November 6, 2020 In This Issue ESSENGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926 Traditions honor namesake at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Special Section: Allegra Thatcher ing a healing property, and it’s a Vocations Assistant Editor way of using oil to acknowledge the page 9-20 November 17 will always be a special day sanctity of the body. The chaplains at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, though celebra- even offer the blessing to employees tions have changed over the years. It’s the in non-patient care, such as 2 Coronavirus report feast of their patron, St. Elizabeth of accounting and payroll. Hungary. The saint, a 13th century widowed “We’re all part of the mission princess who dedicated her life to the poor, is and ministry of St. Elizabeth,” said Institute of Religious the patron of hospitals and bakers. Mr. Bozzelli. “It’s such a well- Liberty Joseph Bozzelli, vice president of Mission received annual event that people ‘The Power of Interfaith Services and Pastoral Care at St. Elizabeth, really look forward to because it shared the story of St. Elizabeth while acknowledges that their work is Collaboration’ describing the hospital’s current practices. more than work — it’s a ministry of “We used to collect bread because of the healing and we’re all contributing 3 Get the 411 legend of her bringing bread to the poor at to it, whether we have direct patient High school placement test night,” said Mr. Bozzelli. care or if we’re in finance and The story tells of a young woman who we’re helping the hospital to stay High school Open Houses snuck out to give to the needy, but the mem- financially stable to do this min- bers of the royal family began to prohibit her istry. We celebrate our associates.” Harvest blessing from doing that because she was using their This year, the hospital plans to resources and they thought she was conceal- pray blessing prayers over the ing items and going out and selling them. intercom at the hospital, and the Ministry of Acolyte Her husband, Ludwig, confronted her one cafeteria nutrition services has evening when she was going out, and asked Hungarian food as a specialty. what was under her cloak, and when she A portrait of St. Elizabeth, opened up her cloak, the bread miraculously which formerly hung in the chapel turned into roses. Because of this, she is at St. Elizabeth Hospital, often depicted with her veil open and roses. Covington, has been reclaimed and St. Elizabeth died before her 24th birthday. hung at St. Anne Retreat Center, In the past, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Melbourne. Though a bit worn, the would collect bread on her feast day and give portrait portrays St. Elizabeth giv- it to food banks and food pantries. Today, ing help to the poor and needy. other traditions are celebrated. The community is encouraged This year looks a bit different because of to pray for local healthcare workers the COVID-19 pandemic, but typically on on the feast of St. Elizabeth, Nov. 17, Moving? Wrong address? November 17, as a way to celebrate St. and to make an extra effort to Call the circulation desk, Elizabeth and acknowledge the associates honor their work by making the (859) 392-1570 and volunteers, there is a blessing of hands. necessary sacrifices to reduce the Using oil that’s fragranced with lavender or spread of the coronavirus. frankincense, members of the pastoral care Especially during this year, health- Bishop’s Schedule ...... 3 department and volunteer chaplains go care workers have proven their ded- Classifieds ...... 5 throughout the hospital and bless the hands Profitt photo ication to the health and wellbeing Commentary ...... 6 of the associates and volunteers if they want A portrait of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, which formerly hung of each individual in the communi- it, as a way to signify the gifts they bring to ty and to their ministry of healing. People and Events ...... 8 in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Covington, has been their ministry. Oil is often celebrated as hav- reclaimed and hung at St. Anne Retreat Center, Melbourne. Shopper’s Guide ...... 21 News Briefs ...... 21 Vatican Christmas: Details of stamps, Nativity The Vatican also revealed Missed an edition? Current and back scene, tree released the design for its 2020 Christmas issues of the Messenger are available stamps, which celebrate the online at covdio.org/messenger. VATICAN CITY — Although the Vatican knows birth of Jesus as a light of peace Christmas may be very different this year because of the for the world. COVID-19 pandemic, it already has chosen its stamps and The 1.15-euro stamp features the Nativity scene and tree that will stand in St. Peter’s the Baby Jesus with the Church Square. of the Christ Child in Steyr, The larger-than-life-sized ceramic figures in the Austria, in the background and Nativity scene will come from a high school in Castelli, a a 1.10-euro stamp shows Pope town in the ceramic-producing region of Teramo, north- Francis holding a lantern with east of Rome, the Vatican announced Oct. 30. St. Peter’s Basilica in the back- The F.A. Grue Institute, a high school focused on art, ground. will send only a handful of the 54 sculptures that students CNS photo/Vatican stamp and coin office As a joint issue with Austria, and teachers crafted for the scene between 1965 and 1975, Vatican Christmas stamps for 2020 show the baby Jesus a single sheet with the two the Vatican said. In addition to the Holy Family, an angel and Pope Francis holding a lantern. The theme of this stamps pays tribute to an and the three kings, there will be a bagpipe player, a pan- year’s Christmas stamps is “the light of the peace of Austrian initiative called pipe player, a shepherdess and a little girl carrying a doll. Bethlehem.” This page was jointly issued with Austria. “Peace Light of Bethlehem.” The scene will be displayed next to a towering spruce In early December each year, tree from Slovenia. an Austrian scout is chosen to go to Bethlehem and light a lantern from The tree, which is almost 92 feet tall, will come from an area outside the oil lamp hanging over the 14-point star that marks the spot where the town of Kocevje, the Vatican said. Jesus is believed to have been born. “This year, more than ever, the staging of the traditional space ded- The lantern is brought back to Austria where the flame is used to icated to Christmas in St. Peter’s Square is meant to be a sign of hope light other lamps and candles that families and parishes place next to and trust for the whole world,” the Vatican statement said. “It expresses their Nativity scenes. It also is shared with officials at the European the certainty that Jesus comes among his people to save and console Union offices in Belgium and, from there, taken throughout Europe. them.” The initiative, begun in 1986 by the Austrian broadcasting company, The Nativity scene will be unveiled, and the tree will be lighted Dec. ORF, also raises money for children with disabilities or other special 11, the Vatican said. needs. 2 November 6, 2020 Messenger

Safety measures urged as more diocesan Coronavirus Report quick and healthy return of our students, teach- (as of Monday, Nov. 2) counties enter Ky. ‘red zone’ ers and staff at Holy Trinity School.” Messenger Staff Report At this time, three counties — Boone, Kenton Positive Cases With 10 weeks of in-person instruction completed in the and Campbell — where the majority of the Diocese of Active positive cases: 33 Diocese of Covington, one of its schools has had to transition Covington schools are located are in the ‘red zone.’ The red Recovered positive cases: 49 to at-home instruction due to COVID-19 cases. zone is the “critical” level of a colored code system developed Total ever positive cases: 82 Holy Trinity School, Bellevue, reported a positive case of by Governor Andy Beshear to indicate the spread of the coro- COVID-19 the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 27. That class began navirus in Kentucky. Currently Self-quarantined Contacts: 160 at-home instruction on Wednesday and by Friday, two more The color system is based on the number of unique cases Close Contacts: 287 positive cases were reported in that class. over a 7-day period. According to the Team KY website, the 7-

On Friday, Katie Jacobs, principal, asked all of her elemen- day incidence is calculated by taking the total number of Returned to class after quarantine/ tary teachers be tested for COVID-19 and three more positive unique cases in each county over the past 7 days, divided by 7 self-quarantine: cases were reported over the Halloween weekend. By Sunday to get a daily average, divided by the U.S. census bureau coun- From Oct. 27–Nov. 2: 85 students night, Kendra McGuire, superintendent of Schools, and Mrs. ty population, and multiplied by 100,000 to get the incidence Total ever: 750 students Jacobs made the decision to transition the entire school to at- per 100,000 people. The green zone is the lowest level, indicat- home instruction until Monday, Nov. 16. Mrs. Jacobs said that ing that counties are “On Track” with less than 1 case per Schools currently with quarantines and Wednesday would be a calamity day for students while she 100k. The yellow zone indicates “Community Spread” (1 - 10 self-quarantines: and teachers gather Chromebooks and other materials to be per 100K); orange zone indicates “Accelerated” spread (10 - 25 Bishop Brossart High School, Alexandria distributed to parents. Calamity days are off days already per 100K) and the red zone is “Critical” (25+ per 100K). Blessed Sacrament School, Ft. Mitchell built-in the school calendar for unexpected school closings, “Our counties are now in a critical stage and we need to Covington Catholic High School, Covington typically for snow and other weather-related events. make the necessary sacrifices — stay home to the greatest Covington Latin School, Covington “Since the beginning of this school year protocols were extent possible and wear a mask when in public, especially at Holy Cross Elementary School, Covington put in place with the anticipation that schools may have to Mass — so as to mitigate the spread of the virus and continue Holy Trinity School, Bellevue transition to at-home instruction,” said Mrs. McGuire. “Our our top two priorities — the celebration of the Mass and in- Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Burlington schools have planned accordingly and this is one of those person instruction for our students,” said Laura Keener, Mary, Queen of Heaven School, Erlanger cases. I am grateful to our principals and teachers for their COVID coordinator. Newport Central Catholic, Newport hard work and commitment to their students and pray for a Notre Dame Academy, Covington St. Henry District High School, Erlanger St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright St. Augustine School, Covington Virtual discussion challenges Christians to St. Catherine of Siena School, Ft. Thomas But “civility and tolerance are not enough,” said Dr. St. Cecilia School, Independence interfaith collaboration Buchanan. “The challenge is interfaith collaboration.” St. Henry School, Elsmere Allegra Thatcher He suggested a form of “new social capital,” which he St. John Parish School of Religion, Carrollton Assistant Editor defined as “work done together,” or an investment in commu- St. Joseph Academy, Walton Thomas More University hosted its Institute for Religious nity with a common good in mind. St. Joseph School, Cold Spring Liberty lecture and discussion Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. on the virtual General demise of community, said Dr. Buchanan, has St. Mary School, Alexandria platform Zoom. The topic for the discussion was “Beyond risen from new forms of individualism and the rise of tribal- St. Patrick School, Maysville Dialogue — The Power of Interfaith Collaboration.” ism. Rather than protecting individual rights by means of a St. Paul School, Florence St. Philip School, Melbourne The primary speaker, Dr. James Buchanan, was intro- community, society has lost a sense that the common good St. Pius X School, Edgewood duced by Michael Orr, moderator, and was preceded by should be elevated over the market. St. Therese School, Southgate remarks from President Joe Chillo and a prayer from Msgr. “What happens over time is that markets and St. Thomas School, Ft. Thomas Gerald Twaddell, university chaplain. Dr. Buchanan is the technology become un-moored from the support of a greater common good and begin to see themselves as their own com- St. Timothy Parish School of Religion, Union director of the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier St. Timothy School, Union University, Cincinnati. mon good,” he said. “Instead of having a vision of the com- mon good, and constructing our economies and technologies Sts. Peter and Paul School, California Dr. Buchanan spoke to the power of collaboration with Villa Madonna Academy Elementary, Villa Hills people of various beliefs in order to re-establish genuine to support that vision, we allow our economies and technolo- gies to be unregulated, and any sense of a common good Villa Madonna Academy Jr. High/High School, community in society today. Interfaith dialogue began on a Villa Hills more serious note after the second Vatican Council ended in comes within them, or maybe even in spite of them.” 1965, he said. Dialogue was set into motion and further com- The real common good can only be found in religion, he (Schools without students, faculty or staff in said, and collaboration between religions who agree that the quarantine or self-quarantine do not need pounded with Pope Paul VI’s “Nostra aetate,” the to report.) Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian common good is beyond the physical — it transcends. Religions in October of that year. “Collaboration begins with what we have in common,” he said. Ultimately, it must focus on group projects, group prob- lem solving, in order to bring people of different faiths “Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing repair parts” together. Only then will real community return, he said. Dr. Buchanan was answered by Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Specialized Plumbing Parts Supply Inc. Fern Expo in Cincinnati and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Dr. Gary Zola, execu- 921 Dudley Road tive director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the Edgewood, KY 41017 American Jewish Archives. Both agreed that it’s time to (859) 341-6666 move beyond theological work into action. “It’s time for interfaith alliance, not just dialogue,” said Dr. Zola. “In working together to help others, to better our We now stock a complete line of home community, suddenly it doesn’t matter our numbers or our health aides that include elevated toilet differences.” seats, grab bars and personal showers. The dialogue concluded with a Question and Answer ses- sion with interaction from the virtual audience. Messenger November 6, 2020 3

Flemingsburg St. Charles’ pastor blesses harvest of parishioners Carolyn Schwartz and Eleanor Comer and at Cropper’s Greenhouse, Contributor all of whom are members of St. Rose of Lima. In Two area parishes greeted the fall season with Flemingsburg, harvest blessings were offered at the services, Oct. 10, for a day of blessing and thanks- farms of David and Molly Appleman, Lisa Vice, and giving for the harvest. Tony and Sandy Father Phillip DeVous, pastor of St. Charles Wood. The Comer family gathers on Borromeo Parish, Flemingsburg and St. Rose of The day ended the porch of their farmhouse as Lima Parish, May’s Lick, traveled to the farms of with adoration Father Phillip DeVous offers bless- five parishioners. There, with farmland surround- and benediction ings for the harvest. The Comers ing him, he offered prayers for the crops, the har- at St. Charles are parishioners of St. Rose of vesters, the neighborhood and the world. Church, followed Lima Parish in May’s Lick. Stops were made at the farm of Bill, Joan, Matt by Mass.

High School Open Houses Covington Catholic Notre Dame St. Henry District Newport Central Holy Cross District Covington Latin Villa Madonna Bishop Brossart High High School — Nov. 8 Academy — Nov. 8 High School — Nov. Catholic High School High School — School — Dec. 6 Academy — Nov. 7, School — Nov. 8, Register at Information for 8, 1-5 p.m. — Nov. 19, 5 p.m. Nov. 15, 1 p.m. Registration by 1-3 p.m. 2-4 p.m. covcath.org/future- virtual and in-person Register at SHDS.org. In-person staggered Register at appointment at Register at Register at colonel. events found at nda- tours to be scheduled hchscov.com. covingtonlatin.org villamadonna.org. bishopbrossart.org/ pandas.org. at ncchs.com page/events.

there a make-up date? The 411 on the high school placement test A: If you cannot attend the scheduled testing period for Messenger staff report the core courses of math, English and possibly science. On the HSPT, most often the school’s guidance counselor It’s placement test season again, for students interested the other hand, an entrance exam is one of the criteria administers the “Open Edition” of the test or schedules a in or planning to enroll in a high school in the Diocese of used to determine if the school’s academic program is make-up test at a separate time for the individual student. Covington. On Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, eight of the nine suitable for an incoming student, and admission to the A student must take the HSPT on Dec. 12 to be eligible for high schools in the diocese (all except St. Patrick High school depends on a certain score. a merit-based scholarship. School in Maysville) welcome incoming freshmen for a Q: How many questions? How long does it take? What Q: I know we’re supposed to take the test at our district placement test. High School Placement Test Scholarships does it cost? Do I have to bring a #2 pencil? high school. But what if my district high school is, say, will be awarded to students only from the high school A: There are five sections on the HSPT, containing a Covington Catholic, but I plan to attend St. Henry? Where where the student took the test. total of 298 questions (Verbal-60, Quantitative-52, Reading- should I take the test? The registration deadline is Dec. 4, and test takers are 62, Math-64, and Language-60). The total time allowed for A: Please note that the high schools award merit schol- required to bring and wear a face mask and follow CDC- testing is 2 hours and 23 minutes. With scheduled breaks arships based upon the test results, and a student is eligi- recommended guidelines for social distancing. For further between select tests and the pre-administration portion to ble for the scholarship only where he/she took the test. information, contact any secondary school listed or the complete at the beginning of the test, a student can expect Students should therefore take the test where they plan to Department of Catholic Schools at 392-1500. to spend approximately three total hours testing. The cost attend school; a parent has the final choice of test taking (Note: Villa Madonna Academy utilizes a cut-off per- is $20. No need to bring a pencil. Calculators, cell phones location. centile for entrance, and Covington Latin School, whose and other electronic devices are not permitted in the test- Q: Who can I talk to if I or my parents have more ques- students ordinarily enroll after the fifth or sixth grade, ing room. tions? offers an entrance exam to determine which students are Q: Can I study? Should I study? A: You or your parents should call or speak with a high suited to their curriculum. Their tests are also scheduled A: Here’s some advice parents might offer: “do your school representative. You can also contact the for Dec. 12; contact Covington Latin School for additional best,” “take your time,” and “take your best guess when Department of Catholic Schools (859) 392-1500. dates.) you don’t know.” The more adults encourage children to Q: Who publishes the test? perform to the best of their ability, the more relaxed and A: The test — the High School Placement Test (HSPT) — confident the students will become when it comes to taking is published by Scholastic Testing Service. It is a compre- tests of all kinds. Some high schools offer a HSPT prep hensive placement test for eighth graders for placement in course. While there are test prep books and programs Bishop’s the ninth grade and it assists with admissions, scholarship available the Scholastic Testing Service advises parents Schedule selection and curriculum options. Its various editions and teachers to “avoid expensive preparation materials have been used by the high schools for at least the past 30 and to trust that a well-rounded education” is preparation years. enough. Nov. 6 Nov. 11 Q: What’s the difference between a placement test and Q: When will I find out how I did? COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. an entrance exam? A: Expect to see your HSPT results in mid-to-late Immaculate Heart of Mary Nov. 12 A: School administrators and counselors use the result January via a communication from the school where you Parish, Burlington, COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. of the placement test to recommend what seem to be tested. Confirmation, 7 p.m. Confirmation, St. Therese appropriate class choices for each incoming freshman in Q: What if I’m in quarantine, or ill, and miss the test? Is Nov. 7 Parish, Southgate, 7 p.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica of Nov. 13 the Assumption, Covington, Cemetery blessings – Note: Ministry of Acolyte 4:30 p.m. These will be private this year Michael Elmlinger, a seminarian of Nov. 8 owing to the COVID-19 the Diocese of Covington, was recently Mass, Cathedral Basilica, restrictions instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte at 10 a.m. St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Penn. Nov. 14 He is the son of Steven and Polly Ann Nov. 9 Mass, Cathedral Basilica, COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Elmlinger of Union, Ky. Mr. Elmlinger is a 2016 graduate of Covington Latin Nov. 10 Nov. 15 School, and earned a bachelor of arts COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, degree in philosophy from the Pontifical Episcopal Council meeting, 10 a.m. College Josephinum, Columbus, in 2019. 10:30 a.m. Pictured are, from left, Michael Deans meeting, 1:30 p.m. Elmlinger; Bishop David Zubik, Diocese of Pittsburgh, who presided and Confirmation, St. Agnes Benedictine Father Edward Mazich, Parish, Ft. Wright, 7 p.m. seminary rector. 4 November 6, 2020 Messenger

Ask Jesus to pray for you when you can’t Junno Arocho Esteves with us. Always. We never pray alone; we always pray with Catholic News Service Jesus,” he said. VATICAN CITY — By asking to be baptized with other Although Pope Francis made a point, again, of apolo- penitents in the Jordan River, Jesus placed himself among gizing for having to keep his distance from visitors and pil- those who recognized themselves as sinners, Pope Francis grims because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he did not wear said. a mask during the audience. Despite the protests of John the Baptist, Jesus insisted Continuing his series of audience talks on prayer, the on being baptized as “an act of obedience to the will of the pope reflected on Jesus’ choice to begin his public ministry Father, an act of solidarity with our human condition,” the with his baptism, which “had a clearly penitential nature.” pope said Oct. 28 during his weekly general audience. Jesus, he said, “does not stay on the opposite side of the “We must remember this: Jesus is the just one; he is not river, saying, ‘I am the just one and you are the sinner,’ to a sinner. But he wanted to descend to us sinners and he mark his difference and distance from the disobedient peo- prays with us,” the pope said, departing from his prepared ple, but rather he immerses his feet in the same purifying remarks. waters.” “Jesus always prays with his people; he always prays As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened and

CNS photo/Paul Haring Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Oct. 28, 2020. the voice of God proclaimed, “This is my beloved son.” Pope Francis said that Christians should remember that moment when they are feeling “sluggish and empty” dur- ing prayer, and they should “beg that Jesus’ prayer also becomes our own.” When one says, “‘I cannot pray today. I don’t know what to do. I don’t feel like it. I am unworthy,’ at that moment, you must ask: ‘May your prayer, Jesus, be mine,’” the pope said. “And trust that he prays for us. He, at that moment, is before the father praying for us,” the pope said. “He is the intercessor; he shows his father his wounds for us. Let us trust this. It is great.” At the end of the audience, the pope condemned the murder of six schoolchildren killed when separatist insur- gents attacked the Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in Kumba, Cameroon Oct. 24. Government officials blamed Anglophone secessionists from northeast Cameroon who have been carrying out attacks since 2016 to gain independence. “I am shocked by such a cruel and senseless act that has taken the lives of innocent little ones while they were attending classes in school,” the pope said. Pope Francis prayed for an end to conflict and that “the safety of everyone and the right to education and a future for every young person is guaranteed.” “May God enlighten hearts so that similar acts are never repeated and that the martyred northeast and south- east region of the country can finally find peace,” he said. Messenger November 6, 2020 5

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ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CAFETERIA STAFF Various schools in the Diocese of Covington The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, KY currently have openings for full-time, part-time and (www.covdio.org) is seeking qualified candidates substitute workers. Hours would occur during the for the position of Assistant Superintendent of school day. Duties include food preparation, serving Catholic Schools. The Assistant Superintendent is and general cleanup. Interested individuals may responsible for collecting and aggregating statistical contact Jackie Kaiser at [email protected], or data for each school i.e. test scores, student call her at 859/392-1536. information, faculty and staff information, tuition and fees, attendance, calendar, etc. The Assistant Superintendent helps with the educational adminis- tration of the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) schools, and facilitates government programs/funding, curriculum and assessment, professional development, and school communication. Overall, the position encounters a wide diversity of work situations and involves a high degree of complexity with responsibility for advising and decision making in many areas. Candidates must be practicing Roman Catholics in good standing, able and willing to give witness to the Catholic faith at all times, with a Master’s degree in Education/ Administration and previous experience in school administrative leadership. Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest along with a comprehensive resume or C-V, recent Baptismal certificate indicating sacramental preparation, and a list of at least five professional references to Stephen Koplyay, SPHR: [email protected], FAX 859/392-1589, or mail to 1125 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011-3115. EOE

FULL-TIME CAFETERIA NOVENA MANAGERS Holy Family Elementary School and Prince of SACRED HEART PRAYER. Dear Heart of Jesus — In the Peace Elementary School have an immediate past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you for this very need for a full-time cafeteria manager. The special one (mention favor). Take it, dear Jesus, and place it manager’s primary responsibilities involve overall within your own heart where your Father sees it, then in your supervision of the respective school’s program; merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen. J.D. managing employees of the program; ordering, receiving, and managing inventory; preparing and serving meals; operating a point-of-sale system; Call Kim at the Messenger for information and interacting with school staff, students, and on placing your ad their parents. Interested individuals can contact in the Classified Advertisements. Jackie Kaiser at [email protected], or call her at 859/392-1536. (859) 392-1500 6 November 6, 2020 Messenger

The Magnificat — Mary’s ‘Song of the Poor’ … Luke 1: 46-55 “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), the because she believes in God’s promises and awaits the sal- only the humility of the handmaid toward God, but also 2013 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, was issued vation of Israel can the angel visit her and call her to the Mary’s prophetic role in announcing the work of justice, following the 2012 Synod of Bishops. The Synod had been decisive service of these promises.” even human justice, that the advent of the kingdom of convened for pastoral Mary, a woman of faith who is “imbued with the Word God will establish on earth.” deliberations on the of God,” is enabled “to become the Mother of the Word Mary’s canticle is “a hymn to the Father … inasmuch theme “The New Incarnate.” as the mercy of God extends from generation to genera- Evangelization for the tion to those who fear him.” Transmission of the In this regard, the catechetical document for the Christian Faith.” Jubilee sums up core verses of the Magnificat (vv. 51-53): “The Joy of the ‘In her Magnificat she (Mary) “The almighty Lord, the holy savior, will scatter the Gospel” opens with a proud, cast down the mighty and send the rich away synthesis of myriad proclaims the advent of empty-handed, while he will exalt the humble, fill the Old Testament passages hungry with God’s things and come to the aid of Israel.” that celebrate the joy of the Mystery of Salvation, the coming of Through the lens of the constant reality of divine the lowly and the poor mercy in salvation history, the pastoral letter “Behold who anticipate the the “Messiah of the poor” (Isa 11: 4; 61:1). Your Mother: Woman of Faith” emphasizes the conclu- promised salvation of sion of Mary’s “song of poverty”: “He has upheld Israel messianic times. The God of the Covenant, his servant ever mindful of his mercy; even as he prom- The Book of Isaiah ised Abraham and his descendants.” abounds in expressions whom the Virgin of Nazareth In “Libertatis Conscientia,” the 1986 “Instruction on Msgr. Ronald Ketteler of joy grounded in the Christian Freedom and Liberation,” the Congregation for hope of redemption. praises in song the Doctrine of the Faith identifies Mary in the Thus, Isaiah the prophet proclaims: “Sing for joy, O heav- Magnificat as the personification of “‘the poor of YHWH’ ens, and exalt, O earth! Break forth, O mountains, into as her spirit rejoices, … ‘the humble and lowly’ who live in hope of the libera- singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will tion of Israel.” (LC, n. 47) The “sense of the faith” (sensus have compassion on his suffering ones” (Isa 49:13). is the One who casts down fidei) can discern “all the salvific and ethical treasures of In a similar spirit of expectant hope, the prophet the Magnificat.” (LC, n. 48) Zechariah voices the joy of the remnant, the poor or the the mighty from their thrones and Although the Instruction affirms the theology of free- biblical anawim: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout dom and liberation of the Magnificat, it cautions lest that aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; raises up the lowly, spirituality of hope and courage be coopted for causes triumphant and victorious is he.” (Zech 9:9) advocating violence. (LC, n. 98) In the light of the glory of the Cross and Resurrection, fills the hungry with good things Shortly afterwards, in the encyclical “Redemptoris joy suffuses the New Testament Gospel according to Mater” (“Mother of the Redeemer,” 1987), Pope St. John Luke. In particular, the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth and sends the rich away empty, Paul II stated that “The Church, which even ‘amid trials in the Lucan infancy narrative represents a primordial and tribulations’ does not cease repeating with Mary the moment of salvific joy when the Old Testament encoun- scatters the proud and words of the Magnificat, is sustained by the power of ters the New Testament. God’s truth proclaimed on that occasion with extraordi- At the Visitation, the unborn John the Baptist leaps nary simplicity.” (RM, n. 37) for joy within Elizabeth’s womb. (Lk 1:44) Many biblical shows mercy to those Mary’s “song of the poor” in Luke’s infancy narrative scholars see a parallel of that scene with David’s dancing points to the inaugural sermon of Jesus in the synagogue before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sm 6) as well as with who fear him (Lk 1: 50-53).’ of Nazareth where he proclaimed, “(God) has anointed the joy of the “poor of God” in the hope of the promise of — Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, n. 59 me to preach the good news to the poor” (Lk 4: 18).” salvation. (Isa 35:6; Ps 114:6) On the eve of the Third Millennium Redemptoris “Behold Your Mother: Woman of Faith,” the 1973 pas- A careful exegesis of the Magnificat discovers pro- Mater summons the Church to renew and continue that toral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops of the United nounced echoes of the Canticle of Hannah, the mother of mission of “the love of preference for the poor” in her States, envisions Mary as “the new and perfect Ark of the Samuel the prophet. The opening line of Mary’s canticle earthy pilgrimage. Covenant, the living tabernacle of the divine presence.” resembles that of the prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1: For that reason, St. John Paul II linked the Magnificat (BYM, n. 27) The pastoral letter adds: “The sacred ark “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my with the Church’s special mission to the disadvantaged: that disappeared six centuries before has now returned in God.” It also resounds with Isaiah 61: 1: “The spirit of the “The Church’s love of preference for the poor” is wonder- a more perfect way. Mary is the living Ark of the Lord GOD is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news fully inscribed in Mary’s Magnificat. The God of the Covenant carrying Jesus. Salvation comes through to the afflicted …” Covenant, celebrated in the exultation of her spirit by the Mary’s flesh, through Mary’s faith.” Throughout the Magnificat’s narrative the spirituality Virgin of Nazareth, is also he who ‘has cast down the In response to the Elizabeth’s blessing of Mary for her of “the poor of YHWH” resonates with passages from the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly, … motherhood and faith, Mary responds with the Psalms. For example, Psalm 113: 7-8 declares: “He (the filled the hungry with good things, sent the rich away Magnificat, her canticle of joy, thanksgiving and praise LORD) raises the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from empty, … scattered the proud-hearted … and his mercy is for the great works of God in her life. (Lk 1: 46-55) the ash heap …” from age to age on those who fear him.” In addition to joy, Mary’s song of salvation encapsu- Later, in “Verbum Domini” (“The Word of the Lord,” “Redemptoris Mater” then refers to passages from the lates several other key themes that suffuse the Gospel of 2010) Pope Benedict XVI once again synthesized the spiri- Psalms (cf. Ps 25; 31; 35; 55) which are threaded through- Luke: trust in the Lord’s mercy, God’s predilection for the tuality reflected in the Magnificat. The now pope-emeri- out the tapestry of Magnificat and instill Mary’s heart poor and lowly, exultation for the Lord’s reversal of tus cited the above passage from “Deus Caritas Est” and “with the spirit of the ‘poor of YHWH’” who trusted in human fortunes and the definitive fulfillment of the Old describes the Magnificat as “a portrait, so to speak, of and awaited for salvation from God. Testament promises in the New. her soul” that “is woven from threads of Holy Scripture, In her Magnificat Mary “truly proclaims the coming of Now, in the Magnificat, Mary, the Theotokos (“Bearer threads from the Word of God.” (VD, n, 28) the “Messiah of the Poor” (cf. Isa 11:4; 61:1). of God” or “Mother of God”), announces her great joy: In the preparation for the Holy Year 2000, the In the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat St. John Paul II “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit Theological-Historical Commission for the Great Jubilee pledged the Church to renewal: “The Church renews ever rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk 1: 46-47) published “Jesus Christ, Word of the Father: Savior of more effectively in herself the awareness of that the truth In his inaugural encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” (“God is the World.” (1997) That official catechetical text incorpo- about God who saves, the truth about God who is the Love,” 2005) Pope Benedict XVI distilled from Mary’s can- rated Marian doctrine and theology in Chapter 10, “Mary, source of every good gift, cannot be separated from the ticle the essence of her holiness: “In these words she the Mother of Jesus.” manifestation of his love of preference for the poor and expresses her whole program of life: not setting herself On the threshold of the New Millennium, “Jesus humble, that love which, celebrated in the Magnificat, is at the center, but leaving space for God, who is encoun- Christ, Word of the Father” interpreted the Magnificat in later expressed in the words and works of Jesus.” tered in prayer and in service of neighbor — only then the light of contemporary biblical exegesis and insights Msgr. Ronald Ketteler is director of ecumenism, episco- does goodness enter the world.” (DCE, n. 41) in the Church’s mission for justice. It states: pal liaison to the Messenger and professor of theology at Moreover, Mary stands as “a woman of hope; only “Contemporary readings of this canticle underscore not Thomas More University. Messenger November 6, 2020 7

Stay awake! A man for strengthening others The readings for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time When the choirs of angels led Father Paul Mankowski, ography is considerably slimmer than it might have been, — Cycle A are: Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 S.J., into the Father’s House on September 3, I hope the thanks to the years when he was silenced or censored by or 4:13-14 and Matthew 25:1-13, seraphic choirmaster chose music appropriate to the occa- his religious superiors. A good example of his ability to On a break from the seminary I was staying at the rec- sion. Had I been asked, I would have suggested the Latin combine keen insight and droll humor is his 1992 dissec- tory in my home parish. One morning, I went to church antiphon Ecce sacerdos magnus as arranged by Anton tion of the goings-on at the annual convention of the to pray and noticed that it had snowed several inches Bruckner. The all-stops- American Academy of Religion (available here: overnight. When Mass was over I thought I would be pulled moments in https://www.firstthings.com/article/1992/03/what-i-saw-at- helpful and shovel the Bruckner’s composition, the-american-academy-of-religion). More recently, Father snow in front of the deploying organ, brass and Mankowski drew on his extensive experience as a confes- church and along the side- full choir, would have been sor and spiritual director to pen, with his superiors’ per- walk. I was shoveling and a perfect match for Paul mission, a respectful but sharp critique of his fellow Jesuit shoveling for an hour and Mankowski’s rock-solid James Martin’s book, Building a Bridge (available here: when I had finished, I was Catholic faith, his heroic https://www.firstthings.com/article/2017/08/pontifex-min- worn out. I went inside ministry and his robust lit- imus). In the decades between those two pieces, and when and sat in the recliner and erary and oratorical style; permitted to do so, he published essays and reviews on a dozed off for an hour or the a capella sections, softly wide range of topics, including literature, politics, Church so. sung, mirror the gentleness affairs, biblical translations and the priesthood, while Getting up from my with which he healed souls. sharing his private musings with friends in a seemingly nap I looked outside and Above all, I would have sug- endless series of pungent parodies, revised song lyrics, saw that all the snow was gested Bruckner’s motet and imagined news stories. gone. There was no snow George Weigel because Father Mankowski Years ago, his friend Father Richard John Neuhaus on the ground, on cars or truly was what the dubbed Father Mankowski one of the “Papal Bulls”: sidewalks. Was it a antiphon celebrates: “a great priest who in his days Jesuits of a certain generation notable for their intellectu- Father Gregory Bach dream? Did I really shovel pleased God.” ally sophisticated and unwavering Catholic orthodoxy, snow? If I only looked at We were friends for some 30 years and I can say without which often got them into hot water of various tempera- the weather forecast I would have seen that the tempera- reservation that I have never met anyone like Paul tures (including boiling) with their Ignatian brothers and ture would rise over 20 degrees before noon. A lot of Mankowski. He was off-the-charts brilliant, an extraordi- superiors. Paul Mankowski was no bull, papal or other- work and nothing to show for it. nary linguist and scholar; but he wore his learning lightly wise, in a china shop, though. He relished debate and was Stay awake! Be alert! Look around! You have no idea and was a tremendous wit. He rarely expressed doubts courteous in it; what he found off-putting was the unwill- when Jesus will come again! A great message for us in about anything; but he displayed a great sensitivity to the ingness of Catholic progressives to fight their corner with the Gospel this Sunday. We need to be prepared through doubts and confusions of those who had the humility to a frank delineation of their position. This struck him as a prayer, through worship, through service to God and our confess that they were at sea. He could be as fierce as form of hypocrisy. And while Father Mankowski, the good neighbor so that when Jesus comes he will find us watch- Jeremiah in denouncing injustice and dishonesty; but the shepherd, often brought strays back to the Lord’s flock, he ing and waiting. compassion he displayed to spiritually wounded fellow- was unsparingly candid about what he perceived as intel- Yes, Christ is coming again — for the sake of the priests and laity, who sought healing through the work of lectual dishonesty, or what he recently deplored as “igno- world, for the sake of all human hope and history. He grace at his hands, was just as notable a feature of his per- ble timidity” in facing clerical corruption. Paul may come tomorrow; He may come a thousand years sonality. Mankowski was not a man of the subjunctive, and he paid from tomorrow. None of us knows the day or the hour. His curriculum vitae was singular. The son of working- the price for it. But in the meantime, we can all be sure of this: that class parents, he put himself through the University of He is beyond all that now, and I like to imagine St. Christ comes continually to his people, bringing us joy at Chicago working summers in a steel mill. He did advanced Ignatius of Loyola welcoming him to the Father’s House midnight. Isn’t it nice to know! Isn’t it comforting to degrees at Oxford and Harvard, becoming the sparring with a hearty “Well done, my son.” In this valley of tears, know that in the hour of our deepest need, he comes partner of a future Australian prime minister, Tony freshly moistened by those who mourn his untimely death again to stand with us through the fearsome night, to the Abbott, at the former, and delving deeply into the myster- at age 66, Father Paul V. Mankowski, SJ, will be remem- dawn of morning’s saving light. ies of Semitic philology — unfathomable, to most of his bered by those of us who loved him as a man and a priest When you are shoveling snow on a cold morning that friends — at the latter. He taught at the Pontifical Biblical who, remaining faithful to his Jesuit and sacerdotal voca- eventually warms up to a nice day, trust me, people will Institute in Rome and was pastor of an English-speaking tions, became a tower of strength for others. This was a shake their heads as they pass by. Oh, how foolish he was. parish in Amman, Jordan. Wherever he was, he lived like man of God. This was a man, whose courageous manli- He didn’t look around. He didn’t know that things would a true ascetic; he was also the best company imaginable at ness reflected his godliness. change so fast as he went off to sleep. a meal or a party. George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Father Gregory Bach is pastor St. Henry Parish, He was a writer of genius, although his published bibli- Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Elsmere, Ky. If you confect it… “If you build it, he will come.” Also, in Rome, of course, is the Papal Basilica of St. Peter Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle and placed in The movie “Field of Dreams” tells the story of an in Vatican City which attracts more than 3 million visi- a monstrance where the faithful are invited to spend time Iowa farmer who hears a voice in his cornfield telling tors annually. in prayer before him. him, “If you build it, he will come.” The voice is relent- So, the Catholic Church is not unfamiliar with build- There is a story about St. John Mary Vianney that less, but vague, in its instructions. What does the voice ing things that people are attracted to. Throughout the says that someone came to him and found him just sitting want the farmer to build, world there are innumerable Catholic churches, chapels at the back of the Church where the Blessed Sacrament and who will come? and shrines. Even Covington’s own Cathedral Basilica of had been exposed. When this person asked “What are you It turns out that he is the Assumption welcomes thousands of visitors annually. doing in here all day?” He answered, “Nothing. I just look to build a baseball field — Of course, it’s not just what we, as Catholics, build that at Him and He looks at me.” complete with bleachers attracts people. Perhaps more than anything else, it is St. John Vianney knew the beauty of true friendship and lights — in the middle what we confect that attracts people. — just to be with his beloved (Jesus) was all he asked. of his cornfield. Who is to I’m referring, of course, to the Eucharist. That’s the Time before the Blessed Sacrament for St. John was time come, is none other than word we use in talking about the Eucharist. We ‘confect’ well-spent and, indeed, what he called “prayer well-made” the spirit of Shoeless Joe it, meaning that we bring together all the “essential ele- so that in Jesus’ presence, his “troubles vanished like Jackson along with seven ments,” and (through the power and working of the Holy snow in the rays of the sun.” other long-dead members Spirit) make it so that Eucharist can happen; so that Several parishes in our diocese offer perpetual of the disgraced Chicago Eucharist can exist in the world. Our response to Jesus’ Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, meaning that 24 White Sox baseball team, command that we do this in his memory is to confect the hours a day, 7 days a week Jesus is exposed and waiting who were banned from Eucharist. When we do that, sure enough, people come. for you to visit. Many other parishes have set aside partic- baseball for throwing the As I see it (and this is likely an oversimplification), we ular times of day and days of the week for Eucharistic World Series in 1919. come to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in two ways: first, Adoration. Find the adoration schedule on the diocesan Deacon Timothy Britt It’s been a long time we come to receive him under the appearance of bread website at covdio.org/diocese-of-covington-office-of-wor- since I’ve seen the movie and wine during the celebration of the Mass. This is ship-and-liturgy/. and thinking about it now makes it sound kind of goofy. familiar to us. Some of us do it daily, others once a week, We will confect it. If you come, Jesus will do the rest. But, it is true in real life that we, people, sometimes build still others less frequently but often enough that it is the Deacon Timothy Britt is assigned to St. Mary Parish, things that people are drawn to. most ordinary extraordinary thing we do. Alexandria, Ky. I’m thinking of things like the Eiffel Tower, the Great The second way we come is far less familiar to many of Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Coliseum in Rome. us. That is, we come to adore him when the Blessed 8 November 6, 2020 Messenger

“Advent At Home” virtual directed retreat, Dec. 4-6. Join the Benedictine Sisters of St. Newsworthy Walburg for prayer, spiritual direction and group Happy Birthday to Father Shannon Collins, pastor, Our Lady sessions. Retreat enrichment resources will be of Lourdes Parish, Park Hills, Nov. 16; Father Michael sent by email; some links for articles and music Hennigen, pastor, Holy Cross Parish, Latonia, Nov. 17; will be provided. Free will donations are grateful- Deacon Richard Mals, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, ly accepted. Contact Sister Dorothy at Burlington, Nov. 19; Father Daniel Schomaker, vicar [email protected] or call 331-6324. general, assistant director of seminarians, vicar for episcopal ceremonies and pastor, St. Augustine Parish, Covington, Nov. 21; Father Gregory Osburg, defender of the bond, Tribunal and pastor, St. John the Baptist Parish, Wilder, Nov. 21; Deacon Joseph McGraw, St. Therese Parish, Southgate, Nov. 25; Father Clarence Heitzman, retired, Nov. 27; Deacon Phil Racine, St. Benedict Parish, Covington, Nov. 27; and Father Matthew Summe, L.C., Nov. 27.

Senior Emily Richardson of Florence, who attends Villa Madonna Academy, Villa Hills, has scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. She joins senior Jackson Bond of Hebron as the second Villa student this year to earn a 36 on the college entrance exam.

Jack Cain, a junior at Covington Catholic High School, Covington, began in early October collecting individually wrapped Halloween candy from his classmates. His goal was to distribute 200 treat bags of candy to disadvantaged children. As of today, the Covington Catholic students donated over 400 pounds of candy, which was used to make over 850 treat bags, far exceeding the goal. Jack and his friend Ryan, a senior, brought the candy home in weekly hauls, where they and friends assembled treat bags over the past couple of weeks. Treats were delivered to these agencies: Children’s Home of NKY; Survive & Thrive Foundation, Inc.; Parish Kitchen; Hosea House; Madison Avenue Christian Church; Welcome House; Mary Rose Mission; Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home; St Elizabeth Candy catapults That’s batty Emergency Department and Master Provisions. STREAM class at Holy Trinity School, Bellevue, has Second grade students at St. Edward School, Cynthiana, been extra busy this past week. The 5th graders recently learned quite a few bat facts during their bat designed and tested catapults for delivering candy. study.

The Cincinnati Club, The Gardens, The Grand, The Pinnacle Preferred Caterer at Drees Pavilion Partner Venues Cincinnati Music Hall, Contemporary Arts Center, Devou Event Center, Fort Thomas Armory, Freedom Center, The New Riff Distillery, Rhinegiest Brewery, The Center at Fountain Square, Prickel Barn VOCATIONS 2020

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE MESSENGER NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Keener photo Father Jordan Hainsey was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Diocese of Covington by Bishop Roger Foys, May 16, 2020, in an empty Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption with his parents as witnesses.

“The discernment of a vocation is above all the fruit of an intimate dialogue between the Lord and his disciples. Young people, if they know how to pray, can be trusted to know what to do with God’s call.” — Pope Benedict XVI 10 November 6, 2020 Messenger

November 2020

My dear Friends,

Praised be Jesus Christ! We celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week the first week of November 2020. Since 1976 we have set aside one week of the year to focus on vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated religious life. During this time, we are asked to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated religious life as well as to pray for those who are already discerning such a vocation. It is also a time to encourage someone we know who we believe might be called to such a vocation.

The Lord has certainly blessed our Diocese with vocations to the priesthood and the diaconate. In the last 18 years I have ordained 41 priests and 32 permanent deacons for ministry in the Diocese of Covington. The Lord is still calling, to be sure. He promised that He would always provide us with shepherds (cf. Jer 3:15) but He also directs us to pray for such vocations (cf. Matt 9:38). I believe the response has been the result of your prayers and of the example and witness given to those who are called by priests, deacons and consecrated religious. But we must never become complacent. We must continue to pray and to encourage vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated religious life.

I take this opportunity to thank all those currently ministering in our Diocese as priests, deacons and consecrated religious. I want to thank especially those priests from other countries and religious orders who are ministering in our Diocese. If it were not for their sacrifice, some of our parishes would be without fulltime resident priests. I also want to thank those currently in formation for the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated religious life. Thank you for answering the call and for remaining steadfast in your discernment. And I am grateful to all the faithful for your continued prayers for vocations and for those who have answered the call and are ministering to you.

Be assured of my prayers. Please, pray for me and for our beloved Diocese of Covington.

Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D.D. Bishop of Covington

Prayer for Priestly Vocations God, our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that you inspire those in our diocese whom you are calling to the priesthood to courageously follow your will. Send laborers into your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

12 November 6, 2020 Messenger

unity of belief uniting the local church with the The joys of the priesthood Diocese, and the Diocese with the universal Jesus ‘still calls Church. He also governs in order to make sure Father Michael Norton right order is maintained, and the community is a just men and women to Messenger Contributor place. Sanctity is brought about through the action of the The ministerial priesthood is a mysterious experience priest in the sacraments. He delivers grace to the people of wherein a man’s life is wrapped up into the life of Christ. God when he acts in persona Christi capitis (in the person of follow Him’ The great joy of the priesthood is in loving Christ with one’s Christ the head). When Christ the head is present to his Divine Providence Sister Fran Moore entire being. We can easily look at the day-to-day life of the body through the priest, the Church as a whole is enabled to Messenger Contributor priest and think he is an ordinary man become holy. The community of “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon with good days and bad days, frustra- the Church is the place where the and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they tions and joys, and likes and dislikes; priest and the people flourish and were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will however, he is far more than just these find joy. send you out to things. Every priest, imperfect as he One could easily stop there; fish for people.’” may be, has united himself to Christ in however, they would miss a part of (Mark1:16-18) a way that involves sacrifice, communal the priesthood that is so essential I believe that living and fraternity. These realities are — a priest as a brother among each of us longs what make the priestly life so joyful. other priests. The fraternal for the kind of First, the life of sacrifice is made in nature of the priesthood is not straightfor- his commitment to prayer, obedience to always seen among the laity, but ward call these his bishop, simplicity of life and celiba- that brotherhood is important disciples cy. One might look at these promises a because the priests sustain each received, priest makes and see them as a loss or a other and assist each other in the whether we bad thing, and they would be right if we ministry of the priesthood. These seek clarity are looking at this from a purely worldly are men who understand together around a prospective. However, someone who the challenges and joys, and thus lifestyle, choice loves would do anything for his beloved. they can support one another. The of a spouse or a Priests firstly love Christ, who is the joy of serving side by side with call to conse- head of the body; and secondly, they love others was something that Christ crated life. the body, which is the Church. A priest’s knew when he sent the disciples These men may promises are an assurance that he two by two. Thus, we see that fra- have had some remains committed to this life of loving Father Michael Norton, ternity is so important in finding reservations Christ and his Church. In these promis- vocations promoter joy in the priesthood. about what es the priest is filled with the joy of the The Diocese of Covington is Jesus’ call Lord. seeking men called by the Lord to be joy-filled priests, capa- Sister Fran Moore, C.D.P., might The communal life of the priest is one in which he builds ble of sacrifice, building up community, and sharing frater- vicar for Diocese of Covington mean, but up the body of the Church. He supports and sustains this nal love. Will you answer that call? there was community through his call to teach, govern and sanctify. Father Norton is vocations promoter for the Diocese of no ambiguity about the call itself. Jesus was clear in his When the priest teaches, he provides the community with a Covington. (Continued on page 13) Messenger November 6, 2020 13

was that I was able to spend another Community: To be called together year at my summer assignment parish, St. Joseph Parish in A.J. Gedney before it. The seminary had to adapt as Crescent Springs. It was such a joy Messenger Contributor schools across the United States were to spend more time with the people I The Greek word for “church” means “to be called sending their students home to reduce had gotten to know the previous together.” Priests belong to a presbyterate, and bishops the risk of infection. Although I attended summer. Even with following coron- belong to the college of bishops. Even God Himself is a class through a webcam, completing avirus protocols, I was thankful to communion: Father, Son and Spirit. assignments and taking notes during my be able to interact with the parish- The community I experience at seminary was disrupt- classes remained relatively unchanged. ioners once the churches reopened ed this year by the pandemic and was unlike any year One thing I did notice was the absence of for liturgies. Their love and support my fellow seminarians. The fraternity have made me feel so appreciated, that is shared among the men in a semi- and it increases my desire to become nary is very important. They also help to a priest so that I can one day minis- (Continued from page 12) form a seminarian into a priest. They ter to the people of the diocese in the share in many of the same joys and sor- request and they certainly got the message. person of Christ. rows. Although we may come from differ- When I was discerning a call to religious life, I kept ask- As my time in seminary forma- ent backgrounds and may have different ing for a sign … something that was cut and dried … with tion is beginning to draw to a close, I approaches to ministry, we share the one no opportunity to miss the request. (A neon sign would can see how important community goal of discerning the will of God in our have been nice!) Clearly, that was an immature and self- is for a priest. Pope Benedict XVI lives. We share in this camaraderie centered wish, one that required little work on my part. once noted that ministry does not because all of us are on the journey of A.J. Gedney That is not the way Jesus generally works in our lives. take place in the first person singu- conforming our lives to Christ’s. As I reflect on my life and the many blessings I’ve expe- lar, but that it takes place in the first I am glad to know that my seminary is capable of adapt- rienced, I am now able to recognize that His call was a kind person plural — we. Even when we are stuck in our homes, ing to online course instruction. At the same time, I hope of persistent gentle heart-tugging, a sort of loving invita- or socially distanced in public, we are all still members of that it will not be utilized anytime soon. The community at tion to draw closer to Him, to respond with the same kind the Body of Christ. This year has allowed me to recognize seminary is incredibly important to me. St. Vincent is a of love. I believe Jesus still calls women and men to follow that building and maintaining community can be difficult small seminary, but that means I know every seminarian’s Him; we just have to realize that we won’t likely get a text at times, but that it also prepares us to become members of name, where he is from, and a little about how he ended up or phone message with an unmistakable invitation. the community in the life to come. in seminary. Then there’s the disciples’ response: “At once they left A.J. Gedney is a seminarian for the Diocese of Covington, Community is also an important aspect of parish life. their nets and followed him.” That, for most of us, is where in his third year studying theology at St. Vincent Seminary, One of the benefits of being sent home from the seminary the real rub is; Jesus does call men and women to follow Latrobe, Penn. Him as members of a consecrated life, as sisters, brothers, priests but His voice is often muffled by the noise and clut- ter of material things that surround us today. Marriage, priesthood, religious life take I invite you to look around and reflect on the men and women who live lives consecrated to Jesus. Are there courage, pope says in message things you see about their lives that tug at your heart? It may be the ministry they do, the joy they evince, the Cindy Wooden wants to enable kindness they share, maybe the way they seem peace-filled Catholic News Service us, like Peter, to in spite of the chaos of our world at times. Jesus does not VATICAN CITY — Discovering one’s vocation to mar- ‘walk on water,’ choose perfect or worthy people but rather invites a cross- riage, priesthood or religious life and making the decision in other words, to section of average folks to follow Him and spread His love to embrace it takes courage, Pope Francis said. take charge of to others. The Lord knows “the questions, doubts and difficulties our lives and What He most asks is that each of us be open to what- that toss the boat of our heart, and so he reassures us, place them at the ever life-path we seem drawn to and respond with courage. ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear!’” the pope wrote in his service of the He asks only that “If today you hear His voice, harden not message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which Gospel in the your hearts.” will be celebrated May 3 in most dioceses. concrete and Sister Fran Moore, CDP, is vicar for religious for the Using the story from the Gospel of Matthew of the dis- everyday ways Diocese of Covington. ciples in the boat on a stormy Sea of Galilee, Pope Francis that he shows us, said Jesus calls people to a specific vocation “because he and specifically in the different forms of lay, priestly and con- secrated voca- tion.” For most peo- CNS photo/Rodolfo Buhrer, Reuters ple, he said, hear- Father Reginaldo Manzotti prays dur- ing that call and ing Mass with photos of his parish- being excited by ioners taped to the pews in the Shrine it almost always of Our Lady of Guadalupe in is mixed with Curitiba, Brazil, March 21, 2020. fear and worries about one’s weaknesses. “If we let ourselves be daunted by the responsibilities that await us — whether in married life or priestly min- istry — or by the hardships in store for us, then we will soon turn away from the gaze of Jesus and, like Peter, we will begin to sink,” he wrote. But the gift of faith enables people to keep walking toward Jesus. “Whenever fatigue or fear make us start to sink, Jesus holds out his hand to us,” the pope wrote. “He gives us the enthusiasm we need to live our vocation with joy and fer- vor.” Trusting the Lord and following his call is similar to the disciples’ journey in the boat, he said. “The risk involved is real: the night falls, the headwinds howl, the boat is tossed by the waves, and fear of failure, of not being up to the call, can threaten to overwhelm them,” he wrote. But the Gospel assures Christians that “in the midst of this challenging journey we are not alone,” the pope said. “Like the first ray of dawn in the heart of the night, the Lord comes walking on the troubled waters to join the dis-

(Continued on page 19) 14 November 6, 2020 Messenger

Sister Carleen loved teaching. “I said she loves her vocation because of the way she’s been Follow the call loved the smaller grades, teaching able to build her life around prayer. “It’s always been busy them to read and teaching them about with ministry, but prayer is always the focus and that’s Allegra Thatcher God was just wonderful.” She became been something that I was searching for and found it. The Assistant Editor coworkers with some of the Sisters of joy in my heart, I always have a sense of peace and joy Divine Providence Sister Carleen Divine Providence, which she knows always knowing, after 50 years, that it was the right deci- Schumacher is celebrating her 50-year now was part of God’s plan to eventu- sion.” She said she still keeps in close contact with family jubilee of her profession. In 1970, the young ally find her home with them. As a and friends, and yet her life is very focused with prayer woman didn’t know then what kind of jour- young woman, “I just kept knowing and ministry serving people. ney God would lead her on, but has seen something was missing in my life. I After 30 years in the classroom as a teacher and eventu- every step along the way as worth it. dated here and there, I did lots of ally principal, Sister Carleen became part of provincial Sister Carleen grew up familiar with the social things, belonged to different administration for the congregation for 15 years total, with sisters, since her aunt was a member of the groups, but always had this empti- five in the middle as assistant manager of the Parish congregation. On the second Sunday of ness. I knew I needed more and finally Kitchen in Covington. “I loved every minute of it,” she said every month, her family would visit and I was ready to face the fact that maybe of that position. “Those people taught me things about spend time with the sisters. “They felt like I was called to religious life.” myself, the way they welcomed me. I served them every an extended family, I knew a lot of the sis- In 1968, the year she turned 23, day, but in many ways they served me.” ters growing up,” she said. Sister Carleen made a very conscious She’s currently serving as administrator of Holy After being taught by them in grade choice and never looked back or Family Home, where she ministers to the elderly sisters school at St. Vincent de Paul in Newport, Sister Carleen regretted it. “I guess it was mostly the and enjoys that as well. Sister Carleen spent high school consider- Schumacher, C.D.P. positive influence of the sisters, my Sister Carleen said young people today shouldn’t be ing the call when her aunt suggested she comfortableness being with them, and the emptiness that I afraid to follow their internal calls or urgings to try reli- might have the vocation to religious life, but denied it and felt in other parts of my life,” she said. “I’ve learned that gious life. “Follow through on it because you really don’t made other plans. From high school she became a teacher community life is wonderful. I love the sisters, living with know what God has in store,” she said. “There’s no prob- at a time when Catholic schools were “bursting at the them, though just like any life it has its ups and downs, but lem with coming and deciding after a year that it isn’t for seams.” Because of the numbers, her class of seniors was on the whole, it has never been so challenging that I regret you. That’s what I did, and I knew it was right for me. It’s a asked to consider teaching after only a few summer classes my decision.” life of many rewards. Just try and be open and pray.” at Villa Madonna College, now Thomas More University. Besides the teaching and community, Sister Carleen

were asked to teach religion classes to latter, at 18 years old. “People made vocational choices The God Quest students at other schools, so she early back then,” she said. “It was appropriate for me — it taught third grade religion at St. Paul was good for me.” She said she received a great deal of sup- Allegra Thatcher Parish, Florence every Saturday. port from her family, who supported her call and gave a Assistant Editor “I liked teaching, and I think that’s witness to faithful Catholic life. “I thought I was going to do Notre Dame Sister Shauna Bankemper the other thing that attracted me, was something great for God, and as it turned out, God did says religious life has been her path to dis- the ministry of teaching, being able something really great for me.” covering the goodness of God and his plan to influence people through educa- Sister Shauna taught in various elementary schools for her life. tion. It was life-giving, I found myself across the Diocese of Covington, then became a principal What she describes as her “God Quest” able to do it and energized by it. for a short time before being asked to minister in the started at an early age, when she was taught Teaching was a big part of being Diocese of Lexington as superintendent of Catholic by the Sisters of Notre Dame in grade school called to religious life, both the person Schools. That experience stretched her beyond her comfort and high school. She was attracted to reli- of the sisters that I knew and my zone, as many of the parishes and schools were in unfamil- gious life because she liked the sisters, experience in school.” iar mountain and bluegrass territory with diverse groups enjoyed school and appreciated how the sis- In an effort to do something great of people. ters taught and how caring they were. for God, Sister Shauna envisioned After many years down south, she moved back to “In those days, there were a lot of sisters joining the Peace Corps or becoming Covington to be provincial of the Covington sisters, and at the high school and they made a huge a great teacher with the Sisters of then eventually provincial to the international group and impression on me,” Sister Shauna said. As a Sister Shauna Bankemper, Notre Dame. She eventually chose the (Continued on page 15) junior and senior, she and her classmates S.N.D.

Dustin Reed (Faithful Navigator) (859) 866-2122 Messenger November 6, 2020 15

‘How Did I Know?’ — Lives of Divine Providence Sisters Kathleen Carroll Messenger Contributor A call to religious life can take many forms. The Sisters of Divine Providence, based in Melbourne, Ky., have been describing some of their own calls to reli- gious life in a social media series called “How Did I Know?” Many of the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDPs) have been fix- tures in Northern Kentucky, serving as teachers, principals and health care providers as well as devoting them- selves to countless roles in parish ministry. When their faces show up on someone’s Facebook Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, C.D.P. Sister Fidelis Tracy, C.D.P. Sister Emerita McGann, C.D.P. Sister Juanita Nadicksbernd, C.D.P. feed, they are inevitably met with expressions of fond remembrance and gratitude. more heartfelt notes, such as, “Your peace and serenity are “I wanted to be that person who recognized God in all “I remember you from high school!” is a frequent com- second to none” and “One of the kindest, sweetest people the events of life, who offered thanks and praise, who saw ment, but former students and friends have also offered ever born.” It’s impossible to quantify the profound effect others as God saw them. Daily I try to incarnate God’s lov- these sisters have had on the diocese, but these testimoni- ing Providence in my world.” als hint at their lasting legacy. It may seem as though these Sister Fidelis Tracy, CDP vocations were written in the stars. But, as the sisters will often be the first to admit, the call “I was very young when I began to realize how impor- to vocation does not always come as a bolt from the blue. tant God was in my life. Daily Mass, praying and reading (Continued from page 14) For some, the hints were more subtle, and many had to missionary stories fed my spirit. I knew in my heart that if moved to Rome for a number of years. She’s currently wrestle with conflicting impulses before arriving at a and when God called me, I would be ready ... and I was!” provincial councilor for the new province uniting all four peace-giving decision. All of them, though, will tell you Sister Emerita McGann, CDP SND units across the country. that their lives as CDPs have been filled with grace and “All of those experiences of administration, of min- blessings. “As a young girl I often felt drawn to become a sister, as istry, both locally and internationally, helped me to really a missionary or a teacher. I recall sitting in our backyard see God building the kingdom in such diverse ways,” she Here, in their own words, are the sisters’ answers to tree swing talking to God about what I should do. I heard said. “None of this was anything I would have dreamed of, the question “How Did I Know?” within me that I should join the Sisters of Divine but it was God’s way of stretching me and asking me to Providence. I did, and to this day I thank God for my reli- use my gift to share with the men and women around me, “While I was enjoying my life as a teen, I had a constant gious vocation.” and the many people who witnessed their goodness to me nagging sense that God was calling me to religious life. To Sister Juanita Nadicksbernd and supported me in my ministry.” be honest, it was a call I didn’t want. I tried ignoring that 52 years after her profession, Sister Shauna said the voice inside me but God’s gentle, persistent call remained. Kathleen Carroll is director of Communications, one thing she always comes back to is teaching. She cur- Once I said “yes” I began a wonderful journey that was Congregation of Divine Providence. rently lives at St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring, and is guided by the Providence of God. My life has offered me involved in teaching as part of the RCIA team and part of unimaginable blessings!” the adult education. She said it keeps her grounded, Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, CDP because she loves being involved in education. The other aspect of professed life that Sister Shauna praised is her community. “The Sisters of Notre Dame have been so good to me. … Community has been a really important part of my life: living with other sisters, work- ing in ministry with them, and helping the people of God on their God Quest. And I’m still on it. God is still drawing me and helping me find new avenues… how he’s revealed in the people I serve, in the ministries I’ve been involved in, it’s been a really wonderful journey. God is continually helping me to see the goodness within me and the good- ness of God at work through me and around me… I’ve learned that God is never finished with us.” Sister Shauna encouraged young people today to slow down from the busy world and listen in order to discern their vocations. “I think it’s a matter of slowing down and taking time to reflect on what is happening, what have I experienced in life, and where am I being asked to share this goodness with others? It’s hard to hear the Holy Spirit directing us because… we fail to take time to just be quiet and listen to our inner self, which is God speaking to us.” “We’re all on a God Quest,” said Sister Shauna, “no matter what your vocation is. For me, learning and finding God came through my vocational call both as a teacher, as a woman living with other women in community who were on this journey. … There’s not one way that’s better than others and one vocation isn’t better than another, but they’re all ways of finding God at work in our lives and the important thing is that we’re true to ourself as we follow this call. It’s not always easy, but even in the challenges, we find growth and grace.” 16 November 6, 2020 Messenger

The Serra Club: Supporting vocations and leading since 1935 Michael Murray the celebration of vocations Messenger Contributor is an important part of Twice a month, a group of men and women with a com- community life in our mitment to fostering vocations to the priesthood, dia- Church. One way in which conate and religious life, come together in our diocesan the Serra Club helps the faith community to pray and to learn and support. These Church to promote voca- are the Serrans. They are lay Catholics who tions is through its SPARK are found both in Northern Kentucky initiative. SPARK, which and around the world. They are stands for “Serra men and women of all ages Promotion And and from all walks of life. Resource Kit,” is a Members range from free online collec- lawyers, doctors and busi- tion of best-prac- ness people, to nurses, tice tools in reli- clerks, stay at home gious vocations workers and retirees. ministry, and All are dedicated to pro- were gathered moting, fostering and from parishes, supporting religious dioceses and vocations. religious orders The Serra Club for around North Vocations, Northern America. Designed Kentucky, is named after the with vocations direc- Franciscan Missionary, St. tors in mind, users will Junipero Serra, the founder of find that the Serra SPARK many of the California missions. The website, found at serras- This joyful server, among other 7th grade students, receives a Server Award in 2018 from first Serra Club was founded in 1935 in Seattle by a small park.org, will be able to the Serra Club. At the annual Servers’ Awards Ceremony, the Serra Club supports group of Catholic laymen who saw the need to foster voca- enhance their own Church vocations by recognizing the youths’ service to their parishes and awarding crucifixes to be tions to religious life, both by recruiting vocations and by ministry, as well. worn at the altar while serving. supporting those religious in their active careers. SPARK covers every- encourages Serrans to know each other more intimately At the time of Serra’s formation in 1935, there were two thing from discernment retreat agendas to vocation talks and to grow spiritually through enduring Christian friend- great needs for the Church — first, to support dedicated to using social media in vocations promotion. Whether ships. It makes Serra camaraderie one of the outstanding priests and the religious; second, to bring together you’re recruiting potential priests, sisters, deacons, nuns features of every Serra gathering including International informed Catholic lay leaders who understood and lived or brothers, SPARK can help. The kits are specially pre- conventions, district meetings and annual retreats. The their own Christian vocations to service. This continues to pared and have been made available to users online in spirit of Serra is not something that can be shared by lec- be the mission of the Serra Club today. downloadable format as ready-to-print PDFs. These kits tures or reading. It grows in the new member as he or she The local club in Northern Kentucky meets twice a were created to allow the Serra Club to assist the Church follows the example of those who are Serrans. month, on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. In in promoting vocation initiatives such as the World Day of For more information on how to become a member of addition, the club schedules vocation awareness and affir- Prayer for Vocations in the spring, the National Vocation the Serra Club for Vocations, Northern Kentucky, call mation activities throughout the year. They recognize 7th Awareness Week in the fall, and the World Day for Serra Club President Mike Murray at (859) 392-1500 or e- grade Mass servers every spring at the Servers’ Awards Consecrated Life in late winter. mail at [email protected]. Ceremony, where the servers are recognized for their serv- As Club members can attest, the spirit of Serra stems Michael Murray is club president for the Serra Club for ice to their parish and are awarded a crucifix to be worn at from Christian charity and love, following God’s admoni- Vocations, Northern Kentucky. the altar while serving. Serrans host a Priest Appreciation tions, “Go teach all Dinner in the month of November, conduct the annual nations” and “Pray, there- Picnic for Women Religious in June and sponsor the fore, to the Lord of the har- If you are interested in supporting the seminarians, consider becoming a prayer partner or making a financial contribution to the diocesan Seminarian Education Fund. Contact Father College Connection Program, which helps to connect high vest to send forth laborers Michael Norton at (859) 392-1566 or e-mail [email protected] to become a partner, and school seniors with college campus ministers before they into His vineyard.” The visit covdio.org to make a donation. begin classes at their chosen institution. The organization spirit is developed also conducts a golf outing every September to raise through program partici- money in support of its activities throughout the year. pation and the spiritual Serrans, both locally and nationally, acknowledge that works of the members. It Messenger November 6, 2020 17

Supporting our priests: A mission of the Knights of Columbus since 1882 David White tions to give to the families in need. Soon after, the idea of breakfasts, spaghetti dinners and any other events where Messenger Contributor offering life insurance to its members, instead of passing loose change is collected, and the proceeds are donated to If it were not for the idea, the will and the drive of a the hat, took root and flourished. each diocese to provide additional monetary support. parish priest, the Knights of Columbus would not be here And it all began with a parish priest and his idea. For seminarians not sponsored by a council, the Raffo today. Today, the Knights of Columbus continues to support Fund was established by the Kentucky State Charities of Blessed Father Michael J. its parish priests through the chari- the Knights of Columbus to provide monetary support — McGivney, the parish priest of St. table works each council performs to ensure all seminarians are covered. The fund is named Mary’s Parish in New Haven, in its parish. But it doesn’t start in honor of Father Charles Raffo, who was the first state Connecticut, through his own fami- there. For the Knights of Columbus, chaplain of the Kentucky Knights of Columbus from 1903 ly experience and witness to the support begins in the seminary. to 1904. hardships of parish families, creat- The RSVP program created by Once a seminarian is ordained to the priesthood, our ed in 1882 what is now the largest the Knights of Columbus is a pro- commitment to our priests continues. Every August, the Catholic fraternal benefit society in gram that supports seminarians in councils of Northern Kentucky along with our 4th Degree the world to help the families of every diocese, providing each semi- Assembly, host an outing to support our priests, deacons those whose sole provider had died narian monetary donations to help and seminarians at Father Kehoe Council in Ludlow with unexpectedly, leaving families with offset their educational and living a dinner to show our appreciation for their commitment to no means to sustain their liveli- expenses, as well as spiritual and their continued vocations. hoods. prayerful support as he advances Some local councils partner with their parishes with a Father McGivney himself expe- through seminary. We also keep in Vocations Cross program. Each week, a family will take rienced this tragedy firsthand, when touch with each seminarian that we home a cross and pray for vocations and return the cross his father passed away while he was sponsor. Through birthday cards, the following week for another family to continue prayers. in seminary. As the oldest child, he letters, prayers and e-mails, our sup- The Knights of Columbus has grown from several was obligated to return home to help support his family, port is more than just money. members in one council to over 17,000 councils and 2 mil- placing his dream of becoming a priest in doubt. However, Annually, Knights of Columbus councils in Kentucky lion members throughout the United States, Canada, the with the sacrifice and encouragement of his family, he was have provided nearly $20,000 in support to all seminarians Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, able to return to the seminary to complete his studies and in the Covington, Lexington and Owensboro dioceses as Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, was ordained in Baltimore in 1877. well as the Archdiocese of Louisville. Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine and The Irish and Catholic immigrants arriving in America This year, the Knights of Columbus councils in South Korea. during the mid-19th century faced discrimination for their Northern Kentucky have supported all seminarians as Our founder, Father McGivney, was declared blessed in ethnicity and their faith. They were left with jobs that were they continue their path to priesthood. Over the past seven 2020 by Pope Francis as he continues his path to sainthood. low paying and often hazardous, in some cases resulting in years, Knight of Columbus councils in the diocese have Through our programs, we honor the legacy of Father the death of the head of the household. donated over $45,000 to support seminarians. McGivney and all who answer the call to vocations. Father McGivney gathered the men of St. Mary’s The Kentucky Council of the Knights of Columbus also David White is a former district deputy for the Kentucky Parish together to address the overwhelming need to make provides support for seminarians through the Heavenly State Council in Northern Kentucky and past Grand Knight the lives of those suffering families better. In the begin- Pennies program that is implemented by each council. of Bishop Ackerman Council 5453 in Burlington. ning, the hat was passed among the members for dona- Heavenly Pennies jars can be found at fish frys, pancake 18 November 6, 2020 Messenger

After 40 years the call to the priesthood continues Father Michael Comer was Father Raymond Parish. I then spent eight years at Immaculate Heart of Messenger Contributor Steinhauser. When I went on to Mary Parish in Burlington. That was an exciting and won- When I was a boy the priests in my Mount St. Mary Seminary, in derful time. In 2012, I requested to be assigned to St. Patrick home parish — St. Rose of Lima in Emmitsburg, Maryland, two Church in Maysville, to be closer to my parents, who were May’s Lick, and my secondary parish, other priests stand out — Father in their senior years. Returning home to Mason County St. Patrick in Maysville, where my Bill Fay, who was my spiritual and to Maysville was a great blessing. For the past three grandparents, and aunts and uncles director, and my Scripture years, I have been pastor of Mother of God Church in and cousins belonged — the priests teacher, and Father Harry Flynn Covington. were always heroes to me. They were (later Archbishop Harry Flynn), Each of the parishes and school assignments that I have also somewhat mysterious and differ- who was my rector. Their exam- had have been filled with blessings and graces, as well as ent than anyone else I knew. I have a ple, and support and guidance, struggles and difficulties. Merging parishes, and merging strong memory of being at St. Patrick made them instruments of God schools, going through times of growth and times of with my Grandmother O’Neill, when to continue to call and shape me decline, worrying about how to pay bills, and dealing with Father Leo Casey was saying Mass. as a priest. the joys and sorrows of the individuals and families of the This was before I had made my first Once ordained, in 1980, I parishes, has been a great journey. Each situation has been Holy Communion, and I asked her, began serving in a number of unique, and there have been various lessons that I have “What is Father Casey doing?” She parishes and high schools, as an had to learn. Some of those I did not learn easily. said, “He is changing the bread and associate pastor and religion One constant in the 40 years since I have been ordained, wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.” teacher. In 1982, I became a pastor and 47 years since I entered the seminary, has been the I can distinctly remember thinking, for the first time, at St. Bernard Eucharist — the Mass. That first tug of the string by God, “I wish I could do that!!!” I believe that Parish in Dayton, Kentucky, to lead me to the priesthood — that moment when I looked this was the first whisper of my call to where I served for 12 years. I have at Father Casey changing the bread and wine into the Body the priesthood. Many more would fol- incredibly warm memories of and Blood of Christ — has been the anchor in whatever I low, although it was not a straight path my time there, although, as a experienced. I still want to do that. to ordination, by any means. Father Michael Comer poor, inner city parish, we faced I believe that I did not receive a call to the priesthood, In the seminary, there were other real financial struggles. In some but have received many. In fact, I believe that I am still priests whom I met whom I looked up to and admired. One, ways, because we struggled together, those efforts are being called to the priesthood. That call began when I was from my college days at St. Pius X Seminary here in the among my greatest memories there. In 2001, while still pas- a boy of about six years old, and continues to this day. Diocese of Covington, who is still a priest who I look up to tor at St. Bernard, I became pastor of Sacred Heart Parish Father Michael Comer is pastor, Mother of God Parish, and admire, is Msgr. Gerry Twaddell. Another priest from in Bellevue, as well. Two years later, we merged Sacred Covington. there, who would be a great support and help to me later, Heart with St. Anthony in Bellevue, into Divine Mercy Adaptations: Year one of priesthood, during COVID-19 Father Jordan Hainsey what happens along the way. God’s fidelity Messenger Contributor certainly helps us put what really matters For nearly nine months now, we have into perspective in these days. been thrust into the uncharted territory of As I continue on in my first year of the coronavirus. With no road map to look priesthood, I give thanksgiving to God for to, we are experiencing and doing every- calling me to the priesthood and minister- thing anew. Adaptations to the life of the ing particularly in these days. To celebrate Church are not new though. Beginning and confect the Eucharist makes, in the with the persecutions of the early Church most real way, Jesus present among us. when liturgies were forced underground This nourishment is all we need and what and up through the days of World War II we need now more than ever. All of our when priests, like Pope St. John Paul II, car- lives have been disrupted with the coron- ried out seminary avirus, but Jesus’ studies in secret, the presence in the Church has always Eucharist should be learned how to adapt the most tangible her prayer and litur- reminder to us that gical life to face the even when all seems challenges of the day lost, he remains. head on. God’s first attribute When I was is love — that which is ordained a priest on eternal and that May 16 of this year, it which is made incar- was to an empty nate in his son. That church with only my should quail every parents. While there fear we have. Blessed was a pang that the Carlo Acutis, once Church couldn’t be said, “Jerusalem is filled with friends right on our and loved ones, I doorstep.” It is my remembered Christ’s hope that I, and all the promise he made at faithful of the Diocese his great Ascension: of Covington, will “I will be with you Father Jordan Hainsey take up new reverence always, even until the for the Eucharist, end of the world.” (Matt 28:20) which is heaven’s doorstep, and that more These were not empty well-meaning young men will respond to God’s call to the words from the Lord to his apostles. Rather, priesthood. it was a promise to them and everyone after Father Hainsey is administrative assis- them. A promise that he would sustain us tant to the bishop, master of ceremonies and and guide us through the instrument of the rector of the St. Paul Oratory. Church until his return again — no matter Messenger November 6, 2020 19

priests of the United States. Two of the Three models of priestly goodness finest were called home to the Lord in recent months, and while there is no way of George Weigel Catholicism has been one of knowing whether they will eventually fol- Messenger Contributor the great integrators of low Blessed Michael McGivney into the The Pandemic of 2020 has been hard on every Catholic. immigrants in American Church’s liturgical calendar, their memory Eucharistic fasting for this length of time may remind us history, and no small credit is already firmly lodged in the hearts of the what 20th century heroes of the faith in underground for that is due to the Knights. people they served, and they stand as fur- Churches endured, and what 21st century confessors in McGivney’s Knights also ther models of priestly goodness. China and elsewhere endure today — and that is no bad anticipated the Second One of his admirers told me that, were it thing. Still, it is very, very hard to be the Catholic Church Vatican Council in its teach- not for the pandemic, the entire city of without being a vibrantly eucharistic Church. That’s true ing that the lay vocation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, might have for everyone. The people of the Church should realize that the world is just that: a voca- turned out in May for the funeral of Father it’s especially true for priests. tion, a divine calling to live Dennis Morrow, so beloved was this pastor, Priests who live out their priesthood as the Catholic out the Great Commission police and fire department chaplain. I knew Church understands that unique vocation — as an icon of given every Catholic in bap- Den Morrow in college and he remained a the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Church’s tism: “Go and make disci- rock of Catholic faith for the next 50 years. spouse — miss their eucharistic congregations terribly. ples….” (Matthew 28:19). Father Philip Tighe came to the seminary They have dedicated their lives to nourishing the flock, Following Father after a business career, and it was clear and to be unable to do so as they did eight months ago is a McGivney’s lead, the from the deacon year he served in my constant sorrow. Pastors are also bearing heavier financial Knights have been a force for Maryland parish that he would be a superb burdens these days as donations shrink. Then there are evangelization as well as priest, eager to lead others in the adventure the serious challenges involved in keeping parochial charity, even as they have of orthodoxy — which I happily observed schools afloat under today’s public health circumstances. provided major philanthrop- him doing when he became my daughter’s No man entering the seminary after the Long Lent of the ic support to many Catholic family’s pastor in North Carolina. His 2020 and the sexual abuse crisis could imagine he was initiatives, including George Weigel August 31 death deprived the Diocese of embracing an easy life; but no one expected this. Vatican communications. In Raleigh of an exceptional spiritual leader. All the more reason, then, to celebrate the October 31 the public arena, the Knights’ recent robust defense of reli- There being neither rivalry nor jealousy in the heaven- beatification of an exceptional parish priest, Father gious freedom follows the example of their work for racial ly Jerusalem, it is easy to imagine Fathers Morrow and Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, justice. Knights of Columbus chapters on nominally Tighe celebrating Father McGivney’s beatification with who died during the pandemic of 1890. Catholic campuses today provide young men serious about him. May these three great American priests intercede for He was born in 1852 to immigrant parents and his brief their Catholicism with a means of evangelizing their us all. life coincided with the greatest period of expansion in U.S. peers while nurturing their own faith. George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Catholic history. That expansion also helped define his Father Michael McGivney’s beatification is a blessing Policy Center in Washington, D.C. heroic ministry — and his genius. America in the late 19th for the organization he founded and inspired; it is also a century had nothing remotely resembling the social safety compliment paid by the universal Church to the parish net created since the New Deal. Immigrant and first-gener- ation families who lost their sole wage-earner could find themselves in desperate straits. In collaboration with Catholic lay leaders in New Haven, Connecticut, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 and created a new model of Catholic pastoral action: a frater- nal organization that would provide for the spiritual and material needs of its members while serving the bereft, the indigent, and those foundering in their new homeland.

Life takes courage (Continued from page 13) ciples; he invites Peter to come to him on the waves, saves him when he sees him sinking and, once in the boat, makes the winds die down.” “Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm,” the pope said. All it takes to discover one’s vocation is to open one’s heart to God’s love and open one’s eyes to the signs of where God already is working. In the Gospel story, when the disciples first see Jesus walking toward them, they first think that he is a ghost. “What frequently hinders our journey, our growth, our choosing the road the Lord is marking out for us, are cer- tain ‘ghosts’ that trouble our hearts,” he said, especially “the ghost of disbelief” that cause one to question if that really is the path God is calling one to take. And in continuing to pursue one’s vocation as a calling from God, he said, there also is the danger of “fatigue.” Speaking directly to married couples, priests and reli- gious, Pope Francis said, “I am conscious of your hard work, the sense of isolation that can at times weigh upon your hearts, the risk of falling into a rut that can gradual- ly make the ardent flame of our vocation die down, the burden of the uncertainty and insecurity of the times and worry about the future.” But, he said, “take heart, do not be afraid! Jesus is at our side, and if we acknowledge him as the one Lord of our lives, he will stretch out his hand, take hold of us and save us.” 20 November 6, 2020 Messenger

Jubilarians 2020 Whom to call 50 years 60 years Sister Ann Marie Pflum, Sister Bernadette Claire For in-depth information about religious life, permanent diaconate, lay pastoral ministry or priesthood, please con- Sister Rosemary Lee, CDP Sister Rita Brink, OSB SND Kramer, CDP tact the following individuals. Sister Mary Juanelle Sister M. Emerita Sister M. Carleen Sister Mary Rabe, OSB Thiel, SND McGann, CDP Schumacher, CDP Sister Andrea Vasquez, Priesthood Father Michael Norton Sister Lynn Stenken, CDP OSB Sister Mary Karen Sister Frances E. Moore, Bahlmann, CDP CDP Vocation Office, 1125 Madison Ave, Sister Mary Jana Foltz, Sister Mary Carol Baglan, Covington, KY 41011-3115 SND SND Sister Ellen Marie Sister Mary Luke Murphy, (859) 392-1566 E-mail: [email protected] Eckerle, CDP CDP Sister Marla Monahan, Sister Mary Michyl Permanent Diaconate and Lay Pastoral Ministry SND Habermehl, SND Sister M. Martha Garlich, Sister M. Fidelis Tracy, CDP CDP Msgr. William Neuhaus Sister Mary Reinette Pastoral Ministry Formation Office, 1125 Madison Ave, Kroeger, SND Sister Dolores Ann Gohs, Covington, KY 41011-3115 CDP (859) 392-1564 E-mail: [email protected]

Deacon Paul Yancey Pastoral Ministry Formation Office, 1125 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011-3115 (859) 392-1568 E-mail: [email protected]

Religious Communities of Women Benedictine Sisters of Covington, www.stwalburg.org Sister Cathy Bauer, O.S.B. Say Yes! St. Walburg Monastery 2500 Amsterdam Rd, Villa Hills, KY 41017-5316 (859) 331-6324 To serve as a Deacon in the Diocese of Covington E-mail: [email protected]

St. Joseph the Worker Sisters. www.ssjw.org Sister Patricia Jean Cushing, S.J.W. We invite men age 35 and over St. Joseph Convent 143 South Main St., Walton, KY 41094 (859) 485-4914 to consider a vocation to be a E-mail: [email protected]

Congregation of Divine Providence of Kentucky PERMANENT DEACoN www.cdpkentucky.org Sister Leslie Keener, C.D.P. Steven Alley Charles Hardebeck Dave Philbrick (859) 441-0700, ext. 22 E-mail: [email protected] James Bayne Barry Henry Dave Profitt Notre Dame Sisters of Covington, www.sndky.org Stephen Bennett Hudson Henry Phillip Racine Sister Mary Ruth Lubbers, S.N.D. Timothy Britt Bernard Kaiser Nicholas Schwartz 453 Lookout Ct., Ft. Wright, KY 41011 (859) 750-8190 E-mail: [email protected] Brian Cox Tom Kathman Gary Scott or [email protected]

Rick Dames Michael Keller Robert Stoeckle Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, www.erlangerpassionists.com Steve Durkee Lawrence Kleisinger William Theis Sister Mary Catherine Thomas, C.P. Thomas Dushney David Klingenberg Joe Wiedeman 1151 Donaldson Hwy, Erlanger, KY 41018 (859) 371-8568 Tony Escamilla John Leardon Paul Yancey E-mail: [email protected]

Frank Estill Carl Ledbetter Public Association of the Faithful James Fedor Michael Lyman Current Candidates Franciscan Daughters of Mary, www.fdofmary.org Sister Clare Marie Borchard, F.D.M. Scott Folz Richard Malsi Kevin Cranley 336 East 16th St., Covington, KY 41014-1303 PO Box 122070, Covington, KY 41012-2070 Jim Fortner Joe McGraw Robert Erp (859) 512-5575 Gerald Franzen Gregory Meier Adam Feinauer E-mail:[email protected]

Pete Freeman Charles Melville Tom Murrin Ways to support vocations Become a prayer partner. Prayer partners are individuals Thomas Nolan Eric Ritchie and families who agree to pray for a specific seminarian as he discerns his call. Call Father Michael Norton at (859) 392- 1566 or e-mail [email protected]. Send cards and notes either directly to our seminarians or through Father Daniel Schomaker, assistant director of seminarians, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115. Join a group that supports vocations. Many parishes Join us in a ministry of service have vocation committees. If your parish doesn’t, consider starting one. to God and His People The Serra Club of Northern Kentucky is part of an inter- national organization dedicated to supporting vocations. Contact Michael Murray at (859) 392-1500 or e-mail mmur- For information contact the [email protected]. Visit www.serranky.org or www.serrainter- Office of Deacons and Diaconal Formation national.org. Our diocesan Knights of Columbus send each seminari- 1125 Madison Avenue an a financial contribution for personal expenses. Call Dustin Reed at (859) 866-2122 or visit kofc.org/joinus. Covington, KY 41011 Make a financial contribution to the diocesan Seminarian Education Fund, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 392-1500 KY 41011-3115 or online at www.covdio.org. Messenger November 6, 2020 21

National/World

Hope is gift to seek from God, pope says on All Souls’ feast VATICAN CITY — When life is difficult and when one is mourning the passing of a loved one, it is time to pray for the gift of hope and the ability to say with the prophet Job, “I know that my redeemer lives,” Pope Francis said. Celebrating Mass on the feast of All Souls, Nov. 2, the pope said that remembering loved ones who have died is a particularly important time to “hold tightly to the rope” of the anchor of hope, which is Christ. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Pope Francis to forego his usual practice of celebrating Mass on the feast of All Souls in a cemetery — in Rome or nearby — with people who were visiting the graves of their loved ones. Instead, he presided over a private Mass inside the Vatican, in the chapel of the Pontifical Teutonic College, then visited and blessed graves in the Teutonic Cemetery, which has existed since the Middle Ages and now is reserved mainly for the burial of German-speaking priests and members of reli- gious orders. Later, he went into the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica to pray at the tombs of deceased popes.

General audience closes to public after positive case of COVID-19 VATICAN CITY — After someone attending Pope Francis’ weekly general tested positive for COVID-19, the Vatican announced the audiences would return to being livestreamed without the presence of pilgrims and visitors. In a statement published Oct. 29, the Vatican said that begin- ning Nov. 4, the general audiences will be “broadcast from the library of the Apostolic Palace” to prevent “any possible future risks to the health of the participants.” The person who tested posi- tive attended the audience Oct. 21 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. The announcement comes nearly two months after the weekly audience was reopened to the public; because of the pandemic and lockdowns meant to prevent its spread, the pope had moved the audience to an online-only event from the library. Once the audiences resumed, the pope did not wear a mask, even when person- ally greeting visiting clerics, which drew concerns and criticism that he was not observing safety protocols. (Continued on page 22)

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National/World Mediterranean city of Nice. Churches were asked to chime Pope appoints new special delegate to their bells at 3 p.m. in an act of mourning for three people who were killed in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica while preparing for Order of Malta (Continued from page 21) morning Mass. Pope Francis sent a tweet expressing closeness VATICAN CITY — After the surprise resignation of to the people of Nice. “I pray for the victims, for their families Cardinal Angelo Becciu in October, Pope Francis named French bishops order ‘death knell’ and for the beloved French people, that they may respond to Cardinal-designate Silvano Tomasi as his special delegate to evil with good,” it said. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secre- the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In a letter dated Nov. 1, after three killed in Nice basilica tary of state, sent a similar message from Pope Francis in a the pope said the cardinal-designate “will possess all the neces- MANCHESTER, England— French bishops ordered a “death telegram to Bishop André Marceau of Nice. “Entrusting sary powers to decide the eventual questions that should arise knell” to ring from every church of their country Oct. 29 after France to the protection of Our Lady,” Pope Francis “whole- for the implementation of the mandate entrusted to you,” and three people were hacked to death in a basilica in the southern heartedly gives his apostolic blessing to all those affected by said Cardinal-designate Tomasi would “receive the oath of the this tragedy,” the telegram added. The French Council of next grand master.” The order is set to elect a new grand mas- Muslim Worship condemned the killings and asked Muslims to ter Nov. 8 to succeed Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre, who died in express their “mourning and solidarity with the victims and April. The special delegate, the pope said, also will work close- their relatives” by canceling all celebrations of the birthday of ly with Fra’ Ruy Goncalo do Valle, the chivalric order’s tempo- Muhammad, which this year is marked by Sunni Muslims Oct. rary head, and the next elected grand master to carry out the 29. renewal of the order’s constitution. Pope Francis also said Cardinal-designate Tomasi will serve as “my exclusive spokesperson in all matters relating to relations between the Apostolic See and the order.” BUY LOCAL