust so much in the grace of God." “On the other hand, when the logic of sharing and soli- The Christian, he said, is called upon to energetically "How often do you have a priest come to you in the summer darity prevail, it is possible to correct the route and ori- reject the “thirst for profit,” along with contempt for the and leave as a bishop?" asked Msgr. T. Peter Ryan, pastor of ent it toward an equitable and sustainable development,” poor and practices that exploit the poor. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. he said. In expressing generosity to others, he added, The pope emphasized that economic justice was a mat- Christians should not forget prayer. (Please See PRIEST/19) The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 15 Culture Like leaves on a tree, fall's new series are showing their colors By Harry Forbes and John Mulderig Catholic News Service Top TV Picks

NEW YORK -- As the leaves start falling The best new show on each network, as chosen by Harry Forbes and John Mulderig from the trees, so too do new network TV of the Office for Film & Broadcasting: shows seem to drop from the skies at the same time of year. Here is our considered opinion of a baker's two dozen -- that's 26 -- of new series being Pushing introduced by the five major commercial broad- Daisies cast networks this fall. If they don't succeed, don't worry; the networks will be trotting out replacements faster than you can say, "Turn it off!" Life With each new series we give a brief plot out- line based on the show's first episode, as well as "the score," our judgment on a show's entertain- Life is ment and aesthetic appeal, and "the lowdown," Wild plot points viewers may consider morally prob- lematic. We go alphabetically by network, and then alphabetically within each network by show title, including air times (all CDT) and Kid Nation premiere dates. - - - ABC miered Sept. 19. gate high-profile cases in the devastated and K-ville "Pushing Daisies," Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Highly publicized reality show -- sort of a sometimes lawless city, under the levelheaded premiered Oct. 3. pint-sized variant on PBS' "Frontier House" -- command of Capt. James Embry (John Carroll Offbeat series about a pie-shop owner wherein 40 kids, from 8 to 15 years old, Lynch), Boulet's old partner (Derek Webster) ©2007 CNS named Ned (Lee Pace) who, as a boy, discovers endeavor to rebuild Bonanza Town, N.M., tries to regain the trust he lost by deserting dur- a talent for bringing the dead back to life if he abandoned in 1885, with -- it is emphasized -- ing Katrina, while Boulet himself tries to entice tive Charlie Crews, who rejoins the police force touches them. The catches are that if he touches no adults, no parents, no teachers anywhere. his wife (Elise Neal), who has taken their after being unjustly convicted of murder and them again, they'll die, and if he lets them live (Of course, they've conveniently forgotten host daughter to live in Atlanta, to return. spending the last 12 years in prison. He's beyond one minute, someone else will die in Jonathan Karsh and the off-camera crew, but The score: Remarkably taut and edgy drama, assigned a no-nonsense partner, Dani Reese their stead. Now grown up, he's strong-armed never mind.) Four pre-chosen kid leaders com- produced and penned by "Hill Street Blues" (Sarah Shahi), and their first assignment is to by private investigator Emerson (Chi McBride) prise the town council, and in the first hour, we veteran Jonathan Lisco. Disturbingly realistic in solve the murder of a young boy. She's at first into reviving murder victims, finding out who watch how the youngsters try to organize them- places, but of high quality throughout. highly skeptical of Charlie's eccentricities (he killed them and collecting the reward money. selves, make their first meal (the pasta is a dis- The lowdown: Some crass language, ques- speaks in odd non sequiturs) and his methods When he rouses his long-lost childhood girl- aster), learn the fine points of using the commu- tionable alcohol use and violence with gore. are highly unconventional, but she grudgingly friend Chuck (Anna Friel) -- mysteriously mur- nal outhouse and cope with homesickness, "Nashville," Fridays, 9-10 p.m., premiered comes to admire him. Clearly, his prison time dered at sea -- she persuades him to use his fatigue and the like. Sept. 14. has left emotional scars (he talks to himself and power to help others. The score: Putting aside the issue of child An unscripted series that follows the profes- seems slightly unbalanced) but the experience The score: Interesting and original, done in a labor laws, and some patent contrivances inher- sional and personal struggles of some aspiring has taught him a thing or two about living, and whimsical, suspension-of-disbelief style, right ent in all these reality series, "Kid Nation" looks country singers -- including Rachel Bradshaw, the touchy-feely demeanor usually gets results. down to the fairy-tale production design, which to be quite entertaining for fans of the unscript- Matt Jenkins, Chuck Wicks and Mika Combs -- Robin Weiger is Lt. Karen Davis, who's down softens the moral implications of its life-and- ed TV genre and good family viewing as well. who have come to Nashville to seek their for- on Charlie, and Adam Arkin plays Ted Early, death premise. The sweet romance between The educational and character-enhancing tunes. Already secure in his fortune is Clint an ex-CEO and Charlie's former cellmate, who Ned and Chuck is appealing; they sleep on aspects of the show are apparent. The kids are Moseley, the heir to a private jet company and a now lives in Charlie's garage. opposite sides of a wall, which they both touch quite appealing, and it's touching to see them buddy of Chuck's. Clint's presence complicates The score: Series has an intriguing bittersweet chastely. Only time will tell how the series may rise to the occasion, as when, for instance, team things considerably when he sets his roving eye quality, and Lewis provides an appealing char- develop. A superior production, with personable leader Laurel assures weeping 8-year-old first on Rachel, then Mika. acterization, surmounting plot implausibility. leads and a grade-A cast including Kristin Jimmy that she'll substitute for his parents. The score: A generally sympathetic group of His offbeat but appealing character and general- Chenoweth, Swoosie Kurtz, Ellen Greene and The lowdown: A few crass expressions here aspirants and the chance to peek behind the ly commendable outlook on "life" may gener- Jim Dale (as narrator). and there, but otherwise the producers have scenes of the country music industry should ate fans, with the mystery behind his initial con The lowdown: Though clearly a fantasy, there taken care not to offend. prove an appealing combination for most. viction possibly providing additional interest are obvious ethical questions intrinsic to the The lowdown: Occasional crass language and beyond the solving each week's case. basic setup, including Ned allowing someone NBC close views of women in revealing swimsuits. The lowdown: Standard police procedural else to die in Chuck's stead, some crass humor, "K-Ville," Mondays 8-9 p.m., premiered stuff but with an interesting edge. Moderate such as a joke about masturbation, and moder- Sept. 17. NBC violence, brief rear nudity, occasional casual ate violence. The show's title refers to post-Katrina New "Life," Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m., premiered attitude toward sex, some crass language and Orleans, where veteran cop Marlin Boulet Sept. 26. drug references (Dani had been a user). CBS (Anthony Anderson) is joined by new partner, English actor Damian Lewis, with a convinc- "Kid Nation," Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m., pre- Trevor Cobb (Cole Hauser). As the two investi- ing Yank accent, plays mentally fragile detec- Page 16 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus Commentary: Mother Teresa The dark night or depression? By Therese J. Borchard Culligan explains what he sees as the Catholic News Service difference between the dark night and Mother Teresa founded the order with 12 sisters clinical depression, the question he is in 1950. The community is now worldwide and “If I ever become a saint — I will asked most frequently in workshops surely be one of ‘darkness,’” Mother and seminars on spiritual guidance. includes these branches and efforts. Teresa wrote in “In the dark night of spirit, there is a September of 1959. painful awareness of one’s own incom- “I will continually pleteness and imperfection in relation be absent from to God,” he writes. “However, one sel- heaven — to light dom utters morbid statements of abnor- the light of those in mal guilt, self-loathing, worthlessness darkness on earth.” and suicidal ideation that accompany Two years earlier serious depressive episodes. she wrote this to “Thoughts of death do indeed occur Calcutta’s Jesuit in the dark night of spirit, such as Borchard Archbishop ‘death alone will free me from the pain Ferdinand Perier: of what I now see in myself’ or ‘I long Canada, U.S., Mexico “There is so much contradiction in my to die and be finished with life in this Cuba, Dominican Republic soul. Such deep longing for God — so world so that I can be with God,’ but modern-day saint as a clear example of Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, deep that it is painful, a suffering con- there is not the obsession with suicide Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, clinical depression. or the intention to destroy oneself that tinual, and yet not wanted by God, Venezuela repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no The distinction between a dark night is typical of depression. zeal. Souls hold no attraction. Heaven of the soul, a spiritual dryness or “As a rule, the dark nights of sense Austria, , , Czech Republic, Denmark, England, means nothing; to me it looks like an emptiness, and depression, a physio- and spirit do not, in themselves, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, empty place; the thought of it means logical mood disorder, has long involve eating and sleeping distur- Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, nothing to me and yet this torturing intrigued me. I run into that gray area bances, weight fluctuations and other Spain, Sweden, Switzerland longing for God. Pray for me please between the dark night and depression physical symptoms (such as headaches, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria every day because my Beliefnet blog that I keep smiling at him in spite of digestive disorders, and chronic pain).” India, Goa, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand everything. For I am only his, so he “Beyond Blue” chronicles a spiritual Father Culligan also explains that has every right over me. I am perfectly journey to mental health. the dark night and depression can hap- happy to be nobody even to God.” I suffered from severe depression at pen together. He gives some examples SISTERS Some people have interpreted the St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, of people who might be experiencing • Active in direct ministry to the poorest of the poor. doubt and despair in the personal writ- Ind., where, as a religious studies both interior spiritual pain as well as ings of Mother Teresa — compiled and major, I had the great fortune of study- severe depression. • Contemplatives focused on prayer, eucharistic edited by Brian Kolodiejchuk of the ing Carmelite spirituality under Keith For that reason, he encourages spiri- adoration, spiritual works of mercy. J. Egan, one of the country’s most dis- Missionaries of Charity Fathers in a tual directors to follow a collaborative PRIESTS, BROTHERS book entitled “Mother Teresa: Come tinguished Carmelite scholars. approach in assisting others with their Be My Light” — to be a “dark night of Four years ago, Egan compiled a spiritual journey, that they consult with They profess vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and the soul,” as expressed by the Spanish book of essays from other prominent or make referrals to medical profes- Carmelite mystic St. John of the Cross. Carmelite thinkers, “Carmelite Prayer: sionals when appropriate while trying wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor. Others understand the agony of this A Tradition for the 21st Century.” In to reach the deeper place with prayer. Chapter 8, Discalced Carmelite Kevin LAY MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY Consecrated single or married Catholics who take Mainstream press gets it wrong again private vows and work to sanctify selves and families. CO-WORKERS OF MOTHER TERESA Catholic News Service "was tormented by a crisis of belief for ! Viewpoint 50 years," and that interpretation was People of any religion who share in the spirit of the Responding to editors' requests for a Blessed Mother Teresa's long spiritual echoed by numerous news outlets. order to bring God’s love to the poor and to those in regular sampling of current commen- struggle with the sense that God aban- The stories were provoked by need in their own families. tary from around the Catholic press, doned her. excerpts from the new book "Mother here is an unsigned editorial titled "Got Time magazine called it "Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light," edited by CORPUS CHRISTI MOVEMENT FOR PRIESTS it wrong, again," which appeared in the Teresa's Crisis of Faith." Bill Maher Missionaries of Charity Father Brian Sept. 2 issue of Our Sunday Visitor, a made fun of it, suggesting she was a Kolodiejchuk and published by A movement of diocesan priests worldwide that shares Doubleday. national weekly newsmagazine pub- crypto-atheist, and others gleefully con- the charism of Mother Teresa and fosters holiness and lished in Huntington, Ind. cluded that this documented the clay The book reports on, and quotes feet of the woman who the world long from, letters between Mother Teresa spiritual renewal in the church. The month of August expired with a ago anointed a saint. The London wave of "news" stories reporting on Telegraph reported that Mother Teresa (Please See TERESA/18) Source: Missionaries of Charity, Missionaries of Charity Fathers ©2007 CNS The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 17 DIACONATE: ASK: Communal penance services often still Candidates in need of prayers from all observed in many parishes at Lent, Advent (From 5) (From 9) circumstances. sins" (Introduction to the Rite of Penance, No. During the past few decades, the second 5). for this person. listens together to the word of God, examines form of the rite (prayer and reflection together Many parishes celebrate a communal A reception was held at Christ the how their lives conform or not to with opportunity for individual confession) penance service with individual confession King Retreat Center after the public cere- that word, and all support one another by their seems to be more and more common, and it and absolution several times during the year, mony. Many friends and family mem- prayer together. One or more priests are pres- enjoys nearly all the spiritual advantages of at least during Advent and Lent. There should bers were present to congratulate these ent so individual confession of sins and abso- the third form. Experiences where I have been be one or more parishes in your area where husbands and wives. It was a beautiful lution is available. pastor, and those of many other parishes you can participate and receive the sacrament reflection of how much the people appre- The third rite is also for reconciliation of a around the country, are most positive. of reconciliation this way. ciate the many deacons who provide number of penitents. It includes all the com- It is not uncommon for hundreds of people important service throughout our mon elements that the second form offers, but to participate in these ceremonies, obviously --- Diocese. It was a wonderful step forward general (not individual) absolution is given by convinced that this method of expressing sin- for these husbands and wives. Moreover, the priest to all at one time. fulness and asking forgiveness best fits their (A free brochure in English or Spanish, they need and deserve our prayer and It seems your letter refers to the first and personal sense of sin and need for absolution answering questions Catholics ask about bap- support as they continue in their journey third forms of penance. It is true, as you sus- and healing. tism practices and sponsors is available by of discerning God’s will in their lives. pect, that this way, with general absolution, It combines the best (at least most of the sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to while it is a valid rite in the church's official best) of both worlds. We express our personal Father John Dietzen, Box 3315, Peoria, IL As a result of Bishop Pfeifer accepting ritual, is not now permitted as a general rule. sinfulness before God and our desire for for- 61612.) these men, our candidates for the giveness, but also our need not only of God's (Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of The popes, especially Pope John Paul II, have San Angelo are as follows: Frank Aguirre, decreed a number of times that it may be used pardon but of "reconciliation with our brothers the same address, or e-mail: Carlos Benavides, Alfred Camarillo, Gilbert only in emergencies or other clearly defined and sisters who are always harmed by our [email protected].) Delgado, Andy Gonzalez, Walter Hammons, Leonard Hendon, Jr., Dwain Hennessey, Danny Holguin, Allen Lange, DOUBTS: M. Teresa’s suffering akin to when spouses feel pain for mates Stanley Lange, Michael Lopez, Marc Main, (From 1) cause for her suffering akin to when a hus- suggested that her darkness was perhaps a Luis Mata, Sr., Marcos Mata, Freddy band or wife feels pain for their spouse way she could share the message of Christ." Medina, Hector Mendez, Robert Moreno, Jesus Nápoles, Ray Nunez, Victor for its liturgy. Much of my own spiritual when they are suffering. Church research shows that in addition to Ramirez, Gary Rhodes, Claudio Sanchez, formation has come from reading Catholic "When my wife hurts, we are drawn clos- Denison’s daily 10,000 recipients, his Robert Selvera, Dan Sanan, Ricardo authors such as Henri Nouwen." er than at any other time,” Denison said. GodIssues is forwarded another 20,000- Torres, Jesse Vasquez, Daniel Vaughan, In “GodIssues,” Denison wrote Mother “Part of the ministry of the Catholic 30,000 a day. Visit GodIssues.com or read his Luis Villarreal, David Workman, and Steve Teresa’s crisis of faith was due to the pres- Church is to pray and intercede and share comments on Catholicism and Mother Teresa Zimmerman. ence of her faith, not the absence and said others' sufferings. After struggling for years at www.stickydoorknobs.typepad.com, a her intimate relationship with Christ was with spiritual darkness, one of her confessors Midland-based blog. KELLEY: Honoring late priest will require much working together (From 3) go out and do something about it. You have after him, but the Midland school board together that Fr. Tom would be happiest. the power, you just have to use the power you would do well in seeing to it that if ever a Because that is precisely the message that he And Fr. Tom's response? have, he would tell his huddled masses. southside elementary is approve it would spent so much of his time in Midland work- Children belong in church not in a cry Some heard, and unfortunately many didn't. bear his name, too. Second only to assuring ing so hard to convey. room. If they become noisy, it is simply the But if he were here today, he would still be people's salvation, an elementary school --- sound of Jesus in the church. preaching the same message. campus on the southside of Midland is what Jimmy Patterson is editor of the West Fr. Tom rarely came to Mass without a He was one of the most remarkable men I he worked for harder than anything. Texas Angelus. He lives in Midland. This book that he had used as a resource for his have ever met. In between saving the com- The first time my wife and I ever heard Fr. column originally appeared on Patterson’s homily. He was an avid reader and he munity, saving souls and saving pennies for Tom, he ended his homily with a thought daily blog, Sticky Doorknobs (www.type- soaked up knowledge every waking his dream for a bigger church, he helped about stained glass and how church congre- pad.stickydoorknobs.com). moment. Books he brought to Masses were save my marriage, too. gations had much in common with the art- often by Henri Nouwen, a man who gave up He had an uncanny ability to appeal to work. a comfortable life to become a director of a children, whether it be in the foyer of the Each person in the congregation is like a community of developmentally and physi- church welcoming them or saying goodbye piece of stained glass, Fr. Tom told the peo- cally disabled individuals. Fr. Tom wanted to them after Mass, or in his words during ple. Some pieces are thicker, some are thin- his parishioners to enjoy the knowledge that his homilies. Our children, in their teens and ner. Some pieces have one color. Some are he enjoyed. He wanted people to learn what preteens before Fr. Tom died, actually multicolored. Some have a greater density, he had learned. He was as much teacher as looked forward to attending church just to some don't. Each piece is unique, and when preacher. hear him, and when you have children who you put all those pieces together that's what Fr. Tom empowered people. People who look forward to church because of a pastor's makes us beautiful as a church community. had been downtrodden and neglected their influence on them, you have a human being And so it is the message even for people whole lives, he encouraged repeatedly to that God has blessed with a tremendous gift. involved in honoring his memory by naming vote, to become involved in the process. His combined impact is such that he is a building after him: Working together to If it is change you want, then you have to deserving of not only a library to be named bring this honor, for it is in the working Page 18 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus AMNESTY: Organization has lost its heart, soul HOPE: Big Lake (From 4) birth.” Sadly, Amnesty is now saying that birth abortion. Now Amnesty takes the according to its new abortion policy, some position favoring this brutal and inhumane students take on providing amnesty for thousands and of the precious unborn can be destroyed— procedure to destroy human life in the thousands of people whose Divine image not given the amnesty of life. almost very act of being born. was not being respected. Since its begin- Amnesty has lost its heart, and Amnesty, A.I.—used to stand for Amnesty responsibility ning, this wonderful organization reached through its deputy secretary-general, is International. Will it now stand for out to help the most vulnerable and weak- saying that what God has to say about Abortion International?? Amnesty (From 8) est of society and granted amnesty, care human rights does not matter. What a International- go back to the spirit and and protection. However, AI--Amnesty proud and foolish statement by a mere principles of your founder. Surely it was At a recent meeting of the leadership of the International—now referred to by some as human being! What a radical change never the intention of the Christian Catholic Churches of our local community Abortion International—is saying that a from what was a wonderful human and founder who had great wisdom and and the communities of Big Lake, Sonora, certain class of the most vulnerable peo- caring institution that provided amnesty insight as regards what Amnesty McCamey, Rankin, Iraan, Eldorado and ple—the precious unborn, are no longer to and protection, especially for those who International should be—an organization Crane, it was decided that we will direct our be given amnesty, the right to life. needed amnesty the most—the unborn. to help the weakest, the most vulnerable efforts to establish a chapter of Friends for Amnesty International has betrayed its How can Amnesty International claim to and needy people in our world, especially Hope in Ozona, and in the other communities mission by violating the most fundamen- stand up for the most vulnerable members the helpless unborn. What would the mentioned above. To begin this effort, the tal right—the right to be born. Amnesty of our society while calling for the death founder now say about Amnesty pastor of the local Catholic Church, Our Lady has always espoused the Declaration of penalty of “unwanted children” at the International? People of God--write of Perpetual Help, along with the lay leader- the Rights of the Child which in the same time? This is hypocrisy. Amnesty International, asking that it ship have selected 3-4 volunteers who will Preamble of Resolution 1386 states, What was also very sad to learn is that change its abortion policy and clearly let- be trained by Nina in the approach of Friends “Whereas the child, by reason of his phys- recently, Amnesty International has clear- ting it know that they no longer have our for Hope. Once having received the formal ical and mental immaturity, needs special ly identified a shift in its human rights moral and financial support until the abor- training, these volunteers will then work with safeguards and care, including appropriate policy by openly criticizing the recent tion policy is changed. leaders in the local community to help to con- legal protection, before as well as after Supreme Court decision banning partial tinue to promote a drug-free environment. I strongly encourage all the leaders of the community of Ozona—from the field of edu- TERESA: Doubts of existence of God short-lived cation, government, law enforcement, social agencies, medical and health, media, judicial, (From 16) The secular media often lack nuance and pling with the complexity of the concept of and from all the churches, and every other context in reporting on matters that require sainthood." The Catholic tradition has long segment of leadership to give support to and her confessors and superiors over a period some theological depth. With regard to recognized the complexity of sanctity; it's the Friends for Hope which can make a huge dif- of 66 years. These letters reveal poignantly Mother Teresa, there is widespread confusion critics who are operating with caricatures in ference to create a drug-free environment for and pointedly her long-term between belief in God and the feeling that he mind. all of our people, especially our youth. To spiritual struggle with the sense that God is near. Finally, as the book's editor, Father assist this effort, the Catholic Diocese has abandoned her. Letter excerpts suggest that on only a couple Kolodiejchuk, noted, the fact that Mother acquired a special financial grant. The reports were disturbing to many. Our of occasions Mother Teresa actually doubted, Teresa struggled this way is one more indica- In the near future, Nina will be visiting our Sunday Visitor, as well as many parish offices, or was tempted to doubt, that God did not tor of her heroic holiness. Who among us community and all the surrounding communi- received questions from fellow Catholics exist. Apparently, that kind of doubt didn't last. could dwell among the poorest of the poor, ties, explaining the program of Friends for wondering how a woman so widely consid- Mother Teresa stands in good company the most desperate people on the face of the Hope and inviting the entire community to ered a saint could have had such a crisis, and among the saints who had similar struggles, earth, sharing their lives intimately for half a lend support to this wonderful effort. wondering if belief was possible when one so though perhaps her struggle lasted longer than century, without wondering often, "Where is To be effective, Friends for Hope needs the obviously holy encountered this. that of most others. St. Therese, St. Teresa of God in all this?" support of the leadership of our local commu- At the risk of repeating ourselves, this is an Avila and St. John of the Cross all famously Yet, she never gave way to despair, and con- nity, and now is the moment for the entire excellent time to reflect on the dangers of endured such struggles. Indeed, Jesus himself, tinued her work of sacrificial care for the poor. community to come together to say we will drawing any lessons about the faith from the quoting the psalmist, cried out in his sense of This can only be understood as a saintly not let drugs and substance abuse control our secular media. It is also more proof, if proof is divine abandonment on the cross. woman's heroic and persistent act of a will community. needed, that Catholics have been poorly cate- It's a bit arrogant, then, of one online com- that had abandoned itself to God, even when As we deal with the drug and substance chized about many of the teachings of their mentator to say of this controversy: "It seems it seemed abandoned by him. abuse problem, we must realize that we are own church. to me that the Catholic Church is finally grap- dealing primarily with a spiritual and moral issue. While we need to use all of our human OBISPO talents and gifts, more than ever, we need the light, guidance and power of our loving (Para 3) donos que como madre amorosa, ella siempre nuestra devoción a ella como madre de Dios, Heavenly Father. nos protegerá. María es nuestra madre, pero madre de la Iglesia y nuestra madre. Nosotros Hence, I proclaimed Sunday, September mandamiento en toda Sagrada Escritura— primeramente es nuestra hermana en fe y es especialmente la honramos por medio de 23, 2007 as Drug Awareness Sunday for our “Hagan todo lo que él les diga.” (Juan 2:5) el gran modelo de cómo debemos seguir a rezar el rosario, pero demostramos ser ver- local community and all surrounding commu- Estas palabras de María, en la fiesta de las Jesús en espíritu de humildad, amor y entre- daderamente sus hijos por medio de nities, as a day to pray that our Heavenly bodas de Cana, nos recuerdan que lo único ga. En la Anunciación, María nos dio el canto esforzarnos para imitar su ejemplo de amor, Father will deliver us from the slavery of que ella quiere para nosotros, como nuestra del tema de su vida: “Yo soy esclava del esperanza y fe, como nuestra hermana en fe, drugs, and to use our freedom to create a safe, Madre, es que cumplamos cualquier cosa que Señor; que Dios haga conmigo como me has por medio de vivir cada día la mejor manera healthy and caring community for all of our Jesús nos pide que hagamos. Ella especial- dicho.” (Lucas 1:38) posible y hacer la voluntad de Dios en la cir- people. I also asked our Mayor to proclaim mente está dispuesta para ayudarnos en hacer El aniversario de estas apariciones espe- cunstancias de nuestra vida. Sunday, September 23, as Drug Awareness lo que Jesús quiere que hagamos durante ciales y todos los días de fiesta de María Sunday. momentos de tentación y pruebas, recordán- son momentos para todos nosotros de renovar The Angelus OCTOBER 2007 Page 19

PRIEST: Varquez JENNA: Level of urban violence deemed ‘unacceptable’ (From 14) ceptable. “People can no longer be about her decision to go. ‘grateful to God’ for “In speaking to some of the afraid of the consequences of “As we got closer to going, who are just living to die. A lot parents at the rally, when they reporting the things they see there were all these threat of opportunity to serve of us realize things aren’t cor- were growing up all the neigh- because people might come after KKK rallies that could have rect, and we’ve got to vote and bors knew each other and every- them,” she added. “We can’t let scared people,” she said. “I feel (From 14) get our peers to vote to make a body watched out for each bad things happen and let inno- good that students put their own difference in the crowd.” other,” Jackson said. “We have cent bystanders get hurt. We personal things aside — their Bishop-designate Varquez, 46, came to Jackson said the level of to start watching out for each have to stand up to these people classes and homework — and Centerport from the Philippine Diocese of black-on-black violence and other and not be so individualis- and let them know we’re not gave a full day of themselves. Tagbilaran. murder, especially in urban areas tic so we can work for the good going to let them do this.” Sometimes you think you’re He said he received a letter in mid-July such as New Orleans, is unac- of everybody. Jackson said she felt good hopeless.” informing him he was the pope's choice to head the Borongan Diocese. Bishop-designate Varquez said he was IN VITRO: Children precious in eyes of God, method immoral "grateful to God" that he was staying at Our (From 7) neering, “designer babies,” and the view human embryo or an embryonic human Lady Queen of Martyrs when he was called that “leftover” embryos can serve as mate- being. to be a bishop. human beings, are almost always killed rial for research scientists. Be delicate in approaching the topic from "I had enough time to reflect and pray, and through this procedure. Doctors choose In vitro fertilization does harm to the mar- the pulpit. Affirm the desire to have chil- to decide whether to accept the appointment only the healthy embryos to place in the ital union and to the couple themselves. It dren and even the fact that infertile couples of the Holy Father," he told The Long Island womb. The “leftover” ones are either killed also leads to the death of embryonic human would seek out a procedure like IVF. Catholic, Rockville Centre's diocesan news- or are experimented upon. Some are frozen beings who, for whatever reason, are not There may be couples who have had a paper. in liquid nitrogen for future implantation or desired after they have been engendered. child by IVF. There certainly will be indi- He said he told Msgr. Ryan about the letter. experimentation. This is no way to treat The children conceived through IVF are viduals who know someone who has had a The pastor "prayed over me," he said. "His human beings, even tiny embryonic ones. precious in the sight of God, as are all chil- child this way. Affirm the goodness of the prayers settled me at the time. He told me to Third, it is common that more than one dren. Even though the means by which they individuals while decrying the procedure. follow the movement of the Holy Spirit." embryo is placed in the uterus with the were conceived are immoral (as are some The couple can be presented as simply After spending a few days in prayer and hope that at least one will implant, come to other means by which children are engen- not knowing any better, which is probably experiencing "six sleepless nights," he wrote term and be born. Often only one baby is dered, such as sexual activity outside of indeed the case. to the pope to accept the appointment. It was desired and so the doctors will kill one or marriage), they are loved by God and should Sexual topics should be dealt with deli- announced Aug. 4. more of the other babies in the womb. Or, be loved and cherished by us as well. cately because of the very nature of the Prior to a going-away party Sept. 1, if they are not all healthy, he will kill the topic. There is no need to go into too much Bishop-designate Varquez celebrated the ones who are not developing well. General Points detail about how the sex cells are obtained. evening Mass. Seven Filipino priests who Fourth, IVF treats children as though Never speak of a “fertilized egg.” That is certainly better done in an audi- are serving on Long Island and in neighbor- they were commodities to be produced for Alternatively, you should use the term ence exclusively of adults who are interest- ing dioceses were among the concelebrants. adult needs. IVF also leads to genetic engi- which actually describes the reality. It is a ed in the topic or in a counseling situation.

BIOETHICS: There is a distinct difference between killing, allowing someone to die (From 7) pray that if I were ever in their shoes, I sion would rather seek to care for each patient life and death, this truth is central to their iden- would have a doctor as conscientious and in the face of difficulties, trying to move them tity. More than two thousand years ago, the former president of the American Academy compassionate as Dr. Pou.” to a higher floor if the waters were rising, and renowned physician Hippocrates stressed this of Forensic Sciences. After looking into the To understand the moral argument in this if that were impossible for some reason, then when he said: Primum non nocere (First, do no matter, however, a Louisiana grand jury case, however, it is important to grasp the to sit attentively at their bedside, holding their harm). The truly compassionate doctor will nevertheless chose not to indict Dr. Pou fol- distinction between killing and allowing to hand and making them as comfortable as pos- strive to use his tools and medicines to attend to lowing a series of closed-door hearings. die. It is also important to understand the sible. True compassion would mean praying the medical needs of his patients, humbly rec- In looking at this case, it seems that many real meaning of the word compassion. with them, perhaps crying with them at times, ognizing that those tools may not be able to have hesitated to call a spade a spade. When “Compassion” has a Latin origin meaning but above all remaining in solidarity with stave off death in every case. He may have to I participated in a radio interview recently “to suffer together with another.” To be them as they prepare for what might be their step aside as the shadow of death draws near on this topic, a number of listeners were compassionate, in the proper sense of the last moments of life on earth. and the mortal existence of the person he has aghast at what Dr. Pou had allegedly done. term, means to take another’s pain and suf- When natural disaster strikes, we do not been tending to comes to its natural close. Two people, however, called into the show fering upon ourselves, onto our own shoul- abandon those in our care, or ignore them, or Above all, the compassionate physician to defend her, and I believe their comments ders, so that we suffer with them in some betray them by taking their lives in the name of can never violate his inner being and identi- were representative of how many people way. We seek to be present to them, and a false and violent compassion. Human beings ty by becoming one who directly kills oth- think about cases like this. “I commend Dr. accompany them in their trials and tribula- are not like horses or other animals, needing to ers, especially those who, in their most Pou,” one of the callers said, “for her tions as best as we are able. be shot when they break a leg or suffer a mis- needful and fragile moments, find them- courage and compassion towards those ter- True compassion as the flood waters were fortune. The reason for this is that our pain and selves entrusted to his care. minal patients who more than likely would- rising would not mean pulling a massive dose suffering have a redemptive purpose and a Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned n’t ‘survive’ the horrid conditions they were out of the vial, looking the person in the face, deeper meaning for each of us, as well as for his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and in anyway due to an ‘act of God,’ not man. in their weakness and fear, and thrusting a those around us. Showing true compassion did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a By looking at her patient’s condition and needle deep into their skin or into their IV towards those who suffer ends up transforming priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and the circumstances around her, she did what tube to cause the light in their eyes to falter both us and them in deep and ennobling ways. serves as the Director of Education at The needed to be done, keeping her patients and go out. That is not mercy or compassion, For doctors and health care workers who National Catholic Bioethics Center in comfortable and easing their suffering. I and to call it such is a lie. Mercy and compas- have been entrusted with powerful tools over Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org Page 20 OCTOBER 2007 The Angelus

The West Texas Angelus DIOCEIOCE-SCENESCENES Official Newspaper of the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas POSTMASTER: Send all address Fort Stockton St. Mary’s-Queen of Peace, Brownwood changes to: WEST TEXAS ANGELUS A Mass of Remembrance was P.O. Box 1829 celebrated on 9/11 at St. Mary, SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 Queen of Peace in Brownwood. ______The photos/articles on the lad- der are from family members of parishioners who have Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI served or are serving in the Publisher U.S. military. The celebrant is Father Martin Lupida, left, from Jimmy Patterson the Philippines, who is filling in Director of Communications for St. Mary’s pastor, Fr. Editor Serafin Avenido, who is vaca- tioning in the Philippines, his home country. Member Catholic News Service Catholic Press Association St. Joseph’s, Rowena Texas Catholic News

Published the first Monday following the 1st Saturday of each month and delivered to all registered parish- ioners in the San Angelo Diocese. Fr. Arturo Pestin, left, was installed as parochial administrator in Fort Subscription rate for all others: Stockton on August 30. At right, $10 per year Bishop Michael Pfeifer.

THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT Photo by Laura Hernandez SAN ANGELO, TEXAS St. Joseph's Church in Rowena celebrated Catechetical Sunday as Fr. Bhaskar Morugudi commissioned the Printed by the parish’s CCD teachers on Sun., Sept. 16. San Angelo Standard Times A Scripps-Howard Company St. Francis of Assisi, Abilene Bishop Michel D. Pfeifer, OMI, celebrated Mass Submissions: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Odessa and dedicated a Ten Commandments memo- Story suggestions, calendar items, rial at St. Francis of parish briefs and all other Assisi Parish, in Abilene, submissions should be emailed to Sept. 22. The dedication is the first in the dio- [email protected]. cese. Over the last 25 COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: years, respect and admi- ration for God’s sacred Third Friday of every month. Commandments have fallen victim to both apa- thy and hostility. Under Photos should be in jpeg format. a distorted interpretation of the founding intent of “separation of church Letters to the editor are welcome, and state,” God’s laws and should be emailed to are being systematically [email protected]. torn from the fabric of American culture. God Letters to the editor are printed at proclaimed the Ten the discretion of the editor and iden- Commandments to provide direction tities of the writer are subject to for his people to verification. Please include name, live a better life, grounded in the address and phone number when love of God and submitting letters. Cutting of the Cake neighbor. The proj- ect was started to promote a clear San Angelo Bishop Michael Pfeifer, left; Fr. James Bridges, founding understanding and pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Galveston-Houston Archbishop strong adherence to the Ten Joseph Fiorenzo, San Angelo Bishop at the time of the church’s found- Commandments ing, and current parish priest Fr. Mark Woodruff celebrate the 25th and to assist all anniversary of the church in August. people in embrac- ing the essential PHOTO BY ALAN P. TORRE duties of living a life of truth, charity and justice.