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CriterionOnline.com November 27, 2020 Vol. LXI, No. 9 75¢ A Call to Civility ‘God is still November 27, 2020 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Advent, a season of preparation and hope, blessing me marks the beginning of a new liturgical year for the Church. It allows for a time of renewal that can bring about what Pope Francis has referred to as the each day’ warming of hearts and healing of wounds. As we await with active anticipation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I offer this reflection as a means Archbishop Charles of underscoring the C. Thompson spirit of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical letter, “Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship,” as a reminder of our interconnectedness as a human family and the need for our witness to hope that lies at the heart of our capacity to attract believers and transform society. The ability of any community or group to survive, even thrive, amid adversity is the measure of civility. This is especially true during times of chaos, division and transitioning of authority. Unfortunately, the misuse of today’s Retired Msgr. Paul Koetter types into a tablet on Oct. 29 in his office at Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, where he previously served as pastor. social media includes Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has taken away his ability to speak. He types what he wants to say, and Letter in Spanish, the proliferation of software on his tablet vocalizes his words in what sounds like his voice. (Photo by Sean Gallagher) page 8. shaming, abusing and scapegoating that marks practically every sphere of our society. Msgr. Paul Koetter continues to Far from the ability of being able to agree to disagree, persons of differing opinions are quick to demonize one another. With minister despite challenges of ALS little ground for compromise, there is little possibility for authentic dialogue. Relating By Sean Gallagher way he helps connect the people he serves with God, and a to everything as “black and white,” one prime way through which God blesses him by connecting him can only perceive another as “for me” or The pilgrims rode in a boat across choppy waves on the Sea to his parishioners. “against me.” Such are the effects of the of Galilee with wind gusting and rain blowing into their boat. As the waves rocked the boat, as the wind blew in the rain, the extreme polarization that exists. A greater storm was churning in the hearts and minds of pilgrims gathered around Msgr. Koetter, lovingly known as Father The lack of civility is probably no more the pilgrims and the priest who was leading them in their Paul in the parishes in which he has served, to pray for him. palpable than what we have experienced in journey of faith through the Holy Land in November 2019. “We all prayed, our hands touching him,” said Cindy our country during these last few months Msgr. Paul Koetter, at the time pastor of Holy Spirit Parish Thomas, a pilgrim and a Holy Spirit parishioner. “As soon as with the pandemic, social unrest and the in Indianapolis, was suffering from amyotrophic lateral we did that, the storm stopped. The sea calmed. The sun came political election process. The freedom to sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative nerve disorder commonly out. It was like God saying, ‘OK. I hear you. I’ve got you.’ It protest, march, advocate, hold up signs and known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. was the most powerful thing.” make one’s voice heard is a right that we all The condition was taking away his ability to speak, a prime See KOETTER, page 10 share. Such freedom gives none of us the See CIVILITY, page 7 In virtual meeting, U.S. bishops focus on McCarrick report, pandemic and racism WASHINGTON (CNS)—The two place in Baltimore, was virtual this McCarrick, released less than a week days of the virtual assembly of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions, and before on Nov. 10. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops the public sessions were livestreamed. Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, (USCCB) on Nov. 16-17 initially included About 300 bishops Texas, said the report—which described discussion of the Vatican report on former logged on, and McCarrick’s ascent to the highest rungs of cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick. But for the most part, the Church, even amid rumors of abuse— the bulk of the bishops’ conversation they crossed the read like a list of the seven deadly sins. focused on the ongoing pandemic and the technological “It’s very clear that there’s still very Church’s response to racism. hurdles of making much a tendency in the world and in The meeting concluded with reaction sure their individual the Church to turn a blind eye to many to the presidential election, as Los responses came of these sins,” he added during the 45 Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, through on the minutes of discussion about the long- president of the USCCB, announced teleconference awaited 460-page report. formation of a working group to address Archbishop Jose format. Chicago’s Cardinal Blase J. Cupich various issues of top importance to the H. Gomez The main said Pope Francis had taken historic Church with the new administration of topic on Nov. 16, action in issuing the document as well President-elect Joe Biden. added late to the bishops’ agenda, was as other unprecedented measures. The assembly, which usually takes discussion on the Vatican report on See BISHOPS, page 3 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

Supreme Court allows execution Public Schedule of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Texas inmate to proceed ______WASHINGTON (CNS)—Late on Oklahoma City, chairman of the United December 1–8, 2020 Nov. 19, the Supreme Court denied a States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ stay of execution for federal inmate (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Orlando Hall, who was put to death by Justice and Human Development, December 1 – 10 a.m. December 7 – 7 p.m. lethal injection an hour later, just before and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Clergy Advent Day of Prayer at Mass of Confirmation for youths of midnight. of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of St. Bartholomew Parish, Columbus Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, at Last minute filings led to a district the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Holy Spirit Church judge’s injunction earlier that day, Activities. December 3 – 10 a.m. temporarily halting the execution. The Earlier in the day of Hall’s execution, Catholic Center Connection meeting December 8 – 10 a.m. decision was immediately appealed to the U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Mass at Marian University, Supreme Court. Justices Stephen Breyer, it had to be temporarily halted while the Catholic Center, Indianapolis Indianapolis Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan court examined the issues raised by Hall’s dissented. attorneys. December 3 – noon December 8 – noon The court also rejected, with no “The court is deeply concerned that Mass for feast of St. Francis Xavier Mass for the Solemnity of the noted dissents, three separate emergency the government intends to proceed with at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed requests filed days prior to Hall’s a method of execution that this court and Indianapolis Virgin Mary at SS. Peter and Paul execution, seeking a postponement. the Court of Appeals have found violates Cathedral Hall, 49, was the eighth federal inmate federal law,” she wrote. December 3 – 3 p.m. CST executed at the Federal Correctional Hall and Brandon Bernard, Region VII Bishops’ virtual meeting December 8 – 3 p.m. Complex in Terre Haute since the Trump scheduled to be executed on Indiana Bishops’ Province meeting administration resumed federal executions Dec. 10, had joined a group of 13 December 3 – 6:30 p.m. at Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara this past summer. He was convicted of inmates appealing that the drug used by Baptism at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Center kidnapping and killing a Texas teenager the federal government in executions Church, Indianapolis in 1994. causes “excruciating pain and suffering Last minute appeals for Hall stressed before dying” when not paired with a December 6 – 4 p.m. that bias played a role in his death separate pain-relieving drug. Seminarian Prayer and Dinner at sentence. Hall is Black, and his sentence Their attorneys told the U.S. Court Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ was recommended by an all-white jury. of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that this Parish, Indianapolis His lawyers also said that COVID-19 execution method was in violation of the restrictions limited their ability to help Eighth Amendment prohibition against him. cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court’s action in Although the three-judge panel allowed Hall’s case was the first death penalty the executions to go forward, it said the How has your Catholic education decision for Justice Amy Coney Barrett. lower court was wrong to throw out the In 1998, she co-wrote an article saying inmates’ challenge to the execution drug had an impact on your life? Catholic judges shouldn’t have to recuse used by the federal government and themselves in death penalty cases because would allow litigation against this method As part of our coverage for the a daytime phone number where you of the Church’s opposition to capital to continue. upcoming Catholic Schools Week can be reached. † punishment. In a separate ruling on Nov. 19, a supplement in late January, On Nov. 18, referring to Hall’s federal judge postponed the scheduled The Criterion is inviting our readers pending execution and two other federal Dec. 8 execution of federal death-row to share their thoughts and stories executions slated for December, two inmate Lisa Montgomery until at least about how their Catholic education has U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen Dec. 31. Montgomery, who would be had an impact on their lives and their called on the government to end this the first woman executed by the federal families. practice. government in more than six decades, Send your submissions to “We ask President [Donald sought the postponement because her John Shaughnessy by e-mail at J.] Trump and Attorney General attorney had contracted the coronavirus [email protected] or by mail [William] Barr, as an act of witness after visiting her in prison. in care of The Criterion, 1400 to the dignity of all human life: stop President-elect Joe Biden has said he N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN these executions,” said the statement will end federal executions and plans to 46202. Please include your parish and from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of incentivize states to stop executions. †

Pope’s prayer intentions for December Archbishop Thompson calls for prayer, • For a Life of Prayer—We pray that our fasting regarding federal executions personal relationship with Jesus Christ be In light of a federal execution of 2019 issued a statement calling nourished by the Word of God and a life of carried out on Nov. 19, two for a renewed moratorium on the prayer. scheduled in December, and two death penalty (www.archindy. more slated for January, Archbishop org/archbishop/deathpenalty2019. Charles C. Thompson is asking html). Archbishop Thompson See Pope Francis’ monthly intentions at www.archindy.org/popesintentions. Catholics in central and southern reiterated the Church’s stance in Indiana during Advent to pray and opposition to the death penalty in fast for the victims who have been June (www.archindy.org/archbishop/ killed, the families of the victims, deathpenalty2020.html). Television Masses and the inmates who face the death The U.S. Conference of Catholic The following channels and times show when Sunday Masses may be viewed penalty. Bishops on Nov. 17 issued a over-the-air in different areas of the archdiocese: In his message, the archbishop statement renewing its call to reflected on the sanctity of all human stop executions (www.usccb.org/ Indianapolis: WHMB, 40.1, 9:30 a.m. Cincinnati: EKRC, 12.2, 8:30 a.m. life. news/2020/us-bishop-chairmen- Indianapolis: WNDY, 23, 6:30 a.m. Evansville: WEVV, 44.2, 7 a.m. Indiana’s bishops in October renew-call-stop-executions). † Terre Haute: WTHI, 10.3, 10 a.m. Louisville: WBNA, 21, 7 a.m.

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is The Do you have something exciting or published weekly except Criterion newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of TheCriterion 11/27/20 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: January. Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1585 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1585 317-236-1570 Staff: Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Editor: Mike Krokos Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy E-mail______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Graphic Designer / Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Copyright © 2020 City______Executive Assistant: Ann Lewis Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Criterion Press Inc. State/Zip______New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367. Periodical postage paid 1400 N. Meridian St. at ­Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2020 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 3

look at ways that you can feed your hope Houma-Thibodaux, La., and chair of the BISHOPS and that of your flock,” he said. USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against continued from page 1 In a 45-minute discussion about the Racism, reminded the bishops that when pandemic on Nov. 17, several bishops they approved their pastoral on racism “It really has been a watershed spoke about parishes livestreaming two years ago, they had no idea how the moment,” he said. “And something that Masses and their efforts to keep in touch nation would have such a reckoning with we should continue to study and read.” with parishioners, particularly the elderly, racial inequality as it has experienced this The cardinal also stressed the need and learning how to help people access past summer. to “make sure that we never again have food and other basic necessities. He said the document, among other a situation where anyone from our They also spoke of the spiritual lessons things, “unequivocally declares that conference is taking sides in this, with the that have occurred, saying there has been racism is a life issue.” Holy Father or challenging him or even a renewed desire among Catholics for the It certainly was a life issue for Bishop being with those who are calling for his Eucharist. Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who resignation. That kind of thing really has Bishop Daniel E. Flores of recalled how a racially motivated mass to cease, and the Holy Father pointed the Brownsville, Texas, said he has arrived at shooting in his diocese last year left 23 way in which we take up this initiative parishes to see people kneeling outside, people dead and as many injured. together in a collegial manner.” praying for the chance to receive holy “It really brought home the fact that He said the more “that we listen to Communion and the return of normal white supremacy is not a harmless fringe victims and make it public that we’re worship experiences. ideology, but that it is a death-dealing meeting with victims, as the Holy Father “This is the renewal that I find very ideology,” said Bishop Seitz. “And it also does on a regular basis, the word will personally edifying and a source of great reminded us that words matter. Words that get out there that we are on the side of strength,” he said. denigrate immigrants and other people Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, victims. And we have to continue to do In a practical response to the pandemic, of color really matter and feed into these vice president of the U.S. Conference of that.” the bishops approved a budget for the ways of thinking.” Catholic Bishops, leads the opening prayer The McCarrick report also overlapped year 2021 that took into consideration the Initially, the bishops did not address on Nov. 17 at the USCCB headquarters in into other parts of the meeting. In his economic impact of the coronavirus. the presidential election, except when Washington during the bishops’ virtual fall opening address, Archbishop Gomez Bishop Gregory L. Parkes of Archbishop Gomez, responding to a meeting. (CNS photo/CNS photo/Bob Roller) paused at the start to remember the St. Petersburg, Fla., USCCB treasurer and reporter’s question during the Nov. 16 children and adults within the Church who chairman of the USCCB Committee on news conference, said the USCCB’s that Biden “will support policies that are are victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Budget and Finance, said the USCCB had congratulations to Biden was just an against some fundamental values we hold Acknowledging the McCarrick report, started trimming budget outlays in 2020 acknowledgment, and that he and his dear as Catholics,” such as a possible he also expressed “deep sorrow” and when it appeared the coronavirus pandemic fellow bishops “respect the election repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which offered prayers the victim-survivors was going to stay far longer than expected. process.” prevents the use of federal funds to be “might find healing and hope.” One such measure was a pay freeze and At the close of the two-day meeting, used for abortions, and the codifying in The archbishop also pointed to travel restrictions for all USCCB employees. Archbishop Gomez said several bishops law of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court the ongoing suffering caused by the Due to “consideration for the pressures had come to him with concerns in the decision which legalized abortion. coronavirus pandemic, noting that people’s each of us face in the dioceses,” he said wake of the election. When politicians who profess the faith in God “has been shaken” by the no assessment increase is being proposed “We are facing a unique moment in the Catholic faith support these policies, the pandemic and related economic turmoil, for 2022. history of our country,” he said, noting the archbishop said, it “creates confusion and he urged the Church leaders to help In another action related to the election of a Catholic president “presents among the faithful about what the Church people navigate this enormous challenge. pandemic and to the ongoing discussion certain opportunities but also certain actually teaches.” The current times, with social unrest nationwide on racial inequality, the bishops challenges.” For that reason, he said, he was forming and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, approved addendums to their four-year The archbishop said the president-elect a working group led by Archbishop “call for heroic Christianity,” he explained. strategic plan addressing the impact of “has given us reason to believe his faith Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit, USCCB In response, he said: “We need to continue these issues. The plan, adopted a year ago, commitments will lead to certain policies vice president, which will address issues to form and empower missionary disciples, will go into effect in January 2021. that we favor,” listing immigration, aid to surrounding the election of a Catholic as Pope Francis calls us to do.” Continuing their look at the sin of refugees and the poor, racial justice, capital president and policies that may come about Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal racism, the bishops approved the renewal punishment and climate change among them. that would be in conflict with Catholic nuncio to the United States, also spoke of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism He also said there is the expectation teaching and the bishops’ priorities. † about the pandemic, as one of the “dark for three more years. clouds” looming over today’s world. They also discussed on Nov. 17 their “Our mission is to heal the world. ... efforts to address racism in their dioceses. I encourage you during your meeting to Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Train up a child in the way he SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Masses should go, and when he is old, continue to be livestreamed he will not depart As the local Church continues to are livestreamed at www.ssppc. from it. Proverbs 22:6 deal with the ongoing effects of the org/streaming. You can also view COVID-19 pandemic, daily Masses recordings of the liturgy at the at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in same location after Masses have Indianapolis are being livestreamed. concluded. Additionally, Mass The daily Masses at the cathedral, recordings are being posted daily at now at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, www.facebook.com/SSPPCathedral. Wednesday and Friday, and at The 10 a.m. Sunday Mass from the noon on Tuesday and Thursday, cathedral is livestreamed as well. †

Kim Pohovey is the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Gifts in the Office of Stewardship & Development. She has a beautiful testimony to share with you about three people in her life who have given her an abundant amount of hope.

There are no words to describe how powerful her message is. I encourage you to take just a few minutes today to watch her video. I promise, you won’t regret it!

12/11/20

12/11/20 12/11/20

SCAN HERE to watch the video

www.archindy.org/UCA Page 4 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

Opinion Amid the Fray/Greg Erlandson What the McCarrick report means for the Church Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher Two years ago, Pope Francis called efficient organizations, the Church Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus for a full accounting of how Theodore is a series of silos, inhibiting close E. McCarrick was able to rise through communication and collaboration. Also Church ranks, and he promised to like large organizations, it is inherently make the report public. Some people cautious and self-protective. Add to this Editorial disbelieved such a the deference given to rank and hierarchy, report would ever and it is too easy to see how the default see the light of day. was to explain away, ignore or hide. What happened to Advent? Others feared it There are still elements that I wish had would. been explored further. One is the money Apparently we’re now in the Advent was sometimes observed On Nov. 10, Pope trail. While the report says McCarrick did Christmas season. At least, that’s what like Lent, as a time of penance, again Francis kept his not buy his appointment to Washington, it looks like. Christmas lights are up mainly in Gaul. In 11th-century word. The report it makes clear that he was a prolific all around the city and in rural areas, Scotland, St. Margaret and her husband, is unprecedented, fundraiser and valued as such. He spread and Christmas celebrations, even if in King Malcolm, observed “two Lents,” reading like no other his largesse around in the form of gifts to limited form because of COVID-19, are one before Christmas and the other Vatican document many Church officials that in retrospect ready to begin in earnest. Of course, before Easter, with fasting and extra I can recall. It is not clothed in dense raise ethical concerns. An audit of the the stores have had their Christmas almsgiving. Church-speak or vague references money trail seems in order. decorations up for a long time already. In most places today, the penitential to misdeeds. It is at times graphic Also disturbing is that there were many Soon people who still send Christmas aspect of Advent has been replaced with and always revealing. As a whole, it seminarians and priests in the dioceses cards to relatives and friends will joyful anticipation. is a devastating portrait of personal where McCarrick served who had get them in the mail, and they’ll During the first part of Advent, until deception and institutional blindness, of firsthand knowledge of what happened at start to wish one another a “Merry Dec. 16, that joyful anticipation is opportunities missed and faith shattered. his beach house because they were there Christmas”—unless they think that directed toward Christ’s second coming. For those of us who have experience too. What has happened to those men? sounds too religious and they The first Scripture reading during with Vatican documents and Vatican Have they continued to remain silent? If substitute “happy holidays.” Masses is usually from the investigations, the report is amazing so, what does this tell us about the culture But what happened to prophet Isaiah, while the in its efforts to be transparent. At 449 that may still remain? Advent? This Sunday, Gospel readings show pages, the report is exhaustive and at The most important lesson may be Nov. 29, will be how Jesus fulfilled the times exhausting. Not only were more simply this: If you see something, say the first day of the prophetic promises. than 90 interviews conducted, but something. Fear of retaliation, fear of Advent season, John the Baptist, extensive quotations from relevant Vatican being ignored, fear of authority can not the Christmas with his emphasis correspondence and documents reveal no longer govern laity or clergy. Even season. Doesn’t on repentance, the internal back and forth between anonymous allegations must be paid anyone observe makes his individuals and offices. attention to. Advent anymore? appearance. There are heroes to be found, even in At the same time, an allegation is not Yes, the Beginning on the unsettling story of how McCarrick rose a conviction. A man’s vocation cannot Catholic Church, Dec. 17, the Old through the ranks despite persistent rumors be ruined because of a rumor. Justice among others, does. Testament readings that he was sharing his bed with seminarians demands we do not simply convict by It doesn’t rush the proclaim the most and priests. Cardinal John J. O’Connor of allegation, but it also demands that season as our secular important Messianic New York, for one. He not only raised his allegations not be ignored. society does. Rather, it prophesies, while concerns, he did so in writing, trying to stop The sin of abuse, the sin of covering prepares for the season the Gospel readings McCarrick’s ascendancy to the cardinalate up or ignoring the abuse will not of Christmas. Then it describe the events see of Washington. disappear with this report. Pope Francis, observes the Christmas immediately before the birth More courageous still were the who himself failed to meet his own season until the feast of the of Christ. Mary and Joseph, victim survivors who tried to speak up, standards in places like Chile, knows the baptism of Jesus, two Sundays after of course, are the most prominent the mother who sought to protect her challenge. He must continue to press for Jan. 6, long after most people have figures. children, the counselors who warned of accountability and transparency without taken down the Christmas tree, stashed One of the popular Advent devotions, the allegations they were hearing. fear or favor, and both laity and clergy away their Christmas decorations and in homes as well as in churches, is Unfortunately, the lasting impression is must continue to press for reform and stopped listening to Christmas music. the Advent wreath. It is a circle of that those who wanted to raise concerns renewal. Advent has a twofold character for evergreens with four candles that are were not listened to, and rumors were Christians. It is both a season meant to lighted successively in the weeks of dismissed rather than investigated (Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief prepare us for Christmas when Christ’s Advent to symbolize the approaching thoroughly. of Catholic News Service, can be reached at first coming to us is commemorated, celebration of the birth of Christ, Like many large and not particularly [email protected].) † and a season when we should direct the Light of the World. The wreath our minds and hearts to await Christ’s originated among German Catholics and second coming at the end of time. It is, Lutherans in the 16th century. therefore, a period for devout and joyful There is certainly nothing wrong expectation. with Catholics joining our culture’s Historically, some secular celebration of period of preparation for the Christmas season, Christmas began at especially with least as far back as the its emphasis on mid-fourth century, gift giving and but the type of making charitable celebration and contributions to its duration have organizations varied. In some that help the places, the season poor. Christmas was longer than it has long been a is today—in Gaul wondrous time (France) it began for children, and on the feast of that’s good. Santa St. Martin of Claus has long been Tours—on Nov. 11— an important part of while in other places it Christmas for children. was rather brief. However, as our Even today the length of society joyfully anticipates the season varies. For Roman the secular season of Christmas, Catholics, this year’s Advent will be let us Christians remember its religious three weeks and five days. It can be significance. Christians have long urged as short as three weeks and one day. that we “keep Christ in Christmas,” and The Ambrosian Rite’s Advent lasts six that’s a good place to start. Letters Policy weeks. (The Ambrosian Rite is one of the Catholic Church’s non-Roman rites —John F. Fink Letters from readers are published in be informed, relevant, well-expressed and that exists in and around Milan, Italy, The Criterion as part of the newspaper’s temperate in tone. They must reflect a basic and is named after St. Ambrose, who Top photo: A lit candle is seen on an commitment to “the responsible exchange of sense of courtesy and respect. was archbishop of Milan from 374 to Advent wreath. Advent begins on Nov. 29. freely-held and expressed opinion among the Letters must be signed, but, for serious 397.) (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St Louis Review) People of God” (Communio et Progressio, 116). reasons, names may be withheld. On the other hand, most of the Letters from readers are welcome and Send letters to “Letters to the Editor,” The Catholic Church’s Eastern Rites observe Bottom photo: A sculpture shows Mary every effort will be made to include letters Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian Street, Indianap­olis, only a short “pre-feast” period before with Joseph traveling to Bethlehem in a from as many people and representing as IN 46202-2367. Readers with access to e-mail Christmas. Missouri church. (CNS photo/Lisa A. Johnston) many viewpoints as possible. Letters should may send letters to [email protected]. † The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

Watch! We do not know when Christ will come again “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be During this time of pandemic, it’s And come to save us” (Ps 80). blessed we are—in spite of everything. watchful! Be alert! You do not know clear that we’re waiting for several There is a paradox here. Advent “I give thanks to my God always when the time will come. It is like a man things: a cure for a modern day plague recalls our longing for the Savior’s on your account for the grace of God traveling abroad. He leaves home and (COVID-19), economic recovery, political return, but it also challenges us to bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in places his servants in charge, each with and social stability, and a “return to remember that our salvation has him you were enriched in every way, with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper normal” to whatever extent this can be already occurred in the life, death and all discourse and all knowledge, as the to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you accomplished. We are understandably resurrection of Jesus. testimony to Christ was confirmed among do not know when the lord of the house impatient after more than nine months of The Blessed Hope that we await now you, so that you are not lacking in any is coming, whether in the evening, or fear, deprivation and uncertainty. is the One who came among us as a man spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the Sunday’s First Reading from the Book 2,000 years ago and who is present to us of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:4-7). morning. May he not come suddenly and of Isaiah (Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7) in his Word, his sacraments (especially We are “enriched in every way,” and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I describes our impatience and anxiety: the Eucharist), and in our encounters we are not “lacking in any spiritual say to all: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mk 13:33–37) “Why do you let us wander, O Lord, with our sisters and brothers in his name. gift” as we await the Blessed Hope from your ways, and harden our hearts The paradox is that what we are longing who is, in fact, here with us now by the The First Sunday of Advent seems so that we fear you not? Return for the for is something we already have—the miracle of God’s grace. especially welcome this year. Perhaps, sake of your servants, the tribes of your healing power of Jesus Christ. This means that we can endure the because this year has been so unlike heritage. … Oh, that you would rend The fact remains that we must be devastating effects of the pandemic— previous years, the chance to begin the heavens and come down, with the vigilant. We must wait in joyful hope provided that we watch for Jesus as again has greater significance. Or mountains quaking before you” for the “new normal” that will happen he manifests his presence among us in maybe the challenges and deprivations (Is 63:17, 19). when our Lord returns to ensure peace, sacred Scripture, in the Eucharist and of the past year have increased, and We acknowledge that we have lost justice and human dignity for all. We in our encounters (socially distant but deepened, our longing for the coming our way, and we long for the Lord’s must strenuously resist the temptation spiritually close) with everyone we again of our Savior Jesus Christ. return to save us from both external to despair or become complacent or meet. Alone, we are no match for the Sunday’s Gospel reading from and internal threats to our health, safety indifferent, especially toward the suffering evil we confront every day. Together, St. Mark (Mk 13:33–37) tells us that and spiritual well-being. As we pray in of others. And we must do everything in with the grace of God bestowed on us our Lord’s second coming will be a Sunday’s responsorial psalm: our power to make sure that we are ready in Christ, we can prevail. surprise. We don’t know the day or the “O shepherd of Israel, hearken, for the changes that will occur when the Let’s pray for the coming of our time. All we can do is wait and be alert. From your throne upon the Lord returns on the Last Day. Lord this Advent. Let’s ask him to help “May he not come suddenly and find cherubim, shine forth. In the Second reading for the First us be ready and watch for him patiently you sleeping!” (Mk 13:36) Rouse your power, Sunday of Advent, St. Paul tells us how until he returns. †

¡Estemos atentos! No sabemos cuándo vendrá Cristo de nuevo “Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: ‘Estén está claro que esperamos varias cosas: Adviento recuerda nuestro anhelo por el “Siempre doy gracias a mi Dios alerta, velen; porque no saben cuándo una cura para una plaga moderna regreso del Salvador, pero también nos por ustedes, por la gracia de Dios que es el tiempo señalado. Es como un (la COVID-19), la recuperación desafía a recordar que nuestra salvación les fue dada en Cristo Jesús. Porque hombre que se fue de viaje, y al salir de económica, la estabilidad política y ya ha ocurrido en la vida, muerte y en todo ustedes fueron enriquecidos su casa dejó a sus siervos encargados, social, y un “retorno a la normalidad” resurrección de Jesús. en Él, en toda palabra y en todo asignándole a cada uno su tarea, y en la medida en que esto se pueda La Bendita Esperanza que conocimiento, así como el testimonio ordenó al portero que estuviera alerta. lograr. Estamos comprensiblemente anhelamos ahora es la que estuvo acerca de Cristo fue confirmado en Por tanto, velen, porque no saben impacientes después de más de entre nosotros como hombre hace ustedes; de manera que nada les falta cuándo viene el señor de la casa, si nueve meses de miedo, privación e 2,000 años y que se hace presente en ningún don, esperando ansiosamente al atardecer, o a la medianoche, o al incertidumbre. en su Palabra, en sus sacramentos la revelación de nuestro Señor canto del gallo, o al amanecer; no La primera lectura del domingo (especialmente la Eucaristía), y en Jesucristo” (1 Cor 1:4-7). sea que venga de repente y los halle del libro de Isaías (Is 63:16b-17, 19b; nuestros encuentros con nuestros Estamos “enriquecidos en todos dormidos. Y lo que a ustedes digo, a 64:2-7) describe nuestra impaciencia y hermanos y hermanas en su nombre. los sentidos” y no nos “falta ningún todos digo: ¡Velen!’ ” (Mc 15:33-37). ansiedad: La paradoja es que lo que anhelamos don espiritual” mientras esperamos la “¿Por qué, oh Señor, nos haces es algo que ya tenemos, el poder Bendita Esperanza que está, de hecho, El Primer Domingo de Adviento desviar de Tus caminos y endureces curativo de Jesucristo. aquí con nosotros ahora por el milagro parece ser especialmente bienvenido nuestro corazón a Tu temor? Vuélvete El hecho es que debemos estar de la gracia de Dios. este año. Tal vez, debido a que este por amor de Tus siervos, las tribus de atentos. Debemos aguardar con alegre Esto significa que podremos ha sido un año tan diferente a los Tu heredad. [...] ¡Oh, si rasgaras los esperanza la «nueva normalidad» soportar los efectos devastadores de anteriores, la oportunidad de comenzar cielos y descendieras! Si los montes que ocurrirá cuando nuestro Señor la pandemia siempre que vigilemos de nuevo tiene mayor importancia. O se estremecieran ante Tu presencia” regrese para garantizar la paz, la a Jesús mientras manifiesta su tal vez los desafíos y las privaciones (Is 63:17; 64:2). justicia y la dignidad humana para presencia entre nosotros en las del año pasado han aumentado, y Reconocemos que nos hemos todos. Debemos resistir enérgicamente Sagradas Escrituras, en la Eucaristía profundizado, nuestro anhelo por la extraviado del camino, y anhelamos el la tentación de desesperar o de y en nuestros encuentros (socialmente venida de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo. regreso del Señor para salvarnos de las volvernos complacientes o indiferentes, distantes, pero espiritualmente La lectura del Evangelio del amenazas externas e internas a nuestra especialmente ante el sufrimiento de los cercanos) con todos los que nos domingo del libro de san Marcos salud, seguridad y bienestar espiritual. demás. Y debemos hacer todo lo que encontramos. Solos, no somos rivales (Mc 13:33-37) nos dice que la segunda Como rezamos en el salmo responsorial esté a nuestro alcance para asegurarnos para el mal al que nos enfrentamos venida de nuestro Señor será una del domingo: de estar listos para los cambios que cada día; juntos, con la gracia de sorpresa. No sabemos ni el día ni la “Presta oído, oh Pastor de Israel; ocurrirán cuando el Señor regrese en el Dios otorgada en Cristo, podemos hora y lo único que podemos hacer Tú que estás sentado más alto que Día Final. prevalecer. es esperar y estar alerta. ¡”No sea que los querubines; En la segunda lectura del primer Oremos por la gracia de la venida de venga de repente y los halle dormidos”! ¡resplandece! domingo de Adviento, san Pablo nos nuestro Señor este Adviento. Pidámosle (Mc 13:36). Y ven a salvarnos” (Sal 80). dice lo bendecidos que somos, a pesar que nos ayude a estar listos y a vigilarlo Durante esta época de pandemia, Esto encierra una paradoja. El de todo. pacientemente hasta que regrese. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

November 22-30 James Jones, and twin abortion follow. Information: St. Michael Church, Apparitions of Mary to Link: facebook.com/ Becky’s Place virtual Run survivor Claire Culwell, 317-829-6800, www. 145 St. Michael Blvd., Juan Diego” play and stmarysnewalbany. for Hope 5K, $30 includes free. Registration: cutt.ly/ womenscarecenter.org. Brookville. First Saturday songs. Link: facebook.com/ T-shirt, register online through IRTLGala. Information: 317- Marian Devotional Prayer stmarysnewalbany December 16 November or in person 413-9123. Our Lady of the Greenwood Group, Mass, devotional Calvary Mausoleum per time and date above. Church, 335 S. Meridian St., prayers, rosary, 8 a.m. December 12 Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., Information, registration: December 2 Greenwood. First Friday Information: 765-647-5462. Our Lady of Guadalupe Indianapolis. Christmas beckysplacebedford.org. MCL Cafeteria, 5520 bilingual celebration of the online Mass in Spanish, Mass, 2 p.m. Information: Castleton Corner Lane, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, December 8 hosted by St. Lawrence Parish 317-784-4439 or www. December 1 Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, Mass 5:45 p.m., exposition Sisters of Providence in Indianapolis, 11 a.m. Link: catholiccemeteries.cc. Becky’s Place virtual Open 5 p.m., Catholic, educational, of the Blessed Sacrament, virtual “Act justly, Love facebook.com/Ministerio. House, 7-8 p.m., Facebook charitable and social singles— following Mass until 9 p.m., tenderly, Walk humbly” Hispano2006. December 17 livestream tour, interviews separated, widowed or sacrament of reconciliation Monthly Taizé Prayer St. Joseph Parish, 1401 from Catholic Charities divorced—age 50 and older, available. Information: Service, 7-8 p.m., silent and Our Lady of Guadalupe S. Mickley Ave., Indianapolis. Bloomington women’s new members welcome, also 317-750-7309, spoken prayers, simple bilingual online celebration, Third Thursday Adoration, homeless shelter in Bedford, call about regular Friday [email protected]. music, silence. Link: hosted by St. Joseph Parish interceding for women free. Information: 812-275- night dinner events. cutt.ly/Taize. Information: in Shelbyville, 4:30 p.m. experiencing crisis pregnancy, 5773 or [email protected]. Information: 317-796-8605 or December 5 812-535-2952, provctr@ rosary followed by Mass. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with Mass at 317-243-0777. John Paul II Parish, spsmw.org. Link: facebook.com/ 5:45 p.m. Indiana Right to Life virtual St. Paul Chapel, 216 stjoeshelby. Christmas Gala, 7-8 p.m., December 4 Schellers Ave., Sellersburg. December 11 Our Lady of Peace Cemetery featuring two speakers: Women’s Care Center, 4901 First Saturday Marian Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mausoleum, 9001 pro-life executive film W. 86th St., Indianapolis. Devotion, 8 a.m. rosary, online celebration, online celebration, Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. producer/president of Movie First Friday Mass, 5 p.m., meditation, prayer; 8:30 a.m. hosted by St. Mary Parish hosted by St. Mary Parish Christmas Mass, 2 p.m. to Movement and the Human Father James Farrell celebrant, Mass with confessions prior. in New Albany, 10 p.m., in New Albany, 6:30 p.m. Information: 317-574-8898 or Rights Education Organization optional tour of center to Information: 812-246-3522. rosary, includes “The rosary followed by Mass. www.catholiccemeteries.cc. †

For a complete list of retreats as reported to Retreats and Programs The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/retreats.

December 11 includes breakfast and lunch, Providence Spirituality and Sisters of St. Francis, 22143 room to use throughout the Conference Center, Foley Main St., Oldenburg. A Day day, access to common areas Room, 1 Sisters of Providence, of Quiet Renewal, 9 a.m.- and grounds, $35 per day, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, 4 p.m., self-guided tour or overnight stay (depending on St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Art private retreat, dine at local availability) additional $28, and Soul Creation Guild, ANNIVERSARIES restaurants or bring packed $9 dinner when available. 9:30 a.m.-noon, annual edding lunch, room with bathroom Information and registration: membership $30 per person W available $20, or $70 with Jennifer Burger, 317-545- plus $5 for each additional spiritual direction. Information 7681, [email protected], monthly session. Registration and registration: 812-933-6437 www.archindy.org/fatima. and information: 812-535- Robert and Alma (Pringle) Blake, members or cutt.ly/oldbgprograms. Spiritual direction available for 2952, [email protected] or Years of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis, additional suggested donation, www.spsmw.org/event. celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 19. December 12 contact Georgene Beiriger, 60 The couple was married in Sacred Heart of Jesus Sisters of St. Francis, 22143 [email protected], 317- January 7 Church in Indianapolis on Nov. 19, 1960. Main St., Oldenburg. Advent 545-7681, ext. 105. Providence Spirituality and They have one child: Christina Tuley. Retreat, 9:30-11:30 p.m., led Conference Center, Havlik The couple also has one grandchild. † by Sister Olga Wittekind, $25. December 26 Center at Providence Hall, Information and registration: Sisters of St. Francis, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint 812-933-6437, cutt.ly/ 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. Mary-of-the-Woods, St. Mary- oldbgprograms. Audubon Bird Count, of-the-Woods. Art and Soul 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., meet at Creation Guild, 6:30-8:30 p.m., December 3 Michaela Farm, no experience annual membership $30 Virtual Coffee Talk: Native necessary, $10 for lunch. per person plus $5 for each American Spirituality, via Information, registration: additional monthly session. Zoom, 10:45 a.m.-noon, [email protected] or Registration and information: Franciscan Sister Mary Ann www.oldenburgfranciscancenter. 812-535-2952, provctr@spsmw. Dale and Joan (Nobbe) Greiwe, members of Stoffregen, presenter, focuses org/programs.html. org or www.spsmw.org/event. Years St. Mary Parish in Greensburg, will celebrate their on Black Elk, Oglala Lakota 55th wedding anniversary on Nov. 27. medicine man and convert January 6 January 9 55 The couple was married in St. Mary Church in to Catholicism, freewill Oldenburg Franciscan Center, Virtual Forgiveness Retreat, Greensburg on Nov. 27, 1965. donation. Information: 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. Oldenburg Franciscan They have four children: Miranda Burt, Carla [email protected]. Contemplative Prayer, Center via Zoom, 9:30- Rekucki, Craig and Jeff Greiwe. Registration: cutt.ly/BlackElk. 3-4:30 p.m., Franciscan Sister 11:30 a.m., Franciscan The couple also has 10 grandchildren. † Olga Wittekind facilitator, Sister Bernice Stenger December 15-18 freewill donation. Information facilitator, $25. Information Our Lady of Fatima Retreat and registration: center@ and registration: center@ House, 5353 E. 56th St., oldenburgosf.com or visit oldenburgosf.com or visit Indianapolis. Advent Days oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ oldenburgfranciscancenter.org/ of Silence, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., programs. programs. †

Lawrence and Mary (Hagerty) Benedict Inn gift shop annual Christmas Years Dougherty, members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Indianapolis, will celebrate their sale going on now through Dec. 23 50 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 28. The couple was married in St. Mary Church in Shop INN-Spired, located in the pottery by Sister Carol Falkner and Sister Kalamazoo, Mich., on Nov. 28, 1970. Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Jennifer Mechtild Horner; books by Sister They have three children: Megan McLarty, Brian Center, 1402 Southern Ave., in Beech Mary Margaret Funk; and inspirational and Kevin Dougherty. Grove, will host its annual Christmas music recorded by the sisters. The couple also has six grandchildren. † sale now through Dec. 23. Mention seeing this announcement The gift shop sells books, music, in The Criterion to receive an additional unique gifts, religious items and jewelry. 15% off purchases of more than $50. Many items have been prayerfully made Purchases from Shop INN-Spired by the Sisters of St. Benedict at the support the ministries of the Benedict Joe and Susan (Becker) Huser, former adjoining Our Lady of Grace Monastery: Inn Retreat & Conference Center and members of St. Lawrence Parish in Indianapolis, now hand-crafted cards by Sister Bernardine the Sisters of St. Benedict at Our Lady members of Holy Spirit at Geist Parish in Fishers, Ludwig; afghans and character hats of Grace Monastery. Ind. (Lafayette Diocese), will celebrate their by Sister Cathy Anne Lepore; rosaries Normal hours for Shop INN-Spired 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 28. by Sister Nicolette Etienne; children’s are Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and The couple was married in Immaculate Heart of crafting aprons with crayons and scissors from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays in Mary Church in Indianapolis on Nov. 28, 1970. by Sister Mary Carol Messmer; original December. Call 317-788-7581 for more They have three children: Leo, Paul and David paintings by Sister Mary Sue Freiberger; information. † Huser. The couple also has two grandchildren. †

Events and retreats can be submitted to The Criterion by logging on to www.archindy.org/events/submission, or by mailing us at 1400 N. Meridian St., Couples with anniversaries of 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years : go to bit.ly/2M4MQms. Indianapolis, IN 46202, ATTN: Ann Lewis, or by fax at 317-236-1593. The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 7 Dream big, don’t settle for less, pope tells young people VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Young postponed because of the lockdowns and choose, for better people today should not waste their lives travel bans in place to curb the spread of or for worse.” dreaming of obtaining trivial things that the coronavirus. By choosing provide only a fleeting moment of joy, In his homily, the pope reflected on the God, young but aspire to the greatness God wants for day’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew, in people can grow them, Pope Francis said. which Jesus tells his disciples that the good in love and Celebrating Mass on the feast of Christ done to the least ones are done to him. happiness, he the King on Nov. 22, the pope told young Pope Francis said that works of mercy said. But one can people that God “does not want us to narrow such as feeding the hungry, welcoming the possess a full life our horizons or to remain parked on the stranger and visiting the sick or imprisoned “only by giving it roadside of life,” but instead he “wants us to are Jesus’ “ ‘gift list’ for the eternal wedding away.” race boldly and joyfully toward lofty goals.” feast he will share with us in heaven.” “Jesus knows “We were not created to dream about This reminder, he said, is especially that if we are vacations or the weekend, but to make for young people as “you strive to realize self-absorbed and God’s dreams come true in this world,” he your dreams in life.” indifferent, we said. “God made us capable of dreaming, so He also explained that if young people remain paralyzed, Pope Francis looks on as youths from Panama hand over the World Youth that we could embrace the beauty of life.” today dream “about real glory and not the but if we give Day cross to their Portuguese peers at the end of Pope Francis’ Mass at the At the end of the Mass, young people glory of this passing world,” the works ourselves to Vatican on Nov. 22. (CNS photo/Vincenzo Pinto, Reuters pool) from Panama, the host country of World of mercy are the path to follow because others, we become Youth Day 2019, handed over the those works “give glory to God more than free,” he said. the only way to escape problems, yet it World Youth Day cross to young people anything else. Pope Francis also warned of the simply postpones them,” the pope said. “A from Lisbon, Portugal, where the next “Life, we come to see, is a time for obstacles one faces in giving his or fixation with our rights can lead us to neglect international gathering is expected to take making robust, decisive, eternal choices,” her life for others, especially “feverish our responsibilities to others. Then, there place in August 2023. the pope said. “Trivial choices lead to consumerism,” which can “overwhelm our is the great misunderstanding about love, The handoff originally was scheduled a trivial life; great choices to a life of hearts with superfluous things. which is more than powerful emotions, but for April 5, Palm Sunday, but was greatness. Indeed, we become what we “An obsession with pleasure may seem primarily a gift, a choice and a sacrifice.” †

appreciation for the common good of society. Civility is not the absence of pride, vanity, agendas, bitterness, resentment CIVILITY Three things, in particular, must be differences and disagreements, though it or selfishness to stand in our way. continued from page 1 avoided if we are to preserve authentic does involve a refusal to allow the radicals May we rise above our differences and dialogue: namely, name-calling, making of polarization to divide and destroy disagreements in order to restore hope for right to violence, rioting, looting, abusing, threats and raising voices in hostility. Any the very soul of humanity. Rather than a new tomorrow in reaching new horizons slandering or defamation. It is in the absence one of these can readily erode the trust pulling away, civility demands that we of our humanity as both individuals and of civility, of course, that the line between and openness needed to maintain mutual pull together. Rather than succumb to communities of peoples. With Jesus Christ what is acceptable and unacceptable relationships. despair, we must dare to trust in the Holy as our cornerstone, all is possible. becomes blurred. Regardless of differences and Spirit. It requires of us the capacity to seek With assurance of my continued True justice is a matter of conviction, disagreements, humanity cannot afford forgiveness, understanding and justice prayers and best wishes, I remain, right judgment, rather than feelings. True to lose sight of its own dignity. Failure to tempered with the sweetness of mercy. Sincerely yours in Christ, justice is rooted in the rule of law, based appreciate one’s own dignity often leads Let us not surrender to the darker side on the notion of the common good within to the denial of another’s dignity. Without of judgment, ridicule, revenge, hostility a just society. properly rooted conviction, we allow and manipulation. By the grace of God, While everyone has a right to an opinion, others to get the best of us. may our efforts to preserve civility enable there are some who seem to be unaware that Any authentic conviction of a true our families, communities and nation not every opinion needs to be spoken. Still Christian is rooted in the person of Jesus to experience a renewed sense of peace, +Charles C. Thompson others seem unable to distinguish between Christ. Such conviction does not guarantee healing, trust and unity. We cannot allow Archbishop of Indianapolis opinions that are based on knowledge and always being right, but it does provide experience from those that are based on mere the pathway to seeking what is right, just emotion or speculation. While conscience and and true. Remaining Christ-centered, one intuition are to be respected, these should not is able to respond rather than to react to a be confused with pride and vanity. perceived challenge, disagreement or even Everyone in practically every phase threat. Rather than seeking to win or gain of life—including the political, medical, against one another, we should be seeking scientific, religious and economic—has what is best for humanity as a whole. an opinion about the COVID-19 pandemic. As Pope Francis has exhorted us time Within each of these spheres, however, and again, the ability to accompany, opinions vary. This would seem to indicate dialogue and encounter one another is that we are still in the process of really essential to the preservation of civility understanding and fully appreciating the in any society or community. Apart from situation. civility, human beings are apt to engage In such moments, the true character in behavior that is detrimental to healthy of an individual or group is realized. relationships and personal well-being, Let us not be drawn into one extreme such as gossip and bullying. or another, but find the proper balance Accompaniment, dialogue and of freedom and responsibility. My encounter enable us to relate to one individual freedoms do not outweigh my another in a way that honors and respects CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY responsibility to treat others with respect, human dignity rather than speaking and caution and care. Safety precautions such acting in destructive ways. Contrary to the as wearing a facial cover, social distancing old adage “Sticks and stones may break A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK and disinfecting are inconveniences for my bones, but words can never hurt me,” practically everyone. On the other hand, words can be as destructive and divisive as WHAT IS A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY? they are signs of our respect for the actions or objects. What else might we call As its name implies, a charitable gift annuity (CGA) is both a gift and an annuity. sacredness of life as well as our defense shaming, ridiculing and scapegoating if It’s an uncomplicated gift that is exceedingly popular because it benefits both for the dignity of every human person. not the weaponizing of words or behavior? Within any form of social unrest, there To be Christ-centered is basically to charities and donors. When you contribute through a CGA, some of the donation must be an ability to listen and learn from draw a line in the sand and refuse to no supports the parish, school or agency of your choice and some is returned to you in one another. This can be difficult, of course, longer perpetuate the hostility of man’s periodic payments for life. especially when there is need for change. inhumanity toward man. The cross stands as No one likes to think of themselves as a paradoxical symbol of Christian civility. HOW GIFT ANNUITIES WORK causing hurt and pain any more than they In and through the cross, Jesus Christ took When you make a CGA gift through the Catholic Community Foundation, we use like being the victims of hurt and pain. The upon himself the weight of the world’s sins approximately half of the gift to support your designated parish, school or agency demands of justice, however, involve the to be conquered by divine grace. As Jesus recognition of wrongdoing for the sake of showed, it involves the courage to let down and pay the other half back to you in the form of annuity payments for the rest of both perpetrators and victims. our guard of defensiveness, a willingness your life. With regard to politics, it does not take to be vulnerable and seeking reconciliation a mental heavyweight to realize that the rather than vengeance. A POPULAR GIVING TOOL growing polarization taking place over the The principles of our Catholic social Gift annuities are appealing because they provide an opportunity to make a last several years has made it very difficult teaching provide us with a wonderful meaningful gift but require only modest funding. for a decent candidate to make it through blueprint to paving the way of civility; either major political party’s process of namely, through respect for the dignity of endorsement and support for election. This every person created in the image of God, For more information about this and other planned giving options through is not to say that there are not good men and option for the poor, defense of family the Catholic Community Foundation, call 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1482, or email women in politics. How many of us, however, and community, the dignity of work and us at [email protected]. have found ourselves casting our vote against the worker, the balance of rights and someone rather than really voting for a responsibilities, solidarity and care for candidate of choice? Both major political creation. In essence, we must adhere to parties seem to have been hijacked by the the so-called “golden rule” if we are to be radicals within their respective groups. This beacons of hope: “Do unto others as you WWW.ARCHINDY.ORG/CCF/ is a mere symptom of the effects of radical would have them do unto you,” rather than FOR GOD. FOR OTHERS. FOREVER. individualism that has overtaken any real do unto others before they do it to you. Page 8 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Arzobispo Charles C. Thompson: Un llamado al civismo 27 de noviembre de 2020 de civismo la línea entre lo que es aceptable en contra de alguien en lugar de votar paradójico del civismo cristiano. En y a e inaceptable se vuelve difusa. realmente por el candidato de nuestra través de la cruz, Jesucristo tomó sobre Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: La verdadera justicia es una cuestión de elección? Los dos principales partidos sí el peso de los pecados del mundo para convicción, de juicio correcto, más que de políticos parecen haber sido secuestrados vencerlos por la gracia divina. Como lo El Adviento, una temporada de sentimientos. Está arraigada en el estado por los radicales de sus respectivos grupos. demostró Jesús, esto implica tener el valor preparación y esperanza, marca el de derecho, basada en la noción del bien Esto es tan solo un síntoma de los efectos de bajar la guardia de la defensividad, la comienzo de un nuevo año litúrgico común dentro de una sociedad justa. del individualismo radical que ha superado voluntad de ser vulnerable y la búsqueda de para la Iglesia. Se Aunque todos tienen derecho a opinar, cualquier valoración real del bien común de la reconciliación en lugar de la venganza. trata de un tiempo pareciera que algunos no están conscientes la sociedad. Los principios de nuestra enseñanza de renovación que de que no es necesario pronunciar todas Si queremos preservar el diálogo social católica nos proporcionan un puede traer lo que el las opiniones. Otros parecen incapaces de auténtico, debemos evitar especialmente maravilloso proyecto para allanar el papa Francisco ha distinguir entre las opiniones basadas en estos tres elementos: los insultos, las camino del civismo; a saber, a través del denominado calidez el conocimiento y la experiencia, de las amenazas y alzar la voz con hostilidad. respeto a la dignidad de cada persona para los corazones basadas en la mera emoción o especulación. Cualquiera de ellas puede fácilmente creada a imagen de Dios, brindar opciones y la sanación de las Si bien es cierto que se debe respetar la socavar la confianza y la apertura necesarias a los pobres, la defensa de la familia y la heridas. conciencia y la intuición, estas no deben para mantener las relaciones mutuas. comunidad, la dignidad del trabajo y del Mientras confundirse con el orgullo y la vanidad. Independientemente de las diferencias trabajador, el equilibrio de los derechos Arzobispo Charles esperamos con Todo el mundo en prácticamente todas y los desacuerdos, la humanidad no y responsabilidades, la solidaridad y C. Thompson activa expectativa las esferas de la vida—incluyendo la puede permitirse perder de vista su propia el cuidado de la creación. En esencia, para celebrar el política, la médica, la científica, la religiosa dignidad. La ausencia de valoración de la debemos adherirnos a la llamada “regla de nacimiento de Jesucristo, ofrezco esta y la económica—tiene una opinión sobre propia dignidad a menudo conduce a la oro” si queremos ser faros de esperanza: reflexión como un medio para destacar la pandemia de la COVID-19. Sin embargo, negación de la dignidad del otro. Sin una “Haz a los demás lo que quieras que te el espíritu de la reciente carta encíclica dentro de cada una de estas esferas, las convicción bien arraigada, permitimos que hagan a ti,” en lugar de hacer a los demás del papa Francisco, “Fratelli Tutti: Sobre opiniones varían. Esto parecería indicar otros nos saquen de nuestras casillas. antes de que nos lo hagan a nosotros. la fraternidad y la amistad social.” como que todavía estamos en el proceso de Toda convicción auténtica de un El civismo no es la ausencia de un recordatorio de nuestra interconexión comprender realmente la situación y ser verdadero cristiano está arraigada en la diferencias y desacuerdos, aunque implica como familia humana y la necesidad capaces de evaluarla en su totalidad. persona de Jesucristo. Dicha convicción el rechazo a permitir que los radicales de nuestro testimonio de esperanza que En tales momentos se pone de manifiesto no garantiza que siempre se tenga la de la polarización dividan y destruyan el se encuentra en el núcleo de nuestra el verdadero carácter de un individuo razón, pero proporciona el camino alma misma de la humanidad. En lugar de capacidad para atraer a los creyentes y o grupo. No nos dejemos arrastrar a un para buscar lo que es correcto, justo y alejarnos, el civismo exige que nos unamos; transformar la sociedad. extremo u otro, sino que encontremos verdadero. Al permanecer centrados en en vez de sucumbir a la desesperación, La capacidad de cualquier comunidad el equilibrio adecuado entre libertad y Cristo, somos capaces de responder en vez debemos atrevernos a confiar en el o grupo para sobrevivir, incluso prosperar, responsabilidad. Mis libertades individuales de reaccionar a un desafío, desacuerdo o Espíritu Santo. Esto requiere de nosotros en medio de la adversidad, es la medida no superan mi responsabilidad de tratar a los incluso una amenaza percibida. En lugar la capacidad de buscar el perdón, la del civismo. Esto es especialmente cierto demás con respeto, precaución y de cuidar al de buscar salir victoriosos o ganar frente a comprensión y la justicia templada con la en tiempos de caos, división y transición otro. Las precauciones de seguridad como el otros, deberíamos buscar lo que es mejor dulzura de la misericordia. de la autoridad. Lamentablemente, el uso uso de una cubierta facial, el distanciamiento para la humanidad en su conjunto. No nos entreguemos al lado oscuro indebido de las redes sociales que existen social y la desinfección son molestias para Tal como el papa Francisco nos ha del juicio, el ridículo, la venganza, la hoy en día fomenta la proliferación de prácticamente todo el mundo. Por otro lado, exhortado una y otra vez, la capacidad de hostilidad y la manipulación. Que por la vergüenza, el abuso y la utilización de son signos de nuestro respeto por lo sagrado acompañar, dialogar y encontrarse es esencial la gracia de Dios nuestros esfuerzos por chivos expiatorios, situación que ocurre de la vida, así como nuestra defensa de la para la preservación del civismo en cualquier preservar el civismo permitan a nuestras en prácticamente todas las esferas de la dignidad de cada persona humana. sociedad o comunidad. Aparte del civismo, familias, comunidades y país experimentar sociedad. En el seno de cualquier forma de los seres humanos son propensos a tener una renovada sensación de paz, sanación, Lejos de desarrollar capacidad de malestar social, debe existir la capacidad comportamientos como los chismes y la confianza y unidad. No podemos permitir convenir en las desavenencias, las personas para escuchar y aprender unos de otros. intimidación, que resultan perjudiciales para que el orgullo, la vanidad, las agendas, la de opiniones diferentes se demonizan Esto puede resultar difícil, por supuesto, las relaciones sanas y el bienestar personal. amargura, el resentimiento o el egoísmo se rápidamente unas a otras. Cuando existe un especialmente cuando hay necesidad de El acompañamiento, el diálogo y el interpongan en nuestro camino. margen escueto para lograr el compromiso, cambio. A nadie le gusta considerarse encuentro nos permiten relacionarnos Que nos elevemos por encima de las posibilidades de lograr un diálogo causante de daño y dolor más de lo que le de una manera que honra y respeta la nuestras diferencias y desacuerdos auténtico son exiguas. Si todo se percibe gustaría ser víctima del daño y el dolor. dignidad humana en lugar de hablar para restaurar la esperanza de un nuevo “en blanco y negro,” lo único que podemos Sin embargo, las exigencias de la justicia y actuar de manera destructiva. mañana al alcanzar nuevos horizontes para captar del otro es que “está a mi favor” o implican el reconocimiento de los actos Contrariamente al viejo adagio que dice nuestra humanidad como individuos y “en mi contra.” Tales son los efectos de la ilícitos en beneficio tanto de los autores que “Los palos y las piedras pueden comunidades de pueblos. Con Jesucristo polarización extrema que existe. como de las víctimas. romperme los huesos, pero las palabras como nuestra piedra angular, todo es La falta de civismo probablemente En lo que respecta a la política, no hace no pueden hacerme daño,” las palabras posible. no es más palpable que lo que hemos falta ser un pensador avanzado para darse tienen un poder tan destructivo y divisorio Con la certeza de mis oraciones experimentado en nuestro país durante cuenta de que la creciente polarización que como las acciones o los objetos. ¿Qué otro continuas y mis mejores deseos, estos últimos meses con la pandemia, los se ha venido produciendo en los últimos título podríamos darle al bochorno, a la disturbios sociales y el proceso de elección años ha dificultado enormemente que un ridiculización y a convertir a alguien en quedo de ustedes en Cristo, política. La libertad de protestar, marchar, candidato decente supere el proceso de chivo expiatorio, si no la transformación defender, levantar carteles y hacer oír la voz aprobación y apoyo a la elección por parte de las palabras o las conductas en armas? es un derecho que todos compartimos; sin de cualquiera de los principales partidos Estar centrados en Cristo es básicamente embargo, esa libertad no otorga a ninguno políticos. Esto no quiere decir que no haya trazar una línea en la arena y negarse de nosotros el derecho a la violencia, los buenos hombres y mujeres en el ámbito a no perpetuar más la hostilidad de la disturbios, el saqueo, el abuso, la calumnia de la política. Sin embargo, ¿cuántos de inhumanidad del hombre hacia el hombre. Reverendísimo Charles C. Thompson o la difamación. Por supuesto, en ausencia nosotros nos hemos encontrado votando La cruz se erige como un símbolo Arzobispo de Indianápolis Pope, in new book, talks about personal ‘lockdowns’ that changed his life

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—While the coronavirus He was in his second year at the diocesan seminary, lockdowns and restrictions have interrupted people’s lives and it was his “first experience of limit, of pain and and brought suffering on a global scale, every individual— loneliness,” he said. “It changed the way I saw life. including the pope—has or will experience traumatic “For months, I didn’t know who I was and whether I interruptions in their lives, Pope Francis said in a new book. would live or die. The doctors had no idea whether I’d “Illness, the failure of a marriage or a business, some make it either,” the pope wrote. “I remember hugging my great disappointment or betrayal,” he said, are moments that mother and saying: ‘Just tell me if I’m going to die.’ ” “generate a tension, a crisis that reveals what is in our hearts.” After three months in the hospital, “they operated to In Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future, a book take out the upper right lobe of one of the lungs,” he said. written with author Austen Ivereigh, Pope Francis said he “I have some sense of how people with coronavirus feel had experienced three “COVID moments” in his lifetime: as they struggle to breathe on ventilators.” lung problems that threatened his life when he was 21; One of the nurses, “Sister Cornelia Caraglio, saved his “displacement” in Germany in 1986 for studies; and my life” by doubling his antibiotics, he said. “Because when he was sent away to Cordoba, Argentina, for almost of her regular contact with sick people, she understood two years in the early 1990s. better than the doctor what they needed, and she had the Let Us Dream will be published on Dec. 1 by Simon courage to act on her knowledge.” & Schuster. The section on what the pope called his Pope Francis said he also learned the meaning of “personal COVIDs” was excerpted in Italian newspapers “cheap consolations.” on Nov. 23. “People came in to tell me I was going to be fine, how In those major moments of challenge and pain, Pope with all that pain I’d never have to suffer again—really Francis wrote, “what I learned was that you suffer a lot, dumb things, empty words,” he said. but if you allow it to change you, you come out better. Instead, he learned from a nun who had prepared him But if you dig in, you come out worse.” for his first Communion and would come and hold his Writing about his diseased lung, the pope said, “I hand, how important it was to sit with people, touch them remember the date: Aug. 13, 1957. I got taken to a and keep words to a minimum. hospital by a [seminary] prefect who realized mine was The time in the hospital recovering, he said, gave him the Pope Francis meets with author Austen Ivereigh in November not the kind of flu you treat with aspirin. Straightaway time and space he needed to “rethink my vocation” and explore 2019. The pope collaborated with Ivereigh on the book, Let Us they took a liter and a half of water out of the lung, and I his longing to enter a religious order rather than the diocesan Dream: The Path to A Better Future, which will be published remained there fighting for my life.” priesthood. It was then that he decided to join the Jesuits. † on Dec. 1 by Simon & Schuster. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 9

Go forth and read: Catholic fiction and where to find it

By Ann Margaret Lewis when the Holy Office (now the Congregation for the no fiction. This is because they primarily market to Doctrine of the Faith) placed fiction and non-fiction Catholic retail stores that in turn cater to a When one says “Catholic fiction,” what comes to books on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a list of gift-buying or research-minded consumer. You might mind? Is it a story featuring a Catholic character, say books the Catholic faithful were forbidden to read. stumble upon a single piece of Catholic fiction in a priest or religious like G.K. Chesterton’s Father It did not, however, create a list of recommended a Catholic bookstore, perhaps a children’s book or Brown or Ralph McInerny’s Father Dowling? Is reading or suggest guidelines for creating works of two, but certainly not a hearty collection of it. And if it horror like William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist fiction it found favorable. a secular chain bookstore stocks Catholic fiction at or suspense like Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas? As a result, after that list’s abolition, Catholic all, it is shelved with the Christian fiction or among Is it a literary work like Shūsaku Endō’s Silence, readers did as they always have done—purchase religious non-fiction books with a given publisher’s or Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh? Is it fiction from secular book sellers, only now without other offerings. written by a Catholic author, or simply literature that considering how a work did or did not enrich, or So, where does one go if one wants a good story contains Catholic themes or insights? at least not deride, their faith. If a Catholic wants a that is Catholic in character or theme? To connect The truth is, like many things in our Catholic faith novel now, he or she searches on Amazon or walks Catholic readers with Catholic fiction literature, several it is “both/and”—all these things and more. into Barnes and Noble to find what interests him or institutions have developed that focus on this niche Catholic fiction is often hard to describe even for her the most regardless of spiritual impact. market. The related article below contains a selection those like me who write and read it. It isn’t simply Perusing regular bookstores or using the search of them. I hope you’ll investigate these avenues to literature that doesn’t offend Catholic sensibilities, features on Amazon for Catholic fiction can be Catholic fiction, buy a title as a Christmas gift, or because while there is certainly a good deal of problematic, however. Search results on Amazon and curl up this winter yourself with an entertaining, yet fiction that rubs against our moral convictions, the its partner site Goodreads are not necessarily attuned spiritually edifying, new book. Go forth and read! material that doesn’t isn’t always Catholic. Late to a faithful Catholic sensibility. When Amazon’s author Father Andrew Greeley once wrote that search feature sees “Catholic fiction,” it can serve up (Ann Margaret Lewis is executive assistant in Catholic works of art, specifically the classics, books that may have Catholic characters, tropes or the archdiocesan Office of Communications “assume a God who is present in the world, situations but present narratives counter to our faith. and the author of several books. E-mail her at disclosing himself in and through creation” and Reviews help a bit, perhaps, but reading them can be [email protected].) † calling this trait the “Catholic imagination.” time-consuming. This makes Catholic fiction more difficult to define One is also than Christian fiction, which, by contrast, is produced not likely to by a cluster of book publishers that strictly adhere to a find much mutually agreed upon set of literary guidelines. Catholic fiction Readers of Christian fiction know where to find on the shelves this material and are encouraged by their religious of standard communities to read it, though critics have often bookstores, noted its formulaic quality. Many Catholic writers as only the do not seek publishing contracts with Christian largest Catholic publishers, as the publishers usually require edits publishers that remove the Catholic nature of their work. While distribute their deep themes might slip through an edit, a practicing products to the Catholic character that prays the rosary or attends brick and mortar Mass is not allowed by their guidelines. retailers, and There was a time when the Catholic Church had a these companies sort of litmus test of its own for literary faithfulness publish little or

Where is good Catholic fiction? Lots of places online

Compiled by Ann Margaret Lewis Good News! Book Fair offers a slew of titles for the Church around the world made up largely of lay young people. They bring their show to Catholic (and Catholics, Scepter publishes works to lead readers to Catholic Reads (catholicreads.com): Christian) schools the same way Scholastic does. find Christ in everyday life Catholic Reads is the “Catholic BookBub.” If you are They recently launched a general online bookstore not familiar with BookBub, it is registration-required called goodnewsbookshop.com which is adding more Silver Empire (silverempire.org): service that sends e-mail blasts with a list of titles offered products every day. Worth keeping an eye on this one. A Catholic-owned publisher of edgy (PG-13) at sale prices at online retailers like Amazon. Catholic suspense, horror, urban fantasy and science fiction Reads does the same for Catholic books, and their web Ignatius Press print catalog and web store with Christian and Catholic themes and characters, site also provides reviews as well as a semi-regular video (ignatius.com): Silver Empire offers a book club in which users blog with authors. For so young an enterprise they have While Ignatius Press is the largest Catholic publisher in purchase credits to have works delivered to them already covered an impressive list of titles. the United States, it publishes only a smattering of fiction. regularly at a discount. Its print catalog and web store, however, offer Catholic Catholic Teen Books (catholicteenbooks.com): fiction for children and adults from other publishers, as Sophia Press Institute Press This is another new site with a good collection of well as the few fiction titles it publishes in-house. (www.sophiainstitute.com): titles. Many teen parents will tell you that it is almost Sophia Institute Press is one offering of Sophia impossible to find edifying young adult fiction today. Tumblar House (tumblarhouse.com): Institute, a non-profit organization “that nurtures the Much of it is quite dark, featuring graphic situations, Tumblar House is a sizeable online Catholic retailer that spiritual, moral and cultural life of souls and spreads sexual content and language. Teen and young adult carries a thorough collection of Catholic fiction books the Gospel of Christ in conformity with the authentic fiction does not have to be that way to present an classic and new, all chosen for quality and faithfulness. teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.” They offer engaging story. All the titles listed on Catholic Teen fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children. Books are written by decent writers and include Independent or small presses that produce a variety of genres young people really like. For Catholic fiction: Wiseblood Books (wisebloodbooks.com): educators, there’s a list of learning materials and Many small or “indie” presses offer titles worth Inspired by Catholic writer Flannery O’Conner, names of authors who’ll visit your classroom. reading that are available through their web sites as Wiseblood offers fiction, poetry, and philosophic well as Amazon: works that focus on finding redemption in uncanny Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval List places and people. (catholicwritersguild.org/seal-approval): Angelico Press (angelicopress.org): The Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is a Angelico offers classic Catholic fiction as well as new Short fiction: These literary journals offer Catholic service the Catholic Writers Guild (CWG) provides literature in that vein. short stories as well as poetry: for Catholic bookstores, in which trained volunteers read content for its faithfulness to Catholic teaching. Full Quiver Publishing (fullquiverpublishing.com): Dappled Things (dappledthings.org): Many of the titles read and approved by CWG readers Full Quiver publishes fiction and non-fiction with a A magazine “committed to quality writing that takes are listed on the guild’s web site. Theology of the Body theme. advantage of the religious, theological, philosophical, artistic, cultural and literary heritage of the Catholic Cath-Lit Live (cutt.ly/cath-lit-live) Raven Crest Publishing Church in order to inform and enrich contemporary Young adult author A.J. Cattapan hosts this regular (ravencrestpublishingandproduction.com): literary culture.” 10-minute long live Facebook/YouTube video cast in Raven Crest offers stories that communicate a which she interviews Catholic authors with new releases. powerful, life-changing and redemptive message. Ever Eden Literary Journal (everedenpublishing.com): Good News! Book Fair (goodnewsbookfair.com): Scepter Publishers (scepterpublishers.org): A magazine featuring the writing of Catholic women A Catholic competitor to the Scholastic book fairs, An outgrowth of Opus Dei, a personal prelature in intended for all readers. † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

in some way,” Msgr. Koetter said. “So, KOETTER now that I have this illness, I think it continued from page 1 creates an opportunity for me to serve in a unique way. The illness opens doors “I noticed, and I wondered if it might be with people who are suffering in their a sign from God,” recalled Msgr. Koetter. lives. They feel that I would understand.” He shared his diagnosis with the It was hard for Suzy McLaughlin, pilgrims at the start of their trip and Holy Spirit’s director of finance and had arranged for a letter about it to be facilities, to see the condition take hold in published in Holy Spirit’s bulletin while her pastor and limit his ability to minister. he was away. But she finds that his willingness “The bond with the pilgrims was very to be open to her and the parishioners deep,” Msgr. Koetter said. “I think us all about his condition is a kind of ministry. knowing my illness allowed a deeper bond “It’s a privilege to go through this of love and support going both ways.” with someone,” McLaughlin said. “I feel Bonds of love and support continue that Father Paul is letting us share his to connect Msgr. Koetter to Holy Spirit journey … . We’re just all blessed by parishioners as ALS has totally taken being able to be with him during this. away his physical ability to speak. It’s such a gift that he’s given the parish But he is so determined to continue to stay as long as he can.” those connections that he now uses So far, ALS has only affected Msgr. software developed by the Belgium-based Koetter’s ability to speak and to swallow. Acapela Group to speak. He types into His motor skills have been unaffected. his tablet what he wants to say. Then, He also experiences no physical pain using recordings of Msgr. Koetter from the illness. speaking that are stored in the software, To help him in his continued life Msgr. Paul Koetter and members of his pilgrimage group are shown on a boat during their visit to the tablet verbalizes what he wrote, in the parish, Thomas and other the Holy Land in November 2019. (Submitted photo) producing a sound like his voice. parishioners make meals for him. She speaks with him when she delivers the to do one weekend each month. pastor’s condition and the way he lives ‘Overwhelming support’ food. He types his homily in advance into the with it as a gift. In July, Msgr. Koetter, 69, was “He’s never sad,” Thomas said. “He software. Then the recording of the homily “It’s not the gift that you would ask granted early retirement from active never has the attitude of ‘Why me?’ He’s produced by the software is sent through for,” Larry said. “But it’s the gift that ministry. With the permission of Holy still pastoring. He has so much to give the church’s sound system while Msgr. allows you to be there for other people.” Spirit’s current pastor, Father Michael and to share. I consider it a blessing Koetter stands at the ambo, motions with Without all the duties of a pastor to O’Mara, he continues to live at the to be able to cook for him and to have his hands and moves his head as if he was fill up his daily life, Msgr. Koetter now parish and ministers in limited ways. those few minutes with him. It’s such a actually speaking the homily. has more time for prayer and reflection. At the same time, he finds that the gift, because he has so much to give.” “The message is always the word of “The busyness of life as a priest parishioners minister to him. Msgr Koetter agreed that the giving God,” he said. “But what I say is heard sometimes can control the mind. I was “They have been an overwhelming goes both ways. differently now. So, if I give an example running all the time,” he said. “Now I support,” he said through his tablet. “The “In the last year, I have received about carrying one’s cross, people hear am not running. number of people praying for me is very many letters about how my ministry that with more focus. They understand “I would say that the elements of high. And I really think those prayers are has impacted someone’s life,” he said. that I know what that means.” faith and awareness of God are easier sustaining me.” “Those are beautiful to read. It has Homilies aren’t the only way that today than before, because my emotions This sustaining strength allows him to helped to confirm my role as a priest Msgr. Koetter shares this message. It are more raw and I have the time to sit. continue to live out the priestly vocation and the life I have tried to lead. It is comes across throughout his continued Like when a loved one dies, we are more given to him by God. one of the big blessings that I have life and ministry at Holy Spirit. emotionally open to the reality of God.” “God is always calling us to serve experienced.” “A phrase I have often used in my Although he knows that his condition preaching is, ‘God is good all the time. will eventually take his life, Msgr. ‘God is still blessing me All the time, God is good,’ ” he said. “I Koetter tries to live in the present each day’ want people to know that I still believe moment as much as possible. Although the software that this is true. While my illness has “I do not project myself into the future has allowed Msgr. Koetter been a big burden, the blessings given of the illness any more than I need to do,” to “speak,” he still have been overwhelming. So, God is still he said. “I find that that can increase anxiety finds communicating blessing me each day.” and fear. So, I try to stay in the present challenging. moment in my life and in my prayer. “The flow of the ‘God is in the present moment now’ “It is also a belief in where God can conversation is very Though he continues to live and assist be found. God is in the present moment, different now,” he said. in ministry at Holy Spirit, Msgr. Koetter right now. So, if we want to experience “If I am in a group, it is no longer serves as the principal celebrant God, then we stay present to the now.” hard to get my words in, at Mass. He doesn’t celebrate baptisms, By living in the present moment, he because conversations funerals or weddings. And he no longer also remains aware of the difficulties of move forward while I am has the responsibility of leading a parish his condition. typing. And yet, I don’t of more than 2,000 households. “Certainly, the diagnosis was a hard want the conversation to “In the past, being a priest and reality for myself, my family and the be controlled by my pace being a pastor were very interlocked,” parish,” Msgr. Koetter said. “But we get unless I am with only one Msgr. Koetter said. “Now, I think past the diagnosis into daily life.” or two. It seems to work my priesthood is best expressed in While he noted that he wants “to have better one-on-one. how I carry this illness. So, I think a sense of normalcy in each day,” he “Being an extrovert, I my impact as a spiritual leader is not admitted that one “blessing of this illness would often talk to come through many concrete ministries, but is that there is no pain. I feel fine.” to understand myself. That through a witness. I am not a perfect Still, said Msgr. Koetter, “I am is natural for extroverts. witness, but I try.” carrying an illness that will eventually Now that is hard to do. So, That witness comes across strongly take my life unless a miracle happens. Msgr. Paul Koetter, right, blesses Dave Thomas during a I miss that a lot.” for Holy Spirit parishioner Teresa Heil. “But we all carry our future with the pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November 2019. The blessing took But Msgr. Koetter “It’s just his presence that you need reality of death.” place on the banks of the Jordan River when pilgrims renewed hasn’t had to miss sometimes,” she said. “You don’t need their baptismal vows. Msgr. Koetter was at the time pastor of preaching homilies at him to say anything.” (To hear Msgr. Paul Koetter pray through Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis. Thomas is a member of the weekend Masses at Holy Teresa’s husband Larry has come, the software that he uses to communicate, faith community. (Submitted photo) Spirit, which he continues like Msgr. Koetter, to see his former visit www.CriterionOnline.com.) †

Report shows many Americans rely on their faith in these uncertain times WASHINGTON (CNS)—An annual survey on public That protection and accommodation even extends to avoid treating physical interactions in religious exercise as attitudes toward religious faith release by the Becket ensuring hospital patients who request it still have access unnecessary or unacceptable risks because they are religious,” Fund for Religious Liberty on Nov. 17 indicates, not to spiritual care, as a recent intervention by the Office for he said. “Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, gave surprisingly, a considerable amount of objection to Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human us the sacraments to convey God’s grace and healing.” government-imposed limits on the size of congregations Services (HHS) made clear. COVID-19 restrictions on houses of worship are at the in houses of worship amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In two cases, citing safety protocols, hospitals had denied center of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., filing an emergency “In a number of cases during the pandemic where requests for priests to visit patients in order to administer application with the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 for an houses of worship asked to receive equal treatment with baptism and anointing of the sick. HHS worked with the injunction against Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order businesses, ... courts ruled that the place of business could hospitals to make the in-person interactions possible with the limiting the size of a congregation for in-person services at receive higher priority,” the report stated. use of personal protective equipment, an effort praised by Catholic churches and other houses of worship. “But when asked to compare priorities for reopenings the bishops’ Committee on Religious Liberty. The diocese’s filing complains that the order after coronavirus outbreaks, a majority of respondents said “COVID-19 requires us to limit or modify our physical “expressly singles out ‘houses of worship’ by that name that houses of worship should be treated with at least the interactions to some degree, in order to reduce risks to for adverse treatment relative to secular businesses.” same priority as reopened businesses,” the report states. physical health,” said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski On Nov. 16, Agudath Israel of America, an umbrella Because respondents said “that religion is part of of Miami, then the chairman of the United States organization that represents affiliated Orthodox Jewish an individual’s identity, not just a hobby or weekend Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on congregations across the U.S., and two Orthodox activity,” they also saw that it “requires protection and Religious Liberty, in an Oct. 21 statement. congregations in New York City also asked the Supreme accommodations,” the report stated. “Medical experts play a natural role in this effort but must Court to stop Cuomo’s order. † The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 11

A supplement to Catholic newspapers published by Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. All contents are copyrighted © 2020 by FaithAlive! Catholic News Service. God’s face is still present to us this Advent—even in 2020 By Mike Nelson

How many of you, when asked, “How are you doing?” have replied, “I’m just waiting for this year to end”? We have experienced in 2020 a pandemic like none we have ever seen, political turmoil like none we have ever seen, an economic shutdown like ... you get the picture. For many of us, 2021 can’t come soon enough. For those of us who are Catholic, the new year comes a few weeks earlier—the new liturgical year, that is, starting with Advent, a season of desire. And rarely have many of us desired the breath of fresh air that a new year can bring. But even this new season and new year does not begin without grim and sobering reminders of how far from God many of us are. “Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?” laments Isaiah in the first reading of the First Sunday of Advent (Is 63:17). “Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful; all of us have become like unclean people” (Is 64:4-5). This, then, is a call to repentance—to “straighten up and fly right,” in the words of an old Nat King Cole song. Or as Scripture frequently suggests, “Make straight [your] paths,” words proclaimed by St. John the Baptist in three of the four Gospels. This weekend’s Gospel reading from St. Mark suggests this is best done sooner than later. “You do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,” Jesus tells his disciples (Mk 13:35). “Be watchful.” Jesus’ words are spoken shortly before he and his disciples head for Jerusalem where Jesus knows what awaits him. His Sandra Cruz of Chelsea, Mass., waits for a ride with her daughter after picking up free groceries from a food pantry on July 22. This year has been a grim disciples do not, of course; nor do we and sobering time for many. Nonetheless, God’s face is still present to us this Advent. (CNS photo/Brian Snyder, Reuters) know what awaits us in the months and years ahead. But to acknowledge where we have your hand” (Is 64:7). of us have lamented, “Lord, you have And after this year, many of us are fallen short and who is really in charge Right before this, though, Isaiah says hidden your face from us.” But if God afraid to ask. Yet go forward we must. requires humility on our part. Such something else to God, a lamentation that created us all in his image and likeness, And we will, for God always offers us the humility is more abundant, it seems, in invites our reflection on how to straighten should we not seek his face among those chance to atone and correct our course. times of uncertainty and desperation. out our lives, and our world: “You have already in our midst? And be the face of “Give us new life,” says the Isaiah understands this. “Yet, Lord, you hidden your face from us and have God to others? psalmist, “and we will call upon your are our father,” he says. “We are the clay delivered us up to our crimes” (Is 64:6). “Rouse your power,” pleads the name” (Ps 80:19). and you the potter: We are all the work of God has hidden his face from us? responsorial psalm, “and come to save us. Really? ... Let us see your face, and we shall be Many years saved” (Ps 80:3-4). ago, at the Los That sounds like a call to pay closer Angeles Religious attention to what already is in our midst: Education Congress, the face of God, present in our lives, I participated in a serving us and calling us to serve one workshop in which another. That suggests hope, if we let the presenter asked us God’s love—embodied in Christ Jesus— (ordered us, actually) shine from us. to move all the chairs St. Paul expands on that promise in in the room out of the the second reading. “You were enriched way (several hundred in every way, with all discourse and all of them), close our knowledge ... so that you are not lacking eyes and walk (with in any spiritual gift,” he tells the people of care) around the room Corinth (1 Cor 3:5-7). until we encountered Moreover, Paul reminds his readers, (bumped into) “God is faithful, and by him you were another person. called to fellowship with his son, Jesus At that point, Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 3:9). we were to ask that These are words of comfort we need person, “Are you God to hear in these challenging times. But in hiding?” we also need Jesus’ poignant reminder The answer, of that we cannot wait for God to do all the course, was yes. The work. point was for us to “Be alert!” says Jesus to his disciples. realize that we are all “You do not know when the time will creations of God and come. ... May he not come suddenly and that we are called to find you sleeping” (Mk 13:33, 36). be the loving, caring If we desire the Lord in our lives, let face of God to one us act accordingly—in this and in every another to build and new year. Father Mark Searles, a resident priest at St. Thomas More Parish in Allentown, Pa., wears a mask while giving Communion to nourish the kingdom a parishioner during an Oct. 2 Mass celebrated in the parish parking lot. Although 2020 has been a year of challenges and of God on Earth. (Catholic journalist Mike Nelson writes difficulties, God’s presence can still be found during this upcoming Advent season. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) Like Isaiah, many from Southern California.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Perspectives Corrections Corner/Deacon Marc Kellams Faith and Family/Sean Gallagher Programs are aimed to help inmates on the path to reform Waiting can take The Indiana State Constitution states programming that are offered. The first is evidence-based practices (EBP), or in Section 18: “The penal code shall be labelled simply “Activity” programming. established performance measures. on new meaning founded on the principles of reformation, These are facility-specific activities which Evidence-based practices are defined and not of vindictive do not meet the criteria of a program or as outcome-focused approaches and during Advent justice.” And thus, the course and are basically designed for interventions that have been scientifically Indiana Department personal enrichment. Examples include: tested in controlled studies that have My five sons learned how to wait at an of Correction (IDOC) AA/NA (Alcoholics Anonymous or proven effective. Examples include: early age. is mandated to do Narcotics Anonymous) meetings, Literacy Education (which is critical They’re constantly asking my wife more than just house Dog/Cat Rescue Projects, and Shifting considering that 34 percent of the adult Cindy and I for offenders in the Gears, a bicycle restoration project offender population is functionally things. It might be for various facilities. designed to rebuild or refurbish bikes. illiterate), Employment (including things as mundane as They must also The second category is identified as vocational education courses such as a snack or a cup of provide opportunities “Courses.” These are group or business technology, cosmetology and milk during a meal. for “reformation.” self-study programs and courses which barbering, building trades, and culinary At other times, they After a court sentences a defendant to follow a standardized curriculum, but arts), Purposeful Living Units (which are might want a special the IDOC, the offender is transported to the do not qualify for a time cut or earned faith and character-based communities toy, to go the library Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) credit time. Examples of these courses designed to prepare offenders for living as or to have a movie in Plainfield, Ind., for evaluation. This include: Anger Management, Coping law-abiding citizens upon their release), night. determines where the offender is committed with Depression, Criminal Thinking and Addiction Recovery Services or It’s not unusual that in one of 19 facilities, nine of which are Errors, Decision Making, Grief and “Recovery While Incarcerated.” when they make their requests, those desires within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Loss, Responsible Fatherhood, Stress Alcoholism and drug addiction are are really important to them and they want Upon arrival at the RDC, a case plan is Management, Wellness and Nutrition, and among the greatest contributors to them fulfilled as soon as possible. developed from the results of an Indiana English as a Second Language. These criminal behavior. The IDOC currently has But since Cindy and I are forced by the Risk Assessment System, a survey tool courses help build life skills that can help more than 1,700 therapeutic community nature of our family situation to divide which assesses the following criminogenic the offender develop into a better whole beds for both male and female offenders. our attention among our five sons and risk domains: criminal history, school and person and equip them to deal with the Releasing an offender while in recovery to our duties to the family as a whole, employment, family and social support, stresses and responsibilities of life. greatly enhances their prospects of the boys usually have to wait for their substance abuse and mental health, and The third category is “Programs,” successful re-integration into society. requests to be met—at least for a little bit. criminal lifestyle. The goal of assessing which are of particular interest to Most of the time, they do a pretty good these risk domains is to break down offenders because successful completion (Deacon Marc Kellams is the coordinator job with it. But not always. They are barriers to re-entry and reduce recidivism earns the offender a shorter sentence. of Corrections Ministry for the boys, after all. by identifying what is described as These programs of study must include Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He can be Maybe their long practice at waiting is “solution-based programming.” at least one of the following criteria: reached at [email protected] or a reason why they don’t go crazy at this There are three categories of standardized curriculum, validated call 317-592-4012.) † time of year waiting for Dec. 25 to come around. (Another might be that we don’t go overboard on Christmas gifts and try Guest Column/Richard Etienne as much as possible to put the focus on the reason for the holiday, to celebrate Christ’s birth.) Look for every opportunity to be thankful in life Waiting is an important aspect during What does the word Thanksgiving immediately bring to mind? I recently read that gratitude is at the heart of being a the season of Advent, but one that can be Do you think of turkey and dressing, pilgrims, or the Catholic—we can only be thankful once we realize how little easily overlooked. After all, we know that cornucopia of plenty? Or did you immediately think of the we can be or do without God! we’ll celebrate Christ’s first coming at eucharistic celebration? In the Gloria, we sing, “We give you thanks for your great Christmas. And, for good or ill, we often The word “Eucharist” means glory.” As humans, it is very easy to always recite our wants don’t put a lot of spiritual attention on his thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? when praying, but overlook the importance of being thankful second coming, so focused as we often Your health, possessions, relationships? for what we have been given. are on the here and now. In your own life, do you spend more Before meals we say, “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy But that’s not how it was for the people time thinking about your next “want” or gifts, which we are about to receive … .” This same attitude of Israel before the first coming of Christ. purchase than all of the blessings in your can be applied in so many other areas of our lives. As just one God had promised through one prophet life? Becoming a more thankful person is a example: I am often very aware of my feeling of gratitude after another to save his chosen people part of maturing in life. when I crawl under my covers at night—because of the feel from their hardships. Yet times of suffering When one is born, we are completely of those sheets! Are you thankful for the clothes as you fold came upon them again and again—often dependent on others for our every need. It them after laundering? Do you thank God for your means of through their unfaithfulness to God. is understandable that an infant has to make his or her needs transportation when you travel—and do you ask for safety So, we see many times in the Book of known to their caregiver. For example, “I am hungry. I need as you get underway? The situations for being thankful are Psalms the expression of frustration at changing. I am tired.” endless. having to wait for so long for the coming But as we mature, we must spend more energy on being What is the next purchase that you are planning? Take a of the Savior. thankful for the many blessings that God has given us than period of time to thank God for what you have for at least as Psalm 13 shows this exasperation on our next request. There is the story of 10 lepers who were long as you spend planning for that purchase. Look for every rather intensely: “How long, Lord? Will healed by Jesus. I am sure that they all “wanted” to be healed opportunity to be thankful! you utterly forget me? How long will you of this terrible social as well as physical ailment. But we hide your face from me? How long must I are told that only one took the initiative to return to Jesus to (Rick Etienne is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart express gratitude for his healing. Newburgh, Ind., in the Evansville Diocese.) † day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look upon me, answer me, Lord, my God!” (Ps 13:1-4). Guest Column/Debra Tomaselli Maybe 2020 has helped us become more acquainted with this kind of waiting. A birthday marked by games, new friendships and … deodorant How many of us wait with eager longing for the end of the coronavirus pandemic? “Come on, Grandma, tell us another announced it was time to open presents. “I don’t know,” he murmured. “My Perhaps we have prayed to God for an embarrassing story.” Ave’s blue eyes Swathed in streamers, I took a seat in the mother bought the gift.” end to the suffering of so many people, shone with delight. living room. My classmates crowded around, Then Madeline grabbed it from me. and then wondered why those prayers My granddaughters and Madeline handed the gifts to me, one Squinting, she read the label. haven’t been answered as the pandemic love my childhood by one. Some were wrapped in floral paper. “Deodorant,” she said. “It’s deodorant.” has increased in intensity recently. stories. Some in bold stripes. Others boasted cartoon The room fell silent. Even with vaccines soon to be Angelina spun on characters. It was a happy, joyous time. Deodorant? I didn’t even use it yet. I approved and distributed, it’s easy to be her heels. “Yes,” she Finally, I opened a fancy box covered blushed and sank into my seat. suspicious about how and when life will said. “Tell us another.” in floral gift-wrap. Inside was a beautiful, Some kids, like myself, were clueless. get back to the way it was before the I pursed my lips, plastic container about the size of my palm. Others smothered their giggles. pandemic hit. shifted my eyes, It was covered with pink rose images. It I felt so embarrassed. One thing, though, that the coronavirus stroked my chin, and looked like something you’d give my mom. Afterward, I tried to forget the has not changed and will never change is remembered the day of I turned it over in my hand, admiring awkwardness. God’s steadfast love for us. We may have my 13th birthday party. the pastel florals. It was a far cry from the But, as you can see, I never forgot. to shoulder heavy crosses for a while in We’d moved to a new state, and the party bright primary hues. It was so different Surprisingly, however, the unexpected gift this life, marked as it is by the brokenness at my home was the perfect opportunity to than the neon colors. became my favorite gift. I loved the fragrant, caused by original sin. But God never get to know my classmates better. “What is it?” someone asked. floral scent. I’ve spent a lifetime searching abandons us. This is especially true in our When the doorbell rang, I felt excited, I rolled it over. I tried to open it. “I for that same brand, but to no avail. suffering, for in Christ he has taken on nervous, and delighted. don’t know,” I said. The party, too, was a priceless gift. himself all of our crosses and suffered for Mom organized the activities. We had My friend Madeline took it, inspected Nobody teased me or Danny. I liked and with us. a treasure hunt, a hula hoop contest and it, and handed it back. these considerate kids. They became my Living in the light of this blessed a race to build pyramids with paper cups. I turned it over and forced the cap off. friends. reality might make the difficult waiting I had a conversation with Margaret, who A beautiful rose scent wafted up my nose. Looking back, I realize there was during this Advent season easier to bear. had the shiniest, dark brown hair I’d ever Beautiful. something sacred about that deodorant, Knowing that the babe in Bethlehem seen. I shared candy with Bobby, who made “Who gave it to you?” they asked. that scent, that gathering, that moment. came to suffer with us might bring the everyone laugh. I talked with Paula, who I looked at the tag. “Danny,” I said. And I’ve never forgotten that either. real meaning of Christmas to the forefront wondered about the Church’s position at the As everyone looked his way, Danny of our hearts and minds in 2020 and help time that only boys could be altar servers. blushed and sank into his chair. (Debra Tomaselli writes from Altamonte us be more truly thankful for this greatest The party was in full swing when Mom “What is it?” they asked. Springs, Fla.) † of gifts. † The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 13

First Sunday of Advent/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, November 30 Friday, December 4 St. Andrew, Apostle St. John Damascene, priest and doctor Sunday, November 29, 2020 Romans 10:9-18 of the Church • Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7 Psalm 19:8-11 Isaiah 29:17-24 • 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Matthew 4:18-22 Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 Matthew 9:27-31 • Mark 13:33-37 Tuesday, December 1 Isaiah 11:1-10 Saturday, December 5 This weekend, the Church begins often in the New Testament—that Christ Psalm 72:7-8, 12-13, 17 Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Advent. It begins the use of biblical will come to Earth again as the great Luke 10:21-24 Psalm 147:1-6 readings from Year B of its three-year victor and the judge of all creation. Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 cycle for Sunday Mass When the Gospels were written, Wednesday, December 2 readings. certainly in the case of the Gospel of Isaiah 25:6-10a Sunday, December 6 It also is the start of Mark, thought to be the oldest of the Psalm 23:1-6 Second Sunday of Advent a new liturgical year. four, Christians were numerous and Matthew 15:29-37 Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Each liturgical year geographically distributed enough to Psalm 85:9-14 is carefully planned catch the public eye, but not numerous Thursday, December 3 2 Peter 3:8-14 so that the seasons enough or powerful enough to withstand St. Francis Xavier, priest, principal Mark 1:1-8 and feasts guide us their enemies. The culture was an enemy. patron of the Archdiocese of through our worship The political system would soon be an Indianapolis to a closer relationship enemy. Professing Christianity became Isaiah 26:1-6 with God in Christ. a capital crime, as the martyrs were Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a The first reading is from the third horribly to know. Matthew 7:21, 24-27 section of Isaiah, composed when the Understandably, the atmosphere was Jews were in a difficult situation. Years tense, uncertain and frightening. Thoughts before, the exiles had been allowed to of the second coming naturally were return to the Holy Land from Babylon, appealing. Jesus would come again, but but this return brought the exiles home to they did not know when. Neither do we. Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle no paradise. Life was miserable. In the meantime, they had to The prophet called for faith in God, not acknowledge God, live in his law and Distraction in prayer common to only as almighty, but as unfailingly true to trust in their reward. So do we. the covenant, to the divine pledge that God believers throughout Church history would protect the chosen people. Reflection Isaiah appealed to God for relief in the The prayers of the Mass are the united Because of what has been going on inevitably you will—don’t be discouraged. name of the people. He did not say God statements of all believers, spoken with Qin the world lately—the COVID-19 Simply pause, refocus and then continue was treating the people unfairly or putting and by the celebrant to proclaim our faith pandemic, difficulty finding work, etc.—I your conversation with the Lord. them in a place of anguish and want. and to show our trust in Almighty God. am having trouble Instead, the prophet made clear that sin We speak with the priest, but are we concentrating when I We have been parishioners for more led the people away from God. It was this speaking with the voice of faith? Are we pray. Any suggestions Qthan 25 years in a parish in a small estrangement that produced their woes. sincere? Are we good Catholics? When for avoiding such town. Last Sunday at Mass, we were asked St. Paul’s First Epistle to the the priest prays the prayers at Mass, do distractions? (Oregon) to pray for President-elect Joe Biden. Then Corinthians provides the next reading. we join him, prompted by a genuinely we were asked to pray (as always) for an Counseling the Christians of Corinth authentic faith? Bluntly, are we absolutely First of all, don’t end to the taking of unborn lives. challenged St. Paul. Not only did committed to Christ? Abe discouraged— My husband and I were deeply temptation and vice surround them St. Mark’s Gospel assists us to have or surprised. concerned about these two prayers coming on every side, but they also argued solid faith. Only God is permanent and Distraction is a normal one after another considering how Biden among themselves. Paul called them real. companion to prayer. so strongly supports legalized abortion. to faithfulness and to put aside their Advent is an opportunity to receive The holiest people we’ve known, some My husband later had a difficult differences with each other. the blessing of a greater communion with of the best-known saints, have spoken of conversation with our pastor about the He saw unity among disciples as God, to realize that God’s love for us is their struggles to focus while praying. matter. After reflection, my husband having great religious potential. Unity real. St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little e-mailed our pastor and apologized for was possible if, despite all odds produced If we respond to the opportunity Flower,” had a “trick” that she would losing his temper. When he asked to sit by their surroundings and the human given to us by Advent, then Christmas use. She explained, “I also have many down with the priest again, our pastor inclination to sin, they drew more closely becomes not a national holiday, or even [distractions], but as soon as I am suggested that they wait for a while to God and to each other. They could then a holy religious commemoration, but the aware of them, I pray for those people before they meet. infuse the goodness of Christianity into moment when we encounter God, firmly the thought of whom is diverting my This is a difficult situation for us, and the circles in which they moved. believing that Jesus will come again, but attention, and in this way they reap we would appreciate your advice on how St. Mark’s Gospel is the source of the also believing that here and now we know benefit from my distractions.” to handle this spiritually. (Massachusetts) last reading. It offers us a theme found the Lord. † It is important, I think, for us to set aside certain times I admire your husband for his exclusively for Aapology, and I am encouraged that he My Journey to God prayer. Sometimes and your parish priest will have a further I do pray when I conversation. It does seem proper to me to am doing other offer prayers for our president-elect. And things—driving a while I disagree strongly with President- car, even working elect Biden on the issue of abortion, I can Advent out on a stationary understand your priest’s feeling that the bike. But those can’t prayer of the faithful was not the proper be the only times setting to argue our case. Haikus that I pray—I need On Nov. 7, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez to pray when I am of Los Angeles, the president of the By Tom Yost doing nothing else U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well. issued a statement congratulating And I can’t rush President-elect Biden on his election and Preparing the way in from a busy praying that the Blessed Virgin Mary may day, plop down in “help us to work together to fulfill the Eyes fixed on Jesus the Lord a chair or on my beautiful vision of America’s missionaries knees and expect to and founders—one nation under God, Like John the Baptist focus immediately where the sanctity of every human life is on the Lord; defended and freedom of conscience and instead, I need religion are guaranteed.” some moments to On Nov. 12, Pope Francis called Saying yes to God settle and catch my President-elect Biden to congratulate breath before I start him. No account of their conversation Like Mary did long ago to pray. was released by the Vatican, but Biden’s The saints transition team said that the president- Trusting in God’s plan seemed to do this a elect “expressed his desire to work bit more easily. together on the basis of a shared belief in St. Francis of Assisi, the dignity and equality of all humankind when he was about on issues such as caring for the (Tom Yost is a member and to enter a church marginalized and the poor, addressing the pastoral associate of Our Lady to pray, would crisis of climate change, and welcoming of Perpetual Help Parish in say: “Worldly and and integrating immigrants and refugees New Albany. Photo: Sandro frivolous thoughts, into our communities.” Botticelli’s “Madonna and stay here at the Child with Young St. John the door until I return.” (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Baptist” oil painting, 1470-75.) So, when you meet Doyle at [email protected] and (Courtesy of www.wikimedia.org) with distractions 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York while praying—as 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

Rest in Sunset in Madrid peace

Please submit in writing to our office by 10 a.m. Thursday before the week of publication; be sure to state date of death. Obituaries of archdiocesan priests serving our archdiocese are listed elsewhere in The Criterion. Order priests and religious sisters and brothers are included here, unless they are natives of the archdiocese or have other connec­tions to it; those are separate obituaries on this page.

ANDRES, Odell, 87, St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Floyd County, Nov. 10. Father of Janette Burns, Doris Deuser, Annette Fowler, Linda Fulton, Edward and Thomas Andres. Brother of Rosella Klein, Bernie and Henry Andres. Grandfather and great- grandfather of several. BIEHLE, Anna L., 93, St. Mary, North Vernon, Nov. 18. Wife of Frank Biehle. Mother of Debra Hackman, A woman walks down a hill in a park during sunset in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 18. (CNS photo/Sergio Perez Reuters) Cynthia Speer, Donald and Mark Biehle. Grandmother of 12. Great-grandmother of 21. Johnson. Brother of Rhea Bart and David Eckerle. DEOM, William, 58, Adams, David and Eddie Brother of Janet Black, Shirley Dominican Sister Dorothy Gabel taught St. Pius V, Troy, Nov. 14. Johnson. Grandfather of 16. Moore and Jake Scudder. Husband of Diane Deom. Great-grandfather of 14. Grandfather of nine. science education at Indiana University Father of Jason and Justin Great-great-grandfather of one. SHEETS, Barbara K., 86, Deom. Brother of Regina KENNEY, Mary Ann, 89, St. Martin of Tours, Dominican Sister Dorothy Gabel 2003. She later served in retirement as a Deom-Davis, Susie St. Matthew the Apostle, Martinsville, Nov. 14. Sister (formerly Sister Marie Carl), a member professor emerita from 2003-09. Fortwendel, Kathy Shireman, Indianapolis, Aug. 24. Mother of Sarah Sichting and Father of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsiniwa, Her Handbook of Research on Carol Smith, Fred and Tom of Kathleen Malarney, Mary Joseph Sheets. Aunt of several. Wis., died on Oct. 30 at St. Dominic Science Teaching and Learning, Deom. Grandfather of two. Marsh, Sheila McNelis, Ann STITH, Raymond L., 85, Villa in Hazel Green, Wis. She was 84. published in 1994 by the National GROSSMAN, Thelma C., 97, Unversaw, Philip and Vincent St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Floyd The Mass of Christian Burial Science Teaching Association, is St. Louis, Batesville, Nov. 10. Kenney. Sister of James County, Nov. 9. Father of Lisa was celebrated on Nov. 11 at her considered a classic reference for Mother of Valerie Davenport Wilhelm. Grandmother of 19. King, Teresa Sims, Raymond, community’s motherhouse chapel. researchers. and Maria Grossman. Sister Great-grandmother of three. Jr., and Terry Stith. Brother of Burial followed at the motherhouse Sister Dorothy was an experimental of Evelyn Kiefer and Louis MEHLBAUER, Kenneth E., Richard Stith. Grandfather of Wolter. Grandmother of three. cemetery. scholar in chemical education research. 67, St. Louis, Batesville, six. Great-grandfather of nine. Sister Dorothy was born on Jan. 2, Her driving force was to use research HEIDELBERGER, Richard Nov. 17. Father of Greg WIEDEMAN, Jessica, 38, 1936, in Amityville, N.Y. She made her to shape classroom practice. Sister F., 91, SS. Francis and Clare Mehlbauer. Brother of Liz All Saints, Dearborn County, first profession of vows as a Dominican Dorothy shared what she gleaned of Assisi, Greenwood, Nov. 15. Frey, Sharon Fuller, Pat Nov. 6. Wife of Brandon Husband of Rosemary sister on Aug. 5, 1959, and her from her research with children, Hamilton, Rosie Stepp, Teresa Wiedeman. Mother of Caroline Heidelberger. Father of Chris perpetual profession of vows on Aug. 5, graduate students and teachers and Toucher, Danny, Larry and and Nora Wiedeman. Daughter Wise, Dan, Dave, Dennis, Mark 1964. was a requested speaker around the Tony Mehlbauer. Grandfather of Cheryl Wilhelm. Sister of and Mike Heidelberger. Brother She excelled at teaching the sciences, world. of two. Ashley Andres, Rhonda Savage, of Roseanne Acker. Grandfather especially chemistry, to high school She is survived by a brother, Carl NOEL, Peter J., 66, Renee Vaughan, Andy and Brad of 18. Great-grandfather of 24. St. Michael the Archangel, Wilhelm. Aunt of several. students for 11 years and at the Gabel, Jr. HOWARD, Greg E., 58, collegiate level for 32 years. Memorial contributions may be made Indianapolis, Nov. 1. Husband of YACONE, Doris D., 89, St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, In the archdiocese, Sister Dorothy to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 Patricia Noel. Father of Angela St. Luke the Evangelist, Nov. 11. Nov. 2. Son of Michael and taught science education at Indiana County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824- Wallstrum, Tara and Nicholas Grandmother of one. † Sue Howard. Brother of Susan, Noel. Brother of Joan Kinnaman, University in Bloomington from 1974- 9701. † Brian, Chris and David Howard. Greg, Jeff, John and Michael JOHNSON, William A., Noel. Grandfather of four. 83, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, SCUDDER, Kenneth, 75, Richmond, Nov. 10. Husband St. Mary, Greensburg, Nov. 10. World leaders must not use pandemic for gain, of Judith Johnson. Father of Husband of Joanne Scudder. Andrea Curren, Carmen Mills, Father of Tina Barkey, Brenda but to find solutions to help people, pope says Bridgette Scott, Rochelle James and Brian Scudder. Smith, Mark and Marty Stepfather of Diane Thornton, VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Government leaders and pandemic,” was sponsored by Pontifical Commission authorities must not exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to for Latin America, as well as Pontifical Academy of discredit political rivals, but instead set aside differences Social Sciences and Latin American bishops’ conference, to find “viable solutions for our people,” Pope Francis commonly known as CELAM. said. In his message, the pope expressed his hope that Online Lay Ministry Formation In a video message on Nov. 19 to participants at initiatives like the seminar would “inspire paths, The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the a virtual seminar about the coronavirus pandemic awaken processes, create alliances and promote all the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: in Latin America, the pope said leaders should not mechanisms necessary to guarantee a dignified life for “encourage or endorse or use mechanisms that make our people, especially the most excluded, through the • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program this serious crisis a tool of an electoral or social experience of fraternity and the building up of social • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church nature.” friendship. • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners “Discrediting the other only succeeds in destroying the “When I say the most excluded, I do not mean it possibility of finding agreements that help alleviate the [in the same way] as saying to give alms to the most For more information, please log on to effects of the pandemic in our communities, especially on excluded, or as a gesture of charity, no, but as a key to www.archindy.org/layministry the most excluded,” the pope said. hermeneutics,” he said. “Who pays [the price] for this process of discrediting?” The poorest people are the key for interpreting and he asked. “The people pay for it; we progress in understanding the fault or benefit of any response, he discrediting the other at the expense of the poorest, at the said. “If we don’t start from there, we are going to make REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW expense of the people.” mistakes.” If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on Elected officials and public servants, he added, are The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued, behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim called to “be at the service of the common good and will be felt for many years to come and solidarity must of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance not place the common good at the service of their be at the center of any proposals to alleviate people’s coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: interests.” sufferings. Ethics Point “We all know the dynamics of the corruption that Any future initiatives should be “based on contributing, 1 Confidential, Online Reporting www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 goes on in this area. And this is also true for the men and sharing and distributing, not on possessing, excluding and Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator women of the Church,” the pope said. accumulating,” the pope said. 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 Corruption within the Church, he said, is “a true “Now, more than ever, it is necessary to regain 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 leprosy that sickens and kills the Gospel.” consciousness of our common belonging. The virus [email protected] The Nov. 19-20 virtual seminar, titled, “Latin reminds us that the best way to take care of ourselves is by America: Church, Pope Francis and scenarios of the learning to care for and protect those around us,” he said. † The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020 Page 15

Investing with Faith/Jim Maslar Charitable gift annuity enables philanthropic goals, provides income Catholics are generous by nature There is one particular gift option taxes are partially avoided if appreciated for determining our CGA rates and and are often very humble in their I’d like to share with you that works in assets (like stocks or mutual funds) are invest our funds in a socially responsible giving. That is what I have found during that “middle ground” between charitable used to fund the CGA. The first few manner in accord with Catholic the last two years giving and financial limitations— years of payouts also provide partial tax- teaching and the U.S. Catholic bishops’ working in the charitable gift annuities or CGAs. free income. (This is the second win.) investment guidelines. archdiocesan Office Many of our donors have found that Some donors find that using lower We currently have 68 open CGAs at of Stewardship and CGAs offer a unique “win-win-win” performing assets, like a CD or money the Catholic Community Foundation Development. opportunity for them, especially those market fund, to fund a CGA can provide (with starting gifts ranging from $10,000 Most of us, I’ve nearing or in retirement. a better rate of return for them (especially to more than $100,000) that will benefit surmised, would A CGA is simply a contract made in today’s interest environment). Your everything from parish endowments to love to be able to between a donor and a charity in which fixed annual payment is calculated at the needs-based scholarships at our schools give a major gift the charity provides the donor (and/ time of the gift using a percentage based to our archdiocesan Bishop Simon Bruté to our favorite or a loved one) with a fixed-income on your age. College Seminary in Indianapolis—and Catholic parish, stream for life in exchange for a sizable For example, where a $10,000 CD everything in between. school or agency. Many of us do not, donation of cash or assets. with your bank might provide a 1% If a Catholic CGA is of interest to you however, have that capacity at any one Whatever value remains in the CGA (or less) return through a set number or a loved one, it would be our privilege point in our lives. Family financial when you pass into your eternal reward of years, a 75-year-old donor starting to help you explore that possibility. responsibilities, coupled with retirement is then transferred to the charitable a $10,000 CGA today would receive a For more information, please contact expenses, can limit the feasibility of beneficiary you had designated—like 5.4% interest payment each and every the Catholic Community Foundation at contributing a larger gift. your favorite Catholic parish, school or year (or $540) for the rest of his/her life. [email protected]. One of the best parts of my job is to agency. In the meantime, the lump sum (This is the third win.) share creative giving options with folks is invested and grown, maximizing the Our archdiocese’s Catholic (Jim Maslar is a Catholic philanthropic from any and all economic backgrounds eventual gift and ensuring your lifetime Community Foundation administers advisor for the archdiocese. Tax that may prove empowering to them. of supplemental retirement income. CGAs that benefit our parishes, schools information or legal information provided Everyone’s circumstances are unique (This is the first win.) and agencies, as well as the local herein is not intended as tax or legal and allow for meaningful giving avenues A CGA gift can also provide several Catholic community. In fact, we exist to advice and cannot be relied on to avoid that are known to them and God alone personal tax benefits. A partial tax serve them and you exclusively. statutory penalties. Always check with (and perhaps their financial or tax deduction of the lump sum is available We utilize the American Council on your legal, tax and financial advisors advisor!) in the year of the gift, and capital gains Gift Annuities’ suggested percentages before implementing any gift plan.) †

Marian receives nearly $1 million grant to develop faith of Latino communities

Special to The Criterion and contribute to the flourishing of local support the spiritual lives of families. world, Christian congregations are communities and the world. “Marian University believes the grappling with how they can best carry Marian University in Indianapolis has Lilly Endowment is making nearly Holy Spirit is at work in the Catholic forward their ministries,” said Christopher received a grant of nearly $1 million from $93 million in grants available through Church through the Latino community, Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president Lilly Endowment Inc. to partner with the initiative. but so many obstacles prevent Latino- for religion. “These grants will help Latino communities to provide spiritual “Lilly Endowment’s Thriving serving parishes from thriving,” said congregations assess their ministries and and faith development programs. Congregations Initiative provides the Adam Setmeyer, Marian’s vice president draw on practices in their theological The grant of $994,318 will help build Marian University community with the of mission and ministry and director of traditions to address new challenges and on the Latin@ Leadership Initiative with resources necessary to more effectively campus ministry. “Through Renovación, better nurture the spiritual vitality of the a parish-focused certificate program and partner with Latino communities through we will partner with parish leadership people they serve.” curriculum supporting the Initiative for Renovación and to provide spiritual, teams to cultivate missionary communities “The creation of a center for faith, Parish Renewal/Iniciativa Parroquial educational and leadership development that will bring Christ’s light to the world.” life and culture is a priority for us,” said de Renovación (Renovación). programs,” said Marian University Marian University is one of 92 Manuela Higgins, executive director of The program is funded through Lilly President Daniel Elsener. organizations taking part in the initiative. Marian’s Latin@ Leadership Initiative. Endowment’s Thriving Congregations The program will support pastors They represent and serve churches in a “The Latin@ Leadership Initiative is not Initiative. The aim of the national in collaborative ministry, provide lay broad spectrum of Christian traditions. just about supporting Latino students, initiative is to strengthen Christian leaders with theological education, lead Marian is one of eight Catholic but also having a positive impact on their congregations so they can help people parishioners through a retreat process organizations and one of three Catholic families and the entire Latino community. deepen their relationships with God, of discernment and empowerment, and colleges to receive this grant. This grant will get us there, and we are build strong relationships with each other, create small parish communities to “In the midst of a rapidly changing expecting great results.” † Mary shows how to turn fear into For advertising rates call invitation to hear God’s call, pope says Classified Directory (317) 236-1585. VATICAN CITY (CNS)—There is no while sensing that her ‘yes’ would Home Improvement better way to pray than like Mary, who bring her tremendously difficult trials. opened her heart to God with humility If in prayer we understand that each Call 317-236- D & S ROOFING and trust, Pope Francis said. day given by God is a call, our hearts 24-hour service! Rubber, torch downs, hot tar roofs, Special Care “It is putting our life in the Lord’s will then widen, and we will accept 1585 reroof and tearoffs. hands, that he be the one who guides us. everything.” • Any large or small repairs TO ADVERTISE IN • Wind or hail damage repairs We can all pray like this, almost without People also should pray that the Lord Call Dale for free estimates! words,” the pope said on Nov. 18 during would be present every step of the way, 317-357-4341 The Criterion Licensed • Bonded • Insured Trusted and Compassionate Care his weekly general audience, which “that he does not leave us alone, that 47 years experience • References available Serving people with Autism & was livestreamed from the library of the he does not leave us to temptation, that Developmental Disabilities Apostolic Palace. he does not abandon us during terrible Construction ∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) Continuing his series of audience talks moments,” he said. ∙ Residential, Community, Respite about prayer, Pope Francis reflected on Mary not only accompanied Jesus’ and PAC Services Mary as a model of prayer. entire life in prayer, right up to his death ∙ Staff screened and trained

Mary does not autonomously and resurrection, she also accompanied Kathy and Terry Huser orchestrate her life, the pope said. “She the first steps of the Church, praying (317) 255-5700 waits for God to take the reins of her path with “the men and women whom her Son www.HuserSpecialCare.com Career Opportunities Available and guide her where he wants.” had called to form his community,” Pope By being docile and willing to be Francis said. God’s instrument, she prepares the way “Mary is not a priest among them. Medicare Insurance for “the great events in which God takes No. She is the mother of Jesus who prays part in the world,” he said. with them in community, like one of the “There is no better way to pray than to community; she prays with them and for place oneself like Mary in an attitude of them,” he said. openness with a heart open to God, ‘Lord, Not only did she become the mother what you want, when you want and how of God, she also became the mother of you want,’ ” he said. the Church through the work of the Holy Those whose lives are inspired Spirit, he said. by such a prayerful attitude, he said, Her “natural feminine intuition is “do not get upset when their days are exalted by her most singular union with filled with problems,” but face reality God in prayer,” the pope said. “This is knowing that if they offer themselves why, reading the Gospel, we note that with humble love, “we become she seems to disappear at times, only instruments of God’s grace.” to reappear for crucial moments: it When the angel Gabriel told Mary was God’s voice that guided her heart of God’s plan for her, the pope said, and her steps where her presence was Mary “knew how to reject fear, even needed.” † Page 16 The Criterion Friday, November 27, 2020

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