[email protected]. at (417)866-0841, orEmail: Contact DebbieThompson Email indigitalformat: diocesan newspapervia Sign uptoreceivethe will beOct.16,2020. The nextissueofMirror

Vol. LVI, No. 12The DIOCESE OF MirSPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURIr r October 2, 2020 One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus O three grand prizesto offer, thanksin clubs,” Neubauer said.“We alsohad bakeries, restaurants, andareacountry to claimadelicious dessertfromlocal lowing gueststobidonand thenrace remain: theDessertDash. delightful) mainstayofthe nightdid auction.” ing needs,wecouldnothaveasilent Neubauer said.“Duetosocialdistanc and thegenerosityofoursponsors,” and theadditionofgiftsfromguests school telethon,withOnlinedonations to LifeHouseresidents. 2013, 94healthybabieshavebeenborn lished beforetheCOVIDpandemic.” that goalwasestab our eventgoal,and only $20Kawayfrom considering weare truly blessedthisevent Special Events.“God Parish Engagementand Neubauer, Directorof we normallyhave350,”saidHeather to have150guestsattheeventwhen distancing, wewereonlypermitted safety directives. to adaptaccommodatehealthand pandemic, theevening’s formatneeded babies. ages 18andover, givebirthtohealthy supports homeless,pregnantwomen, of SouthernMissouri(CCSOMO)and ofCatholicCharities House isaministry Springfield counting: LifeHouse isalifeline & babies healthy 94 nant womenandtheirbabies. ofhomeless,preg- event washeldSept.11,2020,insupport Home,Springfield.The to benefitLifeHouseCrisisMaternity DashcomponentoftheannualDinnerforLifeheld Dessert intheever-famous ders embarkedonherdashtoadessert DESSERT DASH —Emcee LizDelaneylookedonasJaneFlan- “We stillhostedDessertDash al However, onetried-and-true(and “The eventwasakintoanold- Since openinginDecemberof “Due tocityguidelinesforsocial Given thepresentCOVID-19 annual DinnerforLife.Life Maternity Homefromthe Springfield’s LifeHouseCrisis ver $230,000wasraisedfor -

) The Mirror (Photo byDeanCurtis/ - - - Millsap Farms,andabeautifulwatercol part tolocalHarterHouseMeatsand Health Care,KarlovichandAs O’Reilly AutoParts,SacredRose supporter NadineEllman.” by localartistandCatholicCharities or paintingofJesustitled,“FollowMe,” the road ofself-sufficiency. support toensure theyremainon graduates tocontinue tohavethe AfterCare Program forLifeHouse to coverthecostsofCCSOMO’s from DinnerforLifewillbe used permanent housingtherevenue ing classes,andmore.” school, learninglifeskills,parent ing employment,helpfinishing Council #698anditsLadiesAux #13681 andKnightsofColumbus Knights ofColumbusCouncil Croley InsuranceandFinancial. Mercy, SRC,ConvoyofHope,and Associates, Andy’s FrozenCustard, sociates, Inc.,Heim-Young and with securingandmaintain counseling, budgeting,assistance counseling, nursingcare,financial receive whileatLifeHouseinclude they Neubauer said.“Theservices they givebirthtotheirbaby,” pregnancy anduptoayearafter to resideatLifeHouseduringtheir women andtheiryoungchildren Other corporate sponsors included Other corporatesponsorsincluded Once they move out into Once theymoveoutinto for the pregnant for thepregnant to coverthecost proceeds areused ual benefactors. as manyindivid sponsors, aswell werealso iliary Mark. Also pictured andherhusband, were NadineEllman,artist, Springfield. Theymaycover asingledayupto fullyear. Home, amotherandbabyatLifeHouseCrisisMaternity port raised theirbidcard onthelengthofstaytheywishedtosup- ity duringthe2020DinnerforLifeheldonSept.11.Guests inthe‘FundOurMission’(liveauction)activ- participated MISSION’ —Bidder “185,”MickiStruckhoff, OUR ‘FUND “LifeHouse “LifeHouse - - - - - Homein Springfield. House Crisis Maternity ofCatholicCharities’ Life- in support safety protocols. The event raised$230,000 waschangedto allow forhealth al format the COVID-19pandemic, theevening’s use- 2020 DinnerforLifeheld Sept.11.Given to anelevateddonations amountduringthe Rice exclaimedasthe“tote board” changed FORMAT—Bishop Edward M. TELETHON - women pastthetwo-yearmarktoen Neubauer said.“We haveworkedwith the mothermovesintoherownhome,” ©TM of SouthernMissouri,www.ccsomo.org. visit theWebsite forCatholicCharities House ortomakeadonation,please sure theyaresuccessful.” “AfterCare is two years-plus after “AfterCare istwoyears-plusafter For moreinformationonLife

) The Mirror (Photo by DeanCurtis/ ) The Mirror (Photo byDeanCurtis/ - - 2 The Mirror COLUMN October 2, 2020

COME, AND YOU WILL SEE Catholic values must inform the Catholic vote Bp. Edward M. Rice

ctober is Respect Life not make the Catholic Church very Month and since our popular in today’s culture. And we Catholic paper, The Mirror, can go on. While we respect and 103rd ANNIVERSARY comes out twice a month, repudiate any prejudice directed Oyou will find articles in the Octo- toward same-sex couples or those of FATIMA ber editions highlighting this most struggling with their sexual identity, important observance! I quote from the Church upholds the sanctity of In honor of the 103rd Anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II, to America: Biblical marriage between one man the Blessed Mother’s appearance to the “The best traditions of your land and one woman who of their own presume respect for those who cannot free will enter into the commit- children in Fatima and her continued defend themselves. If you want equal ment of marriage for a lifetime with plea for everyone to recite the Rosary justice for all, and true freedom and last- openness to children. We embrace every day, Bishop Rice is asking every ing peace, then, America, defend life! the teachings of “Humanae Vitae,” parish to publicly recite the Rosary on All the great causes that are yours today seeing artificial contraception as a Tue., Oct. 13, for unity and the needs will have meaning only to the extent doorway to promiscuity, adultery, that you guarantee the right to life and and the denigration of women. As of our nation. protect the human person” 1 a consequence of our teachings, In the Aug. 16 edition of Our we highlight the definition of fam- Sunday Visitor, you will find an ily—mom, dad, and children as the for economic justice and uphold the means that we must register to vote editorial that begins, “A poll released nucleus of society and the “domestic dignity of labor in the rights of work- and do so after educating ourselves by the Cato Institute toward the Church.” Again, such positions do ers. As human beings, we have the on the issues at hand. end of July found that 62 percent of not make the Catholic Church very right and duty to participate fully in Americans have political views that popular in today’s culture. all aspects of life whether it be politi- Dinner for Life they are afraid to share because then cal, social, cultural, and economic. As On Fri., Sept. 11, 2020, I at- others might find them offensive. Catholics are active citizens mentioned above, the family, which tended Catholic Charities of South- That’s nearly two-thirds of our Catholics in the United States flows from a marriage between a ern Missouri’s annual Dinner for Life population that is living in fear of have a dual heritage as we strive to be man and woman, is the basic unit of to raise funds for LifeHouse Crisis what might happen if they were to faithful Catholics and good American society. Our political systems must do Maternity Home in Springfield. As I speak openly with others about what citizens. While many would say, “you everything to strengthen and encour- mentioned, when people criticize the they believe.” (You can read more [Catholics] should mind your own age family life. As I stated before, the Catholic Church’s position on abor- on this here: https://www.cato.org/ business when it comes to public is- beautiful words of now St. Pope John tion and say we don’t care about life publications/survey-reports/poll-62- sues,” our baptismal commitment to Paul II, “As the family goes, so goes the after the baby is born, I tell them to americans-say-they-have-political- bear witness to Jesus requires our ac- nation, and so goes the whole visit LifeHouse. At the 2020 views-theyre-afraid-share). tive participation in the Democratic world in which we live.” 2 If Dinner for Life, Catholic Although the above quote refers life of our nation. As Americans, we the family becomes dysfunc- Charities of Southern Mis- to political views, it could easily have a serious moral obligation to tional and falls apart then souri announced its desire translate into our religious views as vote. we will see such effects in As to build a LifeHouse in Cape well. It is no surprise to anyone that There are many issues facing our culture. Americans, Girardeau. This is where our the Catholic Church is pro-life. We our country right now. We are called All of the issues that I we have pro-life stance becomes real believe that life is sacred when faced to care for God’s creation. We are the mentioned so far are based and credible. As we enter with an unplanned pregnancy, a only stewards of this earth and must on the primary issue, the a serious into October, Respect life cold-hearted killer on death row, or do our best to protect it. The ecologi- right to life and the dignity moral Month, please consider sup- the issues surrounding embryonic cal and social problems that we have of the human person. Inno- obligation porting the LifeHouse Crisis stem-cell research. The Catholic most recently grappled related to cent human life is destroyed Maternity Home. Church is pro-life “from the womb COVID-19 remind us that we are in by abortion, euthanasia, to vote. It is as timely today as to the tomb.” Such positions do solidarity with one another. We strive “fertility treatments” such as it was in 1993 when Pope in vitro fertilization, experi- St. John Paul II addressed mentation using stem cells the United States in Denver, from human embryos, and “At this stage of history, the cloning to manufacture human body liberating message of the Gospel of Life parts. I was recently informed that has been put into your hands. And the the FDA approved Sanofi Pasteur’s re- mission of proclaiming it to the ends of quest to switch from an aborted fetal the earth is now passing to your genera- cell line (MRC-5) to an ethical animal tion. Like the great Apostle Paul, you too cell line to reduce its polio combina- must feel the full urgency of the task: tion vaccines. Hopefully, scientists ‘Woe to me if I do not evangelize’ (1 Cor are being ethical as they seek a vac- 9,16). Woe to you if you do not succeed cine for COVID 19. in defending life.” 3 ©TM As Catholic citizens, we should CharlesOctober 23, 1927 L. - September Drury 7, 2020 remember three things: 1) Respect Notes for the dignity of each person is at 1 http://www.vatican.va/content/john- We honor the legacy of Kelso native Charles L. Drury, Sr. the core of Catholic social and moral paul-ii/en/speeches/1987/september/ and his lifetime commitment to the teaching. This is our most basic documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19870919_ Catholic Church and our greater community principle; 2) We focus on the com- congedo-stati-uniti.html mon good, not on our own personal 2 http://www.vatican.va/content/john- interests. As such, we ask, “How can paul-ii/en/homilies/1986/documents/ we make the world a better place?” hf_jp-ii_hom_19861130_perth- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Not, “How can I improve my own australia.html personal situation?”; 3) We have a “Whovever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” responsibility, a true obligation, to 3 http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul- Matthew 20:26 form our consciences and participate ii/en/homilies/1993/documents/hf_jp- in the civic life of this nation. This ii_hom_19930815_gmg-denver.html October 2, 2020 COLUMNA The Mirror 3 VEN Y VERÁS Los valores católicos deben informar el voto de los católicos Obispo Edward M. Rice

ctubre es el Mes del Respeto consecuencia de nuestras enseñanzas, Recientemente me informaron que a la Vida y como nuestro destacamos la definición de familia: la FDA aprobó la solicitud de Sanofi periódico católico, The Mir- mamá, papá e hijos como el núcleo Pasteur de cambiar de una línea celu- ¡O , sale dos veces al mes, de la sociedad y la «Iglesia domésti- lar fetal abortada (MRC-5) a una línea ror encontrarás artículos en esta edición ca». Nuevamente, tales posiciones no celular animal ética para reducir sus destacando esta celebración tan hacen que la Iglesia Católica sea muy vacunas combinadas contra la polio- importante. Cito del Papa San Juan popular en la cultura actual. mielitis. Esperemos que los científicos Pablo II, a los Estados Unidos: estén siendo éticos mientras buscan «Las mejores tradiciones de vuestra Los católicos son ciudadanos una vacuna para el COVID 19. tierra presumen respeto por aquellos que activos Como ciudadanos católicos, no pueden defenderse. ¡Si quieren justicia Los católicos en los Estados Uni- debemos recordar tres cosas: 1) El igual para todos, y verdadera libertad dos tenemos una doble herencia; nos respeto por la dignidad de cada per- y paz duradera, entonces, América, esforzamos por ser católicos fieles y sona está en el centro de la doctrina defiende la vida! Todas las grandes cau- buenos ciudadanos estadounidenses. social y moral católica. La dignidad sas que son suyas hoy tendrán sentido Mientras que muchos dirían, «ust- para toda vida es nuestro principio sólo en la medida en que garanticen el edes [los católicos] deben ocuparse de más básico; 2) Nos centramos en el derecho a la vida y protejan a la persona sus propios asuntos cuando se trata bien común, no en nuestros propios humana». 1 de asuntos públicos», nuestro com- intereses personales. Por lo tanto, En la edición del 16 de agosto promiso bautismal de dar testimonio preguntamos: «¿Cómo podemos de Our Sunday Visitor, encontrarás de Jesús requiere nuestra partici- hacer del mundo un lugar mejor?». un editorial que comienza: «Una pación activa en la vida democrática No «¿Cómo puedo mejorar mi propia to the encuesta publicada por el Cato de nuestra nación. Como estadoun- situación personal?»; 3) Tenemos la Prayer Institute a finales de julio encontró idenses, tenemos una seria obligación responsabilidad, una verdadera oblig- Immaculate Heart of Mary for que el 62 por ciento de los moral de votar. ación, de formar nuestras conciencias estadounidenses tienen opiniones Hay muchas cuestiones que en- y participar en la vida cívica de esta Protection from the Coronavirus políticas que temen compartir frenta nuestro país en este momento. nación. Esto significa que debemos O Immaculate Heart of Mary, we porque entonces otros podrían Estamos llamados a cuidar la creación registrarnos para votar y hacerlo entrust ourselves to you, Health of encontrarlas ofensivas. Eso es casi dos de Dios. Somos los únicos admin- después de educarnos sobre los temas the Sick. tercios de nuestra población que está istradores de esta tierra y debemos en cuestión. viviendo con miedo de lo que podría hacer todo lo posible para protegerla. At the foot of the Cross, you partici- suceder si hablaran abiertamente con Los problemas ecológicos y sociales Cena por la Vida pated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast otros sobre lo que creen». que hemos enfrentado El viernes 11 de septiembre de faith. (Puede leer más sobre recientemente relacio- 2020, asistí a la Cena anual por la esto aquí: https://www. nados con el COVID-19 Vida de Caridades Católicas del Sur So attuned to the Heart of Jesus, you know what we need. cato.org/publications/ Como nos recuerdan que somos de Missouri para recaudar fondos survey-reports/poll-62- solidarios unos con otros. para el Hogar de Maternidad en Crisis We are certain of the power of your americans-say-they-have- estadounidenses, Nos esforzamos por la LifeHouse en Springfield. Como intercession, so that, as you did at political-views-theyre- tenemos una justicia económica y de- mencioné, cuando la gente critica la Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting afraid-share). seria obligación fendemos la dignidad del posición de la Iglesia Católica sobre el might return after this moment of Aunque la cita ante- trabajo en los derechos aborto y dice que no nos importa la trial. rior se refiere a puntos de moral de votar. de los trabajadores. vida después del nacimiento del bebé, vista políticos, también Como seres humanos, les digo que visiten la LifeHouse. En Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to podría traducirse fácil- tenemos el derecho y la Cena por la Vida 2020, Caridades conform ourselves to the Father’s mente en nuestros pun- el deber de participar Católicas del Sur de Missouri anunció will and to do what Jesus tells us: He tos de vista religiosos. No plenamente en todos los su deseo de construir una LifeHouse who taught us to “love one another, es ninguna sorpresa para nadie que la aspectos de la vida, ya sean políticos, en Cape Girardeau. Aquí es donde as I have loved you” took our suffer- Iglesia Católica sea pro-vida. Creemos sociales, culturales y económicos. nuestra postura pro-vida se vuelve ings upon Himself and bore our sor- que la vida es sagrada cuando se en- Como se mencionó anteriormente, real y creíble. Al entrar en octubre, el rows to bring us, through the Cross, frenta a un embarazo no planificado, la familia, que se deriva del matrimo- Mes del Respeto a la Vida, considere to the joy of the Resurrection. Bring un asesino de corazón frío en el cor- nio entre un hombre y una mujer, apoyar el Hogar de Maternidad en redor de la muerte o los problemas es la unidad básica de la sociedad. Crisis LifeHouse. under your mantle of protection all que rodean la investigación con Nuestros sistemas políticos deben Es tan oportuno hoy como who provide care for the sick and células madre embrionarias. La Iglesia hacer todo lo posible para fortalecer y lo era en 1993 cuando el Papa San minister to their needs, as your Son Católica es pro-vida «desde el vien- fomentar la vida familiar. Como dije Juan Pablo II se dirigió a los Estados implores us to do for one another. tre hasta la tumba». Tales posiciones antes, las hermosas palabras de San Unidos en Denver: «En esta etapa de no hacen que la Iglesia Católica sea Juan Pablo II, «Si la familia avanza, la historia, el mensaje liberador del muy popular en la cultura actual. Y también avanza la nación, y así todo evangelio de la vida ha sido puesto V. We seek refuge under your pro- podemos seguir. Si bien respetamos el mundo en el que vivimos». 2 Si la en vuestras manos. Y la misión de tection, O Holy Mother of God. y repudiamos cualquier prejuicio familia se vuelve disfuncional y se proclamarlo hasta los confines de R: Do not despise our pleas and dirigido a las parejas del mismo desmorona, entonces veremos tales la tierra pasa ahora a vuestra gener- deliver us from every danger, sexo o a aquellos que luchan con su efectos en nuestra cultura. ación. Como el gran apóstol Pablo, O glorious and blessed Virgin. identidad sexual, la Iglesia defiende Todas las cuestiones que he también vosotros debéis sentir toda Amen. la santidad del matrimonio bíblico mencionado hasta ahora se basan la urgencia de esa tarea: “Ay de mí si entre un hombre y una mujer que, en la cuestión principal, el derecho no predicara el Evangelio” (1Co 9, 16). por su propia voluntad, entran en el a la vida y la dignidad de la persona ¡Ay de vosotros si no lográis defender la compromiso del matrimonio durante humana. La vida humana inocente es vida!». 3 ©TM 2 http://www.vatican.va/content/john- toda una vida con apertura a los destruida por el aborto, la eutanasia, paul-ii/en/homilies/1986/documents/ niños. Abrazamos las enseñanzas de los «tratamientos de fertilidad» como Notas hf_jp-ii_hom_19861130_perth-australia. «Humanae Vitae», viendo la anticon- la fertilización in vitro, la experimen- 1 http://www.vatican.va/content/john- html cepción artificial como una puerta tación con células madre de embrio- paul-ii/en/speeches/1987/september/ 3 http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul- a la promiscuidad, el adulterio y la nes humanos y la clonación para documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19870919_ ii/es/homilies/1993/documents/hf_jp- denigración de las mujeres. Como fabricar partes del cuerpo humano. congedo-stati-uniti.html ii_hom_19930815_gmg-denver.html 4 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS October 2, 2020

MAKING SENSE OUT OF BIOETHICS COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

everal popular myths about giant AstraZeneca, recently argued: COVID-19 vaccines have been “This is a unique situation where we gaining traction on social as a company simply cannot take media in recent months, par- the risk if in … four years the vac- Sticularly in regard to messenger RNA cine is showing side effects. … In the (mRNA) vaccines being developed by contracts we have in place, we are Moderna, Sanofi, Pfizer, and a hand- asking for indemnification. For most ful of other companies. I would like countries it is acceptable to take that to consider five of these myths. risk on their shoulders because it is in their national interest.” In the USA, Myth 1: For vaccines that rely for example, a 2005 law, known as on injecting patients with mRNA, the Public Readiness and Emergency the possible incorporation of these Preparedness, or PREP Act, provides genes into our genetic makeup will immunity from liability, apart from fundamentally alter who we are as any willful misconduct, for products humans, moving us into a project like vaccines that are developed to ad- of Transhumanism, the production dress a public-health emergency. of a “Human 2.0,” etc. Myth 5: Using hydrogel Reply: Any incorporation of nanotechnology to deliver an new genes into our chromosomes “remaking man” or heading down which seems connected to the mRNA vaccine means there will be from a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine the path of Transhumanism. “forces of evil.” “big brother” monitoring and the would be an exceedingly rare oc- introduction of microchips into the currence, if it were to occur at all. It Myth 2: The rapid pace of Reply: Luciferase, an enzyme human body. is actually very difficult to get the clinical trials means that vaccines involved in firefly illumination, is genetic information of mRNA to will be unsafe and/or ineffective. being used in various testing and Reply: No microchips are pres- integrate into our chromosomes, development stages ahead of the pro- ent in vaccines. Hydrogel nanotech- partly because this would mean a Reply: This could be a legiti- duction of a COVID-19 vaccine, but is nology refers to the “lipid nanopar- reverse directional flow of the so- mate concern, if proper testing were not itself part of the injected mate- ticles” which encase the mRNA. This called Central Dogma of Molecular to be curtailed, or approval for public rial included in human vaccinations. is a glorified way of saying “very Biology: our DNA or chromosomes vaccination campaigns were to be Luciferase is a commonly used bio- small oil droplet.” Lipids are what our are read (“transcribed”) to produce granted ahead of conclusive safety medical research tool, and has been cell membranes are composed of, so mRNA, which is then read (“trans- and efficacy testing. Such approval, used, for example, in lab when the mRNA vaccine is injected, lated”) to make proteins. Even if the however, appears highly unlikely animals to study the most the lipid of the vaccine accidental and unintentional incor- when it comes to any of the major effective way to deliver particle merges with the poration of an mRNA message into national regulatory agencies like the mRNA vaccines, whether lipid of the cell (like two our chromosomes were somehow US Food and Drug Administration, by an injection into the Manufacturers oil droplets merging) and to occur following vaccination, this the European Medicines Agency, skin, muscle or a vein. the piece of mRNA is de- would not mean that we were creat- or Australia’s Therapeutic Goods are livered to the inside of the ing “Human 2.0,” since those genetic Administration (with the possible Myth 4: Vaccine indemnified for cell (“transfection”). These changes would not be expected to exception of regulatory agencies in manufacturers have no unforeseeable “lipid nanoparticles” could affect our sex cells, and therefore China and/or Russia). legal repercussions for theoretically be misused would not be transmitted to the next any bad effects from adverse events. to deliver other contro- generation. Vaccinating people with Myth 3: Luciferase is the their vaccines. They are not versial substances into the an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19, name of the bioluminescent en- indemnified for body like microchips, but therefore, does not imply that we are zyme contained in the vaccine, Reply: Dr. John Gra- this does not mean they benstein, retired Global negligence. This should not be used for val- Executive Director of is standard id purposes, like delivering Tune in to local Catholic Radio around the Diocese Medical Affairs for Merck practice. life-saving mRNA vaccines Vaccines, offers the fol- during a pandemic. lowing corrective: “Manu- Debunking these K232FF 94.3 FM Cape Girardeau facturers are indemnified various myths does not for unforeseeable adverse mean that there aren’t events. They are not indemnified for still questions and concerns about KHJM 89.1 FM Dexter & the Bootheel negligence. This is standard practice.” proposed COVID-19 vaccines. But we With pharmaceutical companies’ shouldn’t argue against vaccines in getting ready to immunize hundreds ways that make neither ethical nor KFSS 94.5 FM Joplin of millions of people, the question scientific sense. ©TM of who will cover claims for dam- FM Springfield ages in case of unanticipated future Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, PhD, KQOH 91.9 side effects is quite important. Ruud serves as the Director of Education at Dobber, a member of the senior The National Catholic Bioethics Center Tune-in: Learn, Live, Grow, Be Inspired executive team at the pharmaceutical in Philadelphia; see www.ncbcenter.org.

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. Eidson Production: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Debbie Thompson, [email protected] Published every other week at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; Email [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LVI No. 12 October 2, 2020 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year. Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact [email protected]. Copyright © 2020, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org “Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG October 2, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Mirror 5 Announcements Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

VIRTUAL FOR ALL TEENS & Amanda at (573) 270-7765. We hope US Hwy 60 between N. Pine and N. Elm for Perpetual Adoration in the chapel of PARENTS—”Life after High School: A you can join us for this virtual event! Streets. Holy Trinity Parish on Mondays: 4 p.m.; Career and College Fair for the Catholic Tuesdays: 2 p.m.; and Thursdays: 1 p.m. Teen,” a free, virtual Catholic Homeschool Jackson—Homeschoolers, new Scott City—St. Joseph School Adoration Hours are weekdays from 1 Conference co-hosted by Homeschool and old, of all grade levels, are invited to is selling Pulled Pork Box Meals on Thu., p.m.-5.p.m. For more information or to Connections, will be held Thu., Oct.15-Fri., participate in the Holy Family Catholic Oct.15, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. sign up, please call Nicola Mullins at (417) Oct. 17. Our first Career and College Fair Homeschool Co-op. We aim to support $8 per meal includes pulled pork sand- 300-0840. If you are unable to attend, will bring a range of expert speakers ready one another in our homeschooling through wich, slaw, baked beans, cookie, and fruit. consider making a donation to keep our to guide your teen as they contemplate social, spiritual, and academic meet-ups Extra sandwiches available for $2 each. candles burning bright. “Life After High School.” Searching the and field trips. For more information, call Meal pick-up starts at 11 a.m. (No dine- Web for answers is at best a daunting Sarah at (573) 529-0722, or Email in). Must pre-order by contacting Donna Springfield—Strengthening & process for anyone but let’s add in [email protected]. Anderson, (573) 450-1451; Betty Healing Souls Conference presented by the stress of being first-time home Spalding, (573) 579-3867; or the the Strengthening and Healing Ministry educators, a pandemic in the world, and Kelso—St. Augustine School will school office, (573) 264-2600. Team, Oct. 15 & 16, 6-9 p.m., and Oct. general uncertainty. This conference sponsor a Chicken and Dumpling Carry- 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth offers Online expert advice, LIVE keynote out Lunch Fundraiser on Mon., Oct. 25. Scott City—The Knights will have a Ann Seton Church, 2200 W. Republic Rd. talks, easy click-and-watch Ted-talk- Brown bag lunch consisting of homemade Spaghetti dinner on Sat., Nov. 7, 4:30-7 Deepen your faith through presentations style videos, and Q&A LIVE sessions. chicken & dumplings, cole slaw, green pm. Dinner will be in the lower level with by world renowned Dr. Mary Healy. Confer- For more information or to sign up, go to beans, roll, and cookie: $8 per meal. Order social distancing applied. Carry-out avail- ence features inspirational talks, healing catholichomeschoolcommunity.com. deadline is Wed., Oct. 7. Pick up between able call (573) 264-3008 for curbside service, nightly celebration of Holy Mass, 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Contact any pick- up. Menu: spaghetti, garlic bread, prayer, adoration, praise & worship. This Chaffee—St. Ambrose is hosting school family to place your order or call green beans, and salad for $9.00. For is a FREE event! Join us in person (social its 31st Annual Dinner Auction Online the school office at (573) 264-4644. more information or questions answered, distancing and masks will be required) or Mon., Oct.19-Sat., Oct. 24. The theme please call Brian, (573) 450-4902. Livestream with us through SEAS Parish this year is “The Roaring 20s … The Year Lebanon—St. Francis de Sales Facebook at www.facebook.com/seasch- of Faith Over Fear!” You must purchase Catholic Church, located at 345 Grand Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Se- urch.org/ or seaschurch.org. For ques- an access ticket for $25 to view and bid Ave., is having its annual Rummage Sale ton Parish will celebrate its annual Mass tions, please call Jan (417) 763-1579, on donated items. Your purchase does on Fri., Oct. 30 and Sat., Oct. 31, 7a.m. for Deceased Children on Wed., Oct. 7, at or Shelly (417) 838-2730. To register: include one carry-out meal and additional -2 p.m. Something for everyone including 6 p.m. This Mass is to honor and celebrate https://dioscg.formstack.com/forms/ carry-out meals may be purchased for clothes, household items, books, toys, all children who have died. Please plan to healing_conf. $15. The meal includes smoked pork loin furniture, and so much more. Masks attend and share in this beautiful liturgy. and chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, required. Social distancing and masks are required. Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann loaded green beans, seven-layer salad For questions, please contact Laura Seton Parish Council of Catholic Women and roll. Meals will be available for pickup Mountain View—St. John Vianney Graham (417) 343-5439, or Barbara (PCCW) has canceled this year’s Annual on Sat., Oct. 24, from 5-7p.m., at St. Parish invites everyone to join in praying Carey, (417) 368-2930. Bazaar that was originally scheduled for Ambrose Gymnasium 419 S. Third St. the rosary at 12-Noon on Sat., Oct.10, Sat., Nov. 7 and Sun., Nov. 8, 2020. For more information, please contact in front of Mercy St. Francis Hospital, Springfield—Adorers are needed

DRE sought for Ozark parish St. Joseph the Worker Parish, in Ozark, has an opening for a Director of Religious Education/Catechesis (DRE): Applicants must have a master degree in Theology, Religious Education, or an equivalent. The DRE has a direct relationship with and responsibility for all parish catechetical programs. Applicants must send letter and resume to Fr. Patrick Ike Nwokoye at [email protected].

Catholic Charities seeks CFO The Chief Financial Officer will be a strategic thought-partner, and report to the Due to the current health concerns, we continue to have an Online option so that Executive Director (ED). The successful candidate will be a hands-on and partici- training may be done safely in the home. We are also re-introducing “in-person” pative manager and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following training options. areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, administration, Thu., Oct. 8 6-9 p.m...... Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff and IT. The Chief Financial Officer will play a critical role in partnering with the Thu., Nov. 12 5:30-8:30 p.m...... The Catholic Center, Springfield senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as Catholic Sat., Nov. 14 8:30-11:30 a.m...... The Catholic Center, Springfield Charities of Southern Missouri continues to enhance its quality programming and Fri., Dec. 4 build capacity. CPA or MBA preferred. At least 5 years of overall professional 8:30-11:30 a.m...... The Catholic Center, Springfield experience; 3+ years of broad financial and operations management experience. If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for an Online training. For more information and details about the position, Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website. please visit www.ccsomo.org/employment http://dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/ How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-AfterOnline-Option-1.pdf For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, [email protected]; or Bill Holtmeyer, [email protected]; or www.ccsomo.org Rosie Francka [email protected], (417) 866-0841. 6 The Mirror NATIONAL NEWS October 2, 2020 MCC announces 2020 public policy priorities Jefferson City settings, be they public, private, or religious. The MCC will support finan- n faithfulness to the Good News of cial assistance so families can meet their Jesus Christ, the Missouri Catholic children’s educational needs, and repeal Conference (MCC) seeks through of Constitutional provisions, such as education and advocacy to create Missouri’s Blaine Amendments, that dis- Ia culture that respects the sanctity and criminate against children who attend dignity of all human life, especially the private and religious schools. “As those most vulnerable among us. In the light first responsible for the education of their of the moral teaching of the Catholic children, parents have the right to choose a Church, the MCC and the Missouri bish- school for them which corresponds to their ops call government officials, legislators, own convictions” (Catechism, par. 2229). and all citizens to a respectful discourse about the challenges facing our state and Reform criminal justice nation. This agenda does not reflect all of the MCC’s concerns, but those calling The Catholic Church supports a for action at this time. criminal justice system in which the offender is held accountable, the victim Protect human life receives support, and the community as- sists the offender in successfully re-enter- Recognizing the right to life is the ing society. The MCC will support mean- foundation for all other human rights, of social programs that benefit the poor, responsibility for society to support and ingful reforms, such as allowing greater the MCC will defend against violent and stronger consumer protections, strengthen marriage and the family” (Cat- judicial discretion in criminal sentenc- attacks on human life, such as geno- including payday lending reform. The echism, par. 2210). ing, along with reasonable possibilities cide, abortion, euthanasia, experiments MCC will also support healing of racial for parole, and ensuring offenders have involving the destruction of human em- and cultural divisions while working to Defend religious liberty realistic opportunities for employment bryos or the use of aborted fetal remains, build vibrant communities that serve upon their release. “We believe that both and the death penalty. The MCC will the common good. “Certainly, it is the The Catholic Church at the Second victims and offender[s] are children of support a culture of life that provides proper function of authority to arbitrate, Vatican Council proclaimed that the God. Despite their very different claims on alternatives to abortion for mothers in the name of the common good, between freedom to exercise one’s religious faith society, their lives and dignity should be who choose life for their children, and various particular interests; but it should without threat of coercion is grounded protected and respected. We seek justice, not alternatives to the death penalty, such make accessible to each what is needed in the dignity of the human person and vengeance” (US Bishops, A Catholic Per- as incarceration that protects the public. to lead a truly human life: food, clothing, that no person should be forced to act in spective on Crime and Criminal Justice). “It is impossible to further the common health, work, education and culture, suit- a manner “contrary to his conscience,” good without acknowledging and defending able information, the right to establish a (Dignitas Humanae , par. 3). The MCC Promote civility and faith in the the right to life, upon which all the other family, and so on” (Catechism, par. 1908). will oppose unjust discrimination against democratic process inalienable rights of individuals are founded people of faith, including the targeting and from which they develop” (St. John Uphold and strengthen marriage or registering of any particular faith, and Pope St. John Paul II said that De- Paul II, Gospel of Life, par. 101). and family will support religious liberty protections mocracy needs wisdom and virtue if it is to in all human rights laws. “[T]he right to flourish. Pope Francis told Congress that Welcome and accompany Family is the basic cell of human religious freedom has its foundation in the the chief aim of politics is the common immigrants and refugees society and the foundation of civilized very dignity of the human person as this good. The MCC will encourage civility life. Presently, the institutions of mar- dignity is known through the revealed word and bipartisan cooperation among elected The MCC will bear witness to the riage and family are threatened by a of God and by reason itself.” (Declaration officials, strong ethical standards for those God-given human dignity of all immi- culture that no longer values authentic on Religious Freedom, par. 2) in public office, respect for the rule of law, grants and refugees, including the un- marriage and stable families. The MCC and measures that allow citizens to more documented and those displaced by war will support legislation and funding for Support educational opportunities fully participate in their government. “[R] and persecution, reminding lawmakers programs that encourage two-parent esponsible authority also means authority ex- of the right of people to migrate to other families and provide assistance to single All parents have the right, and ercised with those virtues that make it possible countries. The MCC will urge Congress parents and their children; promote should have opportunities to receive to put power into practice as service (patience, to enact the DREAM Act, immigration responsible parenthood; assist victims assistance when necessary, to choose the modesty, moderation, charity, efforts to share), reform, and provision and funding for of domestic violence; and, help families schooling most beneficial for their chil- an authority exercised by persons who are able refugee resettlement. “Every stranger who who are poor or have children with dren and which stands in accord with to accept the common good, and not prestige or knocks at our door is an opportunity for an health problems or disabilities. “The their moral and religious convictions. the gaining of personal advantages, as the true encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies importance of the family for the life and The MCC will support educational op- goal of their work” (Compendium, par. 410). with the welcomed and rejected strangers well-being of society entails a particular portunities for all children in all school ©MCC of every age” (Pope Francis, 2017 Mes- sage for World Day of Migrants and Refugees). Advance social and economic justice for all

Pope Francis calls for all people to hear the cry of the poor and to reform “unjust social structures” that deny basic necessities and opportunities for social and economic advancement. The MCC will support expansion of and adequate funding for access to Medicaid and mental health services, protection October 2, 2020 MCC SUPPLEMENT The Mirror 7 8 The Mirror MCC SUPPLEMENT October 2, 2020 October 2, 2020 MCC SUPPLEMENT The Mirror 9 10 The Mirror MCC SUPPLEMENT October 2, 2020 October 2, 2020 SCRIPTURE READINGS The Mirror 11

Sunday Scripture reading, Oct. 18, 2020: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time The aim of questions

By Jem Sullivan as a dialogue between teachers and the matter. When we put God first, all students that unfolds through a God is the source of all life in earthly forms of authority are 1) Is 45:1, 4-6 sequence of questions and answers. the created world. Our existence placed in right order, rather than in Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10 Rather than providing a set of comes from the loving hand of God, competition with God. For the grace 2) 1 Thes 1:1-5 prepared statements to a passive au- who sustains us in divine love and to understand the wisdom of Jesus Gospel: Mt 22:15-21 dience, the teacher engages students mercy. All that is created belongs the Teacher we pray, “speak to me, in active learning by leading them to God in that creation comes from Lord.” s I read today’s Gospel, I through a series of thought-provok- God who is love. So we give to God was reminded of a favorite ing questions. The student arrives at what rightly belongs to him when Reflection question: high school teacher who answers that he or she knows from we praise and worship God and How am I called to put God would ask his students a the inside through a gradual process entrust our lives to God in faith and first in my life? ©CNS Aseries of questions to make them of questioning. gratitude. think beyond superficial answers. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals The psalmist captures what we Sullivan is a professor at The This teacher was never satisfied with himself as a master teacher. The owe to God when he sings aloud, Catholic University of America. a one-word response and was not Pharisees are off together plotting to “For great is the Lord and highly to content with quick answers to his trap Jesus in his words. They are not be praised; awesome is he, beyond questions. interested in the profound truths all gods.” And St. Paul begins his When students attempted to of Jesus’ teachings and parables. Letter to the Thessalonians by answer questions, he would ask, Instead they are threatened by his reminding them to give priority to “What do you mean by that?” or words. God in all things when he writes, “Why is this important?” His ques- Their ambition and pride in “We give thanks to God always for tions continued until every student their position of authority obscure all of you.” had really thought deeply about the love of God and neighbor. With The Pharisees pit homage subject under discussion. malice in their hearts they seek to to God against homage to Cae- Good teachers use good ques- ambush Jesus with questions in the sar. This is a false dilemma. Jesus’ tions to engage their students in hope that what he says could be question moves beyond their false thinking and learning. In fact, the used against him. Jesus, the son of problem to a right ordering of our use of questions in teaching may be God, knew what was in their minds hearts and minds to God and to traced back to the great teachers and and hearts. He answers the Phari- political authority. Jesus invites thinkers of ancient Greece. From sees’ trick question with another the Pharisees, and us, to put first them, we learn the Socratic method question that gets to the truth of things first. Sunday Scripture reading, Oct. 25, 2020: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time God’s pilot program By Kevin Perrotta in the wilderness of Sinai, provided intimacy with him and harmony debt slavery? for their needs in remarkable ways, with one another. He would mold If you make a loan and take 1) Ex 22:20-26 then told them that he wanted to the Israelites into an example of your neighbor’s cloak as security, Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51 establish a permanent relationship what this could look like. give it back at the end of the day. 2) 1 Thes 1:5-10 with them as a group. “Listen to my Of course, it would be worked His cloak is his blanket. He doesn’t Gospel: Mt 22:34-40 voice,” he said, “I will be your God, out according to the Israelites’ have anything else to sleep in. and you shall be my people.” Who particular circumstances: the little Don’t oppress aliens who live hen God led Israelite could have known? villages of Canaan (Palestine, Israel), among you. This is remarkable! In slaves out of Egypt, God’s idea was that the Isra- where they were headed and would the legal codes of no other ancient some 3,000 years ago, elites would be a kind of demon- be small-scale farmers and raisers of Near Eastern people were there laws they had very little idea stration project for the world. He livestock. protecting foreigners. Wwhat he was about. He guided them wanted everyone to come to live in God laid out the basics of the What a just society looked like relationship in the Ten Command- around 1200 BC is different from ments. These called the Israelites what it might look like today, not to take him alone as God and deal because justice and solidarity are justly with each other. Then he different, but because of changes in elaborated. In what is now Chapters economics and technology. We can’t 21-23 in the Book of Exodus, God simply import precepts from Exodus provided specifics for their living as 21-23 into the United States in 2020. a people in fairness and mutual care. But we can let these ancient laws in- Today’s first reading includes a few spire us to think deeply about what of these. a just society would look like in our Don’t lend at interest, God world. ©CNS says. When your neighbor runs out of food and seed, lend him what Perrotta is the editor and an au- he needs without charging him thor of the “Six Weeks With the Bible” interest, because how can an im- series, teaches part-time at Siena Heights poverished farmer pay you interest University and leads Holy Land pilgrim- without starving or ending up in ages. He lives in Ann Arbor, MI. 12 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS October 2, 2020

nothing can reduce our God-given dignity, and nothing can dimin- ish the immeasurable worth of our lives. Our response When someone is facing great simultaneously draws us closer to trials, we need to meet them where God and, at the same time, impels they are, walk with them on their us to share his love with others. journey, intercede for them, and be Embracing a relationship with open to sharing Christ’s love how- God means following in his foot- ever he directs. steps, wherever he may call. Just When a woman becomes as Jesus invited St. Peter and St. pregnant, and her boyfriend threat- How to Andrew to become his disciples, he ens to leave if she continues the invites us to do the same: “Come pregnancy, we need to lovingly walk after me, and I will make you fishers with her. When family members or of men” (Mt 4:19). friends become seriously ill, we need Being a disciple of Jesus natu- to assure them that God still offers build a rally includes sharing the Gospel them something in this life, and with others and inviting them into they still have purpose. We need a deeper relationship with God. As to consistently be with them every Christians, our identity and our mis- step of the way. sion are two sides of the same coin; Sometimes our actions speak Culture of Life like the apostles, we are called to be for themselves; other times, words missionary disciples. are needed. Whatever the situation, The problem source of our dignity, is that we are Jesus knows how to speak to each Watching the news and read- loved by God: “We are not the sum Missionary discipleship person’s heart; we simply need to ing the headlines, we may feel help- of our weaknesses and failures; we This doesn’t necessarily mean follow where he leads. less seeing the heartbreaking lack are the sum of the Father’s love for quitting our jobs or moving to for- of respect for human life. How do us and our real capacity to become eign countries. For most of us, our A culture of life we respond when our efforts seem the image of his Son.” mission field is daily life: “Christ This is how we answer our mis- small in the face of the culture of We are called to divine intima- teaches us how to evangelize, how sionary call. This is how we build a death? cy, true communion with God, and to invite people into communion culture of life, a culture that joyfully we can grow in this closeness with with him, and how to create a proclaims the truth of God’s love, Our Christian identity him through daily prayer, reading culture of witness: namely, through purpose, and plan for each person. To understand more fully how the Scriptures, and frequent partici- love. A Christian life lived with Changing the culture is a process of to defend and protect human life, pation in the sacraments, especially charity and faith is the most effec- conversion that begins in our own we must first consider who we are, Confession and the Eucharist. tive form of evangelization.” hearts and includes a willingness to at the deepest level. God creates us The first step towards living be instructed and a desire to be close in his image and likeness, which Our mission as Christians this life is allowing Jesus to meet to Jesus—the source of joy and love. means we are made to be in loving The knowledge and realiza- and transform us daily. If we re- When we encounter Christ, relationship with him. The essence tion of how deeply we are loved by spond to his grace, our lives will experience his love, and deepen our of our identity and worth, the God elicits a response of love that show we have something beyond relationship with him, we become what the world offers: we follow more aware of our own worth and a person whose love changes our that of others. His love for each per- lives, so we want others to also ex- son is cause for great joy, and grow- perience his transforming love. ing understanding of this priceless When we live in union with treasure motivates us to share his God, open to his prompting, we’re love with others. Our lives are often more able to see the opportunities changed by the witness of others; so for witness and his guidance in re- too, others’ lives may be changed by sponding to these opportunities. We our witness and authentic friend- may fear doing the wrong thing or ship with them. saying the wrong thing, but we do Let us go, therefore, and not be not need to be afraid. Jesus prom- afraid. God is always with us. ised his disciples, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” Copyright © 2017, US Conference (Mt 28:20). of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Identity crisis As a society and as individuals, we often measure ourselves by false Notes: standards: by what and how much 1 John Paul II, Homily, 17th World Youth we do, our successes or failures, how Day, Downsview Park, Toronto, July 28, others treat us, the degree of our 2002. pleasure or independence, etc. And when these changeable substitutes 2 USCCB Committee on Evangelization prove to be insufficient, or when we and Catechesis, Disciples Called to Wit- are faced with challenges and suffer- ness: The New Evangelization. Copyright © ing, we may feel helpless, alone, or 2012, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, abandoned; we may be tempted to Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Each parish of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau will celebrate the feel as though our lives have de- Excerpt from “Homily of the Holy Father 2020 World Mission Sunday, on Sun., Oct. 18. This collection is an opportunity for creased value or worth. John Paul II” © 2002, Libreria Editrice each one of us to participate in the universal mission of the Church to evangelize But God’s love—individual, real, unchanging—is the true source Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permis- the world, especially among the poorest of the poor. The theme of World Mission sion. All rights reserved. Copyright © Sunday this year is: “Here I am, Send Me.” Please write your check to your parish. of our worth, identity, and dignity. It really is not a question of who 2017, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Each parish will collect the funds and will send them to our diocesan office in care of Washington, DC. All rights reserved. the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. God bless you! Fr. Glenn Eftink, Director. we are, but rather whose we are. Because his love will never change, October 2, 2020 DIOCESAN NEWS/LETTERS TO EDITOR The Mirror 13 Readers weigh in on recent Letters to Editor n answer to the recent letter to the Through no fault of their own, our citizens, who may or may not belong to editor, I respectfully disagree with neighbors die from lack of proper health any religious establishment. what was said about Pres. Trump. LETTERS TO EDITOR care. Innocent lives are lost. Among the issues that need con- He is definitely pro-life. He did shut Consider the person on death row. sideration is COVID-19. Where do candi- Idown the country as soon as he found DNA tests have proven the innocence of dates stand on using science to confront From Our Readers out about the virus and closed our coun- some of these. Yet in our society, many this deadly virus along with face masks, try to all those entering it from other who call themselves pro-life champion social distancing, and small groups of countries. decisions for their states pushing for a the death penalty, and innocent lives are people? Where do candidates stand on He has done all he could possibly record number of supplies to be sent. lost. a vaccine that is regulated by national, do to protect our nation from the Wu- Since you brought up life issues and the Today’s society commands an scientific authorities, and how do the han virus. It seems to me that you may economy, it is critical that families have either/or perspective. But Jesus expects us candidates propose that it be distributed? be getting your information from the opportunities to work and support their to follow His lead, to search for the com- Another issue to consider is lying wrong sources. There are many Catholic families and this administration had mon good, to consider many issues, and to the public. Honesty continues to be a news Websites where you can get the brought the unemployment to a historic how we may serve. virtue held by most people. Which have truth. You may want to check out the low of three percent, which was critical, Jesus asks us to stand up for the been known to tell the truth? Which Church Militant, or Vortex to name a especially for the minority communities. most vulnerable in our country—in- have not? couple. If one has ever watched Trump’s If people are successfully employed they nocents, really—and yes, to do it even Where do candidates stand on rallies, you would know how much he are better off physically and emotionally. when it’s hard. We know because Jesus health care for all, not just for a few? really cares about our country and our It’s a life issue. Another life issue is not taught us by the way he led His life on What are the candidates’ positions on people, our military, law enforcement, supported by the Democrat party’s plat- earth. Medicare, prescription drugs, social se- veterans, and others. In case you didn’t form: St. Mother Teresa said, “A nation October is Respect Life curity, long-term care? Where know this, his wife, Melania, is a devout that kills its own children is a nation Month, and the US Confer- do candidates stand on racism Catholic. Please, before you judge him, without hope.” President Trump is trying ence of Catholic Bishops’ Pro- in all its forms and manifesta- get the facts straight, not from the news to change that—to give us hope spiritu- Life Committee is focused on tions? Where do candidates media, but from legitimate unbiased ally with his pro-life/pro-family policies, Pope St. John Paul II’s encycli- ‘The Roman stand on law enforcement sources. and economically with job creation. cal, “The Gospel of Life.” The Catholic reform or foreign relations, Millie York Nicola Mullins pope recognized the full range Church is especially with North Korea, Flemington, MO Springfield of threats against human life, China, Russia, Ukraine, etc.? from poverty and malnutri- … against What are the candidates’ In response to “Please Vote” in the Choosing to be a multi-issue voter tion to murder and war, says abortion plans to revive the economy? Sept. 18 issue of The Mirror, I must totally We all know this presidential elec- the USCCB statement. “May because we are Where do candidates stand disagree. This Administration DOES care tion is important, even historic. That’s we always strive to ‘see in on climate change, especially about the lives of every American, which why I’m praying Catholics in southern every human face the face pro-life. We are when the evidence of western is why Mr. Trump has worked hand-in- Missouri consider being multi-issue of Christ’ (EV 81) and treat against capital forest fires, Atlantic hur- hand with the medical researchers to voters. each person as we would treat punishment ricanes, and drought point combat this pandemic inflicted on the Catholics put great emphasis on Christ Himself.” directly toward it? world by China. He stopped flights from the sanctity of human life. And rightly Bishop Rice echoed because we are I also think that can- China in January then from Europe, so. Abortion stills a beating heart and much the same in his Sept. 18 pro-life. … We didates need to be evaluated which saved hundreds of lives. Health Jesus cries for each child lost. But many column in The Mirror. He ex- work to combat on their record of leadership, officials have stated that “there have pro-life issues are ignored when abortion plains, “The Roman Catholic their ability to communicate been no discrepancies between what we is a voter’s only deciding issue. Church is … against abortion poverty because clearly with all the citizens of have told him (The President) and how Babies separated from family at because we are pro-life. We are we are pro-life.’ this country, and the vocabu- he ultimately acted” to protect the na- our Southern border may never being against capital punishment lary they use to do so. tion. He has pushed for the vaccine to be reunited. Innocence is lost. because we are pro-life. … In other words, I think available in record time and supported Many who are ill can’t afford the We work to combat poverty that every citizen needs to Governors as they make individual medicine or doctor they need to survive. because we are pro-life.” procure a vision of what he Deciding to be a single-issue Catho- or she wants the US to become post-pan- lic voter seems an easy way out. Follow- demic. The vision is the largest picture. ing the demanding and often complicat- After the vision comes examining the ed way of our Savior seems much more platforms of the candidates to see which difficult. Jesus asks much of us. He wants one conforms best to the vision each us to lift up others, to show mercy, to of us has embraced. Which candidate, search for the common good. backed by his party platform, will be the Many Catholics are exhausted by best candidate for the whole country? the disruption and chaos of the last four Please note: This is a very different ques- A divided country. Fights at the dinner table. Political vitriol. years. This election offers a different way. tion than “Who is pro-life?” Understand- What does it mean to love our neighbors in the midst of such a climate? “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give ing what is at stake in the biggest picture to you,” Jesus tells us (Jn 14:27). Let’s means that we can tolerate a little evil follow His way. in order to have what is best for all. No As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of Ann Elwell one platform will contain every person’s putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the Nixa, MO vision. One platform will come close, public square-and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and however. Just like we can tolerate a little local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves. After reading other letters to the killing during war for the greater good of When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the editor of The Mirror, I feel compelled to the whole, so we can tolerate a little evil reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way. write one about single-issue voting in the in a platform for the greater good of the We invite you to join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote upcoming election. While abortion is a whole. civility, love our neighbors, and build community. very important issue for Catholics, it is Fr. Mark G. Boyer Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called not the only issue that the voter needs Retired to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. to consider before going to the polls on Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and Nov. 3. It is easy to choose one issue and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward. vote for the candidate who represents a Letters to the Editor may be sent to Editor, The Mirror, person’s position on that issue. However, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3143, or via Email, [email protected]. Letters will be verified so please Take the pledge below as an individual, family, or community. Anyone and everyone can commit instead of single-issue voting, citizens together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation. provide your name, daytime phone number, or Email address. of the United States, need to examine Preference is given to letters that are direct, concise, and no all the issues and how they affect the longer than 250 words. Letters are published at the discretion of https://catholiccurrent.org/ministry-blog/builders-of-bridges/ the editor and subject to editing. Readers’ letters are limited to whole country composed of a variety of one per person in a 60-day period. u 14 The Mirror INTERNATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING October 2, 2020 Pope releases apostolic letter on Sacred Scripture

By Junno Arocho Esteves live in a personal dialogue with the Christians, say openly that they are Vatican City word of God,” he said. not able to read it, not because of il- The letter itself said that mark- literacy, but because they are unpre- n an apostolic letter dedicated ing the 16th centenary of St. Jerome’s pared for the biblical language, its to Sacred Scripture, Pope Francis death is “a summons to love what modes of expression and its ancient said that even today, Christians Jerome loved, to rediscover his writ- cultural traditions,” he said. “As a can learn new things from the ings and to let ourselves be touched result, the biblical text becomes inde- Icountless translations of the Bible by his robust spirituality, which can cipherable, as if it were written in an that exist. be described in essence as a restless unknown alphabet and an esoteric The variety of translations of and impassioned desire for a greater tongue.” the Bible in the world today “teaches knowledge of the God who chose to The pope said that “the richness us that the values and positive reveal himself.” SACRED SCRIPTURE—Visitors are of Scripture is neglected or mini- forms of every culture represent an Catholics today, he said, must pictured in a file photo looking at mized by many because they were enrichment for the whole church,” heed “the advice that Jerome unceas- a Caravaggio painting titled “St. not afforded a solid grounding in this the pope said in his apostolic letter, ingly gave to his contemporaries: Jerome Writing” during an exhi- area,” not even from their families, “Scripturae Sacrae affectus” (“Devo- ‘Read the divine Scriptures constant- bition at the Galleria Borghese in who often seem unable “to introduce tion to Sacred Scripture”). ly; never let the sacred volume fall Rome. Pope Francis released “Scrip- their children to the word of the Lord “The different ways by which from your hand.’” turae Sacrae affectus” (“Devotion in all its beauty and spiritual power.” the word of God is proclaimed, In his apostolic letter, the pope to Sacred Scripture”), a new apos- Nevertheless, the celebration understood and experienced in each delved into the history of St. Jerome’s tolic letter on the Bible, Sept. 30, of the 16th centenary of St. Jerome’s new translation enrich Scripture itself life and his love of Scripture. His 2020, coinciding with the 1,600th death, is a reminder of “the extraor- since, according to the well-known “monumental work” of translating anniversary of St. Jerome’s death. dinary missionary vitality” through- expression of Gregory the Great, the Old Testament from Hebrew, (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters) out the centuries that has led to Scripture grows with the reader, tak- as well as his commentary on the the Bible’s translation in more than ing on new accents and new reso- Psalms and St. Paul’s letters, are an knowledge that is the fruit of coop- 3,000 languages, he said. nance throughout the centuries,” he example for Catholics today, he said. eration and leads to greater coop- “To how many missionaries do wrote in the letter released by the “As an enterprise carried out eration,’” he said, quoting a speech we owe the invaluable publication of Vatican Sept. 30. within the community and at the he gave in 2019 to the pontifical grammars, dictionaries and other lin- Earlier in the day, before con- service of the community, Jerome’s academies. guistic tools that enable greater com- cluding his weekly general audience, scholarly activity can serve as an St. Jerome’s life and work also munication and become vehicles for the pope told pilgrims he had signed example of synodality for us and for highlight the need for true witnesses the missionary aspiration of reaching the document to coincide with the our own time,” the pope said. of Christ who can faithfully interpret everyone,” Pope Francis said. 16th centenary of St. Jerome’s death. “It can also serve as a model for Scripture which often seems as if it “We need to support this work “May the example of this great the church’s various cultural insti- is “‘sealed,’ hermetically closed to and invest in it, helping to overcome doctor and father of the church, who tutions, called to be ‘places where interpretation.” limits in communication and lost placed the Bible at the center of his knowledge becomes service, for no “Many, even among practicing opportunities for encounter. Much life, awaken in us a renewed love for genuine and integral human devel- remains to be done. It has been said the Sacred Scripture and the desire to opment can occur without a body of that without translation there can be no understanding: we would under- stand neither ourselves nor others,” Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. he said. ©CNS Brentwood Chapel • University Chapel Crematory • Columbarium Licensed funeral directors of distinction: W. Bruce Howell Heather K. Howell Clint W. Mease Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Angela N. Collins Nichole E. Bauer Harley R. Williams Russell C. Allen Andy D. Vowell Avery A. Weeks Barbara A. Hinds Dulci M. Lane Locally owned and operated for over 50 years 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield MO 65804 (417) 886-9994 • fax (417) 886-9996, [email protected] Your LOCAL source for all things Catholic!

Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home Locally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional Offices of the Catholic Cemeteries Paul & Lynn Wunderlich Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. & Wed. 7 p.m. Tom Smith • Kent Franklin • Maddy Davis Buddy Pilmore • Charlene Harris-Bengsch Closed Sunday & Monday Chuck Wooten • Harold Futrell 210-J West Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807 | Phone: (417) 831-4630, (800) 365-5170 Email: [email protected] | www.desalescatholicbookstore.com 500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417) 862-4433 www.hhlohmeyer.com October 2, 2020 ADVERTISING The Mirror 15 16 The Mirror DIOCESAN NEWS October 2, 2020

Early giving begins Mon., Nov. 16 December 1, 2020

ith the blessing of Bishop Edward Rice, the realization of these and many other projects and the Diocese will again participate in the goals. #iGiveCatholic Giving Day, the annual Online Wfundraising opportunity to our parishes, schools, This year, #GivingTuesday is on DECEMBER 1, when Catholic Campus Ministries, Catholic Charities of donations for the #iGiveCatholic campaign will be Southern Missouri and other apostolates of the accepted at iGiveCatholic.org from midnight to 11:59 Diocese. PM CST. Those eligible organizations that wish to participate should activate their profile page #iGiveCatholic Is a 24-hour Online giving event for . the ­faithful in (arch)dioceses across the nation to by Oct. 30 unite and raise as many charitable dollars as possible Here is a link (https://springfieldcg.igivecatholic.org/) for our participating Catholic parishes, schools, and to the Diocesan home page for #iGiveCatholic so ministries on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This that you can see what other parishes and schools are easy, secure, and exciting event offers parish leaders doing and learn more about the program. It is typically a golden opportunity to fund needed projects such more successful to fundraise with #iGiveCatholic by as additional funding of a food pantry, building a picking a particular project or program. For more needed storage shed, sponsoring a student or two in information contact Donna Chandler, dchandler@ the parish Catholic school, or sending a youth group dioscg.org; Shasta Beckers, [email protected]; or to a conference. Working together creatively in this Doug Kissinger, [email protected]. We hope you annual social media fund-raising campaign can lead to participate in the 2020 #iGiveCatholic Giving Day!

Questions or concerns? Contact Doug Kissinger at (417) 866-0841 or Email him at [email protected]